Old Fashion Girl

Archive for the ‘Designer Fashion’ Category

How Cinema Impacts Our Fashion Tastes

I remember back when I was a kid I really, really wanted a Superman outfit with cape. I wouldn’t thank you for one now of course but it was my very first experience of my local cinema making an impact on my fashion taste.

There are some films which are commonly regarded as being fashion classics which spawned a million imitations but I thought that it would be more fun to look at how the cinema has helped shape my own personal fashion taste.

Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981

Can you believe how old this movie is? It seems like only yesterday when I settled down with my parents to watch it for the first time. I think it was shown around Christmas time and I loved the Indiana Jones style right away. In fact, it is quite possibly the only time in my life I have ever seriously yearned for a hat. I have just been looking at some stills of the movie and his tatty leather jacket was pretty cool too. I think I liked his overall style rather than one individual element but I reckon that it has in some way influenced me since then. I’ve never owned a whip though.

Ghostbusters 1984

Good lord, this is turning into quite some trip down memory lane. I enjoyed the film almost as much as the theme song in this case. I only include it on here because I once went out at Halloween dressed as a Ghostbuster. Sadly I was left completely humiliated when no one had the faintest idea who I was dressed up as. Maybe I should have gone for the Marshmallow Man look instead.

Back to the Future 1985

I loved this film when it came out and if I was given some sort of truth drug I would probably admit to still loving it. I really wanted to be like Michael J Fox but I just didn’t have the hair to be honest. The next best bet would have been to dress like him but I just couldn’t find one of these body warmer style jackets anywhere. Strangely enough, I bought one of them about 10 years later, although I never did get my hair sorted out. I wouldn’t have minded the car either but that’s a different story.

The Matrix 1999

This was the first film I saw when they finally opened a new cinema in my home town. The place was filled to bursting point and I saw at least 20 people I recognised in there.  Had I ever felt the need to wear all black clothing and top if off with a long trench coat before then? No, I hadn’t. Did I feel the need to do so afterwards? Yes, I did.  I actually bought a Neo style coat a few months afterwards although I chickened out a bit and bought a rather shorter version.  It is the last film that I really remember making a serious, lasting impact on me for its fashion element but hopefully another one is just around the corner.

Fashion Jewelry: How to Familiarize Yourself with It

Are interested in updating your appearance, fashion wise? If you are, your first thought may be to buy a new wardrobe. While new clothes are a great way to update your fashion appearance, did you know that clothes are not all that fashion includes? Fashion also includes fashion accessories, like jewelry. If you are looking for a relatively easy and affordable way to update your fashion, you may want to think about buying new fashion jewelry.

When it comes to buying fashion jewelry, there are many individuals who wonder what is the best way to go about researching fashion jewelry, particularly the hottest, jewelry trends at the moment. In all honesty, there are an unlimited number of different ways that you can go about doing so. A few of those ways are briefly touched on below.

One of the easiest ways that you can go about familiarizing yourself with the latest in fashion jewelry trends is by turning to the internet. Online, you can find a large number of online fashion websites. Many of these websites offer fashion tips, as well as cover some of the latest fashion trends in jewelry, as well as other fashion accessories. If you are looking to not just own any piece of fashion jewelry, but the latest piece of jewelry to hit the stores and make a splash, online fashion magazines are the best way to go.

In keeping with fashion magazines, you can also learn about the latest in fashion jewelry by buying printed fashion magazines. Many individual, possibly just like you, prefer buying printed fashion magazines, as opposed to reading online fashion magazines. It is hard to explain, but some people just prefer seeing things in print. The only downsides to buying fashion magazines to learn more about fashion jewelry is the cost of doing so. While affordable priced, fashion magazines can get expensive overtime and they may not necessarily cover fashion jewelry; therefore, you may want to skim through any magazines that you want to buy.

Another easy way that you can go about familiarizing yourself with popular fashion jewelry pieces and styles is by going shopping. Window shopping is a great way to learn about new, popular pieces of fashion jewelry or fashion jewelry sets. If you are shopping in a storefront retail location, you will likely find the popular fashion pieces, including fashion jewelry, displayed in the window of a fashion store or positioned on an elaborate display.

In addition to traditional window shopping, you may want to think about trying to shop or at least examine fashion jewelry pieces online. You may want to visit the online website of a popular fashion store or a well-known jewelry store. One of the biggest signs that a piece of fashion jewelry is popular or in style at the moment is if it is displayed on the front page of an online retailers website. This is a great way to quickly find information on what is hot and what may not be so hot in the world of fashion jewelry.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to familiarizing yourself with the latest trends in fashion jewelry. Whether you are interested in complimenting your new wardrobe with fashion jewelry or if you just want to experiment with it, you have a number of fashion jewelry research methods at your fingertips.

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What to Look for From Fashion Designer Schools

There are lots of people who can tell you a thing or two about fashion designer schools. They may be right- fashion schools may not add up to your talent at the end of the day but you see, the other face of the coin might also be true. That is, fashion schools would not only keep you informed, you will also get to enhance your talents and special interests.

The truth is, having the talents is not enough. You need to be properly trained to get this talent on the right track. One good way of doing this is to attend fashion designer schools.

Like with everything, you need to find a school that can provide you with all the stuffs you need while justifying the bill of their curriculum.

There are a number of things you should be considering in your choice of school. Among them are: cost, services and curriculum.

The cost, both the initial and the extra charges, is probably the major consideration among aspiring talents. Fashion designer schools are few and they can’t be simply accessed in every city. That would mean extra baggage on your part.

How much it costs to attend a fashion designer school, you ask. Well, this cant be answered concretely with figures since these vary from one school to another. Also, this issue is largely dependent on many factors including the popularity of the fashion designer school, the spectrum of services it offers and the facilities it has.

It’s good if you are not bothered with the cost of the school. Sadly, most of us tend to be practical when dealing with things. However, this does not suggest that one should dive fast on the least expensive school you can get your hands on. There are also dangers in this. Remember that with lower price, the quality and the services of the institution suffers.

Now, that leaves you only to choosing between a well-performing school with high tuition fee or a mediocre fashion designer school with much lower price.

Whatever your choice is, you have to spot on the balance. Find the one which can give you the best of both worlds. Surely, there are those fashion designer schools that chose to put income as secondary and exchange this for the main aim of fostering passion in fashion designing among their budding artists.

The services a fashion designer school should also be taken into thought. These factors cover the job placement services to graduate students, a number of scholarships, a well-performing teaching staff and the general competence of the institution.

Last on your list of consideration is the curriculum the school offers. Keep in mind that you went to a fashion designer school to learn. If a specific school can only provide you with the things that you can learn by other means then the purpose of entering would be spoiled. Secure to it that you are well supplemented with the ideals of the program.

Formal training must be the real aim of any curriculum. This then should be combined with a good mixture of theoretical approach plus the application of the learning earned from classroom setting.

The basic offers among fashion designer schools are fashion basics, modeling, sales marketing and fashion merchandising.

These are just some of the many factors that you can first consider reflect on so that you would arrive to a final choice of school that you will be contented with.

FASHION JEWELRY

FASHION JEWELRY

Every one in the world wants to look fashionable. Further, all of us love to look trendy and like to have his / her own identity apart from a crowd of people. We know your appearance and attire speaks louder. But your accessories are also equally important. Accessories like jewellery can help you attain an individuality if you are a person of good taste and also fashion conscious. Hence, identification can be achieved by the style and the kind of fashion jewellery with which you accessorize your self to set up your own individuality.

Fashion jewellery can also be defined as junk jewellery, fake jewellery or artificial jewellery. Fashion jewellery is made up of artificial or false materials like glass, steel, beads, mud, clay, plastic, brass, bronze, iron, etc. Fashion jewelry fills a person with a complete and a stylish look.

Some examples of fashion jewellery which would provide you with a stylish, fashionable, cool and complete look are -:
Bracelets
Chains
Earrings
Necklaces
Rings
Eyebrow stud rings
Nose stud rings
Navel rings
Anklets
Bangles

Each piece of jewellery would brighten the fashion statement you want to make. It would raise the feeling of fashion and style. It would convey you a special and separate identity, style and individuality. So below are all kinds of fashion jewellery categorized which would make you unique.

Earrings ,as the name suggests, is worn on the ears. Earrings are accessories which go along with any occasion, event or daily activity. Earrings make you attractive and impressive. Both for males and females earrings are part of a fashion statement. For males, studs or small brow rings are preferable and for females all kinds of earrings are suitable. Whether long or small, stud or rings would enhance your beauty. They can be made of any shape, any material, any design and with any kind of carvings on them

Bracelets are worn on wrists. They can be a kind of chain, or evaded by elastic. It may be made up of steel, beads, plastics, or many other materials. Any kind of designs or carvings can be engraved on them. It is quite a trendy way to impress people around and make your style and fashion statement.

Bangles are round accessories , thick or thin, and worn on the arm. Whether plastic or glass or metal any material will provide your bangle and then you with a different and unique character. It can have designs printed or carved on it, giving more uniqueness and individuality.

Necklaces, as the name impliess, are worn on the neck. Long necklaces, short necklaces, or necklaces which stay very close to your neck, better know as chokers, are the different varieties of necklaces. They are made of beads or any material whatsoever and a number of chains attached together or different materials, its very fashionable.

Eye brow stud rings-: eye brow stud rings are worn on eyebrows. These are conspicuous and nowadays a popular fashion jewelry.

Navel rings lure women, the navel rings are worn on the pierced navel. The show their attractive navel rings, the person would wear short upper clothes which would make their navel rings visible. These are unique fashion statements and very popular now a days.

Anklets are the chains or bracelets worn on the anklets. This is a very fashionable way to show off you legs, and is also stunning, attractive and impressive. If it has bells which makes sound when they clink to each other it attracts attention.

Thus, the fashion jewellery are very useful in our day-to-day life. It is quite essential to look trendy, stylish, attractive, impressive, fashionable, urban and all the more it would bring out fashion in you. Just keep in mind to choose which fashion jewellery enhances and goes along with your character and persona.

Fashion Guru Profile: Adrienne Vittadini

It so often happens that a hobby can lead to a multi million dollar business, which is what happened when fashion guru Adrienne Vittadini started to design clothes and accessories. She was born in 1945 in Budapest, and came to America with her family after they fled from the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. She was enrolled at the Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia.

The brand name she developed soon became associated with elegance and a more European style. It’s not a staid brand however, and Adrienne Vittadini will often use bold colors for her material. The range is varied and includes ladies clothing, handbags, swimsuits, shoes and perfumes.

Famous persons such as Candice Bergen, Kim Basinger and broadcaster Joan Lunden love to be seen in her creations. She designs formal wear and informal clothes. Jewelry is also on offer, including bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings. The choice of rings includes jet and tiger’s eye designs. All of the jewelry items tend to be understated and very feminine.

You can also buy watches, sunglasses, and the luggage range called Travelware. A complete outfit can be matched with accessories such as scarves, belts and hats. The scarves come in squares and boas and the belts are of various designs, including suede, leather and chain, calfskin and openwear chain link. Adrienne Vittadini thinks of everything, right down to hosiery, including seamless, camisole and fine mesh.

Men are not completely forgotten in the midst of all things female. There are men’s fragrances, wallets and cuff links. For those men who don’t like to shop, or indeed women, it’s made easy with the Adrienne Vittadini online list. You can also purchase gift cards in store or online from a value of $25 to $1,000.

These can’t be redeemed online but there are plans to expand the service to allow that in future. For a special occasion, it’s possible to order items from the Adrienne Vittadini range to be packed in a gift box all wrappedup with a ribbon. You can do this online too, and it’s a complimentary service. The candle sets and perfume gift boxes are particularly popular.

This is a story of true enterprise, rewarded with success. The business was bought by Retail Brand Alliance in 2001. People Magazine had placed Adrienne Vittadini in their chart of 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1992. Like others before her, a political revolution had brought Adrienne to the US, and she worked hard to be a huge success in a free economy.

Earrings -A Fashion Statement Of The Ages

An earring is jewelry worn on the earlobe, usually clipped to the earlobe or fastened through a hole made in the earlobe. This is the piece of jewelry that is first noticed when looking at a person. This piece of jewelry decorates the ear and adds to the femininity of a woman. They are worn by both genders but to a lesser extent by man. They give the finishing touch to beauty and make a fashion statement.

History of earrings dates back to 2500 BC. In those days, earrings were worn only by the nobility. In the middle ages, this type of jewelry had taken a backseat as more importance was given to very elaborate hairstyles and neck pieces. They did make a comeback, and the metals used in the making of earrings were so heavy that the weight of the earrings caused elongated earlobes.

All precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and silver are used in the making of this adornment. Materials such as plastic, glass, and beads were used too. Precious gemstones like ruby, sapphire, topaz, diamond, and emerald were mounted on to the precious metal, giving the earring a more colorful, dazzling, and exotic look.

These adornments are made in all shapes and sizes to suit all types of faces. There are dangling ones, hoops, studs, buttons, droplets, chandelier earrings and many others. There are earrings to go with evening wear, for business meetings, office and more elaborate ones for weddings and other functions etc.

It would be interesting to note that in the days of Christ, it was said that wearing an earring was a demonic act. In India, in the earlier days, the Yogis practiced splitting their ears and placing large heavy earrings made of horn or glass at the time of their initiation into the sect. All that sounds crude with the advancement of technology and ear piercing is no longer such a tortuous procedure and is almost nothing more than pinprick now.

People from most cultures believe in wearing earrings at a very early age. In many cultures, ears are pierced as soon as the baby is born. This jewelry have never been the prerogative of women alone, as men wore them in years of yore and now wear them as a fashion statement. They have become a unisex piece of jewelry. Today the trend of wearing multiple earrings at the same time is prevalent.

The popularity of earrings has stood the test of time. They can enhance ones mood just my making a person feel confident and great.

Diamond Bracelet -A Fashion Statement Of Today

A gift of diamonds is precious and brings a glint to the eyes of the receiver. An exquisite diamond bracelet sparkling on the wrist adds beauty even to the most beautiful woman. Diamond bracelets spell class and there is nothing better than a diamond bracelet to stand out in a crowd.

What makes a diamond bracelet special is the design, style, and the cut of the stone. All these three factors are very important and should be taken into consideration before getting a diamond bracelet.

Diamond bracelets are in vogue today and they come in all shapes and sizes, from the simple to the outrageous. Tennis bracelets, charm bracelets, bangle bracelets, link bracelets, heart bracelet, chain bracelets, rope bracelets, cuff bracelets, mesh bracelets are some of the varieties of diamond bracelets, the most popular being the tennis bracelets and charm bracelets.

Tennis bracelets are nothing but thin line diamond bracelets, which owe their name to Chris Evert, the tennis star. During a US Open match, she was wearing an in-line thin diamond bracelet and it slipped while playing. The game had to be stopped for a while, as she searched for it. Now they are better known as tennis bracelets and are worn by other tennis players too. The charm diamond bracelets are beautiful as they hang gracefully from the wrist and are noticed by everyone around. The metals used are gold, sterling silver, platinum, rhodium, white gold, rose gold, and titanium.

When looking for a diamond bracelet, you should look for a GIA certified diamond sign. GIA is Gemological Institute of America and provides you the assurance that you are getting good quality diamonds. The 4Cs of diamonds are the cut, clarity, color, and carat. Carat is the size of the diamonds. If the diamond bracelet is set with bigger diamonds, the price will be higher. Asking the jeweler to provide with the certification detailing the 4Cs of the diamonds in the bracelet is essential.

It is also important to understand diamond grading. They are graded from D to Z, with D being the rarest diamond. A diamond should be colorless. Light should reflect the brilliance of the diamonds in the bracelet. Diamond bracelets that are guaranteed show no visible color and are genuine.

Diamond bracelets are a perfect gift to give someone you love. There is no need of an occasion to gift a diamond. Diamonds may be expensive but if one can afford them, there is nothing that can compare. When diamonds are arranged with other precious stones like emerald, topaz, sapphire, citrine, or ruby, they are even more colorful and beautiful.

Designer Handbags

With the urban rich adopting the attitude, have money will spend, premium luxury brands are making a beeline for the high-end segment. Ladies are increasingly investing in fashion accessories, particularly designer handbags.

With an increase in disposable income, the potential is enormous. The biggest draw, though, is what the industry terms the image factor. Brand image has different connotations for different people. For young, it’s being in; for the upper middle-class segment, its creating pockets of wealth in their lives; and for the affluent, it’s an assertion of their class.

When we establish a physical presence in any country, our target is long-term success, and not immediate returns; but we usually develop a strong customer base within a short time, comments Prasanna Bhaskar, Retail Manager, Louis Vuitton. About 300 Suhali Goat Leather Handbags priced at $2,893.96 were dispatched to a burgeoning market like India, but it turned out to be a gross underestimate of the demand; the entire collection sold out within two months. Bhaskar attributes this to the desire to associate with a well-known, high-end brand.

Another hot seller is a Marc Jacobs Quilted Venetia handbag in vintage-inspired quilted leather. Priced at $1,200.00, the leather is complemented by brass hardware and luxe-suede interiors. The young at heart are snapping up Marc Jacobs Quilted Denim Large Hobo Banana priced at $875.00. Everything about this Italian hobo, from the chunky brass straps to the slant zip pockets, makes it irresistible; the quilted denim is teamed with topstitched leather and signature hardware. Prada Lock Tote is in demand, too, and is characterized by antique leather trim, front flap, signature lock closure, and magnetic-snap front pockets.

Designer Cufflinks: Wearable By Design

It seems to you you’ve spent half your life waiting to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “Mona Lisa” in person. You have read virtually every book and article about the mystique surrounding the work. You saw “The da Vinci Code” thirty times, which is probably a world record. On several occasions, you have burnt the midnight oil studying reprints of the artwork. Now here you are — in Paris’ Louvre Museum, standing in front of one of the world’s most famous artworks! Your eyes zoom in on the magnum opus like a microscope, examining the details of the painting, inch-by-inch. You realize that something is wrong with Mona Lisa’s smile, but you find it hard to put a finger on it. Then, it hits you what the problem is. Her mouth is missing! A detail missing from such a masterpiece is like a formal outfit without the perfect designer cufflinks.

More than Mere Details
The brilliance of artwork masterpieces is in the details. In another of da Vinci’s works, “The Last Supper,” the artist includes extra details of the background, which provide the work with increased depth and realism. Each of Jesus’ apostles displays a different reaction to their leader’s words. In addition, Michelangelo needed four years to complete the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which includes one of his most renowned works, “The Creation of Adam.” The artwork meticulously shows the artist’s familiarity with the human body. Similarly, while a man’s formal outfit might not take four years to complete, its designer cufflinks must be chosen carefully to make the ensemble a masterpiece. The set of cufflinks puts the finishing touch on a work-in-progress that includes a shirt, a suit, a belt, socks, and shoes.

Shaping Up to Be a Masterpiece
In painting, the use of shapes is one of the numerous methods to perfecting details. For instance, some medical experts have indicated that in “The Creation of Adam,” the shapes and figures behind God form a human brain. If this were true, it would reveal the artist’s mastery in manipulating objects in artwork, to create shapes of other known objects. Also, in Georges Braque’s “Woman with a Guitar,” the artist expertly uses cubism to create his unique yet effective portrayal. Likewise, designer cufflinks can come in limitless shapes, from simple oval and square, to palm trees and faucets.

Mass Media
As important as the painting itself is what the painting is painted on. Masterpieces can be created using numerous media, including watercolor, pastel, oil, ink, fresco, and acrylic. For example, Claude Monet painted “Woman in the Garden” using oil. While Michelangelo’s artwork on the Sistine Chapel was done using frescos, in modern times, perhaps he would have used his talent to create the newest CGI animation blockbuster. In the same way, designer cufflinks can contain an array of materials, including fine stones, silver, gold, and even diamonds!

Soup and Superheroes
Finally, remember that details on a medium create the big picture. When an artist sits down in front of a white surface, his imagination alone limits what he can create. Vincent van Gogh painted sunflowers. Andy Warhol painted soup cans. Edvard Munch painted a screaming dude with a very bad hair day. In choosing designer cufflinks, the sky is the limit! Basic designs include your first name’s initial or naturally paired words. If you feel a little more expressive, go for the superhero or sports team logo. If you want truly wacky designer cufflinks, choose the telephone or acorn models.

A masterpiece does not happen by mistake. It requires great vision, planning, and attention to detail. Designer cufflinks are the same. A lot of vision, planning, and attention to detail go into their selection. It’s all worth it, however, because designer cufflinks make each suit you wear a singular modern masterpiece.

Dealing with Your Teenager and the Latest Fashion Trends

Are you the parent of a teenager? If you are, you likely already know that many teens want to look their best, at least fashion wise. For that reason, many teens keep up on the latest fashion tends and use them. While this is okay in some aspects, it can result in your teenager wearing baggy pants showing their boxers or revealing shirts that show off too much cleavage. While these do seem to be popular fashion trends, do you really want your child displaying them? If not, you may be wondering what you should do.

When it comes to your teenager and fashion trends that you may not necessarily approve of, your first thought may be to lay down the law. As a parent, this is your right to do, but did you know that you may actually end up causing more damage? Do you remember what it was like being a teenager? If you were like most teenagers, there was a good chance that the last thing you wanted was to be told how to dress by your parents and the same is likely so for your own teen. That is why you may want to think about taking a different approach.

One of the many instances where you should speak to your child about their fashions is if it may end up causing them some harm. As previously mentioned, many of the latest fashion trends for women and for girls are low cut shirts and low rise pants. This often ends up leaving a good portion of the body exposed. In todays society, you always need to be on the lookout for sexual predators. While your teenager may not necessarily be interested in someone, someone may actually end up getting that type feeling from them. This could put your teenager in a weird and possibly dangerous situation. If that is the case, you may want to take the time to explain that, as it may sink in better than if you were just to say change your clothes; you cant wear that.

It is also important that both you and your teenager remember that fashion trends regularly change. It is not uncommon for a fashion trend to only last a few months. If you are not happy with the current fashion trends, but your teenagers are, you may want to encourage them to explore other options. There are a number of fashion magazines and online fashion websites that have a large number of fashion trends and information on those trends. Not all fashion trends require the wearing of skimpy, clothing. For that reason, you may want to explore other options. If your teenager is a girl, it could actually turn into a neat mother daughter bonding experience between the two of you.

Something else that you may not necessarily think about, but should, is if your child goes to high school. Many high schools have dress codes and these dress codes often prohibit the wearing of revealing clothing. While not all schools actively enforce their dress codes, many out there do. Like with being told not wear certain clothes by their parents, many teenagers may feel angered being told by school officials. For that reason, you may want to take action before anything serious happens that could seriously jeopardize your child and their school records. It is not uncommon to hear of instances where children are suspended from school due to not following the schools dress code.

In short, teenagers and fashion are something that just seems to click together. While it is important for your teenager to fit in with others and be popular at school, they do not necessarily have to be wearing the hottest, clothes or fashion accessories to do so. They may not necessarily understand it at the time, but as a parent it is your job to help them and keep them safe.

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