Maria's Blogs

men's suits are the key to diver comfort in cold waters and extreme situations, so when choosing one, you'll want to research the different options before you get to the dive shop. The last thing you want is to walk away with a $3,000 suit you'll never use or a membrane suit that will leave you trapped underwater and freezing. Wet suits are great for warmer water dives because the neoprene material allows water in and traps it against the body, which then heats up to your temperature and insulates the body. The general rule of thumb for wet suits is: the tighter the fit, the better. Otherwise water will just keep entering and exiting the suit, without time to heat up against your body. You can choose from 2 - 9mm thicknesses and from shorts or full-length styles. Shipwreck or cave divers are best off purchasing full-length diving suits with toughtex neoprene, which provides an extra layer that's snag-proof. You'll want your suit to hold up in the tightest squeezes and off the sharpest coral. However, for diving in water less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, dry suits are the only sensible choice. Dry Suits can be made out of several different kinds of material: neoprene, membrane or a hybrid of the two. Neoprene is made out of synthetic rubber and is the most rigid type of suit and though difficult to get on, will keep you the warmest. Another advantage to neoprene is that it's less susceptible to rips or tears and will maintain functionality and buoyancy if a rip were to occur, making it perfect for those cold water wreck or cave diving expeditions. Membrane shelled suits are generally the most comfortable -- made of thinner nylon or vulcanized rubber material, waterproof and breathable -- and are recommended for divers who will spend a lot of time out of the water on the boat. Because the material is thinner, divers will need to wear an under layer made of polyester or another tight-fitting material. The latest models are hybrids with a rigid, overall-style neoprene bottom that supports proper kicking and a looser-fitting membrane top to allow easy arm maneuverability. Your local scuba dive shop will be able to assist you in purchasing dry suits. If you're shocked at the $1500 - $3000 price tag and don't foresee yourself ever diving enough to warrant that kind of investment, then you'll be happy to know most places will rent them to you for around $40-$50 per day. Sometimes you can even find weekly specials or package deals at popular scuba diving vacation destinations.

The majority of people who don't know fashion well think that trends in men's fashion are all the same. Suits. Jackets. Jeans. Shoes. How can you complicate that? It's simple. Right? Well, not really. Men, much like women, always have something different in style, and while those who aren't paying attention might not realize it, many men do. What's in stock for men's fashion this year? Topcoats "But it's summer! Topcoats are such a winter thing!" Not really. The topcoat is actually lighter than you'd expect, making it perfect for that brisk spring wind, and when the rain gets a little too cold for comfort. The topcoat is making a big comeback, so grab something that's classic and easy to wear with anything, with distinct lines that make a great silhouette. Look for ones that also have removable lining, if you can - so even on warmer days, you can take advantage of the coat. Pink Shirts No, I'm not talking about neon pink that glows under a black light, nor does the current trends in men's fashion dictate the tightest pink shirt you can possibly find. Instead, look for loose pink shirt that goes well under a men's suits, with a plain tie and a sharp jacket. Button downs look best, but just your average shirt for a more casual look can also be appealing. Go for a pastel pink for a softer look that's not quite so harsh. Pink doesn't have to be as feminine as some men think, so be bold and take a chance. You'll look great! Cotton Suits Breathable? Yes. Casual or professional? Without a doubt. Very comfortable, both in colder spring weather and warmer summer weather? Indeed. Do we have a winner? Yes! Cotton suits are wonderful for those who have been looking for the trends that are comfortable and easy to wear. And since cotton is a natural fiber, it breaths well and feels great to wear. You can toss a cotton blazer over at shirt or wear it with a suit and tie. Try a one-button jacket for that unique look, or a pair of stylish lace up shoes for a more casual vibe. Vest Heading to the office? Forgo the jacket, and slip on a vest. Over a crisp, white shirt and a modern, printed skinny tie a grey, dusty brown or even black vest can really make you stand out from the crowd. And don't forget how slimming most vests can be. If you're not in the perfect, model shape, a vest can make you look leaner, and overall better. Overall... The current trends in men's fashion are easy to wear clothing that gets the attention, and holds you captivated. Something simple, with clean lines and a unique twist (Try an interesting tie) will go far for you.

Long nights of making the best thesis are finally over. Luckily, you are not one to bum around after college. You're now off to really make it big out there. Confident that you have enough experience from your on the job trainings and internships, you search for the job that you feel would suit your skills best. You mass produce tons of resumes and application letters to send out to various companies applying for similar positions. Then one day, you are scheduled for an interview in one of the most prestigious companies. One big question surfaces - What do I wear? In three seconds, a person can already make his judgment on your total physical appearance and first impressions last. In this case, you are marketing yourself as the product. So if this is your first job interview, you just have to dress to impress. First and foremost, an artist always starts with a good and clean canvass. So the best way to begin dressing up is to start with a clean body. Practice personal hygiene. No wild hairstyles or skinheads. Keep hair neat and tidy. While you are at it, spraying on perfumes and putting on deodorants will do you good as well. Just don't go over-the-top and reek. A clean set of teeth and fresh-smelling breath will add points and, of course, a clean set of fingernails is definitely a pleasing sight, too. After such preparations, it's time for the real deal. Dressing up is supposed to be fun, so even if it's for a job interview, incorporate your own style, too. But to be safe, call up the company and ask if they have a dress code. Now, if you don't want to call them up, dress up a bit conservative and smarter than you used to. Power Dressing 101 1. For Suits, darker suits work better in special affairs than light ones. You can try suits that come in navy blue and charcoal colors like gray. Wearing black suits, on the other hand, may seem too serious, as if you're going to a funeral. Invest in quality suits that you can mix and match. You may also opt for long-sleeved button-down polo in white or pale colors. If you don't want color blocking, stripes are alright but avoid the ones with wild prints or patterns on them. Remember, you want to look professional. Also, make sure that at least one inch of the sleeve peek out from under the men's suits whenever you wear it. Lastly, make sure the suit is dry cleaned and ironed well. 2. As for ties, your best bet is the ones that are made of silk. Whatever your style is, never ever opt for ties that have cartoon character prints on them. 3. Your socks should match your pants or shoes. So you better stock up on blue, black, gray and brown socks. Avoid showing some skin when you cross your legs by choosing a pair that is long enough. 4. Shiny and polished shoes, preferably in black leather, make a great impact. It is a tell-tale sign of how clean and organized you are as a person that you even take your time cleaning your shoes. Avoid looking too casual by not opting for loafers. One thing to check, too, is the soles. Make sure that they aren't worn out. If they are, head to the local shoe repair shop. 5. Accessorize right by not overdoing it. Don't wear flashy accessories. Go for plain and simple watches instead of those ones with blinding diamonds. Leather belts that complement your shoes are a good choice. Last but not the least, if you have to bring a briefcase to complete your look, opt for the ones that come in neutral colors that will complement most of your suits. Looking good is a sure way of getting their attention but it's the confidence that can truly make

When you see a with a price tag of $18,000, you will no doubt get stunned. What on Earth is this suit made from? Don’t get too excited, a men suit can still go up to a dizzying $25,000! Now, are you thinking it was made of the highly valued expert tailors of the clothing and design industry? Or you are wondering if the Suit was made of gold fabrics? Well, you are correct in thinking both for the most expensive suits are tailored by experts using the gold of the Andes Mountains, some parts of Peru, Bolivia and few other countries – the Vicuna.

The coat of vicuna, which is the smallest member of camelid or camelidae family, is said to make the best wool in the world – better than sheep’s, better than guanaco’s. Vicunas are wild animals living between 12,000 and 18,000 feet high on the slopes of the Andes. They need their precious hairs to serve as protection against their cold home. But these very precious hairs, that are half a diameter shorter than the finest sheep’s wool, cost them to become almost extinct.

While vicunas outsmart their Andean Condor predators using the speed of running 30 miles per hour, they simply can’t escape the smarter humans. A baby vicuna, for instance, after surviving its first 30 minutes on Earth can already run faster than man. But due to the innate superiority of human intelligence, the fast vicuna’s fall in their hands just so easily. Some even spray a group of usually 20 members with machine guns. Lots of vicunas are lost for the exportation of 50,000 pounds of wool every year from illegal activities alone.

In attempt to save vicuna’s, there are groups that made effective efforts to preserve vicunas in their natural habitat or rehabilitation areas, while still getting sustainable source of the highly priced vicuna fleece. There are countries that have now banned the importation of vicuna wool and skin. Others have domesticated the animals and did cross breeding experimentation so as to harvest every year one pound of wool produced by each vicuna. The golden fleece are carefully clipped and sheared, so these animals are unharmed during wool harvest.