Monday, November 28, 2011

How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party

!±8± How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party

"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad Sweater Party this weekend?"

"A what party?!" I said.

"A Bad Sweater Party. Wait a minute...you mean to tell me you've never been to a Bad Sweater Party before?" asked Amber.

"Guess not," I admitted.

A Bad Sweater Party is exactly what you think it is: A party at which the guests wear bad sweaters.

Nobody can be certain where this idea originated. It's possible that it came about during the 80's when ALL sweaters were bad sweaters. Nevertheless, my first Bad Sweater Party experience was, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable nights I have ever had. (And I only knew one person there!)

One week before the party I began to plan out my wardrobe. Looking through my drawers, I couldn't find anything that could have been classified as a "bad sweater." At least, that's what I told myself. I figured that since the bulk of the bad sweaters in the world were worn between 1971 and 1994, a thrift store was my best bet for scoring some particularly heinous gear.

When I went to my local Goodwill I approached the counter and asked, "Hi, I'm looking for the ugliest, most out dated, eye sore of a sweater known to man - got anything like that?"

"You must be going to a bad sweater party, huh?"

"Yeah, how did you know that!?"

"I've been to a few myself - they're loads of a fun. Come on, let's see what piece of crap we can find for you today sir."

After a good 20 minutes of searching, I found my sweater. I was so bad, it was beautiful! It looked like something your colorblind grandfather wore at a holiday Christmas Party in 1972 that, if it were any tighter, might have also doubled as a leotard.

And I loved it.

"I'll take it!" I said.

Two dollars and forty nine cents later, Amber and I arrived at the Bad Sweater Party. She sported a purple, blue and turquoise gem that could have easily been stolen from the wardrobe room of the Cosby Show. And although I was slightly self conscious about the skin-tightness of my snowflake laden top - as well as not knowing anybody there - everything changed when we walked in the door...

"Hey!! What's up guys, come on in!" said the host, "Wow those are the ugliest sweaters I've ever seen! I love 'em!"

"Thanks man! Your sweater sucks too! My name is Scott - I'm a friend of Amber's."

"Well it's great to meet you, thanks for dressing up! I'm Joe, welcome to my house."

When I walked in, I saw sweaters of every decade, every color, every style and every brand. It almost became a game to see who could have the worst sweater of all. But the best part was - the sweaters were horrible, and nobody seemed to care! The crowd was booming with laughter and beaming with positive energy. Everyone talked to everyone. Everyone complimented everyone. And for the next four hours, I experienced the most unbelievable sense of ease, comfort and approachability with a group of complete strangers.

When I got home later that night, I realized that any time you use party themes - especially outrageous ones - they have an invaluable effect on the connectedness of the guests:

Invite Only

How many times have you been invited to a party that didn't sound that inviting?

"Robbie's having a party on Saturday - you should come."

Great, see ya there.

On the other hand, when you hear about a theme party, it entices you:

"Come over to Robbie's on Saturday for his annual Bad Sweater Party!"

Now that sounds like fun!

Preparation Solidifies Commitment

Themes also encourage people to go the extra mile. I remember asking other partiers where they had gotten their bad sweaters. Some told me they shopped at local vintage stores; others said they raided their parents' closets while some even bought them on Ebay! But because they RSVP'ed, and because they searched or even bought a bad sweater, everyone was sure to have fun and stay late.

What Should I Wear?

Think about the big question guests ask before attending any party:

"What's the dress code?"

This always creates ambiguity and often times, improper dress - over or under - can cause guests to feel uncomfortable and therefore unwilling to communicate. But with a theme, you know exactly what to wear, i.e., a bad sweater.

Apprehension

Themes enhance parties and events because they reduce uncertainty, which is one of the major barriers to communication. The reason people often feel so uncomfortable at parties is because they don't "fit in." But when everyone makes the effort to adhere to the theme, everybody fits in, no matter who they are, where they came from or how many people they know.

Breaking the Ice

Think of all the parties you attended where people just sat around and stared at the wall. Exciting, huh?

Obviously it's true what Adam Sandler said, "Initiating the conversation is half the battle." The most effective way to break the ice at a party is to discuss your connection to the host - this generates a CPI, or common point of interest.

But with a theme party, the CPI is already established before you walk in the door. It's impossible not to socialize with everyone. You can break the ice with anybody, anytime!

How do You Connect Your Guests?

Incorporating a theme into parties and meetings allows your guests to significantly increase their comfort level, approachability and friendliness. The Bad Sweater Party is merely one of many examples, so begin thinking of some theme ideas for your next event. Do this, and you'll never have to hear the phrase "that party sucked last night," again.


How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party

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Friday, November 25, 2011

Rasta Hoodie - Rasta Clothing in the Form of Mexican Baja Hoodie Pullover Sweatshirts

!±8± Rasta Hoodie - Rasta Clothing in the Form of Mexican Baja Hoodie Pullover Sweatshirts

If you are not aware of what rasta clothing is, let me take some time to explain it to you. This movement, known as the Rastafarian movement was made popular by people such as Bob Marley. The rasta color clothing is green, yellow, black and red. The most famous of all rasta clothes are the beanie and the rasta hoodie pullover sweatshirt also known as the rasta baja hoodie. These baja shirts are famous among hippies and have been given the name of hippie hoodies or drug rugs because of their association with hippie clothing.

A rasta baja hoodie is a sweatshirt with a hood that is made out of the hemp like material. The fact is that there is actually no hemp in the sweaters, but they are usually a cotton, polyester and acrylic blend. These sweaters were very popular in the 80's and most recently they have been seen on Will Smith in the movie Hancock where he wears a purple and black baja shirt.

A song about rastafarianism became popular in 2009 on SNL when Ras Trent wears a baja hoodie and sings about rastafarianism. These Mexican baja hoodies are making a comeback in 2010 and no color scheme is more popular than the rasta colored hoodie. The rasta sweatshirt along with the beanie and some fake dreads are the perfect combination to dress in rasta clothing. The sweaters are very comfortable and usually are made to be a little short from the shoulder to the bottom hem.


Rasta Hoodie - Rasta Clothing in the Form of Mexican Baja Hoodie Pullover Sweatshirts

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes

!±8± Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes

With Halloween right around the corner, not all of us are always prepared with how we will dress up or dress up our children each year. Sometimes, Halloween is here before we know it and we've done nothing to prepare for a costume. Below find some quick and easy Halloween costumes that you can choose from with items just lying around your household.

An American Tourist - Weather permitting, for men, you can wear a bright Hawaiian type of shirt with shorts. If you have a straw hat, that is good too. Don't forget to put your camera around your neck and you might want to have a map hanging out of your pocket. For girls, find a very loud, brightly colored dress, with a straw hat and camera. Don't forget the sunglasses!  

A Hobo - wear really bummy clothes and dirty up your face with either ashes or makeup. This costume can also be used as a Chimney sweeper.  

Coat of Arms - cut the arms off an old jackets or shirts and stuff them with newspaper or plastic grocery bags. Then safety pin them to your coat.  

Windblown man - spray your hair back like its being windblown. Take a newspaper and attach it to your leg, like the paper has blown up on your leg. Take a wire hanger and mold it for a headpiece on your head. At the top of it put a hat so that it looks like the hat is blowing off.  

Bunch of grapes - use purple or green balloons and safety pin them to your shirt. Cut grape leaves out of construction paper and tape them around your neck after you've attached the balloons. Wear a hat that you can affix a stem made out of construction paper to. If you have green or purple tights to match, great, if not, jeans will do just fine.  

Basket of Laundry - have an old laundry basket lying around? Cut a hole in the bottom so that you can step through, but make sure the basket will sit on your hips once you pull it over your head. Wear sweat pants and a sweatshirt. Put laundry in the laundry basket once you have it on and attach with safety pins dryer sheets to your sweatshirt. Put some in the laundry basket too  

We hope some of these ideas will get you through your Halloween costume crunch. You may still have time to shop for a Halloween costume.


Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Stylish Women of the Zodiac

!±8± Stylish Women of the Zodiac

Aries

These bold, arrogant and confident creatures are not afraid to flash a little leg or boast a low-cut top. When it comes to fashion, female Rams are self-styled leaders who love flashy, glamorous and sexy clothes. They are also the first to parade around in the latest trends.

They are also perfectionists who are hesitant to debut a new outfit until it has been outfitted with all the right accessories. They love expensive designer clothes but their thrifty side will settle for a decent imitation of Prada or Gucci. Plush velvets and vivid silks in colors such as red, yellow and gold suit the female ram's conception of herself as "royalty."

At work, the Ariesian female likes to stand out in a crowed by adding a pair of high-heels or sexy stocking to an otherwise straight looking skit. They love the style of the forties and details such as piping, kick-pleats and rounded collars. They also adore pea coats and long wool coats paired with a pair of high heel leather boots.

This demanding fire sign loves the flash of rubies and diamonds and is fond of wearing watches that display two time zones, even if they are not jetsetters.

Taurus

Female bulls are homebodies so they don't tend to splurge their family budget on family. Their closet is often packed with clothing that reflects their love of practical activities such as gardening, cooking and home renovation. They are fond of inexpensive and utilitarian clothing such as khakis, jeans and sweatshirts and by easy-to-care for fabrics that can just are thrown in the wash. As they spend a lot of time outdoors, their closets are usually jammed with ski-jackets, pack-pats and work-boots.

Taurus Females dress more casually than most people at the office and are the type to wear the same thing to work every day. A cozy sweater worn over a ruffled blouse with a knee-length skirt is a typical outfit. As they tend to be heavier than most women in the Zodiac, they tend to wear a lot of "slimming black".

They have simple tastes in lingerie and consider a long white cotton nightgown to be just a sexy as any item bought from Victoria's secret. For more elegant affairs, bulls look best in empire style gowns that emphasize their busts and conceal their tummies.

Taureans tend to dislike wearing a lot of jewelery, as it gets lost or dirty, however one item loyal Bulls will never take off is their wedding ring.

Gemini

These smart, sexy and cerebral women change their mind about what they want to wear every day. Their closets are well stocked with the appropriate outfits for any occasion. This curious sign faithfully studies fashion magazines and is always up on the latest trends in fashion. For casual wear, they prefer clothes with subtle, yet unusual touches - velvet cuffs on shirt, an unexpected ruffle or a bit of antique lace on a collar.

Gemini females have a keen sense of style, and when they are in business mode, they prefer to dress up as the office "queens" complete with power suit, pearls and expensive watch. Their favorite colors are navy blue, pink, lavender, silver and gold.

They love to dance so they prefer loose fluid clothing in silks, cottons and satins that flow with them as they move. They also like cheap street chic of a red vinyl mini-skirt or the surprise offered by the wearing of a bright yellow sari to a garden party.

Turquoises, rubies, pearls and citrines are their favorite stones. These free spirits also like natural jewelry are not beyond tucking a few blossoms behind their ears.

Cancer

Cancer females dress according to their mood. They can be very insecure when it comes to their bodies and often buy outfits on impulse that are never seen outside the change-room doors. As they are so driven by their emotions, Cancer females are not the most practical of shoppers. Although they maintain a people-pleasing conservative exterior most of the time they secretly lust for risqué lingerie, platform heels, plunging necklines and showers of chiffon and sequins. They also collect scores of designer shoes that they are too insecure to wear out in public,

These charming, but shy individuals like to play by the rules at work by wearing traditional suit with below the knee hemlines. They love the military works and prefer navy suits with gold buttons Many of the are secret fetishists who hide kinky costumes in their closets

Cancers are fond of loose comfortable casual wear and often hide their bodies behind overly large men's shirts and black tights. For fancy events, they tend to rely on that old stand-by such as the little black cocktail dress.
They love to collect costume jewelry and their ears, wrists and fingers will often boasts 'bling blings such as stacks of Indian bangles, large pearl rings, charm bracelets, and cubic zirconias.

Leo

This vain drama queens love to dress up for the purpose of being admired by all. They have exquisite and expensive tastes in clothing and lust after items created by Prada, Chanel, and Ungaro. Their desire to "not be a sheep" compels them to add a personal twist to an outfit to make it their own. It is a Lioness who dares to pair a diamond tiara with jeans and a T-shirt.

These unconventional, confident females often ignore dress codes and wear what they want to work. They spice up their power suits by shortening the hem or wearing fishnet stockings and high heels.

The sexy Leo often prefer mini-skirts to any kind of trousers. For more formal events they like to wear long flowing robes in colors such as of gold, silver red and orange that make them look like the resident goddesses. Their closets are often filled with designer sportswear, including the latest walking, golf and tennis shoes.

Being a very materialistic sign, a Tiger female considers diamonds to be a girl's best friend along with rubies, emeralds and sapphires set in sunny hunks of solid gold.

Virgo

Blessed with an excellent fashion sense, Virgos are adept at mixing individual pieces together to create a strong, attractive personal statement. Energetic Virgins tend to store their large wardrobe in perfectly organized closets that are full of classic items such as open-toed sling backs, patent leather kitten-heels, crisp white blouses, navy suits, black cocktail dresses, tennis skirts, khaki shorts, kilts, flowing gowns and well fitting jeans.

At work they prefer well-tailored, conservative suits in shades of silver, white, pink, grey or lavender Finicky Virgins would also never be caught dead with a missing button or a hole in their stocking. Although female Virgins are killer sharks when it comes to business, they like to soften the image of their power suits by adding delicate feminine touches such as a lace hankie, a flower or a chiffon scarf.

They also like to collect state of the art accessories such as tortoise shell clips for their hair, diamond earrings, pearl studs, black leather belts with distinctive buckles, silver conch belts, silver clutch purses, gold lame clutches and functional back-packs.
They consider displays of wealth to be tacky and tend to wear watches with thin gold straps, tiny chains and demure diamond tennis bracelets.

Libra

Venus rules sensual Libra natives, so they are very tactile. Their sense of touch has a lot to do with how they choose clothing, and they prefer silks and cottons to scratchy wools. Librans can be surprisingly finicky about clothing, and they are the first to visit a tailor if the cut of a suit or a dress is not quite right. This sign loves balance and beauty and believe that clothing should perfectly compliment the figure.

At work, power-dressing Librans will choose sleek, tailored suits in jewel-tones or slimming black. They are not much for frills or an excess of jewelery and prefer to sport gold hoops or simple pearl studs as earrings.

For relaxing, they prefer well-fitting casual clothing in their favorite colors, pink and black. Librans love Capri pants and similar items that are sexy as well as practical.

For an evening out, simplicity is the key to the Libran style. They either prefer tight clothing, such as the little black Lycra dress or they will dress in a theme that subtly reminds you of another era, such as the 1970s or the 1950s. Librans have a delicate sense of balance so they prefer flat heels to high heels. When it comes to looking fashionable, they definitely believe, like Jackie O, Katherine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn that "less is more."

Scorpio

When it comes to style Scorpio women they are ruled by their moods. If they are depressed they are the sign voted most likely to dress head-toe in black to let others know their state of mind. However, despite the fact that their hearts often rule their heads, these females also believe that one should be poised at all time.

At the office they like to "dress to intimidate" in strong primary colors. Many of them will add a sexy touch to a conservative outfit, by unbuttoning a blouse to expose cleavage or a donning sexy high-heels.

Scorpio women live to socialize and their closets are stacked with scores of little black dresses, chiffon blouses, cashmere sweaters and sequined tops. They also love the sweeping drama of a velvet cape for formal occasions. Red and black leather is a favorite and many own stylish jackets; tight pants and long coats made from the finest bovines. As they are very sexual, they also like to dress provocatively, yet tastefully.

As the mystical matters entrance them they will often also adorn themselves with, healing gems and protective amulets such as ankhs, crucifixes and five-pointed stars.

Sagittarius

Fashion plays a role in the charming Archer's plan to always present a youthful, and carefree appearance. Female Archers pick items that make them feel sexy and comfortable. They prefer loose clothing to tightly tailored outfits and the hunter inside them is also fond of real and faux fur.

At the office the Sagittarian is likely to be dresses a in her favorite shades of brown, dark blue red and emerald green. As they are usually very busy, they prefer a fuzzy sweater with a shirtdress or a pantsuit that features many pockets so they have many places to stash their "stuff".

For casual wear, easy-going Archers prefer versatile cotton pieces in bright colors that are as sunny as their positive disposition. Many of them are also very eccentric and love to collect vintage clothes such as Russian fur muffs, high-collared satin Mandarin jackets and retro-50s cocktail dresses. For more formal events they prefer sleek cocktail dresses and bias cut ball gowns that are reminiscent of the style of Audrey Hepburn.

They love precious gems, but are more inclined to wear a precious gift or a family memento as opposed to a flashy rock. They also emphasize their individuality by hosting a cupboard full of hats perfect for any occasion.

Capricorn

Capricorns are blessed them with natural good taste and an eye for quality and durability. They tend to purchase timeless individual pieces and prefer well-tailored, conservative items in colors such as rose, grey, navy blue, sky blue and camel. This sometimes self-conscious sing prefers long sleeves to short sleeves and high collars to plunging cleavages. They also like vintage clothing, as long as it is in pristine condition.

Capable Capricorns like to add delicate feminine touches to power suits such as diamond earrings or an antique pin.

Female Cappies, often boast perfectly organized closets filled with classic items such as open-toed slingbacks, patent leather purses, crisp white blouses, navy suits, black cocktail dresses and well fitting jeans. They also treasure hair accessories such as tortoise shell clips and satin bows.

They love gemstones, in all colors of the rainbow, but would most value a classic piece such as a diamond tennis bracelet, an antique cameo or a pendant that sports their initials

Aquarius

These graceful, thoughtful and sensitive creatures are very concerned about what others think of them. They tend to choose clothes that make a strong, expressive personal statement. They love brilliant tones of purple, gold, sky-blue, ruby-red and emerald green.

At work Aquarian females tend to dress slightly more eccentrically than their colleagues. They are fond of patterns, plaids and pinstripes as well as unusual fabrics such as herringbone, tweed, seersucker and poplin. They have a jaunty sense of style, and often perk up an outfit by sporting a beret, a bright hair band or a large and funky piece of costume jewelry.

They detest extravagance and love to shop for clothes at flea markets, vintage shops and retail outlets. They are attracted to one-of-a-kind items such as hand-knit sweaters and caps and crocheted ponchos and shawls. Yet, at the same time they love the feel and tight-fit of Lycra and futuristic polyester blends. Sometimes they can seem very "space-age" in their streamlined, zippered black suits. For a night out, a female Aquarian will choose unusual pieces, such as a white sequined skirt, purple cowboy or a top made of a glittering mesh of gold chains.

Aquarians love jewelry that has an antique or futuristic look and tend to purchase unusual or one of a kind pieces to compliment their eccentric outfits.

Pisces

These very feminine, delicate and sensitive creatures tend to choose sensuous items that appeal to their idealistic sense of romance. They love the "girlyness" of the pastel colors and the tactile allure of silk, velvet and satin fabrics.

At the office they will often sport higher hemlines and lower cut blouses. For casual wear, blouses boasting voluminous ruffles, tight-fitting shirts with lace trim and sensuous cashmere sweaters. They are also very athletic and like to go camping, fishing and hiking, so their closets often overflowing with sports gear, tennis shoes, golf shoes and equestrian wear. They also like long flowing chiffon gowns that make them appear like a goddess at formal events.

As the sea rules this sign they are partial to jewelry made from coral, seashell, pearl and mother-of-pearl. However, as they are very nostalgic and often religious, they are more likely to wear a gift from a lover or a family heirloom as a favored peace of jewelry. As Pisces is the sign that represents the 2000-year epoch of the rule of the Christians, they are also fond of wearing religious jewelry such as antique Roman coins, and medallions of the Saints.


Stylish Women of the Zodiac

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

How to Make a Buzz Lightyear Costume

!±8± How to Make a Buzz Lightyear Costume

Making a homemade Buzz Lightyear costume might look complicated, and if you're going to make an exact replica you might have a hard time, but making a great looking Buzz costume with some very basic items isn't as complicated as you might think.

What you need:
White Sweat Pants
A Black or Purple Undershirt
A White T-shirt or sweatshirt that you don't mind cutting
Green Fabric
Purple Fabric
Needle and Thread or Fabric Glue
Cardboard
White, Purple, Red and Green Spray Paint
A Picture of Buzz for Reference

The Top
Although Buzz's space ranger outfit looks complex, if you focus on the key details you can create an easily recognizable look alike. Start with the black shirt. This will serve as the base layer and provide the middle diction of the outfit. Take note of Buzz's white chest protector. It consists of white armor with a green plate, where his buttons are, and two purple stripes that circle around to the back side.

To make the armor, you can cut the bottom off of a white sweatshirt or t-shirt. A sweatshirt will work better because it provides a heavier look. You may also want to fold the frayed bottom of the sweatshirt under and sew it to the black undershirt. This will help create the armor look.

The green chest plate can be made by cutting out a patter from the green fabric. Attach this patter to the white armor, and add buttons onto the green fabric. If you are feeling really ambitious you can even make a Star Command logo to mount in the middle. Attach the purple stripes underneath the green chest piece and run them along the side of the white shirt to the back. You can measure the length for the purple stripes with a piece of string. Hold one end of the string where you want the stripe to start, usually right under the green chest plate, and then loop it under the arm and to the middle of the back.

The Gloves
If your white top shirt did not have sleeves, you might want to make your gloves longer to make up for it. Your Buzz Lightyear costume does not have to have gloves, but it will help complete the look and prevent little ones from getting cold hands on Halloween. Any white gloves will work, although a plastic like material is preferred. The back of the hands should have a green piece of fabric on them which extends from the wrist to the knuckles. Buzz also has purple accents at his finger joints, but this isn't a necessity. The sleeve end of the glove should have a green stripe around it, or if you have long sleeves you can put a green stripe of fabric around the elbow.

The Bottoms
Buzz's pants are much simpler than his shirt. Any white pair of sweatpants will work, although it helps if they match the white sweatshirt you used for the top. Make a small knee pad shape and attach it to the knee of the pants. There should also be a stripe that that wraps all the way around the pant leg from the knee pads.

Buzz wears white shoes with green around the ankles, but you can trim the bottom of the sweat pants with green and wear whatever shoes you like.

The Jet Pack
The jet pack is relatively simple to make, but it can be time consuming. There are many different ways to construct the jet pack, but I prefer using a backpack and attaching wings. This makes it easy to get the jet pack on and off, and it can save you a ton of time. If you can find a white backpack, paint two green stripes on the side and a purple stripe down the middle. Don't worry too much about making the backpack super detailed, as the general look is usually good enough.

Cut the wings out of cardboard. I would suggest making them slightly smaller, as they will be more stable. You can reinforce the wings by running small sticks along the inside length of the wing. Paint the main section of the wings purple. You might want to tape off a line along the top of the wing to make it easier to paint later. Buzz has small green pods on the end of his wings, and how in-depth you go is up to you. You can cut these pods out of foam, or make them flat and cut them out of cardboard.

The top edge of Buzz's wings has an alternating red and white patter, much like a candy cane. If you're going to paint this part, do the white paint first so that the red will show up better. You can create this pattern using pieces of masking tape. If you paint the whole stripe white first, then you won't have to do multiple tape jobs. The wings can be stapled onto the backpack.

To Halloween, and Beyond!
That's pretty much everything you need to make a homemade Buzz Lightyear costume. You can also add a purple hood if you can find stretchy fabric. If you don't want to make the jet pack out of a backpack, you can also use Paper Mache, or even cut something out of cardboard. This how to make a Buzz Lightyear costume guide will ensure that you have one of the most "out there" costumes this Halloween.


How to Make a Buzz Lightyear Costume

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

09/24/2011: Toddler Vanishes From Weston, WV Without A Trace - Where is Aliayah Lunsford

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