Apparel – Fashion Tips, Deals & Discounts
Your Guide to the Fashion World
The summer looks of 2010 : what to keep, what to buy, and what to get rid of
Apr 14th
The good news from the fashion world is that this year's Summer fashions will call on old favorites done up in bright new ways to set the stage for fun, bright and crisp styles. You may not have to get rid of much, but you will of course want to shop for some of the latest 2010 Fashion trends to accent your old favorites.
The trend in fabric is in textures, with patterns embedded into the fabrics or created with ruching, folding and draping. Using texture strategically can enhance your body shape, as it will add volume to those places that need balances and control. But toss out those old animal prints and keep those florals.
In keeping with bright and fun, sequins, beads and studs will help make ordinary styles fun and youthful.
For those who love maxi dresses, good news! They remain a major trend for the summer. Keep your patterns and florals (but not animal prints), with colors trending towards grey, silvers and muted pastels being offset by colorful accents or accessories. This is not the years for bright.
This season the cuts are trending towards the 50s, with shirt dresses and shifts working for a wide range of body shapes and sizes. Keep those above the knee hemlines, and toss those minis unless you have exceptional legs to show off.
Pencil skirts are hot. But for those of you who can't wear pencils, pull out those A-line casual skirts.
Shoes trends are leaning towards the extreme—high heels or flats. The midrange heels should be stored for another year. Tall stacks are still the rage, as are strappy sandals and Grecian designs. If strappies don't flatter your leg shape, try wearing neutral colors to match your skin tone to minimize fashion dysfunction! You may wish to buy some high heel clogs. These wooden soled shoes have been shaped into mules. Pair these you’re your favorite skinny jeans and you will have a fashion favorite.
More good news! The crisp white shirt is back. Never really gone out of style, this classic look remains on the top of the charts. Also sailor stripes and tanks will continue to make fashion news. Get rid of the stripes that don't suit your body type.
Jackets, jackets and more jackets are on the docket for summer. Keep your sharp tailored ones, trenchy crops, and consider buying some new classic Chanel inspired designs.
Military seems to be strong trend as well. The classic signs of military—epaulets, metal buttons, trench styles—remains firm on the runway. Of course, the classic colors of khaki, olive and tan fit into the neutral tones of the season.
No matter what your fashion sense, Summer 2010 Fashion is sure to have a style and look that's right for you! And chances are this year, you have most of what you need in your closet already, with just few new additions you will be setting trends with what you already own!
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Is Fashion Week becoming less diverse?
Feb 22nd
New York's Fashion week for 2010, featuring mostly fall looks, features less ethnically diverse casts of models than in previous words. Are we in the fashion world backpedaling? Why are designers, who set the standards for beauty across the word using exclusively, or a majority all white cast when choosing models for their designs?
This is not exactly a new trend. Magazines have been cited as another prime culprit of lack of racial diversity in the fashion world. Fashion print shots, and the highest paid models are predominantly white. Are minorities being intentionally excluded from the fashion world, or is this just an oversight on the part of the designers (or a tendency to keep a consistent look among models?)
Intentional or not, there are hard figures to support the idea that the fashion industry has a predominantly white face, especially in North America and Europe. During New York's fashion week of 2010, a full 85% of all models cast were white. The next largest majority were Black models, at only 8%. Asians created the next segment, at 6%, with Latinas at 1%, and other or mixed races barely even on the register. The result is a hugely skewed model of the lack of diversity within the fashion world.
Some designers, such as A Detacher, Alice + Olivia, and Preen had no models of color at all. The rest used very few ethnically diverse casts. Some designers used only one non-Caucasian model, including brands like Calvin Klein and Diesel.
There have definitely been efforts in the past to reform the fashion industry. From everything from regulating BMI and trying to reduce cases of Anorexia in Models, to fighting the whitewashing of the industry, some fashion activists are trying to make themselves heard.
Perhaps activists are being actively ignored. In 2007, there was a full 20% non-Caucasion modeling cast at New York fashion week. Designers have even started speaking out against models that are bigger than the sample size (0). Is there a war going on between designers, and people who work in the fashion industry? In the effort to find the ideal from to show clothing, have fashion designers stepped over the line?
We'd love to hear your comments. What do you think about the overwhelming majority of white women in the modeling world? What can we do to bring in some diversity? How can we convince designers that we're tired of seeing the same old unattainable looks?
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Alexander McQueen commits suicide at age 40
Feb 11th
Yves St. Laurent, Isabella Blow, Bettie Page, and now Alexander McQueen. The fashion world is slowly losing some of its biggest names. Alexander (First name Lee) McQueen was discovered today in his London West End home by authorities.
McQueen was found hanged in his flat, though at this time, authorities are not regarding the death as suspicious, and will not confirm a suicide. All this, just weeks before fashion week.
He had recently suffered some personal losses, such as the death of a close friend in 2007, and he lost his mother only a week and a half ago.
McQueen is best known for his work at Givenchy, where he was the chief designer from 1996 to 2001. He is one of the most well known, and respected designers in the world, with four awards as British Designer of the year, and multiple international awards.
Recently, Alexander McQueen came into the spotlight more in America, when Lady Gaga dressed in head to toe McQueen for her "Bad Romance" video. Only the most innovative and exciting designers feature in Gaga's world. He has also designed for singer Rhianna, and Prince Charles.
Tributes to McQueen are pouring in from all over the world via social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. He will certainly be missed at this year's fashion week shows around the world.
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Lingerie for preteens? Has Noah Cyrus lost her mind?
Feb 5th
Even without a celebrity family, it would be shocking for a young girl to be interested in developing lingerie with her best friend. Comfy pajamas are one thing, but the looks the young Noah Cyrus has planned are a far cry from footed pajamas and teddy bears.
Noah's no stranger to controversy. Last Halloween, she was seen in a few questionable outfits as costumes. Patent knee high boots, and fishnets really have no place on a nine year old, but she was seen in two such outfits during the holiday when most girls her age are dressing up like princesses or butterflies.
You have to wonder who thought this kind of fashion move was a good idea. Is it just bad PR on the side of the Cyrus agents? Or is it indicative of questionable parenting skills? Even worse , is it deliberately exploitive? Are her parents knowingly using the controversy for buzz?
It's one thing to let a child wear whatever she wants around the house. As a child gymnast, I spent a lot of time running around in leotards and tights. But my parents didn't let me out in public like that, and I certainly knew the difference between appropriate clothing, and stuff that was for playing around in only. I certainly didn’t do a pole dance with all my friends to songs like "Smack That" as Naoh was seen doing last year.
What kind of fashion trends is this behavior setting for pre-teens? Will fishnets for kindergarteners be considered appropriate in 5-10 years? I am not sure if I should be more disturbed by the fact that the parents think this is appropriate, or the fact that Noah herself believes that it is. We can't expect a child to understand the connotations of her fashion choices – that's why it's up to parents to teach children what is not appropriate until they're old enough to know the reasons why.
I can only hope that as Noah ages, she's a little embarrassed of this kind of behavior. If she's got the usual celebrity need for attention, maybe she'll find more constructive ways to get it – like developing some kind of talent for acting, singing, or just doing charity work for people who are also lacking an education.
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Predicting the Unpredictable: The Future of Fashion
Jan 25th
No matter what else is going on in the world, fashion will never cease to be a constant source of speculation, celebration and surprise. It is always influencing, never limiting and ever-changing. That being said, predicting the future of fashion can be a risky game, but therein lies the beauty of the sport. In this fashion-forward, anything-goes world, it can’t be argued that “getting there,” ‘there’ being the next memorable, change-the-way-people-think-about-fashion trend, really is half the fun. So with that in mind, here are a few fashion trends that will, inarguably, grace the catwalks of the next decade.
Green. Contrary to most shifts in the fashion world, experts predict that “green” materials, manufacturing, trade and shipping will become more of a lifestyle than a trend. And really, who isn’t on board with that? In fact, Julie Gilhart of Barney’s has already introduced a slew of green initiatives that she hopes will ring in the new decade(s) of green fashion. These include Philip Lim’s “Go Green Go,” a partnership between Keds, Loomstate and Barney’s, YSL’s “New Vintage,” and Theory for Barney’s Green. The phrase “better late than never” has never been so true.
Smart Clothes. While Spandex and Ultrasuede were the break-through fabrics of the last few decades, the next 10 years brings a whole new realm of new fabrics. There have already been some creative fabrics surfacing to kick off the new decade, such as DuPont’s Lycra T400, which does away with any practical need to wear a belt by creating a type of stretch jean which never loses its elasticity. But, as always, the fabrics of the future will be 10 steps ahead of even the latest inventions. “Smart clothing” is a fusion between fashion and technology (when you can’t beat ‘em, fuse ‘em…right?). “Wearable technology” has thus far consisted of jackets with built-in sony disc systems (made by snowboard maker,
Breaking the rules. Oh wait, there aren’t any rules left to break. The widespread popularity of creatively outrageous and original icons such as Lady Gaga is a good example of the manifestation of this trend. Love her or hate her, she follows no rules and lacks no confidence. This may be a foreshadowing of a more pervasive existence of niche fashion, meaning many fashion trends influencing different groups of people rather than one all-encompassing set of fashion rules. Either way, it’s the start of something new and more empowering for fashion lovers everywhere. Be confident in breaking the old rules and you might just end up contributing to the new ones.
Any way you look at it, the future of fashion is up to those who are bold enough to create it, so for those who don’t mind taking a risk, there’s nothing stopping you from making history. And for those who prefer to watch it unfold—get ready, you’re in for a wild ride!
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Top Ten Fashion Designers in 2010
Jan 25th
The fashion industry is buzzing as the top designers have released previews of their collections for 2010. Unveiled in the Fall of 2009, the world stands ready to cash in on the new designs. All signs are leading to fresh, fabulous and funky for the new decade. Let’s take a sneak peak at the top ten designers for 2010:
Chanel has once again created a moveable feast for the senses as the 2010 line was unveiled in
Mark Fast rocked the fashion world by daring to use normal-sized models in his launch. Continuing on with his classic designs, Fast promises more handcrafted body knits, and vows to keep the costs down again this year.
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How will we remember the fashion of the ‘00’s?
Jan 25th
If 2010 is heralding a new era in fashion, how will the 00’s be remembered? Will we look back and think of it as the decade that wanted to be the 60s again but couldn’t quite achieve it? Certainly the 90s had no clear definition of what it wanted to express. Perhaps the 00s will be a tribute to the resurrection of previous fashion eras that did not understand their influence at the time.
Gangsta rappers made fleece track suits all the rage, as well as jerseys and a mix of sporty urban and Ivy League styles. All this bagginess lost its appeal, however in 2007 when form fitting fashions and skinny-fit jeans became popular among hipsters and Scene kids.
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Finding the Perfect Valentine’s Day Outfit
Jan 8th
Regardless of whether you favor a stylish and demure little black dress or lean more towards the wild red stilettos and a short party dress, finding the perfect outfit for Valentine’s Day is all about combining taste, style and comfort. The fact that Valentine’s Day falls in February may not matter to most living south of the Mason Dixon, but in the north, women must do some creative planning to put together an outfit that can accommodate possible freezing temperatures and inclement weather.
No matter where a girl lives, there are some practical and steadfast rules to dressing for this sexy holiday. Remember on this special day of love, you want to look your best, but your best doesn’t have to mean expensive or over or under-dressed.
When dining out, keep things simple and dress according to destination. Being treated to a casual night? You can still look classy by combining pumps with your vintage tee and comfy jeans, covered by a fitted jacket. Try complimenting this with trendy jewelry, a bulky bracelet or funky watch, and an over the shoulder leather bag. Try a light application of pastel eye shadows and soft blush.
It always feels good to wear something special yet comfortable. For example, you can look very good and sexy wearing dark jeans and Carolyn Taylor Knit sweater. However, the steadfast rule is to wear what looks good on you. No one can better judge this than you.
Fine dining demands the famous little black dress with classic heels and a classy wrap. Accessorize with dangling earrings and a simple but fun clutch. Never carry a large bag with a little dress. Here you can go a bit heavier on the liner, and use a deeper and rich lip color.
For the clubs, let loose with something red or pink, and don’t be afraid to pair dressy boots – but avoid the shiny glittery look. A strapless dress always says sexy. And don’t be afraid to get funky with your eyes and hair.
If you and your sweetheart are planning an active date, don’t resort to worn sweats and old leggings. There are so many great brushed fabrics, and just make sure you don’t make the mistake of choosing an outfit that too baggy or big. Just because it’s active wear doesn’t mean it shouldn’t fit well.
Staying home to cuddle on the couch?
Try touchable fabrics in light purples and plum. What would this holiday be without a bit of naughty lingerie? Give yourself permission to feel good about being bad! But never wear synthetics. Only silk will do. Something in a pale beige or off-white, or, if you must go with black or red, wear solids. Feathers are passé, no matter how fun you might consider them to be.
Not in a relationship?
No need to be blue. Don’t let being single slow you down. Consider celebrating the love you have for yourself by dressing up in your most comfortable, flattering women’s clothing and heading out to hang with other singles. Regardless of the weather, destination or the company you keep, always find something that is comfortable and makes you feel confident, sexy and comfortable, for both you and your man.
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Take your outfit from Runway, to ready to wear!
Jul 17th
Wear runway every day!
1. Let the design inspire. If the classic clean lines of Ralph Lauren’s fall line instantly appeal to you, try and replicate that in your own wardrobe. Keep it simple in color and design aesthetic. Use some of the more affordable Ralph Lauren pieces to complement your existing wardrobe. If Betsey Johnson’s wide skirts and ruffles inspire, try and find the same silhouette in less expensive pieces. Try a ruffled top with pants or a simple A-line skirt. Take the overall design aesthetic of the pieces you admire and translate their shape into your wardrobe. You can leave the fashion forward hats and accessories to the runway, and still retain the overall shape of the design.
2. Pick one fantastic element of your favorite runway piece and duplicate it. Whether you take a fabulous belt or sparkly purse from your favorite designer’s runway show, a signature piece will take your every day look to something spectacular. One key element won’t necessarily overwhelm your entire look.
3. Some designers work within distinctive color and texture palettes. If you like Marni’s textural designs, try and duplicate that at a more affordable price. Many sportswear designers take from the designer’s inspirations and work with the same colors and patterns. When watching the runways or turning the pages of Vogue, take note of exactly what attracts you to a certain outfit, and replicate that in your every day wardrobe.
4. Select what works for you. If the high platforms of a nod to 60s mod fashion kills your calves, or some accessories just instantly scream costume jewelry to you, go with your instincts and leave it! Don’t feel pressured to wear something like the runway designs just for the sake of it being a runway design. Ultimately, you want to flatter your figure, preserve your personal style, and not get lost in a sea of scarves, ponchos, and funky studded footwear that you’ll never wear again.
5. Couture means a one of a kind piece. The amount of work that goes into the singular pieces on the runways is incredible, and those designs deserve to be center stage. They are the show stopping numbers- the larger than life show opener or closer. You can translate whimsy into your personal wardrobe by adding some pieces that are daring, and creative- but some of the intricate pieces are best left to the runway, to showcase the artistry and expertise of the craftsman.
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Wholesale Mens Womens & Childrens Apparel & Clothing for Ebay
May 29th
Ebay has long been known as the top online auction site. One of the leading categories for ebay auctions would be clothing and apparel for the following popular categories; childrens, mens and womens.
Many people have wanted to capitalize on the potential that ebay offers selling clothing online through ebay, however they haven’t found a good supplier or wholesaler to do so. Many people first start by cleaning out their clothes from their dressers and closets only to run out of things to sell. Sure another option would be to start venturing out to garage sales to obtain products, however with gas prices lately this is becoming an innefective method.
We have come to realize that the best method is to find companies that sell wholesale apparel and wholesale clothing in bulk at large discounts. Ultimately you want to become an efficient ebay seller, and finding a wholesaler will give you the opportunity to buy quality items at great discounts. Another great thing about buying wholesale mens, womens and childrens clothes is that you can get items that are brand new for garage sale prices (or even lower).
Imagine buying a lot of 100 brand name as well as brand new items for less than 1 or 2 dollars per item. This is entirely possible and smart ebay sellers have been capitalizing on this sort of thing for years, and succeeding doing it! One of the troubles is that finding a good and reliable source is not always easy. We recommend that you search google, yahoo or msn for the following terms; wholesale apparel, wholesale clothing, wholesale clothes, wholesale mens apparel, wholesale womens apparel, etc. (you get the idea)
With the vast selection available on the internet and the numerous supply of clothing vendors, it is only a matter of time before you land on your own appropriate and quality source!
Some people wonder how those top power ebay sellers can sell thousands of items a month. Well, there are some great tools available for you to accomplish this, a free one is ebay’s turbo lister. Additionally if you really want to sell tons of items on ebay, you must be able to purchase easily and in bulk to meet the demand for your listings. Therefore buying a wholesale lot or wholesale pallet of clothing is a great idea. These lots and pallets usually include a variety of identical items that can save you time in preparing ebay ads!
Additionally, when selling on ebay you must understand that your product name must include major key terms in the product title or product name itself. This is how ebay places you to the top of the rankings. Below you will find a great resource for wholesale mens clothing, childrens apparel and womens clothes.
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