Category: Men Fashion

GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN MAHESH DATTANI`S PLAY `TARA`

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GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN MAHESH DATTANI`S `TARA` BY DR. RAM SHARMA, SENIOR LECTURER IN ENGLISH, J.V.P.G COLLEGE, BARAUT, BAGHPAT, U.P., INDIA

Mahesh Dattani has presented the bizarre reality of the woman playing second fiddle to man.This play opens with Chandan changed into Dan in order to absolve himself from the guilt of killing his sister.He has to bear the brunt of his grandfather`s and mother`s cruelty .He considers himself responsible for his sister`s death. In this play Dattani plays with the idea of female infanticide that is prevalent among the Gujratis and also suggests Patel`s hegemonic patriarchy when he insists that proper division in the gender roles be made Tara gives us a glimpse into the modern society which claims to be liberal and advanced in its thought and action. In a society which claims that its mothers are educated today and have `Devis ` like Durga, Kali, Saraswati , Lakshmi etc whom not only women but men also pay obeisance , differentiate between a male child and a female child.All the propagandas of equality between male and female , equal opportunities to women in all the fields are belied..Dattani`s deep preoccupation with gender issues leads to the emergence of the idea of the twin side to one`s self -quite literally embodied in one body and the separation that follows Mahesh Dattani mentioned in one of his interviews with Lakshmi Subramanyam : “I see Tara as a play about the male self and female self.The male self is being preferred in all cultures .The play is about the separation of self and the resultant angst“[p-134]1

.Erin Mee writes in the note of the play,

“Tara centres on the emotional separation that grows between two conjoined twins following the discovery that their physical separation was manipulated by their mother and grandfather to favour the boy[ Chandan] over the girl [ Tara] .Tara , a feisty girl who isn`t given the opportunities given to her brother [although she may be smarter ] eventually wastes away and dies. Chandan escapes to London , changes his name to Dan , and attempts to repress the guilt he feels over his sister`s death by living without a personal history .Woven into the play are issues of class and community , and the clash between traditional and modern lifestyles and values.“ CP [p-319]2

Patel and Bharati are educted parents but they created new discriminations. Bharati`s father, a resourceful person , is also considered to be one of the factors in this mishap. If Bharati had been led astray by her father`s high handed decision , why didn`t Patel put his foot down and stand against their decision?Father should be strong enough to fight this discrimination.The relationship of Bharati and Tara , mother and daughter is subordinated to her subjugation to the expectations of the society .She has no free will and her compassion for Tara , proves weak in her preference for her son Chandan. She plans for the surgery for the separation of the children and determines to offer her kidney to give a new lease of life to Tara .When Chandan enquires her if she has any plans for Tara , Bharati says,

“Yes, I plans for her happiness .I mean to give her all love and affection which I can give .Its what she deserves have can make up for lot[ CP p-349]“3

Bharati is quite much fearful about the future of her daughter,

“It`s all right while she is young .It`s all very cute and comfortable when she makes witty remarks .But let her grow up .Yes ,Chandan the world will tolerate you. The world will accept you- but not her! Oh! The pair is going to feel when she sees herself at eighteen or twenty .Thirty is unthinkable and what about forty and fifty! Oh, God ! [ CP p-349]4

Bharati tries to shed her burden of guilt by showing maternal love and concern for her daughter and to assert her moral superiority over her husbandShe also tries to expatiate by the act of donating kidney to her daughter which was ultimately futile.Dattani establishes that mother and daughter relationship is ultimately subordinated to the directives of patriarchy .All cultures and all countries by establishing values , roles , gender perception and prescribe unequal means to achieve.Dr. Thakkar occupies the one on the highest level throughout the play.Tara and Chandan are conjoined, Siamese twins who must be separated to survive. The dichotomy between the twin `gendered` selves is recognized , and a physical separation is made through surgery “ Like we`ve always been.Inseperable .The way we started in life.Two lives and one body in one comfortable womb .Till we were forced out—- And separated“ [ CP p-325]5

The problem begin when it is recognized that it has been unequal , unfair operation , with the mother , Bharati, her father and the surgeon collaborating to afford the male with better chances , physically -the second leg.Dr. Thakkar , the god -like `life giver ` is aware that the third leg would adhere better to the female half , and yet becomes party to the decision..Dan tries to define his other half, the feisty Tara “ She never got a fair deal .Not even from nature.Neither of us did .May be God never wanted us separated .Destiny desires strange things—–But even God does not always get what he wants.Conflict is the crux of life“`[ CP p-330]6

Mr. Patel , an emblem of male chauvinism , maintains his absolute authority in the decision making about the family Bharati is a pathetic victim of patriarchy .She was exceptionally conscious for her safety for Tara , not for the sake of Tara but for her own sake.It was irony of fate that Chandan and Tara were entwined in such a way that their separation was impossible .Chandan enjoyed greater preference and Tara was left to enjoy the position of a subaltern. The effort to separate them through surgery left Tara cripple for life. The suffering of Tara and Chandan is a symbolic justification to the perception that the grace of the relationship exist not in their separateness but in their moving in a coordination or interdependence.The famous theatre director Erin Mee writes“

Dattani sees Tara as a play about the gendered self, about coming to terms with the feminine side of oneself in a world that always favours what is `male` , but many people in India see it as a play about the girl child.“ [ CP-p-320]7

Tara was more enthusiastic and full of jest and spark of life .She had high aspirations which she could not accomplish because of her handicapped state while the boy was comfortably ensconced and had come to terms with his handicapped life,Why was then Tara denied the privilege of the good leg. Why? Is it because she was a girl ? Is being a girl in the society a curse. Why so much partiality and differentiation done to women in the country which has rich heritage and where women are otherwise placed on the pedestral Dr. Thakkar belied his godly profession and led himself to be bribed by Bharati`s father into becoming an accomplice in the bizarre act of severing the leg. He should have upheld his profession by denouncing the decision at his inception whereas he in a way took Tara`s life by severing the leg. His wise decision could have given Tara a safe, secured and complete life.Patel , meanwhile seems much beleaguered “Yes, call me a liar, a wife beater, a child abuser.It`s what you want me to be! And you .You want them to believe you love them very much “ [ CP p-354]8

Again he tells Tara , “ Tara , please believe me when I say that I love you very much and I have never in all my life loved you less or more than I have loved your brother.But your mother—-“ [ CP-p-354]9

This is why the play generates a death like response from Tara when she learns the truth, she was discriminated against , because of her gender, but not by her father- it was Bharart`s decision that deprived her of what she wanted more than anything else in the world- a second leg.Bharati`s father further strengthened his indulgence for male grand child by leaving his property after his demise to Chandan and not a single penny to Tara. Chandan and Tara`s maternal grandfather was a wealthy man. He was in politics and came very close to becoming the Chief Minister.His will is a testament of the kind of treatment that is meted out to girls in Indian society.Mr. Patel and Chandan are talking,

“PATEL. He [ grandfather] left you a lot of money. CHANDAN . And Tara? PATEL . Nothing CHANDAN. Why? PATEL It was his money.He could do what he wanted with it.[CP p-360]10

Patel`s attitude has also been negative. He belames his wife and father-in-law for the damage done cannot be denied. The fact that male is always given the greater chance is obvious from Patel`s planning for Chandan`s education and future career.No consideration whatsoever for her feelings! Tara is the victim of this collective social system.Her father, Mr. Patel , is not much different from his wife , though Bharati is guilty of a more serious crime against Tara. He continuously and doggedly favours Chandan when it comes to giving him higher education abroad. , and a career.

“PATEL .You are turning them against the whole world. BHARATI I am doing that. PATEL . Yes ! Look at the way you treat Tara .As if she is made of glass. You coddle her , you pet her, you sdpoil her, She`s grown up feeling she doesn`t need anyone but you.! BHARATI. What d`you want me to do? Just tell me in plain simple words what you want me to do and i`ll do it! PATEL. Let go. Just let go.And let me handle them. BHARATI. All right .You stay at home then ! You stay at home and watch what they can do and what they can`t .You remind them of what they can`t be. It`s easy for you to talk about their future and your plans.But tell them what they should do now .This day , this hour , this minute .Tell them ! I want to hear.! PATEL. Chandan is going to study further and he will go abroad for his higher studies. BHARATI. And Tara? PATEL. When have you ever allowed me to make any plans for her? [ CP p-352]11

But Tara could have made her defiency , her strength and fight the society to etch a place of her own.Tara is discoraged openly, notwithstanding her feelings in the matter , even though she is more intelligent , sharp and witty and would perform well if given ooportunities in life. Economic and cultural factors have been responsible for the antipathy against and inferiorization of the girl child .All these factors combine to create the social system in which the girl child has to live and die.Tara is killed by social system , which controls the minds and actions of the people.The trauma of coming to know the role her mother had played in her life , and the discrimination become too much for her. And why is she killed? Tara is not wanted. Girls are not wanted.

“TARA. Oh! What a waste! A waste of money .What spend all the money to keep me alive?It cannot matter whether I live or die. There are thousands of poor sick people on the roads who could be given care and attention , and I think I know what I will make of myself.I will be a crer for those people .I —- I will spend the rest of my life feeding and clothing those. —-starving naked millions everywhere is talking about.May be I can start an institution that will —- do all that.Or I could join Mother Teresa and sacrifice muself to a great cause.That may give— purpose to my —existence .I can do it .I can do it , can`t I ?I will be very happy if I could , because that is really what I want .That really —[with emotion].Oh! , bullshirt! I don`t care .I don`t care for anyone except mummy! [ CP- p-370]12

The above statement shows that Tara is not deterred by the injustice done to her by her parents but she presents herself as an empowered lady to face all the hurdles.She also shows her sympathy towards the downtrodden.She was bubbly and energetic girl who had all the qualities of a normal girl. If she had been given moral support by her parents .She might have shone like a star as her name signifies. Her life was a burden on this earth .This made her lose interest in life altogether .Further she refuses to go to physiotherapy or fill forms for college.

TARA.. How do you expect me to feel anything for anyone if they don`t give me any feeling to begin with? Why is it wrong for me to be without feeling? Why are you asking me to do something that nobody has done for me?[ CP p-371]`13`

Tara was a bright and shinning star which was a source of cheerfulness and happiness of the family.A complete life could have done wonders and she would have scored the limits which her brother Chandan couldn`t have.Tara`s potentiality was sacrificed on the alter of gender. Identity crisis becomes a chain with which a female is fettered when the question of choice between male and female arises.

“ TARA The hospital staff. At the reception , they asked me who I wanted to see. I told them. They asked me to wait .One of the nurses passing by recognized me .She drew the receptionist aside and spoke to her in a low voice .She thought I couldn`t hear what she was saying .But I heard ! She told her that she had received strict instructions from our father that I shouldn`t on any account be allowed to see mummy on my own .[Pause] Now tell me i`m imagining things .Tell me that he doesn`t hate me! [ CP p-373]14

It is noteworthy that discrimination against Tara continues even after her death.Chandan , who was always interested in writing , and who has come to England for higher studies , has transferred into Dan .He turns the story he writes into his own tragedy. Dan apologises to Tara for doing this “Forgive me , Tara .Forgive me for making it my tragedy.“`[ CP p-380]15

In the end I can say that Mahesh Dattani has very deftly revealed the theme of gender discrimination in this play.

NOTES AND REFERENCES 1-Subramanyam,Lakshmi[ed]. ,Muffled Voices: Women in Modern Indian Theatre, New Delhi,Shakti , 2002, p-134 2-Mee, Erin, A Note in the Play ,Collected Plays, Mahesh Dattani, Penguin Books, New Delhi, p-319 3-Dattani, Mahesh, Collected Plays, Penguin, New Delhi, p-349 4- ibid p-349 5-ibid p-325 6-ibid p-330 7- Mee, Erin, A Note in the Play, Collected Plays, Mahesh Dattani, Penguin, New Delhi p-320 8-Dattani, Mahesh-Collected Plays, Penguin Books, New Delhi, p-354 9-ibid -p-354 10-ibid p-360 11-ibid p-352 12- ibid p-370 13 – ibid p-371 14 -ibid p-373 15-ibid p-380

Salwar Kameez History

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Salwar kameez dates back to the 12th century since of Islamic or the Iranian era which was then followed by the Mughal empire in the region called now as India and Pakistan.

During those days, men and women both were used to wear salwar kameez as part of the traditional dress but over the years Salwar Kameez has found its popularity in India and Pakistan and the salwar kameez is still worn in the continent.

Salwar kameez is also known as salwar qameez and has evolved itself over the centuries in a mix of Indian and western wear.

Salwar Kameez is popular as its comfortable to wear in day to day casual wear and also in wedding, functions and ceremonies. Salwar Kameez is made in various fabrics like Georgette salwar kameez, chiffon salwar kameez, net salwar kameez, satin salwar kameez, cotton salwar kameez, silk salwar kameez and various other fabrics including the latest trend of fusion fabrics which is mix of the above and synthetic fabric.

The Salwar Kameez has transformed itself over many years into various style, designs and cuts so even the name has seen lot of variation over the decades. While the Salwar Qameez originated during the Moghul Empire when Urdu was the commonly spoken language of the era. But over the years Hindi as Urdu became less common and Hindi language became the common language of the present era salwar kameez original name came.

Although In Pakistan where Urdu is still commonly used its still known as salwar qameez or shalwar but in India and Punjab region of Pakistan its known as Salwar Kameez.

The salwar kameez can be further categorized into:

1.Patiala Salwar Kameez – Patiala Salwar Kameez as the name suggests comes from Patiala in the State of Punjab in Northern India. The King of Patiala in earlier times had its Royal dress as Salwar Kameez or Salwar Qameez. The salwar kameez has loose lowers as salwar and long knee length top know as kameez. Now the dress is not worn by men but has classically transformed itself with new cuts and styling into women’s salwar kameez.

2.Churidar Salwar Kameez Churidar Salwar Kameez is known for its sleek looks. Churidar Salwar Kameez is preferred by lot of females as it looks elegant and gives shape to the body. This salwar kameez has body hugging salwar which is tightly gripped to the body like a stocking its comfortable to wear and is very narrow around the ankle area.

3.Cotton Salwar Kameez – The cotton salwar kameez comes in various fabrics like South cotton, blend of cotton and silk and pure cotton.. Due to high production of cotton which is comfortable fabric in the Indian and Pakistani region due to its wearibility in summers.

4.Designer Salwar Kameez – A designer Salwar kameez is made by a fashion designer and normally has lot of hand embroidery work which is done in pearls, stones, beads and sequins. Although every designer has its own approach while designing a salwar kameez the basics still remains the same. The designer is known to give various cuts and styles around the neck, sleeves, kameez and churidar of a salwar kameez which can change the complete look of the salwar kameez.

5.Printed Salwar Kameez – These are called Printed salwar kameez as they are machine or digitally printed on all kinds of fabric like Georgette, crepe, cotton, chiffon and other materials. The Printed Salwar Kameez has a very wide range of designs from flowers to polka-dot to abstract to other prints. The latest in fashion are the digital prints on the printed salwar kameez which include variety of colors.

6.Punjabi Salwar Kameez – Punjabi salwar kameez, the name comes from Punjab an Indian state in the north western region of India. This salwar kameez is worn in Punjab are also known as Punjabi salwar kameez. Punjabi women are very fond of bright colors and wear bright colored Salwar kameez and dupatta. The Punjabi suit consists of an upper known as Kameez, Dupatta which is a piece of cloth worn around the neck and lower known as salwar. The Salwar is comfortably loose around the waist till the ankle making it a very comfortable dress. The bright printed colors or heavy embroidery of stones, sequins and beads is a must on a Punjabi suit.

7.Silk Salwar Kameez – The Silk Salwar Kameez is never out of fashion as its the fabric for special occasion like wedding, ceremonies, party or even get to gathers. The silk salwar kameez gives a very rich look to the dress due to its shine. The silk used in salwar kameez has started coming in various combinations besides pure silk like Chiffon silk, pure silk, satin silk, paper silk, crepe silk and tussar silk.

8.Wedding Salwar Kameez – Wedding Salwar Kameez are heavy salwar kameez which means they have lot of hand embroidery all over salwar kameez including the kameez, salwar and the sleeves. The work is mainly of beads, sequin and stones. The work is similar to jaal work or is completely filled up. One wedding salwar kameez takes many days of a hand embroidery person to make as the work is so detailed and intrinsic. The wedding salwar kameez gets the name not only due to the hand work involved in it, but also due to its heavy work it can be worn in wedding and other functions.

9.Bridal Salwar Kameez – The bridal salwar kameez is worn by a bride on her wedding day or prior to the wedding day on a ceremony. This salwar kameez is normally in pink or red color due to the auspicious occasion. The salwar kameez is heavily done up with hand embroidered work in stones and other material.

Men Commitment Issues – 6 Reasons Why Men Refuses To Commit

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There have been a lot of men commitment issues today because of fear. Fear of commitment is a combination of the following fears: fear of compromise, money issues, lack of freedom and privacy. Nonetheless, there can be a lot of justification when men faces commitment issues, but whatever justifications to give, the reality tells us that all women involving in a relationship should have a certain requirement and obligation to know if the person is ready for a commitment or not. This is very helpful for women to be very alert with things that surround them especially their boyfriend who may be involved with such commitment issue; this is an awareness. So, what now? do men have more commitment issues than women? Out of 10 guys that you can possibly date, 8 guys can have a fear of commitment.

Find Out More About How To Get Back Together With Your Ex Todayday

One of the scary things that can ever happen in your life is to fall deeply in love with the wrong person.If heartbreak is painful, so as love without commitment.

Although you are facing with such dilemma, it is important to note those men commitment issues that hinder them to bravely face the relationship until the end.

Unable to date more than 1 woman – It is part of men’s nature to desire dating more than 1 woman. Therefore, when commitment is part of the relationship a man decides to enter, dating moments with multiples girls is such a NO!Of course, it is necessary to be a one woman man. For men, especially the cowardly, commitment really scare them because they feel they are just kept controlled in the relationship; and that they feel they are stopped to go and date many girls.

They fear unpleasant things in the relationship – This is common among men during a break from work where some co-workers tell them about their complaints of their married life, or their friends during a night out who also have the same complaint that they are made to follow certain standards in marriage/relationship. What they also get is those ugly moments in the relationship added the fact that their lives have to be adjusted and changes and added responsibility.So what happens is that men opt to stay in a dating relationship as in without strings attached. Money problems – Since men are very ego centered type of person, they always see to it that they are stable financially to be able to give the needs of the partner and the family.Men is considered a provider, and when they are into a lifetime committed relationship, they anticipate the fact that a responsibility is placed on them to provide financially. So if the man believes that his work is still starting and he is still financially unstable, commitment is not a top priority at this time. Dependent – One thing that men think about commitment is the idea of being completely independent in terms of deciding and solving problems.But, most men are dependent in such a way that when they are reared with very supportive parents, they generally feel so secured that whatever they do and when it fails, their parents will be there to support them. When they will commit into a certain relationship, they feel as though they will be changed as a whole which is why they disregard saying I LOVE YOU or WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Promises are meant to be broken – There are women who believe that their men are honest when they say they want to be in a committed relationship, and somewhere in the relationship men change and decide that a fully committed relationship is not for them; frustration, hurt and depression happen in women.

Past bad experiences – When a man has emotional damage, it is highly related to faulty family relationship and bad experiences in the relationship.It is actually difficult for a man when he had bad experiences before as trust was also crashed, thus commitment is a process to really take time before trying.

It is for every women’s perspective on how they can solve the problem and get through with men commitment issues, and it is also for every men’s perspective on whether to commit or not. However, the issues are not just meant to be solved but also to realize the need for responsibility, independence, maturity, firmness and stability. So when men know that they are not responsible enough, it’s time to become one; and when they know they are unprepared to become independent, it’s time to decide on simple things.Sometimes, the truth is telling us that we cannot learn to take control in our lives if we will not ourselves to be one.Remember, nothing beats the beauty of the relationship as you can be forever happy with someone you believe you are destined to be forever.

Discover The Unhappy Marriage Signs and Learn How to Avoid

A Big Mans Guide to Measuring Yourself.

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First you may need to go out and buy a tape measure, one that’s flexible. It’s best to measure yourself when you have bare feet, keeping your back straight and standing tall. I recommend measuring yourself 2-3 times because your posture can change giving a different measurement each time. If possible get someone else to do it for you. Collar – Wrap the tape measure around the base of your neck not too tightly. This is especially useful to measure your shirt size when needing to wear a tie. Business shirts always use the measurement of the collar for the size e.g. 39 medium, 41-42 large, 43-44 extra large etc. Casual shirts will be sized small, medium, large–.. Sleeve – Take the measurement from the base of the collar seam, following the outside shoulder down to the wrist for sleeve length. Chest – Measure by wrapping the tape up under the arms and at the fullest part of the chest. Keep the tape as straight as possible across the back ensuring it’s over the shoulder blades to get an accurate measurement. Waist – Generally a trouser is worn below the navel at a comfortable level. When you wrap the tape measure around your waist, allow for any other garments which might be worn underneath, e.g. singlet, to get a true measurement. Trouser Leg – This is taken from the inside crutch (top in between your legs) to the bottom hemline. The trouser length should fall to approximately 1 cm above the floor when in bare feet. This will allow for the shoe heals when wearing them. Big and Tall When are you considered a Big and Tall person? Is it when you have big feet? Perhaps you think of yourself as a big man because your thighs are quite large at the top or maybe you have a thick neck and you find it difficult to buy a business shirt? Well, I’ll explain the differences in the sizing so you can understand which department you may need to go to when shopping for clothes. It’s not really a great look when larger men or women choose to buy clothes that don’t fit correctly. Many big men and women oversize themselves by trying to hide the effects of being overweight, but this just gives a sloppy appearance. Then there’s the other end of the scale where people don’t like to admit their size and buy clothing far too small for themselves, so these people end up looking like their clothes shrunk in the dryer. When buying clothes, if you can, try them on or if like me you prefer not to in the shop then at least shop where an item can be returned or exchanged so you can take it home, see what you think and exchange if necessary. Many stores don’t refund without the garment being faulty so check first before buying. Big Men’s sections generally begin their sizes at 3 XL going anywhere up from there. Some stores only carry up to 6 or 7 XL and some go to 12 XL. Be aware of the sizing as many companies claim to have a big men’s range when in fact the sizing is misleading due to it being incorrectly labelled larger, making you buy up a size or two so my advice is to check their individual size charts for inches or cm measurements. This has been a constant issue for many women due to a lot of clothing now being made in Asian countries and women are not amused to say they bought a size bigger than they actually are. Me included! With the more and more people of the world becoming overweight, department stores have finally acknowledged the need to increase their size variety and there’s now a fantastic range of clothes around for big and tall men. Everyone has the opportunity to dress well on a budget and stand confident in their choice of style. Trousers usually have at least 2 lengths to choose from, one being regular and the second most popular are short. For tall men it can be a big problem to get trousers long enough to the shoe with many having to make do with socks showing. Trousers tend to differ by around 2 inches not only in length but also in the crutch to waist measurement. The shorter length availability saves having to have a tailor take them up which can be more expensive than the price of the trousers. Shirts often vary in length also. Big or tall men can have trouble tucking the shirt in at the waist if the back is too short which usually are longer than the front. You don’t want to tuck your shirt in too tightly but at the same time don’t want it hanging out either as it looks messy. Being a big man, you may choose to wear a woolen vest, which I personally think looks extremely smart and like. Shoes are another issue altogether for big and tall guys. Just because you may be carrying a bit of weight does not mean your feet are large. Most problems to arise are the width of the foot, not the actual size. Walmart have a range of Wrangler jeans up to size 60 inch or 152 cm at a price of $17.77 which I think is fantastic value or a Faded Glory Original fit jean reduced to only $11. Unfortunately their shirt sizes aren’t as generous as their trousers with most shirts only up to 5 -6 XL. If you’re a 60 inch trouser, chances are you won’t fit a 5 XL shirt. Marks & Spencer have now increased their size range in the big and tall men’s trouser department to a size 52 inches or 132 cm. This is still excellent guys, with a great range across the board of trousers starting at 12.50 for a flat front crease resistant plain trouser and jeans starting at 15. The only issue there is the out of stocks. You may not get the color you would like and may need to compromise. Again the shirt sizes don’t actually match the shape of the body if you wear a size 52 trouser. On their website the shirt size chart goes up to a 19 in or 3 XL which is not an overly large shirt and most seem to be out of stock. With the amount of people buying online these days you need to be able to convert sizes as they differ country to country. If buying from European sites and you’re from the US or UK you’ll need to convert. I used this sizing chart which I found helpful. Some countries are the same so always check first.

So Guys, with online shopping becoming easier and stores expanding ranges, check out some of the fantastic clothes you can now buy in bigger sizes.

Suzanne Beck blogforbigandtallmenwitheverydayadvice

How to Choose the Best Men’s Collar Styles for Your Face Shape

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Most men wear a standard traditional point or button down collar dress shirt, either out of habit or because stores do not offer other choices. The problem is that these collars may not flatter the shape of your face. Here is a simple guide to help you decide which collar style looks best on you.

Round Face
You have full cheeks with a rounded jaw line. Narrow point collars help to thin and elongate a round face. The best collar styles for you have straight points with a traditional or narrow spread. Stick to a traditional point for versatility, button down and hidden button down for a sportier look, narrow point for a fashion look and tab collar for a formal, dressy look.

Best Collars: Standard Point, Button Down,Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Avoid spread collars; they make your face appear wider and fuller.

Worst Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Square Face
You have a square jaw line, which gives your face a broad, square, angular appearance. Square faces look best wearing traditional point collar shirts for versatility, narrow point collars for a fashion look, button down and hidden button down for a sporty look and tab collar shirts for a formal look.

Best Collars: Standard Point, Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Avoid spread collars; they make your face appear wider and fuller.

Worst Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Triangular or Diamond Face
You have pronounced cheekbones and a narrow, pointed chin, which gives your face a “diamond shape.” To make your jaw line appear wider, choose shirts with a medium spread to wide spread collar.

Best Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Avoid narrow spread collars, including button down collars; they make your jaw line appear weak.

Worst Collars: Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Oblong or Rectangular Face
Oblong faces tend to appear long with a u-shaped jaw line. You need collars with a wider spread to give your face the appearance of fullness. Choose medium spread collars for everyday and wide spread collars for a formal look.

Best Collars: Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Avoid narrow spread collars, including button down, hidden button down and tab collars; they make your face appear long and narrow.

Worst Collars: Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, and Tab Collar

Oval Face
You are fortunate because you can wear any collar style. Enjoy wearing traditional collars for an everyday look, button down collar shirts for a sportier casual look, tab collars for a neat, dapper appearance, or wide spread collars for a formal look.

Best Collars: Standard Point, Button Down, Narrow Point, Hidden Button Down, Tab Collar, Medium Spread, Wide Spread, and Varsity Spread

Ask for Advice and Help
To determine your face shape, ask a family member or friend. You may also seek the opinion of a men’s clothing store specialist or ask an image consultant.

Don’t be afraid to try something new! Learning about and choosing collar styles that look great on you will enhance your appearance and get you tons of complimentsit could even help you get ahead in your career.

Where to Find a Good Selection of Shirt Collar Styles
Department stores usually carry only the basic styles. You will be better off shopping at a men’s specialty store or finding a custom tailor who specializes in dress shirts. If you still can’t find the right collar style for you, check on line. It may be only a click away!

A Custom Made Shirt May be Your Best Option
You will be amazed how affordable custom made shirts can be. Custom made shirts allow you a better selection of styles and fabrics. They will fit your budget as well as your body!

Copyright (c) 2008 Janine Giorgenti

Dr. Jays Top Brands From The Top Hip Hop Clothing Store

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What is the difference between any urban and hip hop clothing shop and Dr. Jays urban clothing store? Well there isnt much difference between Dr. Jays urban clothing stores and any urban clothing stores out there. All of them specializes in selling and offering a wide range of urban clothing lines, though some have a wider collection than the other one, it is all still the same.

The only difference that makes Dr. Jays urban clothing stores from any other urban clothing stores is the legacy that Dr. Jays had started.

The Dr. Jay’s legacy began in 1975 with the opening of our first store, in the South Bronx section of New York. Not coincidentally, hip-hop had its origins in the same neighborhood around the same time that Dr. Jay’s opened its first doors to the public.

The urban landscape was changing, and with the new music came a new fashion sensibility. Dr. Jay’s has been a pioneer in providing these urban fashions ever since, growing to 19 stores throughout the New York Metro area.

Dr. Jays is now one of the largest urban clothing stores across the country that helped proliferate the industry that we all know today as the Hip Hop Fashion.

Today, Dr. Jays have not only taken over the retail clothing industry, but also the online clothing industry. Dr. Jays online clothing store showcases some of the most priced and sophisticated brands of urban and hip hop clothing lines. So here are some of the top brands coming from the top hip hop clothing store across the US and the online community, Dr. Jays.

Dr. Jays top brands of hip hop clothing lines for all genders and generation:

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Akademiks
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The akademiks is an American brand of urban clothing line highly respected by the loyal devotees of the hip hop music, which was founded by the brothers Donwan Harrell and Emmet Harrell.
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Donwan, being one of the top 10 designers of Nike, made sure that akademiks can cater to all the needs of the trend-setters and fashion forward people by offering some of the most unique designs coming from one of the top designers of Nike.
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akademiks was popularized in 2001 by Brooklyn rapper Fabolous whose lyrical content advertised the brand. He also wore an akademiks velour on the inside cover of his debut album Ghetto Fabolous.

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Coogi
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Designed and manufactured in Italy, the lines first collection was inspired by the upcoming Olympics and features a primary colour palette and a ringed version of the Coogi logo.
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Though the looks are casual jackets with detachable sleeves, polyurethane nylon pants and swim trunks the prices certainly arent.
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Jeans and bottoms start at $US300 ($A435) and sweaters will go for anywhere from $600 to $1200.

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Rocawear
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Jay-Z co-founded the urban clothing brand rocawear with Roc-A-Fella Records partners Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke.
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Because of the popularity and demand for rocawear all over the country, rocawear now has annual sales of $700 Million per year.
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Because of the huge success of rocawear, its founders decided on expanding their brand through licensing pacts to develop lines for children, juniors, socks and sandals, leather suede and fur outerwear, handbags and belts, lounge wear and big & tall, headwear, jewelry, and sunglasses; as well as co-branded product with Pro-Keds, State Property, and Team Roc.

Dr. Jays top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Men:

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Blac Label

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Conceived in 2002 during the saturation of novelty t-shirts with simple screens and catchy sayings, Blac Label Premium has evolved with innovative designs, original concepts, and stylish trends.
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Blac Label Premium is steadily developing from a t-shirt company into a true lifestyle brand.

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New Era
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New era is popularly known as the official cap of sports and sport-goers.
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With their popular 59Fifties, new era became the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of the official on-field cap worn by every Major League Baseball team and their minor league affiliates, NHL, NBA and over 200 colleges and universities in the United States.
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Along with the 59Fifty, new era produces styles like the 49Forty, 39Thirty, 29Twenty, EK, Capture the Flag, and also designs women’s and kids’ caps.

Dr. Jays top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Men and Boys:

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Ecko unltd
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Ecko unltd is a brand of urban clothing founded by the famous fashion designer Marc Ecko.
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Since its huge popularity, Ecko unltd has expanded to include 12 lines comprised of Ecko Unlimited, Ecko Red, EckM Function, Marc Ecko Leather, Marc Ecko watches, Marc Ecko Scopes, EckM Storage, Marc Ecko Footwear, Zoo York, Marc Ecko Cut and Sew, the new EckM Unlimited Boys and Ecko Red Girls lines.

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Sean John
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Sean John is a clothing and fragrance line founded by an American record producer, rapper, actor, dancer, entrepreneur and men’s fashion designer sean john combs.
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Part of the reason why sean john clothing became critically acclaimed is because of the few people that represent the brand. People that became sean john clothings way to get known such as Combs himself, rappers such as T.I., Fabolous, The Game, Daddy Yankee, basketball stars including Dwyane Wade and Tristan Sooklal, plus models Tyson Beckford and Kevin Navayne.
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Product categories include suits, knitwear, bottoms, outerwear, leather accessories, shirts, ties, hats, and denim.

Dr. Jays top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Women:

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Ed Hardy
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Ed Hardy is a clothing line founded by Americas tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy.
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In 2004 Christian Audigier licensed the rights to produce the high-end Ed Hardy clothing line, which is based on Hardy’s imagery.
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Coming from the famous Don Ed Hardy, Ed Hardy clothing lines can provide the same type of innovation in style and fashion that Ed Hardy has built in his profession as a tattoo artist.

Dr. Jays top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Women and Girls

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Dereon
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Dereon is a junior clothing line made by the same founders of house of dereon, which is Beyonc Knowles and her sister Solange Knowles, is a clothing line geared towards younger consumers and is more reasonably priced.
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But much like its counterpart, the styles and fashion of dereon still speaks the voice of femininity and shows the true essence of being a woman.

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Baby Phat
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Baby Phat clothing lines is a clothing line founded and designed by an American model and author, Kimora Lee Simmons.
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Baby Phat is an urban fashion line of clothing and other items for women and girls.
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Besides clothing, the brand also includes accessories for phones, jewelry, shoes and clothes. It is also the corporate “sibling” of the clothing brand Phat Farm created by Russell Simmons, so expect the same quality of treatment that Phat Farm has been famous of.

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Apple Bottoms
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Apple Bottoms is a fashion and lifestyle brand for women, which was launched in 2003 by multi-platinum recording artist Nelly, alongside Yomi Martin & Ian Kelly.
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The apple bottoms, which when launched, was exclusively a denim label, and has since gone through a major line-expansion. Currently the apple bottoms label includes: apparel, footwear, handbags, eyewear RX, intimates, sunglasses, accessories, jewelry, cold weather, and girls apparel.

Renato Watches With A Special Flair For Fashion

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Combining smart design, true reliability, and the kind of inimitable style that draws compliments and attention like a diamond in the rough, Renatos line of charismatic timepieces for men and women offer a high premium in both utility and fashion.

Renato Men’s Wilde-Beast Gen II Gunmetal Swiss Quartz Chronograph Bracelet Watch

A unique and stylish wrist accessory, the Wilde-Beast Gen II assumes you already command the feral confidence of a wild animal! This limited-edition model comes cased in gunmetal stainless steel with black carbon fiber detailing over a unidirectional rotating bezel. The casing is backed by stainless steel and features an octagonal stainless push and pull crown.

The dial, in handsome blue stainless steel with yellow accents, displays white index markers at all minute positions for enhanced readability. Arabic numerals in yellow and silver-tone appear at the 12:00 and 8:00 positions. Renatos designers have gone out of their way to make your timepieces facility in time-measurement razor-sharp, offering subdials for seconds, deci-seconds, minute, day and date, all powered by a Swiss Ronda 5040 Quarts movement.

Renato Mens Limited Edition Swiss Quartz Bracelet Watch

Available in a black, blue or purple dial, a Renatos bracelet watch adds an elegant finish to almost any ensemble. The stainless steel casing flips over to reveal a number indicating the limited availability of this very special timepiece. On the screw-down crown, an eye-catching diamond accent exhibits a subtle hint of class.

The dial, constructed from handsome textured mother-of-pearl by Claus de Paris, is damage-protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Around the perimeter, luminous silver-tone index markers enable supreme legibility with an attractive Arabic numeral flourish at the 8:00 marker. Incandescent hour, minute and chronograph hands are powered by a Swiss Ronda 7003N quartz internal movement.

Attach the silver-tone stainless steel bracelet clasp in one smooth motion by activating the push-button dual deployment clasp. A classic, alluring compliment to your natural poise.

Renato Mens Beast Diamond Swiss Quartz Black IP Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

This exceptionally striking time-measurement system comes cased in a round black exterior constructed from surgical grade 316L stainless steel materials. Set off by a black bezel that has been buffed to a high-sheen, the Black IP is an unmissable addition to your accessory collection.

The round textured dial is available in your choice of color: black, green, classic white, or eye-catching yellow. Polished, highly legible, silver-tone index markers highlight all hour positions except 8:00 and 12:00, where stylish Arabic numerals offer a dynamic sense of composition. Glowing hour, minute and second hands are powered by the Swiss Ronda 1069 Quartz movement, maintaining absolute chronometric accuracy up to a tenth of a second. There are only so many hours in a day and your time is valuable, so let a Renata timepiece keep you from wasting a single precious moment.

Renato Mens Beast Diamond Swiss Quartz Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

This heritage showpiece from Renata is a powerful answer to the question on everybodys lips: what time is it? Housed in a striking gold-tone surgical grade 316L stainless steel constructed casing, the Beast features a polished gold-tone bezela striking contrast to the brushed case. An easily employable push-and-pull crown completes the look.

The striking and effortlessly legible blue dial is topped by a damage-resistant sapphire crystal. Observe polished gold-tone index markers at every hourly position with the calculated exceptions of 8:00 and 12:00. Here, elegant Arabic numerals display the hour. Rest assured that the powerful motion behind the hour, minute and second hands, lit up for easy viewing, even in the dark, is motored by a uniquely calibrated Swiss Ronda 1069 Quartz movementan industry standard offered by Renato to ensure a premium in unflagging chronometric accuracy and durability.

The band, in a beautiful surgical grade stainless steel gold tone, snaps easily on and off due to a push button dual deployment clasp, invisibly integrated into the linking pattern for an endless effect.

Renato Mens T-Rex Diver Limited Edition Swiss Valjoux Bracelet Watch

A breathtaking and bold innovation, this offering from Renato boasts the power of a top-of-the-line Swiss Valjoux Automatic movement behind every tick. Available only in a Limited Edition run of production from Renato, the T-Rex Diver represents a unique opportunity to enhance your collection or the collection of a loved one with true flair and an eye for quality.

The black surgical grade stainless steel outer component features an exhibition backwitness the exquisite interiors of your timepiece and enjoy its added value as a fascinating conversation piece in any setting. A striking blue dial is abetted by a blue unidirectional rotating divers bezel. On the screw-down crown, a function dashboard is accented by a pave diamonda subtle yet attractive touch for those who cant help but take a closer look.

A Renato timepiece is a perfect compliment for men and women, whatever their style. Elegant design, careful craftsmanship, and unfailingly chic, Renato doesnt just keep the time – it makes it fly!

Masculine Fashion With A Mens Cashmere Scarf

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Many men tend to wear clothes that have a functional purpose. That is, they may desire to be fashionable but often they choose clothes that are designed to do a job (cover, protect, keep warm, etc.). Many men’s clothes were designed in this way for many years, leaving little room for fashion sensibilities… especially on the job. Today’s man, though, has many more options and men’s fashion is a growing industry allowing for men to look great and enjoy functionality in their clothes.

One item that should be in the fashionable man’s wardrobe is the mens cashmere scarf. While the stereotype might be that real men don’t wear scarves, the reality is that it can be cold and men need to stay healthy and warm no matter what the weather. The result? Gorgeous scarves that look great on men.

Mens scarves come in vivid but subdued colors and stick fairly closely to the basic color groups. No periwinkle blue or azure. Instead, there will be various shades of blues, greens, reds, oranges, and yellows… but all fairly safe. After all, there simply isn’t the variety of color in men’s clothes that there are in women’s clothes. And mens scarves fit the bill.

If you are man buying a mens cashmere scarf for yourself or you are a woman thinking about buying a scarf for your man, how do you know what to get? One benefit of the man’s wardrobe – especially the business suit – is that they so often come in black or dark blue. And many colors work well with both.

Avoid any mens scarves that are shiny or shimmery or have fringes. Instead, stick with bold but subdued colors that are solid, without fringes, and are in a soft, non-reflective material. Cashmere, pashmina, and wool are great looking scarves to get… very difficult to go wrong.

If you do get mens scarves that are patterned, find ones that are not pattered with too large of a pattern: a very small check or a thin stripe will do the trick nicely. Because these scarves are primarily only worn outdoors (unlike women’s scarves which can be typically worn indoors or outdoors, depending on the kind of scarf it is), you don’t have to do a lot of matching because these scarves will often be worn with a fairly plain, usually dark colored coat.

Here are some great combinations to consider:

…Pair a long, thin white or off white scarf with a leather jacket for the world war one fighter pilot look.

…If you’re wearing a long wool trench coat, find a tightly knit scarf or a pashmina scarf in a forest green. It looks great. If the trench coat is black, as so many of them are, mens scarves in orange, or red also look fantastic. These scarves should not be too long.

…For casual evening and weekend wear, a looser knit scarf – perhaps slightly longer – will look great with a three quarter length jacket.

Skull Baby Clothing May Be A Bit Too Hardcore

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Lately I’ve seen a development in what can be referred to as skull baby clothes. The patterns have gradually begun to go away from the classic baseballs and cheerful little puppies. On-line boutiques, web based stores, and even several specialty suppliers in the malls are beginning to carry baby onesies and toddler t-shirts with skulls, guitars, and other punk rock influenced embellishment. For some, this is a welcome transformation. To some, this is quite distasteful and innappropriate.

Baby clothes style in general has had a tendency to stay pretty dormant in the past thirty years. Nearly all of the larger chain stores and mall stores have a huge range of baby clothing with small flowers and bunnies for the girls, and small footballs and vehicles for the boys. Offering baby blues and pastel pinks for all the soccer mothers and white collar fathers. The baby outfits suprisingly look very similar to how they did thirty years ago, and for some this is acceptable. But for a few, it is time for change.

Since the entrance of punk rock and heavy metal and even the grunge movement of the early 90’s the more youthful age group of mothers and dads are geared up for baby clothes that fit their likeness a little more closely. Tattoos and body piercing is widespread amongst this same generation. Dressing inclothing that go with mom and dad is exactly what this crowd is after. Dad is not keen on football. Dad is into playing drums in a rock band or getting tattoo’d. This pair much prefers their child to own a black onesie with a trendy little skull on it more than the pastel blue onesie that reads “Go Team!”.

As is continually the situation between generations, one’s choosen fashion in no way seems to go over in a good way with the older generation. There definitely are loads of exceptions. There are lots of hip grandmothers and grandfathers out there that know what their kids favor to dress their children in. But, the vast bulk is appauled by skulls printed on black baby onesies. Just like their dad and mom disliked the hippy society, there will continuously be this shock and disgust between the generations.

As a result, the uncertainty remains… Are skull baby clothes proper? I expect it is dependent who you are asking. Some may perhaps find it morose, and other buyers find it perfectly suitable. Selecting is totally up to you. One thing is for sure… These fresh designs are here to stay and to be had today at your neighborhood mall and on-line. If you like, it is possible to shop for infant clothing with skulls and cross bones right now.

Scandinavian Menswear Fashion Trend

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The region of Scandinavia is situated in Northern Europe that includes a set of progressive countries like Sweden, Denmark, Norway along with Finland and Iceland. The area particularly famous for modern day furniture designs of clean straight line that is futuristic in nature easily translates into land of fashion and street wear, with a lot of designers coming from Copenhagen and Stockholm in recent past.

Forging ahead in Mens Fashion is Norse Projects, Danish Company established in 2004. Focusing at Urban Chic, the shop is well established and popular in Copenhagen. It opened to a warm welcome in London too. They have a whole lot of new and classic brands that reflect the overall unique look.

Acne is one of the Swedish labels that is leading the way to must haves in denims and extending the way to laid back tailoring in Mens fashion. Sack suit from Ralph Lauren with a classic cut and a sack style is following in the similar track. This particular style may not be apt for all body types but a host of modern designs in movies like Oceans Twelve showcases a lot of tapered suit that simply spells cool and never fails to impress.

Stylized and affordable jeans are the front runner for fashion houses as Cheap Monday. This house that started off as a weekend store combining old with new is flourishing now and their skinny jeans are must have among the fashion vista.

Another Danish house started by the famous Nikolaj Neilsen, also started off with a background in denims. Rooted deep with traditional and classic design, they offer an extensive array of ready to wear jeans. Our legacy in Scandinavian fashion world is easily a fan of checked shirt, rightly called the fashion Phoenix. These classic shirts can be worn by itself or with round neck cotton knits combined with denim giving that timeless college look. This look is definitely setting the trend this autumn/winter.

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