Vintage, retro and antique are terms used to define items from past eras. A vintage leather jacket is not only a piece of clothing, but a piece of history. Most vintage leather jackets have considerable emotional and historic value attached to them. Also, the styles and designs of old always bring back memories of days gone by. Vintage leather jackets are no exception to this rule. Leather jackets from the 1950s are especially popular and in high demand. Prices on them are understandably high, since they are a rare collector’s item.

The vintage leather jackets are among the most popular vintage clothing. The vintage leather jackets can be anywhere from 10 to 50 years old.

Some of the designer labels available in vintage leather jackets include Lakeland, Lyon for Lepshire, Leathers of New England, Glamor Girl, Helene Junior’s New York, Turtle Bax, Honda Motor Company, Marbury Coats, Front Quarter STEER by Grais and Sears Hercules Outwear.

Many companies like Marks and Spencers offer vintage leather jackets. The most famous vintage leather jackets are the ones worn by celebrities. Therefore, some of the leather jackets available are styled after ones worn by celebrities – for example the famous leather jacket worn by Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart. There are also designs based on jackets worn by soldiers in World War Two.

Vintage leather jackets can also refer to leather jackets embossed with retro imaginary characters, for example Betty Boop, Popeye, Scooby Doo and others. Vintage leather jackets can be found in all the styles as their modern counterparts.

Ok, before you start thinking this is about cross dressing, or some lingerie fantasy, let me say it is NOT. I believe men need body-stockings designed for men. Many of us are familiar with body-stockings for women, but, no one has designed any specifically for men. Why do men need body-stockings? In one word, warmth.

I own a lingerie and biker gear shop. An electrician once purchased a large quantity of crotch-less turtle neck body-stockings from me. Fairly plain stockings, no real frills. I was naturally curious as to why. He works outside in the cold all day, and wearing body-stockings under his clothes helped him stay warm, and were quite comfortable. This was not the first time someone had told me that. I used to just laugh at the idea. I could just see these macho guys wearing panty hose. In reality, these are not panty hose, they are full body stockings. I ride my motorcycle year round, so any trick to keeping warm interested me. So I tried it.

Now, I admit trying them on for the first time made me feel a little uneasy. I am no sissy, I am very comfortable in my manhood. Yet, I was a little weary of anyone finding out I was wearing them. I put the rest of my gear on and went bike riding. It worked. I was I was noticeably warmer with them on. I have used long johns before, but these were better. I could even wear these under my long johns for an additional layer of protection from extreme cold.

I was not quite ready to go around boasting that I wear crotch-less body-stockings. I wore them all that winter, and the only one that knew it, was my lady. Spring came and I put my stockings away. Summer past and I wasn’t even thinking about them any more. Fall came, and I stocked up on winter wear for my shop. I ordered more of the body-stockings than I normally would have, I knew I would be wearing them.

At first, when shoppers started purchasing winter riding gear, I would recommend the stockings to the gals, but, not the guys. I have to admit, I was afraid of tarnishing my macho reputation. Granted half my shop was lingerie and clubwear, but that was because of my fiance. I had to become knowledgeable about lingerie so I could assist customers. I had gotten used to talking to women about how lingerie should enhance what they have. I have what would have once been, embarrassing conversations with women on a daily basis. I was now comfortable with that. Then why was I afraid to recommend body stockings to guys?

One day, I took the plunge. A couple that have purchased from our shop a number of times in the past, came in to buy some leather mask for riding. They both loved riding their bikes, and were looking for a way to stay warm for winter riding. I told her about the stockings, and even told him he should wear them too. I may have even blushed as I mentioned that I wear them and they keep me warm. With a nod of approval from his lady, he decided to get a set for himself and give it a try.

Three or Four days later, they came in to buy more stockings. He said I was right, he was definitely warmer wearing the stockings. That was the ice breaker, from then on I began recommending the stockings to men for winter riding. It would always come down to me looking them square in the eyes and telling them that I wear them, and I find them to be a great benefit. In fact, I was wearing them at that very moment.

There were still some guys that would scoff at the idea. Some came around around when they found out their friends were wearing them.

The biggest problem in getting men to accept body-stockings is in the packaging, and design. If they would make them for men, and place them in a masculine package, then men would feel more comfortable purchasing them.

I wish they would design them with a fly, no lace, and a very tight weave. A picture of a construction worker or biker would help, as long as it didn’t start looking like a Village People promotion. Maybe even make them in a camouflage pattern. I have requested that from some of my suppliers, and we will see if they have the vision to act on it. I think the first ones to do so, will profit a great deal.

There are a lot of construction workers that have to be exposed to the cold a lot. A lot of bikers that want to ride in winter. A lot of hunters sitting in the cold waiting on game. Maybe I should just invent the things myself. If I had the recourses, I would.

Hey, I even noticed that the stockings help make my tush and belly look better. If you have a fellah that works in the cold, these would make a great stocking stuffer for Christmas. (pun intended)

If you are one of those people who like to enjoy their Christmas Holidays by staying at home with a bowl of popcorn and watching movies, then there is good news for you. Many DVDs are being released this Holiday season, and the best thing is that they are from all the genres. So, you will have a variety of choices available while picking your DVDs.

If you are an enthusiast of movies with Christmas themes, you are in for a treat because the DVDs of three Christmas movies are going to be released this November. These include This Christmas, The Perfect Holiday and Fred Claus. All three of these movies were released in theatres last year. Sony has decided to release DVDs of This Christmas and The Perfect Holiday because both were box office hits, and fans were waiting for the DVDs to be released. Fred Claus received mixed reviews when it was released last year.

If you are in the mood for watching a Christmas film that is sentimental and humorous at the same time, then you can get the DVD for this movie. This movie is, however, a good one for children. If you want to watch a romantic comedy with a Christmas theme, there is All She Wants For Christmas, the DVD for which is being released this November.

For those who want a little thrill and adventure during the holidays, there is Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in which the Pevensie siblings revisit Narnia and once again take up the task of restoring the land’s rightful king. If you want to experience genuine action, thrills and adventure, you should get the DVD of The Dark Knight which is an unforgettable and complex action adventure. The DVD is going to be released in December. If you are an Angelina Jolie fan and want to watch her in action, you can watch Wanted which is a fast-paced thriller full of special effects – and you won’t be bored for a minute.

If you liked the comedy series Get Smart which parodied spies and spy shows, you can now get the movie Get Smart on DVD. The DVD is to be released in November. This movie is charmingly funny and is very likely to get more than a few laughs out of you. For those who want more comedy, there is Kung Fu Panda which has a mix of humour and Martial arts. The movie has the ability to please children and young adults equally, and the DVD is due to be released this November.

In case you are in the mood for a light hearted movie, you should watch Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants 2. The movie portrays the adventures of four friends and the friends’ chemistry with each other. There are many more DVDs being released this Christmas. Among the ones being released in November are Henry Poole is Here, Wall E, Tropic Thunder and Meet Dave. In December X-Files: I Want to Believe, The Mummy: Tomb of Dragon Emperor and The House Bunny are going to be released on DVD.

Attending a Valentine’s Day costume party as a couple might just be more fun than going stag. However, for many prospective partiers, thinking of that perfect costume pair is rather hard work because now you have to decide for two! Sexy costumes are always appropriate for Valentine’s Day but they might be better suited for the bedroom, so why don’t you instead go for what tickles the funny bone?

Here are some suggestions for the funniest amorous costume pairs. Get into character and make your outfit effective with the following:

Animated Mates

1. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse – Disney’s romantic rodents are a classic choice.

2. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck – Feathered friends…and maybe a little more, these two are another ideal Disney duo.

3. Shrek and Princess Fiona – The unlikely royal pair. Also a viable option is Shrek and Donkey, depending on your orientation of course.

4. Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick Starfish – You just need a yellow box dressed up with a shirt and tie plus short pants and black shoes for Spongebob. For Patrick? A pink suit.

5. Popeye and Olive Oyl – Sailor suit with pipe for Popeye but don’t forget the anchor tattoo on his arm. Turtle neck sweater and skirt for Olive plus hair parted in the middle worn in pigtails.

Animal Magnetism

6. King Kong and Ann Darrow – The blonde bombshell has just what it takes to tame the giant ape.

7. Beauty and the Beast – Their love affair began as an 18th century fairytale and hasn’t wavered for nearly 300 years.

Insects Appeal

8. Rose & Bee – Practice safe pollination!

Kitchen Combinations

9. Spoon & Fork – See what happens when you mix utensils in the silverware drawer?

10. Ketchup & Mustard – Condiments that complement one another perfectly

11. Salt & Pepper – Spice up any Valentine’s Day party with these titillating toppings

12. Bacon & Egg – Breakfast in bed anyone?

Hardware from the Heart

13. Nut & Bolt – Screwing around may be inevitable in this ensemble!

14. Lock & Key – Unlock your partner’s secret fantasies

15. Plug & Socket – Recharge the libido in your love life

As you can see, there are plenty of funny costume pairs to choose from. This Valentine’s Day try one on for size and watch Cupid’s arrow hit its mark.

Few images of Japanese culture are as evocative as an elegant lady in a beautiful silk kimono. Although rarely worn nowadays, the kimono holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese and Westerners alike; a symbol of refinement, sophistication and taste. Yet ‘kimono’ translates simply as ‘clothing’, and was the everyday attire of all Japanese people for centuries.

In modern Japan you will still see the occasional old lady who has never worn anything except kimono, but most people only don their national costume on special occasions. Weddings, New Year celebrations and highbrow performances are all places where you can see women (and men in their hakama version) wrapped in fine silks; their clothing revealing much about their social status, lifestyles and tastes.

There are many types of kimono and many ways of wearing each type. Each nuance has meaning which can be ‘read’ by others. Young, unmarried women wear bright, gaudy furisode with sleeves reaching to their ankles. This shows they are old enough to marry, but are still eligible and looking for a suitable bachelor. During the wedding, a heavy uchikake is worn on top. After the ceremony, the kimono is changed for a shorter-sleeved, married woman’s version to signify that she is no longer available.

Married women wear black tomesode or paler houmongi to formal occasions such as weddings. In this case, black is a joyful colour as it shows off the bride’s bright colours to greater effect. Here, the tomesode has colourful embroidery and auspicious motifs around the base.

In summer, light cotton yukata are easy for everybody to wear and can be seen during Japanese festivals and informal outdoor events.

It is very difficult to put on a kimono as there are many different folds, tucks and ties involved. Furisode can include up to 35 different pieces so the dresser must be very skilled (and the wearer must be very patient!). Several layers of underwear, ties and pads turn the body into a cylinder shape – it is not desirable to have a voluptuous figure and any curves will be flattened down or padded out. The kimono collar is ALWAYS worn left-over-right for both men and women. This is perhaps the most important point, because the only time you wear it right-over-left is as a corpse, at your own funeral!

The main kimono is tied with an obi, a strip of stiff, hand-woven silk approximately 13 feet long. The obi is wound around the body several times and then tied at the back. Why at the back? Well, traditionally, courtesans tied theirs at the front for ‘easy access’, so tying at the back denotes a woman’s virtue. The way the obi is tied also says a lot about the woman. Young women wear theirs very elaborately in the shape of a butterfly, turtle, bow or bird. Older women prefer a simpler shape with perhaps a picture on the obi itself. Those courtesans just tied it in a big knot as it wouldn’t be staying there for long!

The kimono is made from a single long piece of silk which is patterned before it is sewn together. Some are painted with lucky images using stencil dyes or freehand painting. Others are painstakingly embroidered with single-ply threads. Some have a mixture of painting and embroidery and can cost a small fortune. The obi can be almost as expensive as the kimono as it is hand-woven and takes many weeks to produce.

So, what about footwear?

Japanese people take off their shoes before they enter a house, temple or other special building, so traditional Japanese shoes are easy to slip on and off, looking a bit like Western flip-flops. Often, the shoes are exquisitely decorated on the inside, so that when they are removed people can see the lovely patterns. Japanese socks even have split toes so they can be worn with zori shoes. Tabi socks are made from starched white cotton and have elaborate hook and eye fastenings. They slide so beautifully across tatami flooring that this noise is an integral part of the Tea Ceremony.

I hope you are beginning to see how each component of the kimono is essential to the overall effect. It must be worn absolutely correctly otherwise the wrong impression will be given, but can be adapted to reflect the personality and feelings of the wearer.
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For many children, the t-shirt emblazoned with a current favourite TV icon normally ranks amongst their most prized possessions, and for t-shirt manufacturers, producing such garments can be an extremely lucrative market. In fact, think of any cartoon character – from the Mr. Men to Walt Disney’s Donald Duck – and you’ll likely find a t-shirt to match.

Although the origins of the t-shirt can be traced back to the First World War, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the garment moved away from its plain exterior, as companies in the United States began experimenting with adding letter and character decorations to the material. The 1960s saw the introduction of the ‘Ringer’-style t-shirt, a t-shirt where the jersey is one colour, while the ribbing around the collar and sleeves is a different, contrasting colour quickly became popular with youths and rock-n-roll fans. The style enjoyed another brief renaissance in the early 2000s.

The same period also saw the emergence of tie-dyeing and screen-printing which led to a massive boom in customised t-shirts, especially throughout the heavy metal era of the 1970s, once bands of that era realised the commercial opportunities available to them. Bands and musical groups began to mass produce t-shirts to promote themselves, many of which would feature album covers and logos on the front, while on the back fans would find tour details and concert dates. These proved to be hugely popular with concert-goers and this trend has continued on with unwavering popularity into today’s subcultures.

During the early 1980s, some musical bands chose instead to emblazon promotional t-shirts with slogans instead of graphics. For instance, the Frankie Goes To Hollywood ‘Frankie Says…’ and Wham!’s ‘Choose Life’ t-shirts became synonymous with 80’s pop culture and could be seen in every town and street in Britain. From the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, t-shirts with prominent designer-name logos were also extremely popular and allowed consumers to exhibit their taste in designer brands in a less expensive manner, while retaining their sense of fashion. Among the many major brands to produce t-shirts for a massed public included Calvin Klein, FUBU and Ralph Lauren.

There have been many fashion trends involving t-shirts. Although they were originally worn as undershirts, often in place of vests, t-shirts are now more frequently worn as the only upper body garment. T-shirts have also become a standard for expressiveness and advertising, with an unimaginable combination of words, graphics and photographs being utilised to decorate garments for wear. Other t-shirt fashions include wearing over-size t-shirts, as seen in modern hip-hop fashion, tight-fitting ‘girly-fit’ t-shirts which are short enough to reveal the midriff, and wearing a short sleeved t-shirt over a long sleeved t-shirt of a different colour.

For adults, perhaps one of the most notable fashion trends in recent years involves wearing t-shirts which feature cartoon and TV characters which hearken back to the wearer’s childhood. With the much-touted 80s revival and the current resurgence of yesteryear’s TV being remade into Hollywood blockbusters or enjoying a TV renaissance, men’s t-shirts have seen increased demand for t-shirts proclaiming the wearer to be a fan of the latest incarnations of Transformers, Spiderman, Dukes Of Hazzard, The A-Team and Knight Rider, among many other 80s favourites.

However, t-shirts featuring cartoon characters from the 80s and even earlier have proven to be equally popular with young adults, both men and women alike, eager to revisit their younger days with ranges including Thundercats, Mr Men, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, He-Man and M.A.S.K also readily available and waiting to be seen on the High Street!

Is your closet full of old and out-dated clothing? Or is the clothing in your closet new and up-to-the latest fashion styles? No matter whether you have a closet full of pieces that you still wear (and many that you just do not want to part with); having some of the important classic pieces is not only a dream, it is a must.

The wardrobe of any fashion conscious woman includes classic pieces that are fashionable, and also includes clothing that is coordinated and matches your personality. Many of these classic clothing choices may include your basic colors, shoes appropriate for each occasion, and accessories for special evening or daytime events. All choices are important and act to complement each other.

Your choices also depends on your tastes. However, when buying any classic piece, it must be well made in a quality fabric. Classic pieces that are well made wear better, feel better, and will always look better on you. Some quality fabrics used for classic styles are lightweight wool gabardine, silk, cotton, linen, cashmere, and some in textured yarns. Go an extra step and make sure all pieces fit well. If not, have your outfit altered by professional tailors, especially if you have a change in your weight or size. It is worth the extra money.

Ten of the most important classic pieces that must go into the closet of your dreams include:

One. That all-important little black dress (and gray is becoming the new black this season). A black dress is flexible and can go from day to evening with the addition of a jeweled belt, or a luxurious satin, or velvet jacket or long tunic. And for even more different and elegant looks, add a scarf, several necklaces, or different leather, fabric, or chain belts.

Two. A single strand of pearls to wear with your little black dress. Pearls also give an elegant look to a turtle neck sweater and classy jeans.

Three. An all-weather coat, better known as the trench coat is especially good and can be worn with a casual or dressy outfit. A neutral colored trench, when worn over a bright dress or skirt and top, stands out on those gloomy days.

Four. A black or navy blue solid color blazer makes a great fashion statement. And can be mixed and matched with contrasting tops in solids or prints.

Five. At least three pairs of pumps in good condition and in good quality leather are always suitable. Leather shoes can be worn with either day or evening wear. So, save your fabric shoes in suede, satin, and kid for your evening wear.

Six. A three-piece suit includes your jacket, skirt and pants in a solid color, and may be in one of the classic fabrics or fibers. Make sure it coordinates with your basic colors. It can be in a lightweight wool or flannel, and tailored in simple lines. Select one without trimming, and with full-length sleeves. The skirt can be straight or slim, and pants in a straight-leg cut gives a more elegant, tailored look.

A long sleeve white cotton shirt with or without French cuffs is always a must. Keep it clean and crisp for that professional look and feel. It can be worn with your two or three piece suit, or alone with a slim and flared skirts, or pants.

Eight. Slacks in a Khaki fabric are versatile and can stand up to a harsh winter. They can be worn for casual day wear. Worn with a two-button jacket gives it a more professional look.

Nine. A Cashmere sweater or twin sweater set gives you many different looks. Choose one that is plain and simple, and dress it up with pearls or a scarf, or choose a seductive and bold set for that touch of sophistication . It is your choice.

Ten. Jeans. Keep them current and classy. Dry-clean or press them yourself after washing. Jeans worn with dramatic T-shirts or tops are great for mixing and matching outfits.

To top off any outfit, whether the occasion is casual, or for an elegant evening, a smile adds to your confidence and self-esteem. A positive self image must be a part of the wardrobe of every woman who wishes to dress well. Nothing looks better on a woman than her confidence and pride.

Now make classic styles and elegant dressing an important part of your dream closet.

Whether you are looking for clothes that speak of class and comfort, or when you are thinking of buying a gift for a woman who reminds you of those things, it is important for you to consider cashmere sweaters. Cashmere sweaters are renowned for their amazingly soft texture and their delicate construction. Interestingly enough, they are also very warm and have a long history that goes back at least five hundred years. What are you looking for when you are considering women’s cashmere sweaters and what do you think you will find?

If you have every held or worn cashmere, you will know instantly why it is such a coveted material. It has an extraordinarily fine texture, and it is also very light and soft. The nature of the fiber also leads it to have a very good insulating properties, which means that you can wear a single layer and still be much warmer than you might think. The lightness of cloth that is possible with cashmere is exceptional, and you’ll find that for the most part, cashmere is used to make jackets or sweaters, because the fabric itself cannot stand up to hard wear.

When you are thinking of purchasing womens cashmere sweaters, consider what kind of cut you are interested in. As long as you know what styles you like and which ones look good on you, you’ll discover that purchasing online can be just as satisfying as purchasing in person. Consider what kind of neckline you like, whether you prefer something more tight fitting like a turtle neck, or something more loose like a boat neck or a cowl neck sweater, there are lots of options for you to choose from. Cashmere is a lovely fabric to wear and it skims the body with form and grace.

You’ll also have a wide array of colors to choose from when you are thinking about purchasing cashmere sweaters. Because wool is a natural fabric, it tends to take dye very well, and the fading that occurs is fairly minimal. If you get a cashmere sweater that is well made, you can enjoy it for years. While people do love the deep blues, reds, greens and yellows that you can find in cashmere, remember that natural fibers are also quite lovely. Natural cashmere comes in gray, brown and white and can also be a terrific choice.

Take some time and consider what your options are when it comes to great cashmere sweaters. There are a lot of great options open to you, so have some fun and choose the garments that you love.
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