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The world of fashion is an ever-changing one. Almost every day, we see new fashions appearing on the runway and in retail stores. While we see these fashions, there are other developments happening in the fashion industry that are not as obvious.

For instance, silicone fabrics are changing the textile world. This new material technology has given both women’s and mens fashion clothing new assets including better wrinkle and tear resistance as well as water-repellent abilities. These changes are especially important to fabrics used in outdoor and sports clothing. The new silicone fabrics perform better in both hot and cold environments, yet are comfortable and breathable.

Another new development in the fashion industry is the use of organic fabrics. Most people today want to live a more natural and “green” lifestyle. Much of today’s new women’s clothing, as well as that for men, is made from materials that are free from chemicals and dyes that are harmful to the environment. An example of this is organic cotton. While many of us think of cotton as a natural fiber, organic cotton is grown from seeds that have not been altered or modified. The growing process aims to avoid the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides.

Another way that fabric is becoming more environmentally friendly is through the use of natural dyes. These dyes are made from renewable resources such as plants. By avoiding the use of petroleum and other similar products, these new dyes are more eco-friendly.

Many new and exciting developments in the fashion industry are just around the corner as designers and retailers embrace new technologies.

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The 1960′s were an amazing time both culturally and politically. There were a number of important changes and there are still things that happened then that continue to influence our culture today. One of the most lasting impacts was the fashion. Here are the most iconic fashion trends from the 60’s that we still see today.

Men In Bright Colors

Being a formal man was a very somber affair in fashion. There were a number of men who started to change all that in the 1960′s. Men were starting to branch out with brightly colored suits. While the black and gray never went out of style, this was a chance for men to express themselves by being more vibrant.

Mini Dress

This head-turning item that we see many women wearing these days was a relatively new thing in the 1960′s. The mini dress was made popular by a smaller number of women who wanted to express their sexy side. While those women grew out of the mini dress, it never went out of style.

Bell Bottoms

While men have mostly ditched the bell bottoms, they are still an item that is very popular, not just for children’s costumes but with female adults. These jeans are flared at the bottom and are a very cool way to change up the wardrobe these days, although in the 60′s they were a staple of everyday attire.

These fads weren’t what defined the 60′s, but they were what outfitted the 1960′s look. They will continue to be a big part of our fashion going forward.

The 1960′s were an amazing time both culturally and politically. There were a number of important changes and there are still things that happened then that continue to influence our culture today. One of the most lasting impacts was the fashion. Here are the most iconic fashion trends from the 60’s that we still see today.
Men In Bright Colors
Being a formal man was a very somber affair in fashion. There were a number of men who started to change all that in the 1960′s. Men were starting to branch out with brightly colored suits. While the black and gray never went out of style, this was a chance for men to express themselves by being more vibrant.
Mini Dress
This head-turning item that we see many women wearing these days was a relatively new thing in the 1960′s. The mini dress was made popular by a smaller number of women who wanted to express their sexy side. While those women grew out of the mini dress, it never went out of style.
Bell Bottoms
While men have mostly ditched the bell bottoms, they are still an item that is very popular, not just for children’s costumes but with female adults. These jeans are flared at the bottom and are a very cool way to change up the wardrobe these days, although in the 60′s they were a staple of everyday attire.
These fads weren’t what defined the 60′s, but they were what outfitted the 1960′s look. They will continue to be a big part of our fashion going forward.

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The denim vest has always been a quintessential style statement. With so much potential, and the ability to blend with many fashion-types, denim vests are good on male and female bodies.

Denim shorts, flared jeans, jeggings, and many more, denim vests never go out of fashion. Denim vests are a popular wear-ware for celebrities, and models. Denim vests are more popular with women than men.

They provide the flexibility of tailoring it to meet the needs of a woman. Denim vests can be modified to give that feminine look and appeal to women. It can be worn over any girly costume. It still retains its charm and enhances the charm of the underlying dress.

When choosing a denim vest it is important to choose the appropriate style. Over-sized denim vests are a big no-no to undersized bodies. To be on the safer sized, a denim vest with a moderate size can be chosen. More than giving a tight fit, it could give a relaxed fit.

Vests with a lot of airiness in it will need to be complemented by tight pants. Otherwise the science of proportions could make the whole look gaudy. On the other hand, tight vest look good with flowing skirts, or gowns, or loosely fit pants. So when wearing a denim vest, it’s important to understand the value of proportions.

Denim comes in a variety of colors. There is light-blue, off-white, dark-denim, brown, and many more colors. Choose the color which suits best. Looking into fashion magazines should help in fixing the ideal combination.

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Some women love to have a closet full of clothes as they explore what to wear regularly. Others enjoy having a simplistic wardrobe that coordinates to make picking clothes out simple and smooth.

No matter which category you fit into, there are some pieces of clothing that every woman needs for her wardrobe. Staple pieces that make every wardrobe complete, that can be mixed and matched for a variety of outfits for many occasions.

The first is a fitted jacket. Women come in all different shapes and sizes. Jackets do too. Whether you like jean, cotton, or synthetic fabrics, a great jacket fitted for your size can be worn all year to freshen up an outfit, as well as keep you cool indoors.

Black pants are second on the list. Black pants can be worn casually with a cotton top, or dressed up with something sexy for a night out on the town. The fit is key. Find a pair that complements your shape and is a style that you can be comfortable wearing.

A white blouse is third on the list, complement with the pair of black pants and you have a knock-out outfit, with or without jewelry. Blouses can be chic, form-fitting, or plain. Find one that screams your name.

Boots are a necessity on the list. While you probably won’t wear boots throughout the entire year, having a great pair of boots that you are comfortable in will make a great fashion statement in fall or winter. Finding a pair of boots can be tricky, depending on the style you like and the amount of money you want to spend.

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Keeping up with current fashion trends can be tough, especially when it seems that the in styles change on a daily or even hourly basis. However, there are a few trends that have been sticking around for awhile, and don’t seem to be on the way out anytime soon. Many designers choose to put on fashion shows to display the latest collections, which can be a good way to see what might be up and coming.

As the warmer months start, seasonal fashion trends include lace tops and bottoms, allowing a sexy chic look without having to show too much skin. Many of these pieces are even popping up around the office and on fancier clothing, such as evening or ball gowns. Skinny jeans have been popular for a few years, but a more flared leg is coming back for pants, and some even choose to wear ‘70s style bell-bottom jeans. Cropped pants are a fun way to show a little leg and are perfect for summer. For colder seasonal fashion, designers are pairing shorter skirts with opaque tights, and pea coats and capes are a great choice for outerwear. Boots are a staple of the fall and winter months, whether thigh high or ankle length, or anywhere in between. Many of these boots are adorned with fur for added drama as well as warmth.

Jewelry trends seem to be embracing a “more is more” approach, with an increase in layered bracelets and large and overstated cocktail rings. Some runway models could even be seen with multiple rings adorning one finger. Fashion is ever-changing, but some of the classic styles seem to never go out.

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Planning a wedding is an exciting time in anyone’s life, and many are choosing to incorporate more fashion trends into their weddings. The theme of the wedding can play a role in the fashion that will be chosen, since seasonal fashion trends change with the months of the year. Someone getting married in June might elect for a much different style than someone whose wedding is in December. When shopping for this special occasion, there are a few things to consider.

Many fashion designers offer multiple looks in a single collection. When choosing a wedding dress, it’s good to do some research before visiting a bridal shop, so that the bride will know exactly what styles she likes. Some dress styles are much more flattering to specific body types, and some brides are now even choosing gowns in bright colors, such as red or hot pink. A black bridal gown can be elegant, but might not be appropriate for those participating in a more formal wedding ceremony. Each bride will have a different idea of what will make her feel beautiful on her special day, and that is the best way to choose a gown.

When adding fashion to the bridal party, it’s wise to select items that will complement the bride. Choosing a high-fashion couture design for a bridesmaid gown could upstage the wedding dress, which might be disappointing. There are ways to include elements of fashion and appeal without having to break the bank, such as choosing a gown similar to one fashioned by a runway designer. A wedding is a fun way to display the style of those sharing the big day.

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Staying outfitted in the latest fashion trends can get expensive, especially for parents who are trying to keep multiple children clothed for every season. There are ways to cut back on the monthly clothing bill without having to sacrifice favorite labels and looks. Some top designers are now offering lines for discount stores such as Kohl’s and Target, which are usually cheaper than high end department stores, but not a lower quality item.

Many people do not evaluate what is hanging in the closet before heading out on a shopping spree, but doing so can help keep organization and not purchase multiple items that are almost identical. If there are clothes that haven’t been worn in a year or so, these can be donated or even sold to a consignment store or an online auction website, which can help supplement the clothing budget. Some people enjoy holding a clothing swap, where friends and family can bring gently used items that they don’t wear and trade for something that has been collecting dust in another closet. Buying online can also save money, since many retailers offer coupon codes or discounts for combining orders.

Many teenagers enjoy sharing clothing with friends, and with a few ground rules in place, this can be a great way to have access to plenty of fashion. Sharing the cost of the clothes and accessories when shopping, and making sure that all parties will take good care of the items is a great way to start. Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank, but sacrificing personal style shouldn’t have to be on the agenda either when purchasing clothing at a discounted price.

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Many different organizations look to put together special events for mothers and their daughters during the Mother’s Day holiday. It may be that the event is used as a fundraiser or just a way for family members to spend some time together. Either way, if you want to to do something a little different this year, consider hosting a fashion show. There are several ways to personalize the event and what woman doesn’t enjoy an afternoon that revolves around fashion?

Begin with choosing the type of fashion that you want to show off. Try to mix up the styles so that both generations will be able to enjoy what is being presented. You don’t want to lose your audience. For example if half of the models are going to be wearing business attire or a seasoned style of sportswear, you want to even it out with some Coogi clothing for the younger crowd. You can have the models walk out in pairs as mother/daughter or you can show all of the mothers’ fashion and then the daughters’ fashion. The theme, style and music is completely up to you and can be personalized for your specific event.

Most of the time some refreshments are served and you want to give everyone a chance to mix and mingle before you get the fashion show started. You can also ask your guests to bring something that they would like to model or you can arrange for volunteers to model clothing that you have picked out. Once you finish hosting the event make note of what worked and what didn’t for the next year.

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The 1960s was a time of emerging self-awareness, and the fashion of the time echoed the shift in culture.  With the relaxing of society emerged such fashion statements as the iconic mini skirt, go-go boots, the shift dress, the ‘Jackie’ suit, the bikini, and toward the end of the decade, the ‘hippie’ look.

In the early 60s, fashion trends included the famous ‘Jackie’ style of dressed named after the then first lady.  Jacqueline Kennedy was frequently seen in a particular style of Chanel suit which became very popular.  Shift dresses were popular as were stiletto heels and Capri trousers.

In the mid 60s, the mini skirt burst onto the scene, redefining how women dressed in the western world.  This was the beginning of the ‘mod’ look, in which bright primary colours and PVC took over from pastels and soft fabrics.  Androgyny became a part of fashion culture, with many of the women having similar hairstyles to the men.  The mod look gave way to the Edwardian look, of which Twiggy was a popular icon.

In the late 60s, women had well and really begun liberation with the hippie movement.  Androgynous dressing was now a firm part of fashion, and women often went bra-less.  PVC and primary colours gave way to buck skin vest, tie-dyed shirts and psychedelic prints.

Many of the fashion trends of the 60s are constantly recycled into new fashion trends.  From the clothing, to the hairstyles to the footwear, and even the attitudes.  For example, the skinny jeans popularized by Audrey Hepburn made a resurgence in the early 2000s and are still popular today.

Education

Though education is not always required to become a wedding coordinator, it’s highly recommended, especially for those who want to be in business for themselves. There are a variety of accredited online degrees you can complete to improve your knowledge and become more business savvy. This will also help you know how to market yourself to clients. When you get a degree, you’ll learn the ins and outs without having to worry about trial and error.

Networking

One of the biggest aspects of being a successful wedding coordinator is creating a network of contacts. It can be difficult to book the perfect wedding for your client if you don’t have any contacts, and it will also get ridiculously expensive if you don’t have discounts worked out with local companies. Networking is one of the most important parts of this job.

Personality

If you don’t get along well with others, you will not make it as a wedding coordinator. You need to be able to work with not only your clients, but the caterer, florist, photographer, and everyone else involved in the wedding. If you come off as abrupt or abrasive, people will pass this on to others they know.

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French women have been romanticized by popular culture as the acme of the fashion world. The reputation is well earned. French women are known for dressing fashionably no matter what the most popular trend is. They carry this reputation because they know how to dress for their body shapes and take advantage of classic styles to emphasize their best assets.

So what can you do to borrow a page from the French fashion book and become the face of classic chic within  your own circle of friends? Get back to basics and make sure that your standard wardrobe has some of these essentials.

Find a good quality trenchcoat. An excellent trenchcoat – be it black, camel, red or white – will carry you far in your fashion journey. A neutral colored coat will allow you a template to build the rest of your outfit around and a colored trenchcoat establishes your custom style with a signature color. A shorter length will help you maintain your sense of self, especially if you’re not sporting a fashion model’s height.

Do French women wear jeans? They certainly do, but never with trainers or other types of sports shoes. They also avoid the dreaded “mom jeans” and instead opt for a more fitted pair of pants.

A crisp white shirt and a smart blazer will carry the rest of your outfit from the boardroom to the boardwalk. The jacket is even better if it’s a neutral color that sports chic brass buttons that really emphasize the classic look you’re aiming for. Think over-50 French model Ines de la Fressange. Finally, don’t forget classic cashmere.

Decide what your budget will be for flowers, and stick to it! Using a budget will determine what flowers to have. If you have a small budget, you will not be able to have exotic blooms flown in. If you want expensive flowers in your bouquet, select less expensive ones for bridesmaids and table centerpieces.

One way to save money on flowers at Austin weddings is to use lots of foliage. The foliage will add visual volume and be less expensive.

You might want to consider the meaning of the flowers. For instance, magnolia flowers mean dignity, daisies mean innocence, and roses stand for love.

When selecting the types of flowers to have at Austin weddings, look at magazines and books. When you find flowers or bouquets that you like, show them to your florist.  This will help her know what you like and what you want.

Take into consideration how long flowers last. Some will last several days and others will wilt within hours. You don’t want to have a wedding in the morning and a droopy bouquet by the time your reception rolls around in the evening.

Select flower colors to match the tablecloth, the cake, the bridesmaids’ dresses, and the cummerbunds for the groomsmen. Long flowing ribbons in a bridal bouquet add a touch of femininity. Chiffon ribbons add a delicate touch. Wide satin ribbons are more rich and luxurious.

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The bouquet of red roses aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. Nor are they for any typical occasion, whether or not they appear on a calendar of sorts. For that special lady in your life, the surprise of flowers is very special indeed.

It is not surprising to learn that women enjoy being surprised. There are few things like receiving a bouquet at work, when your special lady is going through a rough day. Think about times when you have experienced a good gesture unexpectedly; it doesn’t take much to brighten one’s spirits.

Take the opportunity to choose flowers that she’ll enjoy. If you know of her favorite flowers, or perhaps a favorite color even, that could help you select them.

If you want to express the inner romantic inside of you, couple the gesture with a surprise date night. Flowers do not need to be delivered, you could easily take them to her yourself at the end of her work day, and then whisk her off somewhere. This makes for a great date night idea, one that she will have no knowledge of beforehand.

Equally applicable to other relationships, surprising that special lady in your life with flowers is a wonderful idea. Share your feelings – or just an “I love you” – to brighten her day. Whether you want to have them delivered or do it yourself, and even add more special things to the day, a surprise of flowers is something that you should consider. Let her show off her flowers at her workplace.

They were only able to go once a week or so, which made the excursion all the more pleasurable. This would definitely come under the category of moderate shopping, which is what the research that recently came out recommends.

Moderate Shopping Is Easy on the Bank Account

So, take a leaf from your great-great-grandmother’s book and make a few shopping trips during a month. When you do, use your prepaid card to help you control your spending. When you know that you only have a certain amount to spend, you’ll be more careful in making your selections.

One way to make shopping easier and ensure that you spend the money you have available on your prepaid card wisely is to use fashion websites. These sites can show you the latest trends in fashion and style, so you can mix and match pieces to achieve the latest look. You’ll also get an idea of how much clothing items cost, which will help you determine just what you can buy. Once you have all this information, you can enjoy your shopping trips even more.

You can easily get the product too. There are so many websites providing this facility. They can easily buy things from other countries too through online shopping. It will save your time and it is cheaper too. You can buy cheap things during festival offers. Shopping will make you cheer up.  Women are more attracted to shoes and clothes. So you should always buy clothes that can match with your accessories. If you are going to buy clothes for summer than make sure that you buy cotton clothes with cool colors. You should always choose clothes that provide you comfort. Window shopping is also one of the latest trends in the market. Through window shopping you will get an idea about different products and their price. You will have fun if you are doing window shopping with your friends.

Now day the trend has been changed. Some like to shop with their friends and some would prefer their family for shopping. Shopping has to be done according to the latest fashion. Along with style and fashion the outfit should also make you confident. You can buy branded clothes during festival season through offers. Budget is also an important thing that should be kept in mind before going for a shopping. You can make a list what all items you need when you go out. Celebrities do shopping in foreign countries.

You should always wear clothes that make you feel comfort. You should choose a pattern that fits your body shape. Budget is also an important thing in choosing an out fit. You can go through magazines and online also to know more about the season best styles. You should also choose accessories according to your out fit. Specific brand and styles keep on launching different fabric according to season.  Most of the brand designs their out fit keeping different climatic condition in mind. Designers also give importance in designing clothes according to changing climate. Clothes should be brought which shows your body shape with comfort and should be with in your budget. Printed designs can be used for every season. A printed dress must be there in every ones wardrobe.  It gives a sophisticated look to your body. There are lots of stylish and good out fit that cover your arm and now it is seen more in the fashion world. Cotton shirt with cool colors can also be used for this summer.

Kimono style top are very famous this year. You can wear this top with denim jeans and this will give you a different look. You should choose prints according to your skin color and personality too. Along with your outfit make sure that you choose correct accessories.

So, What Does “Clarity” Mean?

Clarity actually refers to how few trace elements or minerals are present in any gemstone. These are referred to as “inclusions”. The fewer inclusions that are present, the higher the quality of the gemstone. Each inclusion, especially in diamonds, lowers the overall quality of the stone. However, for some different gemstones, this doesn’t necessarily mean the stone will see a significant decrease in value.

Most jewelers, however, want diamonds that have a very low clarity. This is because even the smallest of diamonds can look perfectly stunning when it has a high clarity. So, if all you can afford is a small ¼-carat diamond, it’s all right to ask the jeweler to show you engagement rings with the highest clarity grade.

What Clarity Grade Should I Look for in Diamond rings?

When looking at diamond engagement rings, you want to choose a stone that has a clarity grade ranging only from VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) to VS (Very Slightly Included) to SI1 or at the most SI2 (SI stands for Slightly Included). Anything over S12 is graded at Imperfect (I1, I2, or I3) or Dcl, which means Declasse.

Most of the students are focusing in different area of work. New generation are bringing different and innovative ideas in the work style. They are ready to do hard work to become famous in that field. Fashion designer field is very popular now days and lot of career opening are their in this field.  If they have the capability to show different designs and pattern to the world it is sure that he can secure a good place in this field. Drawing is an important thing which is used to communicate with the clients in this fashion business. You can go through fashion magazines and fashion related books to bring unique design to your boutique.

Some of the fashion designers are successful in this field by bring their own fashion statement. Fashion designers have relation with celebrities, film stars and TV show anchors. This is a common way now to show your designer cloth through media. If you want to survive in this field then you should bring different ideas. The more you do hard work the best would be the result. The clothes have to be designed according to the occasion. Designer clothes and accessories are affordable now days. Mainly people go for such clothes for a wedding party or to attend a special function.

The designers can also help you in designing a particular pattern according to the theme of the function. You have the full right to give your requirement like style and design to the designers. This will make the designer easier to stitch your out fit according to your requirement.

Some of the customers are specified about the design and clothes used to make a particular out fit. When a new brand or design of an out fit is accepted by consumers that means you can have your own label. Some of the fabrics are so smooth and soft that people become more attached to it.

Once your label is going good in the market then you can try different pattern and style in your work. You can launch your own fashion line in the market after doing some research about the fashion world. Before launching your own label you have to be specific about the budget too. Publicity and marketing is also required in this field. Publicity and media is the only one way to get into the heart of women.

You should know hot to sell your own fashion creation. You can open your own designer boutique or a retail store for selling your clothes. You can even sell your clothes through online. Now day’s celebrities are used through advertisement to show off your designs and this is a part of publicity.

If any actress or model is been noticed in a particular dress or design it is sure that your label can get famous. You have to work hard for marketing and promotion of your label. You can also create an event to convince your distributors. Try to understand the customer need and bring changes in pattern and style. You can also try different fabrics through your label. You should be ready to take risk and then design.

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Celebrities and fashion has close relationship with each other. The designers design dresses particularly for celebrities and the designs would be different in color, style and pattern. For different occasion different type of dresses are used by the film stars. These dresses make them more beautiful and they stand outstanding in the award function. The actress captures the attention of film makers and photographers. Some of them choose white, black and red color to stand special in the crowd. Party look types of dresses are specially designed for that purpose.

Now it is the time for award function and you can see most of the celebrities wearing gowns in such function. Designers spend a lot of time designing dresses for such occasion. They mainly design dresses that can be noticeable in the crowd. The public notices style, fashion and color of dress worn by TV actresses and then similar pattern of dress becomes more popular for that year.

Designers are getting stylish and bold with the gowns that are worn especially for award function. The gown worn by Mila Kunis in the Oscar function stands different from others. A unique piece of lace was used to make that particular gown. She seemed well confident and classy when the photographers were taking her snaps. The special gown was showing off her figure perfectly.

She was looking good with out being vulgar and the dress was bringing a new trend to the fashion world through Oscars. Michelle Williams was looking stunning in her dress and also the make over she had done ate the Oscar. From top to bottom her make up artist brought a lot of changes in her in that function. She was looking more comfortable in that particular dress. Some of the dress worn in such parties can be handled very easily but some like gowns would be a little difficult to handle.

Celebrities make sure that the hairstyle and make up should also stand different in the crowd. This year stars used less fussy hairstyle to give a classic look in the Oscar and some provide good tips too.

• 1960s coats. Look for bright colors in an A-line shape. Hip-length is best.

• Skip a decade to the 1970s and get yourself a dance dress in a rich jewel tone like sapphire blue or emerald green.

• The military trend will stay strong for Spring 2011. Temper a cargo jacket or vest with a sweet piece like a pleated or ruffled skirt.

• Yes, you can mix prints, and if you do it right you’ll be on trend for Spring 2011! Just mix prints in the same color family.

• Sheer layers — simply pair a see-through top with a lacy or solid-colored camisole to adopt this trend from the runway for real life.

• Add some Japanese-inspired items like kimono-style coats and obi belts to your wardrobe.

• Preppy accessories are expected to be all the rage for Spring 2011. Think tasseled loafers and striped totes.

• An affordable way to accessorize is bangles. The bigger, the better.

• “Comfortable” is a keyword for spring 2011. Expect to see looser-fitting  tops and dresses, a departure from the very fitted styles of seasons past.

• Neutral tones are hot for Spring. Think cream, camel, and taupe. If you love color, you can always pair a neutral piece, such as a camisole, with a brightly-colored cardigan or jacket.

Rodarte

How do you describe Rodarte’s latest collection? It’s quirky. It’s confident. It’s artsy. It’s dreamlike. Really? It’s indescribable. There were sari-like flowy floor-length dresses. There were house dresses that looked straight out of Prairie Home Companion. There were geometric prints and moccasin-style boots. Nothing compares to  the gorgeous red jacket and metallic red skirt that Rodarte sent down the runway, however. This collection really highlighted a woman’s curves and figure and paid careful attention to narrowing the waist, a refreshing change from the stick-straight designs we often see. No matter how difficult the collection may be to describe, one thing is clear: Rodarte hit this one out of the park.

The Row

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have skinned every animal imaginable for their latest collection. As any savvy fashionista knows, textures have been making a huge sweep on the runways lately, and fur is one of the hottest embellishments this season. Well, the Row has created a new fashion accessory that chic girls are going to crave: the fur hat. Yes, as in a Moscow-like fur hat. It sounds extreme, but the Olsens have made it look wildly glamorous in their new collection– with the possible exception of their tall mushroom-shaped hats with a long tail. Outside of the fur zone, maxi hemlines were another trend. Key colors were black, beige, mustard (there’s been a lot of mustard on the runways this season), white, and light blue.

Thakoon

It takes a talented designer to foray into the 18th century and come out on top– and come out without looking like your collection should win the Oscar for Best Costume Design. Thakoon has oh-so-carefully played with these antiquated silhouettes and somehow made them modern. Think about a 17th century silhouette done in plaid, or a kicky can-can style dress made in a shockingly modern print. It works. Why does it work? We’re not sure, but this collection is not for the faint-of-heart.

It takes at least 18 months to go from concept to final product. Designers look to trend reports to get an idea of what fabrics, styles and colors will be popular. They sketch ideas freehand and also use computers. A fashion designer may open her own firm or work for an existing firm. Most will start as apprentices to established designers or as junior designers at clothing companies before branching out on their own. It is not unusual for a fashion designer to log a lot of hours on the road to attend fashion shows and trade shows, as well as meet with suppliers of textiles and other materials needed to execute their designs.

An aspiring fashion designer can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fashion design. Fashion design majors take coursees in computer-assisted design, art history, and fashion design. Some fashion schools will require students to submit portfolios or complete foundation art classes before being formally admitted as fashion deisgn majors. It’s also a good idea for up-and-coming designers to complete an internship in a fashion capital such as Paris or Milan.

Successful designers have a eye for color and style, along with great problem-solving skills. An aspiring designer must be good at communicating ideas to others and working in teams. The median annual wage for a fashion designer is $61,160.

There’s just one problem, though. There are days when your wallet gets thin. And face it, sometimes the racks come up the same way, forcing you to go full-on retail pricing, paying an arm and a leg for something you absolutely need in your wardrobe. Effective shopping does include a sense of saving money, maximizing the dough, and being able to show off to your friends the fact that you bought that cute pair of Abercrombie & Fitch jeans for only $10. However, it’s just not a perfect world; it doesn’t always work out that way. So it almost seems like the cashier smiles proudly when you end up paying for something at full retail price, as if you’re the rare eagle and the cashier caught you in the net. You’re thwarted. Maybe your shopping powers have dwindled.

Never fear, for Offers.com is near–as close as your computer or laptop. What you have is a comprehensive list of some of the best discounts for any fashion outlet you can possibly think of–completely free to get! Get online and see for yourself. Whether you shop at Nordstrom or Express, or just Target and Wal-Mart, you can rest assured that you’ll look snidely at a price tag, even if it’s clearance, and say, “Is that your best offer?” Come on. So you bring your purchases to the cashier as he or she smiles, thinking he or she just caught that eagle in the sky, when you lay out the coupons, and you say, “Oh, yeeaaaaah.” Take that.

When a potential client contacts a fashion consultants, the consultant typically schedules a consultation. During this initial meeting, the consultant determines the client’s body type and asks them what their lifestyle is like. This will help the consultant in picking out clothing that is good for the client. While a stay-at-home mom will want comfortable outfits  an executive will need suits. Among the services that a fashion consultant might offer are:

• Going through a client’s existing wardrobe to determine what should be kept and what can be given away. A client might find that after a thorough review of her existing wardrobe, she is starting out from scratch, or she may discover that she has some nice items but needs a few new pieces to give her wardrobe an overhaul.

• A consultant can go to stores and pick out potential outfits for a client, who then meets the consultant at  the store, tries the outfits on and purchases what she likes.

• In order to make it easy for a client to put outfits together, a consultant can prepare a “look book.” This is done by photographing outfits together with accessories and shoes; the photos can go into a binder and even be separated by category (work, weekend, evening).

By working with a fashion consultant, you can take the stress out of getting dressed!

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It’s New York Fashion Week once again, and these designers are turning heads with their collections.

Alice + Olivia

The latest Alice + Olivia showing flirted heavily with retro inspirations. Celebs at the show included Vanessa Hudgens, Tinsley Mortimer, Brittany Snow and Kelly Rutherford. Note the trend? Alice + Olivia design for a young, fun party crowd, and these young fashionistas are ideal clients for the collection. Cream, red, black, silver, and brown all played heavily within the collection. Who wouldn’t want to wear feathered hair pieces and long pearls? It was a fun and flirty collection, one that we’re sure to see on young Hollywood starlets in the near future.

Karen Walker

The 70′s are calling once again within Karen Walker’s working-class 70′s collection. Her inspiration was an intriguing one: Wigan Casino, a disco hall in the north of England where the working class’s uniforms were shed in favor of some fun going-out clothes. This isn’t yet another collection based out of Studio 54. Good for Karen Walker for taking us somewhere fun and exciting! The clothes are wonderfully complex: they show the fresh-faced excitement that comes from going out combined with a working-class sensibility. It’s an odd blend of quirky preppiness, but for those who reach for that style, it’s irristible.

Marc Jacobs

What’s that? The seventies are back for another runway show? Well, if it’s Marc Jacobs, it’s allowed. No one has mastered the 70′s glamour trend like Marc Jacobs, and his Marc by Marc Jacobs collection was warm and inviting. Retro prints? Big sunglasses? Mustards, greens, burnt oranges, metallics, fur, tweed? Yes, please! This collection is sure to have celebs asking where they can get their hands on Marc’s 70′s-inspired wide-brimmed hats.

Herve Leger by Max Azria

Herve Leger is bold, brassy, and confident. Now leather and hardware accessories have been brought into the mix. This collection was for women who don’t need armor…but like to wear it anyway. Boots, black leather, and tough-as-nails fashion made this show an interesting one. The colors utilized were simple: black, cream, beige, white. It was a striking show.

While some people will inevitably wear diamonds to an award show of this caliber, some others will allow their outfits and their smiles to do the sparkling for them. Every year is a sort of silent competition to see who can look the most fabulous and who will end up setting new trends for the coming year. Needless to say, every year offers more than a few surprises, and this year’s Golden Globes were no different. Here’s a look at some of the best and worst dressed from the 2011 Golden Globes.

Among the worst was Megan Fox who donned a Giorgio Armani Prive, which unfortunately left a lot to be desired. The sheerness of her skirt coupled with its formless nature combined to look more like a ghost than a great outfit. That, coupled with the “wrappings” of a top that was reminiscent of a mummy, made her outfit less than impressive. Another fashion offender was Michelle Williams who wore a Valentino outfit that resembled a floral print table cloth in a sickly shade of mustard.

Washing those images out of the collective mind, Jennifer Lopez was dazzling in her Zuhair Murad dress, coupled with her Harry Winston jewelry. The jewelry alone cost $5 million, proving that sometimes looking your very best requires an investment. Helen Mirren also dressed to impress with a peach colored vintage inspired gown bedecked with crystals, coupled with a set of Cartier diamond earrings and a gorgeous diamond necklace.

Needless to say, the Golden Globes were a sight to see, both for some cruel entertainment at some people’s expense (no pun intended), and for a look at how incredible people can look when they put their minds to it.

Jeremy Scott

Jeremy Scott dialed into his inner Andy Warhol and delivered a bubblegum-pink pop culture extravaganza. While every other designer was delivering 70′s chic or grown-up glamor, Jeremy Scott brought us back to our childhood. The collection was one word: fun. Models carried animal-purses down the runway. Graphic tees went high fashion. Pigtails became high fashion. Most notably, Jeremy Scott chose to play off of the classic “Coca-cola” graphic design and replace “Coke” with “God.” Clear raincoats and furry high heels? Kilts? Supermen dresses with actual capes? Why not?

Michael Kors

Who wasn’t at the Michael Kors show in New York City? Here’s who was: Debra Messing, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Anjelica Huston, Rene Russo, and Emma Roberts. The Fall collection was set to celebrate 30 years of classic Michael Kors. Tailored coats. Black bodysuits. Flowing outerwear. Flannel. Fur. Cashmere. Silk. What didn’t Michael Kors do in his collection? Kors also brought out older models like Frankie Rayder, Carmen Kass, and Isabeli Fontana to walk the runway. His key colors in this collection were camel, blush, grey, black, and red.  Let’s celebrate and hope for another 30 years of Michael Kors.

Vera Wang

“English aristocracy of the 1930s?” Well, now, that’s a very specific inspiration, Vera Wang. She took it and run with a feminine collection that was sheer, flowy, and delightfully retro without being costumey. Fur and feathers? Why not? Celebrities will be lining up to get her looks that are startlingly unique without being over the top. They’re restrained and well-made. Vera Wang’s aristocratic color palette was comprised of burgundy, mustard, ivory, and smokey gray. Key accessories were scrunched leather gloves and leather platform boots. This collection is perfect for a girl who is undefined by modern silhouettes and doesn’t mind reaching back to earlier times for a showstopping artsy look.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Color blocking, color blocking, color blocking. Lim’s collection was an easy blend of modern silhouettes with neutral color blocking and the key colors used were brown, black, beige, and a cobalt blue (with some greens mixed in). The collection reminded viewers of Calvin Klein’s restraint with a mod twist. Leather was Lim’s nod to the modern runway texture craze. The girls were chic and elegant. To mimic this look, shoot for some leather sleeves with minimalist colors.

Proenza Schouler

Were you a little worried when Proenza Schouler designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jake McCollough hinted at their American Southwest road trip in their Pre-Fall collection? No one expected how cool the fall collection turned out to be. Southwestern prints made for a strong showing with a heavy impact. Bold prints ruled the runway. Fabrics with plenty sheen, along with velvet, played with this season’s love of texture. The key colors were black, mustard, oxblood, white, and orange. In terms of prints, it’s hard for anyone else to top this showing.

Halston

A 70′s inspired runway again? Yep, expect this fashion trend to stick around for awhile. Studio 54 ruled the Halston runway in true 70′s glamour style. The main color palette was comprised of white, olive, brown, and green. Fur and chiffon were key fabrics in the collection. Necklines plunged and thigh-high slits matched many other designers’ showings. The colors didn’t stand out from one another, but the Grecian-inspired goddess gowns certainly turned heads. This collection was based off of Lauren Hutton’s character in American Gigolo.

Hip-Hop music started to make its way onto the music scene in the 1980s. Teenagers and young adults all flocked to hear rap and hip-hop groups like Run-DMC, Ice-T and L.L. Cool J. With the popularity of these groups came the desire by teens and young adults to dress just like these musical artists. People began to search for hip-hop inspired clothing. While some stores could offer similar fashion trends, others could not. It was this demand that sparked the relationship between hip-hop music and the fashion world.

Fashion manufacturers started to notice that there was a real demand for hip-hop and urban inspired clothing and responded with clothing lines like Rocawear. It wasn’t just a style of clothing that hung on the rack to these people; it was a way to dress like their musical idols. However, the development of full clothing lines was a slow process.

Fashion manufactures were unsure of how to approach the hip-hop music scene and develop a clothing style for them. Instead of putting out shirts, pants and other clothing items, manufactures started out with accessories. Hip-hop accessories were extremely popular. People would buy the same shoes that artists wore, necklaces, sunglasses, watches and even hats. Realizing that they may have found a niche market the fashion manufacturers started to design clothing that is based off of the style that the hip-hop and urban artists wore.

Today, fashion manufactures have started to cash in on this popularity by inspiring the actual hip-hop artists to design their own lines. This is how brands like Rocawear, Apple Bottoms, Phat Farm and Dereon have come into existence.

Carolina Herrera

Send a femme fetale gown and feather gloves down the runway and your audience will be hooked for the rest of the show. Carolina Herrera masters the cool elegance found in a Hitchcock film: breezy, elegant fashion that’s never overstated. Herrera’s show was gorgeous and exquisitely edited. Modern women could easily see themselves in her designs, while celebrities and high-profile clients are already knocking at her door. Accessible opulence: that’s Caroiina Herrera. It was clean. It was incredibly tailored. It was glamorous. What more could you want in a collection?

Monique Lhullier

50′s feminine with an oh-so-modern twist: that was Monique Lhullier’s collection. Sweetheart necklines and sugary a-line silhouettes were well balanced by edgy fur and lace. The collection was figure-flattering and beckoned to every girl in the audience. Who wouldn’t want a pair of lace-up ballet-inspired heels or a gorgeous bow-tied waist dress? Who wouldn’t want to look like a modern Grace Kelly with an edgy twist? No one, Monique Lhullier bet: and she was so right.

Donna Karan

In the wild colors, tricks, and gimmicks involved in New York Fashion Week, Donna Karan took a calculated pause. Where others were wildly gesturing with flashing lights, Donna Karan was a breath of silence. Karan designed her collection for a woman who “commands a room.” Not a power-crazed woman at the head of a board meeting, oh no. Karan is talking about the woman who turns heads without saying a word. The woman who looks sexier than anyone else in a simple full-length, long-sleeved gown. Think Angelina Jolie or Cate Blanchett. They’re inherently attractive and commanding and they don’t need flashy colors and head-turning designs to stand out. Karan crafted her subtle collection from cream, blush, grey, and sea green. The accessories were edited carefully and included micro pearls and elbow-length gloves.

Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor brought out her inner Boho girl with her fall collection based around dark, smoky nights in Parisian night clubs in the 70′s. Smokey gray, cobalt, and purples all flowed down the runway. Taylor embraced the current runway trend and played with textures, using knits, beading, and fur to add a little embellishment to her designs. Rebecca Taylor’s collection was excitingly retro and feminine. To match her looks, look for some high-waisted flared pants, smokey gray colors, keyhole dresses, and 70′s pendants.

Calvin Klein

Who else but Calvin Klein could draw in Kerry Washington, Zoe Saldana, or Kate Bosworth? Klein’s show seemed a drastic contrast to the texture, glam, and embellishments seen in almost every other showing. Yet that’s Calvin Klein: simple, minimalist designs for a modern woman. The collection stuck to bare-essential neutrals like black, white, or beige. In a surprising twist, the models were all grounded with thick, chunky platform heels. No one does “easy elegance” like Calvin Klein.

Ralph Lauren

David Bowie’s “China Girl” playing on the runway? Why not? Ralph Lauren toured the Far East with his designs and played with a heavily Asian influence without being costumey. Key colors were bright red, black, white, and jade. Several tuxedos were sent down the runway and white and black ruled the outfits’ main aesthetic, but Lauren was careful to add a pop of excitement in the form of a bright red or green in every outfit. Ralph Lauren’s showstopper was an emerald evening gown that made jaws drop. This collection was practically begging to be worn on the red carpet.

Restaurants in South Beach

South Beach attracts some of the best chefs in the world, so be sure to set aside a couple nights of your vacation to enjoy fabulous meals at trendy restaurants. Some of the top restaurants in South Beach include 1220 at the Tides, 510 Ocean and Joe’s Stone Crab. The chefs at these locations prepare some of the most innovative cuisine in the country.

Recreation in South Beach

The restaurants in South Beach are terrific, but you can’t forget about the original reason that people started flocking to this area of Miami: the weather. Your trip should include plenty of time on the beach. You can choose to lie in the sand and soak up some rays while you relax, or you could try something more adventurous. Numerous rental agencies on the beach can give you access to surf boards, body boards, parasailing equipment and other equipment.

Luxury Hotels in South Beach

Finding a luxury hotel South Beach style that meets your budget limitations allows you to make the most of your trip. The best hotels are located right along the waterfront, making it easy for you to enjoy the activities that interest you. A good luxury hotel in South Beach should also give you numerous guest services that will make your vacation memorable.

Using the Internet can help you find the best deals on luxury hotels in South Beach. Consider using websites such as Kiwi Collection to find low prices on the best hotels. Comparing all of your options will help ensure that you enjoy your vacation as much as possible.

As usual, Oscar de la Renta didn’t do a flash-and-bang show highlighting the season’s hottest trends. Oscar de la Renta may play with aspects of certain trends (textures, metallics) in his designs, but de la Renta once again fixated on crafting timeless, well-made clothing for professional women. Both fur-cashgora and crochet made surprise appearances at his showing. Fur hoods managed to make his models look elegantly chilly instead of costumey or Eskimo-inspired. Ethnic-inspired prints surprised many audience members, as did his unusually silhouetted skirts.  Evening gowns played a heavy role in the Fall de la Renta showing. De la Renta’s showstoppers included a dark blue V-neck gown with long sleeves and star-shaped embroidery along with an above-the-knee golden embroidered organza dress.

Marchesa took its fall fashion inspiration from the pages of literature and old film, basing its collection off of the 1946 David Lean movie based off of Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations.” Specifically, the collection was based off of one of the main characters, Miss Havisham, a rich woman gone a little mad after becoming a jilted lover and as a result has left her opulent mansion go to ruin. Tulle ruled the runway as the Victorian ghost models drifted down the runway. Periwinkle, bright red, black, cream, and a dusty rose were the main colors utilized and Victorian-inspired silhouettes proved to be the collection’s framework. Others seemed taken out of the 40′s era that the David Lean movie was made in.  While certainly not a collection for every day apparel, the collection was exciting and seemed a shoe-in for upcoming red carpet events.