Attending a Masquerade: What to Wear?

image:creativecommons.org

Getting invited to a masquerade party means that you will have a chance to dress up nice and in your brand new outfit you were dying to try on; all the while having casual fun and socializing with your closest friends. However, such an event requires that you follow exact procedures and that you dress accordingly, the only optional choice will be the type of mask you can wear; but always make sure that you ask your host what is acceptable and what you should stay clear of.

The right mask

It is important that you choose the perfect mask that will be appropriate for the event, and that you can blend into the overall masquerade feel without a problem. However, make sure that you pay attention to the mask buying guide which will help you in finding the best mask and not running a risk to choose the wrong one. Moreover, you need to get a mask that will be tailored for your facial features, so that you do not look like a kid trying on Halloween masks at the party; remember that you need to be appropriate and well-behaved.

 

image:creativecommons.org

Masquerade party shoes

Although you are partaking in a grand event, and hiding behind masks, it does not mean that you should wear casual footwear; there is a strict rule describing that men should wear formal shoes, and that women should wear high heels or formal flat shoes. The biggest concern should be the fact that your shoes should complement your outfit and that they are in neutral shades, so that they do not draw too much attention to them; making your whole attire the life of the party.

Appropriate wear

As a masquerade is usually classy and a formal event, you should make sure that you have formal wear which is representable and which will accent your physique. However, if you find that you do not have good attire for the evening, it is possible to buy costumes online, making it a cheap last minute alternative when you have to think fast. Moreover, think about the future possibilities of your newly purchased clothes, as it can be worn for other events as well, making it a good investment overall. Just remember to buy something that is going to be great for the party and usable for other events as well.

 

image:creativecommons.org

Deciding on hairstyle

In order to complement your whole outfit and how you are going to look through the evening, you need to have good hairstyle as well. But, you should look into following a few guide steps on how to do your hair for a masquerade party; especially if you want to blend in nicely and not to be labeled. Remember that usually simple but elegant hairstyles are the best, and they will be great for almost any grand formal event no matter what; just make sure your hairdo matches your overall attire for the night.

Masquerade accessories

Some people will prefer to wear accessories, and while it is perfectly fine to wear bracelets, rings and jewelry in general, you need to be careful not to overdo it, because it will stand out too much and it will seem too tacky as well. Furthermore, it is important that you are already going to wear a formal outfit and a mask, and you should not go overboard with your accessories, it will only throw off your overall appeal, and it will ruin the whole formal appeal of the party as well. In essence, try to accessorize appropriately and wisely.

General rules to attending a masquerade party

If you want to dress appropriately, it is important to follow the general rules for formal wear, and that you get a mask which fits perfectly. But make sure that you are also going to behave appropriately as well, because clothes are only part of what you are bringing to the party. Another rule of thumb you should remember is that your hairdo and accessories should be kept at a bare minimum, meaning that you should focus on your attire, footwear and masks, everything beyond that is there to complete your outfit, but not to outshine it. 

Mount Banyak

This mountain located in Batu Malang (East Java, Indonesia). I captured it from the takeoff spot for paragliding. The place is always full of people who love this sport. That day was a perfect day for exploring the sky!

Sky Watch Friday

The Feminine Holidays: A Discourse

There is a list of special public holidays dedicated to women -some of them localized and some international and marked every year in many countries. The best known women’s holidays are Mother’s day and International Women’s Day.  It is worth mentioning Women’s History Month and Women’s Equality Day, widely celebrated as well, but, unfairly, a little less talked about.

Mothers

Mother’s Day is a way to celebrate Motherhood as well as influence that mothers have had in society since the dawn of time. The complication starts with the exact date of the celebration. It is marked differently in various countries -some have it in March and some in May. I will say straight away that there is also Father’s Day that honors the role of fathers, this is not a one-sided discussion, and it takes two parents to raise a civilization.

Mother’s Day as we know it was first celebrated in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. The origin of the holiday has deeper roots in Greek and Roman traditions. Today, this event is marked in a lot of western European countries and the US, though some people criticize a commercial aspect of the holiday, describing it as nothing more than a money-making scheme on behalf of the card-making companies. The original idea was not related to spending money and setting the terrain for mothers to compete with each other.

No, a beautiful tradition is at the root of Mother’s Day. Flowers have always been a representation of femininity, and the cycle of life. Mothers have always been given sprigs of Mother’s Day flowers to honor her role as the giver of life. The same happens on the International Women’s Day, today.

Frequently, there is confusion when one mentions International Women’s Day in, for example, Australia, or Mother’s Day in Russia, as in the past they were quite regional and didn’t mix. But that is changing fast, as the United Nations pushed forth the motion for International Women’s Day to truly become international.

Women's Movement

International Women’s Day, or International Working Women’s Day, is celebrated on the 8^th of March every year. The idea here went a bit further. It is not related to motherhood, but it celebrates women’s economic, political and social activities, and the freedom most women are still fighting for. It was first introduced in Europe and was particularly important in the Eastern European countries and the Soviet Union. At present the core political nature of this day has lost its impetus and turned into a simple appreciation of women and their role. A lot of issue is thrown at the idea of giving women flowers on International Women’s Day and leaving it at that, when the origins of this holiday were anything but frail and tender.

Some critics who express their view that commercialism is becoming more visible in both these holidays are passing the message through, and the modern approach to honoring women’s holidays is no longer to throw money at them, but to treat them with the respect they deserve for at least that one single day.

The role of women in many countries is not recognized as essential in enabling society to exist and prosper. That is why these feminine holidays are an important way to raise awareness. We should never forget the energy, dedication and care that humans – men and women equally –invest on a daily basis, in order to make everything function. And until everybody receives the respect they deserve, they should not be left out of celebrations.