Fashion tips: reinvent your wardrobe

Fashion tips: reinvent your wardrobe

Changing and updating your wardrobe can be a new way to reinvent your life and reflect your true personality. Here are some tips and guidelines to use when changing your clothing style.
Reinventing your wardrobe can be a new way to reinvent your life. Your clothes represent a large part of your lifestyle, not to mention your personality. There are even people that let their clothes mask their true personality, since they get caught up in the everyday normality of life including work and raising children. When this happens it's time to reinvent yourself. With these tips, you'll be a new you in no time.

1. The first thing to do is to take a good look at your lifestyle. Are you're a 9-5er, working in a corporate setting where looking professional is a must? Or are you in a creative field where dressing more funky is acceptable? What areas of the world do you life in...one that has seasons or one that's warm all year round? What are your outdoor activities? All these questions are great to ask in the first stages of reinvention.
2. Clean out the clutter, meaning clean out that closet and drawer space. You'll need to get rid of anything that doesn't fit you or your lifestyle and make room for new clothes.
3. Think who you want to be. What type of person do you want to portray. When you come up with this, you can make a list of must-haves for your lifestyle.
4. Go shopping. Remember, life is full of fun things besides work. So often, we buy clothes only for work and forget about our other lives. But, buying for your "going out or recreational" lifestyle will help you define who you really are as far as clothes are concerned.
5. Don't be afraid to try new looks that you have always wanted to try. Get inspiration from magazines, movies and people on the street to emulate (not copy) their look. Put your own twist of creativity into the look.
6. Reinventing your wardrobe doesn't mean buying an entire closet full of clothes all at one time. You can build your new wardrobe slowly. This will ensure that you really like your new look and it's truly "you", not a trend that will surpass.

Some Looks to Try
There are so many looks out there. Here are a few ideas for you to get started. And, remember mixing and matching styles will make you even more unique.
Vintage ? this is a great look especially for those who are history buffs; think Kate Moss or Siena Miller. These Londoners really have this look pulled together. Tip: Scour thrift stores in your town and pick up anything vintage from handbags to shoes, to clothes.
Boho Chic - this look brings thoughts of Kate Hudson and is great for an effervescent personality. Hippie chic can be a fun way to pull outfits together that looks effortless.
Classic ? the gorgeous strand of pearls, the clean lines, and the perfectly pulled together look is utterly Jackie O. and is one of the favorite looks of women around the world. Look for clothes that are easy to wear, and you will always look timeless.

Reinvention takes time. If you've always wanted to try a look, now is a great time to do it. You may find that when reinventing your clothes, you've reinvented the most important thing...you.

Biking tips: mountain biking apparel

Biking tips: mountain biking apparel

Properly selcting mountain-bike specific clothing will enhance your riding experience greatly, reducing discomfort and adding to your overall enjoyment.
In any sport, the proper selection of apparel can add greatly to your enjoyment and comfort; mountain biking is no exception. As the sport has grown, mountain bikes have become better designed, and the same is true for mountain biking apparel. There is a wide variety of outerwear available, and choosing it wisely will greatly add to your overall riding experience.

From the top down, you?ll need a helmet, a jersey, shorts, gloves, socks and shoes. We?ll discuss some common options for selecting each of these items.

Helmet: Since 1999, all bicycle helmets in the U.S. market must meet or exceed the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard; a helmet that carries this seal will provide the currently approved level of head protection. Helmets come in a variety of fit systems, styles and colors, and should be fit and adjusted by a competent professional. Some options you?ll find will be the size and number of vents in the helmet itself, the comfort and adjustability of the strap system, and the choice of a removable visor. All these options are up to personal preference, so you should test several models to find the one that suits you best.
Jersey: Many people choose to mountain-bike in a simple cotton t-shirt, but this option is far inferior to some of the inexpensive and comfortable fabric choices currently available. Cotton becomes damp quickly, and does not dry well, which can result in you finding yourself cold and damp, even while exercising. Also, the fit of a cotton t-shirt can lead to chafing while exerting yourself on your bike. A better choice is a loose-fitting jersey made of a wicking material such as CoolMax. Such jerseys are light and comfortable, durable, and allow moisture to dry quickly, which keeps you cool. Numerous stylish choices exist, and long-sleeved versions are available for cooler autumn or early-spring rides.
Shorts: Mountain biking requires freedom of movement on the bike, but rough patches in the trail mean that padded shorts are an excellent idea. Choose a pair of shorts that has a loose-fitting and durable outer shell (usually tough nylon), with a separate, padded inner liner, typically inside a Lycra inner short. These will prevent chafing and will cushion most riding impacts, while allowing you a good range of motion. Most shorts also feature cargo pockets for carrying snacks or repair tools, which are always a good idea to have with you.
Gloves: Select a close-fitting and well-padded set of riding gloves. Gloves that are too loose will cause blisters, while an overly tight fit will be uncomfortable. Thick pads for the heel and palm will ease the effect of a bumpy trail, while a fingerless glove will let you maintain a good feel for the grips and brake levers.
Socks and shoes: Choose a light, wicking sock to keep your feet cool; usually ankle-height is preferred. Shoes are a matter of individual preference and the pedal system on your bike. Pedals without specialized cleats allow a great range of choices; the most important features are stiff sole for efficient pedaling, and a good, aggressive tread for those times when you?re off the bike. A secure, firm fit is desirable, similar to a well-fit athletic shoe. If you have chosen clipless or cleated pedals, make certain you select a compatible shoe. Your local bike shop will be a good resource to assist you on your purchase.

With properly fitting, comfortable mountain-biking apparel, you will ensure that you?re well prepared to hit the trails, and that you?ll feel good doing it!