Pirated Lacoste Meets the Original (Distinguishging an original Lacoste shirt)

For people who are concerned of the brands they wear, it is a must to wear nothing but the original. Due to the comfort and "luxury" of wearing such items, some meticulous people never settle for mere imitations. Well lucky for this people for having the talent to distinguish imitations to original ones. But what about for the "masa" like us? Although not necessary, it's also good that we have keen senses too of identifying the original to the fake ones.

Take for example Lacoste shirts. Due to its increase in popularity around in 2002, it has opened an opportunity for garment makers (specially in Thailand) to produce a replica of the brand in lower prices. These garments are of very low standards and can be easily distinguished by Lacoste patronizers, but what about those who just want to experience "once-in-a-lifetime" luxury? How do they avoid themselves to this 'pirates.'?

Here are some advice collated from ebayers (claiming to be experts :))

First stop is the Croc Logo; the Croc logo of the original Lacoste always face away from the shirt's buttons and is positioned between the last button and the shirt's placket. Those on the fake ones are positioned high and around the the first button. Also the original Lacoste Crocs are very detailed putting much emphasis on its teeth and feet. It does not look rounded or mushed together. Details on its feet means you will really be able to see where it starts and where it ends, not just an outline.
Next are the buttons. Original Lacoste come with mother of pearl buttons, it is an extraordinary buttons s much unlike those you buy from your local fabric store. Thus, the buttons are never plastic. Add to that, the originals does NEVER say Lacoste or place the Croc on them.

Now the tags. Tags on authentic Lacoste shirts will never have sizes such as S, M, L, XL. It shall be in numbers like 4, 5, 6, 7, 32, 34, 36. The originals also have two tags; one with the Croc on and the size number the other say where it was made and designed. The side of the real Lacoste has care tag that says DEV ANLAY. All original Lacoste shirts for men have the Crocs sewn on via patch, while it is embroidered directly on for the women's.

Those are just some ways to identify original to the fake. You can also do the touching - if it is heavy and does not feel expensive, you know you got 'spoofed.'

Look thinner through shoes

While some women go gaga over the clothes they wear to project a thinner appearance, what they don’t know is that shoes can also be a factor to provide that slimmer look they want to get.

Fact 1:

Shoes with heels make legs look thinner
- Not to put an exaggeration, heels don’t have to be so high. Fact is a bit of a heel in your shoe will give dramatic effect on the legs to look thinner.

Fact 2:

Pointy toe shoes make legs look longer
- If legs look longer, it will eventually look thinner. Shoes with pointy toes help achieve on getting this appearance. For some women who already have longer legs but want to look thinner, then this type of shoes is for you.

Fact 3:

Matching the shoes to hose or tights projects a thinner look
- When wearing a skirt or a dress, matching the shoes with your hose or tights will give you a thinner look. If the worn skirt is also matched will also project a thinner look from waist down. Add to this, avoid matching light-colored hose with dark shoes and dark skirt.

Fact 4:

Opened-toe shoes gives slimmer appearance
- Invest on shoes with an open toe as this will give your thighs and calves a thinner appearance as close shoes will do otherwise.

Fact 5:

Shoes with ankle straps give a shorter leg appearance
- Stay away from shoes with ankle straps as this would give the legs a shorter appearance.

Fact 6:

Slingback or backless shoes offers a slimmer projection
- Instead of using pumps, try wearing slingback or backless shoes to achieve a thinner and longer leg appearance.

Although it won’t actually make you thinner, it is just right to put in mind that choosing the right shoes will also help on hiding those “curves.”

A “Short” Story

Just like jeans, shorts are another stable in every girl’s wardrobe. Unfortunately, not all shorts work to all women. Thus, it is important to know which type of shorts will flatter you. Here are some guides:

All body types: Mid-length shorts

- Works for all! So for everyone who wants to be on the safe side, try this type of short. Known as walk shorts, day shorts, golf shorts, classic shorts, or whatever you may call it; this kind is proven to be universally flattering. So whether you’re tall, short or whatever, you need not worry for a fashion disaster.

Flabby Upper Legs: Knee-Length Shorts

- For women with flaccid thighs, a slim-fitting pair of shorts will help conceal the problem areas. However, knee-length shorts can make shorter legs shorter. To remedy that, balance it by pairing the shorts with a pair of wedges to put extra leg length.

Short Legs: Shorter Shorts
- To put an illusion of longer legs, wear shorts that have about 5-inch inseam. This length is long enough to give upper-leg coverage, but short enough to give a long-legged look.

Plus Size: Bermuda Shorts

- For women who’ve possess a lot of “curves,” a short with a longer cut is one remedy. This type of short is also perfect for outdoor activities for it gives a relaxed and comfortable look to the one who wears it.

Tall & Thin: Roll-Up Shorts

- Break up those long and thin lines with shorts that have cuffs or roll-up feature. This type of short can provide maximum usage for having convertible lengths, plus it gives stick-thin legs an added curve.

It is thus a must to know your body type determine which shorts will best suit you. In fashion, knowing yourself first is a basic!

Tips on choosing the perfect jeans

Diamonds may be every girl’s best friend, but denim jeans are girls’ soulmates. They are always in every girls’ (and men’s too) closets, in various brands, sizes, fits and styles. However, finding the perfect pair is like looking for Mr. Right – takes some work and effort.

So to give you a glimpse on the dos and don’ts on choosing the right denims, here are some tips to remember:

Rules of Thumb:

- Although jeans can work on all women regardless of age, size, etc. not all styles may work to all women. Thus, wear jeans with styles that flatter you, not because it’s trendy.

- Before you buy your jeans, always consider them to be worn with flat shoes and high heels.

Office jeans

Before considering wearing jeans in the office, obviously one should know if they are allowed in the workplace. A business-casual look can be best achieved with a slight boot-cut, trouser-looking jean. Add to the effect is a pointy toe that lengthens the leg line and gives you a taller and slimmer look.

Fighting the “little girl” look

For petite women, it is such an effort to avoid looking like a grade-schooler. Being more fashion forward, will help you avoid that look. Skinny jeans are great ways to emphasize womanly curves and “age” you. With this edgy style, your legs will appear longer and at the same time give you a taller look.

Right jeans for the right age

For women who are in their 20s, 30s or 40s should try wearing jeans with straight leg styles with no bells and whistles. Your jeans should also go appropriate to your age to avoid looking too “trying hard.”

The hands of fate may not have brought you to Mr. Right yet, at least you did your own destiny in choosing for your perfect jeans. And remember, comfort first before fashion.

Wedges and Mini’s Invasion

Remember yourself used to laugh on photos of your parents in retro outfits during their younger years? Remember how hilarious you think those 70’s Show casts look in their outfits? Well laugh no more, for the 70’s are definitely back in the fashion scene.

After bellbottom jeans made its comeback years ago, now wedge shoes and mini dresses are hitting the fashion world with a touch of class and trendy styles.

And yes, high heels are out in the picture as wedges offer a sexier look and comfortable support to those who wear it. Unlike when it was first introduced in the 30’s, wedges nowadays take new heights with its various styles and colors. So whether you’re a celebrity, a “wanna be” or just simply looking for comfortable fashion, go grab yourself one trendy wedges that suits your taste and your mood.

Aside from the wedges, mini dresses are also back giving refreshing look to those who wear it. Classic, chic, casual, formal, whatever type of look you want to have, there’s one mini dress that will suit every occasion.

It doesn’t matter what mood or personality you have, with these wedges and mini dresses in store, you can express yourself the way you want to.

Sunglass Fad

Summer’s over and the rainy season’s in, but the trend for fashionable eyeglasses is still hot. But if you think you can easily wear those glasses without getting a fashion disaster, then think again.

Sunglasses just like the clothes you wear may either make or break your fashion statement. Thus, here are tips for on choosing the right frames according to the shape of your face:

Round Face:

- People falling in this shape must counteract the curve of their face with straight or angular lines. Frames in deep colors such as black or tortoise will blander the features of your face. Square-framed sunglasses are or a perfect fit.

Square Face:

- People with square faces often possess strong jawline or wide forehead. To soften your features, you will need slightly curved frames. Aviator or wrap styles are good for this shape type.

Triangular Face:

- These people often have broad forehead and a narrow mouth and chin. To complement this face shape, you will need sunglasses with thin rims and vertical lines.

Oblong Face:

- People who fall under this face shape have similar features with the square-shaped one, although they have a little more length. Perfect for those people are sunglasses with frames that cover as much of the center of the face as possible. Add to that, avoid glasses with large frames, heavy nose bridges, and bold colors.

Oval Shape:

- Having a balanced face shape, feel free to experiment with your style of eyeglasses. Try square-shaped frames with rounded edges and avoid styles with heavy v-shape.

Aside from thinking of the glasses’ frames, also consider those that are proportional to your nose. And remember, think of the word “balance” – frames should go opposite from your face’s shape.