What to Wear on a First Date

By Suzanne M.

I have been asked to join some fellow Canadian bloggers who write a blog called True Love Bites, available at http://www.truelovebites.ca

It is a relationship blog, with a twist of humour, which explores a wide range of topics, including "First Dates". Which got me thinking about what people wear on a first date, fashion wise.

Do they dress fancy? Casual? Deliberately dress down? Or try to find a balance... "Business Casual" has so many definitions it is truly undefinable.

So perhaps the best term for this scenario is "Date Casual", which is to say casual, but the clothes is usually freshly cleaned, the person is recently shaved, showered, etc - which unfortunately means that some women will rush home after work, shower, shave their legs, do their hair, pick out clothing, and then rush back out to meet the 6:45 date. While men, depending on the person, may simply go straight from work to their date, wearing the same clothes they wore since 8 AM, with a 5 O'clock shadow, etc.

Check out the video below for example (which was shown on a recent post on True Love Bites) and notice how the two people meeting for the first time end up talking about his sports jacket (and WTH does she not know what a sports jacket is???) She shows up wearing a jacket that looks like a cross between a trench coat and a fuzzy bathrobe, but somehow the topic ends up being about his idiotic sports jacket.




Yes, the video is more about the concept of Augmented Reality Dating - but even though their reality is augmented using their contacts, they still feel the need to "dress casual but professional" on a first date. So it really comes down to first impressions.

Too Professional - Might make the person seem too boring and rigid.
Too Casual - Might make the person seem sloppy and lazy.
Just Right - Somewhere closer towards a happy medium, hence "Date Casual".

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH "dating casually" or "casual dating", which refers to people who go out on dates with many different people, but don't actually form long term relationships with them because they just want to try lots of different people on like someone shopping for shoes.

So for example lets look at the images below.

Overall very casual, but the blazer jacket makes it slightly more professional.

A blend of casual and professional, but looks pretty boring. Too much grey.

On the left the scarf makes her look more professional and artistic, but still flirty.

On the right the large bag and loss of the scarf makes her look easy and sloppy.

And because this is a Canadian website we should also talk about what happens during the winter. Do you sacrifice being warm for the sake of fashion? Or do you manage to combine smart fashion with something that keeps you really warm? Like a parka, poncho, knitted sweater dress, etc.

Below, some samples of ponchos.

I even saw a guy recently outside wearing a poncho while he was playing Pokemon Go. So it is both fashionable and practical. In other news it is snowing outside my window...

In more other news here are some posts from True Love Bites. Check 'em out!

Augmented Reality Speed Dating Platform
Politics, Love, Trumpites and Dealbreakers
Five Tips for Restaurant Dates
Marriage and Popping the Question
The Girlfriendzone
Jian Ghomeshi, the Sexual Predator and why "Not Gu...
Promocode for Couples Archery Lessons in Toronto
The Lavishness of Hobby Specific Gifts
So-Called "Nice Guys" and the Real Reason Why "Nic...
Ashley Madison's Phoney Accounts
10 Tips for Dating Asian People in Canada
TrueLoveBites.ca - New Domain Name
Badoo Sucks and I will tell you why
Valentines is coming, Rose Colour Meanings + Bizar...
Monogamy Vs Monotony
How to get a Boyfriend - Chinese Wisdom
Funny Text Message Breakups
7 Great Romantic Getaways in Canada
Attractiveness, Kissing and Oral Health
Would you date a deaf person?
5 Ways to Spot if your Date is a Serial Killer
Halloween is a great time of year to meet New Love...
The Instant Connection
5 Ways to Spot a Serial Dater
Exercise and Common Lies people post on Personals
Do's and Don'ts of Dating Vegans and Vegetarians
Attractive Things Men Do
Dating Academic Cheaters
An Essay on Cheating and Breaking Up
An essay on the foolish things girls do for a guy....
Happy Valentines Day!
March 15th - International Breakup Day
5 Valentines Gift Ideas
Learning Your Lessons when it comes to Dating
Christmas - The Relationship Breaker???
Jealousy Fuelled Rage and Temper Tantrums
Advanced Kissing Skills 101
You Are More Beautiful Than You Think
67 Ways to Save Money and still go on Dates
Should I Text Him Flowchart
A Good Boyfriends knows what to do...
The Coffee Date - Poetry by Maria Jones-Statham
The Pre Date Phone Call - Screening your Dates Bef...
Lets just stay friends...
Chewing Gum = Prepare to get Kissed
Advice for First Dates
Best Breakup Line Ever!
Building Stronger Relationships Towards LOVE
5 Tips to Become a Lady Magnet
How to Find Happiness and True Love
Lots of Single Chinese Women can't find a husband
Breaking Up With An Overly Attached Girlfriend
College Relationships
Three Dates Equals Sex
How to Fake It and get into their Pants
What to talk about during a First Date
The Fake Out
How to Ask a Woman on a Date
Are cooking classes really a good place to meet a ...
Worst Dating Gifts Ideas
10 Things You Should Never Say To Your Boyfriend
What to Wear on your First Date
Love, Dating and Long Distance Relationships
In the beginning...

Raccoon Fur Collar in China

Okay so I found this photo randomly.

And I was like wow. Raccoon fur. That is a bit like wearing rat fur or squirrel fur. Or any other kind of rodent.

So apparently wearing rodent fur is a thing in Asia. I admit, it looks good, but I think it is rather strange to be wearing rodent fur.

Meanwhile in Canada we are obsessed with removing raccoons humanely and setting them free in the wild.

Especially when you consider how adorable and cute raccoons are. Definitely not something to be wearing.

Two DIY Scarves

Hey Canada! Are you cold this winter? Get yourself a scarf!

Can't afford to buy a new scarf? Make your own!

Here is two easy ways to make your own using recycled fabric.

#1. Take an old piece of clothing you don't wear any more and cut it into one long strip using scissors. Then add turn the ends into decorative frills by cutting uniform ribbons into the ends using the scissors.

#2. Take an old shirt or blouse that has buttons and cut the shirt horizontally, and leave the button where it is. Unbutton it, reverse half of the shirt 180 degrees, and then rebutton. Voila! You now have an infinity scarf that can detach where the button is.

Old Fashioned Winter Cloaks and Capes

Okay so I found the cape on the right on Etsy, but what I was originally looking for was old fashioned cloaks.

The great thing about old fashioned style cloaks is just how amazingly warm they keep the wearer. Even though they are open at the front and the bottom, the cloak hoards heat and traps it inside making it amazingly warm - and there is still plenty of ventilation so you never feel like you are overheating.

But finding stores that sell such cloaks are a bit hard to find. I am looking for a full length cloak, that goes down past your knees (true full length cloaks drag on the ground a bit, which means they have to be cleaned regularly).

Sort of like the ones you see in the TV show "Game of Thrones" and worn by Sansa Stark, Rob Stark, Jon Snow, Eddard Stark, etc. Below is a photo of Sansa Stark's cloak with a hood.

One of the things I like about Sansa is that she is always amazingly well dressed. Even when her world feels like it is falling apart around her, she is always surprisingly well dressed (and well mannered even when being slapped by Joffrey's henchmen). But you can see the fire of rebellion in her eyes.

Below is an example of the dress Sansa wears to her aunt's funeral:

Anyway, back to cloaks.

The only websites I can find cloaks on apparently are medieval times websites that sell "costumes" and Etsy. Below are examples of cloaks I found on Etsy and similar websites.

8 Winter Fashion Tips for Men

Honestly, most men know almost nothing about fashion and how to make themselves look good. It is like their mother's maybe tried to teach them, but teenage rebellion led them to become a skaterboy with a very different view of fashion than their parents.

Thus whether you are shopping for yourself, or you are a female shopping for the man in your life here are some winter fashion tips geared just for men.

Tip #1. Think Tight.

Tighter clothes are warmer than loose fitting clothes. Buying a big jacket may look warmer if you have a "bigger is better" mentality, but tighter clothing traps heat in better. Tighter clothing also makes you look more attractive, so it is a win-win.

If you can find a jacket with a hood, that is good too. Or just wear a hoodie under your jacket.

#2. Black or Brown Leather Winter Gloves.

Leather gloves made for winter are durable, warm and stylish. That is the trifecta right there if you are into horseracing metaphors.

#3. Knitted Hat or Toque.

Go knitted and thick. Honestly it doesn't have to be a huge hat with earflaps to keep your head warm, but you will want something that covers your ears.

The grey knitted hat below is a great example of what to look for. It covers the forehead and ears, looks great and it is very warm.

#4. Think Dark - Black, Brown, Charcoal or Grey.

Darker clothing traps in heat better. The blacker and darker the better. Ask a physicist to explain why, but basically black clothing doesn't reflect light, and it then stores light as heat energy inside the clothing. This means you are warmer because you are wearing clothing that isn't reflecting light/heat rays away from you.

#5. Winter Boots = Fur Lined.

The anti-fur people are going to hate me right now, but yes real fur is warmer than synthetic fur. Much warmer. So much warmer it doesn't even bear comparison. Thus if you can find winter boots that have fur lining, they fit you, they are comfortable and they look great that is something you should definitely purchase.

Below are examples of the same boots in tan brown and black.

#6. Neck Warmer or Scarf.

Whether you prefer scarves or neck warmers, there are plenty of different styles and materials to choose from. Knitted, fur, infinity scarves, etc.

If you don't get a scarf or neck warmer and you are outside on a cold windy day you will really notice the difference and be regretting not having one.

That or just stay inside all winter. Your choice.

Whatever you do just don't buy the neck warmer / ski mask that is designed to look like a giant beard. That is just wrong. Wrong. Bad boy. Stop wearing that ugly thing!

#7. Long Johns.

Last but not least, keep your legs warm by getting several pairs of long johns. They keep everything below the waist a lot warmer than your jeans ever will. Plus they are surprisingly sexy, although I admit it helps if you have the right body for it.

#8. Accessorize!

Honestly, this is the part where I encourage men to get creative. Basically think of an activity to do, take whatever accessories you need to do that activity and then go do it.

Ice skates over your shoulder as you head to the ice rink.

Take the dog for a walk outside. (Please don't make the dog wear anything impractical. If it is to keep the dog warm, fine, but if it is just for looks you are just torturing your dog and should be imprisoned.)

Fur cloak (although where you would buy this, I am not sure). Ponchos work equally well in my opinion since they are so warm and fashionable. What activities can you do while wearing a poncho? Skiing, ice skating, walking the dog, strolling by the icy/windy beach.

Jacket with Fur Hood

When doing winter activities it is best to dress for the weather.

In this case I recommend a fur hood on your jacket. Keeps you nice and warm when you are doing all sorts of fun winter activities.

Like winter archery!

That looks like a lot of fun, and doing it in style is so much better!

Men's Jackets and Outerware

Men's outerwear is symbolic of a man's personality, and having the right outwear for every occasion is important for the man that values style. When gentlemen are wearing outwear with aplomb, they look like they are master of their own domain, and this is very important for the guy who wants to be in charge of his life and climb the ladder at work and at home.

Peter Millar jackets are a significant step in styling a man who values his look every day. Whether he is heading to the office to close deals, taking him wife out for a nice dinner, or hiking alone on his day off, the discriminating gentleman must make wardrobe choices that add to his appeal.

When dressing for the weather, there are many forms of outerwear that will make him look fantastic and feel comfortable at the same time. His wife can snuzzle into the jacket during a cold carriage ride, the kids can hide under the jacket as the wind blows, and he can breeze into a business meeting looking like the sharpest person in the room. All of this can be achieved with well-styled and proper outerwear for gentlemen who know what they want out of life.

Mint Green Ugly Coat

Omigod!

Who would wear such an ugly mint green coat?

You would have to really love faux fur that looks old shag carpeting and that hideous colour.

Disgusting!

15 Winter Beauty Tips

In the winter the cold air dries out your skin and hair and this can be disastrous if you don't take steps to protect your hair/skin from damaging effects.

How do you stop this???

1. Nourish your skin and keep it protected by using a moisturizer perfect for your skin type. I find products containing coconut oil work wonders.

2. Alcohol strips away moisture from your skin or hair, so avoid products with alcohol. (Oddly enough, this includes drinking alcohol... the extra alcohol in your blood reduces your hydration levels, which in turn dries out your skin. So try to drink in moderation.)

3. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Avoid coffee (too much caffeine is bad for your skin and your health in general, plus loss of sleep = loss of beauty) and drink non-caffeinated tea instead.

4. Chapped lips can also be a problem if you're outside regularly (whats the point of looking awesome if you can't go outside???). Use a lip balm that’s at least SPF 15.

5. Winter exercises are the hardest, but don’t give up on the exercise. Just hire a certified personal trainer in Toronto and stick with it! Personal trainers are great for getting you motivated in the winter to exercise.

6. Exfoliate! Dead cells tend to pile up during the Winter.

7. Get that healthy dose of sleep. Get at least 7 hours of sleep, if you can’t fit in 8 hours.

8. Take a 30 to 60 minute nap on weekends or after work. Think of it like a siesta. The extra sleep helps to heal and rejuvenate the skin.

9. Try to wear non-irritating fabrics. No harsh wools or itchy polyester.

10. Avoid over-washing your hair. Too much washing sucks the moisture out of your hair and leaves it dry and damaged.


11. Avoid chemical treatments such as perming or colouring to the hair as it may become brittle or extremely dried out.

12. Eat a balanced diet. Dark green and leafy vegetables are also effective in preventing dry skin and they also help fight infection.

13. When exercising outside dress warmly and moisturize your exposed skin parts before going outside (your face and hands).

14. Wear a hat which covers ALL of your hair. This will help protect your hair from dryness. Shop around for something fashionable that fits you perfectly.

15. Faux fur is awesome. It not only keeps you warm, but the warmth reduces dryness on your skin so you stay moisturized longer.

:)

Festive Silver - Decor for the Holidays

RELIGION - Whether you're into Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, the Winter Solstice, Yuletide or New Years the "in colour" this year isn't really a colour. Its silver.

Move over red and green – neutrals, metallics and peacock shades are the hot holiday hues of 2008.

This year’s decor is taking a cue from the runways. PARA Paints chose a royal-inspired festive palette of plumy purple, flat silver, icy white and cream and, the season’s rising star, cobalt blue.

For traditionalists, deep blue paired with silver and white is stepping up as a wintry alternative for the now oh-so-passé combo of red and green.

Metallics, including classics like silver, gold and bronze, are also popular again this season. Metallics in a not-too-shiny, midtone finish are particularly hot this year and mixing metallics isn't as hard as it sounds.

For the more adventurous host or hostess you may want to embrace the monochromatic trend. A combination of white, cream and silver can evoke a warm but wintry feel, while copper, beige and brown creates a natural-yet-chic atmosphere.

You don’t have to spend a gazillion dollars

When money is tight, holiday decorating doesn’t have to mean placing a single white candle on the table. Getting the house ready for the holidays on a budget simply means being a little resourceful, decorating experts say.

Carefully revamping or creatively using what you already own can create lush looks in lean economic times. Objects found in the home can be used to create a sense of richness and warmth in a family room. The idea is to convey a sense of abundance.

ie. Find a clear glass bowl and fill it with ornaments of a single bright colour for an eye-catching display.

Set a budget and follow it closely, reuse your stash of decorations, bring in the great outdoors, and remember that it’s supposed to be fun. Paint or glitter can refresh the decorations pulled out of closets and basements and spray paint can be your best friend.

Try buying a large roll of wide ribbon and making bows that can be placed on trees, garlands on staircases and gifts. Making your own bows is cheaper than buying new ones.

You can make wreaths look new by attaching new fake berries, sprigs or pine cones.

Try using nature to update your decor, for example, by gathering twigs, pine cones, branches and pine boughs and arranging the items in a vase, as though they are part of a flower arrangement. Spray painting the cones festive silver can also work wonders.