We all know that men are not as “complex” as us ladies, so lets hear what “the weaker sex” has to say about ‘bedroom apparel’….

“Less is More” – what does that mean?

            As much as men like to ‘tinker’ with toys and gadgets, apparently they don’t like to complicate themselves with straps, clips and snaps.  Lets leave the go-go-gadget work to the garage ladies and keep them out of the bedroom.

“Sense of Mystery” – what does that mean?

            We all know that men have a tendency to live in some sort of fantasy world; it clearly starts with them as little boys and carries through their man-hood.  Men NEED to fuel that ability to imagine they have some sort of super-powers.  So, keep the garments prudent – make them want you for “YOU” and not your overexposed goods.

“The Package” – what does that mean?

            Women LOVE a beautifully wrapped and presented gift – but its never fun to open it and find the box is empty and lifeless (reminds me of my ex).  Men have a ‘similar’ philosophy to women/apparel in the bedroom.  They WANT to SEE the beautiful gift they are presented, however wanting to use their imagination and keep the doffing to a minimum with their big clumsy fingers.  So in short ladies – keep it simple, keep it pretty, keep it fun and fresh and you’ll keep your man!

“Jeans jeans and jeans” all Tweenies complain about “jeans” – well they ARE little women, so it makes sense.  I recently interviewed some Tweenies and asked them what their biggest fashion obstacle was – as us ‘grown-ups’ its JEANS!  Apparently, these little women are struggling to find a proper fit that will adjust to their ever-changing bodies.  Right now they strive for confidence, peer support and the ever-looming fear of self-definition.  I gave them the advise that I would give any one of my girlfriends – suck it up, take one day with your friend or your mother and go shop for jeans (keeping in mind you will feel like a ‘pile’ when done) and find the perfect fit that will work for your body and its needs!  Always ask the sales associate to assist in your choices, cause that’s their job!

What to wear on those (and we all have them) “Feeling FAT Days”?  Whether is ‘that time’ or you gobbled down a pint of Haggen Daas cause your boyfriend dumped you or you had to many saki-tinis with your girlfriends over sushi.  We all a have those extra bloated days – ok water pills will only work so well. And besides we will need to find SOMETHING that will carry us throughout the day.  Avoid donning the ‘fat jeans’ you’re only going to feel worse about yourself.  Try a blousy dress or an A-line tunic – they will always hide the “muffin” and the “tire”.  Also, try to avoid coffee, drink tea and lots of water to get the water retention off the waistline!

People always ask, “How can you wear those heels everyday” well its simple – I’m used to it!  However, it always sparks the debate of “Fashion vs. Function”.  I always cheer for the Fashion Team, however I can somewhat relate to the sensibility of the Function Team and their perception of how apparel should be donned.  Logically it makes sense to wear ‘comfortable’ footwear while tromping through the city or even hitting the grocery store.  But, comfort can also be interpreted as “feeling comfortable” in your garment choices; for example “I have a much greater pep in my step when I know I look fabulous.”.  

Ohhhh the 50 lb weight limit on domestic and international flights has slowly become my worst nightmare, not to mention the extra cost of checking luggage.  When you travel as much as I do, while needing a 2 outfit minimum change per day these restrictions become quite exhausting.  So where does an over packer, world traveler begin?  Well, start with the essentials: makeup, hair stuff and undies.  Next is where a bit of creativity and self -control will need to lead the decision making process?  Ok, now imagine you are in a perfect world where you can pack as much goodies as you can – lay them out (shoes and accessories to match) then “edit”.  Review your itinerary, double check the weather, layovers, etc and start the process of elimination.  Keeping in mind, that you an always mix-n-match accessories and shoes with different outfits to lighten the load.  Worse case scenario – “go shopping”!  Safe and happy travels.

Naturally we all want to look healthy and fit when entering the gym, however the #1 thing to focus on before you start picking out your best workout gear is FIT.   The last thing that you need is to have a “fall out” while lifting with your trainer or even have a life chaffing snuggie in spinning class.  Your garment choices should always fit appropriately, therefore try on the garments or ask your trainer for assistance.  Keep in mind that “fit” does not mean “too tight” which will only cause the exposure of unsightly lumps that we all strive to hide.  If you take the time to find the perfect fitting athletic shoe, then you should do the same for your fitness sportswear choices.  Check out www.jackiewarner.com/store/ for some amazing athletic apparel.

As executives and human resource teams start to develop and implement corporate apparel standards they should first reflect upon the companies corporate culture.  Corporate culture can embody several facets of core values and expectations set by leaders of the company and often employee participation as well.   It should be executed throughout a business within a basis of standards, livelihood and communication from employee to employee to customer as well as to vendors.  Apparel is a way of self- expression, therefore only appropriate to be standardized in the workplace.  Whether you establish a business-casual, business professional or work hard play hard environment it should be influenced in a written code within your corporate apparel standards.  To learn more about an effective corporate culture environment check out http://blogs.zappos.com

A style that involves a flowing bodice clinched below the waist.  Currently, this look is enjoying a revival in tops worn with jeans. – Tim Gunn

item can be found at www.isabellaoliver.com

A Collar:  it is a part of a shirt (coat, dress, top, etc) that encompasses the neckline of a garment, as it is treaded and folded over to give a proper effect. Ok, we get it – however “Green Collar” has a new genre of its own.  We all respect and understand the current eco-friendly world that we are living and promoting. It is wonderful that the ‘fashion’ industry has also been supportive of such progress.  We should all encourage the efforts that designers and apparel makers are doing to save our world!  Not to mention all of the hard working companies that are consulting with “Green Collar” workers to preserve our world.

When does a “popular” piece of Accessory become a failure?  I would have to say, first when it becomes a #knockoff and when its seem too often on the street.  Today, having lunch with peers I noticed a woman walking by with a Giraffe print #DooneyBourke bag – was it real?  Likely not considering the discounted threads and loss of leather on the handbag, however I still had respect for the woman who “tried”.  Like it or not, “fakies” exist in accessories and persons.