TheFORT

An outdoor or Army surplus store might be the last place you expect to find bargains or hidden treasures. But believe it or not, there are actually quite a few of both that you can find at most outdoors or even sporting goods stores. Have you ever looked through the hunting or rock climbing section of an outdoors store? If your answer is no, you may be missing out on some really great items that you can use in your everyday life.

In the deep recesses of your local outdoor store, you may find a rack or two full of what is called 5.11 Tactical gear. This is an entire line of outdoor wear that can be used not only for outdoor activities but for work as well. If you work in an outdoor environment such as in construction or some kind of civil engineering, you likely go through your work pants and boots quite quickly. This is a large expense when you consider that you have to constantly be replacing both.

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Planning for a wedding is definitely demanding and tiring. But it should not be a reason for you to plan less for a nice honeymoon. Aside from looking for a good relaxation spot, working out for travel tickets and accommodations and finally setting the date, I suggest that the bride buy herself one of those French maid costumes to add more sizzle to the already hot night.

Talking about quality and elegance in time pieces, Patek Philippe is definitely on the list. They have maintained their good reputation over the years. I myself have my own favorite which includes their complicated watch collection which has dual time zones, moon phases’ displays and annual calendar. Not only that, they also have diamond cross ring included in their jewelry collection that I definitely would love to have.

If you ever considered how the dark business suit, the trench coat, school tie, sporting tie, gabardine, and tweed evolved. Plus the commercialisation of madder print, then you may be quite surprised to find that they all originated in England and have become the hallmark of classicism. They have been included in designer brands collections year after year. I hear the Converse All Star is back in fashion, this did not originate in England, but it’s just a good example highlighting the difference between what is fashionable (short term) and what is style (long term)

Here are just a few historic examples of the evolution of style and the progress of fashion.

Thomas Burberry opened his own business in 1856 in Basingstoake, Hampshire. His commitment to both form and function in apparel design has been significant throughout the development of the company and its products. Noticing how local shepherds and farmers wore linen smocks, which were cool in summer and warm in the winter, he attempted to apply the same principles to other clothing. In 1879 he developed a fabric which was weatherproofed in the yarn before weaving, using a secret process and then proofed again in the piece, using the same undisclosed formula. The new material was untearable and weatherproof, whilst cool and breathable. He called the cloth ‘gabardine’ and registered the word as a trademark.

The English Madder silk tie is recognised worldwide as an icon of British style. It’s a home grown classic with a proud heritage and a distinct provenance. The “madder” part of this lovely phrase refers to a natural dye from a Eurasian herbaceous plant, Rubia tinctoria.

Its continuing success through decades of rise and fall owe much too scientific intervention. The colouring agent in madder root called alizarin was in fact first chemically extracted and then synthesized in 1869 by two English chemists. Although the dyeing process, even today, requires a variety of painstaking steps, synthesized alizarin brought the price within the reach of commercial producers. Testimony to the significant part science plays ensuring the longevity of styles and textiles. Silk dyed in this manner is characterized by a dusty-looking finish and a feel (referred to as a chalk hand by the experts) very much like fine suede, and a matte finish.

‘The well-dressed man about town should wear clothes that are simple, functional and discreet’, George Bryan “Beau” Brummell commanded in the early 19th century. By advocating well-cut, tailored clothes, Brummell essentially invented what has come to be known as the “British look.”

Brummell rejected 18th century frills (dandy man). His mandate, a dark blue coat, buff-coloured pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a clean white neck cloth, survives today as the dark business suit, white shirt and silk tie

He was particularly adamant about the whiteness of his cravats. As he made his daily rounds from the park, various gentleman’s clubs and fashionable homes, Brummell would stop and change his cravat as often as three times a day. He preferred neck cloths that were lightly starched and carefully folded.

The simplicity of Brummell’s uniform was adopted by everyone from many working men to his friend, the Prince Regent, later King George IV. For the first time, poorer men hoping to make their way in the world could easily imitate upper class fashion.

And now to the origination of most enduring fashion accessories for men: In 1880, the rowing club at Oxford Universities Exeter College invented the first school ties. After an emotional win over their rivals, they celebrated by removing their ribbon hat bands from their boater hats and tying them, four in hand around their necks. When they ordered a set of ties, with the colours from their hatbands, they had accidentally created the modern school tie. Schools, clubs, and athletic ties appeared in abundance. Some schools had different ties for various grades, levels of achievement, and for graduates. Thanks to historians and their method of accurate documentation all the original college colours are still available from archived samples and replicate ties can be made to order.

But let’s not forget the perfect companion for your tie? Cufflinks of course.

Just a hint of how styles evolved and fashion has progressed throughout the ages.

From the ultra slim drainpipe, to the universally flattering bootcut, jeans have become the ultimate wardrobe staple. Every pair is as unique as their denim wash, and in world where all bodies are not created equal, the perfect jean is often elusive. To aid you in your quest for the best fit, we have put together the most popular styles and the body types they work best with.

Bootcut:

This cut is universal for all body types. Narrow hips look great in a fitted bootcut jean with heels, and if you have curvy hips you will appreciate the balance that the subtle flare of this style brings to your silhouette. Be sure to buy these jeans with enough ease so that the fabric skims your curves, not clings.

Relaxed Fit:

This is a casual cut that provides ease throughout, which is great if you have full hips and legs. If you have a small bum be careful of the bagging of thisstyle around your bottom, as it is not controlled.

Wide Leg:

This is a comfortable style that works great in denim. Wide leg jeans drape over the hips and eases throughout the leg creating a crisp line that’s very flattering. This jean is a great way to smooth over full hips and thighs, and also creates a clean line for women with slender frames.

Skinny Jeans:

This leg-skimming cut is great for showing off lean legs. If like some women you have a full upper body, and slim lower body, use this style to highlight your slender lower body. Petites can visually add height with the long leg line of this jean.

Trouser:

A popular cut for corduroy and khakis, the straight full leg of this cut skims curves for a clean line on all body types. If you have a full bottom or hips, look for a contoured waistband for a flattering fit.

Flare:

Reminiscent of the ‘70s, flare cuts skim the upper leg and widens below the knee. It’s a flattering style if you have a slender lower body, but if you have full hips, avoid very wide flares as it will visually widen the width of your hips, instead opt for a bootcut.

Whatever your style, its always best to try on jeans for fit before purchasing. Design houses vary their measurements and sizes, and you may find that Designer A’s size 8 may be Designer B’s size 10, so shop wisely!

The world is mad behind fashion, and Jewellery has an integral importance in fashion. Fashion conscious people always give more importance to the type and design of jewellery they are wearing. Be it a man or woman, Jewellery items are must in every fashion enthusiast’s wardrobe. Although, there are several types of jewellery in use these days but Gold jewellery always has its own set of importance. Diamond, Pearls and other precious stones are in demand too, but Gold is unbeatable.

The trend in jewellery designs is always flexible and they keep changing according to the fashion and customer’s demand and choice. There are numerous changes in design of Gold jewellery, jewellery designers are experimenting with Gold all the time and presenting different kind of Gold Jewellery. Gold jewellery at the height of its expression portrays limitless possibilities for vitality and humor. The element of surprise creates a break with tradition and allows for a blend of different materials, colors, forms and textures. The use of lively colors and designs opens up new visual horizons for designers and jewellery lovers both.

Latest Changing in Area of Jewellery

1. Yellow gold has made a sudden comeback in the world of fashion, and yellow gold jewellery is in hot demand this season. Yellow gold adds warmth and sensuality on fashion canvas, making women more beautiful.
2. Gold chains made a comeback in perfect sync with new colors and textures. Gold chains worn around the neck, long and hippie style or fixed around the waist like a belt, slipped onto a wrist, or gold chains draped across the hips in three or four strands.
3. Thread type Gold necklaces are common with gold threads woven into a knit and creating a silk-look perfect finish for a yellow gold necklace.
4. In an era of chat rooms and instant messaging, white gold is favored by young gold jewellery consumers. When young people buy gold jewellery they want something that tells a tale. Designer are engaged in designing special jewellery for this e-generation, some popular designs include dangling rope earrings in shocking pink or with patterns of tiny faceted balls; a bracelet with cut-out hearts and a sequence of yellow and white gold tones.

The jewellery designing trend is volatile. The hot designs of today can become obsolete for coming years, but once again they’ll be in latest fashion after some years or decades.

Celebrities always look fabulous. Whether appearing in television or films or strutting down the red carpet during movie premiers and awards, they never cease to fascinate us with their larger than life presence. The truth is, it takes a lot of effort to look the way they do, and being the public figures that they are, they cannot afford to slack off when it comes to taking care of their physical appearances. Their livelihood largely depends on how they look. Aside from the clothes, the hair and the makeup, celebrities have to take good care of their bodies.

So it is no surprise that these stars have their own secrets when it comes to staying fit and gorgeous. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn’t want to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women celebrities.

1. Jennifer Aniston
The star of the phenomenal television show Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense and her famous hairstyle, she was also known for having one of the sexiest bodies in Hollywood, as she appeared in countless magazine covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 diet method. The diet consists of:

40% Low glycemic carbohydrates
-Foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes

30% lean proteins
-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and low fat dairy products

30% essential fats
-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils

It is essential that every meal should contain macronutrients to attain the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.

2. Kate Hudson
The gorgeous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed quickly before commencing on her next film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein diet. She consumed high protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this diet with an exercise program that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts. After getting a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.

3. Oprah Winfrey
As one of the most successful talk-show hosts in the world, there is no question that Oprah needs to maintain her physical appearance for her millions of audiences. Known as one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned up her figure and has never looked figure in age 50 by combining a regular exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah works out five days a week, spending 30 minutes on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating plan consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, chicken and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.

4. Gwyneth Paltrow
A lot of people may find it hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah’s, avoiding sugar and white flour. She usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and lean meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, and does yoga everyday.

5. Madonna
The pop star known as the Material Girl has always flaunted a body that is to die for, and has become a true fitness paragon over the years. She keeps herself in tip-top shape by having Ashtanga Yoga, and follows a strict diet that mostly shuns junk foods. She adopted a macrobiotic eating plan that includes organic foods rich in lean protein.

6. Claudia Schiffer
The bodacious German supermodel eats salad and steamed vegetables for dinner and eats only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes and drinks tomato juice and herbal tea.

7. Christie Brinkley
Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. She does not keep junk foods of any kind inside her home to make sure that she does not eat them when cravings occur. She snacks on sweet potatoes in place of candy bars, and she adopts a liquid juice diet when she needs to slim down fast.

Celebrities are just like ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their part since they are constantly in the public eye. Ordinary folks can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fitness plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy.