The Counselor July 2001
Occupational Workwear: Looks Like a Job For...Wearables!
By Matt Histand

First work wear had to be formal; then it became casual. Now in the last year it seems to have swung back the other way. Regardless of the latest apparel trend, ties are always in fashion. Adverties Customer Neckwear line offers a selection of ties in both 100% silk and 100% polyester with any design you need. "we understand the end-user's desire for consistency in design and quality for reorders placed from one year to the next," explains Brian Lis, president. "Adverties neckwear is produced with durable fabrics and sewing."

Wearables Business Fall 2000
Fashion Should Reflect A Women's Personality
By Anastasia Andrews

Working in the custom apparel industry, I am often faced with clients who have their own style ideas and fashion needs. When sitting down and talking with a client, I try to find out as much as possible about the fabrics and colors they prefer, who will be wearing the item, and how it is going to be used. I think when it comes to women's fashion, it is very difficult to say that one look or item will work for all women. When it comes to my fashion needs, the look I try to achieve from day to day depends primarily on the mood I'm in or the attitude I what to have for the day. Fashion should reflect a woman's personality, her desires, and her uniqueness.

Unlike men, women have endless possibilities for their corporate and casual attire. Why get sucked into the boring routine of wearing conservative navy or black suit skirts. You can still maintain a professional attitude without being in a corporate suit. Mix it up by trying something new. Maybe a different colored dress shirt, a knit camisole, a wrap around v-neck sweater, or even a long dress. Start with multifunctional pieces that can be mixed and matched. Black slacks, my favorite, go a long way! Add a sexy camisole to those multifunctional black slacks for a night out or a colorful blazer to work. Make each look something that reflects your personal style from desk-to-dinner. Not only do women have countless items to choose from, but also have dozens of fabrics to fit any personality. From fleece to cashmere, fabrics make us feel sophisticated, sexy, warm, or playful. Working with silk and polyester, I have found that technology has taken many steps forward in improving fabrics, especially polyester. When weaved fine and tightly, polyester can look and feel like silk.

Along with fabrics adding an expressional touch to your wardrobe, colors excite the senses and lift your spirit. With each season comes a new array of complementing colors. We look around at designer lines, in catalog programs like Victoria's Secret, and even on television shows like Alley McBeal, each of which are filled with an assortment of colors. Colors as ravishing as sangria and garnet, or opulent shades of sapphire and cerulean. How can your personality not be filled with passion with colors such as those? Today, you can find an infinite color selection of suits and tops.

Accessorizing dark colored suits or uniforms with bright colored scarves, the right hand bag, shoes, or belt, gives each outfit a variety of different looks. Using assorted accessories can give each look a multiple life. Scarves come in many sizes and shades to complement any individual. When designing men's neckties and women's accessories, I try to create something fun, flirty, and brilliant in color. Accessories should liven up a dreary outfit, be an expression of individuality, and give you a sense of character. Jewelry and hair accessories are another way to add subtle expression and variety to your business and casual attire.

Let's not forget the most important thing about women's wear… comfort! Clothing should be comfortable and worn with confidence. Women today look to manage business and pleasure with comfortable style. In any business environment, women need to feel sophisticated, feminine, and most importantly have prevailing confidence. Women reflect their character, personality, and uniqueness through their wardrobe, whether in a designer suit or a corporate golf shirt. Let your wardrobe be fresh, new, and versatile. Explore the endless possibilities of women's fashion and give yourself a variety of looks that make you feel good about who you are.