Thursday, May 1, 2008

TRENDS 2008

The world of fashion is constantly changing, more and more designers are looking to the past for inspiration; what's old is new, and nowadays fashion is shaped by all the cultural influences from around the globe. The past continues to be the inspiration for the future but more than ever, designers are concerned about where fashion and beauty trends originate. The styles and trends you will see in 2008 will inevitably reflect modern interpretations of past designs, while also keeping an eye on emerging global trends in beauty and culture.

A trend-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's been 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. Such items as high heeled pumps, slim skirts, large belts, and loose blouses with puffy collars and sleeves appear to be becoming all the rage once again.

Here are some of the latest staples of your wardrobe should be:

* A slim skirt
*
A wide belt
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A slim fitting pair of pants
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A fitted jacket/Blazer
*
Shaped t-shirts (not too tight or too loose)
*
Wrap blouses and dresses
*
Metallic colors including gray metals and gold
*
Items made of Denim

The colors are dominant for the style for 2008's spring and summer are the gray, black, red, white plus yellow. Use these colors to add to your classic wardrobe in unique ways. However, next year, dare to wear yellow and see how it looks. Also go for earthy colors like Brown and Bottle green.

The accessories also 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.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

MOST COMMON DRESSING MISTAKES

I know we all want the same thing, to look great! Right? Nothing can spoil your look more than a conspicuous fashion faux pas (wrong step). Unfortunately, there are some fashion errors that we might not be aware of. So for the benefit of all the readers out here, I point out the most common fashion mistakes and how not only for woman, but also for men and how to avoid them.

1. The Color Issue :

A. Wearing the wrong colors

All skin tones among us are not created equal. To look your best, choose wardrobe colors that complement your skin. Wearing the wrong colors will make your skin appear dim and; lines and wrinkles will be more evident. The lime green or hot pink that you saw on the runways may look fabulous on the models, but horrible on you. Experiment with different colors and stick with the palettes that look best on you. Don't waste your money on clothes that make you look pale, sallow, or washed out.
B. Wearing red and green at the same time.
Honestly, you will look horrible. Red and green are two of the colors that you absolutely must avoid wearing together. These colors completely clash, so just stay clear. Also, it’s best to stay away from green and red makeup. If you decide to go for a green eyeshadow, don’t put on a bright red lipstick. Instead, opt for a clear gloss or a nude color.

C. Wearing too many Colors.

A common fashion mistake is using too many colors. As a general rule wear up to three (or four if u can't avoid to) colors only, for a easy on the eye coordinated look.

2. The Shoes :

A. Dirty shoes.

It would be bad enough if you had shoes that were out of shape, or didn’t match with your outfit, but if you have dirty shoes, you’re making a big fashion faux pas. Make sure to keep your shoes in right shape and most importantly, clean!

B. Bulky shoes with slim/feminine dress

A floral, feminine dress should never be paired with bulky shoes such as thick platforms. This kind of dress deserves a pair of soft, delicate shoes. Anything with a small heel, and even wedges or flip flops.

C. Messy Shoes

Take care of your shoes as they complete your look. Also ensure that your shoes complement your outfit.

3. Make-Up :

A. Too much makeup

Too much makeup creates a harsh look and makes lines appear deeper. Keep your daytime makeup light and evening makeup a little darker. If you are unsure of makeup application techniques, see a professional.

B. Inappropriate makeup

Light for day, heavier for evening, sheer for sports. You wear different clothes for different activities in you life; your makeup should change as well.

4. Accessories :

Wearing accessories is important most especially if you are wearing something simple because the embellishments actually accent your outfit.

A. Too Many Accessories

A common mistake that many people commit though is wearing too much of them. Keep accessories to a minimum. Button or hoop earrings are acceptable for a daytime look. For an evening, make one piece, e.g. chandelier earrings or embellished purse. don't wear a heavy necklace and
chandelier earrings at the same time. always have a key element that draws attention and keep the rest of accessories neutral.

B. Using the wrong accessories.

Finish off with accessories that match your style and don’t over do it. For example with necklaces choose the correct length. Short chains and chokers tend to make your neck appear larger. If you are going out in evening wear make sure your handbag is sleek, small and coordinated, a big slouchy bag will totally ruin the look.

5. Undergarments :

Selecting the wrong undergarments is also fashion mistake. Choose the right underwear.

A. Revealing plain white or black bra straps and thongs
Some underwear just looks better inside. No matter how expensive the plain white sports bra is, keep it concealed. Same applies to transparency level of your clothes: wear white or bra with white shirts and black/colored bras with black ones, and not vice versa.

B. Size
Buy the correct size in your undergarments. as they make a big difference in.... how your body looks under your clothes. Wearing the right size will allow you to avoid revealing-lines, bulges and sagging.

5. Hair :

Don't color your entire hair again and again. At the salon, the stylist has likely lightly retouched the roots when they have grown through and then refreshed the ends. By doing the entire hair repeatedly the color can be uneven and the ends are over-porous. Then the ends will become dried out, making them harder to style and easier to split. Try to apply the color only to the new growth of roots, spread the color through the rest of the hair just briefly (only a few minutes), then shampoo out.

A. Hair Styling products

Use the right styling product for your hair-type. If you have fine hair and you are trying to avoid the flat look, then why do you apply heavy gel which only serve to had weight? Gel is best used thinly at the roots to lift the hair, then comb it outward to reduce frizzy hair and to give you a wet look. Always hold the can of hairspray at least a foot from your head rather than getting it closer and over spray till your hair is so wet.

These fashion mistakes tend to come from people not accepting their body type and wearing the latest fashion just because its popular and I wish you are not one of them . To look your best, always be true to yourself and you will present a stylish confident look that will create the right impression for all occasions.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

CLOTHING CARE

Whether you're obsessed with fashion or just want to go as long as possible without shopping, taking good care of your clothes can help keep them looking newer, longer. You can make them last longer if you care for them properly and there are some great ways to make sure you’ll have that favorite dress for a very long time.

Don't wash your clothes every single time that you wear them :


I know this may sound gross to some people, so I will say that you have to use common sense and good judgment here. If you wear something and you get some tomato ketchup on the front of it, of course you need to wash it right away. When I say you don't need to wash your clothes every time you wear them, I'm basically talking about things that you wear for only a few hours in a day or so and those which don't look dirty at all. Like in the case of jeans, don't washed them every time you wore them instead, try hanging your jeans or shirt out in the shade(not in the sun shine) with flow of Air . They will get freshened up in a hurry, and you won't have to put them in the washing machine.

Treat STAINS immediately :


Stains are one of the most common ways our clothing gets ruined. If you leave a stain until the day you do your laundry it has time to dry and set in and will be even harder to remove. If you wash a stained item improperly this can also set the stain in and putting a stained item in the clothes dryer is almost certain to ensure a permanent mark. Rinse out a stained item with water immediately after the stain occurs or as soon as possible. If the stain is a grease or protein stain you can treat it with a bit of dish soap. Hot and warm water can cause stains to set in so only use cold water until you are sure the stain is gone.

Prevent Shrinkage :

Shrinkage is another common killer of clothes. Clothing that is made out of natural materials like cotton and wool can shrink in the clothes dryer quite quickly. Items like denim blue jeans and cotton skirts will shrink a bit each time you dry them. Clothes dryers can also give clothes quite a beating if you dry them too long and too often. Air-drying your clothes is the best way to make them last longer. Using a fabric softener in the rinse cycle will help keep your clothes from getting stiff. You can dry your clothes outside or on an indoor folding rack that stores easily when you are through.

Sew loose seams or small tears as soon as they occur :

If you have a small opening it can easily tear into a larger one that is either harder or impossible to fix. Replace lost buttons immediately, don't think......"aaah...It's not visible to others". It only takes a few minutes to sew up a loose seam or button and thread costs next to nothing.

Store it properly for the next season :

When it’s time to put your clothes away for the season be sure to clean, iron, and fold them first. Storing your clothes is a key factor. If your clothes are made of polyester or silk or they have shine prints and/or gold coated material, then keep them in a thick bag made of a fabric (cloth), but not in a plastic polythene. If they are cottons or woolens then u can use plastic bags or whatever you want but pack them tightly as insects damage them (especially wool is eaten by silverfish). And please don't keep a lot of Naphthalene balls. You may need to put one or two in the Rack but not in each of the garment. If your clothes contain "jari" or metal wires or crystals, then roll the garments loosely and store instead of folding them.