INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Dark grays, like charcoal and graphite, look much more formal than light gray washes. The darker shades of gray tend to flatter most body shapes and provide a much sleeker look overall. You can make dark gray jeans adhere to a business casual dress code when they are slim-fitting. A tapered ankle can work, but a flared leg will look a little more polished. For the most formal effect, look for jeans that have a well-pressed look. To stiffen yours up, try spraying a little starch on the jeans before you iron them. Get a polished, casual-Friday look by wearing dark gray jeans with a loose-fitting black or white silk blouse. If blouses aren’t your thing, a long-sleeved button down shirt with a slim-fit can create a similar vibe. Complete the look by adding a fitted black blazer on top.  Choose a nice pair of dress shoes, like patent black heels, wing-tips or loafers, to go along with this outfit. A stark white blouse worn with a cropped, waist length blazer in black or graphite also pairs well with office-ready gray jeans. Pairing dark gray jeans with a dark gray or black top creates an air of sophistication. Sleek silhouettes emphasize this even more. For example, you could wear a pair of charcoal gray skinny jeans with a black, fitted blouse or tank top and create a fairly formal vibe. In cooler weather you could top this off with a well-cut blazer or black pea coat. Black leather (or faux leather) loafers or boots, along with black accessories, complete this sophisticated look. Choose a blazer made with a casual fabric and try to avoid more formal materials. For example, a corduroy blazer would be an appropriate choice, but a wool blazer would not work well. Go for a blazer that has a relaxed cut – you want something with a soft shoulder and only the slightest taper at the waist. Pair the blazer with very dark gray jeans that have a slim-fitting (but not skinny) cut.  To mix it up, try a blazer in a bolder color, such as rust. You could also experiment with bold patterns, like windowpane checks or plaids, as long as the jeans remain dark gray and fit well.

SUMMARY: Opt for dark gray jeans with a skinny cut or flared leg. Dress up dark gray jeans with a stylish top and sophisticated shoes. Opt for a sleek, monochrome look. Try a dark blazer paired with dark gray slim-fitting jeans.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Place 4½ ounces (127 grams) of coconut oil and 1½ ounces (42.52 grams) emulsifying wax into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them for 2 minutes, or until they are melted. You can also set up a double-boiler and use that instead. Fill a small saucepan with 16 ounces (475 milliliters) of distilled water. Bring the water to a simmer, then remove it from heat. Pour the simmered water into the oil/wax mixture, then add 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of glycerin. Stir everything together with a whisk or spoon until the color and texture are consistent. Plan on using 10 to 15 drops of essential oil. You can use all one fragrance, or a combination of different ones for something more unique. Divide the lotion between several 4-ounce (120-milliliter) mason jars, then pour the rest into a larger jar for storage. Store the little jars in your bathroom and the big jar in the fridge. If it is very warm where you live, store all of the jars in the fridge.
Summary: Microwave the coconut oil and emulsifying wax. Bring the water to a simmer. Combine the water, oil, wax, and glycerin. Stir in some essential oil, if desired. Pour the lotion into glass jars.

You will be attaching these loops to the back of your dress, where the zipper used to be. Choose something that matches both the texture and color of your dress. If you can't find the right color, consider choosing a contrasting color, but in the same material. If your gown came with spaghetti straps, cut those off now, then click here to continue. Fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in, and iron it flat. Use a thread color that matches your material. When you are done, trim the raw edges away so that the seam allowance is ⅛-inch (0.32-centimeter) wide. Clip a small safety pin to one end of your lacing. Tuck it into the tube, then pull it through to the other end. Once you have the entire tube turned right-side-out, unclip the safety pin and set it aside. Each segment needs to be about 1¼ inches (3.2 centimeters) long. You are cutting them a little longer than you need to so that you can sew them into the dress more securely. Open up the left side of your dress, where you took the zipper out. Form the segments into loops, and pin them into the lining part. The bottom strand of the first loop should be overlapping the top strand of the second loop, forming an X inside the lining. Keep going until you reach the bottom of the area you cut out.  Don't leave the curved part of the loop sticking out of the dress. It should be resting flush against the edge of the dress. Repeat this step on the right side. Make sure that the loops line up perfectly. Cover the raw edges of the loops with a matching ribbon if your dress doesn't have a lining. Close the opening where you inserted the loops back up, so that the dress looks like it used to. You should now see some loops sticking out of the side where the zipper used to be. Go over the edge on your sewing machine.  #* Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing for extra strength. Sew down the top 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of each zipper half as well. You can thread matching or contrasting ribbon through  the tops, starting at the top and finishing at the bottom. Choose ribbon that is the same width as each loop. You can also make your own ribbon, by folding lone strips of fabric in half lengthwise, sewing them, then turning them right-side-out.
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One-sentence summary -- Get material for the lacing loops. Cut the material into a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) wide strip. Sew the strip using a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance. Turn the lacing right-side-out. Cut the tube into short segments. Pin the loops into the dress. Sew the opening back shut. Lace the dress.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Standard curtain panels have a 1½ inch (3.81 centimeters) wide hem on each side. The hem is folded twice, on both sides, so each panel will need to be 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) wider than you want them to be. This will allow you to create a double 1½ inch (3.81 centimeters) wide hem on each side. The easiest way to do this would be to mark off 1½ inch (3.81 centimeters) at the top and bottom of your curtain, and then to fold it. Use sewing pins to hold the hem down. Be sure to press the hem with an iron each time. If necessary, use sewing pins to hold the hem in place. If your curtain has a lining, cut your lining down to the width of your curtain, then tuck the raw edges into the hem. Sew as close to the folded edge as you can. Be sure to use a color that matches the curtain color as closely as possible.

SUMMARY:
Make sure you have enough fabric for a double hem. Fold each side of the curtain by 1½ inch (3.81 centimeters). Fold the hem inward twice by 1½ inch (3.81 centimeters). Tuck the sides of the lining into the hem, if necessary. Consider using a sewing machine to sew the hem.