A hat is one of the most popular forms of head wear, and it is usually worn on the top of your head. There are a variety of characteristics that make a hat different from other types of head wear like baseball caps. A hat has a brim, a high crown, or maybe even both, and usually it is larger than a cap as well. Both men and women place hats on the top of their heads; however, some women may make their hats stay on securely by using hat pins to keep them in place.
Hat Sizes
It is important to understand that hats are made in different sizes if you want to find the correct hat size for you. When you are shopping for hats, you will probably find that inexpensive hats usually are categorized as small, medium, and large, and in some cases extra large. If the hat is more expensive, the hat will have an even stricter fitting. These hats are usually made to fit specific head sizes. The hat sizes for these types of hats are displayed as a number that reflects the distance around the head.
Hat sizes are figured somewhat differently in the United States and in the United Kingdom. If you purchase a hat in the UK, you will want to remember that usually the hats purchased there are actually 1/8 smaller than they are in the United States.
Although some people think they can stretch a hat out that is too small, this is not a great idea. Some hats may be able to be stretched, but you are better off finding a hat the fits your head properly.
Hat Shapes
Hat shapes are very important as well; in fact, the shape is as important as the size of the hat. Heads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some have bumps and lumps. A special tool, called a conformateur, can help people to get a hat the fits them perfectly. Some people have hats that are very round, while others have oval shaped heads. You can find hats in a variety of different shapes to accommodate almost any shape of a head.
Different Parts of a Hat
If you want to purchase a hat that is custom made, you will want to be sure that you are familiar with the different parts of a hat. This will allow you to communicate what you want in a more knowledgeable way. First of all you need to understand that the part of the head that covers the top of your head is called the crown. The stiff material that you find at the bottom of the crown around the entire hat is called the brim. The part inside of the hat is called a sweatband, and it touches the top of your head. The hatband is either a string, ribbon, or leather strip that is at the intersection of the brim and crown and it helps to keep the hat the same size.
Maintaining a Hat
Keeping a hat clean and fresh is important, but wear and tear does occur and it is important that you know how to maintain your hat. You need to be sure that you clean and store you hat appropriately. Some hats may be made of materials that will require a different approach than others. While some hats may be washable, there are others that are dry clean only.
If you have a leather hat, you will have to use a special cleaner to clean it. Straw hats can be cleaned with a mild detergent and some water. Soft felt hats may need brushed and wiped with a damp towel. If you want to keep the brim of your hat looking great, you need to store your hat upside down. Also you need to remember that good hats may shrink a bit over time, so you may need to occasionally stretch them.
About the AuthorMaryLu's carries a wide variety of beautiful pink hats, and red hats. Stop by to see a wide variety of Red Hat merchandise. Be sure to sign up for free coupons and sale notifications too! article source: http://getmyarticles.com
6/19/2008
Jewelry and Gemstone Care & Cleaning Tips
by: Sam Serio
Diamond earrings, emerald rings, ruby bracelets, sapphire pendants; no doubt about it everybody loves beautiful gem stone jewelry. Gemstones are quite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from careless handling and negligence. Here are some tips for keeping your gems and jewelry looking fabulous for years to come.
1.Remember, even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous exercise. Even the hardest gem of them all, diamond, can shatter in two with a single well-placed blow. Never remove rings by pulling on the stone: that habit may result in a loose, then lost, gem.
2.Most importantly, store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don’t scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.
3.Rings in particular tend to collect dust and soap behind the gem, particularly if you wear them all the time. You need to clean them regularly to let the light in so your gems can shine. To clean transparent crystalline gemstones, simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle dish soap. Use a bowl of water rather than the sink to eliminate the risk of anything going down the drain. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth (you want to make sure threads won’t catch on the prongs) For diamond, ruby or sapphire, a touch of ammonia in the rinse water won’t hurt a bit and can add extra sparkle (for platinum and gold only, not silver!). Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds and rubies and sapphires will be fine but many other gems many not be, in particular emerald, opal, pearls, peridot: when in doubt, leave it out.
4.Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous. Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light.
5.Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, require special care because they are rocks, not crystals of a single mineral like transparent gems. There gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it. Never use and ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution. A little care and common sense can add life, luster and longevity to your precious jewelry and gems. Protect your investment by following the above guidelines.
About the Author
The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals. Article source: www.free-article-info.com
Diamond earrings, emerald rings, ruby bracelets, sapphire pendants; no doubt about it everybody loves beautiful gem stone jewelry. Gemstones are quite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from careless handling and negligence. Here are some tips for keeping your gems and jewelry looking fabulous for years to come.
1.Remember, even the hardest gemstone variety can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions that weaken the crystal structure. Exercise common sense: if you have a ring set with a softer gem variety or an included stone, take it off before strenuous exercise. Even the hardest gem of them all, diamond, can shatter in two with a single well-placed blow. Never remove rings by pulling on the stone: that habit may result in a loose, then lost, gem.
2.Most importantly, store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don’t scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.
3.Rings in particular tend to collect dust and soap behind the gem, particularly if you wear them all the time. You need to clean them regularly to let the light in so your gems can shine. To clean transparent crystalline gemstones, simply soak them in water with a touch of gentle dish soap. Use a bowl of water rather than the sink to eliminate the risk of anything going down the drain. If necessary, use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone. Rinse the soap off and pat dry with a lint-free cloth (you want to make sure threads won’t catch on the prongs) For diamond, ruby or sapphire, a touch of ammonia in the rinse water won’t hurt a bit and can add extra sparkle (for platinum and gold only, not silver!). Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds and rubies and sapphires will be fine but many other gems many not be, in particular emerald, opal, pearls, peridot: when in doubt, leave it out.
4.Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should only be wiped clean with moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous. Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light.
5.Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, require special care because they are rocks, not crystals of a single mineral like transparent gems. There gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it. Never use and ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution. A little care and common sense can add life, luster and longevity to your precious jewelry and gems. Protect your investment by following the above guidelines.
About the Author
The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals. Article source: www.free-article-info.com
How To Get Your Clothes To Fit
An Interview With Mandy Black, Black is a tailor in Los Angeles who has worked with Marc Jacobs, Isaac Mizrahi, and Betsey Johnson. Source: Allure magazine
You may think that your new jacket fits perfectly, but with a few precise alterations, a tailor can help you look noticeably taller and slimmer.
• Find a pro. Ask the saleswomen at a designer boutique if they can recommend a tailor. If you're in New York City or Los Angeles, Lars Nord, a tailoring agency, can refer you to someone good. Sewing skills aren't enough; inquire whether a prospective tailor has design training. She should be able to answer questions about how a fabric will drape. Also, be specific about the piece you need altered. Some tailors are great at altering suits; others are better with chiffon or knits.
• Follow your body. As a general rule, clothes look best when they just skim your silhouette. Pieces that are so tight that you can see every bone, muscle, and artery will actually make you look heavy. If they're too loose and baggy, you'll look shapeless.
• Trim your top. Most jackets are too wide across the shoulders. A tailor can solve this problem by taking in the jacket from the center back seam. Sleeves should be slim enough to show off the shape of the arms but loose enough that you can wear a thin sweater underneath. The bottom of the jacket should hit at the hip bones—any shorter or longer tends to make people look squat and bulky.
• Keep your pants on. Pants often have too much fabric in the zipper and crotch, which can make them bunch. A tailor can take in the seam that runs down back of the pants, so the front lies flat. Trouser pockets can add unnecessary girth to your hips. I usually take out the pocket bag entirely and stitch the opening closed. Be sure there's a break at the top of your shoes, so the pants aren't too short.
• Skirt around it. Skirts look best when they hit just above or just below the knees. But avoid shin-length skirts because they tend to make people look shorter and bowlegged.
You may think that your new jacket fits perfectly, but with a few precise alterations, a tailor can help you look noticeably taller and slimmer.
• Find a pro. Ask the saleswomen at a designer boutique if they can recommend a tailor. If you're in New York City or Los Angeles, Lars Nord, a tailoring agency, can refer you to someone good. Sewing skills aren't enough; inquire whether a prospective tailor has design training. She should be able to answer questions about how a fabric will drape. Also, be specific about the piece you need altered. Some tailors are great at altering suits; others are better with chiffon or knits.
• Follow your body. As a general rule, clothes look best when they just skim your silhouette. Pieces that are so tight that you can see every bone, muscle, and artery will actually make you look heavy. If they're too loose and baggy, you'll look shapeless.
• Trim your top. Most jackets are too wide across the shoulders. A tailor can solve this problem by taking in the jacket from the center back seam. Sleeves should be slim enough to show off the shape of the arms but loose enough that you can wear a thin sweater underneath. The bottom of the jacket should hit at the hip bones—any shorter or longer tends to make people look squat and bulky.
• Keep your pants on. Pants often have too much fabric in the zipper and crotch, which can make them bunch. A tailor can take in the seam that runs down back of the pants, so the front lies flat. Trouser pockets can add unnecessary girth to your hips. I usually take out the pocket bag entirely and stitch the opening closed. Be sure there's a break at the top of your shoes, so the pants aren't too short.
• Skirt around it. Skirts look best when they hit just above or just below the knees. But avoid shin-length skirts because they tend to make people look shorter and bowlegged.
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