Fashion Articles

Costume Jewelry

2008-06-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is a personal ornament, which includes a necklace, engagement rings, or bracelet, made up from precious & semi precious stones, metals, & other substance. Jewelry is a fashion trend for many. If you are choosing a gift for someone special, buying jewelry can be real confusing.

Costume jewelry is made out of a variety of materials, which can be pure sterling silver, glass beads, kundan, semi-precious stones, metal, blue diamonds etc. Costume jewelry is more about defining your fashion statement, you can be classic or stylish it is your choice. The most important aspect of fashion & Costume jewelry is that it adds style and beauty to you and your ensemble, it further highlights your personality with the look it adds to your costume.

Any jewelry that is precious and is made out of metals or stones that we consider precious and expensive falls into the category of fine jewelry. The finest gold, silver, platinum and diamonds are chosen to be used in the crafting of fine jewelry. Fine jewelry is available in exclusive designs and is beautifully crafted. Though unique handcrafted pieces are expensive when compared to machine made pieces they have quite an extensive demand.

Choosing The Wedding Ring

2008-06-19T02:12:00.001-07:00

Once you've received your engagement ring you'll have much time to stare and daydream about a wedding band as equally beautiful as the ring he professed his love for you with. Our experience tells us that brides are very concerned about finding a perfect match and won't settle for anything that will detract or overpower the engagement ring. So it is crucial that a ring is chosen that has similar design elements as your engagement ring and fits nicely against it. Today's engagement ring designs can be quite elaborate which is great but it creates the problem of finding a nicely matched engagement ring. Unfortunately many jewelers don't have matching wedding rings available for their engagement rings although, you should always check with the jeweler your ring came from first to see if they have one available. What we've seen most is the difficulty in finding a ring that looks like it was made for your engagement ring and while not having spaces between the wedding band and the engagement ring. There are 3 approaches to solving these problems when choosing your wedding ring.

If you've received a ring that has multiple diamonds or has an intricate and unique design you may have experienced a problem finding a band. In an effort to get your wedding ring to fit together you may choose a contoured ring, or a wrap. A contoured ring is a band that has been specially designed to gently curve to the contoured profiles of today's most popular engagement ring styles. Unfortunately, a contoured ring will not look good on its own and if you plan on wearing your wedding ring on it's own you may be displeased with the way it looks by itself. If you are most concerned about a perfect fit against your engagement ring and won't wear the wedding band alone then a contoured ring may be best for you.

If you have a solitaire engagement ring and you would like to spruce it up with your wedding ring then a wrap could be great. A wrap is designed to fit nicely around your diamond and over the top of the sides of your ring. Most designs have a series of diamond or gemstone accents set with rounds, princess cuts and baguettes. There are many choices to choose from and most people are successful at choosing a wrap that works will with their ring. There are 2 important things to consider with a wrap; most wraps won't fit perfectly out of the case, and wraps can't be worn by themselves. With slight adjustments to the wrap most of them will fit nicely on your engagement ring. Make sure you choose a jeweler who has a skilled jeweler in house to do the work for you.

Wedding-band-ring.com, branching off of a Los Angeles jewelry wholesaler with more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry, launched its first online presence in late 1999. Wedding-Band-Ring.Com being, at the time, our wedding division of Apples of Gold Jewelry.

Our wedding rings are the most high-end and sought after item that we carry. Most of our wedding bands retail for approx. $600 per ring. Ours start at approx. $300! Yet we carry the same quality wedding band, and in most cases, a higher quality wedding band than you will find in a retail jewelry store. The difference is the price.

Trendy clothes for the season

2007-04-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Fashion stylists should have a genuine interest in fashion in order to succeed. They should have an eye for style and keep abreast of the latest trends in the fashion industry. Some stylists have a degree in fashion, while some just learn from experience. There are some fashion schools which offer courses in styling. Stylists should enjoy shopping. They should be detail-oriented. They should have an idea of different colors and shades, different body types and the fit of different materials. They should know what colors suit what skin tones and what material and style would enhance what body type. They should love to experiment and should have the ability to present traditional things in unusual and trendy ways. They should be able to bring out the best in their client. Over and above this, they should have excellent interpersonal skills as they are required to interact with a number of people from models to lighting technicians and photographers. They need to maintain relationships with a large group of people.

If you think it is exciting to work with models, experiment with accessories and garments and be paid to shop, think again. There is a downside to the job of a fashion stylist too. First and foremost, fashion stylists usually work freelance and there is no job security involved. Of course, once stylists prove themselves and get established in the industry, they do not have to worry about this aspect. Initially, a stylist might have to work as an apprentice for an established stylist or work for free.

Competition in the fashion industry is cut-throat and stylists have to make their own mark in order to succeed. The nature of the job entails working long and irregular hours. Working with celebrities who have a demanding schedule makes it difficult for stylists to plan for a social life or a holiday. Moreover, there are other problems like putting up with the attitude of ‘stars’ and working around their schedule.

The stylist has to go through a number of catalogues, fashion magazines and stores to be aware of the in things. In a world where trends change almost every day, this is a very hard task! In the midst of all this, the stylists themselves have to look good all the time and have a distinctive style of their own

A stylist usually has to manage his or her business independently and handle various aspects such as keeping a record of various things, handling budgets, receiving and making payments, maintaining contacts and other administrative tasks.

The work of a fashion stylist requires a lot of planning. Attention has to be paid to every minute detail. One of the biggest challenges faced by fashion stylists is building a balance between their own opinions and the client’s requirements. They should be neither too submissive nor too overbearing. They should be able to present their opinion in a way that does not offend the client.

In spite of certain shortcomings, fashion styling is an exciting career option for people who love fashion. More and more people are realizing the importance of overall image building in boosting self-confidence, which would in turn reflect on the person’s interaction with others. Thus, the number of people turning to fashion stylists is on the rise all over the world.

Electric Ladyland is an online clothing store and looking for some exposure for our new lines. We specialize in Rock & Republic Jeans, True Religion, and much more. Our catalog moves fast and we have photo shoots every 2 weeks for the new lines.

Watch Trends

2007-04-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

As well as dictating how this years watches look, the traditional trend also affects how they function. Sekonda, Police, Accurist, and Rotary are all in on the action; Automatic movements are back in fashion, and no wonder an Automatic movement eliminates the need for a battery, as the watch is powered by the movements of the wearers arm. This seasons Guess collection will feature timepieces with a fly-back movement. For a real touch of old-world appeal, try Citizens minute-repeater watch which chimes to audibly mark the time.

Watch houses have wholeheartedly embraced the current return to traditional values. Jewellery has seen a real renaissance in vintage styles, and this trend is now moving into the world of watches. We love the old-fashioned, country gentleman charm of the watches coming out in 2007, with individual touches like skeleton faces, so that you can see your timepiece at work try Rotary for classic styles, or get something a bit more edgey from Police. If you are really into the traditional look, you might even consider an eye-catching pocket watch.

A diamond-set watch is a fabulous accessory; half jewellery, half timepiece. Everyones getting involved, including well-respected watch houses like Accurist, Citizen and Sekonda. Sekonda is offering two diamond-set watches this season, each featuring seven genuine gemstones. H.Samuel has two exclusive collections; one is from the fashionable high street brand Oasis and the other, Rotary Rocks, is a new collection of three stunning diamond-set watches from Rotary, a brand known for its distinctive combination of traditional and modern styling. A diamond-set watch will give you the perfect combination of the unmistakable dazzle of diamonds, and the understated cool that shows you buy diamonds all the time. A diamond watch is a great gift for a friend too, and this summer theyre set to get affordable. Dont forget, that a sixtieth birthday or wedding anniversary is traditionally marked with a diamond, so this could be the prefect present.

Its not enough for a watch to just look good these days; it has to feature the latest scientific processes too. Watches this summer are shiny, metallic beauties, created by ion-plating. To achieve this, metal in a vapour is essentially fired at the watch and forms a strong layer around it. This gives a shimmering, metallic patina to the watch, transforming it from a functional piece of equipment to an individual accessory. Police is leading the way with this trend check out their striking timepieces. DKNY, Guess and Fossil are other big names with ion-plated watches in the works watch this space.

As always, your guiding style star must be what suits you. Those of us blessed with slender, willowy wrists would look fabulous in elegant jewellery-inspired pieces by chic, ultra-feminine designers like Anne Klein. Try a delicate bangle watch, or a charm bracelet from Citizen with an adorable watch trinket attached. If you have heavy wrists, make the most of it with an equally robust timepiece. In recent years, Fossil has made a name for themselves with gorgeous chunky cuff watches, with tactile, worn leather straps for both men and women. They also specialise in unusual, funky designs which tap into the current trend for vintage style.

If you ladies want to make a splash this summer, try going out wearing a gorgeous mens watch. This look has the same charm and careful carelessness as a girl in her boyfriends shirt. Brands such as Diesel and Police design fantastic watches with unisex appeal; they look stylish and sophisticated on a guy, and striking and fashionably oversized on a girl.

Red straps are huge for autumn/winter. Big or small, you need to get one of these on your wrist. These scarlet accessories are perfect to add a splash of colour to the smart monochrome outfits that are bang on trend this season. DKNY, as usual, are right at the front of this trend and remember that red straps are big news for both men and women. As usual, you can count on Oasis to be right at the cutting edge, with eye-catching red straps available at affordable prices.

Gold-plated watches just arent good enough any more. Its got to be pure, solid gold. There are three major brands in this area right now Accurist, Rotary and the specialist Sovereign. Again, these are perfect gifts treat someone special to a gold watch if you want to impress with understated style and remember that a fiftieth wedding anniversary is Golden, so why not mark the occasion with something special?

HIRSCH Artisanal leather watch bands are handcrafted - one by one, in a process consisting of more than 60 steps. Fine reptile leathers are punched, seams are sewn, varnish is carefully applied. The Classic Collection offers unique leather watch bracelets made in HIRSCH Rembordier Technology. All leather watchbands are Sauna-Tested and Water-Resistant. Some watch straps in the collection are even 100m Water-Resistant and are provided with the HIRSCH No Allergy System. The designs in the Bijou Series constist of matte or shiny metals, classical forms, elegant showpieces or modern combinations of different materials. The HIRSCH Sparetube System allows to adjust the bracelet to the individual size. The Solo Collection stands for functional watch straps, clear forms and innovative materials proving that a sporty design is compatible with complete wearer comfort.

what celebrities and other fashionable people will be wearing this spring, plus trends to avoid

2007-02-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

Although temperatures dipped below freezing in parts of the country today, a peek in stores and on websites nationwide revealed that spring is definitely in the air. It’s also most definitely on the minds of fashionable people everywhere, so start thinking about what looks are hot for spring and which ones will work for you. Whether you’re revamping your entire wardrobe or just reviving it with a few key pieces, here are the top trends that celebs, models and other A-listers are sporting this spring…plus a few trends that are so over you must avoid them at any cost.

• Wide-leg jeans.

After all the hoopla over the skin tight skinny styles, models and celebs like Halle Barry, Regina King, Penelope Cruz and Kate Moss are sporting a wider-legged style this spring. The trick to rocking this look is to find the perfect pair: no baggy bottoms or short hems. Balance the wide leg with a fitted top or cropped jacket, and finish with wedges or flats to add length and height. Levi’s, Forever 21 and Habitual make great wide-leg jeans, and Gap does a cool wide-leg khaki pant called the boyfriend trouser.

• Clutch purses.

Ditch your oversize tote for now. This spring—especially when dresses are billowy and pants are wide—it’s all about balancing your look with a sleek and simple clutch. Kate Spade makes a great natural-looking bag with a beach feel, or you can go modern with silver metallic, or ultra hip with yellow, like the yellow clutch from Steve Madden’s spring line. For a more classic look that will stand the test of time, choose brown or white leather; BCBG Max Azria, Stuart Weitzman, Lanvin, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo and Kenneth Cole make great classic clutches.

• Bright yellow.

Make like Reese Witherspoon post-Ryan and glow in a bright yellow dress (hers was by Nina Ricci). The look isn’t muted mustard or warm sunshine but rather a glorious ultra-bright lemon. Pick one fantastic piece such as a dress—French Connection, Calvin Klein, Bebe and Diane von Furstenberg make to-die-for yellow frocks—or choose a blouse or wide-leg trousers. Allover bright too much for you? Go for a subtler look with yellow accessories—choose a simple yellow clutch or bag—Prada makes a great one—a wide belt, pumps, wedges or cute flats (like the ones BCBG Girls and Guess make). Speaking of flats…

• They may not do as much for your leg as pointy boots, but flats are all the rage this spring. (Kate Bosworth loves her gold Chanel ballet flats and often pairs them with skinny jeans.) Pick up a pair or two to pair with your own skinny jeans, a miniskirt, or one of the season’s hot minidresses. Tod’s, Lacoste, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Manolo Blahnik and Ann Taylor Loft all make gorgeous flats. For an ultra modern look, choose bright red like Katie Holmes, lemon yellow or spring’s other shocking color: cobalt.

• Platform wedges.

Whether wooden, rope or cork, platform wedges are hot for spring. Add height and style with wedges from Nine West, Nanette Lepore, Malo, Chanel, Brian Atwood, Rafe, Payless, Banana Republic, Stuart Weitzman or Tory Burch. Wear with skirts, dresses or capris to show them off—never hide them under long pants. What’s the point of having cool shoes if no one can see them?

• Minidresses.

Superfit celebs like Mischa Barton, Paz Vega, Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss are all fans of the minidress. But you don’t have to be a waif to pull off the look: Curvy girls like Jennifer Hudson rock the style too. Choose something simple and flowy—not tight—and keep jewelry simple. Just above the knee looks best if you’re curvy; go a bit shorter if your legs are toned. Versace, Chloe, Marc, and Liz McClean all showcased great takes on the mini for spring. For an ultra girly look, look for frocks with rosettes; whether on the hem or neckline, these feminine, flowery touches are all the rage this year.

• Layers of pastel pearls.

The layered necklace look is so hot—as are pearls, especially freshwater pearls in complexion-flattering lavender. Gorgeous http://www.moonriverpearls.com/s-15-ink_pearl_jewelry.aspx">pink pearl jewelry is extremely popular too. To get the layered look, pair a waist-length gold or silver chain or two with a shorter strand of freshwater pearls, and then add a pearl choker or oversize beaded choker. Use the layered technique to punch up tees, cropped jackets, and button down shirts. American Pearl.com and Moon River Pearls.com are two great sites to try.

Also in for Spring:

• Bright red nails (keep them short)
• Polka dots and stripes (do NOT choose patterns that overwhelm, especially if you’re petite)
• Skinny jeans (yes, they’re still hot)
• Cuffs, especially silver, Lucite and shell
• Silver metallics: Dresses, shoes, sunglasses, belts, bags…choose one standout silver piece for spring (think Sandra Bullock on the cover of March’s InStyle) and you’ll be good to go. Michael Kors makes a great metallic bag if you don’t want to buy a metallic dress. Or, rock the look for less of an investment with silver metallic eyeshadow.

Lose it: Now that you know what to wear, here are a few tired trends you absolutely must avoid:

• French pedicures. This look is so over. Instead, show off cared-for feet with yummy pastel polish, berry colors or, if you’ve got naturally dark or self-tanned skin, orange hues. Forego polish? No problem, just dab some olive oil on your toes. You’ll be amazed how great they look.

• Extreme low rise jeans. We don’t want to see your thong, muffin top, or any other sign of indecency. Pull up your pants, girlfriend!

• Big, slouchy bags. This spring, bags are all about minimalist chic. Ditch your oversize tote and lighten up by carting only the essentials in a sleek clutch.

• Toy dogs wearing designer jewelry as accessories. Get real. Leave the dogs where they belong—romping around the backyard. And please skip the tiny toys. Big, sloppy mutts are much cooler, and generally healthier.

• Shaved heads: Do not emulate Britney on this or any other style for that matter. The girl has lost it.
• Lower back tattoos: If you want your tat hidden, don’t bother to get one.
• Long, puffy quilted jackets: The Michelen man look was never hot.
• Belly shirts: Put them away!
• Uggs/Crocs/Birkenstocks: No matter how comfortable they are, the time for these horrifically ugly shoes has passed.

In conclusion, don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you can only be fashionable if you choose to incorporate everything this article suggests. Remember, trends come and go. Pick a few pieces that work for you (I chose wide-leg trousers, flats and pink pearls) and make spring 2007 your season to shine.

About the author:

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion and lifestyle writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com . She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com

Wedding Gowns

2007-02-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

Since the Queen Victoria wedding in 1840, however, the white is remained the traditional color for dresses and bouquets of marriage. A woman then used her dress for the presentation of court after marriage, usually with a different blouse. It was allowed color of traditional dress of marriage, but the dresses of marriage were not always white.

The marriage of the Victoria Queen to her Albert cousin of Saxony Cobourg in 1840 had more influence on marriages than very other. The Victoria Queen put moving the wheels by the marriage in the white. Although the bride continued with wed in dresses of various colors, the white was now placed while the color of the choice for marriages and continued since. In Book de Godey of Madam, 1849, this report/ratio was printed: the "habit decided, of the ages youngest, that the white is the suitable majority of tonality, that which can be the material.

It is an emblem of the purity and innocence of the girlhood, and unsullied the heart which it now reports to selected." There is an old poetry about the way in which the color of your dress of marriage will influence your future: "married in the white, will have chosen you well. Married in the gray, you will leave far. Married in the black, you will wish yourselves back. Married in the red, you will wish yourselves deaths. Married in blue, you will be always true. Married in pearl, you will live in a gyratory movement. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, married in yellow, to be ashamed of the comrade. Married in the brown one, you will live out of the city. Married in the pink, your spirits will go down."

The white is always the higher favorite for dresses of marriage by exclusive range of wedding dress in the traditional white color. What have the the sublime quality conceived by Andy of originator of seam which believes that less are more, these wedding dresses are made as a part of of art which they are white very light and other nuances of white color was employed to however give him the traditional contact they are modern. The dresses of marriage were not always refined, as many are today.

At the eighteenth century, the poor bride got dressed in simple evening gowns. This symbolized with her husband-to-be whom it introduced with nothing with it into the marriage and would thus not charge of any debt. It did not take place until the semi nineteenth century which wraps it all-white marriage became ala mode. To the top up to that point of a bride simply her best dress carried, independently of its color. In 1840, the pure white dress of the Victoria Queen began the tendency that many women follow today.

About the author :
Bishara Hazboun Writes about : Wedding Gowns

What to wear for a holiday party

2007-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

It would not be appropriate to wear real party attire. Try a nice skirt suit or pretty tailored dress (maybe even red!). Something a bit nicer than what you typically wear to the office so it feels and looks a bit special but a few notches down from a true party dress.

What to wear for a holiday party
One of the suggestions is wearing either a jewel toned dress (burgundy, purple, etc) with black tights and heels. OR if you are uncomfortable in a dress, go for a simple a-line black skirt with a jewel toned top. There are some great silky ones out right now, and again you can wear this with black tights and heels. Wearing a shorter skirt makes you look slimmer, but you can go as long as knee-length depending on what you are comfortable in.

What to wear for a Broadway show
Is recommended your best semi-formal clothing. If you wear pants, make sure they are wide-legged and drapery (like palazzo pants) made of a high-quality material and paired with a lovely, pretty blouse that has formal details. Think of what you might wear to an evening wedding and you'll be on the right track. Go with a skirt or dress. Choose shapes and lengths that really flatter your body.

What to wear for a first date
For a dressy play and dinner, try to go with a simple black pencil skirt. It is perfect for basically every occasion and you won't look overdone, or too casual. Some black peep-toe heels would look great with this, or even a strappy shoe. Shirt-wise, there are so many options; whole belted shirt, a brighter shirt since the skirt and shoes would be black. A nice plum color would be great and it's really big right now. A nice voluminous shirt like this would look cute too. For the more casual date, try a nice pair of dark-wash jeans with heels or a nice pair of ballet flats. A nice bold sweater would go well with it. You could add some nice bold silver jewelry to pull it all together. If a sweater seems too hot, go for a fitted 3/4 length top instead. The cropped jacket sounds cute, as does the velvet peacoat.

What to wear to a wedding party for a young girl
Go with a nice pair of pants and a great top. Make the top your focus. Find something with a beautiful color or print and a great material like silk, cashmere or velvet. Then dress it up with pretty jewelry! Vintage or delicate jewelry will be best for a wedding. If you need something to keep you warm besides the shirt, consider investing in a lovely shawl or Irish walking cloak. Buy it in the best material you can afford and a color that looks great with your hair and eyes. Elegance is the key for such an occasion!

About the author :
Victor Epand is an expert fashion consultant at www.LingerieDress.com/ . Visit us when you want the best prices, styles, fashions, and fits of all types of lingerie. We carry a super selection of everyday, as well as bridal and specialty items.

Kids Fashion trends

2007-01-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

Carrying fashion trends is not as easy as you think, and some people make a complete fool out of themselves because they do not know how to carry-out such trends. The most popular trendsetters are celebrities and movie stars who are seen in various media outlets. But in the end, it is the public who decides which is trendy and which is not.The world changes, progresses and grows every day, although at a different rate most of the time. But fashion is here to stay, and it changes along with other things. After all, change is the only permanent thing in this world.Fashion designers and trendsetters focus on originality, beauty, and ideals. It is one way of expressing yourself because it is a reflection of your mentality, cultural providence, feelings, and personality.Fashion trends are regarded as an art in pragmatic form, because it is a combination of aesthetics and practicality. It is usually influenced by many social and cultural factors, and each generation has its own distinct fashion characteristics or traits.Before, fashion fever involved only the adults, but today’s modern world has greatly changed. Even children are already in line with fashion trends.The fashion industry now caters to children’s designer clothing. Young children can now enjoy a varied and extensive range of fashion clothes, which helps them to set a fashion trend of their own.Even very young children have their own preferences, and many fashion designers are now focusing on babies and children’s wear. You can now find colorful, original, ingenious, stimulating, and appealing clothes for both the girls and the boys. You can now find superhero costumes and outfits, as well as accessorized girls dresses.Children of todays times are inclined towards aesthetics, originality, and beauty. Clothing stores for children provide a wide range of clothing choices for boys and girls; and so your little one is taught to choose a particular fashion trend at a very early age.Clothing lines today are equally attractive as children’s toys. There is an increasing awareness among children about the value of wearing fashionable clothes.Unlike before, children’s clothes are more affordable and this is due to emerging discount shops, import of clothes, and equal merchandise distribution between clothing stores and supermarkets.Another contributor to the reduction of children’s clothes prices is the increasing number of online stores. Most online stores offer high quality clothing articles at a much cheaper price. You can choose from among a wide variety of designer clothes and other cost cutting alternatives.Online stores, and local clothing stores, offer boys suits, shirts, trousers and girls dresses and capes. They also offer unisex items, along with children’s accessories like bow ties, booties, and shoes.If you want to save a lot of effort and time, you can make an online purchase. All you need is an Internet connection and you can choose from among the many websites that sells children’s clothing.But if you want to do a little shopping together with your kids, there are also many local stores in your area. Let your child choose among the magnificent displays of clothing line-ups. Your Childs creativity and aesthetic sense will reflect his or her choice of clothes.Do not let your child be left behind; give them the opportunity to keep up with fashion trends. Let them choose clothes which they feel are comfortable to wear and makes them look great.

About the author :Now there is a gallery of powerful information yours for the taking. Decide now to reduce stress and improve the quality of your life. Click here: Fashion Trends 2007

Chinese dress through the ages

2007-01-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Each dynasty in China had its own memorable culture. The many facets of color and design that emerged during a dynasty's reign were marvelous and made every aspect of Chinese culture, including their wearing apparel, which were highly acclaimed works of art.
The costumes of ancient China were emblems of Chinese tradition, as well as an essential element in the history and culture of each dynasty. The costumes maintained an important place in Chinese culture for more than three thousand years. The culture of China is ancient and well established, brilliant and resplendent. The costumes are likewise magnificent and colorful. There were many dynasties throughout China's history, each having its own unique style of dress. And each style would change or disappear as its dynasty changed, declined, or was replaced.
With the advent of each new dynasty and the progression of time, costumes were revolutionized. The style was classical and conservative in the Qin and Han dynasties, luxurious and glamorous in the Tang dynasty, delicate and exquisite in the Song dynasty, graceful and magnificent in the Ming dynasty, and very intricate in the Qing dynasty.

Qin and Han Dynasties
During the Qin and Han dynasties, changes in the style of dress were dramatic. The Emperor Qin, who was influenced by the concept of Yin and Yang as well as the theory of the Five Elements, believed that the Qin dynasty would subdue the Zhou dynasty like water extinguishes fire. Therefore, because the Zhou dynasty was "fire superior to gold, its color being red," the favorite color of the Qin dynasty was black, since the color black was associated with water. Thus, in the Qin dynasty, black was the superior color to symbolize the power of water, so clothing and adornments were all of the color black.

The Tang Dynasty
The Tang dynasty was the most thriving, prosperous, splendid, and glorious period of ancient Chinese culture and art. The style of women's clothing during the Tang dynasty is the most outstanding in China's history. Tang dynasty attire had many different styles, and was ever changing, which enabled the look of the Tang dynasty style to remain elegant, noble and poised, and forever unique and amazing. The costumes of the Tang dynasty are like exotic flowers in Chinese history. The quality of the material was particularly fine and delicate, and the decorations lustrous.

The Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty clothing can be divided into three categories of style. One was designed for the empress, the noble concubines, and females of all levels of "government uses"; another style called "formal clothes" was for ordinary people; and one style was casual for daily use.

The Yuan Dynasty
In the Yuan dynasty, "Zhi Sun dresses" were popular. All government officials wore them to attend feasts inside the palace. Musicians and bodyguards also wore them. This kind of clothing was worn by all classes of people, and could be made from materials of varying weight and quality.

The Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty female upper clothes were three collars with narrow sleeves. The body height was over three feet, revealing the skirt only two to three inches, the so-called "Flower hat, skirt clothes with big sleeves and round collars". The skirt installs often used light colored fabrics in early Ming Dynasty. Pleated skirts were extremely popular. The Ming dynasty also had one special kind of cape. Because of its beautiful shape, it was called "pink cloud cape."

The Qing Dynasty
Manchurian-style clothing with short narrow sleeves was the popular mode of dress in the Qing dynasty. The style was slender and rectangular in form. The saddle-shaped collar was large enough to cover a person's cheeks and protect the face. The entire garment, which was not lined, was cut straight from top to bottom and did not have a waist. The box-like look of Qing dynasty clothing presented a solemn, slightly arrogant image that commanded respect. It was quite unique.

Conclusion
As an important part of ancient Chinese culture, ancient attire embodied the harmonious relationship between people and nature. In fact, ancient people's way of thinking--that man is an integral part of nature--was based on their faith in God and their adherence to high moral standards. And it was exactly because of their kindness and gracious morality that God bestowed wisdom and magnificence on them, enabling them to develop a glorious life style and living environment.
The costumes of the different dynasties all had their own distinctive features and appeared to have no close connection to each other. They represented the culture of the different dynasties and the wisdom that humans were endowed with during the different time periods. The attire of each dynasty vividly reflected and represented the life style, social status, ideology, and mentality of that time. This could be a result of the different characteristics that each dynasty possessed, as people of different dynasties came from different heavenly kingdoms.
While pondering these beautiful, fascinating wardrobes of the ancients, one feels a part of their past, and it is easy to realize the broad and profound inner nature of Chinese people.

About the author:
Ryan Tang writes on Chinese culture. For a vivid experience on Chinese culture, watch for NTD TV's shows Chinese New Year Spectacular coming to your region in January through March 2007.

Tips for Men's clothing

2007-01-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

So many guys have no idea how to dress, so kudos to you for taking the initiative! Being shy can be tough, but you can get yourself out of your shell a bit simply by dressing confidently.
You are 100% correct about everything fashionable not working for everyone. I don't think you should go down the "trendy" route per say. Go for classic cuts that flatter your body type. Some basics you should start with: a pair of dark-wash straight-leg jeans, a pair of black dress pants, tan dress pants, dark colored button-up shirts, a nice fitted sweater (NO, not the tight turtleneck ones--opt for a looser version), and some everyday shoes like brown dress boots.
When you walk into a store, look around before you do anything else. If you look at clothes and think: these aren't for me, then move on. American eagle is a great store for basics that are a little more casual. They have nice khaki pants and jeans, and a few fun buttons up shirts. Express Men's is another store I recommend. There, you will find dressier stuff, like black and tan dress pants, and some dressier tops.
Don't be afraid to ask sales people for help--that's their job and you will probably save them the boredom of standing around with nothing to do. First, look around the entire store. If you find something you might like, try it on, or ask a sales person if they think it would work well for you, and what to wear with it. They will be glad to help, I promise.
And the most important rule is to try everything on! Make sure that it fits properly before you buy it (ask a trusted friend or a salesperson).
For basic everyday wear, I always love guys in nice fitting jeans (not too short or too tight and something with a dark wash). Steer clear of really light wash Levis. They are not flattering on anyone. For dressier pants, a nice khaki pant is always good. For these, it is worth it to spend a little money because you will get more wear out of them. So they should fit really well.
You can actually find nice ones at the gap or men's express. For casual-wear, t shirts are always good. I'm a fan of the ones that have a bit of a vintage feel. Just make sure that the shirt is fitted. Most guys buy shirts way too big and the end result is that they look sloppy. It shouldn't be ridiculously skin-tight, but it should lay against the skin a bit. For dressier shirts, I LOVE express for men. I promise they aren't paying me to tell you this, but that store is great for guys.
They have really nice button up shirts for $25 and they fit really well, because they have a bit of stretch in them. They have so many different colors. Do yourself a favor and stay away from pink and purple. Not many guys can pull it off and it's too tricky. Go for a blue shirt to match your eyes. Probably any darker color would go well with your hair...dark green, burgundy, etc. So those are all the basics. Get yourself a good pair of jeans, a nice pair of khakis, a few fitted t-shirts, and a couple button down shirts and you should be good to go.

About the author:
Victor Epand is an expert fashion consultant at http://www.LingerieDress.com. Visit us when you want the best prices, styles, fashions, and fits of all types of lingerie. We carry a super selection of everyday, as well as bridal and specialty items.

styles in women's leather pants

2006-12-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

One trend that seems to never go out of type is women's leather pants. Get all of those misconceptions out of your mind and embrace the deliciousness that is quality grain leather. Yes, more individuals that bikers and cowboys wear leather pants and no, you will not squeak while walking down the street in leather pants. Yes, leather pants can be worn in the summer and also during the daytime. No, leather pants are not difficult to clean, nor are they outrageously expensive that only a choice few can afford them. If these are your reasons for not wearing a hot pair of women's leather pants, you have run out of excuses, so get ready to shimmy and slither into a fantastic pair!

Leather pants are tremendously trendy, especially with today's hot fad of the skinny pants. Virtually anyone can look fantastic while wearing skinny pants, and they work great with those super stunning stilettos or those big bulky boots. Keep in mind that any type of pants you choose should properly fit your figure. If you can't wear skinny pants, then don't buy skinny pants. Likewise, if you can't wear low slung hip huggers, then don't buy low slung hip huggers. You will look much better in a style that fits your body type than one that is popular, but looks awkward on your body.

If you are wondering what to wear with your women's leather pants, the options are limitless. Unless you enjoy looking like a vampire hunter, drag queen, or dominatrix (and let's face it, who doesn't?), avoid wearing head to toe leather. Pair your steaming hot leather pants with a loose fitting top. One great thing about leather pants is that you can still be sexy and show off your curves without showing skin. For this reason, you can also choose a skin baring, super sexy top while still being appropriately covered. Everyone knows that bare skin overload (for example, a super mini skirt paired with a barely-there top) is horrifically outdated and even more inappropriate, so any outfit that include women's leather pants is perfect for those who want to cover up without hiding their best assets.

Typically, women's leather pants do not make their way into the work wear wardrobe, but today's leather suits have completely shattered the mold. Usually, the only person that wears a leather suit is a bounty hunter or country music star, and neither look is particular attractive. However, by pairing your leather pants with a slim fitting leather blazer, you can create a spectacular look that is perfectly appropriate for wearing in a professional workplace setting. Be sure to offset your leather pants and blazer with a cotton or silk blouse. For an especially smart look, pair a crisp shirt with the leather outfit.

Leather is undoubtedly the fabric of amore, as few men can resist a woman in leather. Even though the "less is more" theory is a popular one with most men, there is something to be said about leather pants. Since leather hugs your curves and shows off your body, there is little left to the imagination, but the material is so buttery soft and inviting that they rarely stay on for very long once things get heated. However, if you would prefer to show a bit more leg, then hot pants are your best bet. Hot pants, yes another blast from the past, are back and sexier than ever, especially ones made of leather. These itsy bitsy pants keep the allure, feel, and look of leather, but still showcase your killer gams. What guy could possibly resist?

About the Author:

Christianna Mansfield is the co-owner of Leather Obsession, where you'll find the hottest styles in Leather Clothing including sexy Leather Pants and skirts.

fashion directions for 2006

2006-12-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

Fashion styles are forever changing. What do this year's changes bring forth? Fashion is up and down and all around this year. Accessories are going to sizzle this summer, hemlines are going down a bit, pants waistlines are going up, necklaces are going down, scarves are fluid, earrings are dangling, handbags get soft, and belts are back. Feminine, sexy and sultry styles will keep those heads turning. Sheers, crocheted lace, silky satin and flowing gauze will be everywhere. Comfy cool and sexy, sounds like a great year for women!

Accessories are fabulous this year and are leaning in the arts & craft direction. We will start with necklaces. They are beady, long and plentiful. Where a single large beaded strand with artful beads or pair them up with several. Long is where they are at as well as big and with interesting beads. Plastic, glass, wood, handmade, crocheted, and metal beads in all variations have invaded the necklace world. Find them beaded alone or with lace, sheer or ribbon. Artisans beware; fabulous finds are in high demand! While you are at it, dangling earrings to match will complete the ensemble. Hoops and beads are dangling in the earring category. Out with the chandeliers and in come the dangling beads.

Belts are back big-time accentuating the waistlines. In the gym lately? You'll need it this year! Belts run the gamut this year in all styles. Wide big belts are back as well as plenty of other styles. Crocheted lace belts, pom pom end belts, leather, and fabric belts are all a hot ticket. Sheer or lace belts are big that can be used two fold. You can where them as a belt or as a scarf. Get creative and find those great finds at art fairs in fabric belts or crocheted belts.

Gold is big this season. Find it in handbags, jewelry, clothing and shoes. Don't go overboard with gold; remember a little goes a long way. Don't cover yourself in gold from head to toe; you'll look like a left over Christmas ornament! Gold shoes and a great gold handbag will look great with any outfit and you will not be overdoing it.

Handbags are always a favorite; you can never have enough of them. Soft leathers, straw and fabrics are very in. Larger size handbags are big. Look for lots of gathered ends on the top and visible pockets on the outside. Straw is hot in all colors and new styles, crochet and appliques are abundant. You will see simple designs to more artistic designs. Stick with simple if your outfit is strikingly fabulous. When going for a more conservative or simple style, then go with a more artistic handbag to set it off.

The ups and downs have it this year. Necklaces are going down as well as hemlines. Not too much though, just mini's are out. Look for knee length and long flowing skirts and dresses. Lacey, satin, sheers and gauze is it for skirts and dresses. Yes, I did say dresses; they are making a comeback big-time. Comfy and sexy at the same time! Skirts styles are very full along with A-lines are very in. Pants waistlines are starting to go up which is what is bringing belts back in. It may take a while but at least they are not going down any farther. Was there any room left to go?
Let your accessories sizzle and your femininity and sex-appeal reign in this year's styles.

About The Author

Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of http://www.AlexiHandbags.com an online custom handbag and accessory boutique. She enjoys fashion, reading, being creative, exercising, nature and spending as much time with her three beautiful children. mary@alexihandbags.com

revisiting classics of french style

2006-12-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

It seems for the last few centuries, the French have had the final word when it comes to fashion and style-Parisian style, in particular, retains its essence of what is the height of couture with its distinctive looks and timeless staples of wardrobe and accessories. Yet, one does not have to live in Paris to show off their cosmopolitan flair for dress. The subsequent article reflects on some classic French designers, styles, and elements of a distinctively French wardrobe.

It was Coco Chanel who first gave us a glimpse of that little black dress in 1926. Chanel is also noted for many other fashion innovations including the two-tone sling back pump, the two-piece tweed suit and a range of clothing that is both elegant and unconstrained. Adding a little black dress to your wardrobe is a must because that single dress can be worn casually with flats and a sweater or may be transformed into evening wear with high heels and a flashy handbag or scarf. There are many dress styles available today, but French women generally choose clothing that is close fitting, but not constricting.

Black and white clothing is, in fact, classically vogue for French women. Consider adding a white and black suit to your wardrobe to be worn seasonally. The white blouse in its many incarnations from classic button-down to peasant-like Bohemian can be added to the suit ensemble or worn with a pair of black pants-consider sleek black denim or black suede. The fit of the clothing is extremely important; whatever your body type, be sure to wear clothing that fits you precisely, which is a hallmark of French style.

Another element of French style is color coordination. Typically an outfit revolves around a dominant color, like black, and while other neutral colors are introduced. A three-piece ensemble might include a brown leopard-print skirt, a white blouse, and a beige cardigan. A night on the town might include a lavender cocktail dress adorned magenta-colored scarf and amethyst-beaded handbag. Tone on tone colors are typical Paris color choices for everyday wear.

French women are no strangers to lingerie and a range of camisoles is a staple in the Parisian woman's closet. Choose mainly neutral colors-beige, white, black, or navy for daily wear. Reds, purples, or more flashy garments should be worn only at night. Many of today's designs by Lacroix, Givenchy or Dior incorporate elements of past fashion eras making the world of lingerie all the more broader. Choose garments that flatter, and as always, garments that fit.

Accessories are, of course, the finishing touches of your Parisian ensemble and keep in mind the old adage-less is more-when topping off your outfit. Be sure your wardrobe includes the basics like black leather belts-one with silver and one with gold buckles-black and white high heels and black and white handbags. Quality is important and a French woman would always opt for quality over quantity when it comes to her clothing. Be sure to have flats, heels and boots in your shoe rack and try to have a variety of scarves to interchange between your basic suits and dresses. Finally, a main element of French fashion is to wear clothing like you mean it-aspire to the confidence of looking good; you will if you wear clothing that fits you properly in styles that are classic. Confidence is a major component of French style so be comfortable in you clothing and purchase clothing you feel relaxed in and good about. There is far more to French style than what is listed here, but if you begin your new wardrobe with these basics, you are sure to have French fashion clothing suitable for every occasion.

About the author:

For more tips for women visit http://www.21tip.com

Best Dressed at the American Music Awards

2006-11-28T02:08:00.000-08:00

The American Music Awards aired last night on CBC and featured a lot of very hot, very sexy celebrities. While some awards shows have neverending lists of worst dressed celebs, the music awards this year brought a variety of A-listers who looked drop dead gorgeous in evening gowns, tuxedos and party dresses. So who were some of the best dressed at the awards show last night? Let's take a look at the top 5.

#1. Carrie Underwood

The American Idol winner looked absolutley gorgeous in this lace, strapless gown. The gown fits her figure perfectly and shows off Carrie's feminine, sexy side. Underwood performed a montage of her 3 recent hits "Jesus take the Wheel," "Don't Forget to Remember Me" and "Think Before he Cheats."

#2. Britney Spears

The most we've seen of Britney Spears in the past few years is her post-baby body, usually with a child attached to the side of it. Well not last night. Last night, the former teen popstar looked grown up, glam and back to her old self as she presented in a cleavage-baring cream dress. Britney, who just split from husband K-Fed, looked happy and healthy at last night's show.

#3. Ashlee Simpson

Ashlee Simpson's new look seems to be working well for her. She looked fabulous at last nights awards show while presenting an award beside Jesse McCartney. Her long blonde locks and strapless gray gown made Ashlee look simply gorgeous on the stage last night.

#4. Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx was the best dressed male celeb from this year's show. Foxx looked hot in an off-white suit and white shirt with gold accents. Jamie not only performed at the show but also took away his first AMA for favorite male in the the soul/rythmn and blues category.

#5. Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie introduced (her father) Lionel Richie's, performance last night. Nicole looked healthy and glowing in a shimmery knee-length, strapless gown. She sported darker locks and sultry makeup which completed her gorgeous look

Designer Fashion Accessories
Explore this season's hottest designer fashion accessories at ThinkFashion.com!

Tips and Tricks to Help De-Clutter Your Closet

2006-11-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hangers:
Throw away those vile metal hangers, they make your clothes lose their shape over time. Instead use wooden hangers for normal garments like button down shirts, and padded hangers for delicate tops with skinny straps. For pants and skirts invest in some hangers that have clips, so that clothes are secure.

Use a double rod system:
To maximize your closet space and double the amount of clothes it can hold, invest in a second rod that can be affixed below the original one. This means you can hang shorter garments on the bottom rod and longer ones on the top, with room for storage containers underneath.

Baskets:
Buy some attractive and very useful baskets for easy storage for your purses and bags. This will keep them all organized in one place so you can located them quickly as needed. The baskets can be stored on the floor underneath your clothes or on the top shelf.

Buy some stacking shelves:
These clear plastic drawers are great tools and can fit neatly into a corner of your closet. This is wear you can store items like socks, underwear, belts, and scarves and other accessories. Lighter weight knits can also be stored in these drawers. NEVER hang knits- they will lose their shape over time. If you have special knits like cashmere, use acid free tissue to line each garment.

Be creative:
To give your closet a colorful look, buy some decorative boxes in bright patterns or motifs that you enjoy. Use large boxes to store your very heavy knits, and use hatboxes to store your lingerie. When bought in various sizes the hatboxes can be easily stacked on top of each other and stored on the top shelf.

Hooks:
Hooks are another way to help organize things like belts and ties. You can also use them to hang the bags you use most often for easy accessibility.

Storing your clothes:
When putting your clothes into your newly organized closet, try to divide your closet into different zones. Put dresses all together, and do the same for your coats, pants, shirts etc. Group clothes by color, for easy visibility, and if you are extremely picky, you can organize your clothes by season as well. If you store your clothes away each season, make sure they are clean. Stains will set and spread over time. Also, don’t store wool or silk garments in airtight containers- they need to breathe.

Jewelry:
For your jewelry and small accessories, there are several options. You can use drawer dividers that settle into an existing drawer and organize your pieces by type, or you can use small labeled boxes that fit into a larger box that can be stored in your closet. Hooks would be a good place to hang longer necklaces like beads. Expensive rings and necklaces should be kept in their original jewelry boxes to protect them. These can then be stored in your dividers.

Shoes:
Shoes can be stored in clear shoe drawers, or in hanging shoe racks. An inexpensive option: keep your shoes stored in the original shoe boxes, stacked neatly on your top shelf. Label each shoe box with a brief description of the shoe ie: pointy toed pumps-black or brown tweed kitten heels. If you have the time, take a Polaroid of each shoe and attached it to the appropriate box. These options will help you locate your shoes quickly, and ensure that your outfits always look put- together.

By Fashion Journalist Erica Salyi-Pannozzo. Erica writes for Think Fashion , a new Online Fashion Magazine which offers Celebrity News , designer info, and a variety of hot fashion tips!

Find The Jean Style That Suits Your Shape Best

2006-11-24T00:07:00.000-08:00

Jeans and denim trousers will continue to be popular in the coming seasons. With so many different styles to choose from, it can get quite confusing to pick the right pair for your body type. Following are a few guidelines for every shape:
PetiteLook for a low-rise straight or skinny leg. Stay away from capris, flares and too much embellishment, which cut the length of your legs. Also avoid higher rises, because they make your torso look shorter.

Boyish

The trendy low-rise skinny jean or sandblasted denim is made for your shape. Smaller or lower sitting back pockets create the illusion of curves. Refrain from wearing looser fits, which create a more masculine look.

Pear

Go for a slight boot-cut or straight leg to balance a bigger hip and thigh. Make sure the jeans are snug, but not too tight around your thigh. A medium to higher-rise is recommended. Larger or higher sitting back pockets will make a large bum appear smaller.

Apple

In order to create the slimmest look, wear a slim-leg stretch-denim boot cut or a straight leg. A high rise helps camouflage a few extra pounds in the midsection. Higher sitting back pockets will lift your behind.

Plus size

Look for a mid- to high-rise straight-leg in dark denim, preferably with a little stretch (2% spandex/lycra). Men's styles may also fit you well. Avoid tapered legs and bulky front pockets.
Only buy jeans that fit really well; Price and label are less important. Also keep in mind that denim will stretch. If the fit is too loose when you buy your jeans, you will notice that it will get even looser with time.

Denim usually shrinks during the first wash. Should you need to get the legs altered, have it done after washing and drying, or you may end up with jeans that are too short.
Last, but not least, this is how you prevent your jeans from fading too soon: always wash your jeans inside out, add a little vinegar to the wash to set the color and wash your newer and older jeans together.

About the Author
Sarah Summers is a fashion consultant who helps women find a wardrobe that suits their silhouette, lifestyle and budget. For more fashion and clothing advice and to sign up for the free newsletter including fashion and style tips, visit http://www.freefashionadvice.com or send an email to info@freefashionadvice.com.

Copyright For Fashion? The discussion

2006-11-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

The copying of fashion design originals - "knocking off" or "affordable interpretation," depending on your point of view - is a practice that designers may have grudgingly accepted in the past, when less expensive copies took some time to reach stores and only those consumers who could afford the designer-label originals could be the first to follow a trend. This practice is costing designers greatly as more advanced technology makes it possible to see high-quality copies appear in stores before the original has even hit the market. While it has long been the practice of the American fashion industry to knock off European designs, American designers did not copy one another. They registered their original sketches with a trade group called the Fashion Originators Guild, an organization that urged retailers to prohibit styles known to be knockoffs.
In 1941, the Supreme Court held that the Guild was an unreasonable restraint-of-trade; the end of the Guild marked the beginning of the knocking off "free-for-all" that we are familiar with today began. It is now common for imitators to photograph the clothes in a designer's runway show, send the photo to a factory to be copied, and have a sample ready within a couple of days for retail buyers to order. Since fashion collections are displayed in runway shows approximately four to five months before they are available to the public, this leaves the fashion impersonator plenty of time to get the copies to stores at the same time, if not earlier, than the originals. Designers assert that design piracy cuts into their longstanding franchise of uniqueness, lowers their sales volume, and ultimately removes incentives for creativity.
Sometimes the same department stores that carry the higher-priced version of a garment will also sell the lower-priced knockoff, often under the store's private label. Knocking-off is widespread in the fashion industry and even those designers who fume over being copied are not above doing it themselves. Because of the speed with which designs can be recreated, it is not even always clear which designer created the original and which designer simply copied it. This discussion will explore how protection of fashion works fits - or does not fit - into the current intellectual property law framework in the United States. The overall organization of this discussion is a systematic consideration of possible protection for works of fashion under copyright, patent, and trade dress law. This discussion will encompass not only the current state of the law, but also proposals for reform, such as an amendment to the Copyright Act to protect fashion works.
The central question is whether fashion design is an art worthy of protection or a craft whose practitioners can freely copy one another. In an industry where many designers come out with similar looks each season - and where inspiration is said to be "in the air" - designers and the thriving knockoff industry are fiercely debating the issue.
Another key question: whether knockoffs actually benefit the industry as a whole. Copying, some argue, propels the fashion cycle forward by creating popular trends that encourage designers to move on to the next big idea. In what they call the "piracy paradox," law professors Kal Raustiala of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Christopher Sprigman of the University of Virginia argue that copying makes trends drench the market quickly, driving the fashion cognoscenti to search out newer looks. "If copying were illegal, the fashion cycle would occur very slowly, if at all," While they admit copying can harm individual designers, they say Congress should protect industries only when piracy stymies -- rather than encourages -- innovation.
Despite the apparent unsuitability of copyright protection to works of fashion, commentators are often confused by the anomalies in copyright law under which fashion accessories, works of architecture, and computer chip designs are eligible for copyright protection. Some argue that since copyright has already been extended to protect the aforementioned items, copyright may be the best legal tool that fashion designers have when fighting design piracy.
For example, Robert Denicola has argued that it would be more consistent with the legal principles of intellectual property law to draw the line of copyright with respect to arguably "useful articles" by shaping whether, in the process of creating the item, the designer focused primarily on aesthetic or utilitarian consideration. Such a test would to a great extent improve the odds that works of fashion would be granted copyright protection, as most fashion designers are concerned with the aesthetic rather than the functional aspects of their clothing.
The specific extension of copyright to fashion works would have many advantages for designers. First, a copyright owner may seek an injunctive remedy to prevent the impersonator of his or her design from making and selling copies of the original. Second, copyright law allows for the imposing and discarding of the infringing items. Third, the copyright owner can recover damages, either actual or statutory, and also profits. Finally, the copyright owner may be able to recover court costs and attorney's fees. This last remedy is especially important in fashion design cases, as it allows small new designers to take on big manufacturers whose greater power and financial resources would otherwise be an intractable obstacle. Despite these advantages to fashion designers, an amendment to the Copyright Act for works of fashion is not likely to be passed soon. As one commentator concisely stated that the current situation of the legislators and courts has a great deal of trouble seeing past the utilitarian function of a piece of clothing. While industrial designs have been the subject of repeated bills, Congress has explicitly excluded fashion works from these bills. For example, while the Design Anti-Piracy Act of 1989 would have protected original designs of useful articles against unauthorized copying, the bill would have barred apparel designs composed of three-dimensional shapes and surfaces with respect to apparel. According to one commentator, this exclusion has no basis in any discernible principle. It was added to help still the vociferous opposition of retailers to the bill." In this current climate of judicial and legislative hostility, copyright protection will probably not be extended to specifically protect fashion works.
Fashion seems to be an industry particularly ill-suited to legal restrictions against copying. Copying - or "borrowing" or "reinterpreting" - is prevalent at every level of the fashion industry. When a lower-priced designer knocks off a higher-priced designer's clothing, the copy may be a huge success because it offers more value for the price. But it is the higher-priced designers who are copying each other.
Fashion designers labors over their finished product just like any other creator or inventor. It takes hours upon hours of careful effort until a dress with just the right cut or a purse with the perfect design is complete. Why should this hard work and effort not grant the person behind the creation some level of security, allowing them to collect the benefits of their labor?
As a matter of Public policy it is generally believed that copycats are good for the economy. The claim asserts that preventing copyright for fashion eliminates the possibility of a monopoly by providing the consumer with lower priced knockoffs. Furthermore it is contended that knockoffs really promote business for the designer by creating a market for a style of fashion. But do we believe this actually? And what's wrong with having a monopoly on fashion? When a consumer spends thousands of dollars on a purse or a dress that others will recognise as a Louis Vuitton or Versace, they should be able to enjoy the exclusivity that comes with such a purchase. Knockoffs steal from the consumer of their exclusive right to enjoy a specific product.
There are policy based arguments behind the government's resistance to providing a copyright for fashion; ranging from the dislike for creation of monopolies to improving the market.
If the designer believes another person infringed his copyright, he could sue those who sell or manufacture the design in any federal court. Those found guilty would face fines of 250,000 or $5 a copy, whichever is greater.
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About the Author
Fibre2fashion has emerged as a distinctive B2B platform for global Textile, Apparel, Fashion and Retail and allied industries. Fibre2fashion.com offers business solutions, news, articles and information that help to survive and sustain in the most hostile and competitive business environment.

FASHION FORECASTING

2006-11-23T23:53:00.000-08:00

To cope with the ever-changing world, the marketing segmentation and targeting techniques are rapidly evolving from traditional, static, demographic-based criteria towards dynamic, mood, lifestyle and psycho graphic influences. Fashion forecasting is the prediction of mood, behavior and buying habits of the consumer. It is no longer a question of identifying your customers by age, geography or income, but looking into how and why they buy, based on their mood, beliefs and the occasion.

Fashion is a style that is popular in the present or a set of trends that have been accepted by a wide audience. But fashion itself is far from simple. Fashion is a complex phenomenon from psychological, sociological, cultural or commercial point of view. Fashion trends are the styling ideas that major collections have in common. They indicate the direction in which the fashion is moving. Fashion forecasters look for styles they think are prophetic, ideas that capture the mood of the times and signal a new fashion trend.
The fashion system has spread across all other sectors, from cosmetics to cars via politics and sports. All sectors observe fashion as an endless source of inspiration. Gilles Lipovetsky points out that the more the fashion society develops, the less importance will be given to the affordability of clothes! To hold on to its role as a pioneer and enhance its brand image, fashion has to continue to innovate.
Forecasting the future demand for particular styles, fabrics and colors is an important aspect of the fashion industry. Textile specialists work two years ahead to determine the general guidelines for each fashion season. Fashion forecasting is an important activity to ensure that the process of observation related to short and long term planning can be based on sound and rational decision making and not hype. Forecasting can bridge the gap between ambiguous, conflicting signs and the action taken by the design team. "Fashion forecasting combines theories of fashion changes with the process of organizing and analyzing the information and synthesizing the data into actionable forecasts." (Brannon 2000) Forecasting is a creative process that can be understood, practiced and applied. Forecasting provides a way for executives to expand their thinking about changes, through anticipating the future, and projecting the likely outcomes. (Lavenback and Cleary 1981)

Long term forecasting (over 2 years ahead) is used by executives for corporate planning purposes. It is also used for marketing managers to position products in the marketplace in relationship to competition.
Short term forecasting is used by product developers, merchandisers and production managers to give style direction and shape collections. For short term forecasting most apparel companies subscribe to one or more services, whose job is to scan the market and report on the developments in color, textiles and style directions.
Forecasters reflect the earliest views on trends some eighteen months in advance of the season. At this stage, color is a crucial consideration of yarn mills. It is also the focus of discussion among others who are interested in very early trend decision-making. Fashion forecasters combine the views emerging about color and fabric from the early yarn and fabric trade shows with their socio-economic and cultural analysis. Major trends in lifestyles, attitude and culture in particular music, sport, cinema and television are used to predict changing consumer demands.
Fashion forecasting involves the following activities such as studying market conditions, noting the life style of the people, researching sales statistics, evaluating popular designer collections, surveying fashion publications, observing street fashions etc.

The Direction of Fashion Change
Observation is not enough. If the trend watcher is to take advantage, he needs a framework for explaining how the trend began and its likely path within a social system. The directional theories of fashion change trickle down, trickle up and trickle across to make prediction easier by pointing to the likely starting points for a fashion trend, the expected direction that trend will take and how long the trend will last.Some trend watchers visualize the dynamics of fashion as a pyramid of status level. In some theories, fashion trickles down from a highly visible elite. In others, fashion trickles up from street once it is discovered by the fashion elite and introduced to mainstream audiences in an edited version. If a fashion look is promoted by the media and manufactured rapidly enough, the look can trickle across all levels of the market simultaneously for denim, introduction of an unusual color range, a modification in a silhouette or detail, a different way to wear an accessory or a mood expressed in a distinctive style. The pattern of acceptance (or rejection) can be mapped in time.
Fashion responds to whatever is modern i.e., to the spirit of the times or the Zeitgeist. People choose among competing styles, those that "click" or connect with the spirit of the times. This collective selection forms a feedback loop between the fashion industry and the consumer, a feedback loop moderated by aesthetic trends and social-psychological processes.
The Look; Design Concept As fashion insiders and forecasters have a mental map of the marketplace, the locations where innovations are likely to be glimpsed early, the supply chain of the textile/apparel industry and the retail conduct to consumers. Fashion insiders also have another mental map - the map of seasons and shows. When consumers shop for winter coats or summer swimsuits, fashion insiders are seasons ahead in their thinking.
Forecasters use these mental maps to organize their observations of directional information. Since innovations rarely apply to the entire marketplace, information must be tagged for the appropriate price point, category and classification. In this way, forecasters turn random bits of data into useful information for decision support, points and style directions.

The drivers of fashion change
Social and cultural changes are major determinants of emerging fashions. However, they are themselves affected by the other drivers of change that include globalization of world markets and accessibility of more sophisticated communications technologies. The latter has provided people with faster and wider access to more ideas and influences from other cultures and societies, driving demand for wider choice in fashion products.

The Fashion Forecasting Process
a) Trend forecasting businesses
French companies based in Paris have traditionally dominated fashion forecasting. Although a number of larger ones are still based in Paris, many with satellite offices around the world, a number of new niche forecasters have emerged offering their own specialties of product and services.Some better-known trend forecasters include:
. SachaPacha. Peclers Trend Union . Line Creative Partners . Au Studio Promostyl. Promostyl

Forecasting is more that just attending runway shows and picking out potential trends that can be knocked off at lower prices (although that is part of it). It is a process that spans shifts in color and styles, changes in lifestyles and buying patterns and different ways of doing business. What appears to be near random activity is in fact a process of negotiation between the fashion industry and the consumer, and between the various segments in the supply side chain.

b) Consumer research
Manufacturers and retailers may ask consumers directly about their buying preferences. Consumer reactions are compiled and tabulated to find preferences for certain garments or accessories, colors or sizes and so on ,or products to fit specific consumer tastes.Surveys, by telephone or mail are conducted by publication and market research companies for manufacturers and retailers. These surveys include questions about income, life-style, fashion preference and shopping habits. Customers are usually selected by the market research firm to meet with manufacturers or retailers. In-store informal interview can help researchers obtain information by simply asking customers what they would like to buy, what styles they like that are currently available and what merchandise they want, but cannot find. Because of their close contact with their customers, owners of small stores can often do this most effectively.
The apparel supply chain has one purpose, i.e. to provide an appealing and desirable product to satisfy customer needs, wants or aspirations. When successful, the connection results in a sale, because this connection is the purpose of the process. Every forecast begins with the customer, by observing the customer's adjustments to the marketplace and in the unexpected ways the customer adjusts the marketplace to his lifestyle and preferences.
Consumer research figures are important in decisions about product development, brand marketing and retailing.

c) Colour Forecasting
Stimulating sales is the driving force behind color forecasting. Color grabs the customers' attention, makes an emotional connection and leads them to the product. Even when the basic product stays the same, changing the color gives a sense of something new. Color consultants help companies decide on the right color story to sell the product. Some consultants specialize in advising on color. Others develop color forecasts as part of their overall product development function. Some large companies have departments dedicated to setting color directions for multiple lines. Professional color organizations bring together experts to collaborate on forecasts for industries like women's wear, men's wear, children's wear and residential and non-residential interiors.

d) Textile Development
Frequently, the development of a completely new product is the result of a particular functional need, but often it is driven by the benefits offered by a new fabric. Specialist forecasters make the point that the technology is changing the range of product, as through the ranges of benefits that designers can build into garment product through the textiles used in construction.
Fabrics range from slick surfaces like leather and futuristic plastic to softer surfaces like cashmere, from flat weaves to heavy textures like boucle and from the solid structure of flannel to the web-like open structure of crochet. Clothing has been called "the second skin" in recognition of its intimate connection with a person's physical and psychological comfort (Horn, 1975). So it is not surprising that news about which fabrics are "in" or "out" plays such a prominent role in forecasting fashion. Newness in fabrics comes from the introduction of new fibers, the manipulation of yarn and fabric structures, variation in pattern and prints and innovative finishing processes. These innovations are introduced in trade shows and exhibitions held in the fashion capitals of the world.

e) The Range of shows
The fashion shows: The word here is its widest possible interpretation to refer to the range of organised textile and fashion garment trade shows, operating over the 16 months preceding season. Trade shows, whether yarn, fabric or product have a basic function, which is to sell products.
Visitors vary according to the nature of the show. A yarn show will attract a range of people including fabric manufacturers, some retail buyers and designers. The fabric show performs a more balanced role with great emphasis on then sales of the fabric, but with more retail designers and buyers attending, as the product on the show has a greater relevance to garment design. Garment design shows are much more diverse, ranging from the products trade shows through to the high profile Ready -to-wear Designer shows like London Fashion week and then the exclusive Couture shows.
Continuing this sequence, specialist product trade shows are held after the fabric shows. These shows are segmented according to broad sector like men's wear or women's wear, and by specialist product categories, like sports wear or lingerie. These shows are a good indicator of color, fabric, styling and new products.f) Sales Forecasting
Forecasting is relatively easy, straightforward and accurate for products with long lifetime and steady sales. However, the fashion apparel business is one of the most volatile, because it creates products that are new, highly seasonal or have short lifetimes. In such situations forecasts become increasingly inaccurate. Errors in sales forecasting result in two kinds of losses:
. Markdowns, when retailers have unwanted goods remaining at the end of a selling period, such goods then must be sold, even at a loss. . Lost sales on more popular items because of stockouts (merchandise not available in stock at the time when consumers request it).
Companies have been slow to recognize the changing market environment and adapt forecasting practices to decrease the uncertainty about product demand. Sales forecasting impacts every apparel executive's work life, whether they help develop the analysis, read and act on the reports or merely react to the result of over- or under-estimating sales. For this reason, apparel executives need a basic understanding of the traditional approaches to sales forecasting and the leading-edge technologies making real-time marketing a reality in the apparel industry.
Eventually, a manufacturer and retailer researches his own sales record. Rising sales statistics show what fashion trends are developing and declining sales show what styles have passed their peak.
Overall sales show, that as style is not meeting consumer needs for quality or fit , its time to drop it from the line and move on to new styles.

Introducing Innovation
While attention is showered on the most exciting and extreme runway fashions, the mechanisms of fashion change work in the background to create patterns familiar to the most experienced fashion watchers. When an innovation arrives on the scene, individuals consider it for adoption. The cumulative effect of those decisions can be tracked in sales and visually on the street. In fashion terms, the innovation may be the invention of a new fiber or a new finish.

g) Cultural Indicators
In the apparel field, companies need an early warning system so that specific product categories can be fine-tuned to trends within a market segment. While timing is important, an agile and responsive company will be able to capitalize on trends whenever they are spotted; sometimes just as a glimmer far in the future and sometimes as a phenomenon in the building stage. Waning trends are another signal. When some avocation, interest or lifestyle loses cultural power, it is a good time to survey the information landscape for the next big thing.

h) Final Stage of fore casting
The 'Fashion look' for the season is therefore the result of a process of development that combines the evolved views of textiles and product trade show, forecasters, designers buyers and ready to wear shows. Like collage, the final picture emerges after various layers have come together. Even though these shows have an impact on some last minute high street fashion buys, their major impact is mainly on reflecting the final views on trends close to the season. Crucially, the media coverage of the shows is another important dimension in the trend development process, as it highlights fashion trends that fashion editors believe will be strong for the forth coming season. Such 'authoritative' coverage of the media, focusing attention on aspects of fashion, including the 'must-have' looks, colors and products influences the consumers' acceptance of hot trends for a season.
The Future of Forecasting
For apparel executives, hitting the target requires a balancing act between anticipation of future developments and improvisation in the face of change.
The marketplace locks into one pattern, holds it briefly and then cascades into a new configuration with the slightest jar to the equilibrium. In the marketplace, those shifts may correlate with:
Changes in taste or lifestyles. Immigration. Technological developments. Shifts in the prices of raw materials. Thus Fashion forecasting is used within the fashion/textile industry as a means of directing companies into new ideas of color/fabric/theme/mood and yarn developments for different product types and levels. Knowledge of trends and future market requirements is increasingly important to the industry. While there is no definitive fashion story, accessing the right color palette, researching fabric and styling trends to suit a particular niche and customer profile is essential. The degree and quality of information available to designers and its interpretation, given an effective marketing strategy, effectively dictates their success.
Forecasting fashion in the Indian scenario
The phenomenon of fashion moving from the ramp to the road seems to have started happening in India. Over the last one year, fashion has been highly visible, at least on the streets of metros. Western winds of fashion are reaching metros like Mumbai and New Delhi virtually overnight. We also see new categories added to customer wardrobes like clubwear, travel gear and loungewear. This indicates a segmentation of the customers' wardrobe. This also means that there are new brands and labels, although not heavily advertised, easing into the market riding on the trend of new segments. We expect this trend to rise further, mainly because fashion as a market allows brands to be created mainly on the product look. The biggest achievements are not from increasing efficiency, but by risk management. This would mean that by riding on fashion trend one would fetch maximum benefits. However, there is no agency today, which brands or retailers can follow for fashion forecast of domestic market. We still have to follow international forecasts and thereby miss out on lot of opportunities.

P.Dhanapal, S.Anita
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/free-fashion-industry-article/fashion-forecasting/fashion-forecasting1.asp

dressing rich

2006-11-20T02:47:00.000-08:00

Look for quality:
You don't have to break the bank to buy quality garments. Just look for items within your price range that have excellent cuts and classic colors. Tip: when looking to buy a quality coat, make sure the inner lining is well constructed- if this finishing element is well made, you can rest assured that the rest of the garment is too. Avoid looking like a fashion victim: One crucial element to dressing chic is to avoid looking like a walking billboard. More than one initial display of a designer name in one outfit makes you a fashion victim. Prominently displayed logos- real or knock-off, look cheesy and cheap. If you want to emulate a celebrity, think Gwyneth Paltrow, not Paris Hilton. Pay attention to details: Looking chic doesn't have to be really expensive. Cheaper fabrics look more expensive if they are ironed. Change a cheap cardigan by replacing ugly plastic buttons with mother-of- pearl ones. Dressing chic is all about focusing on the details that make a garment stand out. Pick clothes that flatter: Chic clothes never bunch, hang, sag, or constrict your breathing. They should graze over your silhouette, highlighting and enhancing your figure. If it doesn't flatter your figure, leave it on the rack. If it doesn't fit well, it will NEVER look good. Focus on fabrics: There are lots of options for beautiful fabrics, even if you are on a budget. Rule of thumb: stick with fibers that can be found in nature. With proper maintenance they will keep their shape and wear beautifully. Keep an eye out for sales to get great deals on cashmere sweaters, and gorgeous silk tops for evening looks. Update your shoe wardrobe: A great pair of shoes really finishes an outfit, so make sure you appropriate footwear. A pair of black pumps is a staple that you can't live without- they work great with a suit for work or with dark denim and a sparkly top for evening. Some other great shoes to invest in: a pair of classic boots, an open toed pump, and flirty flats. A great pair of strappy sandals for evening, and a stack- heeled boot for walking in should round out your shoe wardrobe. Invest in classic pieces: If you are going to hand over your hard earned dollars for an expensive designer piece, make sure it's a classic that will transcend trends and last more than one season. Think Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, Ferragamo for shoes, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes for bags; Dior shades.

It's all about the attitude: Whether your outfit cost 100 dollars or 1,000 dollars, the trick to looking you spent a fortune is all in how you wear those duds. Focus on good taste, confidence, elegance, and maintain an air of mystery, and no matter what you wear, you will always have what the French call a certain, je ne sais quois.

About the author:By Erica Salyi-Pannozzo, Assistant Editor of ThinkFashion.com, an online shopping portal featuring over 60 designers including Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Roberto Cavalli.

Layering fashion for gals and guys

2006-11-20T02:36:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this www.OldCrappyTee.com helpful guide to layering your favorite summer fashion. Finally, guys, an article you can make some use of as well!! Happy layering!Cool T-shirts become Cooler Most t-shirts are just begging to be layered. First of all, layer t-shirts with each other. This looks especially hip with a cool t-shirt on top. They scream out to be layered with your favorite polos, long sleeved t-shirts, dress shirts and summer sweaters. Be ahead of the crowd and layer your t-shirts (for gals) with cool tanks and camis. Color is often key, so don't be afraid to layer lots of colorful t-shirts (but no more than two at a time, please.) Cut down on bulk (unless you are in need of bulk) and keep your layers light or of lighter-weight t-shirt fabrics. Another tip is to keep the first layer a little lighter in gauge than the one you are wearing overtop. If you long for a more athletic look (even if you are not so athletic), definitely try the long-sleeved t-shirt underneath a funny or vintage t-shirt. Sleek black is great underneath (not on a hot summer day of course.) Take a look at www.OldCrappyTee.com for some options.Tanks and Camis Rock in Layers If you want to layer your tank underneath a layer, choose a thin-gauge tank. Guys and gals can wear a thin tank well under most anything, especially button-downs and polos. Girls, keep an eye on the girls while wearing a super thin tank (monitor your buttons occasionally to avoid unwanted overexposure.) And you may want to choose a heavier-weight over layer. If you are particularly trendy, gals you can layer your tank or cami over a t-shirt (long or short sleeved.) Start at the Bottom (for gals only please) Let's forget about layering our tops for just a moment. You want to be the coolest of cool and you already are queen at layering technique? So let's start with the bottoms then. Choose some slick little leggings to wear underneath belted shorts or an itty-bitty miniskirt. Sounds perfect for that trip to the amusement park or out for pizza. Don't forget your vintage t-shirt and comfy ballets! For Ultimate Appeal Layer a Sweater Vest There's something about geeky gals and guys! The geeks have it when it comes to the sweater vest. Summer-weight sweater vests can be a cool layering item for the season. Layer your sweater vest over a dressy shirt or cool t-shirt for a crisp, classy and casual look. Triple layer with a t-shirt, shirt and vest on cooler days. Avoid looking overly particular and preppy by keeping your cuffs unbuttoned or maybe rolled-up, and unbutton any buttons at your collar.Play with your Polos Layer under your polo or layer over your polo? Which do you prefer? Over the sportier, bolder polo a sport coat, jacket or blazer with a minimalist print or fabric pattern is best. Over a classic polo, you can get a bit more exotic with the design in your topper. Under your polo, the sky's the limit. We like to see color peeking out at the color, and not necessarily perfectly matching color. Keep the under t-shirt sleek and thin. Go for long or short sleeves. You are the stuff!Kick it up a Notch: Shrugs, Cardigans and Sweaters Dress things up a bit with layers under your shrug, cardigan or sweater for more formal occasions. Class, family events, dates, job hunting might be ideal for this layering style. Pick your pleasure and layer under it a more classic and tailored undershirt. Here it is usually best to keep your collar and cuffs under control and in place for a clean-cut, classic appearance. Gals, sound a bit to stuffy for your taste? Try layering a shrug, or pseudo-cardigan over-top a cool t-shirt or sexy camisole. Guys, pick a funny t-shirt (or an intellectual one) here at www.OldCrappyTee.com and place it under a sweet cardigan and be the receiver of many compliments.

Whatever your layering fancy, you must layer, if not consistently, at least occasionally using at least one layer of t-shirt found here at www.OldCrappyTee.com. We carry a wide variety of t-shirts, from the customized t-shirt, the funny t-shirt, the thoughtful t-shirt, the hilarious t-shirt, the vintage t-shirt and the imaginative t-shirt! There is now no excuse for failing to layer in a proper, fashionable and most unique manner.

About the Author :Robert Carney is publisher and owner of Old Crappy Tee. To stay informed on the latest fashions, visit http://www.oldcrappytee.com/

the history of fashion design

2006-11-20T02:24:00.000-08:00

What Is Fashion Design?Fashion design is a form of art dedicated to the creation of clothing and other lifestyle accessories. Modern fashion design is divided into two basic categories: haute couture and ready-to-wear. The haute couture collection is dedicated to certain customers and is custom sized to fit these customers exactly. In order to qualify as a haute couture house, a designer has to be part of the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture and show a new collection twice a year presenting a minimum of 35 different outfits each time. Ready-to-wear collections are standard sized, not custom made, so they are more suitable for large production runs. They are also split into two categories: designer/createur and confection collections. Designer collections have a higher quality and finish as well as an unique design. They often represent a certain philosophy and are created to make a statement rather than for sale. Both ready-to-wear and haute-couture collections are presented on international catwalks.Who Invented It?The first fashion designer who was more than a simple seamster was Charles Frederick Worth, in the 19th century. Before he set up his fashion design house in Paris, clothing was made by anonymous dressmakers and fashion standards were derived from the styles worn by royalty. Worth was the first designer to actually dictate to his customers what to wear rather than following their demands. His fashion house became so famous that people were able to attach a face and a name to designs when they knew they were from the House of Worth. This was the beginning of the tradition to have a designer of a house not only create clothing, but also represent the symbol of the brand.What Does It Take To Be A Fashion Designer?Fashion design is a form of art. To work as a designer, you should have an artistic and creative personality. You also have to be good at drawing and able to express your ideas in sketches. You don't necessarily have to be a great artist, but you must have some special skills for combining colors, tones and shades. You also have to be able to work with fabric and use textiles in a creative and original manner. Fashion designers have a good visual imagination and are able to think in three-dimensions and put their ideas into garments.Fashion designers have to be aware of the fashion market requirements. They have to be very interested in learning new things and read magazines, journals and books on fashion design history and new trends. They also have to be interested in art, visit art galleries and interact with all kinds of artists whenever they have the opportunity. A designer should also have some knowledge and experience of tailoring (cutting, draping, sewing etc.) and be able to tell the difference between different fabric quality levels.A good understanding of the audience's lifestyle and customer needs and requirements is also needed in fashion design. Designers should have good communication skills and be able to express their ideas clearly. But most important, they have to be very original and have fresh, innovative ideas.

About The Author:Sue Taylor is the webmaster of http://www.thefashiondesignplace.com/ which gives a history and all the latest news about fashion design.

designer clothing on a budget

2006-11-20T02:17:00.000-08:00

Few of us realize just how much high-end designer merchandise is available at our fingertips. Designer clothing for the entire family is available at your local discount store and online at rock bottom prices. Discounters are able to offer brand name fashions by designers such as Prada, Kenneth Cole and Vera Wang at such great prices because they don’t have to stock the same merchandise at each store. This gives the buyers the flexibility to bargain with the designers and pass the savings on the consumer. Discounters are also required to agree not to advertise within the stores.Local discounters such as TJ Maxx, Ross Dress For Less, Marshalls and Loehmann’s offer the same designer fashions you would find in fashion department stores at 40-60% off. Signing up on the e-mail lists of these discounters will enable you to receive information on the latest styles and savings which will be delivered straight to your inbox. Visit the websites to find the stores closest to you. Shopping at your local store will allow you to see the clothing up close and try them on if necessary. Remember, if you make a fab find scoop it up immediately because great bargains don’t last long. Also, shop often because new merchandise arrives weekly. Discount designer child clothing, discount designer plus size and maternity clothing and items for the home can also be found.Shopping online can also net some great designer deals at fabulous prices. More and more consumers are purchasing their clothing online where they are afforded the luxury of shopping from home and avoiding crowded stores. Online discounters such as Overstock.com, ClassicCloseouts.com, Bluefly.com, and Ebay.com and many others allow you to purchase discount designer clothing from the convenience of your home.Overstock.com sells discount, brand-name merchandise up to 80% off the suggested retail price and ships every product, big or small, for only $2.95. Discount designer clothing for men, designer handbags and designer items for your home are also available at many online stores. Search google.com for discount designer clothing for many other stores where bargains can be found.Obtaining discount designer clothing has never been so easy as it is today. The choices, availability and quality of the items available are amazing. Whether you prefer to shop directly at your local store or shop from the comfort of your home, designer items for your family and home are within reach.Visit Inspiration For Life for more inspirational articles, tips and motivational material.

Fashion in women’s clothing

2006-11-20T02:02:00.000-08:00

Changing fashions, soaring variety and shrinking sizes – that seems to sum up women's clothing. When Shakespeare wrote, "apparel makes half the man", he probably told himself that it makes all of a woman. Women's clothes sellers seem to have understood this only too well.
What's in right now?
Fashion keeps changing – more so in women's clothing. You need to keep abreast of current trends. However, trends can also convert the new look into a sort of uniform that everyone seems to wear. You can't complain because you cannot conform and be different too. Designer and exclusive wear could offer a solution by creating a trendy but different look that attracts attention.
The current trend seems to favor black and white and stripes. They seem to be a common element in a number of fast selling dresses including solids, prints, embellished pieces, separates, dresses, swimwear and accessories. Shorts and pants have been spruced up too, ranging from knee-length shorts to convertible, rolled-up cargo pants.
Denims are in with a new look – in the form of handbags and shoes.
Blouses with an airy woven top and a Victorian touch such as lace, crochet, bell sleeves and ruffles can offer you a fresh look this season.
Suit the style to the weather
Now that summer is here, the question is what makes the best wear to suit the weather. If it's hot outside, you need to choose your clothes in such a way that it looks trendy while keeping you cool and comfortable at the same time. Choose light colors rather than dark ones. Go in for natural fabrics like cotton and open-weave fabrics that offer better ventilation. Avoid tight clothing.
The new flirty skirts are cool (pun intended!) and can be accommodating even if you're not perfectly sized. Try them in favor of the more popular shorts and T-shirts routine for a change. You'll like them.
What's the perfect length of your skirt?
You'll have to figure that one out to suit your body shape and preferences, but remember one golden rule of fashion. The width of your skirt should never be more than its height.
How about the designs?
Try florals – it's not a bad idea. The only thing to remember is that you should choose the prints to suit your shape. The general rule of thumb is that larger frames look good with widely spaced and larger sized prints, while smaller frames will look good in smaller prints.
Shrinking Numbers
While the average woman's waistline is increasing the size of her dress is decreasing – at least going by the numbers given to them. So the first point that one notes about women's dresses is that there is no standardization in the numbers and they change not only from time to time but also from shop to shop.
When ready-made (or ready-to-wear) clothing first made its appearance, there was no standardization at all, and the garments fit the wearer poorly. It was only in the mid 1940s and early 1950s that various agencies came in to set the standards and now we have the standards in place although the numbers keep changing. Efforts are still on to find a more scientific basis for the measurements and standardization of the sizes for women's dresses.
How do you find all those dresses?
Whether you are looking for standard ready-to-wear material keeping with current trends or for designer-wear, there are a number of online stores that give you a choice of clothes. You can have a look at the various styles and designs before you find the right choice for you. Even if you are going to make the purchase from your own friendly neighborhood store, it makes sense to do a bit of window-shopping from online sources.

About the author:
Find cool, funny and vintage t-shirts at http://www.doodleshirt.com.

the glimmering world of gold jewelry - great for gifts

2006-11-20T01:52:00.000-08:00

Undoubtedly, gold remains as the ultimate medium of jewelry expression. For thousands of years, gold has beguiled man with its beauty, its warm luster and glow and its amazing attributes. Artisans and jewelers have crafted gold into stunning pieces of jewelry that are priceless and eternal. Gold is one of the most precious of earth's metals. It can be found almost anywhere but it is very difficult to extract pure gold. Although platinum is more expensive, gold remains unsurpassed as the most popular jewelry metal. As it does not corrode or rust, gold jewelry is exceptionally durable. It is also very malleable and pliable: a single ounce of gold can be drawn into a thin wire stretching almost 5 miles. In fact it is the most malleable and ductile metal known to man. Pure gold or 24-karat gold is soft and pliable. That is why it is mixed with other metals to increase its durability. Karat quality determines the purity of gold. For instance, 14-karat gold is 14 parts pure gold mixed with 10 parts of a base metal. The higher the karat rating is, the higher the proportion of pure gold. Most gold jewelry pieces are marked with its karat quality. This helps you verify that the product you are viewing are truly made of gold. Gold is crafted into an endless myriad of jewelry pieces such as rings, chains, bracelets, charms, pendants, brooches, earrings and others. Moreover, because of the many amazing qualities of gold have many other uses. It is used in dentistry, coinage and for industrial purposes. The value of gold forms the base of monetary standard by many nations.Buying gold jewelry is an excellent investment. Any jewelry collection would not be complete without any gold jewelry. Its radiant, sensual and warm quality make it the preferred metal used in wedding rings and other jewelry meant to be given to a loved one. When buying gold jewelry there are some important things to consider. One of these is the karat quality, as mentioned above. The different karat qualities include 10-karat gold, 14-karat gold and 18-karat gold. However, some gold jewelry is not necessarily purely made of gold. Jewelry can also be plated with gold. This means that a base metal is coated with a layer of gold. In time, the layer of gold will wear away depending on how often the piece is worn. Other terms you should know about gold jewelry include gold-filled, gold overlay, and rolled gold plate. When choosing gold jewelry, it is important to know its qualities and characteristics. Gold jewelry has many finishes such as matte gold, which is achieved by using an abrasive, resulting in a dull and non-reflective surface. Another kind of finish is the high-polish finish, where the jewelry is polished to an almost mirror-like shine. Gemstones and other metals that can be inlaid with the gold itself add another dimension of beauty and value, although gold is simply stunning by itself. Choose a piece of gold jewelry that matches your personality. Whether it is a simple gold chain, a ring engraved with your names or a chunky gold bracelet, you will find the gold jewelry piece that exudes your personality. Moreover, wearing it also enhances the way you look, giving you class and style. Without a doubt, gold continues to enamor men and women, and continues to be the ultimate jewelry metal.

About the author :Timothy A. Garyantes enjoys jewelry and recommends: Gold Jewelry Makes Great Giftsas a resource for information about gold jewelry.

Guestbook

2006-11-04T00:27:00.000-08:00

Submitted by Mike Bechthold <Bechthold@p****t.nl> on 29/Oct/2006 84.83.188.176
Message:
Last week we were in Bali en you made a perfect suit for our son Mike Bechthold. He is very happy with it and it suit's him great.Thank you very much.Greatings from Holland

Taken from : http://cookingclass.anikaguesthouse.com/mboard/msg/33.html

ANIKA TAILOR - Travel tip

2006-11-03T23:56:00.000-08:00

Member opinion: Workmanship and professional tailor that I ever visit !Every detail is perfect. I love the people. They are polite and nice. I'll be back next year !

Taken from : http://www.globosapiens.net/kuta-travel-tip/anika-tailor-2444.html

Midtown Oasis

2006-11-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

The quietly veiled Anika Spa is just minutes away from the hubbub of the Airport in Tuban and the busy roads around the Kuta area.
Smack-dab in the middle of all the frenzy sits the Anika Spa, a hushed hideaway acting as an oasis for those who have just crossed over the threshold from the hectic outside hullabaloo. This relatively new spa has gradually developed and added new features to its list of services, now offering a complete range of body treatments for stress reduction and restoring health and beauty, and is a total retreat in the name of wellbeing.
Ingredients used throughout the treatments include traditional herbs, fresh fruits, and plants that have aroma-therapeutic properties to attain relaxation as well as to achieve harmony for the body and soul.
Balinese Massage is based on traditional Javanese methods that improve blood circulation and aid in muscle relaxation and tension relief.
Inspired by the beauty of Bali's natural environs, Anika Spa presents a natural relaxation and treatment assortment for health and beauty. Spa guests experience treatments from head to toe, and find it a perfect way to indulge in holiday pleasure, reviving, energizing, refreshing and pampering their way into a brighter complexion.
Also a basic and uncompromising feature is the use of traditional Indonesian essential oils that promote relaxation. Established over six years ago, Anika Spa has been recognized as among the best 'boutique' spas on the island, and a relaxation centre that is a sanctuary midst the relatively busy vicinity.
There are eight treatment rooms available, all uniquely designed with detailed local stonework, rattan and wood. The spa facilities include extensive luxury rooms around an outdoor plunge pool and an exquisitely sculpted garden. There are a wide range of traditional Asian therapies and advanced European salon treatments available
This luxurious and comfortable place, according to Anika Nur Syarifah, founder and directress of a multitude of boutique businesses including the newly opened Anika Balinese Cooking Class, Anika Limousine services and Anika Tailor, is dedicated to travelers, busy professionals or couples who seek a retreat where they can rejuvenate both body and soul.
Free transport is available within the Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua areas, adding to the value offered to its guests. Treatments range from the traditional massage options, comprised of a full body massage using aromatherapy oil and combining the acupressure and stretching techniques of Balinese style, and will provide a sense of serenity and wellbeing and will improve blood circulation. Aromatherapy reduces stress and alleviates the body of toxin build-ups.
The traditional slimming massage is a body treatment using massage oils with a blend of ginger and mint. This is a favorite among ladies who want a way to slim their bodies. The body scrub treatments start off with a Balinese massage followed by an herbal scrub to exfoliate the rough skin and refresh it with a yogurt body masque. The full range of holistic treatments feature Javanese lulur, Sandalwood, Coffee, Boreh, Coconut Tea or Tumerik scrubs, which eliminate dead skin cells and moisturize the skin.
Facial treatments begins with peeling and masque applications, and is continued by massaging the back, shoulders and face, perfect for women with muscular tension in their shoulders.
Spa treatments that include a foot bath and foot massage, body and face massages, scrubs, masks and a luxury bath with flowers is offered at a full and relaxing duration of 120 minutes at US$55.
A seaweed treatment comprised of the same massage plus a seaweed body scrub and mask go for a same 120 minutes at US$65. The Volcanic treatment substitutes the body scrub and mask with volcanic mud at US$70. Opt for a 90 minute foot reflexology for US$65.
The interestingly named Bali Sunny Dream includes a foot bath and foot massage, bo dy and face massage and a body scrub for a duration of 90 minutes at US$50.
Alternatively, opt for the 4-hour Luxury Package that includes complete foot treatments, body and face massages, a body scrub and mask, a luxury bath, manicure, pedicure, scalp treatment and a cream bath at US$95.

Story by Nyoman Ari Gunadi, courtesy photos.
ANIKA SPA
Jl. Beo No. 5, Komplek Burung, Tuban(0361) 766-133; www.anikaspa.com
Taken from : http://www.baliandbeyond.co.id/bnb_oct_06/rest.html

-----------------------------------------
Bali & Beyond Magazine,
PT Bumi Dian KusumaJl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 120C, Kuta, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Tel: (62 361) 752 684, 764 274 Fax: (62 361) 762 096
Email: mag@baliandbeyond.co.id
Website: http://www.baliandbeyond.co.id
Maintained by: Bali & Beyond

Anika Tailor, Bali - Indonesia

2006-11-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

■URL no.[003175] ■関連地域[クタ]■接続確認[2004.5.5] ■Name[URL収集隊(他人)]●Mail[anika@anikatailor.com]●Tel[(0361)754580]●Add[Gg.Melati Jl.Dewi Sartika No.7, Kuta]Anika Tailor洋服の仕立て屋。テイラー、ドレスメイカーのサイト。

Taken from : http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~renguenet/lk07_18.html

Authentiek Oost-Bali

2006-11-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

...................
In Kuta vindt je de drukte, veel toeristen verblijven hier. Je hebt hier een breed zandstrand, veel surfers kun je hier vinden, maar kijk uit voor de verraderlijke stromingen. De zonsondergang schijnt hier schitterend te zijn. Op weg naar het strand heb je vele kraampjes met T-shirts en sarongs.
Kuta is de beste plaats om je kleding (pantalons, leren jassen enzovoort, neem het liefst een voorbeeld mee dit kan bijvoorbeeld een foto zijn uit een tijdschrift) te laten maken. Wij hebben de beste ervaring met Anika Tailor. Indien je dit vraagt aan Ketut (taxichauffeur te bereiken via Siki), hij kan je (jullie) hier naar toe brengen.
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Taken from : http://members.home.nl/m.sjouke/bali/Omgeving.htm

Tailors in Sanur

2006-11-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

Posted by Lheather on Friday, 16. June 2006 at 13:32 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Tailors in Sanur posted by flossie on Friday, 16. June 2006 at 07:48 Bali Time:
I never stay in Sanur. I only know Anika Tailor in Kuta area. They provide transfer for clients. I stayed in Nusa Dua and they able to pick me up and drop me back. Call them 754580.

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200606/79472.html

A lot of good tailor in kuta

2006-11-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

Posted by jojo on Friday, 19. May 2006 at 12:42 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Tailor posted by Chopper on Friday, 19. May 2006 at 12:28 Bali Time:
You will find it easy. One the best is Anika tailor, they have plenty of fabric to choose and very good quality works. If you need free transport just call to 754580.

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200605/71143.html

Tailors in Bali - our experience today

2006-11-03T22:59:00.000-08:00

Posted by MAR on Saturday, 22. April 2006 at 23:13 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Tailors in Bali - our experience today posted by MAR on Saturday, 22. April 2006 at 23:03 Bali Time:
Sorry, Marianne told me I should have added Anika details - http://www.anikatailor.com Tel (62-361) 754 580 email anika@anikatailor.com Jalan Dewi Sartika (Ex Kartika Plaza), Gang Melati No. 7 Kuta - Bali.
We use our own driver, but I believe they can pick people up from their hotel - it's just that you might feel obligated - on the other hand, they are tricky to find because they are down a little alley.

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200604/63251.html

Plenty of questions

2006-11-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

Posted by thezza on Saturday, 16. July 2005 at 23:21 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Plenty of questions... :-P posted by m0gwai on Friday, 15. July 2005 at 17:53 Bali Time:
Anika taylor is one to the best in tuban area, they have plenty of materials for you to choose. And they could do in one day. And the there is also anika spa. Their service is one the best in kuta area. For free transport just call at 754580.

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200507/56332.html

Tailor in Legian

2006-11-03T22:56:00.000-08:00

Posted by fromtheheart on Friday, 10. June 2005 at 14:17 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Tailor , Legian posted by Roxy on Thursday, 9. June 2005 at 16:51 Bali Time:
I know you wanted one in Legian but I have just arrived back and had 3 suits made at Anika tailor in Kuta they have free transport. I was recommended them from a dear friend there and had read on this forum. I was extremely impreesed with the service and price (a little more expensive than others but quality of fabric and manufacture well worth it)I highly recommend them as I have seen other work from tailors(disastors)

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200506/42671.html

Try anika taylor

2006-11-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

Posted by nando on Sunday, 1. May 2005 at 17:55 Bali Time:
In Reply to: TAILOR - Help posted by lefty on Sunday, 1. May 2005 at 16:30 Bali Time:
they could do in 24 hours for one suit. And they have a lot material you could choose

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200505/25153.html

Dressmaker

2006-11-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

Posted by Bali Chica on Friday, 29. April 2005 at 16:08 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Dressmaker posted by shellesy on Thursday, 28. April 2005 at 19:58 Bali Time:
I agree with nando. Anika Tailor are excellent. They are more expensive than others but do a fantastic job. They will also pick you up and drop you off at hotel.

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200504/24383.html

JBR and info

2006-11-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

Posted by Osay on Saturday, 31. July 2004 at 18:26 Bali Time:
......................
Tailors: Anika Tailor 754580 will pick you up from the hotel they are expensive compared to smaller ones but very, very good. Leather Jacket $130.Toke in Poppies 2, Dolphin and French Leather both in Sahadewa St, and any of the other hundreds of tailors will do leather jackets for about $95, make shoes for $20, jackets for $40 You need to bargin hard and have them make up one item first to see the quality.
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Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200407/14696.html

Newbie's return from first Bali Trip

2006-11-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

Posted by Yank and Southern Belle on Monday, 8. December 2003 at 03:51 Bali Time:
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Shopping and TailorWe found prices to be very cheap for us. However, the haggling was troublesome. We are not use to it, but from this forum we learned it is part of the Bali tourist business. We normally offered about 50% of the price. Yet for many items, we thought that their initial asking price was pretty fair and reasonable. My Southern Belle had packed her two "worn but favorite" long sleeve blouses to be copied. We used the talented services of Anika Tailor, Kuta, phone 0811 38 0272. The Belle was pleased with the results. Again, you have to haggle with the tailor about the prices. And again, the more you purchase the lower the final price. We used both US cash and Rp in payment at Anika Tailor.
............................

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200312/36863.html

Tailor

2006-11-03T22:30:00.001-08:00

Posted by 1adele1 on Monday, 2. June 2003 at 11:00 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Looking for Tailor to make Ball Gown posted by ChristineL on Sunday, 1. June 2003 at 11:11 Bali Time:
I have just come back I got some beautiful clothes made at Anika Taylors she is at JL. Karika Plaza ph 754580 if you ring they will pick you up at your hotel.Plus a friend of mine had 13 pieces made a Liza in Poppies Lane 2 and was very delighted with the result......good luck

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200306/96535.html

Anika Tailor

2006-11-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Posted by burmycat on Wednesday, 12. July 2006 at 15:56 Bali Time:
In Reply to: The name of a good tailor posted by bennetttd on Wednesday, 12. July 2006 at 12:27 Bali Time:
I always use Anika Tailor and never had a problem with them. Their address is JL Dewi Sartika (EX. JL Kartika Plaza) Gg Melati No. 7 Kuta and their telephone is 754580. They will come and collect you and bring you back to your hotel. We always stay at Bali Garden Hotel in Tuban and they are very close by.

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200607/88550.html

Anika Tailor in Kuta

2006-11-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

Posted by Roggie on Sunday, 27. August 2006 at 22:03 Bali Time:
In Reply to: good tailor posted by becstar on Sunday, 27. August 2006 at 09:00 Bali Time:
My partner and I returned from Bali on Thursday :-(
We had suits made at Anika Tailor and are very happy with them. Our taksi driver Dewa recommended them and said they we're a little more expensive than other tailors but good quality and popular with Aussies.
We paid AU$175 each for our suits. Mine was made from D&G material and my partners from Versace material. I'm not sure if the material is genuine, but they did have a signed agreement from Dominic Dolce of D&G authenticating them as D&G's Indonesian agent subject to them purchasing 1500m of material from D&G per year. Our suits were ready 2 days after measuring up. They also pick you up and drop you off at your hotel / villa if required.
Details are as follows (taken from business card) -
Jl. Dewi Sartika(Ex. Jl. Kartika Plaza)Gg. Melati No. 7 Kuta - Bali
Tel/Fax: 62.361.754580
www.anikatailor.com
anika@anikatailor.com
Hope that helps

Taken from : http://www.balitravelforum.com/archive200608/15707.html

Welcome to Anika Tailor - Best Bali Tailor

2006-11-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Established since 1985, Anika Tailor has an excellent reputation in Bali as the most popular tailor. Located in Kuta, main destination place to stay for people who visit Bali. Free transport available for client by make an appointment to have presentation in our shop. Also pleased to visit you to your room hotel if required.

Anika Tailor is one of many dress-makers in Bali island. Reputation demands us to improve our professional and service in designing and tailoring day to day, because client's satisfaction means everything for us.

WIDE RANGE OF GARMENT
We can tailor make men's,women's,childrens' and babies' clothes

A WIDE CHOICE OF TEXTILE & FABRICS
A range of imported and local materials; Versace - Hugo Boss - Armani - D&G - Fendi - Polo - Kenzo - Zara - Gattinono Couture - Nina Ricci - John Phillipe - Ice Berg - Dunhill - Enricco - Louis Vutton - YvessSaintLaurent - Valentino - Christian Dior - GF.Ferre - R.Curiel - Gai Mattiolo - Coveri - Balestra - barocco - Maschino - Channel - Lancetti - all leather and suede materials - ...many more...

INDIVIDUALLY MADE TO SUIT YOUR SIZE & NEED
You are welcome to choose from our pattern book collections, bring your favorite designer garment for us to copy, sketch your own designs and garment can be made from your own fabric. Also available for alterations.

Business Suits,Seperates (Jackets,Shirts,Pants,Dresses,Shorts),
Casual Wear, Evening & Bridal (Wedding Dress), Summer & Winter Designs, Suede & Leather Designs, Beading & Embroidery service available.
FREE TRANSPORT AVAILABLE FROM AND TO YOUR HOTEL

Jalan Kartika Plaza, Gang Melati No.7
Kuta, Bali - Indonesia
Phone : 0361 - 754580
Email : info@anikatailor.com
Official website : www.anikatailor.com