For many women, where their clothing comes from is not nearly as important as what it looks like when they put it on. But knowing where your favorite t-shirt or polo shirt first originated can give a better sense of how this piece of clothing might fit into your wardrobe. The ladies polo shirt, for example, actually has its roots in sports and athletic activities played by men - and of course, this tradition has continued to endure over the centuries, finally assimilating into women's style and fashion.
What you might not realize is that the polo shirt can be called by many names - a tennis shirt or a golf shirt is commonly used in everyday conversations, for example. Though the names might change, all refer to the idea of a lightly constructed shirt that has a collar, a few buttons (no more than three) in front of the neck with the ability to be buttoned up or left open as well as two narrow slits in the sides of the shirt at the bottom for better movement. While the material may change depending on your use for the polo shirt, many can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns in cotton, though the texture is created by using knitted cloth and not a woven material. Dressier versions of the polo shirt design can also be found, often in materials like wool, silk, or other manmade materials.
Most fashion history will point out that the ladies polo shirt originated as a piece in the tennis attire of men. Dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s, male tennis players would wear polo shirts to give them better ease of movement without sacrificing good looks during their matches. Instead of their traditional long sleeve shirts and ties, the players were able to move about the court more quickly when they added this more casual shirt to their wardrobe.
So, the development of the ladies polo shirt came from a need for comfort, rather than for a new style or statement. By realizing this, Rene Lacoste became the first person to design what we now know as the polo shirt. Having been a tennis player and champion himself, he knew the common problems with the stuffier outfits and realized that changes were necessary.
Of course the name 'polo' shirt seems to indicate that there was some relevance to the sport of polo as well - and this is an accurate assessment. As the popularity of the polo shirt increased in the sport of tennis, polo players saw the new design as advantageous to their sport as well and began to adopt this shirt for their playtime.
It's also interesting to note that while the shirt is worn in a number of settings and activities, the name 'polo shirt' is the one that has stuck around to generally apply to all of these types of shirts. There are some companies that will label these shirts according to their purpose (tennis or golf, for example), but asking for a polo shirt will also lead you to the right style.
The popularity of this style began to extend to women as a general trend of more casual wear began to come into vogue. Women were able to still look attractive in a polo shirt and dressier trousers instead of having to wear a traditional dress or skirt. Women also adopted this look for the sheer ruggedness of the design and its ability to keep up with their busy lives - even outside of the tennis court or golf course.
Ladies polo shirts may have their origins in men's history, but their appeal for women is remarkable. You can find polo shirts in every women's department from infants to misses.
About Author:
Grant Eckert is a writer for Leon Levin. Leon Levin is a leading provider of Women’s Clothing | Ladies Polo Shirts
Monday, July 30, 2007
Yoga Clothes | Choosing Yoga Apparel | Organic Yoga Clothing
Yoga Clothes
Yoga clothes are one of the accessories required for practicing yoga exercises. The clothing that you wear when practicing Yoga should be comfortable. Your yoga clothing should allow you to move easily and freely in the different asana postures without strain or restriction.
Even though there are no particular Yoga clothes or yoga apparel that you are supposed to wear during Yoga practice, it is essential that you are comfortable with what you wear. Nevertheless, you need to consider few things into consideration while purchasing your yoga apparel.
Yoga Clothes: Comfort
You must wear yoga clothing that will allow you move freely and easily while practicing various yoga postures. Yoga apparel should offer you easy movement, allowing your various parts of the body to twist and stretch in various ways and postures.
It is advisable to pick yoga clothes made of organic cotton as these provides maximum comfort by allowing the body to breathe properly which is an essential for yoga apparel.
Another important thing to consider while purchasing yoga clothing is that they must be sweat absorbent in order that you will not feel sticky and moist when you sweat during the activity.
It is always advisable to keep in mind to consider the clothing that fits you right and that fits your body frame, even though you can find far more attractive and appealing designs of yoga clothes.
For women, it is advisable to choose a good sports bra as this will provide support and comfort during yoga practice. This will improve and bring self confidence during your yoga practice.
Healthy
Another important thing you need to consider while choosing yoga clothes is to choose healthy, organic clothing. The most popular natural fiber is cotton, but it is grown conventionally. This type of manufactured cotton is the most chemically intensive fiber grown with destructive consequences to the environment.
Therefore, you should choose organically grown and manufactured clothing for protecting your health and the health of the environment.
Cost of the Yoga Apparel
Cost of the Yoga apparel is another thing you should take into consideration while choosing your yoga clothes. Do not choose clothing that gives extremely soaring prices in spite of its fashionable design or style.
You must purchase yoga clothing that are not only attractive but also provide comfort and at a fitting price. Furthermore, it will be great if you purchase yoga clothes which can also be worn even without a Yoga class or session.
Durable
Some seams and fabrics get strained by the stretching, bending, and twisting of some yoga asanas. So, it is better to purchase yoga clothing that are manufactures with double seams and durable manufacturing. The longer fibers of organic cotton and hemp are naturally stronger, wear longer, and are more comfortable.
Keep in mind that comfort is the most important thing to consider. Therefore no matter how good yoga clothes may look, it will not be right for you if it is not comfortable. Comfort is the key, and you must purchase yoga clothes which are not only attractive but also providing comfort to you during yoga practice.
Alien writes for yoga for health. He also writes for yoga for beginners and arthritis relief
http://www.a1articles.com/article_187676_34.html
Yoga clothes are one of the accessories required for practicing yoga exercises. The clothing that you wear when practicing Yoga should be comfortable. Your yoga clothing should allow you to move easily and freely in the different asana postures without strain or restriction.
Even though there are no particular Yoga clothes or yoga apparel that you are supposed to wear during Yoga practice, it is essential that you are comfortable with what you wear. Nevertheless, you need to consider few things into consideration while purchasing your yoga apparel.
Yoga Clothes: Comfort
You must wear yoga clothing that will allow you move freely and easily while practicing various yoga postures. Yoga apparel should offer you easy movement, allowing your various parts of the body to twist and stretch in various ways and postures.
It is advisable to pick yoga clothes made of organic cotton as these provides maximum comfort by allowing the body to breathe properly which is an essential for yoga apparel.
Another important thing to consider while purchasing yoga clothing is that they must be sweat absorbent in order that you will not feel sticky and moist when you sweat during the activity.
It is always advisable to keep in mind to consider the clothing that fits you right and that fits your body frame, even though you can find far more attractive and appealing designs of yoga clothes.
For women, it is advisable to choose a good sports bra as this will provide support and comfort during yoga practice. This will improve and bring self confidence during your yoga practice.
Healthy
Another important thing you need to consider while choosing yoga clothes is to choose healthy, organic clothing. The most popular natural fiber is cotton, but it is grown conventionally. This type of manufactured cotton is the most chemically intensive fiber grown with destructive consequences to the environment.
Therefore, you should choose organically grown and manufactured clothing for protecting your health and the health of the environment.
Cost of the Yoga Apparel
Cost of the Yoga apparel is another thing you should take into consideration while choosing your yoga clothes. Do not choose clothing that gives extremely soaring prices in spite of its fashionable design or style.
You must purchase yoga clothing that are not only attractive but also provide comfort and at a fitting price. Furthermore, it will be great if you purchase yoga clothes which can also be worn even without a Yoga class or session.
Durable
Some seams and fabrics get strained by the stretching, bending, and twisting of some yoga asanas. So, it is better to purchase yoga clothing that are manufactures with double seams and durable manufacturing. The longer fibers of organic cotton and hemp are naturally stronger, wear longer, and are more comfortable.
Keep in mind that comfort is the most important thing to consider. Therefore no matter how good yoga clothes may look, it will not be right for you if it is not comfortable. Comfort is the key, and you must purchase yoga clothes which are not only attractive but also providing comfort to you during yoga practice.
Alien writes for yoga for health. He also writes for yoga for beginners and arthritis relief
http://www.a1articles.com/article_187676_34.html
Skirts in Revival?
With the women's liberation movement many things changed. One of those changes was dresses and skirts. Women no longer wanted to feel bound by the dresses and skirts that they wore; nor did they want to have to wear the undergarments that would suck them in and make breathing difficult. Today dresses and skirts are made entirely differently. The undergarments are still available, but they are now a choice rather than necessity. Perhaps for that reason, dresses and skirts are beginning to make a comeback in the world of fashion.
If nothing else can be said about them, it can be said that dresses are comfortable. With the removal of the restrictive undergarments that would suck everyone in and make them look as skinny as a light pole, dresses are now surrounded in comfort. Whether your figure is tall and trim, short and stocky, or any combination thereof, there is a dress made to flatter your shape.
When women wore dresses in the past, they would have to conform their bodies to the dresses they'd wear. Today, the dresses have to make the adjustments so that they look good on the wearer no matter her size and shape. Dresses make a woman feel feminine and now all women will have the privilege of feeling that way.
The cool comfort of dresses makes their wearer completely comfortable. They don't have to worry about stiff materials that pants are often made of. They won't have to worry about tight waistlines of pants that have shrunk in the dryer. They will be perfectly comfortable in the loose soft fabrics that surround them.
Dresses can be worn in just about any circumstance. There are always events that dresses are appropriate for. Designers are well aware of this fact and they have created dresses to fit each and every occasion. Wearing the right kind of dress to each occasion will represent your personal style in each event.
For a wedding or a dinner party a cocktail dress is most appropriate. This will be a fashionably designed dress. It may include sequins or lace. The decoration on the dress will be intricate and stylish.
For business dealings, a dress is usually designed in the style of a suit. It's not very revealing, usually with a top that buttons up all the way to the neckline. The skirt is usually straight and colored in gray, beige, or black.
For every day wear dresses will usually be made from cotton. They will be a variety of colors and styles. They may be flashy and revealing or they may be conservative. They will provide the most amount of comfort in wearing and will add the benefit of hiding problem areas.
Dresses are wonderful pieces of material. They are comfortable and fun to wear. They are great for every occasion and reveal a style of their own.
http://www.a1articles.com/article_192981_34.html
If nothing else can be said about them, it can be said that dresses are comfortable. With the removal of the restrictive undergarments that would suck everyone in and make them look as skinny as a light pole, dresses are now surrounded in comfort. Whether your figure is tall and trim, short and stocky, or any combination thereof, there is a dress made to flatter your shape.
When women wore dresses in the past, they would have to conform their bodies to the dresses they'd wear. Today, the dresses have to make the adjustments so that they look good on the wearer no matter her size and shape. Dresses make a woman feel feminine and now all women will have the privilege of feeling that way.
The cool comfort of dresses makes their wearer completely comfortable. They don't have to worry about stiff materials that pants are often made of. They won't have to worry about tight waistlines of pants that have shrunk in the dryer. They will be perfectly comfortable in the loose soft fabrics that surround them.
Dresses can be worn in just about any circumstance. There are always events that dresses are appropriate for. Designers are well aware of this fact and they have created dresses to fit each and every occasion. Wearing the right kind of dress to each occasion will represent your personal style in each event.
For a wedding or a dinner party a cocktail dress is most appropriate. This will be a fashionably designed dress. It may include sequins or lace. The decoration on the dress will be intricate and stylish.
For business dealings, a dress is usually designed in the style of a suit. It's not very revealing, usually with a top that buttons up all the way to the neckline. The skirt is usually straight and colored in gray, beige, or black.
For every day wear dresses will usually be made from cotton. They will be a variety of colors and styles. They may be flashy and revealing or they may be conservative. They will provide the most amount of comfort in wearing and will add the benefit of hiding problem areas.
Dresses are wonderful pieces of material. They are comfortable and fun to wear. They are great for every occasion and reveal a style of their own.
http://www.a1articles.com/article_192981_34.html
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Ladies golf wear
When you are a woman out on the golf course, you really want to look your best. Not only do you want to be fashionable, but dressing in the proper ladies golf wear can help you to be taken seriously and even help you to play better. Our tips will help you find the best golf apparel for you.
Of course the first thing you want to consider when it comes to ladies golf wear is style. There are many options in this category. A pair of clean cut khaki’s and a well-fitting polo shirt may be all you need to feel comfortable and stylish on the links. On the other hand, maybe investing in a great golf dress is more for you. Try to keep your personal style in mind when shopping for golf apparel.
The second thing you should consider when shopping for ladies golf wear is performance. Try to purchase items in high tech fabrics if you’re the type to get overheated quickly. And breathable layers can keep moisture at bay when golfing in humid climates. Consider the weather you encounter on the courses in your area when looking for good golf clothing.
Ladies golf wear isn’t just about apparel. What about golf shoes? When shopping for golf shoes, style, performance and fit are all important. There are golf shoes designed for wider feet as well as for feet and ankles that need extra support. And ladies golf shoes are available in a wide variety of styles and colors so you’ll always feel put together.
Additionally, ladies golf wear includes accessories. A pair of high performance golf gloves can protect your hands from tears. A great hat or visor serves multiple purposes by keeping the sun out of your eyes and completing an outfit. Socks, headbands, wristbands and golf bags are also available in many colors and styles. Matching these items will make you feel fashionable and professional every time you set foot on the golf course.
http://www.forehergolf.com/ladies_golf_wear.html
Of course the first thing you want to consider when it comes to ladies golf wear is style. There are many options in this category. A pair of clean cut khaki’s and a well-fitting polo shirt may be all you need to feel comfortable and stylish on the links. On the other hand, maybe investing in a great golf dress is more for you. Try to keep your personal style in mind when shopping for golf apparel.
The second thing you should consider when shopping for ladies golf wear is performance. Try to purchase items in high tech fabrics if you’re the type to get overheated quickly. And breathable layers can keep moisture at bay when golfing in humid climates. Consider the weather you encounter on the courses in your area when looking for good golf clothing.
Ladies golf wear isn’t just about apparel. What about golf shoes? When shopping for golf shoes, style, performance and fit are all important. There are golf shoes designed for wider feet as well as for feet and ankles that need extra support. And ladies golf shoes are available in a wide variety of styles and colors so you’ll always feel put together.
Additionally, ladies golf wear includes accessories. A pair of high performance golf gloves can protect your hands from tears. A great hat or visor serves multiple purposes by keeping the sun out of your eyes and completing an outfit. Socks, headbands, wristbands and golf bags are also available in many colors and styles. Matching these items will make you feel fashionable and professional every time you set foot on the golf course.
http://www.forehergolf.com/ladies_golf_wear.html
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Ballet Dance Wear
Most can agree that ballet is a beautiful variety of dance, but it is also a delicate art form. The performers are often times telling a story with their movement, and the costumes, or clothing they wear play an integral part in the unfolding of the story. During practice, the ballet dance wear is usually less delicate and more practical, however, during recitals, and performances, dancers can go on stage in anything from an all black body suit, to very complicated skirts, tops, and leggings! The type of dance known as En Pointe, is unique to ballet and has very specific shoes that resemble classic ballet slippers until you see the toe. There it is flattened and very sturdy so that a dancer can stand literally on their tip toes. Dance wear has certainly come a long way and there are several varieties offered to fit any needs.
Rehearsal or practice for ballet doesn't usually require full on costuming unless it is a dress rehearsal. Common attire for dancers in class is for girls; a leotard, tights, and your slippers. For guys it can be the same with the addition of shorts as well. Leotards are a one piece body suit that can resemble a bathing suit with or without sleeves. Students attending standard or beginner ballet class will also wear their ballet slippers to dance in. However, En Pointe classes require a dancer to own and wear point shoes. It takes a lot of practice and breaking in to get used to point shoes. Performers often will go through a period of time where their toes are extremely blistered and sore from learning to dance on point.
When it comes to recitals and performances the possibilities are endless and it truly depends on the story being told. It's common to see a flowing or exaggerated skirt on women because it helps to signify their feminine qualities, and can often give the illusion of flying. Costuming is important because ballet is a very movement oriented dance, and the clothing has to be conducive to running, jumping, and it just needs to be flexible.
The vast array of ballet dance wear is available all over the world and on the internet. Whether it's for a performance, practice, or class, there is no doubt when it comes to the shoes that they need to be of quality. Ballet shoes are one of the single most important elements to one's wardrobe. If the shoes are poor quality, then there is a good chance for the dancer to injure themselves or someone else.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Ballet-Dance-Wear&id=514607
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Soccer Jersey - A Matter Of Identity
Nothing identifies the game as much as the soccer jerseys. The jersey is probably the most important part of the uniform. It doesn’t matter if it's a club or national team; the soccer jersey is typical and unique of the game. One can tell if a person is using a soccer jersey from miles away, and it is used not only by soccer fans but also because a lot of the jerseys have nice designs and lines to them, which allows people to wear them in practically any occasion.
The soccer jersey has suffered a lot of changes over the years. In the beginning, the jerseys were made mostly out of cotton and were relatively thick in comparison to the modern ones. This was a disadvantage because when the players used to sweat the shirt would get heavier and stick to the body.
Old day soccer jerseys were quite simple as far as design goes, usually white or dark and had polo like collars to them with laces or buttons. Some people don’t know this, but the famous Brazilian yellow shirt we see today wasn’t always yellow. In fact, it was white with blue collars. This uniform was used until the famous defeat to Uruguay in 1950.
As the years went by, the soccer uniform developed together with the textile industry. Another reason is because the game became more and more popular and more and more competitive.
There was a point where the soccer jersey wasn't cotton anymore and started to be made with synthetic material. This made the jersey much lighter than the cotton ones and doesn't stick to the body as much as the cotton ones. Together with the material change, design changes were being made, especially the colors. Most jerseys still had polo like collars. The more modern soccer jerseys are made with special dry technology material that doesn’t get wet and doesn't stick to the player's body.
Nowadays, clubs and National teams use the soccer jersey for marketing strategies, with the name or logo of big companies on the shirt. Soccer fans in general buy a lot of soccer jerseys, especially the jersey with the club they support and their national team. Selling jerseys with the name of famous soccer players brings the sales up quite a lot, especially when these players are well wanted by the fans. It is very common to see jerseys with names like Ronaldinho, Beckham, Zidane, Ronaldo, Henry, Deco, Kaká and so many other famous players who are popular with the fans who support the teams they play for but also by soccer fans in general. The national soccer teams are also quite responsible for the selling of jerseys, especially the Brazilian, Argentine, German, Italian, English and French jerseys.
The soccer jersey manufacturers use a lot of marketing to sell their products and even come out with special edition jerseys and other marketing campaigns.
A soccer jersey isn't only a jersey, but it's an identity. It's the love of a fan towards the team he supports, it's like a second skin to some people.
Get all the latest in Soccer know how from the one and only true source at http://www.SoccerDetails.com Be sure to check our soccer jersey pages.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Soccer-Jersey---A-Matter-Of-Identity&id=449408
The soccer jersey has suffered a lot of changes over the years. In the beginning, the jerseys were made mostly out of cotton and were relatively thick in comparison to the modern ones. This was a disadvantage because when the players used to sweat the shirt would get heavier and stick to the body.
Old day soccer jerseys were quite simple as far as design goes, usually white or dark and had polo like collars to them with laces or buttons. Some people don’t know this, but the famous Brazilian yellow shirt we see today wasn’t always yellow. In fact, it was white with blue collars. This uniform was used until the famous defeat to Uruguay in 1950.
As the years went by, the soccer uniform developed together with the textile industry. Another reason is because the game became more and more popular and more and more competitive.
There was a point where the soccer jersey wasn't cotton anymore and started to be made with synthetic material. This made the jersey much lighter than the cotton ones and doesn't stick to the body as much as the cotton ones. Together with the material change, design changes were being made, especially the colors. Most jerseys still had polo like collars. The more modern soccer jerseys are made with special dry technology material that doesn’t get wet and doesn't stick to the player's body.
Nowadays, clubs and National teams use the soccer jersey for marketing strategies, with the name or logo of big companies on the shirt. Soccer fans in general buy a lot of soccer jerseys, especially the jersey with the club they support and their national team. Selling jerseys with the name of famous soccer players brings the sales up quite a lot, especially when these players are well wanted by the fans. It is very common to see jerseys with names like Ronaldinho, Beckham, Zidane, Ronaldo, Henry, Deco, Kaká and so many other famous players who are popular with the fans who support the teams they play for but also by soccer fans in general. The national soccer teams are also quite responsible for the selling of jerseys, especially the Brazilian, Argentine, German, Italian, English and French jerseys.
The soccer jersey manufacturers use a lot of marketing to sell their products and even come out with special edition jerseys and other marketing campaigns.
A soccer jersey isn't only a jersey, but it's an identity. It's the love of a fan towards the team he supports, it's like a second skin to some people.
Get all the latest in Soccer know how from the one and only true source at http://www.SoccerDetails.com Be sure to check our soccer jersey pages.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Soccer-Jersey---A-Matter-Of-Identity&id=449408
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Tricks of the trade
Tidbits of little rules you would do well to observe, if you have any you have discovered please let me know and I�ll add them to the list, It�s our responsibility to prevent everyone making hideous fashion faux pas� !
—–
1. Avoid patterned or dark underwear under white linen.
2. The darker the top the more sweat patches will show.
3. Airtex is good material when really hot as it breathes.
4. Never wear black shoes with all white too harsh opt for cream tonal or silver.
5. Don�t follow a trend to closely, take a gypsy skirt and pair it with a structured shirt for a unique look.
6. Accessories can say more about you than the outfit- check Shoes, Glasses, Bag and Watch.
7. Not always about brand but the look.
8. To get a look make sure there is part of you in it or it just won�t work.
9. Basics should always be of high quality as they will get the most wear.
10. Guys- Invest in a plain black v neck from Gucci it will last forever.
11. Don�t underestimate the investment purposes of dry cleaning.
12. White shoes are rarely acceptable ever.
13. A good high quality suit will always serve.
14. Organise your wardrobe however you wish but keep 3 or 4 key ensembles together so in an emergency you have a last option.
15. All black can be jazzed with a white jacket or something white, always be careful though- if you feel remotely like a cater waiter don�t wear it- you look like one.
16. Girls � Accessories more is more, less is more, but be sensible when over junking.
17. Never mix navy and black.
18. A good look for a summer event is a 70�s money- silk shirt, white trousers, beige shoes and gold everything else � ala Versace mixed with St Tropez. Would be seen as tacky but trust me big hair, big money � it works!
19. Never buy a must have in the Sale � It wont fit, its out of season or worse the colour is putrid- just from experience circa Maharishi time.
20. If you are a designer fiend, sell old pieces on Ebay or at Retro man in Notting Hill or Exclusivo in Hampstead.
21. Being Kitsch by mixing patterns and clashing colours is seldom a good idea and takes either a person who couldn�t care less or an experienced accomplished fashionista to carry it off.
http://www.myfashionlife.com/archives/2005/07/28/tricks-of-the-trade/
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Fashion Tips for Women
Looking sexy and gorgeous is a matter of knowing your body, knowing what to wear and how to wear right kind of clothes. Dressing up is an art and if one can master this art then one can be on top of the world. The important thing about dressing right is you should look slim and tall in whatever you wear, no matter what your weight is. Even fat women can look slim if they know the tricks of fashion. Following are the tips that will make women look gorgeous, elegant and stunning!
Pick one hue. Dressing head-to-toe in a single dark color, like navy or black, is the single best way to look like a person has lost a lot of weight.
Skip large patterns. Smaller patterns fool the eye and make for a more delicate look. One should not wear patterns on top and bottom since it tends to add more weight.
You should slip on the right length skirt and stick to just-above-the-knee skirts that play off knees and elongate legs. You should avoid a mid calf skirt, which draws attention to the widest part of the legs, making them look heavier.
Capri pants are surprisingly slimming, especially if you stick to dark denim or black and wear those that aren`t too short or too long. They should end at the least-wide part of your calves, ideally a few inches above the ankle.
Wear a sexy T-Shirt. V-neck and deep scoop neck T-shirts elongate the neck and make the torso appear longer by showing off your collarbone.
You can wear clothes, which have thin vertical stripes on anything. They can be the pants, shirts, skirts or dresses, they create the illusion of a longer, leaner body.
Slim down with color. Hot summer hues like pink and yellow catch the eye and are good for body parts you want to play up. Pair them with black, brown or navy -- dark colors recede and are best for areas that you`d like to draw the eye away from.
For office wear in western outfits` try out colours like khakis, olives, navy blue, black, beige and off-whites in synthetic fabrics. For Indian wear try wearing cottons linens in fresher tones of peaches, mints, light powder blues and mauves in delicate, soft and classic prints.
Thus if you plan to wear a black trouser, then match it withy a sleeveless jacket in another colour. Add two or three options in neutrals, pastels and a dark bright colour to pair with the trousers.
Darker bottoms with lighter tone tops work out as a practical choice and look great. Team dark brown colours with rust and see the effect. This combination looks excellent and gives a brighter and warmer look. Similarly grays can be paired with blues to achieve cooler looks.
Evening wear no doubt is more design and trend oriented therefore choose it in metallic sheens of dark and bright colours in streamlined clean cuts, offset with colourful scarves, brooches and other accessories. Your evening wear colour scheme must be in blacks, grays, jewel tones of ruby reds, jade greens and mauves, tones of gold and silver convey a feeling of mystery.
Pull out that A-line dress. A gently flared A-line cut is universally flattering and hides large hips.
Look for a pair that sits lower on your waist. And go for boot cut, it is the slight flare fits over sandals and will give you longer, lankier legs.
Wear your pants on the longer side, so they break over the middle of the foot.
Sport three-inch heels. High heels give you a thinner profile and silhouette.
Avoid ankle-strap sandals. The more of your leg and the top of your foot you show, the longer your leg line will appear.
Pick a well-proportioned purse. Petite women look sexiest with smaller bags, while large women look best with medium-size purses.
Long, skinny earrings and sleek pendant necklaces elongate and slim the face and body with their vertical lines.
Skinny bangles or a bracelet-style watch make your arms look thinner by creating space around your wrist, which fools the eye, making you look slim.
Dark colours such as olive, black, charcoal grey, and navy help make areas appear smaller so wear them where you think you need it. For most women it`s from the waist down.
Avoid shiny or heavily textured fabrics. Shiny fabrics reflect light, making any area appear larger. Heavily texture fabrics only add extra weight.
Sewn-down pleats in skirts and blouses can both create a slimming effect. Include vertical lines in your accessories, such as long chains worn around the neck.
Avoid extensive use of horizontal lines - belts, boat-collar blouses and border print skirts. These styles can add extra width to your body frame.
If you want to appear thinner incorporate dark, cool and dull colours and textures. Dull textures absorb the light like wool or cotton. Some very slimming colours include black, navy, olive, violet, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, plum, eggplant and burgundy.
Fashion Myths
Beauty and fashion go hand in hand. The way you dress, the way you present yourself and the way you carry off your clothes depends on how much you know and relate to fashion. Sometimes we think that we know all about fashion but there are a few fashion myths that ought to be revealed.
Black goes with everything
Black works well with dark colours and neutrals although it looks best with another black item thrown into the mix instead of one random piece. Black also looks great mixed in equal proportions with white. But too much black is too harsh against pastel colours so a balancing act is needed. However, black can be a woman`s best friend if she wants to look slim.
Big girls can`t wear prints
Flattering dressing is all about balancing proportions. The safest tip to remember is to avoid extremes. This means that if a person is bigger or smaller than average, she should not wear huge loud checks or tiny ditsy florals. Instead, you should go for medium prints that are eye-catching without being loud.
Baggy clothes make a person look slimmer
On the contrary, baggy clothes make a person look fat. Waisted jackets, frill-edged skirts, scoop necklines and fitted tops are much more slimming than over-sized tunic tops.
Designer clothes are better quality and value
Some items like coats, tailored trousers and evening gowns are worth spending money on because the fit is key. Other things need not at all be such expensive designer stuff.
Fashion Flaws
One is considered beautiful not only by their features but by the way they dress up, by their confidence and their style. If you have mastered all these then you have a very lethal combination and you will be able to rule the world by your beauty and charm. However you often make certain fashion mistakes, which though according to you do not matter but infact these mistakes affect your sense of fashion and style immensely.
Wearing the wrong colours
This is one of the biggest fashion mistakes that you can commit. Just remember one thing that all colours don`t suit your skin tone. The colour that looks great on your colleague or the actress you saw in the soap might not look great on you. Infact it might look the contrary. Therefore you have to learn to recognize which colour suits you and also the profession to which you are associated. Experiment with different colours and stick with the palettes that look best on you, regardless of what`s hot and happening. Don`t waste your money on clothes that make you look pale and ugly.
Inapt makeup
Proper Makeup is an important aspect of fashion. For every occasion you require an appropriate makeup i.e., light for day, heavier for evening, sheer for sports etc. You wear different clothes for different activities in you life; similarly your makeup should change as per occasion.
Rundown shoes
You will look complete only if you are dressed appropriately from top to bottom. Therefore even your shoes should be appropriate for the occasion and should go with your dress. Don`t wear shabby, unpolished and rundown shoes. Polish them regularly. Use a felt tip marker on scuffs, and put a piece of soft carpet under your feet when you drive. And most importantly, invest in a good pair if you`re going to wear them every day. Spend on your shoes that will give you comfort and will look great on you.
Wearing a size too small
If an outfit doesn`t fit, don`t wear it. Squeezing into a size that is too tight for you may feed your vanity, but it will make you appear overfed to everyone else. If the dress you are wearing is not comfortable and you cannot sit or walk properly then it is not going to make you feel beautiful at all and you are definitely not going to look your best. Find clothes that fit or have them tailored to fit and look your best.
Slips that show
The next fashion mistake will be letting your slip show from under your skirt. Don`t use the same slip for all dresses since it might not be proper for all. Buy slips in several lengths and replace them once the elastic wears. For the most discreet linings, buy slips in the colours you wear most often, like black, navy, beige, and white.
Smelling awful
There are some people who smell terrible despite using good perfumes. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fresh fruits and green salads. Buy deodorant that works with your body. You may have to try a few to find the best one for you, and you may need to change every now and again if your chemistry changes, like after having a baby, starting new medication and going through menopause.
Broken nails, chipped polish
Manicure is a must. Keep your nails clean and evenly trimmed. Always have clippers and a nail file in your purse and desk at work for emergencies. If you`re in a business environment, stick with conservative nail polish colours at work and save the sparkly/neon/funky looks for weekends and vacations. Don`t grow your nails too long if you are working.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/fashion_tips_women.htm
Pick one hue. Dressing head-to-toe in a single dark color, like navy or black, is the single best way to look like a person has lost a lot of weight.
Skip large patterns. Smaller patterns fool the eye and make for a more delicate look. One should not wear patterns on top and bottom since it tends to add more weight.
You should slip on the right length skirt and stick to just-above-the-knee skirts that play off knees and elongate legs. You should avoid a mid calf skirt, which draws attention to the widest part of the legs, making them look heavier.
Capri pants are surprisingly slimming, especially if you stick to dark denim or black and wear those that aren`t too short or too long. They should end at the least-wide part of your calves, ideally a few inches above the ankle.Wear a sexy T-Shirt. V-neck and deep scoop neck T-shirts elongate the neck and make the torso appear longer by showing off your collarbone.
You can wear clothes, which have thin vertical stripes on anything. They can be the pants, shirts, skirts or dresses, they create the illusion of a longer, leaner body.
Slim down with color. Hot summer hues like pink and yellow catch the eye and are good for body parts you want to play up. Pair them with black, brown or navy -- dark colors recede and are best for areas that you`d like to draw the eye away from.
For office wear in western outfits` try out colours like khakis, olives, navy blue, black, beige and off-whites in synthetic fabrics. For Indian wear try wearing cottons linens in fresher tones of peaches, mints, light powder blues and mauves in delicate, soft and classic prints.Thus if you plan to wear a black trouser, then match it withy a sleeveless jacket in another colour. Add two or three options in neutrals, pastels and a dark bright colour to pair with the trousers.
Darker bottoms with lighter tone tops work out as a practical choice and look great. Team dark brown colours with rust and see the effect. This combination looks excellent and gives a brighter and warmer look. Similarly grays can be paired with blues to achieve cooler looks.
Evening wear no doubt is more design and trend oriented therefore choose it in metallic sheens of dark and bright colours in streamlined clean cuts, offset with colourful scarves, brooches and other accessories. Your evening wear colour scheme must be in blacks, grays, jewel tones of ruby reds, jade greens and mauves, tones of gold and silver convey a feeling of mystery.
Pull out that A-line dress. A gently flared A-line cut is universally flattering and hides large hips.
Look for a pair that sits lower on your waist. And go for boot cut, it is the slight flare fits over sandals and will give you longer, lankier legs.
Wear your pants on the longer side, so they break over the middle of the foot.
Sport three-inch heels. High heels give you a thinner profile and silhouette.
Avoid ankle-strap sandals. The more of your leg and the top of your foot you show, the longer your leg line will appear.
Pick a well-proportioned purse. Petite women look sexiest with smaller bags, while large women look best with medium-size purses.Long, skinny earrings and sleek pendant necklaces elongate and slim the face and body with their vertical lines.
Skinny bangles or a bracelet-style watch make your arms look thinner by creating space around your wrist, which fools the eye, making you look slim.
Dark colours such as olive, black, charcoal grey, and navy help make areas appear smaller so wear them where you think you need it. For most women it`s from the waist down.
Avoid shiny or heavily textured fabrics. Shiny fabrics reflect light, making any area appear larger. Heavily texture fabrics only add extra weight.
Sewn-down pleats in skirts and blouses can both create a slimming effect. Include vertical lines in your accessories, such as long chains worn around the neck.
Avoid extensive use of horizontal lines - belts, boat-collar blouses and border print skirts. These styles can add extra width to your body frame.
If you want to appear thinner incorporate dark, cool and dull colours and textures. Dull textures absorb the light like wool or cotton. Some very slimming colours include black, navy, olive, violet, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, plum, eggplant and burgundy.
Fashion Myths
Beauty and fashion go hand in hand. The way you dress, the way you present yourself and the way you carry off your clothes depends on how much you know and relate to fashion. Sometimes we think that we know all about fashion but there are a few fashion myths that ought to be revealed.
Black goes with everythingBlack works well with dark colours and neutrals although it looks best with another black item thrown into the mix instead of one random piece. Black also looks great mixed in equal proportions with white. But too much black is too harsh against pastel colours so a balancing act is needed. However, black can be a woman`s best friend if she wants to look slim.
Big girls can`t wear prints
Flattering dressing is all about balancing proportions. The safest tip to remember is to avoid extremes. This means that if a person is bigger or smaller than average, she should not wear huge loud checks or tiny ditsy florals. Instead, you should go for medium prints that are eye-catching without being loud.
Baggy clothes make a person look slimmerOn the contrary, baggy clothes make a person look fat. Waisted jackets, frill-edged skirts, scoop necklines and fitted tops are much more slimming than over-sized tunic tops.
Designer clothes are better quality and value
Some items like coats, tailored trousers and evening gowns are worth spending money on because the fit is key. Other things need not at all be such expensive designer stuff.
Fashion Flaws
One is considered beautiful not only by their features but by the way they dress up, by their confidence and their style. If you have mastered all these then you have a very lethal combination and you will be able to rule the world by your beauty and charm. However you often make certain fashion mistakes, which though according to you do not matter but infact these mistakes affect your sense of fashion and style immensely.
Wearing the wrong colours
This is one of the biggest fashion mistakes that you can commit. Just remember one thing that all colours don`t suit your skin tone. The colour that looks great on your colleague or the actress you saw in the soap might not look great on you. Infact it might look the contrary. Therefore you have to learn to recognize which colour suits you and also the profession to which you are associated. Experiment with different colours and stick with the palettes that look best on you, regardless of what`s hot and happening. Don`t waste your money on clothes that make you look pale and ugly.
Inapt makeup Proper Makeup is an important aspect of fashion. For every occasion you require an appropriate makeup i.e., light for day, heavier for evening, sheer for sports etc. You wear different clothes for different activities in you life; similarly your makeup should change as per occasion.
Rundown shoes
You will look complete only if you are dressed appropriately from top to bottom. Therefore even your shoes should be appropriate for the occasion and should go with your dress. Don`t wear shabby, unpolished and rundown shoes. Polish them regularly. Use a felt tip marker on scuffs, and put a piece of soft carpet under your feet when you drive. And most importantly, invest in a good pair if you`re going to wear them every day. Spend on your shoes that will give you comfort and will look great on you.
Wearing a size too small
If an outfit doesn`t fit, don`t wear it. Squeezing into a size that is too tight for you may feed your vanity, but it will make you appear overfed to everyone else. If the dress you are wearing is not comfortable and you cannot sit or walk properly then it is not going to make you feel beautiful at all and you are definitely not going to look your best. Find clothes that fit or have them tailored to fit and look your best.
Slips that show
The next fashion mistake will be letting your slip show from under your skirt. Don`t use the same slip for all dresses since it might not be proper for all. Buy slips in several lengths and replace them once the elastic wears. For the most discreet linings, buy slips in the colours you wear most often, like black, navy, beige, and white.
Smelling awful
There are some people who smell terrible despite using good perfumes. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fresh fruits and green salads. Buy deodorant that works with your body. You may have to try a few to find the best one for you, and you may need to change every now and again if your chemistry changes, like after having a baby, starting new medication and going through menopause.
Broken nails, chipped polish
Manicure is a must. Keep your nails clean and evenly trimmed. Always have clippers and a nail file in your purse and desk at work for emergencies. If you`re in a business environment, stick with conservative nail polish colours at work and save the sparkly/neon/funky looks for weekends and vacations. Don`t grow your nails too long if you are working.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/fashion_tips_women.htm
Fashion Design
Fashion is a term used in relation to the latest and the most admired style in clothes, dresses, garments, textiles, cosmetics, etc. Fashion designers work with colours and fabrics. They can specialise in leisurewear, women`s wear, children`s wear, knitwear, sportswear and many others. Fashion design is not restricted to fads, which is generally known as the current look or street wear. It covers everything from uniforms to headwear and is not restricted to western culture. Technically all clothing created for a purpose is fashion design. Fashion design dictates changes in clothing over time. It is often and wrongly perceived that fashion design is restricted to high fashion and label names. Fashion Design grew from serving a practical purpose to a recognized form of art.
Modern fashion design is roughly divided into two categories, Haute Couture, and Pret-a-Porter.
Haute Couture
The term "haute couture" is French and it means "high" or "elegant." Couture literally means sewing, or high dressmaking but it indicates the business of designing, creating, and selling custom-made, high fashion women`s clothes. A designer`s haute-couture collection refers to the creation of exclusive fashions made from stylish designs made to order for wealthy and high-status clients. Thus, it is meant exclusively for private customers and is custom sized, cut and sewn made from high quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finish, often using time-consuming hand-executed techniques.
In 1858, Charles Frederic Worth created the first Couture House near the Opera in Paris. The idea behind Haute Couture is an attitude of unlimited creativity where the quality of the art and artistry of a garment is unparalleled. It is similar to a fashion house having a Research and Development Lab where new ideas and techniques are developed with no restraints on creativity or worry about funding.
Haute couture collections are primarily produced in Paris but also in other fashion capitals such as New York, London, and Milan. To be called an haute couture house, a business must belong to the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which is regulated by the French Department of Industry members must meet specific requirements. A first set of these requirements was established in 1945 and actualized in 1992 by established designers for maintaining respect for these criteria. A simplified set of requirements was established to apply to young, talented designers for their first two years of Haute Couture designing, in order to give them a chance to develop the skill required to move up to the "established" level.
The criteria to be met are the employment of at least 20 production people in the House workshop. Presenting a collection of at least 50 new passages (a number of dresses designed around a single theme and shown at the same time) at a show for the press in Paris at least twice a year.It is also required to show the two collections to clients in a specially arranged salon in the Couture House.
If there are new fashion houses, the criteria are to be met during the two-year transition period by employing at least 10 production people in the house workshop and presenting a collection of 25 passages to the press.However, for existing Houses who want to establish an Haute Couture presence, the criteria are to employ a minimum of 15 production people in the House workshop and then present to the press a collection of at least 35 passages.
Only a few Houses currently meet the Haute Couture requirements, which include brands like Chanel, Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Versace, Armani and Gucci. Some new members are also in the list like Jean Paul, John Galliano, Valentino and Gianni, Moschino, Escada Louis Feraud, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Leonardi Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Sergio Rossi, Dunhill, DKNY, Brooks Brothers among others.
Prêt-a-Porter
It is the French word for the term "Ready to Wear". Ready-to-wear or prêt-à-porter is the fashion design term for clothing marketed in a finished condition, in standard clothing sizes. This refers to most high-end fashion designers. Some fashion houses or fashion designers create ready-to-wear lines that are mass-produced and industrially manufactured, while others offer lines that are very exclusive and produced only in limited numbers and only for a limited time. Whatever the quantity produced, prêt-a-porter items are usually items that are still high in price, but aren`t one-of-a-kind. These types of clothes are not custom made. They are sized according to the manufacturer`s intended market, which makes them more suitable for larger productions.
Fashion houses that produce an haute couture line, such as Chanel, Dior, and Lacroix or Torrente by Julien Fournié, each produce a ready-to-wear line, which returns a greater profit due to the availability of the clothing. Other Designers that fit into this category are Dolce and Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Most of these design houses do offer Haute Couture, but also have prêt-a-porter lines. Relative to couture, ready-to-wear clothing is often more practical and informal, though these things are not always the case. The craftsmanship of ready-to-wear clothing is also held to a lower standard than that of haute couture. High-end ready-to-wear lines are sometimes based upon a famous gown or pattern that is then duplicated to raise the designer`s visibility level.
Designers producing ready-to-wear lines generally present a collection each season during a period known as Fashion Week. This takes place on a citywide basis and occurs twice per year. Collections for fall are shown early in the year, usually around February, and spring collections shown around September. Ready-to-wear fashion weeks occur separately from those of haute couture. Paris, New York, and Milan are home to the world`s most famed fashion weeks, but many other major cities such as London, Los Angeles and Tokyo hold Fashion Weeks that are both highly-anticipated and well-publicized.
Ready-to-wear collections can also be divided into designers/creator collections and Confection collections.
Confection collections are the ones we see most commonly in our shops. Stylists design these collections. The brands that produce these collections aim only for a mass public and are in general not searching for a new point of view on fashion.
Designer/creator collections have a high quality, a superb finish and a unique cut and design. These collections are the most trendsetting compared to Haute Couture and Confection. The ready to wear collections often contain concept items that represent a certain philosophy or theory. These items are not created for sales but only to create a fashion statement. The designer`s ready-to-wear collection is also modeled on international catwalks.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/fashion_design.htm
Modern fashion design is roughly divided into two categories, Haute Couture, and Pret-a-Porter.
Haute Couture
The term "haute couture" is French and it means "high" or "elegant." Couture literally means sewing, or high dressmaking but it indicates the business of designing, creating, and selling custom-made, high fashion women`s clothes. A designer`s haute-couture collection refers to the creation of exclusive fashions made from stylish designs made to order for wealthy and high-status clients. Thus, it is meant exclusively for private customers and is custom sized, cut and sewn made from high quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finish, often using time-consuming hand-executed techniques.In 1858, Charles Frederic Worth created the first Couture House near the Opera in Paris. The idea behind Haute Couture is an attitude of unlimited creativity where the quality of the art and artistry of a garment is unparalleled. It is similar to a fashion house having a Research and Development Lab where new ideas and techniques are developed with no restraints on creativity or worry about funding.
Haute couture collections are primarily produced in Paris but also in other fashion capitals such as New York, London, and Milan. To be called an haute couture house, a business must belong to the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which is regulated by the French Department of Industry members must meet specific requirements. A first set of these requirements was established in 1945 and actualized in 1992 by established designers for maintaining respect for these criteria. A simplified set of requirements was established to apply to young, talented designers for their first two years of Haute Couture designing, in order to give them a chance to develop the skill required to move up to the "established" level.
The criteria to be met are the employment of at least 20 production people in the House workshop. Presenting a collection of at least 50 new passages (a number of dresses designed around a single theme and shown at the same time) at a show for the press in Paris at least twice a year.It is also required to show the two collections to clients in a specially arranged salon in the Couture House.If there are new fashion houses, the criteria are to be met during the two-year transition period by employing at least 10 production people in the house workshop and presenting a collection of 25 passages to the press.However, for existing Houses who want to establish an Haute Couture presence, the criteria are to employ a minimum of 15 production people in the House workshop and then present to the press a collection of at least 35 passages.
Only a few Houses currently meet the Haute Couture requirements, which include brands like Chanel, Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Versace, Armani and Gucci. Some new members are also in the list like Jean Paul, John Galliano, Valentino and Gianni, Moschino, Escada Louis Feraud, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Leonardi Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Sergio Rossi, Dunhill, DKNY, Brooks Brothers among others.
Prêt-a-Porter
It is the French word for the term "Ready to Wear". Ready-to-wear or prêt-à-porter is the fashion design term for clothing marketed in a finished condition, in standard clothing sizes. This refers to most high-end fashion designers. Some fashion houses or fashion designers create ready-to-wear lines that are mass-produced and industrially manufactured, while others offer lines that are very exclusive and produced only in limited numbers and only for a limited time. Whatever the quantity produced, prêt-a-porter items are usually items that are still high in price, but aren`t one-of-a-kind. These types of clothes are not custom made. They are sized according to the manufacturer`s intended market, which makes them more suitable for larger productions.Fashion houses that produce an haute couture line, such as Chanel, Dior, and Lacroix or Torrente by Julien Fournié, each produce a ready-to-wear line, which returns a greater profit due to the availability of the clothing. Other Designers that fit into this category are Dolce and Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Most of these design houses do offer Haute Couture, but also have prêt-a-porter lines. Relative to couture, ready-to-wear clothing is often more practical and informal, though these things are not always the case. The craftsmanship of ready-to-wear clothing is also held to a lower standard than that of haute couture. High-end ready-to-wear lines are sometimes based upon a famous gown or pattern that is then duplicated to raise the designer`s visibility level.
Designers producing ready-to-wear lines generally present a collection each season during a period known as Fashion Week. This takes place on a citywide basis and occurs twice per year. Collections for fall are shown early in the year, usually around February, and spring collections shown around September. Ready-to-wear fashion weeks occur separately from those of haute couture. Paris, New York, and Milan are home to the world`s most famed fashion weeks, but many other major cities such as London, Los Angeles and Tokyo hold Fashion Weeks that are both highly-anticipated and well-publicized.
Ready-to-wear collections can also be divided into designers/creator collections and Confection collections.
Confection collections are the ones we see most commonly in our shops. Stylists design these collections. The brands that produce these collections aim only for a mass public and are in general not searching for a new point of view on fashion.
Designer/creator collections have a high quality, a superb finish and a unique cut and design. These collections are the most trendsetting compared to Haute Couture and Confection. The ready to wear collections often contain concept items that represent a certain philosophy or theory. These items are not created for sales but only to create a fashion statement. The designer`s ready-to-wear collection is also modeled on international catwalks.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/fashion_design.htm
Basics of Fashion Designing
Designing Principles
These basics of fashion designing, are a must for every individual wanting to be a budding designer.
Proportion
The relative length of two parts of a garment is termed as proportion. The degree and method of subordinating some part of a design to other is shown as proportion.
Balance
Balance is the equal distribution of weights. (Actual or virtual) Symmetry between the left and right halves of the body in a garment is termed as the symmetrical balance. The purpose of balance is to bring a satisfying relationship between all the design parts.
Rhythm
Asymmetrical designsRhythm is the repeated use of lines or shapes to create a pattern. Rhythm is achieved through:
Symmetrical designs
Asymmetrical designs
Radiation
Repetition
Dominance
Isolation
Emphasis
Emphasis creates a centre of interest by focusing the viewer`s attention on a specific area of the garment. It is basically the use of subordination in various parts in order to emphasize and highlight certain parts.
Unity
Unity means that all elements of a design work together to produce a successful visual effect. Also known as harmony, achieved when the fundamental elements of design have been used to express a single concept.
Fundamentals of Designing
The fundamentals of designing are very important to know the concepts of designing. The elements of designing are the factors that are essential to create the perfect outfit and they are given below.
Lines
A line can be thought of as points so close together that they lose their individual identity and form a new entity. Lines act as border between ideas, concepts or steps in a sequence. Since lines can be straight, curved, or irregularly shaped, one can also think of a line as the track of a point in motion depicting various forms. Vertical lines can stop eye movement implying mass and give volume to a structure. They also equate to power and strength. Horizontal lines symbolize rest and relaxation. Diagonal lines being dynamic and action-oriented, they portray dimensions and directions.
Shapes
A shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, colour, or texture. It is formed when a line encloses an area. These lined enclosures create an illusionary focus termed as shapes. Shapes can vary endlessly and can suggest physical form and direct eye movement based on the directional movement of lines. Shapes define figure, create ground relationships and relate forms and figures.
Texture
It is defined as the surface characteristics of a material that can be experienced through the sense of touch or the illusion of touch. In visual images, actual textures can be used, such as cloth, boxes, small objects, and natural items.
Value
Value is the relative degree of lightness and darkness in a design element. Line, colour, texture, and shape all need value contrast in order to be seen. Value is used to describe objects, shapes, and space.
Colour
Colour is the most important part of designing. The primary colours are red, yellow and blue. They are called primary because they are not mixtures of the other colours. Mixing any two primary colours results in a secondary colour. The colour wheel is created when the primary and secondary colours are placed in a circle. Colours directly across from each other on the colour wheel are called complementary colours. Complementary colours used together provide extreme contrast.
Basic Silhouettes
A silhouette refers to the outer shape of the garment. In this section, various types of silhouettes are incorporated as the Indian silhouette. Thus, the basic Indian silhouettes are as follows:
A-line
The most common silhouette that has the hem larger in proportion to the chest and waist measurement, thus giving the classic `A` appearance.
Shift
This has a straight cylindrical shape to the garment achieved by giving same measurements to the chest, waist and hem. The effect is best achieved when overall the garment has a close fit. This silhouette works very well for the younger customers.
Tent
This silhouette is achieved by flaring the garment from under the armhole. It is important for the garment to be close fitted at the bust.
Empire line
This refers to a panel dividing the garment horizontally into two panels below the bust.
Asymmetrical
This kind of silhouette does not have a symmetrical form. It can be achieved by varying the true colours, panels, hemlines etc.
Motifs
Ornamentation of fabric with the help of prints and stripes inherent on fabric or with the help of superficial adherence has evolved over the ages. This generally forms the grooming up of the art of design. Different kinds of prints and patterns are used to evolve a design pattern. Following are the different kinds of motifs.
Ethnic
Prints such as the bandhej, batik, paisleys, chitons, French provincials and other country prints evolving from folklores and influenced with traditional customs are termed as ethnic prints.
Floral
This motif is also known as the natural motifs, which are basically depiction of inspirations derived from the nature such as flowers, animals, landscapes and similar inspirations.
Geometrical
This motif uses geometrical figures such as dots, stripes both horizontal and vertical with other geometrical motifs and the combinations are termed as geometrical patterns.
Abstract
Uses of abstract to depict the unknown have always caught the fancy of the people and are often used for design based ornamentation.
Stylized
This motif is an abstract floral pattern that has a stylized depiction of floras. A very common motif used for textile.
Plaids and Checks
Use of a combination of linear lines for creating equal sized checks and unequal sized checks known as plaids, has been a common motif for design development.
Colour
Colour is the most important part of designing. The basic colours for the various seasons are given below:
Neutrals
The neutrals are the classics, which work best with almost any colour and season.
Summer Colours
The summer radiance refers to a bright, intense and energetic colour palette.
Earthy Colours
The earthy colours give a rustic feel, they are associated with natural fabrics like jute, linen and cottons and also in terms of leather, wood, bone and shells for accessories.
Pastel Colours
The placid pastels refer to the light and soft colours.
Monsoon Colours
The monsoon moods are reflected in deep and dark shades of browns, blues, greens and yellows, which are reminiscent of a rain forest.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/basics_fashion_designing.htm
These basics of fashion designing, are a must for every individual wanting to be a budding designer.
Proportion
The relative length of two parts of a garment is termed as proportion. The degree and method of subordinating some part of a design to other is shown as proportion.
Balance
Balance is the equal distribution of weights. (Actual or virtual) Symmetry between the left and right halves of the body in a garment is termed as the symmetrical balance. The purpose of balance is to bring a satisfying relationship between all the design parts.
Rhythm
Asymmetrical designsRhythm is the repeated use of lines or shapes to create a pattern. Rhythm is achieved through:
Symmetrical designs
Asymmetrical designs
Radiation
Repetition
Dominance
Isolation
Emphasis
Emphasis creates a centre of interest by focusing the viewer`s attention on a specific area of the garment. It is basically the use of subordination in various parts in order to emphasize and highlight certain parts.
Unity
Unity means that all elements of a design work together to produce a successful visual effect. Also known as harmony, achieved when the fundamental elements of design have been used to express a single concept.
Fundamentals of Designing
The fundamentals of designing are very important to know the concepts of designing. The elements of designing are the factors that are essential to create the perfect outfit and they are given below.
Lines
A line can be thought of as points so close together that they lose their individual identity and form a new entity. Lines act as border between ideas, concepts or steps in a sequence. Since lines can be straight, curved, or irregularly shaped, one can also think of a line as the track of a point in motion depicting various forms. Vertical lines can stop eye movement implying mass and give volume to a structure. They also equate to power and strength. Horizontal lines symbolize rest and relaxation. Diagonal lines being dynamic and action-oriented, they portray dimensions and directions.
Shapes
A shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, colour, or texture. It is formed when a line encloses an area. These lined enclosures create an illusionary focus termed as shapes. Shapes can vary endlessly and can suggest physical form and direct eye movement based on the directional movement of lines. Shapes define figure, create ground relationships and relate forms and figures.
Texture
It is defined as the surface characteristics of a material that can be experienced through the sense of touch or the illusion of touch. In visual images, actual textures can be used, such as cloth, boxes, small objects, and natural items.
Value
Value is the relative degree of lightness and darkness in a design element. Line, colour, texture, and shape all need value contrast in order to be seen. Value is used to describe objects, shapes, and space.
Colour
Colour is the most important part of designing. The primary colours are red, yellow and blue. They are called primary because they are not mixtures of the other colours. Mixing any two primary colours results in a secondary colour. The colour wheel is created when the primary and secondary colours are placed in a circle. Colours directly across from each other on the colour wheel are called complementary colours. Complementary colours used together provide extreme contrast.
Basic Silhouettes
A silhouette refers to the outer shape of the garment. In this section, various types of silhouettes are incorporated as the Indian silhouette. Thus, the basic Indian silhouettes are as follows:A-line
The most common silhouette that has the hem larger in proportion to the chest and waist measurement, thus giving the classic `A` appearance.
Shift
This has a straight cylindrical shape to the garment achieved by giving same measurements to the chest, waist and hem. The effect is best achieved when overall the garment has a close fit. This silhouette works very well for the younger customers.
Tent
This silhouette is achieved by flaring the garment from under the armhole. It is important for the garment to be close fitted at the bust.Empire line
This refers to a panel dividing the garment horizontally into two panels below the bust.
Asymmetrical
This kind of silhouette does not have a symmetrical form. It can be achieved by varying the true colours, panels, hemlines etc.
Motifs
Ornamentation of fabric with the help of prints and stripes inherent on fabric or with the help of superficial adherence has evolved over the ages. This generally forms the grooming up of the art of design. Different kinds of prints and patterns are used to evolve a design pattern. Following are the different kinds of motifs.
Ethnic Prints such as the bandhej, batik, paisleys, chitons, French provincials and other country prints evolving from folklores and influenced with traditional customs are termed as ethnic prints.
Floral
This motif is also known as the natural motifs, which are basically depiction of inspirations derived from the nature such as flowers, animals, landscapes and similar inspirations.
Geometrical
This motif uses geometrical figures such as dots, stripes both horizontal and vertical with other geometrical motifs and the combinations are termed as geometrical patterns.
Abstract Uses of abstract to depict the unknown have always caught the fancy of the people and are often used for design based ornamentation.
Stylized
This motif is an abstract floral pattern that has a stylized depiction of floras. A very common motif used for textile.
Plaids and Checks
Use of a combination of linear lines for creating equal sized checks and unequal sized checks known as plaids, has been a common motif for design development.
Colour
Colour is the most important part of designing. The basic colours for the various seasons are given below:Neutrals
The neutrals are the classics, which work best with almost any colour and season.
Summer Colours
The summer radiance refers to a bright, intense and energetic colour palette.
Earthy Colours
The earthy colours give a rustic feel, they are associated with natural fabrics like jute, linen and cottons and also in terms of leather, wood, bone and shells for accessories.
Pastel Colours
The placid pastels refer to the light and soft colours.
Monsoon Colours
The monsoon moods are reflected in deep and dark shades of browns, blues, greens and yellows, which are reminiscent of a rain forest.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/basics_fashion_designing.htm
History of Fashion
It is a well-known fact that the rich and the famous have always influenced the seasonal trends but so have political figures and royalty. Even the media and the magazines are not way behind to report us about the daily style checks! Before we go ahead any further regarding fashion, it is beneficial for us to have knowledge about the key moments in fashion, triggered by various socioeconomic movements during the twentieth century.
From the 1900`s, one can find a whole lot of change and evolution in the history of fashion. It is exotic to know about the fashion fiestas right from the sheer elegance of Maharani Gayatri Devi`s pastel chiffon sarees, to the stylish paired down dressing of the 90`s. Apart from the Indian icons, one cannot forget the worldwide youth icon-Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales and whose death was a severe blow to the high fashion world, where her clothes were the daily news.
Highly prosperous societies have a chance to offer a variety of different fashions, to choose from the clothes or accessories. Fashion houses and their associated fashion designers, as well as high-status consumers (including celebrities), appear to have some role in determining the rates and directions of fashion change. Fashionable clothing started spreading rapidly from the upper classes to the middle and working classes in the West. As communications improved, evidence shows fashion also started in other parts of the world. It so happened that the everyday European styles replaced the traditional clothing styles of Africa, Asia and America. As national economies grow increasingly, international, clothing styles have become correspondingly global. Young people in Johannesburg and Jakarta, Boston and Buenos Aires all tend to wear the same kind of clothing. However, different cultures have modified these originally European styles in accordance with local values and lifestyles.
In particular, religious beliefs have also influenced the clothing that women wear in public. Thus, a woman in Iran or other Muslim communities may wear blue jeans and a T-shirt at home, but cover them up with an enveloping robe called a `burkha` when she goes outside. People also enjoy wearing their traditional clothing on holidays and other special occasions for reasons of national or ethnic pride. Let us now see the history of fashion worldwide and their influence in India through the ancient ages until date.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/history_fashion.htm
From the 1900`s, one can find a whole lot of change and evolution in the history of fashion. It is exotic to know about the fashion fiestas right from the sheer elegance of Maharani Gayatri Devi`s pastel chiffon sarees, to the stylish paired down dressing of the 90`s. Apart from the Indian icons, one cannot forget the worldwide youth icon-Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales and whose death was a severe blow to the high fashion world, where her clothes were the daily news.Highly prosperous societies have a chance to offer a variety of different fashions, to choose from the clothes or accessories. Fashion houses and their associated fashion designers, as well as high-status consumers (including celebrities), appear to have some role in determining the rates and directions of fashion change. Fashionable clothing started spreading rapidly from the upper classes to the middle and working classes in the West. As communications improved, evidence shows fashion also started in other parts of the world. It so happened that the everyday European styles replaced the traditional clothing styles of Africa, Asia and America. As national economies grow increasingly, international, clothing styles have become correspondingly global. Young people in Johannesburg and Jakarta, Boston and Buenos Aires all tend to wear the same kind of clothing. However, different cultures have modified these originally European styles in accordance with local values and lifestyles.
In particular, religious beliefs have also influenced the clothing that women wear in public. Thus, a woman in Iran or other Muslim communities may wear blue jeans and a T-shirt at home, but cover them up with an enveloping robe called a `burkha` when she goes outside. People also enjoy wearing their traditional clothing on holidays and other special occasions for reasons of national or ethnic pride. Let us now see the history of fashion worldwide and their influence in India through the ancient ages until date.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/history_fashion.htm
Trends for Women
India is a land, which has a lot of diversities and the same is reflected in clothing styles. The variety of apparels is simply superb ranging from ethnic styles to Indo-western to trendy sexy western styles. There is distinct designer women apparel for every occasion. And now trends for women has taken a new turn. Gone are the days when the sari reigned supreme. Gone are the days when Indian men and women were hesitant to show more than an ankle. Today fashion in India has its definite divisions. Types of fabric ranges from cotton to soft georgette, chiffon and graceful silk to chic look leather and velvet. Cotton is always in demand in summers because it is skin friendly, cool and easy to carry but requires good maintenance. Silk adds glamour and is available in exclusive varieties. Velvet is popular for its soft mushy touch. Let us look into the divisions of fashion.
Traditional Wear
The gamut of ethnic wardrobe encompasses the six yard long graceful Sari, the all time favorite Salwar Kameez and Lehanga Choli, a dress of festivity. Women attire in ethnic styles to embellish their look. Ethnic is classic and maintains the essence of our culture. Among women`s traditional wear, Sari is the most elegant. Intricate embroideries mainly Chikan, Phulkari, Kantha, Zardosi and Zari work with studded beads adds a sparkling effect to the wardrobe. Young females go in for Sheeshakari, Meenakari, Kundan and beadwork. These embroideries draw attention and add great value to the fabric. For daily wear Bandhani, Batik, Block and handprints are just ideal. For wedding parties and other festivities, Kanjeevaram and Banarsi silk sarees with suitable glittery jewelry can just do wonders.
Popular fashion trends for women in the present 20th century is that of Indo-western, which is a fusion of western, styling with Indian flavor in it. Indo western style is a classic. It basically consists of short Kurta cum Kurti with a trouser. To complement it girls just wrap up a gorgeous bright colored stole/ scarf around their neck. Kurti is the latest fashion trend of this summer. Salwar Kameez is definitely an all time favorite. It is a dress for all seasons. Simple yet elegant, it can be worn in all occasions. It is actually an origin of Punjab and Kashmir, but everyday some new pattern of suit is hitting the market. Short Kameez with Patiala salwar, Parallels and Churidar and short designer dupattas look absolutely stunning. Another competitor is Chaniya Choli popularly known as Lehanga Choli. New arrivals include Sharara, Garara and Lancha with tight fitting tops rather than usual Choli with deep side cuts, which give a chic look.
Latest fashion trends for women, this season is of classic designer Indo-western apparels. These indo-western fusion wear is a blending concept of western styling with essence of Indian culture. It has become the fashion style of Indian working women. In fact, Indo-Western Lady Garments has gained popularity worldwide. Made up of rich brocades and vibrant rainbow colors it has cast magic on women. It consists of three major elements: the Kurta, Trouser and a short Dupatta. Influenced by Bollywood, new arrivals are hitting the fashion boutiques almost every now and then. New trend for woemn is of sleeveless tops having deep necks and long slits. This Indo-western style has no fixed shape and size. Kurti / short Kurta looks simply fabulous. They come in beautiful pastel shades and exclusive fabrics with intricate embroideries. Silk and Khadi kurta is hot and happening. Traditional beads, Meenakari, Mirror work, Kundan, Resham and Zari embroidery designs are popular among youth. Fashion designers are creating new innovations by using ancient Patola styles of Gujarat, Chikankari of Lucknow, Punjabi Phulkari and Hyderabadi designs. Designer Dupatta is tied around the neck or simply draped around the arms.
http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/trends_women.htm
Traditional Wear
The gamut of ethnic wardrobe encompasses the six yard long graceful Sari, the all time favorite Salwar Kameez and Lehanga Choli, a dress of festivity. Women attire in ethnic styles to embellish their look. Ethnic is classic and maintains the essence of our culture. Among women`s traditional wear, Sari is the most elegant. Intricate embroideries mainly Chikan, Phulkari, Kantha, Zardosi and Zari work with studded beads adds a sparkling effect to the wardrobe. Young females go in for Sheeshakari, Meenakari, Kundan and beadwork. These embroideries draw attention and add great value to the fabric. For daily wear Bandhani, Batik, Block and handprints are just ideal. For wedding parties and other festivities, Kanjeevaram and Banarsi silk sarees with suitable glittery jewelry can just do wonders.Popular fashion trends for women in the present 20th century is that of Indo-western, which is a fusion of western, styling with Indian flavor in it. Indo western style is a classic. It basically consists of short Kurta cum Kurti with a trouser. To complement it girls just wrap up a gorgeous bright colored stole/ scarf around their neck. Kurti is the latest fashion trend of this summer. Salwar Kameez is definitely an all time favorite. It is a dress for all seasons. Simple yet elegant, it can be worn in all occasions. It is actually an origin of Punjab and Kashmir, but everyday some new pattern of suit is hitting the market. Short Kameez with Patiala salwar, Parallels and Churidar and short designer dupattas look absolutely stunning. Another competitor is Chaniya Choli popularly known as Lehanga Choli. New arrivals include Sharara, Garara and Lancha with tight fitting tops rather than usual Choli with deep side cuts, which give a chic look.
Latest fashion trends for women, this season is of classic designer Indo-western apparels. These indo-western fusion wear is a blending concept of western styling with essence of Indian culture. It has become the fashion style of Indian working women. In fact, Indo-Western Lady Garments has gained popularity worldwide. Made up of rich brocades and vibrant rainbow colors it has cast magic on women. It consists of three major elements: the Kurta, Trouser and a short Dupatta. Influenced by Bollywood, new arrivals are hitting the fashion boutiques almost every now and then. New trend for woemn is of sleeveless tops having deep necks and long slits. This Indo-western style has no fixed shape and size. Kurti / short Kurta looks simply fabulous. They come in beautiful pastel shades and exclusive fabrics with intricate embroideries. Silk and Khadi kurta is hot and happening. Traditional beads, Meenakari, Mirror work, Kundan, Resham and Zari embroidery designs are popular among youth. Fashion designers are creating new innovations by using ancient Patola styles of Gujarat, Chikankari of Lucknow, Punjabi Phulkari and Hyderabadi designs. Designer Dupatta is tied around the neck or simply draped around the arms.http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/fashion/1/trends_women.htm
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Formal Dresses – So Many Choices for that Formal Event!
Formal dresses are a great way to show up at a formal event, such as a prom, wedding or charity event. There are many options that a woman can choose from when they are in need of such an article of clothing. When browsing through the long list of available formal dresses, there are many decisions to make. The size, length, cut, style, and color are all issues needing careful consideration before you make a final decision. The perfect dress could set off your presence at an event just as strongly as an inappropriate dress choice could put a damper on the festivities.
Nowadays, formal dresses come with so many options to choose from - a woman could develop a headache deciding whether or not she wants her dress to feature a ruffle, a bow, as well as beading or additional sashes. The length of a formal dress is also important. Shorter lengths show off a little leg, which may, or may not, be desired. Longer dresses can help to achieve a slimming effect, as well as create the aura of regality. The style of the formal dress presents many choices; some opt for a strapless number, while others prefer the spaghetti strap look.. Dresses can also be dressed up with a simple accessory, such as an elegant choker or a fur wrap.
When choosing the style of your dress, you may want to consider some of the styles that will flatter your figure the most. Strapless dresses can be used to draw attention to lovely shoulders, while some dresses are available that can promote an hourglass appearance.
Below you will find an array of choices when one is in need of a formal dress for that special occasion:
1) Jacket Gown
When choosing a jacket gown for a formal event, you may prefer a dress selection with long sleeves, providing more coverage during your night out. Many of these gowns come in satin or lace options, offering a sexy yet still covered look.
2) Velvet Gown
Velvet gowns, especially a chocolate-colored selection can make a statement. If you are interested in drawing attention away from the hip and waist area, choose a formal dress that features an empire waist.
3) Lace Overlay Dress
Going for a classic look? Try a dress that offered a lace overlay bodice (preferably the color black) with a deep V in the front and back.
4) Strapless Satin
For a nice streamlined look, consider this option where accessories can be used to the fullest effect. Long earrings and sparkling necklaces go well with this dress choice.
Some top designers on the market have achieved positive results with a number of formal dress creations. Marc Jacobs offers a silk black dress that features an empire waistline and a bow located on the back of the dress. Nicole Miller has an open back dress in her line that showcases a sizzling back. BCBG offers a black bubble dress selection made from taffeta that provides a great strapless option.
For more womens fashion articles, and a FREE Fashion Magazine featuring the latest fashion trends for women, please visit our web site: www.net-planet.org
http://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=46
Cocktail Dresses – What They are, and When to Wear Them
Cocktail dresses, also referred to as a cocktail gown, are a woman’s garment that usually displays a shorter length and worn when one has been invited to a cocktail party. Cocktail dresses are suitable for wearing to events such as a semi-formal, prom, or other formal occasion. Cocktail dresses come in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths, but one of the most popular choices is the well-known “little black dress.”
When choosing from the many available cocktail dresses, you should familiarize yourself with some of the lengths that you may encounter. Depending on the current fashion trends of the year or wardrobe acceptability, the length of a cocktail dress varies. Some cocktail dresses stop just above the knee, while other selections end around two inches from above the ankle, known as a tea length cocktail dress. When a cocktail dress touches the ankle, it is “ballerina length” - this is commonly associated with being an evening gown, with the differences between the two hard to tell.
Today, cocktail dresses come in an array of beautiful materials, with silk, satin, and chiffon these being the most popular choice.
Some people receive an invitation to an event or party and have no clue what to wear. The fear of over or under dressing for the occasion begins to set in. There are some clues to follow when you are puzzled on what to wear to an event. When using the invitation as a clue, you are more likely to casually dress if the invitation arrives through email or by telephone. If the invitation arrives through the mail, chances are you may be in need of a cocktail dress.
When invited to attend a benefit or event held by a charity or other association, a cocktail dress is probably the attire you should be thinking of. Sometimes deciphering what sort of wardrobe to raid is as simple as reading the entire invite. More than likely, you will find phrases, such as “casual dress,” “semi-formal attire” or “formalwear required” on the invitation. Moreover, the last resort if you are unsure is to call the phone number that is included on the invite and ask to make sure.
When attending a cocktail party, you shouldn’t wear a sequined gown – they are for a more formal occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary party. Cocktail dress lengths can range from a mini length to something that stops above the ankles. The type of material sends a message - satin and silk are popular choices, accompanied by flattering jewelry, handbags, and other accessories. The shoes that you select can also set off a cocktail dress - especially if you are sporting a shorter length and the shoes become an important focal point.
When choosing the color of your cocktail dress, you should keep in mind that during the summer season, floral prints, light pink, sky blue, pale green and yellow, as well as other pastels look good during this time. For a winter get-together, gray, crimson, black, dark brown and dark blue cocktail dresses are quite flattering. And for one of the number one tips regarding cocktail dresses: do not try to fit into a dress that is cut too low or is too tight; the results could be disastrous.
For more womens fashion articles, and a FREE Fashion Magazine featuring the latest fashion trends for women, please visit our web site: www.net-planet.org
Formal Dresses – So Many Choices for that Formal Event!
Formal dresses are a great way to show up at a formal event, such as a prom, wedding or charity event. There are many options that a woman can choose from when they are in need of such an article of clothing. When browsing through the long list of available formal dresses, there are many decisions to make. The size, length, cut, style, and color are all issues needing careful consideration before you make a final decision. The perfect dress could set off your presence at an event just as strongly as an inappropriate dress choice could put a damper on the festivities.
Nowadays, formal dresses come with so many options to choose from - a woman could develop a headache deciding whether or not she wants her dress to feature a ruffle, a bow, as well as beading or additional sashes. The length of a formal dress is also important. Shorter lengths show off a little leg, which may, or may not, be desired. Longer dresses can help to achieve a slimming effect, as well as create the aura of regality. The style of the formal dress presents many choices; some opt for a strapless number, while others prefer the spaghetti strap look.. Dresses can also be dressed up with a simple accessory, such as an elegant choker or a fur wrap.
When choosing the style of your dress, you may want to consider some of the styles that will flatter your figure the most. Strapless dresses can be used to draw attention to lovely shoulders, while some dresses are available that can promote an hourglass appearance.
Below you will find an array of choices when one is in need of a formal dress for that special occasion:
1) Jacket Gown
When choosing a jacket gown for a formal event, you may prefer a dress selection with long sleeves, providing more coverage during your night out. Many of these gowns come in satin or lace options, offering a sexy yet still covered look.
2) Velvet Gown
Velvet gowns, especially a chocolate-colored selection can make a statement. If you are interested in drawing attention away from the hip and waist area, choose a formal dress that features an empire waist.
3) Lace Overlay Dress
Going for a classic look? Try a dress that offered a lace overlay bodice (preferably the color black) with a deep V in the front and back.
4) Strapless Satin
For a nice streamlined look, consider this option where accessories can be used to the fullest effect. Long earrings and sparkling necklaces go well with this dress choice.
Some top designers on the market have achieved positive results with a number of formal dress creations. Marc Jacobs offers a silk black dress that features an empire waistline and a bow located on the back of the dress. Nicole Miller has an open back dress in her line that showcases a sizzling back. BCBG offers a black bubble dress selection made from taffeta that provides a great strapless option.
For more womens fashion articles, and a FREE Fashion Magazine featuring the latest fashion trends for women, please visit our web site: www.net-planet.org
http://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=46
Vintage golf clothes
Golf is a fun game. And when you’re out on the course, you can make it even more fun with vintage golf clothes. Invest in a pair of duds worn on the links in decades past and you’ll be sporting style right along with history. Find out where to find them and how to wear them below.
Vintage golf clothes are a great option almost any time you go golfing. Since the dress code rules have actually relaxed in recent decades, the vintage clothes you buy will be up to the code for almost all courses you play at. And if you’re looking to dress it down, consider mixing and matching vintage pieces with clothing you already have.
How you wear vintage golf clothes depends a lot on your personality. Some people will choose to purchase vintage golf shoes and a hat only, while others go all out! Try finding the vintage knee length pants to wear with knee socks for a truly vintage look. And for the ladies, keep your eyes peeled for a great golf dress. This is a one of a kind item!
Vintage golf clothes make great gifts. The golfer in your life will truly appreciate a sweater that is filled with golf history. Additionally, where you can find them, vintage golf clothing used and worn by favorite golf legends will thrill your gift recipient. And since many vintage items are made so much better than the clothing of today, you can be sure that the gift will last and last.
Now that you’re convinced that vintage golf clothes are something you need, where can you purchase them? The first place to look would be vintage clothing stores. The sales clerks at these stores can tell you where the sporting equipment is located. Or check on the internet. www.ebay.com has a wide variety of vintage golf items, as do other independent websites.http://www.forehergolf.com/vintage_golf_clothes.html
Golf Apparel – How to Find the Right Fit
Finding golf apparel that fits your body properly is not always easy to do, especially if your body doesn’t match the mannequin models used for designing sportswear. However, while finding clothes that fit seems impossible, if you understand what to look for and how to size clothes properly, you should be able to find golf apparel that will be both comfortable and fashionable.
http://www.forehergolf.com/apparel-find-right-fit.html
The first items that most people shop for when shopping for golf apparel are golf tops. If you are a women shopping for a womens golf shirt then you need to take your bust, underbust, and torso length measurements. These measurements can be used to help you find sizes that you can try on. Select the three sizes of the same item, the size that best fits your measurements, the size below the best matching size, and the size above the best matching size. Try on all of these items to see which size fits your body the best. If you can’t find an item that will fit you perfectly buy the size that fits the largest part of your upper body the best and then have the shirt altered to fit your smaller areas. If you are shopping for logo golf tees then you need to make sure that the logo is positioned correctly on your chest. Try to avoid bullseyes on your breasts or problem areas. The proper position for a chest logo is on the top portion of the breast or slightly higher.
Men who are shopping for golf shirts should take their chest measurements, shoulder measurement, and torso length. When they are trying on shirts they need to make sure that the shirt gives them plenty of room to stretch and move around. While ensuring that your golf shirt is not too tight is important to your mobility and range of motion, shirts that are too loose can cause their own problems. To ensure a proper fit look to see that the shoulder seam is in line with your shoulder joint.
When you are shopping for golf pants you need to consider your waist measurement, your hip measurement, and your inseam measurement. Fit is more important than length when it comes to finding the right pants for you. The fit should be body skimming but not skin tight. The pants should allow easy movement including bending and twisting. If the pants that you find meet all of these requirements but are too long remember that you can always shorten them later.
While taking your measurements seem like an unnecessary step to take when shopping for clothes it is important to know these numbers. Most sports lines, like Nike, offer a sizing chart to help their customers find the size that is right for them. This is really important to keep in mind as every clothing manufacturer uses a slightly different sizing chart for their clothing lines.
Now that you know how to size clothes your next step is to learn how to size your feet for golf shoes. The measurements that you will need for your feet include their length from heel to the tip of your big toe and the width of your foot. You will also need to know what type of arch you have. With these figures in mind you can use the sizing charts offered by golf shoe manufacturers to select the shoe that will fit your foot properly and that will provide you with the type of support that your feet need.
http://www.forehergolf.com/apparel-find-right-fit.html
Monday, July 16, 2007
The Women's Wear Initiative
IN THESE PAGES, I've mentioned the various corporate initiatives Cotton Incorporated pursues to increase the use of cotton in the marketplace. By identifying market segments that are underutilizing cotton, or by researching those areas which cotton has yet to penetrate, the corporate initiatives set the groundwork for increased demand.
Expertise from many parts of the organization is coordinated by these initiatives to foster adoption of products and technologies to maintain and further cotton's market share. A prime example of how one of these initiatives works is the Women's Wear Initiative, which uses resources from several different departments to create, market and promote innovations in the important area of women's apparel.
Women's wear is a key market for cotton as it accounts for 53% of the entire apparel segment of the industry and over 50% of fiber sales. That means an increase of as little as one percentage point in market share is the equivalent of 108,088 additional bales of cotton used on an annual basis. This translates into nearly $32 million dollars of additional revenue for cotton producers.
Expanding cotton's presence in this important area means identifying those qualities the consumer is looking for and creating a product that addresses those needs. Women want comfortable, well-crafted garments that hold their shape and make a fashionable statement whether in casual or more formal settings. With that in mind, two fabric lines, Cotton Essentials and Cotton Luxury, were developed to cover broad areas of the market.
But these fabrics don't just appear." Opportunities for fabric constructions are identified by research. Both the Fashion Marketing and Fabric Development departments comb through resources including trade shows, trade publications, the market place, the World Wide Web and consumers, for inspiration. These fabrics are often 100% cotton, but some blended fabrics - cotton/wool, cotton/cashmere and cotton/lyocell - have tremendous potential in the luxury line, integrating the benefits of these alternative fibers with the benefits of cotton.
Once viable constructions are identified, they must prove manageable on existing textile equipment. Our Fabric Development department takes on the responsibility of testing fabrics so that mills can create these innovative constructions easily to facilitate product adoption. Additionally our Dyeing and Finishing department adds their expertise by treating these new constructions with a variety of attractive finishes to enhance the feel of the fabrics and colors to better place them in the market.
After extensive testing with fabrications and finishes, Global Product Marketing presents these fabrics to mills and manufacturers. Utilizing their years of textile expertise, the Global Product Marketing team can point out the benefits of these constructions while addressing any concerns the mill/manufacturer representatives might have. The final step in this process is promoting our efforts to the textile trade, so that we generate interest in cotton and cotton-rich fabrics for the women's wear market. Currently, we are looking at several opportunities to generate interest in the press. One of the more exciting developments is the use of our women's wear fabrics in trade advertising.
http://www.cottoninc.com/CottonGrowerArticles/WomensWearInitiative/
The Women's Wear Initiative
IN THESE PAGES, I've mentioned the various corporate initiatives Cotton Incorporated pursues to increase the use of cotton in the marketplace. By identifying market segments that are underutilizing cotton, or by researching those areas which cotton has yet to penetrate, the corporate initiatives set the groundwork for increased demand.
Expertise from many parts of the organization is coordinated by these initiatives to foster adoption of products and technologies to maintain and further cotton's market share. A prime example of how one of these initiatives works is the Women's Wear Initiative, which uses resources from several different departments to create, market and promote innovations in the important area of women's apparel.
Women's wear is a key market for cotton as it accounts for 53% of the entire apparel segment of the industry and over 50% of fiber sales. That means an increase of as little as one percentage point in market share is the equivalent of 108,088 additional bales of cotton used on an annual basis. This translates into nearly $32 million dollars of additional revenue for cotton producers.
Expanding cotton's presence in this important area means identifying those qualities the consumer is looking for and creating a product that addresses those needs. Women want comfortable, well-crafted garments that hold their shape and make a fashionable statement whether in casual or more formal settings. With that in mind, two fabric lines, Cotton Essentials and Cotton Luxury, were developed to cover broad areas of the market.
But these fabrics don't just appear." Opportunities for fabric constructions are identified by research. Both the Fashion Marketing and Fabric Development departments comb through resources including trade shows, trade publications, the market place, the World Wide Web and consumers, for inspiration. These fabrics are often 100% cotton, but some blended fabrics - cotton/wool, cotton/cashmere and cotton/lyocell - have tremendous potential in the luxury line, integrating the benefits of these alternative fibers with the benefits of cotton.
Once viable constructions are identified, they must prove manageable on existing textile equipment. Our Fabric Development department takes on the responsibility of testing fabrics so that mills can create these innovative constructions easily to facilitate product adoption. Additionally our Dyeing and Finishing department adds their expertise by treating these new constructions with a variety of attractive finishes to enhance the feel of the fabrics and colors to better place them in the market.
After extensive testing with fabrications and finishes, Global Product Marketing presents these fabrics to mills and manufacturers. Utilizing their years of textile expertise, the Global Product Marketing team can point out the benefits of these constructions while addressing any concerns the mill/manufacturer representatives might have. The final step in this process is promoting our efforts to the textile trade, so that we generate interest in cotton and cotton-rich fabrics for the women's wear market. Currently, we are looking at several opportunities to generate interest in the press. One of the more exciting developments is the use of our women's wear fabrics in trade advertising.
http://www.cottoninc.com/CottonGrowerArticles/WomensWearInitiative/
LABEL CONSCIOUSNESS
Care Labels Trump Designer Labels
Being label-conscious used to mean sacrificing all for the designer name of the moment. But, perhaps because they are busier today than ever before, modern women are approaching everything they do with an eye toward practicality, and that includes shopping and caring for all of the garments in their households.
It may seem “old school” to suppose that women are the primary launderers of the family; it is the 21st century, after all. But, women themselves state that it is a time-honored tradition. In fact, nearly 75 percent of female respondents told the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ that their mothers taught them how to do laundry.
Whether it’s an extension of old-fashioned home ec, or new-century economics tinged with environmental concerns, a garment’s care label is the starting flag for practicality. Those little hieroglyphs on the small tag speak more loudly than designer influence. According to the Monitor, three out of four female respondents said that they consult the garment care label and most do so simply because they need to know what they are getting themselves into before purchasing.
“Women check the laundering instructions for both economics and convenience,” explains Melissa Bastos, manager of market research at Cotton Incorporated. “They are factoring in the maintenance in terms of cost and how much time and effort the garment may require.”
Bastos also points out that the care label may be the tipping point for today’s bargain shopper. “If she is considering a sale item that might require dry cleaning or some other time-consuming maintenance, that extra time and money could negate the savings, and thus, the purchase.
”Monitor data supports the assertion, as three out of five female respondents revealed that they first review the laundering instructions in the fitting room, as opposed to their laundry room.
Industry insiders know that convenience is key. “I challenge you to find any woman who doesn’t value the concept of easy care, states Linda Teman, a manager at Sierra Trading Post, the multi-channel retailer. “Wash and wear, while a somewhat antiquated term, is still the ruling principle. I don’t think that will change since women have less time than ever and certainly don’t want to spend it in front of laundry machines or ironing boards!
”Think of the care and content label as a guideline, says Wendy Thayer, a spokesperson for Garnet Hill, another multi-channel retailer. “We put care instructions in every product category that we offer and that helps our customers get the most from their purchases. Following the recommended instructions will help maintain the integrity of the garment and maximize the investment.”
The care label is so important for some women that it even trumps brand name, reports the Monitor. While 50 percent of female respondents cited laundering instructions as information important to her purchase decision; only 25 percent cited the designer or manufacturer’s name.
Today’s technologically- advanced machines can lend consumers a hand and take some of the guesswork out of the laundering process, cites Teman. “Washing machines are getting more sophisticated and have different cycles for different fabrics, so we can take some chances here and there.
”Yet, problems do occur in the laundering process and these include torn seams, fading and shrinking. In just a few short years, the incidence of fading appears to be waning. In 2003, 68 percent of consumers told the Monitor that they bought a garment that faded. In 2006, nearly the same percentage cited the reverse; 70 percent said that they had not purchased an item that faded over time.
With regard to fading, once again, women demonstrate their practicality; certain garments are going to fade and they accept that. Female respondents told the Monitor that they expected black cotton pants to fade after fourteen washes on average. 
That particularly holds true with jeans. “Respondents have told us repeatedly that they don’t care if their denim fades,” Bastos shares. “They actually expect it.”
However, if given a choice, some women would opt to preserve their darker denim hues with a little help from technology. In 2006, 51 percent of female respondents told the Monitor that they were somewhat to very likely to buy a pair of black jeans specially engineered not to fade; 49 percent felt the same about blue jeans.
Garment care labels are not an investment prospectus, but those little tags do contain data that impacts individual consumer economies. Calculating the asking price versus the long-term maintenance is the value formula today’s value-conscious consumers are making. For today’s women, being label conscious is not a matter of fashion pride or keeping up the Joneses; it’s a practical approach to making the most out of a wardrobe investment.
This story is one in a series of articles based on findings from Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ tracking research. Each story will focus on a specific topic as it relates to the American women’s wear consumer and her attitudes and behavior regarding clothing, appearance, fashion, fiber selection and many other timely, relevant subjects.
http://www.cottoninc.com/lsmarticles/?articleID=539
ETAILING HERE TO STAY
Unless there's been a long lapse in your WWD subscription, you know that online sales of apparel experienced tremendous growth during the 1998 holiday season. According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle MonitorTM, 9.3% of women now browse the Internet for clothing, a rise of 37% in just three months, and up 63% from a year ago. Five percent of women did some or all of their holiday shopping (though not necessarily clothing) on the Internet, according to the American Express Retail Index, compared to 7% of men.
The number of "first-time" (not repeat) visits to apparel Websites increased 73% during the four-week period leading up to Christmas, according to Media Metrix, a firm which cracks Internet usage of a representative sample of national households. "A lot more retailers are going online," says Scott Silverman, director of Internet retailing for the National Retail Federation (NRF). "In most cases the 1998 holiday season is what drove that decision." According to Jupiter Communications, online apparel sales totalled $330 million in 1998, which represents two-tenths of one percent of total apparel sales for the year. However, online sales are doubling every year, while total retail sales have grown an average of five percent over the last five years.
"What everyone saw is this is the first time that ecommerce made an impact on traditional retailing," says Mark Goldstein, president of Impulse! Buy Network (www.impulsebuy.com ), a company which licenses etailing technology to retailers and portal sites such as Women.corn. "Looking forward to the twenty-first century, retailers are seeing that they have to take ecommerce seriously and not [view it] as a stepchild."
"Merchants and manufacturers of women's apparel have been relatively blind to the potential of the Web to date," says Ken Cassar, an analyst in the digital commerce group of Jupiter Communications (www.jup.com ), an Internet research firm. "Women have historically represented an inordinately small proportion of the online population—and a particularly low proportion of the online shopping population," he remarks. This is changing though— women's online adoption rates are growing at a faster rate than men's adoption rates, bringing us closer to gender parity. Women's apparel retailers are certainly beginning to appreciate the opportunity that lies before them. Their constituency is increasingly going online and online shoppers are, in general, becoming increasingly willing to buy highly differentiated products after cutting their teeth on books and CDs.
Some companies which have a Web presence but do not sell will start to test the waters. Other retailers that have already invested in cyberselling are Fine-tuning their strategies for next season (it's never too early).
Take Macys.com, which experienced 400-500% sales growth in the 1998 holiday season over 1997 (which itself was a 300% increase over 1996). "Sales of sweaters and pants, and our home business were very strong," says Kirn Miller, director of Internet strategies for Macys West. "We will expand, add new products, and test new concepts online,"
"What you're going to see is a lot of retailers using the holiday season to find out what works and doesn't work, and throw out what doesn't," says Silverman at NRF.
"We definitely expect to see a lot of women's apparel retailers, as well as manufacturers, opening up online stores," says Melissa Bane, senior analyst at the Yankee Group
Retailers' success online will depend on how they combine their online strategy with their offline strategy. "[Brick and mortar] retailers have to understand their core competency and ask how that unique core competency can be extended to the Internet and leveraged," says Goldstein of Impulse! Buy Network. "For example, Filene's Basement is famous for its great closeouts. They have been planning their online site carefully, and of course they will use what they're known for." He continues, "On the other hand the Gap’s strength is the quality of the shopping experience. So the company thought TheGap.com through, put a lot of time and money into it, and really integrated their online presence with their stores. For example, say a local Gap is out of a customer's size jeans. She can buy online while she's in the store, and it will be shipped to her home without shipping charges. The Gaps online presence benefits their stores, and vice versa. As a result, TheGap.com is doing really well."
"We have very vocal customers, and we've gotten a great reaction from them about the 1998 holiday season," says Rebecca Weill, the Gaps spokesperson. "We don't look at our site as competing with our stores at all. There's a lot of synergy; they're very complementary. A customer may prefer to pre-shop online and make a purchase in the store. That's fine with us."
What’s on the horizon for etailing? Bane at Yankee Group cites personalization technologies such as customer profiles, gift registries, reminder services, and email for direct marketing. Cassar at Jupiter cites the Lands' End "my virtual model," which allows you to build a model of yourself and try on different outfits. "It's rough now, but it offers interesting possibilities," say Cassar. "Live Picture is a company whose technology is used on the Gap and other sites. It allows you to zoom in on a product without any degradation of resolution (in fact, the resolution improves as you zoom). It offers the potential to improve the catalog visual experience."
"We want to be there in whatever way the customer wants," summarizes Weill at the Gap, "Our site is all about making shopping easy for customers."
http://www.cottoninc.com/lsmarticles/?articleID=262
Fashion for Women: Checkout the Latest Trends
The exquisite color and contour with the vibrant luster in fashion is what women really love more. May it be an impeccable one or not, but the carefree touch that it generates on the body-and-dress is what fashion destines to get adept of.
Whats current in the womens fashion world? Lets take a close look.
Yarns for autumn
The hottest in trend is something close to nature both in the use of raw material and in style. Velvet cardigans in fine knitting pattern are among the favorites of world famous designer Michael Kors. The raw material used for knitting these cardigans is mainly soft wool mixed with silk and ramie. Well this rustic style womens winter wear is round-up with elegance and sophistication. You can call it the perfect outfit that will match with a silken pencil skirt.
But the yarn pattern of weaving has many fashionable outfits very latest perfect for casuals. The yoke style patterned sweaters are through into your wardrobes this season. They are smart and can be easily worn with jeans trousers and laced skirts. The colors to knit these sweaters are generally a combination of contrasts. Loud colors go perfect with matt finished threads where the body of the sweater will be soothing but the yoke designs will be appealing with bright patches.
For casual trousers you need something sleek and light. Boden womens wear sets the flow. The V-neck half-sleeve skinny multi-color sweater cum top will suit the best. Colors like sky blue, yellow ochre and cherry red are in vogue to knit this outfit. And it is exactly made for working women of middle income group. Get one right now before the collection gets over.
Denim - an all time trend setter
Denim is always in. You rather think it this way. But the difference lies in designs and make-ups. The autumn 2006/07 fashion sets the new brands like tuxedo tops, skinny jeans in black or indigo shades, denim jackets to be put with chiffon skirts and classy denim tops.
The type of denim jeans in vogue is washed jeans and women prefer this distressing effect for ease. The casual mood merged with intellectual looks build up the magnetic persona a woman aspires to carry. Denim proves it all.
Fashion accessories in trend
Chunkier Boho casual ethnic jewelry is in and heavy costume jewelry are out. The luxury lines of estate jewelry are doing pretty well in todays fashion trend. Also the plastics and metals do find a larger room than the conventional gold and silver jewels. Well these are mainly for casual wears and young women going to office or universities prefer them more. They are handy and not so expensive. For party wear diamonds and platinum take the lead.
Fashion is incomplete without matching handbags. Abstract Flap Bag from Anuschka Women's Handbags is in high demand at present. You can buy one at 109.95. Perlina Women's Handbags are available at 139.95 and it is the first choice of young women. ILI womens Handbags and Touch Ups Women's Handbags from Victoria are in the low budget list. The former one is available at 45.95 and
http://www.mainarticles.com/Article/Fashion-for-Women--Checkout-the-Latest-Trends/5507
Whats current in the womens fashion world? Lets take a close look.
Yarns for autumn
The hottest in trend is something close to nature both in the use of raw material and in style. Velvet cardigans in fine knitting pattern are among the favorites of world famous designer Michael Kors. The raw material used for knitting these cardigans is mainly soft wool mixed with silk and ramie. Well this rustic style womens winter wear is round-up with elegance and sophistication. You can call it the perfect outfit that will match with a silken pencil skirt.
But the yarn pattern of weaving has many fashionable outfits very latest perfect for casuals. The yoke style patterned sweaters are through into your wardrobes this season. They are smart and can be easily worn with jeans trousers and laced skirts. The colors to knit these sweaters are generally a combination of contrasts. Loud colors go perfect with matt finished threads where the body of the sweater will be soothing but the yoke designs will be appealing with bright patches.
For casual trousers you need something sleek and light. Boden womens wear sets the flow. The V-neck half-sleeve skinny multi-color sweater cum top will suit the best. Colors like sky blue, yellow ochre and cherry red are in vogue to knit this outfit. And it is exactly made for working women of middle income group. Get one right now before the collection gets over.
Denim - an all time trend setter
Denim is always in. You rather think it this way. But the difference lies in designs and make-ups. The autumn 2006/07 fashion sets the new brands like tuxedo tops, skinny jeans in black or indigo shades, denim jackets to be put with chiffon skirts and classy denim tops.
The type of denim jeans in vogue is washed jeans and women prefer this distressing effect for ease. The casual mood merged with intellectual looks build up the magnetic persona a woman aspires to carry. Denim proves it all.
Fashion accessories in trend
Chunkier Boho casual ethnic jewelry is in and heavy costume jewelry are out. The luxury lines of estate jewelry are doing pretty well in todays fashion trend. Also the plastics and metals do find a larger room than the conventional gold and silver jewels. Well these are mainly for casual wears and young women going to office or universities prefer them more. They are handy and not so expensive. For party wear diamonds and platinum take the lead.
Fashion is incomplete without matching handbags. Abstract Flap Bag from Anuschka Women's Handbags is in high demand at present. You can buy one at 109.95. Perlina Women's Handbags are available at 139.95 and it is the first choice of young women. ILI womens Handbags and Touch Ups Women's Handbags from Victoria are in the low budget list. The former one is available at 45.95 and
http://www.mainarticles.com/Article/Fashion-for-Women--Checkout-the-Latest-Trends/5507
Women Fashion Trends
Women fashion trends borrow heavily from trends for grown ups, but include one important distinction: teen fashions exist within strictly enforced fashion subcultures. For most womens, clothing is short-hand for declaring which clique they belong to. Womens tend to dress in clothing that announces their affiliations and interests with crystal clarity.
Women's fashion will be moving toward stylish and elegant femininity this summer with pants taking a back seat to dresses and skirts. Bright colors are making a comeback this year with red-orange and fuchsia taking center stage. Cool, neutral colors may make a splash this summer in lavender and aqua shades. For women who prefer darker tones, brown is predicted to be the new black with trendy colors ranging from rich chocolate to light khaki.
Top 8 Trends in Women's Fashion
1. Dress Her in Complete Looks.
2. Skinny Jeans.
3. Fun Shoes that Really Express Her Personality.
4. Special Clothes That Will Make Her Stand Out.
5. Leggings Worn Under a Short Skirt.
6. Longer Tees and Other Long Tops.
7. Pastel Prints and How to Wear Them.
8. Designer or Designer Inspired Jeans.
Women should select right dress according to the type of body. Before choosing any dress, determine the type of body, as there are different height and weight and age.
1. One should wear free flowing clothes in a single tone for getting a slim and long look. Try fabrics such as georgette or chiffon for dresses.
2. One should wear clothes according to size. Loose fitting clothes do not give good look to anyone. One must wear fitted clothes to look gorgeous.
3. One must be careful about wearing accessories as these speak more than dress. Therefore always watch out accessories.
4. Women should be sure about jeweler; it can suit one’s face.
5. If one has thin waist, wear belts for feeling comfortable.
6. One should invest in the bags, a basic wardrobe and shoes.
7. Women should not following trends of fashion blindly.
http://www.mainarticles.com/Article/Women-Fashion-Trends/7733
Women's fashion will be moving toward stylish and elegant femininity this summer with pants taking a back seat to dresses and skirts. Bright colors are making a comeback this year with red-orange and fuchsia taking center stage. Cool, neutral colors may make a splash this summer in lavender and aqua shades. For women who prefer darker tones, brown is predicted to be the new black with trendy colors ranging from rich chocolate to light khaki.
Top 8 Trends in Women's Fashion
1. Dress Her in Complete Looks.
2. Skinny Jeans.
3. Fun Shoes that Really Express Her Personality.
4. Special Clothes That Will Make Her Stand Out.
5. Leggings Worn Under a Short Skirt.
6. Longer Tees and Other Long Tops.
7. Pastel Prints and How to Wear Them.
8. Designer or Designer Inspired Jeans.
Women should select right dress according to the type of body. Before choosing any dress, determine the type of body, as there are different height and weight and age.
1. One should wear free flowing clothes in a single tone for getting a slim and long look. Try fabrics such as georgette or chiffon for dresses.
2. One should wear clothes according to size. Loose fitting clothes do not give good look to anyone. One must wear fitted clothes to look gorgeous.
3. One must be careful about wearing accessories as these speak more than dress. Therefore always watch out accessories.
4. Women should be sure about jeweler; it can suit one’s face.
5. If one has thin waist, wear belts for feeling comfortable.
6. One should invest in the bags, a basic wardrobe and shoes.
7. Women should not following trends of fashion blindly.
http://www.mainarticles.com/Article/Women-Fashion-Trends/7733
Decision Direct Research Introduces Women’s Apparel Survey
Women’s apparel catalogers and Internet retailers can learn what customers think about them via a new online cooperative survey from Millard Group’s Decision Direct Research division.
Decision Direct Research conducts direct marketing online cooperative surveys on a quarterly basis that provide data regarding customer attitudes, opinions and online shopping trends.
The new Women’s Apparel Survey targets a smaller segment of the industry. It includes questions on purchase trends and future buying intentions; satisfaction with Web site shopping experience; approval of apparel offerings and insight about additional merchandise possibilities.
“A significant challenge for any retailer is to determine who their customers are and what they want,” said Lilliane LeBel vice president of Decision Direct Research at Millard Group, Peterborough, NH.
The new survey fills this need in two ways: providing women’s apparel retailers with specific market information and providing customer insight for less than other customer insight reports. This is possible, “because all participating clients are using the same survey, and because we provide a report, not narrative, as the deliverable,” Ms. LeBel said.
http://www.dmnews.com/cms/dm-news/research-studies/38291.html
Decision Direct Research conducts direct marketing online cooperative surveys on a quarterly basis that provide data regarding customer attitudes, opinions and online shopping trends.
The new Women’s Apparel Survey targets a smaller segment of the industry. It includes questions on purchase trends and future buying intentions; satisfaction with Web site shopping experience; approval of apparel offerings and insight about additional merchandise possibilities.
“A significant challenge for any retailer is to determine who their customers are and what they want,” said Lilliane LeBel vice president of Decision Direct Research at Millard Group, Peterborough, NH.
The new survey fills this need in two ways: providing women’s apparel retailers with specific market information and providing customer insight for less than other customer insight reports. This is possible, “because all participating clients are using the same survey, and because we provide a report, not narrative, as the deliverable,” Ms. LeBel said.
http://www.dmnews.com/cms/dm-news/research-studies/38291.html
FASHION SMORGASBORD
Today's women's apparel appeals to a variety of tastes
If variety is the spice of life, then women are asking for seconds, thirds and even more helpings of this season’s tasty offerings in apparel.
According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle MonitorTM, the newest fashions have scored big with women. Thirty-nine percent of respondents say that they like this season’s fashions more than those from last year. That’s a year over year increase of 15%!
In addition, the Shopping Barometer is up dramatically, especially among the Fashion Innovators, from 72.18 points last year to 80.80 this year, an increase of 8.62 points. Monitor data also reflects thatwomen currently allot more time for apparel shopping these days – spending an average of 111 minutes in stores, up 10 minutes from the previous year.
And if you need more convincing, consider this: the most recent Monitor data reports that 27.2% of women love shopping, up from just 17.9% for the
same period last year.
So, what’s not to like?
The options of what to wear for women seem suddenly endless: twin sets, slim trousers, short, long and knee-length skirts, and man-tailored button-down shirts in long and three-quarter length sleeves. The new styles encourage creativity and, more importantly, look good on a variety of body types.
“Designers are not following any specific trend right now so there’s a lot of diversity in apparel,” asserts designer Mark Montano. “One reason young designers are becoming more popular is that they have something that no one else has. Their clothing allows people to be more expressive and individual. I thinkwomen are tired of being part of the pack.”
In fact, 65% of consumers say the current styles are anything but boring reports the Monitor.
Notes Jo Cohen, associate director of The COTTONWORKS® Fabric Library for Cotton Incorporated, “Women have experienced a fashion breakthrough, which is why they’re buying more clothes now. Their apparel has become a way in which to express their individuality. The 90s have been the decade of eclecticism and the birth of the new casual.”
Designer Jill McGowan, who has built her Portland, Maine-based women’s fashion company around the classic white shirt, agrees, “I think the trend now is that women are finding their own style and finding it in their own way. It’s less dictated than ever before.”
Many recognize that it is the designers who have spearheaded this trend, by making fashionable clothes that are more accessible and speak to the everyday sensibilities of the average woman. A woman they’re finding is willing to pay more for a quality item with superior style.
Says Cohen of Cotton Incorporated, “Designers have played a key role in this by taking into consideration the needs of the contemporary woman and making more wearable clothes.” She adds, “I think one of the successes of cotton is that it’s becoming more and more seasonless, so that a woman will invest in something more costly because it can be worn year-round.”
Concurs McGowan, “The time has finally come when the designer is meeting the needs of the customer. We’re seeing more customers buying more practical, wearable items for their wardrobe which are not boring, but timeless. I think customers are willing to pay more for quality – invest extra money to have a product that will survive several seasons and still look great.”
Montano feels that color is one of the main driving forces behind the new fashions. “Before, when so many neutral colors were playing a part in fashion, it didn’t matter what you wore because it was all beige or black,” he says. “Color gives you a whole range of opportunities that are perfectly acceptable and more an expression of who you are. ”
All this has generated a new excitement about women’s apparel, a spark which has been missing from seasons past.
The advent of casual days at the office seems to be one of the greatest influences on the current fashion, especially for women. With offices sporting an average of two casual days per week, women have had to come up with their own alternative to the men’s polo shirt and khakis uniform.
And it is a challenge they have embraced with enthusiasm.
Linda, an editor for a women’s consumer magazine, can’t say enough good things about the new fashions. “What I really love about fashion now is that there are such a variety of styles,” she enthuses. “It’s so easy to pull an outfit together that’s elegant, yet comfortable. And there’s a whole feminine element to the newest looks too, but not the frilly, frou-frou kind. It’s definitely chic.”
Designer Montano defines the new fashion as not so much casual but comfortable dressy. “The look is dressier now,” he asserts. “We’re seeing beads come back and sequin trims and things that make clothing more special.”
But perhaps it is a recent article in the Style section of The New York Times that summed it up best, “While women still dress up on special occasions, fashion for the 21st century will be based on comfort and utility.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
This story is one in a series of articles based on findings from Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ tracking research. Each story will focus on a specific topic as it relates to the American women’s wear consumer and her attitudes and behavior regarding clothing, appearance, fashion, fiber selection and many other timely, relevant subjects.
http://www.cottoninc.com/lsmarticles/?articleID=237
If variety is the spice of life, then women are asking for seconds, thirds and even more helpings of this season’s tasty offerings in apparel.
According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle MonitorTM, the newest fashions have scored big with women. Thirty-nine percent of respondents say that they like this season’s fashions more than those from last year. That’s a year over year increase of 15%!
In addition, the Shopping Barometer is up dramatically, especially among the Fashion Innovators, from 72.18 points last year to 80.80 this year, an increase of 8.62 points. Monitor data also reflects thatwomen currently allot more time for apparel shopping these days – spending an average of 111 minutes in stores, up 10 minutes from the previous year.
And if you need more convincing, consider this: the most recent Monitor data reports that 27.2% of women love shopping, up from just 17.9% for the
same period last year.
So, what’s not to like?
The options of what to wear for women seem suddenly endless: twin sets, slim trousers, short, long and knee-length skirts, and man-tailored button-down shirts in long and three-quarter length sleeves. The new styles encourage creativity and, more importantly, look good on a variety of body types.
“Designers are not following any specific trend right now so there’s a lot of diversity in apparel,” asserts designer Mark Montano. “One reason young designers are becoming more popular is that they have something that no one else has. Their clothing allows people to be more expressive and individual. I thinkwomen are tired of being part of the pack.”
In fact, 65% of consumers say the current styles are anything but boring reports the Monitor.
Notes Jo Cohen, associate director of The COTTONWORKS® Fabric Library for Cotton Incorporated, “Women have experienced a fashion breakthrough, which is why they’re buying more clothes now. Their apparel has become a way in which to express their individuality. The 90s have been the decade of eclecticism and the birth of the new casual.”
Designer Jill McGowan, who has built her Portland, Maine-based women’s fashion company around the classic white shirt, agrees, “I think the trend now is that women are finding their own style and finding it in their own way. It’s less dictated than ever before.”
Many recognize that it is the designers who have spearheaded this trend, by making fashionable clothes that are more accessible and speak to the everyday sensibilities of the average woman. A woman they’re finding is willing to pay more for a quality item with superior style.
Says Cohen of Cotton Incorporated, “Designers have played a key role in this by taking into consideration the needs of the contemporary woman and making more wearable clothes.” She adds, “I think one of the successes of cotton is that it’s becoming more and more seasonless, so that a woman will invest in something more costly because it can be worn year-round.”
Concurs McGowan, “The time has finally come when the designer is meeting the needs of the customer. We’re seeing more customers buying more practical, wearable items for their wardrobe which are not boring, but timeless. I think customers are willing to pay more for quality – invest extra money to have a product that will survive several seasons and still look great.”
Montano feels that color is one of the main driving forces behind the new fashions. “Before, when so many neutral colors were playing a part in fashion, it didn’t matter what you wore because it was all beige or black,” he says. “Color gives you a whole range of opportunities that are perfectly acceptable and more an expression of who you are. ”
All this has generated a new excitement about women’s apparel, a spark which has been missing from seasons past.
The advent of casual days at the office seems to be one of the greatest influences on the current fashion, especially for women. With offices sporting an average of two casual days per week, women have had to come up with their own alternative to the men’s polo shirt and khakis uniform.
And it is a challenge they have embraced with enthusiasm.
Linda, an editor for a women’s consumer magazine, can’t say enough good things about the new fashions. “What I really love about fashion now is that there are such a variety of styles,” she enthuses. “It’s so easy to pull an outfit together that’s elegant, yet comfortable. And there’s a whole feminine element to the newest looks too, but not the frilly, frou-frou kind. It’s definitely chic.”
Designer Montano defines the new fashion as not so much casual but comfortable dressy. “The look is dressier now,” he asserts. “We’re seeing beads come back and sequin trims and things that make clothing more special.”
But perhaps it is a recent article in the Style section of The New York Times that summed it up best, “While women still dress up on special occasions, fashion for the 21st century will be based on comfort and utility.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
This story is one in a series of articles based on findings from Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ tracking research. Each story will focus on a specific topic as it relates to the American women’s wear consumer and her attitudes and behavior regarding clothing, appearance, fashion, fiber selection and many other timely, relevant subjects.
http://www.cottoninc.com/lsmarticles/?articleID=237
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