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Top 4 Outfit Ideas for a Summer Date

Dating can be expensive. Between the fancy dinners, the weekend movies, and all that mini-golf, you may groan at the prospect of having to spend additional money on new outfits to impress your date. Not to worry. Here are four simple summer outfit ideas to take your “spree dating” to “free dating.”

  1. Thrift store style – Before you head to the biggest and most expensive stores in the mall, stop at your local thrift store. Go retro. Be original. Be the Sleek Saver, and shine on that upcoming date with elegant, time-tested style.
  2. Summer hats and sunglasses – It may not be much, but adding a fun summer hat or new pair of sunglasses to your summer wardrobe can shake up your style slightly. Even a baseball cap can be sexy if it means a day outdoors and a smile on your face.
  3. Jeans and a tee shirt – Not every date requires formal attire, especially with the plethora of outdoor activities available during the summer. Who knows. Your date may even enjoy your dress-down look more than that expensive alternative.
  4. Swimsuit and sunscreen – Nothing beats the summer heat like a trip to the local swimming hole or city pool. It may not be the first summer date outfit that comes to mind, or the most used in your wardrobe. It can, however, be a fun, flirty alternative to your everyday summer style.

Whether you meet this exciting new someone at the office, or through an online site like Parship dating, you’ll enjoy spending those warm summer nights with someone special. Saving a little money won’t be so bad either.

Filed Under: Celebrity Influence, Designers Tagged With: , ,

Media Influence in Fashion Design is All Positive?

Media influence over the last century has grown tremendously and ever since the printing presses became more sophisticated with rich colors, fonts and modern photographic technology, the explosion in fashion magazines and what is considered modern and appealing is now defined largely by conglomerates and not individuals.

There was a time when an individual like Giorgio Armani could single handedly influence the future of male fashion and what colors, textures, patterns and shapes could be used to define the modern Male’s clothing requirements.

These days however, individual designers with great talents have somewhat less of an influence on the international stage. Clothing has also become more universal in taste and regional variations depending upon climactic conditions have become less of a factor in determining what is modern and in vogue.

As the world becomes smaller and smaller due to increase in the modern communications infrastructure and connectivity across the globe and the media becomes more and more consolidated due to mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcies and proliferation of online only rivals, the value of individual designers will still remain high but the overarching fashion trends will be dictated by what is published in the media like magazines, newspapers and television and not what is actually needed by the modern families and individuals.

There was a time when bell bottoms were all very trendy and everyone used to wear them across the globe, but they eventually fell out of fashion since they were inconvenient to walk with and there was always a danger of tripping or falling down. Same could be said of extremely high heeled, thin and very inconvenient footwear for women. If you want to see these old trends, or even the newest in fashion, get the new Direct TV packages that feature the best of the fashion industry.

These were all trends which whithered away because people did not feel comfortable wearing them for extended periods of time. These days a lot of clothing is uncomfortable such as loose jeans, low riding trousers which are barely holding themselves on the body around the hips but is promoted in fashion magazines because it depicts rebelliousness and unique defiance.

Media should let the people decide what is comfortable to wear and cheerful to look at.

Filed Under: Celebrity Influence, Current Fashion Trends Tagged With: , ,

Seasonal Fashion Trend Tips

Models on the runway for Ed Hardy Fashion show...

Image via Wikipedia

With the next season of clothing already hitting the shelves, you may be wondering what you should be wearing. If you love to be fashion forward and love to show off the style and cut of the clothing you were, take a few minutes to check out all of the latest styles. You can do that right online of course. The question is, what will you be wearing.

What Is Hot

Preparing for the next fashion season is a big deal. Companies spend millions of dollars researching what the next big thing will be. If you are able to wear it before your friends do, you will be the winner of the fashion contest. Here are some tips to help you.

  • Know what you love. Sometimes being able to look your best stems from feeling great. If you love a look or a style of clothing, go for it.
  • Color is a big thing this fashion season. There are numerous colors that will hit the pallet this year. Most will have vibrant life in them, which is a way for people to feel happy about the improvements they are seeing in their lives.
  • Fashionable clothing and products also will be all about the accessories. You will not be caught without a cute bag.

If you love to look great, being fashionable is the route to take. You can do that in numerous ways. Take a look at the latest trends. What are your favorite, must haves of the season? If you are not sure yet, you need to consider a few new options.

 

Filed Under: Current Fashion Trends, Designers Tagged With: , ,

Standing Out by Blending In?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 31: Lauren Phil... 

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Certain colors look better in certain seasons, designer clothes tend to look better than generic clothing, and fashions do go in and out of style. Following fashions, colors, designers, and countless other “fashion sensors” can make some people feel adverse to trying to be stylish. Many people do not like fashion trends because they can try to make everyone look identical; however, there is a middle ground that can be rewarding without hindering one’s ability to stand out.

While fashion trends change as often as the weather, there are several guidelines that can make you look good without changing your wardrobe every few days. For example, most trends follow seasonal color patterns. These colors vary from person to person, based mostly on skin color and body shape, but there are several ways to find which colors work best for you. Also, following very general styles can help you stay fashionable without having to spend hours every day deciding how to dress.

If you also want to stand out, just throw your own twist into the clothing you wear. Jewelry is very useful in expressing yourself in your clothing. But, if you want to switch it up even more, try adapting a style to demonstrate your unique qualities. Most styles evolved from older styles, and spending half an hour on the Internet can give you a good idea of where a current trend originated and might give you ideas of how to make your style unique.

Fashion does not have to mean blending in. Fashion is about taking current trends and ideas, and combining them with yourself.

Filed Under: Designers, General Tagged With: , ,

The Influence of Media on Fashion

Models on the runway for Ed Hardy Fashion show...

Image via Wikipedia

The media can have an enormous influence on the path that fashion takes in society and with certain age groups. The influx of the internet and electronic media has brought fashion into the home and hands of teenagers across the country. Social networking sites, online news sources and a plethora of other outlets splash the latest fashion trends and styles in seconds. This gives consumers greater access to different modes of dress, what the latest and greatest is and also instant access to online shopping.

Retailers have rushed to take advantage of this emerging source of instant sales and easy communication with customers to help set the next big look in fashion. Teenagers are the primary target of this electronic marketplace and they respond in kind as a strong buying power for clothes. Each season they peruse the internet for favorite stores and styles to wear for the summer, back to school and various other fashion times of the year. Movie stars, celebrities and singers sport their latest outfits for outings, various award shows and related events which are quickly nabbed by the media.

Once displayed, the race is on again to get the same look and for designers to create similar styles. Discount retailers have worked to offer less expensive versions of these styles as well through the internet and media. The media helps to fuel this cycle by adding the latest fashion news and upcoming colors for the season that consumers can easily keep up with. This allows them to stay in style.

Filed Under: Celebrity Influence, Current Fashion Trends Tagged With: , , ,

What to wear as winter closes in

As the days shorten and the clouds begin to close in over the Southern Hemisphere, women usually know that the days of cheerful colors and fun patterns are over for another few months – but not this year.

The patterns, prints and textural fabrics that were summer mainstays have seeped into 2011’s winter catalogs and are providing some welcome relief from the usual greys and blacks.

Layers are always in fashion during the winter months, but this year boring wool-on-wool outfits can be spiced up with fabrics such as brocade, leather jackets, and long or short sleeved chunky knits.

Print dresses in luxurious materials like satin and silky elastane [correct spelling] fibers are vying with masculine military ensembles that have remained popular from last year. Waist-hugging A-line skirts are also back in vogue, but this year the tendency is away from a stiffer, tailored style and towards more comfortable materials that move with the body.

Winter means the old favorites like the versatile trench coat and trusty boots make a return, but this year a pared-back fisherman’s pant is also on the scene, and while the gathered material around the thighs and tapered legs may seem daunting, this is actually a highly flattering style that veils all manner of indulgences.

Chunky scarves, woolen berets and leather gloves are a must-have in the colder months, but to top off any winter outfit, bring out the big statement jewelry. Chunky necklaces and broaches complement layers and thicker fabrics, and when a dreary day is matched with black-and-grey clothes, they can provide an outfit with that extra vivacity to stand apart from the crowd.

abby-stardoll.blogspot.com

Filed Under: Current Fashion Trends Tagged With: , ,

Finding Doll Clothes

American Girl dolls have been around for a long time. If you are a mom, you may have had one as a child and now want to pass the tradition down to your own daughter. As you know, these dolls are not exactly inexpensive. Although you may have no problem splurging for the doll for a birthday or Christmas gift, it is important to remember that your child may want more items for the doll as time goes on.

When your child starts asking for American Girl doll clothes, your first instinct is probably to go to the official American Girl website. This is a great place to shop for the doll clothes, as it will have the largest selection. However, if you are on a budget, these tiny clothes can add up fast.  There are other specialty doll clothing stores on the web. It is important to do a search for some of these shops and see which company offers the best prices. You may also be able to find a few unique pieces this way.

Don’t forget to check auction sites like eBay or discount sites like Amazon where you can find both new and used American Girl clothing. Sometimes you can get a really great deal if someone is trying to sell a bundle of clothes because her daughter has become too old to play with the doll.  If web shopping is not your thing, you can search local toy stores for 18-inch-doll clothing meant to fit other brands of dolls. If your child is young, she will not know the difference.

Filed Under: Current Fashion Trends Tagged With: , ,

Why don’t Americans Dress Up?

There is a stereotypical image of Americans that they do not dress up in daily life and they pretty much go by what is casual, convenient and comfortable. Except on rare occasions like weddings, anniversaries, interviews and other significant social occasions, Americans do not dress formally on a day to day basis.

This always makes it easier to spot a European visitor or a first generation European immigrant who typically brings that more formal and sometimes more elegant dressing sense so common to the European continent.

Italians, Germans, French, British and Russians are all well known for their unique clothing styles. But Americans are not particularly known for any formal American style of clothing and footwear. Europeans often comment that they can easily spot an American tourist in Europe from their clothes.

America has always been more individualistic and hands on compared to Europeans. Americans are more likely to get involved in diverse physical activities other than sports, such as repairing their own cars, changing their own car fluids, and repairing their own houses, boats and backyards.

This hands on approach to life and an independent streak has deeply influenced American clothing preferences which are less formal, less hierarchical and which uniquely put almost entire stress on ease, comfort and speed.

So clothes like semi formal trousers, T shirts, Jeans, casual shirts are far more popular than formal suits, formal trousers and neckties which are often preferred in Europe and Japan. However, due to American prominence in Global economic, media and cultural institutions, people around the world have come to admire casual and hands on clothing as it signifies American and more broadly human desire to be independent, free and self reliant.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

Renowned International Fashion Designers

Some of the renowned fashion designers in the international circuit, in random order:-
Donna Karan – Her “Donna Karan New York” collection was about seven easy pieces which was about working women’s wardrobe. Her collections are all chic, stylish and known for their sleek designs. Donna Karan’s empire includes accessories, perfume, leg wear and menswear.

Ralph Lauren – He markets his brand under Polo-Ralph Lauren for Men, Double RL, Ralph Lauren Home, Ralph Lauren for Women and Ralph Lauren paint. His designs are distinctive and classy and is not limited to clothing line but to furniture, accessories, perfumes and house ware.

Calvin Klein – His designer jeans is what took the world by storm which was sophisticated and wearable. His range of undergarments also became a hit in the 80’s. His empire includes perfumes such as “Obsession” and “Eternity”, swimwear, accessories, eyewear etc.

Donatella Versace – Considered a fashion goddess, she launched clothing line for children under” Young Versace”. She combined her brother, Gianni’s, fashionable styles of clothing with her own rock-n-roll, which was a huge hit.
Dolce and Gabbana – Considered fashion’s Italian stallions, their designs are all about perfectionism blended with style. Their empire includes eyewear, underwear, accessories, perfumes, watches etc.

Giorgio Armani – Not just a designer, he is considered an icon, an institution by the other designers in the fashion industry. Known for his suits, men love them and they are most wanted all over the world.

Hugo Boss – After Armani suits, Hugo Boss suits are most desired by men. They have been dominant in the market for a long time now.

Prada – Her brand encompasses bags, shoes, first women wear clothing line, Miu Miu line for younger generation, menswear, Prada Sport and Prada Beauty. Her designs are unconventional yet chic.

Christian Dior – He infused lot of spirit into the fashion industry; his designs spell femininity, seductive and innovativeness. His brand includes sunglasses, watches and handbags.

Gucci – She is known for her splendid evening wear, pencil skirts and glamorous sportswear. One of the recognizable brands known in the international circuit.

Filed Under: Celebrity Influence, Current Fashion Trends Tagged With: , , ,

Designers Making Mass Go Stylish (311 words)

Previously the use of designers was only done by the higher class people and others were easily wearing normal dresses and men were still making their marks. But with the advent of this current generation everything took a new shape and people started wearing designer dresses. Be it for kids or teens and even middle aged everybody started getting interested in designer clothes. These clothes were like the ones that normally we all liked, good in material stitched well and had innovation in their way of wearing. It made a fashion statement for everyone.

The designers came in and make their profile added with big brands and came out to work for something that made them work like a genius. That is where they became really special and obviously one of the odd ones came out to be the most fashionable person around. Every corner of the shopping malls started to get flooded with fashionable wear. Those who started to work for the sake of fashion stated to get acknowledged. It not only came in the field of clothing but also came in the field of Jewels, shoes bags and many other accessories. In altogether men in general started to look more and more fashionable due to this.

Those who were still now thinking that this is only for the higher classes came close to buy them as also designers started making cloths for all classes more commonly masses. Those who were into more fashion conscious got their new style statement where as those who were into search for more and more comfortable wear got their addresses with the most famous brands round the street corner. This way fashion came into the houses of masses. Everybody got interested in it. Even number of universities teaching fashion came up along with number of students growing every year.

Filed Under: Celebrity Influence, Current Fashion Trends Tagged With: , , ,
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