FLIGHTS OF FANCY | FANCY DRESS & FASHION

Archive for the ‘Fashion-Style’ Category

Dresses are easy to wear and feminine, but separates allow you to stretch your wardrobe much further. Your jeans, skirts and trousers can take on so many differently new looks with a change of the blouse, shirt or top you wear with it. Wear these under your coat, so when the coat goes off, you can show off your gorgeous new look.

So what are the top 5 tops that characterize these trends?

1. A floaty printed top.
After seeing Anna Sui’s Autumn 2008 / Winter 2009, a girl must have a brand new floaty top in prints. Native American inspired prints, psychedelic prints, or pretty prints from the Victorian era. Whichever is most in line with your personal style.

2. A black lace blouse
Blame it on Prada, but black lace is really big this season. At Prada’s Fall 2008 / Winter 2009 ready to wear show, black lace covered virtually everything. Take that element from Prada’s show and add that to your new look. There is no need to go head to toe in black lace, but you can adapt the look with a black lace blouse. Wear that with a black silk skirt for evenings, or with your jeans for the day. Or a pencil skirt for work, under your jacket.

3. A ribbon blouse
Not small ribbons but one giant bow around the collar of a buttoned up blouse. If you can find a blouse with such a bow, get it. That is one of the look fashion editors rave about. It is perfect for Thanksgiving and for attending family functions. The look is sweet yet elegant. Alternatively, you can accessorize an existing buttoned up blouse with a scarf, tied into a giant ribbon bow.

4. A lurex top
Lurex brought glamour to Anna Sui’s ready to wear collection. The shimmery fabric was everywhere. From the tops to the dresses, to the coats. That is one sure way to glamorous your look. Great for the party season.

5. A long sleeve t-shirt
Make that several long sleeved tees. A warmer version of everyone’s favourite t-shirt, so comfy you can sleep in it. Get a good winter t-shirt [http://www.buy-t-shirts.net/wintertshirts.html] made of soft wool or jersey which will keep you warm and comfy and which looks great on your body.

Get these 5 tops to go with your existing wardrobe and you have a brand new look for Fall 2008 through Winter 2009.

Fashion photography is an exceptionally interesting and challenging field. Imagine the joy of transforming an ordinary looking girl into a gorgeous diva. The key is to create visual stories. The possibilities for progressing in this direction includes working in advertising companies, fashion magazines, fashion house, opening a studio or freelancing.

Start a website or a blog and display your collection. This will help a great deal in showcasing your talent globally. The idea is to get your photographs seen and noticed by as many as people. Putting them online is an effective way to do this. And also make a good portfolio and keep it handy at all times.

It’s not essential that you need to have a degree in photography. However, a formal education in the subject is an added advantage. The training you get will help you abundantly. Special attention should be given to factors like lightning and color and a formal education can help you get that. Moreover, photographers need to know how to make use of software programs that help to edit images. Be it a degree program or a vocational training, photographers do require technical expertise.

You can also undergo a training with established or renowned photographers who have made a mark in this field. And in any case, it’s recommended that you begin by joining as an assistant to a good photographer and then gradually work your way up. In addition, interpersonal skills are essential as you have to deal with numerous clients. You need to be able to work with different kinds of people and be sensitive to their moods.

Travelling to interesting places is one of the benefits as a fashion photographer. It is a pioneering job that won’t keep you behind the desk all day long. What’s more is that you get to develop relations with renowned celebrities. Now, how cool is that?

Having become one of the world’s leading fashion designers out of circumstance rather than choice, Miuccia Prada is considered more eccentric and unconventional than many of her contemporaries. She enjoys creating a paradox in her work by combining opposites, whether that refers to stylistic oppositions or the placement of the old with the new, or careful and artful construction with spontaneous pastiche.

A highly educated woman with a doctorate in political science, Miuccia Prada inherited her grandfather’s leather goods company in the mid 1970s. The Prada Company had been founded in 1913 by Mario Prada and was the luggage maker of choice to the Milanese aristocracy.

Miuccia created the first nylon bag in 1978, and the classic simple, black nylon knapsacks with the silver-metal Prada label were presented in 1984. These became a cult item among fashion followers, and a style icon of the 1990s. The move inadvertently launched the craze for fashion labels to produce signature bags of their own.

Perhaps somewhat surprised by her initial success, Prada presented her first ready-to-wear collection in 1988. Considering her active commitment to political discussion and debate, it is not surprising that her design work was considered unconventional: it often embraced retro styling with offbeat color and pattern combinations and made use of both high-tech and old-fashioned materials.

Prada has, in various collections, combined stilettos with thick wool socks, fur helmets with cocktail dresses and tiaras with work clothes. She has described her designs variously as ‘uniforms for the slightly disenfranchised’ (the name given to her first collection) and as bad taste, ‘I don’t make elegant clothes anymore, but the opposite. I make ugly clothes from ugly material.’

Techno styles make use of industrial materials and can express an industrial aesthetic, which in itself reflects cultural values. Prada’s comment suggests that she is presenting buyers with a choice – a freedom to choose their own aesthetic. Her dresses decorated with celluloid strips defy convention, even her own conventions, thereby introducing an element of self-reflexivity into her design practice.

Prada’s spirited and experimental fashions have a wide appeal in the twenty-first century, as they serve a purpose far greater than just adornment. Often drawing on the military uniform, like both Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana she exploits the erotic appeal of sartorial militarism.

An inadvertent trend setter, like Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons, Prada commissioned Pritzker Prize awarded architects Rem Koolhaas to design the New York and Los Angeles flagship stores – called Prada Epicenter – which were opened in 2001 and 2004 respectively, and Herzog and de Meuron to design another, in Tokyo, in 2003.

Urban fashion trends have been around for the better part of a decade, and they don’t show any signs of going anywhere to soon. Instead, they seem to simply evolve; from the bright colors and bling bling accessories of the hip hop style to a more understated and profession urban fashion trend of today. When urban style first met hip hop culture in the 1980′s, the trend leaned toward bright, bold attention-getting garb that was particularly enticing to the African American and Latino cultures. Today, youth from all cultures are discovering the attraction of current urban fashion trends, as a way to break with the mainstream fashion with this teen fashion design and still fit in well in the academic and professional world.

Characteristics of Urban Style The urban fashion trends of today lean toward comfortable style with a touch of spirit. Bright colors and tailored pieces with a cleaner, more professional look have come into vogue. While flashy jewelry is still worn by some, others have moved away from these sorts of urban fashion trends to protest the materialism that the looks suggest. The designer labels that used to be a must in urban fashion trends are not as important as they used to be, and some of fashion followers even find them a pretentious reminder of days gone by. Instead, urban outfitters are looking for separates that are basic, inexpensive and fit well.

The Rise of Celebrity Wear Many celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon of urban fashion trends by offering their own lines of this clothing. Kimora Lee Simmons came out with the Baby Phat brand that is popular in many specialty boutiques and department stores right now. Russel Simmons introduced Phat Farm, Diddy offers Sean John and Damon Dash and Jay-Z offer Rocawear. This has become a popular urban fashion trend that many youngsters have joined, since they were familiar with the names behind the lines long before the clothing ever came into vogue. However, it isn’t cheap to boast a celebrity name on your clothing tag, so get ready to spend a hefty amount to dress like your favorite stars.

Urban fashion trends have come and gone over the past decade or two, but on thing is for sure. This fad has become more than just a fad; it is an entire culture and way of life for many of our youth today. Whether you like the urban fashion trends or would prefer to see them run their course, it appears that this style is going to be around for a good long while.

The world of fashion is one that has the eyes and ears of a vast amount of people; we watch television, read magazines, and stay tuned to see what the rich and famous are wearing from day to day – and we follow suit. Fashion can change perceptions, impact an entire retail economy, and influence a generation. It’s no wonder that more and more people are interested in joining the world of fashion design.

Fashion design entails the creation and manufacturing of clothing styles. Fashion designers work based on seasons – they design, create, and then introduce their line of clothing on the fashion runways. The clothing that is well-received suddenly makes its way to Hollywood where actors and actresses come decked out in the latest fashion to the latest movie premiers. And what happens on that carpet trickles down to the masses making its way to retail outlets all over the country in more affordable forms.

Fashion design can be a fantastic career journey but it requires a vast amount of skill, education, and hard work. Those interested in fashion design should already possess an innate ability to create beautiful design and effectively communicate them on paper. Such creative fashion enthusiasts should be sure to supplement their skill with formalized education. A fashion design school will teach the fundamentals of design, drawing to scale, textiles, fabrics, sewing, and manufacturing. An education such as this can open up many doors in fashion design.

Following a school program – or even in conjunction with a school program – those pursuing a career in fashion design should be sure to involve themselves in an internship or apprenticeship with a reputable design house. The experience gained in this capacity is unmatched and will begin building your portfolio – your most important tool in a fashion design career.

Fashion design can be a wonderful career filled with adventure, creativity, and a chance to influence clothing choices all across the nation and even around the world.

Summer is quickly coming to an end with many people headed back to school sporting the latest fashions at high school and college campuses. Many clothing retailers run back to school sales to attract shoppers looking for the next great style. This is a great time to find excellent deals on Hawaiian fashion to show off without ever going on an expensive trip to Hawaii. Before spending your money on just another dress or skirt think about looking outside the major department stores for great summer dresses to wear throughout the year. A popular online Hawaiian clothing designer is Tropical Tantrum with a wide selection of hand painted authentic Hawaiian attire.

Long or Short Hawaiian Dress

Women looking for a stylish Hawaiian dress for school or work first need to decide what occasions you will wear your new dress. If you live in a warm climate or stay inside most of the time then a short summer dress with a Hawaiin pattern will probably work out very well. For those living in cities that get cold during the winter or want to have a more formal Hawaiian dress may opt to go for a long Hawaiian dress. You also have the option of going with a skirt, blouse or jacket to add to your beach fashion styles even if you live in a land locked state.

Hawaiian Fashion Accessories

An excellent way to complement your latest Hawaiian clothing is to include some accessories with similar patterns. Many online and retail shops such as Tropical Tantrum carry a wide variety of trendy fashion add ons. For example, you may want a matching Hawaiian jacket to complement the new dress, pant set or blouse you are adding to your closet. You can even find very stylish purse or handbag to carry necessities to school, work or a night out. If you plan on heading to the beach then a shawl is a good idea since the ocean wind cools quickly at different times. Finally, don’t forget about a pair of matching shoes to go with your new Hawaiian outfit. Usually sandals or heels go very well with Hawaiian clothes and if the pattern matches then you will look like you walked out of a fashion magazine.

Once you find the perfect Hawaiian outfit for work or school then it is time to order it and try on. Always try on any clothes you order online immediately to ensure they fit well. If something is too tight or loose then you should contact customer service for a speedy exchange. This will help you debut your Hawaiian style on time without worrying about shipping time. Most women feel great trying on new clothes and when you have already paid for them the mood is even better. Next time you are ready for a new style or outfit remember to check out all the amazing Hawaiian clothes available on the internet to save yourself some time, money and gas. Remember to stop by Tropical Tantrum to check out authentic hand painted Hawaiian clothes too.

A fashion conscious person never misses the fashion trends for the year to come. If you are already reading this article, this means that you are interested in what to wear in 2008. Do you like the fashion of the fifties? Well, you should, because it will come back in 2008 and that entire craze will be in style again. As a matter of fact, this trend of the 50s comeback has already started before 2008, so you are at least a bit familiar with the concept.

First things first: the spring summer fashion for 2008 will contain a lot of interesting models that clearly reminds us of the 50s. Baggy dresses below the knee for day wear or vaporous dresses for evening that will make the fashion in 2008. The trousers will be in fashion as well, and mini trousers may be worn as well. Capri trousers are still in style and may be worn with extra large sweaters. However, there is a trend that will mix styles, so sporty style will mix with the chic and there will be an ethno mix, which will result in some interesting combinations. The urban style will thus be a functional wardrobe with sporty details. This highly unlikely combination that comes as a surprise is like a breathe of fresh air.

The colors that are dominant for the style for 2008′s spring and summer are the grey, black, white plus yellow. This color is a problematic color that does not suit with everything, so it must be worn with great care. However, next year, dare to wear yellow and see how it looks. The prints on the dresses or blouses can be floral, but they will become more abstract and even geometric or will totally lack. So uni is back in style. The accessories will match the outfit. The oversized bags are still in style, while the super huge earrings and necklaces will compliment the overall clothing.

The jewels may be made of plastic or more natural materials such as wood or even clay. These can be ethno influenced and create a great effect on the entire apparel, making the body look small and giving an interesting perspective. So, are you ready for spring and the summer of 2008? Get your wardrobe ready for this year’s style and buy some great new trendy apparel online or in the stores that you usually visit. Now you know what to hunt for, just go and get them.

The clothing that is chosen to wear to work is often referred to as workplace fashion. As with other situations in life many people in the workplace seem to be interested in the latest fashion trends and styles. Depending upon your career choice this could help you or harm you. Read on to get an explanation of why I am making this statement.

For women wearing the latest styles and fashions may help them get a lot of compliments but it could also make people think that you are more concerned with being trendy than with looking professional, so you need to maintain somewhat of a balance. For men, unless they are in a trendy fashion store or coffee shop they are usually expected to dress in a business like manner.

The reason I mentioned above that it depends upon your career choice is because if you work in a retail clothing store that sells the latest fashions they will actually encourage you to wear the latest styles. Working in a more professional or corporate environment you may need to dress more professionally and wear more conservative suits and other professional wear.

You also need to examine whether a certain trend or style is actually conducive to your work environment. If certain dresses or skirts are in style that may work well in an office environment but not so much if you are in a work environment in which you are required to do a lot of physical activity.

Something I have seen that is very popular among women realtors in my area is that they wear a business suit with a camisole or even a fashionable tank top underneath it. While this may work in some environments it may be totally frowned upon in a law office for example. You want to wear clothing that will not be deemed inappropriate or it could affect your chances for upward mobility.

Wearing the latest fashions and styles can be fun, but as I said it can also be detrimental in certain work environments. In a trendy fashion store you will probably get compliments but in a professional office you may have people talking behind your back about it. You have to ask yourself if it is worth staying up with the latest fashion trends if it means that it is going to adversely affect your reputation.

I a place like a law office or other professional environment more emphasis should be placed on being conservative and professional than being trendy if you want to be taken more seriously. If you have spent years trying to get to the point where people admire and respect you, you don’t want to throw it away just to be fashionable.

When people felt the negative impact of the Great Depression, designers stopped experimenting because of the lessened demand for clothes.

Trends in women fashion though emphasized a romantic, womanly silhouette. The waist was brought back to its proper position, with hemlines being dropped. Fashion emphasized on the bust, while backless evening gowns became the norm. The female body was modified to a more contemporary tone, while having athletic bodies became a trend. The popularity of having slim and toned down bodies resulted into couturiers to manufacture what is now known as the sportswear. While the concept of “ready-to-wear” was unknown then, boutiques were already making clothes known as being “for sport.”

In the 1930s, Elsa Schiaparelli with Madeleine Vionnet rose to prominence. Both were known for their innovative designs while not shattering the fundamentals of fashion. Schiaparelli became popular with her black knitted white bow. She became known for her exciting designs since then. Some of her noteworthy creations were the desk suit complemented with drawers for pockets, and the shoe-shaped hat. She also made silk dresses colored with flies.

Vionet on the other hand got her inspiration in designing clothes from ancient statues. She created classical gowns that more often than not seemed taken out of a Greek frieze. She also manufactured dresses that suited the body less the unwarranted accessories, in turn creating a flowing and stylish line. By the time she retired at the end of the decade, Vionnet had enjoyed a reputation among fashion industry movers.

Fashion handbags can be available to every woman if you just know where to look. Discount sites sometimes offer only knock-off brands, but a lucky few sites offer knock-down pricing on designer brands and styles! Skip the hassle and overblown prices of department stores and head straight to the manufacturer through discount online shopping. Special offers bring the newest designer brands straight to your door without added fees.

Fashion handbags allow any girl the chance to be recognized and adored. When you step out with the latest in designer discount bags you’ll have plenty of co-workers, friends, and contacts asking where you got that great bag. Bring some additional confidence to that interview you have coming up or look like a celebrity or model on that new hot date, with any of the hottest trend-setting bags available. From purses and clutches to totes and shoulder bags, be ready to sprint from work to the gym to a night out on the town with a classic accessory under your arm.

When considering dropping some serious coin on these items, keep in mind not only what it needs to carry, but also the look you are going for. Designer handbags give every outfit that extra zip it needs to be noticed and envied. Choose the latest styles to accent your work wardrobe, find a hip new color to add to that classic black dress, or add some exciting new textures to an already outrageous and fashion-forward ensemble. Let your bag speak for you and your tasteful, playful personality.

Fashion handbags also mean the latest in trends. Solid colors, prints, polished hardware, straps, and clasps … find fashion-forward bags at great prices without having to dig through last season’s cast-offs. From tassels and jeweled detail to signature patterns and patchwork, stylish bags offer you the runway styles and creativity you are craving. You don’t have to be stuck home leafing through fashion magazines, instead you can find your own stylish bag and show it off at work and play.

When it comes to finding a great gift for that special lady, fashion handbags are sure to impress. The latest designer brands and styles can be available at special discount prices. Also, these stylish items are shipped straight to your office or home. Handbags also provide a great practicality for your gift. Used daily or for special occasions, a great purse means not worrying about all your possessions as you enjoy an evening on the town or a romantic weekend get-away. Purses also offer some fun and excitement in your gift since great colors, textures, styles, and creativity go into the making of a great bag. Always needed, wanted, and offering the newest designs and trends, every woman deserves and enjoys a fashionable arm accessory.

Find the perfect bag for you. Any length of strap, small or large, leather or denim, solid colors or printed, trend-setting or classic, there’s always at least one great designer brand and style of bag out there for everyone.