Best Paying Careers For Women - In Fashion

Having spent the last 9 years in seemingly the most glamorous and desirable industry to women, fashion I am often asked about the careers and opportunities for women in fashion and more often what are the best paying careers for women in fashion today?

The beauty about the fashion industry is that it caters for the creative and the business savvy as well as encompassing the back end blood sweat and tears in producing apparel for the Australian and global markets.

Let’s look at the best paying careers for women in fashion…

For the business savvy roles for example Brand Manager, Product Manager or Retail Buyer you need a qualification in business, commence, economics or marketing. Candidate perception is often misunderstood with these roles and in the past 4 years they have become the glamour roles of the industry. The misconception largely surrounds the intense business acumen required to be a success. You need to be numbers savvy, have strong skills in product forecasting, budgets, calculation of EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) and have strong analytical skills and margin and profit focus. All too often candidates see for 15% fascination with the product side of these roles and fail to see that 85% of the job is spent behind an excel spreadsheet.

Salaries in Australia for Brand Manager, Product Manager and Retail buyer vary greatly and are very dependent on the size of the company. With this said, some of the larger brands are the poorer payers. Brand Manager, Product Manager and Retail Buyers earn above national average to executive salaries at the top end. Longevity plays a big role in securing top dollar so proving yourself is essential. Your success will be measured on year in and year out results and growth so 18 months here and there is not going to get you into the best paying careers for women in fashion. You need to have some creative edge in these roles, so a sense of style and fashion is essential as much of the creative team is likely to report to you. These roles will see you provide product direction, range planning and product lifecycle analysis as a response to market forces and trends as well as the financial management aspects..

The creative roles in fashion are probably the most deceptive. Design is hard work and again longevity is going to go along way to allowing you to achieve your financial salary goals. My best advice when negotiating a role in design is to negotiate your increases when you commence. One of the biggest problems in increasing salaries once you start working is the lack of a remuneration plan at commencement.

To be a fashion designer you will need to have studied fashion design at any one of the various International Design schools. Getting accolades will also help. Make sure your design projects reflect commercial fashion and if they don’t leave them out of your portfolio. It is very off putting to an employer of a fashion designer to see arty unwearable fashion in the recruitment process.

As a fashion designer you will not only be responsible for the design of the ranges within the product budgets and brand values but you will be responsible for the outcome, market acceptance or rejection! It is very rare for a design graduate to score a top job as a fashion designer but occasionally it does happen. Your career path is however more likely to commence behind the scenes as a designers assistant. You will sketch, source fabrics, trims and accessories, cut samples, prepare range books and coordinate the design timeline with the pattern makers and sample machinists. Not too much creative here but at least you will be close to the action.

Prove yourself and you will be introduced to designing your own portion of a range with a bit of luck (and blood sweat and tears). As a designer assistant (graduate) in fashion expect to earn average national salaries. You will be competing with a big group of graduates all chasing the dream so embrace anything on offer and be realistic about the brand opportunities offered to you. It is no time to be a brand snob when you have just graduated from design school. If you decide to be brand specific be prepared to wait tables as it may be required for a while until the right break comes you way.

As a Range Designer of a visible and market identified brand expect to earn anywhere from average to executive salaries at the end. When so much hinges on the talents of a designer you would expect higher paying salaries, however, simple supply and demand principles unfortunately come into play. The best news is that when longevity kicks in (if you haven’t started your own label) the role of Design Director comes with a hefty pay packet. As Design Director of a fashion brand expect to earn serious executive dollars. Achieve this in fashion design and you have made it!

Let’s look at the engine room; Production Management, Operations and Supply Chain. These roles are the most critical to a fashion operation. Apparel may not be a perishable commodity but if it is late into store it may as well be. With the changes in supply chain and imports the production of apparel in the last 10 years has changed the nature of these roles significantly. In fashion production, operations and supply chain you can expect to frequently travel to operations particularly in the east and work in some quite deceptive conditions. Let me qualify this by saying that your negotiation skills need to be razor sharp and your ability to identify the right sources is essential.

In terms of qualifications you need a fashion production qualification, business or logistics supply chain management qualification or similar. Garment construction knowledge is essential. You will work hands on and be required to make the call on garment construction issues so it is imperative that you know the lingo. At the low end Production Managers in fashion earn just above national salaries with Operations and Supply Chain Managers earning exceptional executive dollars.

Whilst I have purposely focused on the highest paying roles for women within the fashion industry the obvious roles of General Manager, CEO and Company Director form the highest paying roles in the sector. It is difficult to focus on these roles when the opportunities are quite few are far between. Some outstanding women have achieved these roles in fashion with Sue Morphet of Pacific Brands crashing through the glass ceiling some years ago and moving up the scale with full force. Sue is of particular inspiration having conquered such an exceptional role within an established and traditional brand. There are other women like Sue earning exceptional salaries within the fashion sector, but the roles are few and far between. Salaries at this top end can reach beyond half a million dollars including bonuses and share options.

About the Author:

Natasha Zurnamer is a co Director of Rat Race Recruitment Online, the global hub of fashion jobs featuring 150 fashion job categories and new fashion jobs listed daily. To search or advertise jobs in fashion visit www.ragtradejobs.com

Pvc Lingerie Will Turn You Into A Dominatrix Sex Queen That Your Partner Won't Be Able To Resist!

PVC lingerie takes costumes to the next level. Ever dreamed of becoming a dominatrix sex queen? PVC clothing and leather lingerie have a uniquely sexy look that is sure to get your partner salivating.

PVC lingerie can come in various themes such as traffic cop uniforms, nurse uniform, French maid costumes and police women costumes. All the dresses are designed in such a manner as to add that extra bit of spice to any occasion. You can buy a PVC costume for prices starting from around £24.99. Not only do you get costumes but you can even get PVC pants , camisoles and other popular lingerie items, all available with a few clicks of a mouse button.

PVC Lingerie Has Really Turned Up the Heat With Sexy Costumes At Rock Bottom Prices.

New Sexy PVC Traffic Cop Uniform Dress Costume

This traffic cop PVC costume is sure to stop your partner dead in his tracks, without the help of flashing lights or sirens! You can find this costume in blue and black and the price starts from around£39.99.

2piece PVC Nurses Uniform

This is a flirty 2 piece PVC Nurses uniform with black crosses. There are two colours available in this costume - red and white. This also can include a mini dress with removable suspenders, this little number is a personal favourite of mine and the success rate is sure to be high. The cost of this dress is around £28.99.

French Maid PVC Lingerie Costume

This PVC dress has a drawstring as well as a maid’s apron. This costume comes in sexy black and the price is about £32.75.

Sexy 4 Piece PVC Lingerie Policewoman outfit

This is a mid length zip fronted dress. It also has silver collar and capped sleeves. You can also find a matching thong, a cap and a wide-styled belt with this pack. This outfit comes in black and is priced around £29.99.

Brand new Sexy PVC Lingerie School Girl Uniform

For all you ladies looking to reminisce about your school days, this school uniform costume with cuffs, tie and socks is sure to bring those memories flooding back. The cost of this costume is around £29.75.

Sexy Shiny Black PVC Lingerie mini dress

This dress is just plain and sexy. It is a shiny black dress that allows your to look just absolutely stunning and good enough to eat. The price of this costume is around £24.99.

As you can see, pvc lingerie is not a closet fetish item for weirdos, they are widely available and are accessible for anyone that wants to really heat things up!

About the Author:

Kalwant Rana is A Freelance Writer For http://www.sexy-plus-size-lingerie-org.uk. You Can Find Lots Of Useful Information And Reviews About Discount Plus Size Lingerie from Simple Bras To Sexy Costumes And Corsets.

Look and Feel Great in Plus Size Clothing

The majority of women are a size 14 or above, so its about time that retailers recognize the need for attractive plus size clothing. Due to consumer demand, there is a greater array of plus size clothing than every before including plus size lingerie, business suits, swimsuits, and formal wear.

The reality is that what looks good on a size 4 is not necessarily going to look good in a size 16. So, simply replicating a style in plus size clothing may not work for fuller figures. When it comes to plus size clothing, there is cut, style, fabric and color to consider. For example, let's take formal wear, which can be difficult to shop for in the best of circumstances. A certain type of neckline may look great with a smaller bust line, but may not be able to provide the support necessary in plus size clothing. Also, certain fabrics may bunch unattractively in larger sizes. Plus size clothing presents a whole additional set of concerns. For women shopping for plus size clothing, it can be difficult to find apparel that both looks and feels good.

Many larger women make the mistake of choosing plus size clothing that is much looser than it needs to be. Many plus size women assume that a looser fit will hide trouble spots, when in reality, a form fitting ensemble can be so much more flattering. Today's plus size clothing is meant to skim and accentuate curves without clinging to bulges. As notions of beauty and attractiveness have begun to change, plus size clothing in attractive styles and colors has become more widely available.

Knowing colors and shapes that accentuate your body type is an important part of building a working wardrobe of plus size clothing. Another common misconception is that plus size women should shy away from plus size clothing with bold patterns and bright colors. While darker colors do tend to provide a slimming effect, a monochromatic ensemble in a brighter tone can do just the same. Or, you can add a dash of color with a colorful top or by adding a colorful accessory to an otherwise dark outfit. In terms of patterns for plus size clothing, plus size women should shy away from larger prints in favor of smaller designs. Bolder prints tend to draw the eye directly to trouble spots, which is the exact opposite of the effect that you want to create with plus size clothing.

Clean and classic lines with a minimum of frippery and unnecessary details seem to work best with plus size clothing. Flounces, bows and loud prints only accentuate what you want to skim over. For skirts, an A line just above or below the knee is always a safe bet for a fuller figure. For blouses, square or round necklines tend to make the shoulders appear wider. Instead, opt for a V neckline in plus size clothing, which draws the eye downward and makes the body appear slimmer. For plus size clothing, clean and simple designs are the most classic and the most flattering to a curvier shape.

There is also a wide variety of plus size swimwear and intimate apparel available for curvier shapes. Whereas finding a bra or bathing suit used to be near impossible, there is now a variety of fashionable options offering support. Plus size clothing designers are stepping up to the plate and offering more choices than ever before.

Women of all shapes and sizes are being encouraged to feel confident about their bodies. Looking and feeling great in comfortable plus size clothing can help to bolster that positive body image.

About the Author

Kelly Reyes enjoys writing about the latest fashion trends, lingerie, and romance. She is an author and the editor of the lingerie blog at Ample Pleasure Lingerie. Ample Pleasure carries a variety of lingerie for curvaceous, confident women.

70 - 80% Of Women Do Not Wear The Right Size Bra!

Every woman knows the difficulty involved in finding the right bra. Questions like What cup Size are you now? What style do you require? Seem to never end!

Well...First and foremost it is essential that you know your correct size. A badly fitting bra can lead to back problems, muscle tension, and even headaches. If you are in your teen years, the strain caused by a badly fitting bra can lead to permanent problems with posture and even back pain. So that?s why teens should be fit by a bra expert at least twice a year or even after every noticeable growth pattern.

Your first consideration should be the reason you need the bra; is it for athletics, coverage, comfort or support? There are different types and styles of bras made for specific types of bodies and physical activities. Although it would be nice, no one bra can do it all; you have different bras for different jobs. A Sexy bra for those intimate private moments or a Sports Bra for when you want to perform arduous exercise.

First Bras

Training bras are for younger girls who have just started to develop breasts and are not able to fit into standard size bras. Age is not the concern, rather its getting the right fit and support for your breast size.

Wireless Bras

Light support or wireless bras usually have no underwire and are sometimes the preferred choice for those with smaller breasts. They are less constricting and more comfortable than full support bras. As they are wireless they offer less shaping and more freedom than other bras. You can find the padded and unpadded variety; what you choose is a matter of personal preference.

Underwire Bras

Full support or underwire bras usually have an underwire or plastic boning holding them up. It doesn't matter what breast size you are, however it is a must for those with larger cup sizes. They also are available in padded or unpadded varieties.

Push Up Bras

Sometimes referred to as padded bras and more famously attributed to the Wonderbra. They lift the breasts and add more shape to them with extra padding. There are some more innovative versions around that use silicone inserts or water sacks to enhance your look even further. They are known to "lift and separate" the breasts, creating a full cleavage and most importantly offer lots of support.

Plus Size Bras

Plus size bras have finally found a home away from the unsightly bras of yesteryear to the sleek and sexy bras of today. From sports to sexy to your everyday bra, plus size bras are know available in many styles and brands. You can get extremely feminine lacy plus size bras, or bras finished in satin, silk, lace and cotton, under wire and strapless bras.

Sports Bras

Probably the least flattering and sexy in the bra family but ironically the most important one for growing teens to have. As well as offering full support, they also stop the breasts from moving during strenuous activity. The tissue in your breasts is very delicate and growing tissue especially needs to be protected during high impact exercise.

Nursing Bras

Your breasts start changing shape from the fourth month of pregnancy. As a result, most women find their previous bra too small. Purchase a nursing bras close to your due date or shortly after your baby arrives, because your breasts will grow larger toward the end of your pregnancy and when milk comes in. Consider buying a bra that has flaps and can be opened and refastened easily. Since milk leakage is inevitable, it also makes sense to buy nursing pads to protect both your bra and clothes. It is always better to buy 100% cotton bras, as cotton is a breathable fabric. Synthetic fabrics trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth and soreness.

Mastectomy Bras

These types of bras are designed with pockets in the cup area to hold a breast prosthesis. There is a wide range of styles and colors available. The silicone breast prosthesis simulates the natural breast with regards to its shape and weight. The prosthesis's main advantage of is that it provides symmetry and balance to a persons body, who has survived from breast cancer. Wearing the right prosthesis is primarily important to your ultimate comfort level. With a superior fitting prosthesis, and a well-made and fitted mastectomy bra, you in turn will help to balance your posture and provide fortification for your chest and breast cancer scars.

Now you know the importance of the bra and the many types available, you should know firstly what size you need and how to determine that size. The following article gives you an insight into how to measure your self and the importance of a well fitted bra.

About The Author

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Cosmetic Tips And Tricks - With A Little History

Women have been wearing cosmetics for thousands of years. Archaeologists have evidence of men and women using cosmetics in Egypt over 6000 years ago! Wealthy Egyptian women would paint their nails, massage their faces with creams and oils, apply lipstick and eyeliner, and even color their hair. Obviously, things haven’t changed that much over the last few millennia!

How Do You Put Cosmetics On?

The most important thing you can do when applying makeup is to start with a clean face. A clean face gives you the perfect palate for applying the rest of your cosmetics. A dirty face, on the other hand, will make it much more difficult. A clean face will also help keep your skin look clear and healthy.

After you have thoroughly cleaned your face, apply foundation smoothly and evenly. When applied correctly, it should not look like you’re wearing foundation. The purpose of foundation is to smooth out your skin colors to cover up any blemishes and to help you put your cosmetics on better. Your face should feel light and natural. If it is obvious that you’re wearing foundation, or if your face feels like it’s covered with guck, then you’ve put too much on. Also consider if you have the right type of foundation. To work properly, the foundation has to match your skin tone as closely as possible. If you are having trouble picking the right color of foundation, talk to a cosmetics consultant at one of the cosmetics counters at your local department store. If you’ve only put a bit too much foundation on, you can blot at your skin with some toilet paper to remove the excess foundation without having to start from scratch.

If required, you can then apply some concealer to your face with your fingers. Concealer can be particularly useful around your eyes so any dark circles don’t have you confused for a racoon! No matter where you use concealer, always remember to blend, blend, blend. If the concealer is not blended into the rest of your face, it will only draw attention to the spots your are attempting to cover up.

It is only after you’ve washed your face and applied foundation and concealer that you’re ready to move on to the more noticeable cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, blush and lipstick.

What are Cosmetics Made Of?

The ancient Egyptians mainly made their cosmetics from clay and oils (with the occasional dash of mercury). Modern cosmetics are made from an unbelievable array of products. Lipstick often contains fish by-products and blush can contain mica, a translucent mineral! While the Food and Drug Administration controls what can be used in cosmetics, the precise ingredients are often protected as trade secrets.

If you really want to know what’s going on your face, you can chose to buy organic cosmetics that will make their makeup from simple, natural materials. This can also be a useful strategy if you are concerns about animal testing. If you only want to buy cosmetics that have not been tested on animals, make sure to inquire whether the cosmetics you are purchasing were tested on animals or not.

About The Author

Mary Amos is a cosmetologist who likes to experiment with the latest in cosmetics. Find out the latest and greatest at http://www.feicosmetics.com

Sleepwear Doesn’t Always Have to be Worn Only in the Bedroom

There was a time that pajamas were only worn in the bedroom. The individual will have to change into something else when a visitor will drop by the house or put it over a robe before going downstairs.

Those days are gone now since sleepwear these days are now considered to be a fashion statement. How? By mixing the top or bottom of the pajamas with jeans or a jacket especially if the individual has to drive out into the middle of the night or early evening to buy some medicine at the drugstore.

An example is a camisole that is known as a sleeveless top. Since the weather may too warm outside, some women wear this with trousers or jeans then slip on a blazer and use this to go to work.

Outside the office, women can take it off then show those toned arms while partying the night away.

Some people think that every American has a nice set of breasts. This is not true since there are those who are flat chested and need to wear a chic bustier for better cleavage. THis can be worn under a denim shirt and jeans when going out into the mall to do a little shopping.

Not all the pajama tops are sleeveless. There is the novelty versions that come in sets. This can also be patterned with jeans or jogging pants that will look great when going out for a morning stroll near the house or by the beach.

Men on the other hand may use this to play basketball with friends or while working out in the gym. Some even this as an undershirt to work or wear it just the way it is when doing some chores in the house or going around the mall.

Most of the bottoms for sleepwear use garter to hold it at the waist so it will not fall off. Since this isn’t that secure anymore after some time, fashion designers have made drawstring ones. Consumer reports have shown that women and men use this quite often.

The males can wear a casual shirt or a polo on top and this can be used not only on the beach. Females on the other hand look great with the drawstring pants with some casual loungewear at the store.

There are two kinds of drawstring pants. The first is made using thin fabric like linen that is very light and cool when it is worn. When the weather is cold and the person needs to keep warm underneath, this is the time that something thicker is needed such as flannel.

Men are known to wear boxers at home. Some have replaced the briefs with this since it is more comfortable to wear even when going out. Fashion designers have also come up with a similar collection for women that can be used in the bedroom and for those who want to take it outdoors.

Those who want to try something new can visit the favorite retail outlet and try something new. If the store doesn’t have it, perhaps the right sleepwear can be found there.

People should remember that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to making a fashion statement. After all, this is an expression of one’s individuality and if others like it, then that person started a trend.

Capri Rose is a freelance fashion writer and former fashion editor based in New York and London and now designs chic, sophisticated pajamas and sleepwear in modern and retro prints. Check them out at http://www.caprirose.com

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A Hot New Hairstyle for 2007

If you’re looking for a hot new hairstyle with which you can ring in the new year, we’ve got a few that might be of interest to you.

A ‘bob’ haircut with bangs is very reminiscent of Catherine Zeta Jones in “Chicago”. A bob is traditionally a cut that is about chin length along the sides and cut a little shorter in the back in order to add a little bounce. You can go with really short bangs, very much like Betty Paige or leave them longer to resemble Diane Keaton’s hair in Manhattan. If your hair has a natural tendency for curls, bobs aren’t a good idea as your hair will take on a triangular shape.

Long straight hair with a side part is also a great look for the New Year and the new you. This particular style looks best if your hair is shoulder length or longer and straight. The bangs are cut on an angle allowing a deep side part. You should consider Ann Margaret during the height of her popularity and style. Paris Hilton is another celebrity that wears this style well.

You could also opt for an asymmetrical 80’s style cut with one side shorter than the other. This was all the rage in the height of its day and seems to be making a comeback of sorts. Precisions cuts such as this work best with hair that is a solid color.

Another great hairstyle to start the coming year off right is the zig zag part. This particular hairstyle is particularly flattering to women who have low foreheads. While this look seemed to be at its height of fashion a couple of years back, it is still quite popular and can be spotted on celebrities such as Heather Locklear.

The Pixie cut is one that seems to continue making the rounds in and out of fashion news. For 2007 it seems this cut will definitely be in. First made popular in Rosemary’s Baby when worn by Mia Farrow, this cut has remained somewhat popular ever since. While it experiences times where it is more popular than others. It has become a recent hit, as it is a popular hairstyle worn by contestants on a popular model search show called “America’s Next Top Model”.

When it comes to color, there are many shades from which to choose and platinum seems to be a favorite among celebrities. Of course, this is an extremely difficult color to maintain for any length of time and is very hard on your hair as a result.

Another popular trend among certain crowds are the rather ostentatious purples and burgundy red colors of the early 90’s. The color of a glass of red wine is a good indication of this particular color.

If you have dyed your hair black you should consider the fact that the bluish shades of black are not quite the height of fashion they once may have been and softening those tones with gold or red highlights adds warmth which is a popular trend for the upcoming year.

Rob Buenaventura invites you to check out HairstyleAccess.com. He provides a website on hairstyle ideas and the latest hair trends. Find out why medium hairstyles will be the popular hairstyle in 2007.

http://www.rachel.in/article-details.asp?ArtID=236