Building Your Business Wardrobe: Shirts

Choosing a Shirt Collar

Make sure you have these three collar types in your business wardrobe. And know how to pair them. Not all suits and ties go with all collars.

The Button-Down Collar

Very American. This is the least dressy collar choice; as such, you may want to look for a shirt cut from broadcloth (like the one shown here) rather than oxford cloth. You don't want a shirt that looks too casual for your business suit. This type of collar works best with medium-width ties.

The Straight-Point Collar

Always a safe choice. The collar's narrow stance means it tucks nicely into high-cut three-button suits. Good for narrow-to-skinny ties.

The Spread Collar

The most dashing, confident collar out there. Best with a medium-to-wide tie. And go for a traditional four-in-hand knot; it's okay for a bit of the tie to show around the collar. And with a smaller spread collar, you'll want to keep your tie knot on the tighter side.


Choosing a Shirt Cuff

Know these three types. Make sure they fit correctly. And have your suit sleeves tailored so they show a quarter inch of cuff.

1. Single-Button Standard (left)

The most common type of cuff, which you'll find on most moderately priced dress shirts. When fitting properly, it should reach the hinge of your wrist.

2. French (center)

The dressiest, most formal cuff choice. But you don't have to wear flashy cuff links and (after work) a tie with them. Try an open collar and more creative links.

3. Two-Button Barrel (right)

For the guy who wants a shirt with as much flair as his British- or Italian-made suit.

Building Your Business Wardrobe: Know your suits

Sizes

It sounds obvious, but it's not. The most crucial element of a suit is its fit, and not many sales guys understand how a suit should fit or, more specifically, how you want yours to fit. Before you step into a dressing room, get a handle on the various components of a suit.

1) Shoulders:

The suit's shoulders should hug yours. The shoulder pads should not protrude beyond your own shoulders.

2) Chest:

You should be able to easily button the jacket without it straining. Conversely, there shouldn't be too much space between the button and your chest—no more than a fist's worth.

3) Length:

When your arms are hanging straight down, you should be able to cup your fingers under the sides of your suit jacket. However, these days, with shorter suits in style, some jackets reach only about an inch or two beyond the cuff of your suit sleeve.

Buttons

Think about the style of the suit you're buying. The first thing you need to consider is the number of buttons on the suit. This will determine a good deal about the cut and fit.

The three-button suit became the dominant look in the 1990s; it now seems to be the standard young man's choice. Instead of opting for one of those high-cut versions, look for one with a roll-over lapel—one in which you button the middle button, encouraging the soft lapel to roll over the top button.

For years the two-button suit was the go-to conservative, Capitol Hill getup. Now every fashion label imaginable is designing two-button suits, except they're making them more streamlined and modern. This cut is what's most in style right now—and it's the most versatile, looking good on almost every body type.

If you're looking for something rakish, a bit more high-style, try a one-button suit. It's not for everyone, but if you can pull it off, it's a sleek look.

Vents

Think about the vents on the back of the suit jacket.

A center vent is all-purpose; it is both modern and traditional. You can't go wrong.

Side vents are more European, a bit more suave. They also add a little more shape to your suit. A ventless jacket, by the way, is a definite no. It says you think it's still 1986.


Lapels

Think about the type of lapel.


A notch lapel—what you see on most business suits—is the standard. You're always safe with a notch lapel. Go for one on the narrow side, which will have a more modern, slimming effect.










A peak lapel is more old-school and elegant. And now it's enjoying a comeback with high-fashion and business crowds alike. It makes a statement. Just don't get them too wide—you don't want to look like a Sopranos extra.

Building the Business Wardrobe: 5 Suits you need in your closet

The Five Suits You Need in Your Closet

Get these and you'll possess the building blocks of unimpeachable office style.

1. The Gray Suit

Think of it as the anchor of your business wardrobe—strong, elegant, and always appropriate, whether you're interviewing for your first job or addressing the shareholders at your last. A gray suit looks sharp and clean with a white, soft blue, or light pink shirt but is versatile enough that it'll go with just about anything. Any shade will do, but i recommend a medium gray, like the one this gentleman is wearing.

2. The Solid Navy Suit

You can't go wrong here. A navy suit is always a safe, classic choice, and it travels seamlessly from the boardroom to an evening out. It lends itself well to almost any shirt-and-tie combination, but to up the elegance factor, pair it with a crisp white shirt, a dark solid tie, and a pocket square (think Cary Grant).

3. The Solid Black Suit

It used to be that a black suit wasn't a safe choice for the office, but these days it's a staple. Just make sure yours is cut on the slim side and fits correctly. (However you feel about your job, you don't want to look like you work in a funeral home)

4. The Pin-Striped Navy Suit

A cool classic that exudes confidence. You can anchor it with a solid shirt and tie or get adventurous—like the guy here, who's mixed it with a striped shirt and a striped tie. Just keep the components within one basic-color family and make sure that the stripes of the suit, shirt, and tie aren't too close in scale; one of the patterns should be bold and the other two more muted.

5. The Khaki Cotton Suit

A business wardrobe might consist mostly of dark suits, but spring and summer give you the chance to lighten up (literally). Do it in style with a khaki cotton suit. Pair it with a solid (blue, white, or pink) shirt and a dark tie for the office, then loosen it up (e.g., lose the tie and socks) for an evening out.

Elections 2008: My Inspiration of Hope & Change we can believe in

Today on February 13, the Malaysian Parliament was dissolved and its officially the election time. But when i look around and ask myself who will win my vote if i were to vote for anyone contesting or i wished had contested in elections, there is non. Its a sad fact that in Malaysia there is a dearth of characters who can inspire the hearts and minds of the people. To instill the believe that there is a hope for change, to inspire unity and present a fresh perspective on things. But nothing can beat getting the un-interested to be interested in politics. In the recent weeks, i am convinced that i have been inspired by a politician to believe that its possible for a change and that there is hope. That man is Senator Barack Obama.

We live in a turbulent time where the news on tv tells tales of sorrow and sadness and at times we question what God is doing about all this madness. But at the time where all of us are glad we are not Americans due to the undoing of the country by the Neocons of Bush and the GOP, the Americans have this God sent gift of being able to make a choice that can determine change for the better and a hope for a united America. I am sad because we do not have a man like Sen. Obama here in Malaysia but i am excited to living in a potential era of change and importantly a potential for my generation's Kennedy era. If President Kennedy inspired a generation of Americans to ask what they can do for their country, imagine what Sen. Obama can do if he goes on to be President.

My words cant convince you of his inspiration but his own words might. Please find below one of his speeches that truly inspired me.

http://www.barackobama.com/2008/01/20/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_40.php


Yes, we can.