Quick Reminder of the Benefits of Embroidery!

5 Good Reasons to use Custom Embroidered Apparel.

1. Your employees' shirts with the embroidered logo will be walkingbillboards:

Your employees will advertise your company while going to trade shows, at work or when visiting customers. Having them wear a customized shirt with your logo is an easy way to promote your company. It will help build brand awareness, and at the same time your employees will look professional.

2. Bang for your buck:

An embroidered shirt from Orleans Embroidery will cost you less than a regular shirt because you will be buying the items at bulk prices. Also, an embroidered easy care shirt will easily last at least a year or two. Can you imagine how much exposures that branded shirt - an inexpensive marketing tool, really - will have been given during that time?

3. Creating team spirit:

Giving employees uniformly embroidered shirts can help create a sense of solidarity and shared identity that may increase loyalty and decrease turn overs among your employees.

4. Quick and easy:

Embroidered company shirts simplify your employees' mornings because they won't have to spend time pondering on what to wear to work to lookput-together and professional. At the same time, they can still enjoy the comfort of today's contemporary fabrics and styles.

5. Improve your company's image:

Employees will not only be more comfortable in your company logo shirt, theywill also b, they will also be less formal. Done right, having a work forcedressed in casual business attire can significantly improve your company's image.

How to find your perfect size at Orleans Embroidery

We here at Orleans Embroidery want you to be 100% happy with your purchase, so we are trying to provide not only the highest quality possible, but also the most information possible, so that you can make an educated and regret-free decision before you buy.

What we have been realizing lately is that it is not always easy for our customers to choose the right size when ordering shirts. "Just order your size," you may think. "How hard can it be?"

Well, harder than it should be. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as standardized sizing, so it is pretty much up to each company how big or small their clothing runs. This means that a woman, on average wearing a Large, might need an Extra Large in some cases, but also fit into a Medium perfectly in others. That being said, a Large in women's sizes, which tend to be smaller than men's sizes. Oftentimes, especially work attire, such as polo shirts or regular T-shirts, is only available in unisex sizes; this, again, could mean that a unisex Small could be enough occasionally.

Confused yet?

We know. That is why we are currently working on a comprehensive chart of products we carry and their measurements, so that all you have to do is take one of your own shirts that fits you well, measure it and check our chart for a corresponding size. To make sure that you will be able to determine the size as reliably as possible, we provide 5 key measurements: the overall garment length, chest width, shoulder to shoulder width, the bottom seam width and the sleeve length.

In a sizing chart, they will appear like this, for example:

This way, you can order shirts that you know will fit you for sure, so you can step out into the world with confidence and know that you look exactly like you wanted to look in your custom embroidered shirt from Orleans Embroidery.

"White is not a mere absence of color...

"...it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black. God paints in many colours; but He never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when He paints in white." -- G. K. Chesterton

It has become apparent in the past few weeks at fashion shows around the globe that, even though Tangerine is officially the color of 2012, white is becoming a hot spring trend fast.

This is not a surprise. White is an incredibly versatile color. It can be combined with virtually any other color, it looks light, fresh and flattering on everyone, and  -  which is especially important in the working world  -  it gives a crisp, clean and adept impression in every profession or social setting.

White is the color of mental clarity and fresh beginnings; it signifies wisdom, peace and innocense. More shades of white are available commercially than any other color. It is a classic in clothing, interior design, landscaping and art.

It is also a perfect background for embroidery. Embroidery work on a white background is an immediate eye-catcher, which also make it the perfect choice to represent and advertise your company on clothing and other items.

There should always be room for a timeless classic like this white dress shirt for men in your wardrobe. The Poplin fabric, a tightly-woven and durable cotton blend, makes it comfortable to wear and wrinkle-resistant. A custom-made logo or design on the sleeve, chest or collar will give you a polished look anywhere, anytime.

If you are looking for something a tad less formal, maybe a little more approachable, but just as professional and put together, try a high quality polo shirt like this: It is made out of a material suitable for even the toughest jobs, and it is pocketless, so nothing will be in your way if you are working with machines, inventory, construction materials... or children, while still making you look professional, fashionable and well dressed.

Maybe straight up white feels a little too harsh for you, but do not worry, Orleans Embroidery has something for you, too! Try this ivory colored cardigan, for example. This softer shade of white is just as versatile and elegant, but a little scaled down. It is practically weightless, super-soft and has side pockets for your convenience. Add a custom embroidered design to make it your new go-to cover-up for work or play.

A great way to show your customers, guests, friends or family some appreciation is sending a small gift their way. Golf towels for the gents and cosmetic bags for the ladies are simple, yet useful gifts that everyone loves. Have them embroidered with your company logo for your customers, your family coat of arms for your grandparents, or your wedding date for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Your color choice will prove that you keep up with current trends, and your gift will remind people that you truly care.

The Wearing of the Green

March is traditionally the month of everything green. Not only because it is St. Patrick's Day on the 17th, but also because it is the beginning of spring; nature is coming back to life, grass, flowers and other plants are starting to sprout, spear and spring.

It is not too late yet to stow away your dreary winter gear and pull something fresh (and of course, green!) out of your wardrobe. Not looking so good? Do not despair! Instead, log on to http://www.orleansembroidery.com/ and treat yourself to a wide range of custom embroidered dress shirts, polo shirts, outerwear, caps, aprons and more.

Own a business? Have your logo embroidered on a chic dress shirt. This Easy Care shirt's blend of cotton and polyester with only just a dash of spandex makes it ultra-comfortable to wear, virtually un-wrinkle-able and stain resistant. It comes in many sizes and many colors, but of course, also in green.

Or how about this fleece jacket, just because it does still get a little chilly in the mornings and evenings, even here in New Orleans, Louisiana. No chill  -  and no pill, thanks to its special anti-pill finish. You will look stylish and unfuzzy everywhere you go. Add your fishing association's logo for a fishing trip, your company's name for outdoor work, or just a little custom design only for yourself to finish your look.

If you own a restaurant, farmer's market stand or flower shop, supply your employees with this stylish apron. The functional length, adjustable neck strap and front pockets make it a perfect accessory for any of these businesses. And, you might have guessed it, it comes in green, too!

So celebrate March, celebrate green, and shop often at Orleans Embroidery!

Font Favorites at Orleans Embroidery

Sometimes all you need to give your work cardigan, church blouse or boy scout shirt that little extra personal touch, is some lettering. It doesn't always have to be a fancy logo in an abundance of colors that goes all the way from the collar to the end of your sleeve. Often, a simple name, statement or title will do, and Orleans Embroidery offers a range of standard fonts to choose from for this purpose. To get you started, we have compiled a selection of the most commonly used, most readable, most embroiderable customer favorites.

is probably the most common font in sports. It is perfect for names and/or numbers on sports gear because of its no-nonsense, all caps style, which makes it easy to read, regardless of its location and size.

has all the readability of its athletic brother Full Block, but can be used in any setting - offices, factories, restaurants, clubs, associations, and more. It is the minimalist among our favorites and looks professional no matter where you use it.

is not quite as minimalist as Block, but it is equally versatile and professional - if not more so. It is a little fancier, but takes a pass on twirls, squiggles and embellishments that could bias its authority. It is a classic that never goes out of style.

is quite similar to Gaudy Bold, but distinguishes itself by its chunky, sturdy, solid appearance. It is a powerful, confident font. If you want to appear trustworthy, reliable and steadfast, this should be your go-to font.

undoubtedly has more visual interest than the above. It is often used in business to do with arts and crafts or upscale hospitality services. What makes it so popular is that it is a perfect blend of professionalism and elegance.

is a little artsier; a little edgier. It is not so very neat, not so very fancy either, but willful, headstrong, unconventional. And young, creative, energetic types like it for exactly these qualities.

is probably the most romantic and ornate font in our list. It gives the embroidery an elegant, almost gone-with-the-wind-y touch. Keep in mind, however, that all of the 'Script' fonts become harder to read the smaller they get. 

is a font most commonly used by schools, out-of-school activities, daycare centers, pediatricians and, well, kindergartens. It is important to choose something not too serious for children. This nonlinear font best represents this lighthearted and chipper attitude.

Of course we don't limit ourselves to these choices here at Orleans Embroidery. We are open to suggestions and willing to experiment with you until you find exactly what you want. Let us know what you are looking for, and we will help you create unique, fashionable and personalized embroidered apparel.

Spring-clean your work wardrobe with Orleans Embroidery!

It is March, and at least in some parts of the country, like in beautiful Louisiana, spring is coming. Temperatures are going up, and jackets, coats and sweaters are coming off.

Now is a great time to revisit your employees' work wardrobe! Winter traditionally is a time for dark colors and heavy clothing. But as soon as it starts to warm up, people are yearning for a fresh start with bright colors and light materials.

Especially here in New Orleans, the home of Orleans Embroidery, temperatures in March will most likely be somewhere in the 70s, or even 80s. Your employees will appreciate it if you consider their comfort at the workplace and offer them a range of spring-colored polo shirts, dress shirts or aprons, embroidered with you company logo.

How about this lightweight short-sleeved dress shirt for your female employees? The Easy Care poly-cotton material makes it ultra-comfortable to wear, it is available in sizes XS-4XL, and it comes in a variety of great spring colors like this light blue.

If you are going for a more casual look for your male employees, consider this Cool DRI polo shirt. Its unique material wicks moisture away from the body to keep you feeling fresh at all times. Like most items at Orleans Embroidery, it comes in a wide range of sizes to accommodate as many of our valued customers as possible, is available not only in this great color called "pure gold", but also in "spring green", "aquatic blue" and many other vivid hues.

And should it unexpectedly get a little chilly, keep this close to weighless, soft zip-front cardigan handy. Your employees will appreciate your thoughfulness if you offer them a stylish option to complete their work outfit, and the available colors will all make sure that your custom embroidered logo will stand out and shine.

Let spring and the vast selection of fashionable clothing and unbeatable prices inspire you  -  not only for your work needs, but also for your family, church, soccer team or book club. The individuality a personalized, embroidered focal point on your apparel can give you, will certainly make you stand out and attract attention everywhere.

Size doesn't matter at Orleans Embroidery

Here at Orleans Embroidery in New Orleans, Louisiana, we try to please all our (potential) customers. So we carry apparel for all of God's human creations, regardless of shape, size or purpose. Unlike so many other stores, we do not discriminate against customers bigger or smaller than average. That is why many of our embroidered products are available in sizes XS to 5XL.

We believe that all our customers have the right to look fashionable in custom embroidered polo shirts, dress shirts and outerwear in great colors and up-to-date styles.

Take this ladies' cardigan and T-shirt, for example: Not only are they available in sizes XS to 4XL, you can also choose from 9 different colors, including classics like black or statement colors like maize yellow or kiwi green.  Order both to make them a set, or separately as basics for your wardrobe. Have them embroidered with your company logo as work uniform for your employees to give them a distinguished, but approachable look.

Or how about this great men's polo shirt? In addition to being stain resistant, the fabric is also less inclined to wrinkle or shrink. Everybody will find their perfect size in the XS to 5XL range and their perfect match in the available 11 colors. It is perfectly suitable for work if you put your company logo on it, for sports embroidered with your team's mascot, or your club or church.

We help you custom design exactly what you want, so that, regardless of your size, you can impress your colleagues, clients, friends and family with your custom embroidered apparel from Orleans Embroidery.

February is National Embroidery Month!

Research for this wonderful blog here has spat out quite the remarkable result: It is National Embroidery Month!

Embroidery has been used to embellish and beautify things since as early as the times of Cro-Magnon hunters. Already back then, they had figured out that instead of simply just sewing together animal hides to produce clothing, decorative stitches would make their clothes prettier and more individual. There are beautiful examples of Ancient Chinese robes and cloaks colorfully embroidered. Machine-made embroidery was developed and made popular by France and Switzerland in the 19. Century. Of course, embroidery has come a long way since then with continuous progress in technology. Better, faster and more precise machines, improved thread quality and options, and advanced digital design have changed the face of embroidery.

It has since become more of a given than an art form. Embroidery is so incorporated into our everyday life that we don't even perceive it as something special anymore. For this exact reason, February has been declared National Embroidery Month to celebrate the art of layering stitches in order to create design and texture.

What a great time to support local business! Find an embroidery shop in your area, like our very own Orleans Embroidery in Metairie/New Orleans, and purchase wonderful custom-made, individualized clothing, hats, bags and more.

If you need ideas, why not get yourself a custom-embroidered fleece jacket to keep yourself warm, because - coincidentally - February also happens to be National Bird Feeding Month?

Or have cozy blankets embroidered for your kids to celebrate February in its capacity as Sleep Safety Month?

Or how about an embroidered golf towel for your sweetheart or an individualized apron for your bestie, because February is also Creative Romance Month and International Friendship Month!

The possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild. Support your local embroiderer. Celebrate National Embroidery Month!

Orleans Embroidery's Embroidery 101

So you have decided to customize a piece of clothing or accessory with professional embroidery. You have found the perfect embroidery business for your needs (ideally Orleans Embroidery, of course!). But what happens now?

First, you should know as precisely as possible what you want. Where on the piece should the embroidery be? How big do you want it? What font do you want? What do you want the design to look like?

Then, contact your embroiderer for prices and possibilities. Let them know how many pieces you have and give them as much information as you can about your order. The more they know, the easier it will be for them to tell you a realistic price beforehand.

Also, be aware that while the customer may be king, the embroiderer is still the pro. Be open to suggestions and improvements. Accept the limitations of reality. If your embroiderer tells you your design might not work, he is doing so in your best interest. Most embroiderers take great pride in their work and want you to be happy with the outcome. They will be more than happy to work with you, suggest alternatives and invest time into creating the best possible design for you.

Once you have agreed on a design and price, the real work begins: Oftentimes the design has to be digitized and edited several times in specialized computer software and test-sewn to avoid flaws and ensure the highest possible quality. Then the embroidery machines are programmed and each garment is hooped individually. In its two machines, Orleans Embroidery can currently embroider up to 7 pieces simultaneously. Depending on the stitch count and sophistication of the design, one run can take up to one hour. Afterwards, the embroidery is neatened and the backing trimmed. If you chose to have more than one location embroidered on your garment, the process starts all over again for the second/third/etc. location.

Usually orders will be processed on a "first come, first served" basis, so unless your embroiderer is willing to produce your items on a rush order, expect a wait from 2 to 5 working days.

As you can see, your embroiderer is putting a lot of work into making sure that you will end up with a custom designed, high-quality garment. However, whether you are having work uniforms for your business embroidered or wedding favors, or fun gifts for your family and friends, once you see the result you will be convinced that it was worth it!

Orleans Embroidery Web Appearance - - - www.orleansembroidery.com

The Orleans Embroidery is expanding and improving its web appearance in 2012! In addition to this blog, you can also visit us on our website http://www.orleansembroidery.com/, or log on to facebook and find us there.

Our website offers an extensive range of products for men and women, from polo shirts to hats and sports items, many of them available from a dainty XS to a powerful 5XL in a variet of colors and styles. You will find all necessary information about all that as well as material and fit, AND be able to place your order right there.

Here on our blog, we offer more background information on our products and services, fashion-related facts and stories, and help on how to choose the right product for you. Check back often, as we will update this blog at least once a week!

If, like most of us, you log on to your facebook account at least once a day, why not also like our facebook page for more updates and the occasional special offers?

We are looking forward to your orders, comments and feedback!

Windbreaker 101 - - - www.orleansembroidery.com

It is cold, it is rainy, it is windy. For those of us who have to spend time outdoors nevertheless, an essential piece of clothing for this type of weather is the windbreaker. But how do you choose the perfect windbreaker for your needs? What are the most important qualities and features to look out for?

Here is a little Windbreaker 101 to help you in your quest:

Material: The best materials for a windbreaker are durable synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon taffeta. Generally, they retain body heat very well and keep out wind and rain.

Waterproof: Ideally, the pores of the fabric have been closed, so that no water is allowed to pass through. This quality is rated by the millimeters (MM) of water the garment can hold before it leaks. Sometimes, to make the production process cheaper, the seams and stitch holes of garments are not sealed, which compromises the waterproof integrity.

Wind Resistance: There is a difference between wind resistant and windproof. Generally, to increase comfort when worn, garments will act against or oppose the penetration of wind to a very high degree without being completely windproof. Ideally, windbreakers are also going to have storm flaps - pieces of fabric that cover zippers and other openings to create another barrier against wind and rain.

Breathability: To ensure that you will be comfortable wearing your windbreaker, this is one of the major qualities to look out for. You don't want to feel like you are wrapped in a trash bag that allows absolutely no air circulation. Breathability in a garment is expressed in how many grams of vapor per square meter (G/M2) pass in 24 hours.







With these tips on hand, you should be able to find the perfect windbreaker for your needs. If you are purchasing them for your company, school, team, or even just a family outing, why not customize them with designs, logos or names at an embroidery like Orleans Embroidery in New Orleans?

PANTONE 2012 Color of the Year - - - www.orleansembroidery.com

Every year Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries, selects the color of the upcoming year. 2012's color of the year is Tangerine Tango (color code 17-1463).

The color continues last year's Honeysuckle's endeavor to provide us with energy, to rejuvenate and inspire us. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes it like this: “Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, [it] marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

One of Tangerino Tango's most outstanding advantages is that it fits in with every season, style and age. It makes for a great accent color - be it as a pillow on a couch, an exciting dash of color in a bouquet of flowers, or a scarf, tie, purse or shoe in an outfit.

And to add a personal touch to this year's color of the year, why not visit http://www.orleansembroidery.com/ for a variety of custom embroidered products in Tangerine, like visors, shirts or jerseys:

Cultural Awareness & Custom Design - - - www.orleansembroidery.com

Not only just one, but several companies have been in the news recently for their culturally insensitive products that sparked discussions all across the nation.

Last year, Urban Outfitters published a line of "Navajo" products, inlcuding items as inappropriate as underwear and flasks with "Native American" designs. After the products hit the shelves, many customers were upset with how the company "has taken Indigenous life ways and artistic expressions and trivialized and sexualized them for the sake of corporate profit." Even worse, the Navajo Nation had its Department of Justice sent a cease-and-desist letter to stop Urban Outfitters from selling any more "Navajo" products.

The items are still available, however, Urban Outfitters has since had to pull the names, which, in addition to being culturally offensive, turned out to be a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act and Federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which states that “It is illegal to [...] sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is [...] the product of a particular Indian or Indian Tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States.”

Forever 21 committed a similar, yet more debatable, faux-pas: the Oriental Girl necklace. Shine from Yahoo Canada calls the necklace "odd and offensive" and says "Lumping all Asian people into an archaic, offensive label like that is just plain wrong", while others can find nothing offensive about it and call the stir an over-reaction.

Brooklyn based jewelry store Bejeweled infuriated customers with their Swastika earrings. But the symbol, standing for Nazi Germany as a mirrored image of the Sanskrit peace and prosperity, divided the public into pro-personal expression and con-racism camps. Even though the shop owner published a statement saying that the earrings were manufactured in India and do face the traditional Buddhist way, she took them off the shelves to end the uproar.

The bottom line is that perhaps especially in this day and age of globalization, people demand a respectful and sensitive approach to cultural identity. The racism of the past should teach us to do better in the future. So if you are planning on going public with a custom design, may it be a clothing line or company logo, printed, embroidered or embossed, be aware of this issue and be considerate to avoid hard feelings, lawsuits and losing customers.

It's Fleece Sweater Weather!

It's wintertime and the temperatures are way below most people's comfort zones in many places. Even the astonishingly mild winter in Louisiana, home to Orleans Embroidery, has its cold days that make working, walking and all other outdoor activities a little miserable. So what better way to keep yourself cozy and comfortable in spite of cold, rainy, stormy weather than a fleece sweater?

The choices are ample: big, small, tight, loose, with zipper, without zipper, blue, green, yellow, etc, etc. But there are also differences in the fleece materials themselves:

Regular fleece, also known as Polarfleece, was introduced to the world in the late 1970s and soon gained fame because it's lightweight and warm nature meant a giant improvement in outerwear. Trying to perfect the fabric has led to experimentation with cotton, wool and acrylic. Nowadays, most fleece fabrics are 100% polyester.

Microfleece is made from finer yarn, which gives the fabric a higher density than regular fleece. It is also brushed less, so that the garment is overall softer and warmer.


R-Tek™ Fleece is even softer and more lightweight than microfleece and has a special anti-pill finish to help counteract the formation of those annoying little tangled balls of fibers that you can see on the surface of fabrics as a result of friction or simply after a while of regular wear and tear.

If you own a business and want your employees to wear uniform fleece jackets or simply want to give your own fleece sweater a personal touch, the best way to customize fleece is embroidery. Due to the "fluffy" quality of the fabric, stitching will work better than printing.

So visit http://www.orleansembroidery.com/ to get an offer on customizing your cold weather gear today!

How Much Are You Willing To Spend On A Custom T-Shirt?

Look at this T-shirt. Look at it closely. How much would you be willing to spend on it?

How much would you be willing to spend on it if you knew that it was produced from 100% pure organic cotton?

How much would you be willing to spend on it if you knew this 100% organic T-shirt was manufactured using only renewable energy?

And how much would you be willing to spend on it if you knew this 100% organic T-shirt with a carbon footprint reduced by 90% was adorned with 16 real diamonds that amount to a whooping 9 carats?

Probably still not as much as The Most Expensive T-Shirt In The World  is going to charge you for this made-to-order luxury item: £256,500. According to xe.com, this currently translates to $399,889.81.

Just to give you something to compare the value of this shirt to: In New Orleans, you can purchase a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom home with a pool and a nice piece of land surrounding it. You could also buy 16 Mazda 6's. Or take your spouse on 67 all inclusive three-week transatlantic cruises. Or donate16,665 measles vaccine crates at unicefusa.org, which is enough to vaccinate 1,333,200 children in underprivileged countries around the world.
To be fair, though, the shirt comes with two perks: an included one-year warranty (excluding improper use, accidental damage, loss and theft, of course) and free worldwide shipping.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly way to be green and still express your style uniquely, however, consider the option of taking an "ordinary" organic cotton T-shirt and turning it into your own million-dollar-style by having it custom embroidered at a place like Orleans Embroidery in New Orleans.

Ban on Pajamas

Commissioner Michael Williams of Louisiana's Caddo Parish District 3 is tackling an issue that has been a thorn in the side of many for years: the public wearing of pajamas. What caused him to finally take action was "seeing a young man wearing a pair of pajama bottoms that revealed his private parts while shopping at a local Walmart", which is unpleasant at the very least, if not borderlining on a crime.

Indecent exposure is defined as "the crime of exposing a private body part to others [..., ...] usually considered a misdemeanor. [...] If any contact is made between the offender and the victim, the crime may turn into sexual assault [, which] may be classified as a felony. An offender may also face harsher punishment if a minor is the victim of the indecent exposure".

Now, this is not to say that all public pajama-wearers are criminals who drop their pants deliberately, by all means. But accidents happen, and when worse comes to worse, who believes a public offender? Is this really the kind of situation we want to be faced with (at either end of the spectrum)? Is being too lazy to get dressed after rolling out of bed worth accidentally being arrested? But let's not get carried away with worst-case scenarios.

Williams pointed out that the ordinance is about restoring a sense of respect that has disappeared from society. Respecting others enough to do them the courtesy of wearing proper clothes, and maybe even conveying a sense of self-respect to the rest of the world?

A similar ban caused a huge outcry in the UK last year: The supermarket chain Tesco requests "that customers do not shop in their PJs or nightgowns". In-store security is authorized to deny unruly customers entry. From a food hygiene point of view, how can you argue with that? Would you want someone to touch your food who has been wearing and sleeping in their clothes for God knows how long?

However, customers were outraged. "I've worn my best ones today, just so I look tidy. I walked in with my trolley [shopping cart] and the security guard came over and told me to leave", one customer reported. Take a moment to think about that. She spent time carefully considering and choosing which pajama bottoms to wear to the grocery store, instead of just hopping into a pair of jeans? Or slacks? Or even sweat pants? So she picked her red-carpet pair of pajama bottoms to go to the store?

Says another customer: "This is just pathetic [...]. Do they have any idea how difficult it is to get three kids off to school when you are a single parent? You haven't even got time for a cup of tea never mind getting all dolled up." Yes, being a single parent is stressful. No, it is no excuse for letting yourself go and being a slob. It takes an estimated 15 seconds (time even mother-of-19 Michelle Duggar can find every day, by the way) to put on a pair of jeans or a skirt or a dress (which, on top of it, eliminates the question "What oversized sweater goes best with my teddybear pajamas?"). Be a role model! See?

So if you feel the need to wear your pajamas in public, think twice. And then change into a decent outfit. There's ways around looking like a slob. But if you must, maybe at least do it in style with a pajama-inspired shirt à la Ryan Gosling:

2012 Golden Globes Fashion Trends

There are three major events every year that give celebrities the chance to impress the public even more than usual with their style and fashion expertise: the Oscars, the Grammys, and the Golden Globes.

The latter of which were celebrated this weekend, and although some may say that the evening was a little underwhelming compared to past years, what stood out as usual was the red carpet event - perhaps the most anticipated part of all for all women. As celebrity after celebrity appeared on the red carpet, didn't we all dream of having one Cinderella night of our own to wear expensive gowns and lavish jewelry?

Well, 2012 is still young and at least some of us will have a prom, graduation or ball to attend. So why not take some of the current Golden Globes looks as inspiration for our own (maybe less spectacular, but nevertheless) glamorous events?

Here is a short recap of this year's award show fashion trends:

Slim silhouettes: Big and pouffy is a thing of the past! To show off their super-petite bodies, celebrities like Kelly MacDonald, Nicole Richie and Michelle Williams chose to go with a much simpler, slim silhouette this year. This accentuates their shape and makes them appear a little taller. The extra sheen and glitz adds elegance to the outfit and makes them shine!

Nudes: Nude tones made a comeback this weekend. Diane Lane, Mary J. Blidge and Sarah Hyland know that nudes, furnished with a little shine, texture or contrast, are much more flattering, but no less elegant than black, and make them stand out from the crowd.

Extravagant details: Zooey Deschanel, Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore resorted to another tried-and-true trick. The lavish detailing turns their otherwise understated dresses into red carpet eye catchers.

Mermaids: What was interesting to see was the small crowd of mermaids floating through the masses. All aquatic in color and shape, celebs like Rachel Evan Woods, Sofia Vergara and Kelly Osbourne chose mermaid-style gowns in watery blues and greens for their big entrance.

As young as you feel: Andie MacDowell, Helen Mirren and Jodie Foster are regulars at the Golden Globes and have showcased many trends over the years. One thing they all have in common is that they agree that age is not a handicap and that women in their 40s, 50s and 60s can still look as beautiful, elegant and radiant as the young'uns.

Classic elegance: Men have much fewer options to look red carpet appropriate than women. That is why George Clooney, Leonardo di Caprio and Mark Wahlberg stuck to classic, elegant tuxedos and bow-ties. To add a little visual interest (as if their faces weren't enough to cover this point), they added some subtle sheen to their lapels.

Wonder Worker Hervé Léger

Among celebrities, Hervé Léger is know for his classy, tight-fitting, figure-flattering dresses. In the entertainment industry, where image is everything and everyone is judged on their appearance, this is an invaluable asset, especially for those who refuse to starve and diet themselves into a Size 0 and instead choose to embrace their full figures.

 

The line of (excuse the expression!) high-end shape-wear has been a favorite for many curvy stars because of its qualities: it hugs the curves in all the right places, shapes where needed and flatters where wanted.

 

If done right, this is what said dress does for your body:

 

 

Both Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lopez are known for their womanly figues  -  and for being proud of them! Their Léger dresses correct little imperfections and accentuate all essential places.

 

The good news: This line is technically also available for the average consumer. If you are willing to fork out quite a bit of money, you, too, may shine like a celebrity.

 

The key here being: "quite a bit". A model like Ms. Lopez' might cost you a whooping $1650, Jessica's slightly cheaper version $1350. But not to worry if you are on a budget: the basic model starts at $780! 

 

Beauty  - and perfect curves  - after all, come at a price.