New window of opportunity to improve your BREEAM ratings

In the wake of Copenhagen, there is a new impetus for finding new ways to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment, affecting both new build and refurbishment projects.

Traditional materials are now being re-examined from the aspect of sustainability, in order to assess the damage which they may cause to the Planet during their manufacture as well as throughout their life and upon disposal.

This has caused many specifiers to become dissatisfied with their historically traditional materials - and who are now seeking a more benign and longer lasting alternative. Areas of discontent (supported by Greenpeace and Good Homes Alliance) are -
* Human toxicity and greenhouse gases from PVCU
* Tropical rainforest destruction and continuous maintenance of Timber
* High embodied energy and poor insulation properties of Aluminium.

Clients and specifiers are increasingly demanding higher sustainability standards through increased levels of performance under BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes. Carbon neutral construction is also being mooted and whic women's jackets h is scheduled to be adopted in Wales by 2012. One of the single most important criteria in these higher standards is thermal insulation.

50% of all CO2 emissions in UK is due to heat loss from buildings, whether commercial offices or housing. Windows are the weakest point of insulation in all buildings, accounting for over 25% of that heat loss, a prodigious proportion of the total UK carbon footprint.

The weakest point in the insulation performance of a window is not the glass but the frame that holds it. So a well insulated double or triple glazed unit can be let down by using poorly insulated window frames that allow heat to escape around the glass, more easily.

non housing projects requiring thermal U values of less than 1.6 are increasing - and the dominant incumbent supplier, aluminium, cannot generally achieve better than about 1.8. Building projects often specify lower U values down to 1.0 and on which aluminium has had to be completely discounted. Fibreglass has inherently low thermal conductance and can therefore provide U values as low as 0.9 and still without compromising the other performance criteria of aluminium.

Pultruded Fibreglass is a strong and durable alternative, which has many beneficial properties (detailed below) - but one of them, critically, is very low thermal conductance, which means it can provide exceptionally low U values for windows, from 0.9 - 1.6 W/m2K. So, it is with ideal timing that this 'new' material has become available for window frame manufacture, when it is most needed - but many industry professionals remain unaware of it.

Fibreglass (or GRP, or 'Composite Material') is a Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) which is strongly recommended by BRE for heavy duty external applications within the building industry. BRE set up 'NGCC' (Network Group for Composites in Construction) in 2001, solely to promote the benefits of FRP to the entire industry. Fibreglass windows are available which are fully certified by BRE and have considerable independent support test data and accreditation.

"Pultrusion" is a manufacturing process for producing continuous lengths of glass fibre reinforced thermosetting resin, developed for window frame manufacture in North America in 1980s/90s. Windows made with fibreglass frames have been proved to provide much lower U values than other materials for any given glass specification (0.9 - 1.6 W/m2K). Fibreglass also provides longer life (50 - 75 years), better acoustic performance (Rw 38 - 41) and can potentially achieve 3.5 additional credits in an assessment for BREEAM or Code for Sustainable Homes.

Advantages of GRP Fibreglass fall into 4 main areas:-

* Performance:
o Already widely used to manufacture the best skis, tennis racquets, fishing rods and golf clubs. Even the new Boeing 787 'Dream-Liner' has 94% of wings and fuselage made from FRP nano-composites.
o Fibreglass is unaffected by climatic conditions, including moisture, salt/sea spray, UV light, or extremes of heat or cold.
o The coefficient of expansion is negligible and can be discounted for all practical purposes.
Pultruded GRP has a strength to weight ratio of double that of steel and five times reinforced concrete and therefore much greater than aluminium - and far more resistant to distortion and impact damage.
o Requires no strengthening metal inserts like PVC, which transmits cold (thermal bridging)
o Service life is 50 - 75 years. This is at least double the life of all other window materials.

* Sustainability:
o A recent independent "Sensitivity Report" comparing Pultec with BREEAM - has concluded that 3.5 BREEAM credits are potentially available from using Fibreglass, due to the accumulation of numerous significant benefits.
o Some of these include, recycled source material, no VOC's, low embodied energy, zero potential for Global Warming and Ozone Depletion (GWP and ODP), Very long life, excellent heat and sound insulation and zero maintenance required.
o Ultimate disposal is also an environmental positive, by grinding the GRP down and using it as a filler in concrete to improve the binding nature of the mix.

* Maintenance:
o Every window material, except Fibreglass, is susceptible to UK weather conditions.

> Timber rots when wet - so must be regularly painted to slow down that inevitability. This is an unsustainable and expensive process over the life of the window.

> PVC can discolour or craze in UV light and become brittle in cold and soften in heat - but however it discolours or crazes, it cannot be rectified.

> Aluminium is susceptible to the salt/sea corrosive element in our maritime climate, exacerbated by the on-shore prevailing winds. This attacks the aluminium and will quickly exploit any exposed metallic surfaces, scratches or surface damage to its essential powder coat protection - and which cannot then be repaired.

> Fibreglass is completely impervious to sea-water spray and requires no surface protection from the elements. The colour is applied for aesthetic purposes only. Ironically, however, Fibreglass can easily be repaired and/or re-painted if ever required, during its very long life, when no-one can know what damage may occur in the future. It is reassuring for clients to know that no such damage should require the replacement of any window before the end of its natural, predicted life.

> Appearance. All man-made pigments will fade. What matters is, a) how quickly will they fade - and b) what can be done about it? Even if undamaged, aluminium and Fibreglass will lose some colour at about the same slow rate over 20 years. However, Fibreglass retains the option to have the colour easily re-applied if/whenever required, whilst aluminium can only continue to decline aesthetically until replaced. In fact, the poor appearance could trigger premature replacement, where aesthetics are all-important. In future, such issues need to be considered at the design stage for these new, longer life products.

* Value:
o Fibreglass and aluminium are similarly priced, window for window - despite fibreglass providing significantly lower U values and longer life for a similar unit cost. The extra BREEAM credits can also prove invaluable.
o Add to this, the greater flexibility (and peace of mind) re maintenance options - and the ability to maintain the highest appearance of fibreglass throughout its life, with little danger of sustaining any terminal damage necessitating premature replacement.
o Finally, it is maintaining all the benefits over the 50 - 75 years life which proves irresistible in determining that Fibreglass is the far better value for the client, contractor and community at large.
o Fibreglass tends to be more expensive than timber or PVC to purchase, however,
> A BRE Whole Life Cost report demonstrates the better value of Fibreglass than PVC over 30 years. 20 - 45 years still remain.
Furthermore a specific report "Cost comparison with softwood" demonstrates the significantly better value of GRP over softwood both financially and environmentally!

Be Aware of Breast Cancer - Don't Be Too Busy,Too Young...Don't Let It Be Too Late!

Copyright (c) 2010 FNS Weddings

The petit blonde girl in front of me was struggling to keep her emotions in check "I'm going to cry and I don't want to cry because it's going to ruin my make up" she said. Little did she realise that I too, behind the camera, was also struggling to keep my composure. It had been an emotional day one way and another but now as we neared the end of the shoot and the realisation of what we had achieved was beginning to hit home we were both in danger of "losing it". Allow me to explain...

I first met Sheryl a little over two years ago when she booked us to undertake her wedding photography. Originally she wasn't going to have a photographer, not because of the cost involved but because it didn't rate very highly up her list of things she needed in order to enjoy the wedding she wanted. Her wedding date was set for the end of July and she had it all planned to perfection, 12 bridesmaids a quiet civil ceremony in York register office, followed by a wedding breakfast at the Dean Court hotel, near the Minster and then her evening reception on a boat along the River Ouse. What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately she had no idea of the double whammy that fate was going to deal her which would change her life forever.

Sadly Sheryl's much loved dad was terminally ill with cancer. The prognosis was not optimistic that he would make her wedding day. Struggling to cope with this as it was and spending her days between her home, hospital and her parents house Sheryl didn't give much thought to the lump she thought she may have felt in her breast - after all just in her early 30's she was much too young for it to be anything serious and anyway her breasts felt "like a bag of marbles" at the best of times - it was probably nothing. With her wedding day rapidly approaching Sheryl was so busy and pre-occupied she didn't rush to the Doctors. When she did however the news was devastating. The Doctor was worried and referred her for a lumpectomy. The lumpectomy confirmed she had breast cancer and only 3 short weeks before her wedding Sheryl had a mastectomy.

Suddenly everything in life changed for Sheryl. Faced with her own mortality her entire outlook changed and recording the joy on her wedding day became a number one priority for her - we were engaged to undertake the responsibility of recording these precious memories. What an honour and pleasure it was to spend such a day with Sheryl and her family. We witnessed the same drive and bravery in her dad not to give up as we know to be present in Sheryl and everyone spent a happy day together. Those photographs rate amongst some of the most precious we have ever taken.

As breast cancer awareness is promoted in the UK I have persuaded Sheryl to share with us in her own words, a blow by blow account how those dreadful first few months unfolded and her thoughts, fears and experiences as she has faced her own mortality head on. She is a remarkable lady and her story is one bound to inspire and encourage anyone who today may be facing a similar trauma.

"It was a Thursday afternoon in February, nothing special working all day, looked in my diary oh no I've a hospital appointment at 3.20pm, must ring the childminder te women's coats ll her I maybe late, gosh what a nuisance, having to go for test results, I'll only be there five minutes, yeah your fine Sheryl, just a cyst, but I am only in my early thirties, so it can't be anything else.

I had noticed the small lump in my right breast in the October, I had just found the man of my dreams and had lost a little weight, so I didn't take much notice, then in November whilst putting on some body lotion noticed that it was still there, but left it for that month cause it was my period, then came December, oh I'm too busy with Christmas to go to doctors, I'll go next month, oh wow a chance for some winter sun in January, oh that lump's still there, promise I'll go next month... so here we are it's the end of February and I'm tapping my leg whilst sat outside the doctors consulting rooms, looking at my watch oh get a move on, I've got 2 children and a partner who will want feeding soon...

Hi Sheryl, would you like to come through, I sat down still wishing she would hurry up... Sheryl, I'm sorry we have found cancer cells and I need to perform a lumpectomy. Oh ok, when do you want me to come in, I've got a holiday booked for April, and I can't miss that, just send me an appointment. Sheryl do you understand you have breast cancer, I then looked over at a nurse who was also in the room but I hadn't even seen her there, and she was nodding to confirm that what the doctor had said was true...

But...I'm only young, But... I've got two children, But... I'm getting married, But...I don't smoke, But... I'm healthy

The numbness then set in, and I don't remember much after that, I was given some appointments and the operating day was fixed, and then went home and made the kids tea. The lumpectomy was preformed and it was ok nothing too scary, I was in and out in a couple of days, I didn't have cancer, I kept telling myself because obviously I was too young, didn't smoke and was healthy and my life was too busy for cancer. After 2 weeks my results from the lumpectomy came back, there I was again in the same office as last time, still getting impatient cause I had stuff to do, Sheryl. I'm sorry... oh no them words again, I've heard this line, what now...

I'm sorry but we have found more cancer tumours within the lumpectomy, I need to advise you that you need a full mastectomy on your right breast, I turned to my left to look at the nurse, and again she was nodding. All my 'Buts' hadn't worked, oh no this was real, I had breast cancer. "

Almost two years on and I'm pleased to say that Sheryl is doing really well and so far very healthy with no recurrence of her cancer being detected. The friendship formed between us in those difficult early days is for life and we have kept in touch with Sheryl ever since, including photographing her best friends wedding in Cyprus only last year.

Sheryl has always said to me that she would like to experience one of our boudoir photo shoots but felt she was lacking the confidence that she once had following her mastectomy about the way she looks. As a photographer I am used to people saying things to me along the lines of "You won't get a good picture of me - no-one ever does." When I photograph people however I try to capture something of the character of the subject and not just what is on the surface. With Sheryl it was easy to photograph the inner beauty which radiates from her but also a couple of the pictures show the outline of her cleavage and unless she told you no-one would be able to tell which of her breasts has had reconstruction surgery. For Sheryl seeing the pictures were the moment that some of her inner demons were finally put to rest.

The day of the shoot was the first time, since her surgery that Sheryl felt confident enough to undress in front of her husband. That to me was such an achievement from such an emotional day. Sheryl has kindly agreed to allow us to use some of her words and tell her story in the hope that this difficult to talk about subject can be aired to a wider audience and someone, somewhere may just feel inspired and given renewed hope from her experience that there is life after breast cancer.

From Transistors to Liquid Crystal Milestones in Sony Televisions

The Sony Corporation, a global powerhouse in the entertainment electronics industry, has become a household name when it comes to television. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, this company is a leading researcher, developer, and manufacturer of semiconductors, electronics, communication products, videos and video games, and information technology for the consumer and professional developer industries. The multinational company is employer to 158,500 people, and it reported consolidated annual sales revenue of $67 billion in 2005. After the development of the worlds most successful transistor radio, the manufacture of the TV became the benchmark of quality TV sets. Lets follow traverse from transistors to liquid crystal.

In 1955, Sony, then known as the Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation, introduced the TR 55 to the world. Small enough to fit in a coat pocket, their first transistor radio became the model for future portable music machines that American teenagers would use to listen to the growing phenomenon of American rock and roll.

From transistors, they began its venture into liquid crystal in the 1960s. The company received a patent for the invention of the aperture grille cathode ray tube TV in 1963. In aperture grille technology, very thin vertical wires behind the glass of the televisions display screen are used to separate different colors of phosphors into strips. For nearly thirty decades quite a long time when speaking of technology aperture grille technology provided consumers and TV manufacturers with the best screen image. This milestone in the Television dynasty was branded the Trinitron.

When it came to picture and product quality, their television was long seen as a benchmark. The patented aperture grille design produced bright colors, high contrast, and balanced focus that stood out from other available products. Aperture grille design was also easier to manufacture than TV tube products, bringing about a change in the TV production process. These factors combined to make the brand top of the products.

Since patent for the aperture grille technology expired in the 1990s, a number of other producers of televisions, such as Samsung and Mitsubishi, have incorporated the Trinitron technology into their own products. Additionally, their branded computer monitors, are a widely distributed item. Most of the major computer makers, includ women's coats ing Apple Computer, Dell, DEC, Gateway, IBM, and Sun Microsystems, feature the logo in the upper left hand corner.

Like any strong technology competitor, the company moved on as the new era ended with the introduction of gas plasma and liquid crystal display monitors and televisions. After thirty decades of CRT dominance, the LCD and gas plasma technology are thought to have better picture quality. To keep up with the times, company created a flat screen version of the picture tube in the 1990s. The design, a new flat picture tube called FDTrinitron, is described on their website as delivering incredible imagine accuracy, wide viewing angles, outstanding contrast, and corner to corner detail. Now, Sony now also produces high definition digital TV with the patented Live Color Creation backlight system. This along with their surround sound systems provide todays consumers with the latest in high technology home theaters.

Companys progression from transistor radios to liquid crystal models the way successful companies operate: incubate a new idea, develop and patent it, license it to other manufacturers, and then start the cycle again. The Trinitron brand, with cathode ray tube technology and the latest flat tube allow the company to remain a benchmark in the home television industry. Its LCD flat screen televisions, along with its entire home entertainment line, are sure to continue pleasing consumers long into the future.

Modern Cold Stamping Foils

The development of modern cold stamping foils originated with the simple cold foils devised as a dieless technique for applying a metallic finish to self adhesive labels produced on reel to reel printing presses. There are many benefits of this process, and some disadvantages, although cold foiling has progressed a lot since then.

The benefits in reel to reel printing are obvious. If hot foiling is carried out in-line at the end of the printing process, then the press speed is limited by the foiling speed which is relatively slow. If the printing was maintained and the foil applied as a separate pass, there is a corresponding cost impact. Furthermore, the cost of hot foil dies is relatively high compared to a printing plate or sleeve and energy is needed to heat the die.

Reel to reel cold foiling involves printing a UV curable adhesive in the foil design needed, laminating the foil to the adhesive through a nip, curing the adhesive with UV lamps and separating the foil from the printed web. The foil that is removed from its carrier film is in the design of the printed adhesive, since that has been UV cured and so adheres to the foil.

By using a cold foil, the speed is limited only by the strength of the UV lamps or the optical density of the foil. The aluminum layer in the foil has to be thinner than that normally used in a hot stamping foil to allow sufficient transparency to the UV light. True, this is irrelevant when the foiling is carried out directly to transparent films since the light can be directed through the back of the film onto the adhesive, but this is frequently not the case. The foiling is often carried out over an opaque white ink which can be silk screened onto to the label prior to the adhesive and then the foil applied. This places an opaque layer between the film and the foil, so that the beam has to pass through the lacquer layer or top coat of the cold foil.

The UV beam passes through the lacquer and aluminum layers to reach the adhesive, so the aluminum must be as transparent as possible. The more opaque it is, the more lamps are needed or the slower the running speed. Since printers want the lamps set in a fixed position, and not changed around for each type of job, all curing is generally carried out through the foil than through the film being printed.

Given that this can be done, then cold foiling is much faster than hot foiling, and of course there is no need for a die, thus saving not only on die-cutting costs but also on energy. A very appropriate saving these days. So why are all reel to reel jobs not blocked using cold stamping foils? Mainly due to the quality. Cold foiling is generally not as brilliant as hot foiling, and also most stamping foil manufacturers offer a very limited range.

They have also tended not be very print receptive. If the overprint is small enough, it can adhere, though the cold foil surface tends to be fairly low in surface energy (low dyne level). Larger printed areas tend to have poor scratch resistance and tape adhesion, though many customers accept this in return for the lower costs. Modern developments, however, are tending to overcome these problems though truly over printable cold foils are very difficult to find and depend very much on the type of ink being used.

Modern cold foil developments include sheet fed offset litho applications, whereby the adhesive is applied by traditional oxidation drying offset, and then the silver foil overprinted with oxidation drying offset transparent inks to produce an attractive colored metallic effect. This process is currently patented. Further developments involve offset UV adhesives and inks, though the adhesion of the UV ink to the foil surface is still an issue here.

The volumes of cold foil being used world wide are increasing at a rapid rate, and much of this is in the offset field, where the major European printing machine suppliers are offering purpose build equipment, and add-ons that can be retrofitted to a printer?€?s existing equipment. The printing quality is fashion coats improving as more development work is carried by the hot stamping foil producers, and the quality modern cold stamping foils is rapidly approaching that of hot foiling.

Choosing Men's Suits for the Holidays

The holiday season usually ranges from the end of November all the way to the beginning of January, and it features tons of events, parties and other functions where you're expected to dress a certain way. Women can mostly get away with wearing whatever they want and dressing their outfit up or down with accessories, but what is expected of men? We've done the hard work of figuring out what to wear for you with our guidelines to choosing mens suits for the holidays.

Formal Holiday Parties

For most holiday parties, whether casual or formal, men are expected to at least wear a sports coat and slacks, although the tie is optional. For a casual party you could ditch the jacket and wear a nice sweate women's coats r over a collared shirt. If the holiday party is at a more up-scale location, or if the invitation specifically dictates that the dress code is "formal" or "festive" (and no one will be wearing tuxedos), try a velvet jacket with gray slacks, or a dark gray or dark blue suit with a tonal tie. For a bit of holiday cheer, throw in a holiday-themed tie or socks.

Office Holiday Parties

The thing to always remember about office parties is to stay tasteful. If you're celebrating in the office, whether during the workday or directly after business hours, you probably won't be expected to get dressed up, but you should put some extra thought into what you wear to work that day. You never know which of the higher-ups will be attending the party, so you want to be confident about your outfit.

If your office is business casual on most days, the day of the party should be your day to dress more on the side of "business" and less on the side of "casual." The trick is to look polished (i.e. no wrinkles in your clothes, combed hair, etc.), but not overdone. Remember that you are sending out a message about yourself professionally in the way you dress, and to conduct yourself as if it was any other day at work.

Christmas Eve

Even if you're with your family, and especially if you are celebrating with someone else's family, it's important to dress modest, yet festive on this holy night. Think casual blazer or men's suit jacket, a collared shirt, and wool slacks; add on a tie if it's more of a cocktail party. While all day is generally referred to as Christmas Eve, this is technically an evening celebration, so darker colors are welcome.

Christmas Day

If your celebration takes place during the day, feel free to wear lighter colors, like heather gray, lighter blues, red or camel, but keep it formal. You may be sitting down for "dinner" at one, followed by watching a few football games on TV, but there will be churchgoers likely in your midst, so dress accordingly and leave the jersey at home.

New Year's Eve

If the invitation says "black tie optional," wear a dark men's suit that's a little on the flashy side. Consider wearing a shiny tie or a crisp collared shirt with sharper details. If the invitation says "black tie" that means it's your chance to wear a nice-fitting tuxedo and party the night away.

As mentioned above, these are just guidelines for what to wear to holiday functions. Because dress codes can vary wildly depending on when and where the event is taking place, as well as who will be at the event, there are no "set in stone" rules for holiday party attire. To be on the safe side always wear a basic men's suit with a suit jacket or blazer, a dress shirt, a tie and a nice pair of shoes. You will never be underdressed in this ensemble, and if you find you are overdressed, just take off the tie and throw on a pair of sneakers you keep in the car for a cool and casual look.

Nine Basic Strategies For Caring for Frizzy And Also Curly Hair

Basic techniques for nurturing frizzy and curly hair include the following: skipping the shampoo, making use of 2 types of conditioners, putting on smoothing ointment and gel, applying hair styling creams, using style serums, making use of hair styling gel or balm, not using a blow dryer, pressing hair infrequently, and applying extra care to wet hair.

Curly hair is oftentimes associated with frizzy hair. This is because curly hair has a great inclination to turn into excessively dry, which normally leads to frizz. Nonetheless, preventing frizzy hair from occurring isn't impossible. You only need to know the following simple guidelines on how to take good care of curly hair.

Omit the shampoo

A good way to deal with frizzy hair is to stay away from making use of hair shampoo on curly locks. Instead, buy Moroccan oil and condition your hair daily. If you truly can't help from shampooing your hair, decide to make use of a rich and creamy shampoo because you are better off with them compared to their clarifying alternatives.

Utilize two kinds of hair conditioners

There is no such thing as excessive conditioning curly hair. Unlike women with straight hair, you must employ heavy conditioner to your own hair every time you give your hair a wash, and a deep conditioner remedy every week.

Use smoothing cream and also gel

Just after you get out from the shower area, it is vital that you use a coat of smoothing lotion or gel to the hair to lock in the moisture in the hair cuticles. As reported by Linda Wells, the writer of the book "Confessions of a Beauty Editor," utilize two portions of smoothing cream for each part of alcohol-free gel. Thus that's a 2:1 ratio for smoothing cream and gel respectively. Definitely, you would need to order these products individually. Get approximately a walnut-sized level of the cream-gel blend and simply rub the combination onto your hair from the mid-shaft area to the tips. Next, distribute the product all throughout through combing your hair by using a comb.

Utilize styling creams

There are numerous styling cream products which are made especially for curly hair. Enhance your curls by using these types of hair creams. Just rub the item to your hair and leave it to dry normally.

Utilize style serums

For your own frizz complications, solve them using style serums. Just warm 2 drops of serum between your hands and also palms and then rub them unto the frizzes of your hair.

Use styling gel or balm

If you desire to blow dry your hair straight, simply rub a small amount of styling gel or balm onto your curly tresses before blow drying it. Begin doing work on your hair from its ends going up as well as in sections.

Avoid the use of a hair dryer

Repeated utilisation of the blow dryer can also lead to the frizziness of your curly hair because of the heat being generated by the machine. Therefore, lay low from using this device or skip it altogether. On the other hand, comb your hair utilizing your fingers and simply allow your curls to air dry. Additionally, never use a hand towel to dry hair. You could rather apply paper towels in order to eliminate excess water from your hair.

Feel hair rarely

Curly hair features very little of the hair scalp's all-natural oil since it is based at a distance from the hair scalp. Frizz is made once the roots are touched; so, try and keep from touching the hair as much as possible.

Employ additional care to wet hair

Wet hair is more likely to get destroyed compared to dry hair. Hence, keep from brushing wet hair, and utilize your fingertips or perhaps a wide-toothed hair comb instead to run through areas of your locks.

Possessing lovely curly hair doesn't come easy, unless women's coats you're one of the lucky few. Thus, you need to apply these tips to take care of your curly hair.

Choosing Men's Suits for the Holidays

The holiday season usually ranges from the end of November all the way to the beginning of January, and it features tons of events, parties and other functions where you're expected to dress a certain way. Women can mostly get away with wearing whatever they want and dressing their outfit up or down with accessories, but what is expected of men? We've done the hard work of figuring out what to wear for you with our guidelines to choosing mens suits for the holidays.

Formal Holiday Parties

For most holiday parties, whether casual or formal, men are expected to at least wear a sports coat and slacks, although the tie is optional. For a casual party you could ditch the jacket and wear a nice sweate women's coats r over a collared shirt. If the holiday party is at a more up-scale location, or if the invitation specifically dictates that the dress code is "formal" or "festive" (and no one will be wearing tuxedos), try a velvet jacket with gray slacks, or a dark gray or dark blue suit with a tonal tie. For a bit of holiday cheer, throw in a holiday-themed tie or socks.

Office Holiday Parties

The thing to always remember about office parties is to stay tasteful. If you're celebrating in the office, whether during the workday or directly after business hours, you probably won't be expected to get dressed up, but you should put some extra thought into what you wear to work that day. You never know which of the higher-ups will be attending the party, so you want to be confident about your outfit.

If your office is business casual on most days, the day of the party should be your day to dress more on the side of "business" and less on the side of "casual." The trick is to look polished (i.e. no wrinkles in your clothes, combed hair, etc.), but not overdone. Remember that you are sending out a message about yourself professionally in the way you dress, and to conduct yourself as if it was any other day at work.

Christmas Eve

Even if you're with your family, and especially if you are celebrating with someone else's family, it's important to dress modest, yet festive on this holy night. Think casual blazer or men's suit jacket, a collared shirt, and wool slacks; add on a tie if it's more of a cocktail party. While all day is generally referred to as Christmas Eve, this is technically an evening celebration, so darker colors are welcome.

Christmas Day

If your celebration takes place during the day, feel free to wear lighter colors, like heather gray, lighter blues, red or camel, but keep it formal. You may be sitting down for "dinner" at one, followed by watching a few football games on TV, but there will be churchgoers likely in your midst, so dress accordingly and leave the jersey at home.

New Year's Eve

If the invitation says "black tie optional," wear a dark men's suit that's a little on the flashy side. Consider wearing a shiny tie or a crisp collared shirt with sharper details. If the invitation says "black tie" that means it's your chance to wear a nice-fitting tuxedo and party the night away.

As mentioned above, these are just guidelines for what to wear to holiday functions. Because dress codes can vary wildly depending on when and where the event is taking place, as well as who will be at the event, there are no "set in stone" rules for holiday party attire. To be on the safe side always wear a basic men's suit with a suit jacket or blazer, a dress shirt, a tie and a nice pair of shoes. You will never be underdressed in this ensemble, and if you find you are overdressed, just take off the tie and throw on a pair of sneakers you keep in the car for a cool and casual look.