Fashion Hair Styles

Famous People and Hairstyles through the Years
By Rachael Taylor

Hairstyles date back hundreds of years and generally reflected what was happening socially at the time. Hairstyles have gone through many changes over the past several decades. The one consistency has been that the hairstyles that were worn by icons of popular culture symbolized what was thought to be the ideal. To find out more about the inspiration for particular hairstyles over the last century, read on.

In the early 1900’s wealthy women set the standard of wearing hair jewels and hats with veils and lace. They dusted their hair with gold and silver powders for the nights. Antoine of Paris created a look of hair parted in middle and swept back in smooth bands over the ears. In 1907 the Marcel wave swept the United States and Europe. In 1910 American nurses in Europe cut their hair short to avoid a flea infestation and the women in America began to cut their hair short for fashion.

The Louise Brooks’s bob became the popular hairstyle in the 1920’s as women began to express their freedom. They also began shedding their corsets to enter the workforce and in 1931 Jean Harlow starred in the movie “Platinum Blonde.” This hair color then swept the nation. Also in the 1930’s, Shirley Temple’s ringlet curls had women of all ages pinning their own hair into tight curls.

During WWII when feminine was ideal, women began copying Hollywood hairstyles. In the 1940’s, Rita Hayworth began the hairstyle trend of side-parted finger waves the sexiest style of that time. Veronica Lake and her cascading blonde hair defined glamour.

The 1950’s brought a trend of highlighting and Lucille Ball’s flaming red hair was an example. Also Doris Day had a helmet like hairstyle that inspired her fans and Audrey Hepburn started the pixie cut.

During the 1960’s people were letting their hair down and the rock group The Beatles, wore their hair long. This ended the gender norm in hairstyles. The Beatle look became a very popular hairstyle for men of all ages.

In the 1970’s, the musical “Hair” came out during a time of sexual revolution. Angela Davis’s afro became a symbol for black pride. One of the most copied hairstyles of the 1970’s was the Farrah Fawcett feathered back hairdo.

The 1980’s were an economic boom and women began the mall bang trend. Big hair and poodle perms were the big thing.

The 1990’s found many women heading to the hair salons looking for the Jennifer Aniston hairstyle. Her hair at the time was an angled, layered, shag haircut. And the millennium brought Sarah Jessica Parker’s flowing curly look back into style.

More about → Fashion Hair Styles

Fashion Fair Cosmetics

Fashion Fair Cosmetics ups logistics capabilities

Global colour cosmetics provider Fashion Fair Cosmetics has increased its logistics capabilities with the adoption of SPS' Trading Partner Intelligence.
The software is designed to help prevent in-store, out-of-stock and over-stock inventory conditions and provide critical facts to develop greater flexibility for stock demand.

The US-based company's products are sold in over 1,000 stores worldwide, in countries that include the UK, France, Canada and US - distribution that means maintaining efficient stock levels is paramount.

SPS' software programme is delivered via an SaaS model, providing suppliers with retail industry and data integration and customer support worldwide.

Using only an internet browser, users can access ad-hoc or predefined role-based reports, charts, graphs and alerts for improved decision making using POS and fulfillment data, the company says.

More about → Fashion Fair Cosmetics

Mens Fashion Shirts

Men's Dress Shirts - Men's Fashion Style
By Hadyn Tanner

With the status of the economy, it's so hard to indulge in buying clothes especially branded ones. Don't be a fashion victim by buying everything you see in the market today. You don't need to splurge on buying so many things which you don't need.

When buying clothes you need to buy the basic, those that can be teamed up with different tops. It's an inexpensive way of investing clothes which is very applicable these days. Every guy has his own different sense of fashion and style. These are things you need to have inside your closet, it's a must for every guy to have them paired with a white shirt:

· You should have at least one cardigan inside your closet. You should have at any of the following colors.
- Black
- Grey
- Navy
- Green
- Blue
- Pastel
· You need it especially during cold months. It can be a good pair with any blazer of your choice. There are also organically made cardigans which you can try if you are very much inclined with nature.
· A striped blazer can possess a conservative look especially during events.
· Shorts tailored or not can be for a casual wear. It's trendy and comfortable. You can wear it during summer time when the weather is hot.
· A rack jacket is best for hip and high low get up. It is very simple and can be worn in malls.
· It's best with denim. White shirts are perfect for any kind of shirt; it can also be paired with any pants or shorts. It's one of the safest things to have inside your closet.

Fashion and style is a long conversation especially when you are discussing about men's fashion trend. No two people have the same choice of clothes and styles. When you want to be trendy, you should always look at the mirror and check

If the things you are wearing still look good on you, you might just want to go with the flow without checking if it's suitable for you. You should check out some magazines and the web for some time to ensure that you are on the right track. Your indulgence to fashion can be addicting so you need to take a break form thinking what to wear for the next 24 hours. Though there are lots of fashion site today, some of the people can not find the things they are looking for.

You should check out the web for new things you should know for reference and guide. You wills surely find everything you need to know without having to spend much. Your looks merely depend on how you believe in yourself and not with the trend.

More about → Mens Fashion Shirts

Fashion Bug Coupons

Are the Fashion Police After You?

By Eric Shannon

There are lots of different things that you should keep in mind when it comes to fashion. Sometimes, it is important to think about the way that you look and the way that others see you. It is important to look and feel your best so that you can continue to be successful at your life. In order to avoid being called in by the fashion police, there are a few tips that you can follow, and a few coupons that you can use to allow you to get great fashion at a fraction of the cost.

First of all, a good way to think about staying in fashion is just to pay attention to what people are wearing around you. Looking at the ads and finding coupons for great deals isn't going to help you unless you know what you want to look like. Look at the people who are around you each day and see what they are wearing, and the people you think look the best should have a great example of the fashion that you want to aspire to.

It doesn't take much to be in fashion. Something that you want to remember is a lot about fashion is simply being comfortable with who you are and being in clothing that is comfortable as well. You can do this easily, and you can allow yourself to have the pleasure of looking great while you do. It shouldn't be something that is hard, and with the right coupons, it doesn't need to be something that is expensive, either.

If you know the type of style you are looking for, then look through your wardrobe and see which things match that type of style, and which things are on the outs. If you find something that you know you never wear and is outdated, then replace that item with something that is newer and more in style. A good way to be sure that the fashion police aren't going to be knocking down your door is to get a general idea of the things that you look the best in, and then make sure that those things are found in your closet.

Buying great fashion shouldn't have to be that expensive either. The fashion police aren't going to be about making sure that you have the most expensive styles - they'll just want to know that you look like you are in style. Finding great coupons allows you to buy great looking clothes from stores that you'd shop at normally, which means that you can get a great deal on something that you already know you love. With the right coupons in hand, you can avoid those fashion police and make absolutely sure that you look your best at all times. It isn't hard to make sure that you are in fashion, and if you need to, you can keep adding to your wardrobe as time goes on. Using coupons is a great way to allow yourself to be in style.

More about → Fashion Bug Coupons

Fashion Design Drawing

Fashion Design Drawing Lesson 1 - The Dress Form
By James Vincent

A good form is the foundation for all succeeding lessons. No matter how pretty a dress or design is, if it is placed on a " dumpy " figure, it will have no style whatever.

In this lesson we first learn how to draw a layout for the form. In the next lesson we dress the same form in a very simple dress.

A form must have good proportion and style. A form leaning forward, or making a bow, as one might express it, is not stylish, neither is one with too large a bust and a tiny waist; nor one with high, square shoulders.

This form is used for dressmaker's sketches, and for any dress to be placed on a lay figure.

When the dress is on the human figure, action comes in play and a complete understanding of these lessons will enable the student to draw the human figure in a variety of positions.

TO DRAW THE FORM

When drawing the dress form place the figure in the center of the paper. This may be done by getting the proportions and measuring to see just where to begin the drawing. Leave a little more margin at the bottom, than at the top.

Draw line 1, which is a very slight horizontal curve up, then lines 2, 3,4, 5, 6 and 7 as marked on the lesson plate. Line 2 is thrown out for the bust, and line 3 is thrown in at the waist, which throws the shoulders back. Lines 4 and 5 cross lines 2 and 3 at the waist, at first curving out for the hips, then curving in to the bottom of the skirt oval. Line 6 (center line of waist) follows line 2, not literally, but taking the general direction, getting straighter as it reaches the waist line. Line 7 (center line of skirt) runs straight down from line 6.

See part A of the dress form figure : Dress Form

The collar goes into the shoulders three (3) times and is about the same height. The lines of the collar curve down, as does the waist line, but the bottom of the sleeve curves up. In the back view this order is reversed, as is explained in Lesson II. The collar and waist fines curve up, and the bottom of the sleeve curves down.

There are three planes at the waist: the front, and two sides. You observe but little of the far side in a three-quarter view. This is true of the collar also. These three planes on the waist run into each other, forming a graceful curve. The planes on the collar do the same.

To test the accuracy of your form, drop the dotted lines from the center of the near shoulder to the end of the waist line. This line must be vertical or parallel with the edges of your paper. Drop the dotted line from the end of the far shoulder to the other end of the waist line. This line also must be vertical.

Practice this figure, doing it many times. When you feel confident that you understand all that has preceded and can draw Fig. A with snap, take up Fig. B which is the dress form placed on Fig. A.

If you have followed all directions carefully, you will have a good form on which any costume may be placed.

More about → Fashion Design Drawing

Fashion Seal

Fashion seal are ideal cover garments for isolation, examination, decontamination, chemical laboratories, laundry pre-sort and other areas where body fluid exposure risk exsists.The entire garment is constructed of single-ply fluid resistant barrier fabric.

Features include a backless design that adds to the comfort of the worker in non-climate controlled areas, has two sets of tie closures (one at back of the neck & one at waist) with elasticized wrists.

More about → Fashion Seal

Petite Fashion

Tips For Petite Fashions
By Morgan Hamilton

In shopping and fashion nothing is what it seems. Some taller women having larger bone structures try to dress in such a way that they would appear smaller. Thin and slender women want to create the appearance of curves with their clothes, while curvier women put efforts into hiding their voluptuousness. These women who are considered "petite" will frequently attempt to wear clothes that would make them look taller.

There is one common misconception that "petite" means "small". The truth is that the term petite refers to height, not weight. Petite fashions come in sizes from O to plus-sized. Women who are shorter than 5'4 are considered petite no matter if she has a slender, average or plus-sized frame.

The conception that petite women are always "little" has caused frustration for the ladies when shopping. Women not taller than 5'5 have a difficult time finding petite fashions that are not high-wasted. Despite that, recently many designers started creating petite fashion lines offering new styles for the petite ladies. Now most of the designers offer petite fashions and they try to make them more classic and tailored, so petite women would wear clothes that accentuate the good sides of their body type.

Petite woman want to find the clothes that would accentuate their own style. Some fashions are designed in such a way that they make petite woman look taller by using horizontal as opposed to vertical lines. Monochromatic colour schemes are also a good idea.

When buying clothes a petite woman should avoid cuts, color schemes and prints that are made for taller women. Petite fashions often have higher wastes, shorter arms and legs and narrower shoulders. When print patters are used in petite fashions they tend to be smaller. This is how chunky appearance is avoided.

Petite women are advised to keep up to some simple style guidelines. According to fashion experts on petite fashions, women are not to wear shirt longer than mid-thigh and they should forget about drastic colour contrasts in blouses and trousers. As far as shoes are concerned, petite women are not advised to buy flat shoes or shoes with square toes. What is best for their feet is a pair of comfortable stylish shoes with gently pointed toe. Other things that should not be in a petite's woman wardrobe are ribbons and buckles.

More about → Petite Fashion

Fashion Design College

Guide to Choosing A Fashion Design School
By John Morris

A successful future in the fashion design industry depends on right choice of school to attend. Although fashion design is not one of the more popular careers to pursue, if your talents lie in this field, there is ample opportunity awaiting you. However, the first thing to hurdle is your choice of school.

When choosing a fashion design school, consider the following factors.

Area of Focus

Look into the nature of the school. Is it solely a fashion design school or does it offer other courses. Is this school well-known for its emphasis on fashion design?

Fashion design schools are few and far between. This makes it harder to choose one that fits your bill. Your first task will be to find a reputable school that will aid you in your training.

Also, look into whether the school participates in any fashion design competition or has accomplished anything of reknown in the industry. This is a sure sign of their commitment to the fashion arts its education among students.

Different schools have different strengths, find a school that plays to your strengths and has specialization in the field of your choice.

For example, you might choose a very well-know fashion design school only to find out that they specialize in childrens’ clothing, while the field of your choice is adult formal wear. This could diffuse your interests, and dull your specialization.

Make sure you know what field the school you are scouting focuses on. This will help you specialize in that area too.

Alumni and Job Placements

Does the college offer job placement assistance? And has the alumni from this school gone on to be successful professionals? Always learn from other’s previous experience. If you see that those that had gone through this school before you received proper training and are successful in their field, that is an indication of a good school.

Most of these reputable schools have numerous connections in the graphic arts industry. They usually offer job placement services. You may want to consider this when choosing a school.

It would do no harm to start looking at the educational background of your admired fashion designer. Checking out the schools they came from will give an idea of the sort of training these artists went through. From here, you may make decisions as to whether you would like to choose the same school as they did.

Curriculum

You must assess whether the curriculum is relevant to you field of study. You may want to compare the curricula of different schools to see which offers the best form of education.

It would also be wise to check the quality of the teaching staff at that school. Having established artists who teach at a fashion design school is also an indication of a good training program.

Student to Teacher Ratio

Ask yourself: how big are the classes and how many teachers and classes are available at this school before you choose it. The more the students the lesser the efficacy of the teacher. However, if there are too few students per teacher, that could tell of a different problem – that of quality. If this is the case, it may be that the school is not popular or is suffering from anemic academic performance.

Accreditation

Accreditation means the school has passed a certain standards of educational quality. Accreditation is performed by the U.S. Department of Education. Fashion design schools must be accredited to prove their level of competence.

Check with the State Postsecondary School Licensing Bureau to see if the college you are investigating is accredited. Also, check National Approval and Accreditation for this concern.

Cost

Some people may proclaim that to obtain their education, they would spare no coin. Unfortunately, it also pays to be practical in your choice of fashion design school. If the school you choose has a tuition rate that is beyond your financial capability, you might find yourself working unable to pursue your studies consistently due to the financial stress which may lead you to look for part-time work.

Scholarships

You might want to consider whether the design school you are looking at offers any scholarships. You also might want to know the terms to them too. Some schools offer scholarships based on academic performance. Some offer them based on fashion design competitions they hold regularly.

Your choice of school is an investment that will last you a lifetime. Proper care and investigation in choosing such is truly important. When you are comfortable with your choice of fashion design schools, you can now chart your path towards a successful career.

More about → Fashion Design College

Summer Fashion Trends

Spring-Summer 2010 Fashion Trends
By Ray C. Subs

Fashion trends are, for the most part, showcased to the world on the runway. However, trend forecasting agencies are responsible for much of the fabric choices, colors, and styles that find their way onto those same runways. The French trend agency, NellyRodi's four scenarios for the spring and summer of 2010 have been released and can be a huge help when deciding which style and color handbags to purchase and pull together to be current, trendy, and stylish for the coming year.

The current economy has a large influence on fashion, with trends reflecting "idealistic thoughts about the future." Colors for the first scenario, entitled "light tech", include acidic tints of green, turquoise, orange, yellow, pink, and veiled gray. Fabric choices for this set were mostly synthetic, such as taffeta, jacquard, coated canvas, and thick linen. "Clean, precise graphics", miniature designs, and textures make this trend perfect for showcasing your handbag. The synthetic fabric options make this trend even sweeter since cleaning your bag will be a breeze. Messenger bags are particularly suited for graphics and designs. Colored bags can make a bland outfit really pop, so investing in some of the sweet and sour colors of this season is an easy way to liven up your wardrobe.

"Ode to nature" was the next scenario trend forecasters put together. Light, gauzy fabrics both layered and alone set a romantic atmosphere. Tulle, crepe, voile, muslin, and silk shantung all flow beautifully with the soft, faded colors of pastels. Taupe and mauve bring an unexpected pop of intensity to the powdery palette. Handbags in mauve and beige will pair perfectly with the talcum shades of spring. The muted colors of nature give way to the warm, vibrant colors of "southern folk" in the next trend scenario. Beige is again featured, along with ochre, clay, reds, plums, and cactus green. Inspired by South American landscapes, cottons, lace, and macramé decorated with ornaments, appliqués, and embroidery echo the colorful chaos of South American culture. Stripes and boldly patterned handbags are a trendy choice for this scenario. Larger bags such as totes and messenger bags will make especially bright statements. Fading slightly from their sun-kissed opulence, muffled tones of beige, khaki, and blue are accented by yellow, purple, sky blue, and red in the final scenario, "popular appeal". A 70s vintage look full of faded cotton, denim, and fleece offer a more relaxed fashion. For a "femme fatale look...chiffons, crepes, and satins" are presented. I can just see the sky blue satin clutch paired with a faded blue. Stunning. This coming year promises to be full of fun and fabulous fashions that are likely easily pulled together with items already in your closet. Adding trendy handbags will stretch your wardrobe and highlight how current and fashionable you are.

More about → Summer Fashion Trends

Mens Fashion Clothing

Men's Fashion Clothing - How Did We Get to Where We Are Today?
By Michelle Spencer

Men's fashion clothing trends really started in the seventeen hundreds - in eighteenth-century France, during the reign of Louis XIV, men were referred to as the 'peacocks of fashion'. They wore very decorative Rhinegrave breeches covered in lace and bows made of the finest silks and satins; impeccably clean white linen shirts with lavish cravats; and overcoats called justaucorps adorned with lavish buttons and gold braid that stretched from chin to knee.

This form of conspicuous consumption was considered the epitome of good taste. After the French Revolution (1789), however, the canons of tasteful dress changed dramatically. Simplicity, starkness and refinement became the order of the day with long trousers, vests, frock coats and top hats defining the role of the gentleman in society.

Well-tailored suits made from the finest cloth became the requisite of determining your position in society, and your delegation to the ranks of the upper classes. Tales of the infamous dandy, Beau Brummel, abound: a man who befriended the Prince of Wales in the early nineteenth century and set the benchmark for cleanliness and restraint in male attire, with understated but beautifully fitted and tailored clothing. He is credited with introducing and establishing the start of modern men's clothing suits.

English men's fashion clothing, underlined by the British landed gentry, established the European stylistic trends of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was during this time that the tailors of London's Saville Row became famous for exquisitely cut and tailored garments for men.

Saville Row was built between 1731 and 1735, originally as part of the Burlington Estate. Beau Brummel helped to establish its reputation as he patronized the tailors congregated on the Burlington Estate, who then started to occupy premises on Saville Row. Even contemporary designers, responsible for men's designer clothes of the day, including John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, chose to serve an apprenticeship in Saville Row, and no matter how outlandish their fashion garments appear, they retain respect and admiration for their industry through their masterful tailoring expertise.

More about → Mens Fashion Clothing

Mens Fashion Shoes

How to Select the Right Men's Shoes
By Ems Aleks

Contrary to what many think, there are a number of men who are interested in long clear regarding the shoes. Men's shoes come in any case, the circle, and today there are so many possibilities in the path. Men's Shoes are an important part of the image of a man. For this reason, people need to know that choosing the right shoes, the difference between success and failure can be. But I especially want you to have a good and confident with your style of shoes. All the people out there determined to find the following tips and advice in their quest to look good and be successful. First, let some general rules of men's shoes.

Color
Color is everything when it comes to men's shoes. You may expensive shoes, but if the color is all wrong with your equipment, it will not be cut. You need your shoes or pants suits best shoes that are darker than the pants worn. Be not too far on all shoes with shorts all the time, but make sure you keep it darker.

Belt
A belt is crucial when it comes to choosing the type of men's shoes you wear, how a man. The ideal is always to match belt with shoes, and it is about color and texture of the material and the belt and shoes. If you choose to wear a colorful belt, you may not know exactly what you do with your shoes.

Socks
another aspect worth is considering if you are on men's shoes, socks. They do not match the shoes. Many people often spend much time thinking about the best socks to wear, but the only thing to fear, comfort, she does not really matter if you have "normal pants size.
Once you have the above rules in mind, it is to look at the time, what men's shoes are for what is appropriate or pants outfits. If there are, trouser jeans, you can wear a variety of shoes. Sandals, slippers, sandals, boots, lug soles, and many others will go with jeans.
Moccasins are great with casual pants. Although some people will pick their own personal preferences, it is important to you, do not get that out of line. Look for a large number then select the look of the need to go with.

If you select a costume or wear something elegant, it is important that you go for shoes clearer that pleasure in them. Note that you must look at the colors. All in all, the appearance of color is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to men's shoes. The following color guide will give you the basics, so that your whole look can not, by the appropriate color to compliment the footwear.

If you choose to go with Burgundy men's shoes, shorts, you can choose blue, gray, beige and khaki. Black shoes generally go well with trousers of many colors, but are better suited for the navy, black, and gray trousers. If you are go with brown shoes, you can turn shades of brown, as light blue or beige pants. Now you can get convinced that comes to your look with men's shoes.

More about → Mens Fashion Shoes

Wholesale Fashion Jewellery

Wholesale Fashion Jewelry - The Best Way to Explore the Jewelry World
By Tatyana Arie

Are you tired and sick of visiting from one store to another just to determine that they have the wholesale fashion jewelry, you are looking for? Why do not you think of doing some online research on various sites that deal with jewelry items in wholesale market at reasonable cost?

If you are concerned about latest designs and fashion in jewelry items you want, you will come across a vast collection that is available online. There are many sites that offer high quality jewelry and gifts which are really affordable and elegant. One simply has to determine sound online companies that can provide people with high quality jewelry.

Being a wholesale costume jewelry marketer, if you have decided to enter the online jewelry industry, there are many important things that you need to learn about online wholesale business. The foremost thing you need to grasp is to familiarize yourself with all marketing skills. You must have enough understating with things that work online as well as need to set up your online store. Doing online business is really enjoyable but one needs to be aware of the cons and pros as well. Invest your quality time to get reasonable knowledge of online business. Internet safety is something that you have to pay a lot of attention because theft is the main fear in online business.

The process of creating an online store does not take more than half an hour provided one engages the best web hosting firm providing a set of services. You get a variety of templates to select from to settle upon the website look you desire. Having your own online jewelry online shop offers you convenience to display your jewelry items online with 'online placing order' facilities and suitable descriptions to your perspective customers. Find a good web hosting provider who can furnish you with good online services. This practice does not only give you opportunity to boost your business, but also make ease for your customers to choose the best jewelry and design that goes well with their requirements without disturbing their budget.

Online shopping for jewelry allows people to explore different varieties and styles of jewelry items. Being a consumer, it is always advisable for you not to compromise with whatever is available, but also try to find value of jewelry worth your hard earned dollars. Today, one would find jewelry which is manufactured of various materials. In earlier days, people had a few options to buy like gold or silver, but these days, people have lots of choices to choose from diamonds to gem stones online.

If you are stuck, as this is your first time to do online wholesale shopping, you can prepare a sample of whatever items you want to buy from online jewelry items. Many of these live work shops have published their own written articles on how to locate jewelry items, try to browse those selective information and hints. Having sufficient information about wholesale jewelry you want to buy can help you select the best one.

More about → Wholesale Fashion Jewellery

Barbie Fashion Show

Unique Barbie Party Idea: Try a Tea Party and Fashion Show!
By Gail Leino
The Barbie doll, which will be 50 years old in 2009, has what seems to be an infinite number of lines, including American Idol Barbie, Barbie Magic of Pegasus, and Happy Birthday Barbie. It’s incredible to believe that Ruth Handler created the doll in the early 1950s simply to satisfy her daughter’s desire to play with an adult-looking doll as opposed to a baby. Her husband and Mattel, his employer at the time, did not initially like the idea, but after Handler’s redesign of a German doll, introduced it at a New York City toy fair in 1959. Today, Mattel sells 1.5 million Barbie dolls each week. With the remarkable popularity of Barbie, a party themed after her can be a great afternoon shindig for a young girl.

A Barbie theme party is actually very common. If your daughter wants to have a Barbie party with her friends, but wants to do something unique, an afternoon tea party and fashion show is an idea. The tea party doesn’t have to be extravagant. Whether you use real dishes or not is up to you. However, you might not want to use your best china if the girls are very young. There are plenty of inexpensive tea sets on the market. Your daughter could play host and serve her guests or you could do the honors. Instead of cake and cookies, offering the guests scones, which are perfect with tea, or some other light confection is a good plan. Check with parents to see if there are any special diets that you need to take into consideration.

Young girls (and many grown up ones), love to dress up. The Barbie tea party and fashion show invitations should request that each girl dress up and bring their favorite Barbie. The highlight of the party will be the fashion show. There are two ways to do this. Each girl can describe their own wardrobe and accessories along with what their Barbie is wearing, or you could write something up fun and humorous while the girls are drinking tea and eating. Either way, the girls are sure to have a smashing good time!

More about → Barbie Fashion Show

Hippie Fashion

The Hippie Fashion Statement
By Robert Fulle

The Hippie counterculture that started out in the 1960’s was more than just a movement advocating peace and freedom. What started out as a peaceful protest against the established societal norms and political arena that was in place, became an entire lifestyle that the hippies lived out from waking to sleeping, and from head to toe.

A lot of people followed the hippie movement. Some were motivated to become hippies themselves, while some found their views and how they expressed them quite interesting. Even if some were not exactly that passionate about what the hippies lived for, the hippie trend still managed to catch on. From long-haired men, to vegetarians, and to odd clothes, a lot of people soon had a bit of a hippie fashion in them.

Although the hippie statement about breaking free from society and pursuing liberation and peace was the movement’s main theme, it became easy for people to know hippies more popularly because of their odd way of dressing and conducting themselves. Because of their rather eccentric clothes, they stood out quite starkly from the crowd. This is why the term “hippie” would often bring to mind a long-haired person, clad in sandals or sometimes even barefoot, wearing colorful tie-dyed shirts, a vest, bell-bottom pants, and several other accessories. For the ladies, the picture may also consist of colorful peasant blouses and long, full skirts.

These fashion threads have now been modernized and are accepted by the fashion world. Bell-bottom pants are now a worldwide hit. What used to be trendy back in the past, and went out of the trend for a long time, is now the “it” pair of jeans nowadays. The long, full skirts of the hippie women are now an option for any woman who wants to go feminine. The skirts are now designed in new and creative ways, using different fabrics, and come in various designs and colors. The peasant blouses are also a worldwide success. The blouses are even extended to become peasant dresses by maintaining its basic design. The blouses now come in many different varieties, colors, designs, just as long as it does not lose the basic peasant look. The tie dye trend is also now used in a variety of garments. T-shirts, tank tops, skirts, dresses, sundresses, hats, and even underwear are now tie-dyed. The mix of bright colors has made tie-dyed garments popular especially during the summer season.

Due to the wide fashion arena that accepts almost everything as a fashion statement, no matter how weird a piece of clothing may look at first, fashion can make it seem trendy and beautiful in the long run. As the hippie fashion threads caught on, people begun to look at them as strong fashion statements – eccentric and unique clothes that stood out from the crowd and was closely associated with freedom of expression. A lot of people, especially those who wanted to be unique, embraced the trend fully.

Up to the present, some modern-day hippies still wear the same odd clothes. But they’re not so odd anymore, because they’ve become part of the fashion mainstream. Some who wear the getup are possibly not true-blue hippies at all. We also see a lot of movie roles who sport the hippie getup. It has also somehow become a stereotype, because of the popularity it obtained.

However, no matter how commercialized the hippie fashion statement may get, in truth, it is still closely linked with hippie values. After all, when a hippie getup is seen, it is still known as “the hippie getup”. And it still epitomizes what the hippies stood for. Freedom from restrictions and of self-expression, in that they sported long, unkempt-looking hair without caring what other people may think. Liberation and opposition of the corporate pillars in place, in that they often made their own clothes and went barefoot. Peace and love, in that they use cheerful, bright colors that show off a peaceful, positive outlook in a beautifully free life.

More about → Hippie Fashion

Fashion Brand

Developing A Fashion Brand
By Jennie Amit Gandhi

You walk into a party in a simple ensemble and furtive glances and raised eyebrows are what your encounter. Actually it's all about the brand you are wearing. You are right now making a statement.

That's what branding is all about. One look at the garment and the onlooker is able to relate the weave, work, colour, embellishment style or typical detailing with the name of the designer. Brand positioning is like sitting high on a pedestal and staying there. A brand could be an exclusive colour like white experimenting with all fabrics and yet the designing could get unique. It is like your personality, unique and distinguished.

Branding is a delicate subject. Once you choose a style it remains. Allowing modifications loosely, the concept should never change. Focusing on the target audience is a marketing skill. One has to adhere to a lot of survey in gathering information about clientele, competitive areas, and spending powers of the client. All this marketing techniques are catered to garner attention on the brand. Once the brand is consolidated, demand automatically generates.

For e.g. If you are focusing on apparel for Indian saris, a certain peacock motif or plain style pallu or zigzag gold-silver zari work in single lines would be a nice idea. Ideas seem many and it's a designer's perspective to create that effect.

Expansion of brand creation in the home market and international ramps is also to be well chalked out. Factors of all kinds like finance, turn-around times, talented and classified man power, marketing strategies broad based in seasonal selling, mega-sales and membership facilities is necessary.

Ultimately a brand should be evoking an emotion. A strong sense of recall and awakening from the client should be effectively registered. The creation be it a shirt, print, combination fabric or fashion should be niche, unique and a logo by itself.

More about → Fashion Brand

Fashion Trends

Look Stylish With the Latest Fashion Trends
By Connor R Sullivan

Everyone wants to stay up to date in terms of what they wear. The society these days is very conscious about fashion trends and wants to stay ahead of the competition. Fashion keeps on changing but what matters is keeping up with the current trend. Currently, there are many styles which people are after and these include military outfits such as military t-shirt. Military t-shirts are really popular with those going out hiking, camping and fishing and is a must have for fashionable males and females of 2009. These days, fashion goes with the different occasions. There are different trends for every occasion such as shopping, parties, weddings, outing and so on. Here, let us look fashion trends for men and women for 2009.

Every man these days wants to be a style icon, but with the economic crisis, the trends have returned to basic and classic styles. The denim trend is continuing and since it is cheap and durable, men are going for jeans with washes being expanded and tints being more highlighted. Also fashionable are leather jackets which go with their skinny jeans. Sport shirts which are brightly striped and are stiff collared go well with worked jeans as well. For the colder season, men usually go easy and they can even do with a finely tailored coat that can be matched with any type of jeans or casual pants.

The most fashionable color for 2009 is yellow as yellow represents optimism, hope and a new beginning. During summer and spring, the most worn are clothing with exotic prints and large polka dots. Women look sexy and sleek during hot seasons with their lean silhouettes. Dresses never go out of fashion and for this year, the style is one shouldered dresses. Floral dresses suit women of all ages and sizes and this is the reason they are still continuing with the fashion. Satin and silk fabrics are a craze for spring as women are reloading their womanhood with full length skirts. Ruffled tops gives skinny girls fuller looks, adding volume to the body and is a must have for the thinners of 2009.

When winter approaches, it is again time for women to update their wardrobes. This is the season when women tend to wear clothes in layers and go with excessive accessories such as scarves, shawls, hats, socks, ponchos and so on. The most popular styles of jackets for 2009 are blazers and cropped jackets which go with leather pants or skinny jeans. Fur coats in colors of browns, blacks and grays are in style and look great with ankle high boots.

There are numerous designers who keep on releasing their styles throughout the year. It can be quite difficult at times to keep up with the different styles that are being introduced. However, if you have to keep up with the latest fashion, you need to consider buying clothes and accessories depending on your height and size. Styles keep on changing all year round and sometimes keep on repeating.

More about → Fashion Trends

Mink Coats

Why Blackglam Mink Coats Are Considered The Best Fur Coats Available
By Gregg Hall

Blackglama, this is a name which embodies a sense of comfort, elegance, and undeniable style. Blackglama fur coats live up to these associations and more, as they are considered, and have been for a long while, to be one of the world's finest natural fur coats. Blackglamas are considered an American Legend, and have a history of glamour which would make anyone proud to be associated with, and part of.

Minks are considered the most commercially valued animal with fur, because the quality of the fur is so explicit. Combined with the fact that they offer a variety of different colors, which vary from dark brown to white and include patches of diverse colors on the stomach, throat, and back, it is needless to say that mink furs are preferred by many. The company of Blackglama agrees.

Prior to manufacture, each fur coat is inspected by experts. They do this to ensure that the coats which Blackglama produces are of the finest quality. Blackglama has a reputation for being one of the best in the world of fashion, and they must continue to live up to that reputation as they have for some time now.

The mink furs are so meticulously examined, that every quality of it is examined. Every quality from the texture, density, length, resilience, to the leather which is found beneath the fur (called pelts). Blackglama manufacturers consider the leather to be one of the most important facts when choosing mink furs. Thus, when purchasing a Blackglama, you are purchasing the best of both fur and leather.

The pelts are tested for flexibility, lightness, and a variety of different things. Blackglama's reputation includes not only finding and using the best fur, but also use pelts with flawless leather. With such a built-up, strong reputation, it is a little surprising that Blackglama has continued to live up to its name for many years, and are still going strong. They understand that it takes high quality materials to make a high quality product.

Blackglama not only provides its consumers with great quality, but pairs this great quality with attractiveness. They are considered to be a very attractive type of coat, because as they are well-known for their selection of superior colors. The coats chosen have a color which portrays both richness and complexity. As is probably obvious, Blacklama fur coats are quite difficult to imitate.

Blackglama makers know, and have known what qualities they need to have to be considered a high-quality coat. They have achieved and surpassed the art of producing a fur coat, only to deliver what is considered to be the most attractive, the softest, and the most resilient fur coat your money can buy.

More about → Mink Coats

Wholesale Women's Clothing

Making Profit With Wholesale Women's Clothing For Your Online Wholesale Dropship Business
By Peter J. Johnsons

A wholesale drop shipper is heavily relied upon by its retail partner. This is because they are the supplier of products that retailers and vendors sell. They too are the ones responsible to get those products to their customers on time and in good condition. So finding the right wholesale drop shipper is a must in the e-commerce industry. Because without them, a retailers online wholesale drop ship business will not prosper.

So the best advice that anyone can give you is do your research about a wholesale drop shipper before you deal with any of them. Find that reliable, dependable and legitimate supplier so that you will not regret your decision to have your own online business. But before you can do this, you must decide what products to sell in the first place. After all, you can only know which wholesale supplier you will need if you know the products you will be selling.

There are many plausible products out there that you can choose to sell. The range is very wide considering the number of wholesale drop shippers out there ready to accommodate every retailers and vendors. But what niche is really doing well in this industry? Well, online and offline, the women's clothing forte is always doing good business. Although we see a lot of reports that we are experiencing a global crisis, it really has not stopped the women's clothing market to boom. Still, many people particularly women are still into buying a lot of clothes. They dress with the trends and when a fashion style ends and a new one begins so will women's buying sense. So doing an online business to accommodate such needs will be highly profitable for that entrepreneur.

Once your product is decided, make your research about that prospective wholesale drop ship supplier. Do not be conned into thinking that all suppliers are good suppliers. There are a lot of them that are not and some are scam artist so be forewarned about them. If you see an offer that is too good to be true, it probably is. Just be familiar with the usual benefits that drop shippers offer. Their products are cheap, they store your merchandise, they deliver your products directly to your customers and they take care of the packaging as well. Other benefits can be thrown in as a come on by them but make sure to read the fine prints at the bottom of the contract so that you know what you are getting yourself into when you sign.

More about → Wholesale Women's Clothing

Harajuku Fashion

Harajuku Fashion Style
By Marsudi Suwarnaadi

Japan is not only famous for its automotive and electronic that has already spread all over the world market, but it is also famous for its lifestyle which is extreme and seduce the youngsters' desire. This culture is called Harajuku Fashion.

Harajuku refers to the area in the middle of Tokyo, exactly around Harajuku Station, in Sibuya District, Tokyo. In the beginning of 1990s, it is an important area that connects Tokyo to other surrounding districts. 1n 1906, The station was opened as an expansion of Yamanote railway. Several years later there were various kind of department stores around the place that led to the existence of fashion centers. This area became famous all over Japan after having been broadcast through some fashion magazine like Anan and non-no. That time, some girls groups were recognized wandering around Harajuku area. Their fashion imitated the style of fashion models in the Anan and Non-no magazine. Until now, group of youngsters wearing extreme styles can be seen in this area. Harajuku becomes icon of fashion style rebellion in Japan.

In Tokyo, most officers generally wear dark coats, dark trousers, white shirts, dark ties, dark suitcases, their hair was well combed, and they walk fast because they do not want to waste time. Students wear uniform determined by school authority. But in Harajuku, there is a rebellion of fashion. The youngsters refuse to wear neat and tidy clothes. Their desire to be creative is expressed through extreme, glamorous fashion and hair style. Not only extreme hair style they perform, but also extreme hair color like green, purple, red, blue, golden blond, silver, pink, and ash.

The contrast performance between color, design, motif, size, and the kind of clothes is the specialty of this fashion style. Harajuku style is divided into several types. Sometimes the style is adapted to the beautiful doll from Japan with white pale skin and nice dressing like the doll displayed in the window. This style is called Lolita. There is also a style called Cosplay (costume play). This style imitates the character of a hero or bandit in Japanese cartoon movies. Those styles are mostly adopted and promoted by J-Rock (Japanese Rock bands). The asymmetrical hair with loud color is one of their hair style. The asymmetrical hair is the hair that is cut unevenly. For example, one part is long but other part is short. Or the length on the left and right side are different.

In America, the Harajuku fashion style is getting more famous after a singer from America, Gwen Stefani, created a song that carried the theme of Harajuku fashion entitled 'Harajuku Girls'. In promoting her song, Gwen seemed employing some dancers wearing Harajuku fashion in some of his concert all over the world. The fashion style becomes more famous in many countries. And it may spread to your country.

More about → Harajuku Fashion

Japanese Clothes

Japanese Clothes Could be the Solution to Body Odour
By Jonna Dagliden

Have you started to think about what to buy for your nearest and dearest this Christmas? Ever had friends with body odour, and never had the urge to tell them? Well, soon there will be a solution to both problems, and good bye to the stressful Christmas season. Japanese manufacturers are focusing on developing fibres from naturally-occurring chemicals obtained from plants and animals. They are increasingly focusing on developing fibres and textiles for personal well-being, hygiene and comfort.

Osaka-based Omikenshi has developed a number of health-promoting viscose fibres. One of these is its Sundia branded fibre which has special deodorizing properties. The deodorizing effect is activated simply by exposing the fibre to sunlight for five hours. Fabrics made from Sundia also have antibacterial properties and help to protect the wearer from UV radiation. The company also offers Crabyon branded viscose fibres which are coated with chitin made from crab shells. Crabyon fibres are designed to provide protection from germs.

Another unusual development from Omikenshi is its Kishu Binchotan fibre. This is made from a composite of viscose and charcoal derived from oven-baked oak. The charcoal particles generate negative ions, which are said to create a sense of well-being, to absorb odours and humidity, and to aid blood circulation by releasing far-infrared radiation.

In a further innovation, Omikenshi has developed viscose fibres which contain the health-giving compound squalene - a substance derived from shark's liver. Following extensive studies, it has been found that squalene plays a key role in maintaining health.

Daiwabo, another Osaka-based company, has developed a new deodorant fibre called Deometafi. The fibre is able to neutralize a wide range of odours - including unpleasant odours generated by the human body. In order to achieve these properties, Daiwabo has created artificial enzymes which are able to form ionic bonds with fibres.

Health, safety and environmental concerns, are also a driving force behind a number of Japanese fibre innovations. Three companies -Asahi Kasei, Teijin and Toyobo - have developed polyester cushioning materials to compete with polyurethane (PU) foam in public transport seating and household furniture. PU foam suffers from the drawback that it is difficult to recycle. Also, it generates toxic by-products when it burns. The new polyester materials overcome these drawbacks.

This must be too good to be true. Just wrap up the present and you'll soon have a body odour-free life, and at the same time, all Christmas wishes could come true, not to mention, yours!

More about → Japanese Clothes

Japanese Clothing

History and Clothing in Ancient Japan
By Christopher Schwebius


Japanese history includes alternating periods of isolation and revolutionary influences from the rest of the world. As early as the Jomon period from about 14000BC to 300 BC, Japan had a hunter-gatherer lifestyle; wooden stilt houses, pit dwelling, and agriculture. Weaving was still unknown and the ancient Japanese clothing consisted of fur. However, some of the world's oldest pottery is found in Japan, along with daggers, jade, combs made form shell and clay figures.

The period thereafter to 250 BC saw the influx of new practices like weaving, rice sowing, iron and bronze making influenced by china and Korea. Chinese travelers describe the men 'with braided hair, tattooing and women with large, single-piece clothing.' Initially ancient Japanese clothing consisted of single piece clothing. The ancient and classical Japan begins from the middle of the 3rd century to 710. An advanced agricultural and militaristic culture defines this period. By 645, Japan rapidly adopted Chinese practices and reorganized its penal code.

The peak period of ancient Japan and its imperial court is from 794 to 1185. Art, poetry, literature and trade expeditions continued with vigor. Warlords and powerful regional families ruled ancient Japan from 1185 to 1333 and the emperor was just a figure head. By the Japanese Middle Ages, Portugal had introduced firearms by a chance landing of their ship at Japanese coast; samurai charging ranks were cut down; trade with Netherlands, England and Spain had opened up new avenues. Several missionaries had entered Japan as well.

Distinct features of the lifestyle, ancient Japanese clothing and women is difficult to decipher for the simple reason that it is super-imposed by the Chinese culture. Ancient Japan readily adopted other cultures and practices and most of its own culture is lost among these adaptations.

Ancient Japanese clothing was mostly unisex, with differences being in colors, length and sleeves. A Kimono tied with an Obi or a sash around the waist was the general clothing and with the advent of western clothing are now mostly worn at home or special occasions. Women's obi in ancient Japanese clothing would mostly be elaborate and decorative. Some would be as long as 4meters and tied as a flower or a butterfly. Though a Yukata means a 'bath clothing', these were often worn in the summers as morning and evening gowns. Ancient Japanese clothing consisted of mena and women wearing Haori or narrow paneled jacket for special occasions such as marriages and feasts. These are worn over a kimono and tied with strings at the breast level.

The most interesting piece of ancient Japanese clothing is the ju-ni-hitoe or the 'twelve layers' adorned by ladies at the imperial court. It is multi-layered and very heavy and worn on a daily basis for centuries! The only change would be the thickness of the fabric and the number of layers depending on the season. Princesses still wear these on weddings.

Since the Japanese people don't wear footwear inside their homes, tabi is still worn. These are split -toe socks woven out of non-stretch materials with thick soles. Clogs have been worn for centuries in ancient Japan and were known as Geta. These were made of wood with two straps and were unisexual. Zori was footwear made of softer materials like straw and fabric with a flat sole.

Ancient Japanese clothes, culture and footwear are slowly regaining their popularity with the western world. There is an honest curiosity in knowing more, wearing kimonos or using silk fabrics with beautiful floral prints from the 'land of the rising sun'.

More about → Japanese Clothing

Japanese Steet Fashion

By Jennie Gandhi

While considered by many as daring, outlandish and provocative, Japanese fashion has come a long way from being just about kimonos and school uniforms. Their eye-popping and flamboyant outfits have largely been influenced by Japan's huge underground club scene. Tokya and Osaka is where Japanese Street Fashion is at its best. By adopting a mixture of current and traditional trends along with foreign and local labels, Japanese youth have created their own unique blend of fashion.

Japanese street fashion has a variety of trends and styles. Youth were more elaborate in their dressing patterns and make-up. Bright colours, eccentric patterns, hand-made garments, heavy jewellery, mixing and matching jeans and tank tops with traditional wear like kimonos, is their way of making statements about their cultural influences and way of life. Lolita, Kogal, Cosplay, Ganguro are some of the most sought after styles that Japanese youth display on the streets.

Lolita is a style with many subcultures, such as Punk Lolita, where chains, beads, lace and wristbands are popular accessories along with pink and peach colour prints. Gothic Lolita focuses on styles emerging from the Victorian age such as dark colours, black make-up, heavy brooches, and ribbons.

The Ganguro art of dressing is similar to North American youth trying to replicate tanned and blonde celebrities and models. The look consists of light or dark tanned bodies, bleached or dyed hair, summer dresses and platforms. Their exaggerated looks and outfits, is their attempt at westernizing themselves dramatically.

The Kogal style is where young Japanese women display their wealth through various tastes in music and fashion. Wealthy parents often support young girls who are into this style. They keep themselves up-to-date with Japan's ever-growing mobile technology. They adorn themselves with big boots, skirts pinned very high, dramatic make-up and the latest in American fashion brands. Many see the growth of Gothic Lolita to be a reaction to the materialism desire that emerges with the Kogal trend.

Costume Play, shortened to Cosplay is a trend where dressing of characters from manga, anime, fantasy movies and videogames is encouraged. The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and The Matrix series are some Hollywood films which increased the popularity of Cosplay artists. Japanese youth styled in Cosplay attires are often seen at various public gatherings such as amusement parks, nightclubs dedicated to like-minded dressers and many high profile Cosplay parties.

More about → Japanese Steet Fashion