Saturday, May 31, 2014

School Uniform Accessories - Doing It Right

When you think of school, you might think of discipline and strict rules that leave no room for fun or being free. Maybe that was your experience back in the day. School is indeed meant to instill discipline, but that does not mean there cannot be room for enjoying the experience. Admittedly, the daily routine of wearing uniforms can feel boring and dull. However, you can always make it more fun when you find ways to add school uniform accessories to the normal drag. This can add flair to your uniform and make you stand out from your friends.

What you should remember

Before you go all out on making your uniform a little more interesting, be sure to check the rules and regulations that your school or your child's school has. If the school is strict then there is a possibility you might be limited on how much you can play around with add-ons. Once you get to know how much leeway you have, you can let your stylish nature shine. Since you cannot mess around with your attire, you will need to be very creative getting school uniform accessories that can get under the rudder of strict rules and still make a fashion statement. There are quite a number of items that are dress code compliant and will still make your mates admire your style.

Backpacks

This goes top on the list of the biggest fashion statement you can get away with. For one, you can never be flagged for having a fine bag because you need it to contain your stuff. The secret is in getting a bag that says who you are and what you like. You can get them in different memorable designs ranging from star studded ones to packs that complement your attire - you have a wide selection to choose from.

Glasses

Here is yet another item for your self-expression. If you wear spectacles, you can always have them as doctor prescribed. However, opting for designer glasses will make quite the impression. You can also go for the geek-chic look, for instance, or another design that suits you.

Hair accessories

This is another point where you can bring out your style. From colored, fancy bows to intricate barrettes, you can make your hair stand out from the normal do. You can also go for oversized buns or even fishtail braids. You can add on a fancy little hat just for fun or get detailed bands.

Other ideas

You have a variety of different things you can add to your uniform to create your very own unique appearance. These include belts, stylish watches and friendship bracelets as well as customized laptop bags. You could even splurge in some jewelry as long as it is acceptable and not excessive. Always bear in mind that schools have rules for a reason and not so just they are broken. Take time to know what is acceptable and what is not to stay out of unnecessary trouble.


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To find out more about trendy school uniform accessories, visit http://www.schooluniformsaustralia.com.au/school-wear-accessories.html .

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Australian School Uniforms - Material Guide

Australian schools are not obligated by law to impose uniform requirements. However, for purposes of uniformity and harmony, most schools come up with a dress code which students must comply with. There are standards on grooming for each school and it is wise to know these rules before you embark on purchasing school regalia for your kids.

When you ask for the dress code, you can print it out to ensure that you get the colors right, since uniforms from different schools may be somewhat similar. In addition, get a list of all the items you need so you can buy them all at once. This way, you can even get a discount as most stores will have favorable offers for parents who purchase several items. A material guide will help you pick quality Australian school uniforms that will last long.

Jackets

Uniform jackets are normally at waist or hip length. Depending on the school, they may be optional, but most schools will insist on a standard jacket color and design for uniformity. Some are light weight while others are heavy, but you can buy one of each. They are available in polyester, cotton or light fleece. If you want a heavier jacket, you can go for cotton; polyester is generally a lighter fabric.

Trousers

Common colors for Australian school uniform trousers include gray, black, navy and tan. It is important to get the right shade as they can be very confusing if you are not keen. You can purchase them in twill, cotton or polyester. Again, because kids grow up very fast, you can get a larger size with a waist band. Like dresses, the hem lines can be adjusted as the child gets taller.

Dresses

School dresses come in different designs, and often short sleeved. They have hemlines which may be a few inches above the knee while some may go down to the ankle. These garments may also be in overall designs which are meant to be paired with a blouse, shirt or sweater. Dresses can be purchased in cotton, denim and polyester, or cotton twill. It is advisable to buy the next size and you can shorten the hem and have it adjusted as the child grows. This will save you money as it is much cheaper to make adjustments as opposed to buying a new set of garments.

Shorts

Shorts are mainly available in gray, tan, navy and black, just like trousers. Ensure that you get a good size, slightly above or below the knee. They can be purchased in polyester, cotton or cotton twill fabric. To make room for growth, you can get shorts with elastic bands as they fit more easily. Hemlines can also be pinned and let out as your child grows.

Shirts

Shirts get dirtier than most other school uniforms, because they are subjected to pen stains, food and dirt. The good thing is that they are easier to bleach, even though they show stains more prominently. If the school allows it, you can buy darker colored shirts that will not attract dirt easily. The above guide on Australian school uniforms will help you make a more informed purchase.


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For more information on Australian school uniforms for both boys and girls, visit http://www.schooluniformsaustralia.com.au/australian-schools.html .

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Girls' Fee Paying Education - Could It Be Right For Your Daughter?

Copyright (c) 2014 Stratique Marketing, Design and PR

Parents want the best for their children and there are few decisions more important than what type of education may best allow your offspring to fulfil their potential. As well as the choice of state-education versus a fee paying independent school there is also the consideration of single-sex schools versus schools where boys and girls are taught together.

The independent school system in the UK consists of approximately 2600 schools which collectively educate around 7% of all British children. Fee paying schools are associated with better teacher to pupil ratios, smaller class sizes, more traditional values, broader education and consistently excellent academic performance in exams.

It is accepted that boys and girls learn differently, mature at different rates and have different learning needs, particularly as they reach teenage years. Girls make more progress and achieve to a higher academic standard when educated in a single-sex environment. For this reason, many parents of girls are considering the benefits of a single sex fee paying education for their daughters.

Acclaimed Academic Benefits

Girls attending a single-sex independent school achieved 6.8% more A/A* grades at A-level than girls attending a co-educational independent school.

At GCSE level too, girls educated in single-sex independent schools achieved nearly 13% more A/A* grades than those attending co-educational independent schools.

8 out of 10 top places in The Times 2011 A-level league table were GSA (Girls' Schools Association) schools.

A greater percentage of girls from single-sex independent schools go on to higher education than in co-educational independent schools.

Pastoral Benefits

Girls benefit from 'girl-centred' teaching which is tailored to their style of learning and specific learning needs. There is the freedom to take risks and to succeed fully. Girls are less self-conscious being free from the judgement of or pre-occupation with boys so can focus more completely on their studies. Confidence and self-esteem is increased and there are many opportunities for leadership.

Gender stereotype is eliminated so girls are more able to realise their true ambitions and not merely what is expected of them. They have greater confidence in their abilities in maths and science. More than 70% more girls from single-sex independent schools took maths at A-level, whilst more than 50% more took science at A-level and greater than 80% more took a modern language at A-level when compared with girls from a co-educational independent school.

With these benefits from an education which more than 100,000 girls are currently experiencing within 179 schools across the UK, the girls' fee paying education is one that many girls thrive in and is certainly worthy of consideration when undertaking such an important decision.


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For more information about the benefits of girls' fee paying education, speak to Saint Martin's School today by calling 0121 705 1265 or visiting http://www.saintmartins-school.com/joining-us/welcome-from-ruth-iles-registrar

Saturday, May 10, 2014

How To Identify Real Gemstones From Fake Ones

Tips to Avoid Them

Knock-off gemstones are everywhere these days. It is therefore important, as consumers, to learn the difference between real gems and fake ones. Here's our handy guide to help you distinguish the real deal from the faux stuff.

Identifying Real Diamonds from Fake Ones

Real diamonds sparkle more because they have a higher refractive index. Placing the diamond under a UV light will usually produce a blue fluorescence (faint or strong). Not all real diamonds exhibit this property, but most do. When you blow warm air onto a diamond, the 'fog' will clear up in less than a second. Real diamonds are able to dissipate heat much faster than fake ones.

Real diamonds are not visible in an X-ray! Fake ones are! When a fake diamond is heated for about 30 seconds and thrown into cold water, it usually shatters. Real diamonds don't.

Identifying Real Rubies from Fake Ones

A real ruby is significantly harder and denser than tourmalines and garnets which are often passed off as rubies. A real ruby will have a consistent dark red colour and clarity throughout and usually does not appear foggy. Larger rubies usually come in fancier shapes (pear, cushion etc.), so if you find a big ruby in a simple round shape, it is most likely fake. Real rubies, just like diamonds, don't scratch easily, even when scratched with a knife or sandpaper!

Identifying Real Emeralds from Fake Ones

Real emeralds tend to have tiny inclusions inside which are visible when seen through a jeweller's loupe or sometimes even to the naked eye. Lab grown emeralds will have better colour and fewer internal flaws but will cost you a fraction of a real emerald. So if an emerald is being sold to you at throwaway prices, it's most likely fake.

General Tips to Keep In Mind

The best way you can ensure that you're buying real gemstones is to have the stone appraised by a professional jeweller. This usually costs money but it will give you peace of mind. You can also ask for a certificate attesting to the quality and price estimate of the gem from a reputed grading authority such as the European Gemological Laboratory or the Gemological Institute of America.


The beauty of real gemstones is in their slight imperfections. If your gemstone is "too perfect" or very smooth, it is likely to be a fake. Real gems are a little bit flawed, externally and/or internally and can often feel 'rough' or a little waxy. And always keep in mind the old adage, if something is too good to be true, it probably is!


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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

How To Tie A Tie

What's in a Knot?

You've seen it in the olden-day movies: the male lead struggles with a tie, the female lead comes to the rescue and graciously (if ever so slightly condescendingly) makes a perfect knot under his chin.

Nowadays, hardly anyone bothers with the art of tying a tie. However, just in case you desperately need to tie a knot and there's no female help in sight, learn how to do it all by yourself.

They say it's as easy as saying: ouat, which is short for: Over Under Around Through

Basically, that is all there is to making a perfect knot.

For those who are still bewildered, here are step-by-step instructions for tying:

Four-in-Hand Knot

Put a tie around your neck, with the wide end on the side on your right (if you are right-handed; if you are left-handed, reverse). Find a seam on the front of the narrow end of the tie. Move the wide end over the narrow end so they cross each other on the seam. Pull the wide end under the narrow end. Bring the wide end around so it faces off to your left and under the narrow end again. Pull the wide end of the tie under the loop around your neck and down through the knot at the front of the tie. Tighten the knot by sliding it up the narrow end.

The four-in-hand is an asymmetrical tie knot, the classic of tie knots. It is most widely used and simplest to tie. Four-in-hand goes well with almost all types of shirt collars and suits best men of medium height and tall men. Many men with shorter necks prefer the four-in-hand, because the knot at top is narrow and has a slimming effect on the rest of the neck.

Other popular kinds of knots are:

Pratt knot, a symmetrical knot that works well with most shirts and for most occasions;

Windsor knot, the aristocrat among tie knots that requires precise positioning between the two ends of the shirt collar;

Half-Windsor knot, probably invented to prevent men failing at the full Windsor from hanging themselves;

Plus a variety of exotic knots: Eldredge, Trinity, Cape, and so on.

By now you are probably wishing you had a butler, never mind the leading lady. However, if you still do not want to give up on the honourable art of tying a tie, take note of these general tips:

Always tie a tie standing in front of a mirror.

Button your shirt all the way to the top and turn up your collar.

Make sure the wide end of the tie hangs about twice as low as the narrow end.

To make an impressive dimple on your tie, hold the top blade on both edges and then pull it down gently until the top blade starts to tighten. A slight convex will form close to the knot. Use your thumb and forefinger to press the bottom of the knot into a V-shape and the convex will deepen to form the dimple.

If you followed our "how to tie four-in-hand knot" instructions to the letter and still only managed to tie yourself in a knot… it might be time to go the pre-tied ties way! Hardly anyone will know the difference, and you will look just as elegant.


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www.bidorbuy.co.za

Girls' School Uniforms - Handy Shopping Tips

Your little girl is all grown up and it's time for her to start school. As a parent, you are excited by this major stride in your child's life. However, the excitement may quickly wear off when you start thinking about school uniforms and the associated costs of taking your child to school. In tough economic times, every parent is looking for a way to save and having handy tips on girls school uniforms will go a long way in helping you save as much of your hard-earned money as possible.

Know the dress code

In some cases, schools allow for accessories but you must get the uniform right. Prior to enrolling your little one in school, you should have a copy of the dress code. It is best when you get a printed copy; relying on your memory is not always the best idea because at times the shades on the clothes can be deceiving and you may end up getting the wrong color. You must also understand the rules of the school; some are very strict and only allow cotton dresses, for instance, as opposed to polyester, which is more affordable. Once you have the dress code, searching for school attire becomes much easier and the chances of making mistakes are less.

Get a comfortable number of items

If you are a busy parent, you will rarely have the time to clean your child's uniform on a daily basis. In light of this, you can get clothes that will last up to a week. Again, some kids may need extra school apparel due to the level of activity. If your child is active and loves to play a lot, you should probably expect spills and dirt on the clothes, meaning they cannot be worn more than once. Clothes are more prone to wear and tear if they are washed on a daily basis, so it is better to get a good number of school clothing items to last a longer period.

Buy a larger size

Girls grow up dramatically until they are about 15 years. You must factor this when making your purchase. To be on the safe side, buy one size up, unless of course you plan on buying uniforms after every few months. It is better to have the dress hemmed than to buy a small one. When it comes to girls uniforms, most schools will have rules on the required length as most girls prefer shorter skirts and dresses, especially teenagers. Ensure you get this information right so that you do not have to go back to purchase a new set of school attire.

Shop early

To get the best deals, buy uniforms during the holidays. This way, you can beat the back to school rush that is often characterized by high prices. If possible, buy girls school uniforms online. This not only saves you time, but you can get better offers. Again, this also affords you the opportunity to compare prices.


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http://www.schooluniformsaustralia.com.au/girls-uniform-shop.html is your one-stop-shop when you require the best quality girls school uniforms and other school apparel at affordable prices.