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Guess who’s coming to dinner…

September 18, 2014 Benjamin's Boutique Blog , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

table setting for post

 

It’s the little things. Whether you’ve put forth the effort to whip up a three course meal worthy of Julia and invited a bevy of guests – or you are having a simple Sunday supper – a properly set table will elevate your gathering.
1) Start with the Basic Table Setting – it is your foundation – this setting is fitting for most occasions and can be built upon as the event formality is elevated.
2) First the dinner plate is positioned in the center then the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order it will be used – the fork is placed to the left, the knife is placed to the right of the plate with the blade facing the plate and the spoon is placed to the right of the knife. A water glass goes above the knife.
3) Now step it up – if a salad is to be served then place the salad fork outside the dinner fork. Salad and bread and butter plates go to the left of the forks. White and red wine glasses are positioned to the left of the water glass. If you are serving a soup – place the bowl on the plate and the soup spoon to the right of the dinner spoon.
4) The bones of your table are there but dress up the look with a charger under the dinner plate and a low centerpiece. Your flowers should never be above 10-12 inches – you want your guests to be able to chat without leaning around a tall bouquet.
5) Napkins can be placed under the forks for an informal setting – but when you take things formal go the extra mile by trying a fancy fold or incorporating your napkin rings with a sprig of greenery.
A lovely table sets the mood for your dinner party – don’t skimp on this step. A properly set table is the first step to a truly enjoyable meal.

 

Homecoming

September 18, 2014 Benjamin's Boutique Blog

homecoming

You fancy, huh?

So homecoming 2014 is fast approaching and the dress choices are too much to comprehend – shake it off – you’ve got this. Sure everyone is still showing the Cinderella dress, the high/low dress and the requisite little cut-out number that is unlikely to make it past parental approval – but come on – you can step up your style and knock their socks off.

1) First are the throw-back choices that read like a walk through the decades – these styles have been reimagined for 2014 and are sure to bring the stands to their feet.
The Forties Floral – this look is all about that waist – cinched with an exaggerated sleeve translated in a
retro floral pattern – channel Veronica Lake and break out your hot rollers for some vintage waves – pair with great costume diamonds and before the night is over you may just have a tiara to complete the look.
The Sixties Mod Shift – sure this classic silhouette may not seem like much but it lends itself to your bang, bang – add a stack of bangles, a statement necklace and edgy ankle boots and you’ve made it your own.
The Seventies Graphic – think Missoni’s iconic print – break free with this look – it can be found in a maxi or a short flirty baby doll dress with a keyhole neck – careful with this one though – don’t pair with boots or you’ll look like you’ve dressed for a costume party – make dancing the night away easy and wear your ballet flats.

2) The Checkered or Plaid Print evokes a London school girl feel – boom clap this look and make it punk rock with a leather jacket or motorcycle boots

3) Go glam in Metallic Mini – this glossy fad was ubiquitous on the runways – from shiny dresses to slick accessories – you’re sure to turn heads and be on trend with this look.

4) Embrace your Inner Girly-Girl in a coquettish A-line – the best thing about this shape is it flatters all body types – go for a bright color – almost every designer showed power pastels for fall.

5) Lace – you can take this look from short, sweet, and frilly all the way to a granny-chic maxi – it works to suit every style – you can break out your motorcycle boots here to edge things up or go with it and pair with your high heel pumps and bright lips.

6) Polka-Dots and Stars – start a fire and shut it down with either print – polka dots for fall were all over Marc Jacobs show – they never go out of style and today’s translation is leaning neutral which is always chic. Stars – over the moon for this pattern – it is unexpected, has all the features of the polka dot – but you are less likely to run in to yourself on the dance floor.
You have two hands, one beating heart – you’ll be alright – don’t make this harder than it has to be – pick a dress that fits your style and rock it out!

Do Knot be afraid of the Skinny Tie…

September 12, 2014 Benjamin's Boutique Blog , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

skinny tie

 

Don’t fool yourself – the skinny tie is not a furnishing reserved for hipsters. Nope – the skinny tie has been around – it has stood the test of ins and outs – spanned Connery to Mad Men to Timberlake. The skinny tie should be in the lineup in every man’s closet. Initially you may think of the skinny tie as the formal go to player but you can call this one up off the bench for informal occasions as well. The secret is in the knot. You can go one of four ways with the skinny tie knot.

 
1) Casual – aim to keep the knot loose and asymmetric for a laid-back look.

 
2) The four-in-hand knot – this is a standard, simple knot that works well with skinny ties.

 
3) The half-windsor – this is a smaller and less bulky knot than the traditional Windsor yet still stylish.

 
4) Last but not least – if you really want to shake things up try an exotic knot – the Eldredge – this knot works best with solids or patterns – as far as venues go save this knot for celebratory – it’s complex and better served in that setting.

 

So if you’ve been rocking this look for a while – try a new way of tying it…and if you’ve reserved judgment – take the leap and buy your first one – you’re sure to get plenty of compliments!

 

Stripes and Dots after Labor Day…We Can Do It!

September 8, 2014 Benjamin's Boutique Blog , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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While we typically think of polka dots in candy color spring and summer pastels and stripes can harken to the days of Audrey in her summer boat neck sweater – these two prints are easily translated to fall fashions. It may seem obvious but truly the trick is to move into the next season gracefully – taking color and pattern into account. This fall, fashion goes for stripes, dots and stunning graphic prints – they are everywhere from ready-to-wear to accessories.
1) News flash – what’s black and white and red all over…stripes! Break the story in big, thick magic marker prints.
2) Stroke of genius – horizontal and vertical are certainly still on trend but a stripe can take the form of chevron or zebra – rock this out in unexpected color combinations – just by removing white as the base color you transpose the look for fall.
3) Dot, dot, dot – don’t think Julia at the polo match in the ubiquitous brown and white dress – switch up the polka dot in contrasting hues – here again when white is extracted from the palette in polka dots you’ve opened the door to this pattern’s wear-ability in the cooler seasons.
4) Spot on – polka dots do not have to be an all-over pattern – try a solid sweater with a smattering of dots – groupings of three will make your point.
5) Circle up – try the polka dot trend in an outerwear piece – what better to brighten a gray day than a swing trench featuring droplets of color.
There you have it – stripes and polka dots aren’t going anywhere because they are classic – so just like you no longer pack away your white jeans when the clock strikes midnight on labor day – with the right cut, color and pattern configuration you can wear these timeless prints year-round.

How To Postpone A Wedding

September 3, 2014 Benjamin's Boutique Blog , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

weddingHow To Postpone A Wedding

Ah wedded bliss…on the horizon…the dress is ordered, the florist ad caterer scheduled and then…for whatever
reason you and your betrothed decide to postpone the wedding. With invitations already in the mail – this is no longer
just about you and your issue of delay. You must let people know. When a wedding is cancelled or rescheduled – you
can contact guests in the following manner depending on their relation to you.

  1.  Printed cards with wording such as:
    Mr. and Mrs. Joe Smith
    announce that the marriage of their daughter
    Suzy Smith
    to
    Jack Spratt
    will not take place/has been postponed.
  2. You may choose to send a handwritten note – in which case the information contained within regarding the
    reasoning for the postponement would – by nature – be more personal.
  3. And last – as painful as it may be – some invited guests/friends/family members deserve a phone call – in
    this case there is one exception to the relation reference – if you have guests traveling long distances you
    must call them as soon as possible to notify them of the change in plans.

Although difficult and stressful – when handled with grace this process will ultimately make moving forward far easier.

Tee-it-Up

August 29, 2014 Benjamin's Boutique Blog , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

golf attire postIn golf technology has changed both the way a player plays, as well as the way we look. The game of golf demands that style blend with functionality. You can look fabulous in that crazy ensemble – but can you play? Assuming you want to be able to hang with your foursome – you will want to take a look at what you are wearing on the links. Throughout the evolution of golf fashion – think Hogan in a sweater vest to Fowler in his Sunday orange – for the amateur the spirit of golf attire has remained the same – businesslike.

1. First you will want to make sure you are complying with the rules of the course you at which you are playing. Once your tee-times are made – take a look at their website there will be clear instructions regarding dress – this typically prohibits denim in any form – which is amusing…who can swing in a pair of jeans.

2. Think about who you will be playing with – are they close friends? Business associates? Potential clients?

3. Take into account the weather conditions – bring along layers in cooler climates and your raingear on the day you’re playing with the friend that won’t give up in any condition

4. Ladies – at most courses women are asked to wear blouses with sleeves or sleeveless blouses with collars – but the polo shirt remains the standard. You don’t have to feel like you are in a style rut – there are so many great looking options out there today – you can comply with the etiquette and still show you are a fashionista while sinking that putt!

5. Last – but not least – the most important item you should include is sunscreen – men…even if you are wearing a hat – be sure to load up and remember the tops of your ears!

“Cool” Technology

May 21, 2014 Benjamin's Boutique Blog

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Ministry of Supply has released some very cool technology in their men’s clothing. Phase change materials are used in NASA spacesuits for temperature regulation. They act like a battery, storing heat away from you when you overheat, then releasing it back at you when you return to an air-conditioned office. So you stay at your ideal body temperature and Laser Cut Ventilation which lets air in where you need the extra fresh air.