Who is the Most Fashionable Dictator?

While checking out Foreign Policy magazine online, (yes I am a well-rounded reader!), I was surprised to come across this article The Devil Wears Taupe. An amazing tongue in cheek article about personal style of the world's dictators. Although it is partially to poke fun, it seems like a great illustration of how one's personal style can come across to others.

Most of the guys are pretty consistent in their look. Outside of the miltary fashions, I don't know if any of these looks really scream, "I am a dictator". Well, except for Mugabe's modern Hitleresque mustache; it may not be trend setting but it is innovative.

My top pick for the strongest style personality is Omar Qadaffi with Kim Jong Il as a strong second. I don't think anyone can fully duplicate the looks of either of these guys. They own their swag!

Top Tips on Caring for Your Lovelies

Finding the perfect bra or the lingerie that you absolutely love can be a fun but sometimes daunting challenge. Once you do find that sacred item, the worst crime you can commit is treating it with anything less than the distinction it deserves by putting it in the washing machine with your common garments.

TIP #1: Handwashing
Your goal with caring for intimate items is to keep them in a beautiful state as long as possible. One of the keys to keeping your pretties pretty is right at your fingertips. Soak your delicates, and especially your bras, in a bath of cold water with a gentle detergent or soap. Then hand wash them by rubbing them gently with your fingertips.

TIP #2: Read Care Instructions
This seems like common sense but how many of us actually do it? Always read the care instructions for your lingerie and intimates. No matter what, some items are simply not made to be placed in the washer. This is especially true for silks, lace, and hosiery items which are extra delicate and may snag easily.

TIP #3: Lingerie Bag
If you are a Lazy Lucy and you must use the washer, invest in an inexpensive lingerie bag or even use a pillow case to put your lovelies in. Don't forget to clasp all hooks and eyes to prevent tangling and snagging. The lingerie bag also helps prevent stretching and twisting of your bra and underwires. Wash them on the delicate cycle with a gentle detergent.

TIP #4: Never Use the Dryer
No matter what, don't put your bras and other intimates in the dryer! Dryers can heat up to 200 degree Fahrenheit which is hot enough to break down silk, lycra, spandex and elastic in your lingerie. Instead air dry them on a rack, clothesline or even a hanger. This helps avoid deterioration and prolongs the life of your items.

TIP #5: No Wringing
Hand wringing, can cause wrinkles and creases which may be difficult to get out. Wringing also stretches fabrics and twists clasps and underwires. It is better to gently press the garment between two clean, dry towels to remove the excess water and then place the garment for air drying.

Intimate wear caresses your skin with femininity and elegance during your every moment. Intimates bring confident elegance to your day by pampering and supporting you in your most delicate and sensual places. Apply a delicate hand when caring for the items which are so intimately intertwined with your femininity.

Color Palette for Fall 2010

In case you weren’t aware the PANTONE Fashion Color Report for Fall 2010 reveals the beautiful palette of Fall colors for this year. You may be surprised to find a bright variation of hues which may not be the traditional autumn blend.

This year’s star is Lagoon – a tropical turquoise splash. Designers see this as a popular hue and suggest pairing it with any shade of red.

Lipstick Red, a deeper, more dramatic sensual red, makes its imprint on fall, particularly in cosmetics.

My personal favorite is Exotic Purple Orchid. It is described as a purple leaning to fuchsia, is an unexpected choice for fall, imbuing a bit of magic and vibrancy to the season.

It is perfectly paired with Elegant Chocolate Truffle, a rich brown with piquant plum undertones.

Woodbine takes last season's neutral greens to a whole new level, and when mixed with Purple Orchid and Chocolate Truffle, results in a stunning combination.

Golden Glow, an earthy, deepened shade of yellow, creates a retro look with Purple Orchid or Woodbine.

A softer, more inviting orange with a hint of pink undertone, Living Coral is the perfect complement to Lagoon.

Crisp Endive, a revitalizing yellow-green, adds freshness to this season's top ten, and will enliven any wardrobe.

Oyster Gray, a classic neutral that grounds the palette, is a lighter take on the traditional fall gray.

Rose Dust, a flattering beige, offers an ethereal, romantic, wispy option to span the seasons.

Excerpts from: PANTONE Fashion Color Report Fall 2010

http://www.pantone.com/downloads/articles/pdfs/PANTONE_Fashion_Color_Report_Fall_2010.pdf

Defining Your Personal Style

If you find yourself envying the girl who has her own flair or wondering if you even have style, here is an intelligent discussion about how to dig deep and create your own ‘look’.

TO EACH THEIR OWN

Personal style goes beyond just wearing the latest trends, donning the newest designer, or sporting the most recent celebrity hair cut. It is something that we see right away when we look at someone. The 'look' of a stylish ensemble makes a statement and reflects something about the wearer and their personality.

YOU ARE YOUR OWN INSPIRATION

It may seem easy to simply garner a style from someone else such as your favorite diva or fashion icon. But true style is really about individuality. Your individual style should be as unique as you are bringing together elements of your personality, your creativity, and your personal vision of yourself.

Style has nothing to do with trying hard by wearing outfits that are outlandish or theatrical, totally chic or overly glam. Your style should come naturally and be based on the framework that is your personal fashion values + your concept of yourself.

DEVELOP YOUR VISION

Just as we are all born with a personality we are all born with a potential style. Some people are born with an innate sense of themselves, and tap into that when selecting their and fashion choices. Many are greatly lacking this innate sense and struggle with expressing themselves through their wardrobe, while still others already have their own style without even realizing it.

In order to tap into that self expression, get to know yourself better. What are the characteristics that distinguish you from others? How are you reflecting yourself to the world? What is the inner you like? Be introspective.

Once you figure this out, get to know the ideal you and how you want to be viewed by the world. Develop the ideal vision of yourself by asking what does the ideal you look like? What are her preferences? How does she present herself? Your personal style is a reflection of both the real you and the ideal you. Bring these visions of your ultimate self to life.

TRANSLATE IDEAL TO REAL

To bring your personal style to life make a list of the colors, textures, and fashion features that best fit with your identity. Find pictures of items you would like in your ideal wardrobe and even designers that share a similar vision. Search in shops, online, and fashion mags to find the items that complement you.

One way to figure out where you are and where you need to go is to take inventory. Go through your closet to determine how many of your items really reflect your ideal. Try to rid yourself of the items which don’t and replace them with the those that are a true reflection of your vision. Eventually, as you become more focused you will refine it even further - your style will become as unique as the vision you have of yourself.

WORK IN PROGRESS

As you become more familiar with yourself, your style will become more pronounced. Think of it as ever evolving; your personalities grow and your tastes may change; your style will also reflect that growth. You will probably become more bold in adding new statements to define your personal style. Each statement, each piece in your wardrobe, is one component of your entire vision.

Remember, a personal style has to be found and cannot be forced, it must be created. Copying someone else simply results in you having someone else’s style, not one that is all your own.

Contributed by Sonceree Nada