Fashion Merchandising
Fashion merchandising is an interesting career option for those of you who are interested not only in fashion design, but also the business activities involved in this field. When pursuing fashion merchandising as a career, you should know that simply a passion for fashion is not enough. You have to be passionate about what you do, and there is a lot of action involved in the business front. Simply put, the fashion industry is not as glamorous as it appears, and in careers such as fashion merchandising, the glamor is extremely low, and the hard work involved, equally high. What do fashion merchandising jobs entail? Let’s take a look.
Fashion Merchandising: Job Description
The prime job of a fashion merchandiser is to bring together all areas of the fashion biz and manage it. The main roles involved are those of designing, development of new and unique products, production, and creating and developing sales and marketing plans. While these are the broad roles, some fashion merchandisers have specific roles pertaining to one particular area. In detail, the following are the key roles played by fashion merchandisers.
Attending various fashion shows to pick up the latest in style and utilizing this knowledge in the development of new products.
Analyzing and predicting trends and fashion clothing styles, and collaborating with fashion designers to create and introduce new and unique products in the fashion industry.
Working with suppliers to strike cost effective deals for production.Developing marketing strategies that will enhance overall sales.
Working in close contact with other professionals in the fashion industry.
Managing the retail store by designing the store layout and engaging in visual merchandising (enhancing sales through store displays).
Working in close contact with the media, by utilizing photography, magazine publications, and other such techniques to promote new products and the store.
Analyzing fashion trends to develop products to cater to a target or niche market.
As you can see, designing is only one aspect of fashion merchandising, and there is a lot more involved in this career field. All these skills will be taught to you at fashion merchandising schools/colleges. However, these skills really be developed and honed only when on the job. A school cannot prepare you for real life situations and issues that you may have to face on the job. However, it will give you a strong knowledge base to be able to analyze and effectively deal with the situation.
While most of the requirements for your job as a fashion merchandiser are taught to you at school, you do require some basic skills that will give you the edge in this job. For one, you must have a strong passion not only for fashion, but also for business and finance. As you can see, this job is not only about designing apparel, it also includes a host of other functions that are as essential. It would be helpful if you had good communication skills because a lot of this job depends on clear and effective communication. Analytical skills to predict upcoming trends in the fashion industry are important, as are creative thinking abilities to apply this knowledge in a unique manner. It is also important that you have the knowledge of the history of fashion and its various trends over time. Having good decision making and problem solving skills are imperative, though these are skills that are learned by experience. Knowledge of brands that make up the fashion industry is important, and if you do have a true passion for fashion, you would probably already know about what’s hot and what’s not. Apart from these, certain skills that will be taught to you in school are accounting skills, use of basic softwares such as MS Office, the basics of colors and design, and marketing skills.
Fashion Merchandising: Employment and Salary Outlook
As much as the fashion industry continues to grow, the job outlook for those wishing to enter this the many careers in fashion designing, including fashion merchandising, is not that bright. This is because the demand for professionals in this industry is lesser than the number of people available to fill up these positions. This still does not mean that you cannot pursue fashion merchandising as a career. If you do have a true passion for this field, there is no reason this should dissuade you from pursuing your dream career. The idea is to be as creative and innovative as possible. Your personal talent, skills and abilities are what will get you a good fashion merchandising salary, and will give you an edge over your peers in this field.
As long as you are sure that you are meant for the fashion industry, nothing should dissuade you from pursuing any of the many careers, including fashion merchandising, and making the amount of money you truly deserve.
Fashion Lab Coats – New Trends And Styles
Fashion lab coats for women come in a variety of shapes and sizes and sometimes colors. No longer do the women who work in hospitals, laboratories, doctors offices, dentists offices and veterinarians offices have to settle for plain white lab coats that just hang on them. Or even worse the unisex lab coats that look better on the men and the women.
Fashion lab coats now come with pleats and darts that help accentuate your figure and make you feel more feminine in your lab coat. Even the full-length long lab coats that come to your knees are shapelier as a fashion lab coat than the plain white lab coats of yesteryears.
Embroidered collar and embroidered along the pocket flaps make a fashion statement on the small fashion lab coats that are sometimes called consultation lab coats. They are more like a jacket and are used mostly by women doctors when consulting with patients in the hospital. Nurses or nonmedical staff also wears these fashion lab coats with the embroidery along the collar and pockets. These fashion lab coats are very feminine and have darts in the back to make them more formfitting.
Another manufacturer makes fashion lab coats that has eyelet lace along the collar and at the end of both three-quarter inch sleeves. These are very fashionable lab coats, and are a shorter version of the long lab coat however this lab coat with the eyelet lace is more formfitting with darts and pleats and rounded edges at the bottom.
One of the latest fashion lab coats is a jewel neck long lab coat with pleats on the sleeves and at the end of the sleeves is knitted cuffs. This fashionable long lab coat is cinched in the back to help form fit the lab coat to your figure.
The majority of the fashion lab coats have rounded edges versus the squared edges of the normal white lab coats or the unisex lab coats. These rounded edges make the lab coats softer looking and when you add the princess seaming, the entire lab coats look more feminine and fashionable.
Fashion lab coats for women also come in a variety of colors. There are the fashionable light colors such as yellow, violet, pink, baby blue and pale green. And then there are the darker colors that are also in fashion, dark green, dark blue and brown and black. These entire fashion lab coats can be mixed with various colored scrub pants to give a dramatic look for any office.
One of the latest fashion lab coats for women has many pockets, as many as six pockets. There are two secret pockets inside, a cell phone pocket which comes in handy because it’s difficult to search for your cell phone in a pocket full of other items. There are also two breast pockets and two roomy pockets at the bottom to carry all of your necessary equipment. Pockets are the latest fashion trend in fashionable lab coats for women.
Fashion Jobs CV Without Cliche Phrases – 10 Great Tips
Fashion Jobs CV Without Cliche Phrases – 10 Great Tips How to Get a Job and Writing a Resume!
How to obtain a desirable Design/Fashion Job10 Great TipsFrom Application to the Job interviewBefore even thinking about applying for a job, boosting is essential.First, don’t let the recession stop you, employers are always looking for talent so even though there might be a economic down period it might just be the best time to move ahead. Having fresh ideas and and ‘go get it attitude’ is perhaps just what the company your looking to apply for a job at needs right now. If you don’t have the precise skills don’t let that stop you, with an outgoing personality and a brave heart you’ll come far. Starting in retail is a great idea, this shows that you have worked physically in fashion and have a humble attitude, also that your willing to work your way up and that you know what the customers wants simply because you’ve seen it first hand.So accept any entry in the business no matter which door you find to knock on! Its all good entries as long as you don’t accept getting stuck, having a years of experience working in a stock room at the same company perhaps ‘sorting’ cloths might not impress since it’s giving an idea of you not aspiring enough willing to stick around at a longer period. Have a gut sense when it comes to your own advancement.Tip 1. Writing a CV that gets you in the doorThe Application should be simply and clean presented, try to focus on the skills that are relevant for the job and don’t use to many job jumping experiences, it’s good to state that you are a person that stays with the company, the three latest jobs are often plenty enough to keep the CV short and and easy to read. State that further info can be briefed upon the interview rather than cramming in to much on the application.The biggest tips, and often the most common mistakes done presenting yourself in the application is using cliche phrases like; “I have a passion for fashion”, “I dream, eat and sleep fashion” and “I was born to be in fashion” these ones will not just give off a signal that your desperate but also loose be a so called ‘killer’ instead of catching their interest. To get a better overview check out ragtradejobs.com.Tip 2. Check the competition and check out the company you want to work for.So, you have strike gold. They have called and now your booked for an interview, yes!. Well, you managed to get the foot in the door but please keep in mind that there is still competition for the job (and heaps tougher since it’s now just a few ‘hand-picked of the most wanted’, fighting over this position). You have to really blow them away when meeting them so a must is to do some research. Start with looking at their website and Google them, analyze how they work, what they stand for and what kind of product they really sell. If there is any PR or media write-ups and if they have a physical store make sure to visit it. In the store you can check out price points, products, target, market and quality. Even making an idea about the brand or the company to better have a feel where you yourself come in to the picture.So, if you walk into the job-interview knowing a lot about the company you will not just impress them but it will surly make you seem more relaxed and confident. Make them feel like your ‘work-ready’, by knowing about their products, general about their company and their set-up and they will feel that you would be easy to have aboard and get started. But then again, rambling on about all the facts you have searched up on the Internet is not always excellent, you have to be prepared to feel the person that is interviewing you. Sometimes it’s stressed and brief and other times you will have heaps of time together talking about previous work history and hobbies. So take the pulse of the conversation and when needed blend in your ‘knows’ with a question,for example;”I have seen that you offer a small ECO-line collection as a ‘natural news’, for spring, is that something that you will keep on betting on and expand?”Whatever you have noticed could be good to mention and a question like this could single-handed score you the job!Tip 3. Fashion community is a close knit and not showing up for your interview is bad news!So, you got the first interview and maybe already have another interview lined up, maybe at the same day and time?. A lot of excuses as being sick, not actually being interested in that job anymore or simply because of a change of heart,can come up but for whatever reason, you have to inform the company and the person that you where set to meet that you can’t make it. Be professional! You never know if you might need them for a service while working somewhere else or simply for the reason that companies in Fashion has a close knit and talk to each other. A ‘no show’ will create a bad vibe and it ‘s nothing you want hanging around for another job. If your unsure about the job I recommend you to go to the interview anyways, you never know, they might be a group of really cool people and instead of an exciting environment the offer the prospects of personal growth.Tip 4. When sitting at the interview.Now your there, at the big interview but feel that you didn’t hit the jackpot when it comes to the actual job that they wanted to fill. In other words the job your applying for is not the dream job of yours but its maybe at the company you like. Well put it this way, in Fashion community it’s a all about growing with the job and see to getting the promotion in the career direction where you want to go. Nobody starts as a boss. Don’t loose heart just because the job you really wanted is taken and you have to start for an assistant role. Its important to state at the interview that the job your now applying for is the job you really want, no employer will put you on that spot otherwise. If you then prove yourself this will by time commended by a promotion and you will grow, just be grateful to start somewhere, once again its all about getting the foot in the door.Tip 5. Don’t kiss and tell!Seated in front of you is perhaps your ‘future’ employer and its important not to reveal to much about the former company you worked for, don’t mention any financial numbers or the state of the company, this will show loyalty and the new employer will feel that your a safe bet. Nobody wants to have a ‘loose cannon’ on the board that might spill their guts when later on leaving the job. So, its okay to talk about the former job description that you had, the duties and the responsibilities but not about the sensitive state of the previous company.Tip 6. Don’t ‘Down Talk’ your former company/job on the interviewWhen talking about your former company that you’ve worked for don’t reveal to much of the bad stuff. The old boss might have been a complete idiot and the people there treated you badly but please skip the ‘juicy’ details for the ‘new boss’ ears. Be prepared for the question; “So why did you leave your position at the former company you worked at?” Convert the answer from perhaps “I didn’t get along with my boss” to “I wanted a change of scenery and grow with some new challenges”. Keep the answers neutral and for your benefit. As once said, the Fashion community is a small place and you’ll never know, these two companies might have business deal together or just happen to be best friends.This way you will come across as the ultimate fence setter and gain respect from your ‘perhaps’ new boss.Tip 7. Dress for the job!Wanting to work in fashion means dressing the part. You need to have some style and show that this is part of your passion (rather then writing it). So whatever the design company is don’t dress to casual. Well not to fancy either as I have experienced quite the opposite arriving at H&M wearing a Grey suit getting the comment; “Well this job doesn’t really suit you” making a remark on the ‘suit’ part. I had to quickly make a joke about it saying “I take this interview really serious”, a mild smile and soon the suit jacket was off.So, stand out and wear something casually yet trendy to show that your up to date. For an interview with a surf clothing company don’t show up in board shorts but a pair of trendy jeans and a printed t-shirt, wear a suit jacket on top and mix casual with dressed to make it a bit formal but still showing a fun, creative and interesting side and approach. Going to a shoe company it’s a good idea to impress by wearing a pair of stunning new boots, this will tell that you have a genuine interest in their products and that your ready to fit in the group.Tip 8. Down to the real deal!Sitting in front of your ‘perhaps future’ employer its important to be honest and frank with any plans and perhaps religion holidays that you already have made, well whatever you have that might affect the ability to work certain hours or days. If you have any booked holiday or plans coming up make sure to tell them now. But don’t start demanding anything and be humble when your at the ‘getting to learn this person’ position. Stating with to many days off or demands might scare them off, its important to show them that your going to be available and dedicated to this new job of yours.Tip 9. When you have the answers then have some questions!Employers always want you to ask them some questions too, this will reflect your interest and intelligence. Even if you actually are pretty clear with the set up and the job in general act interested and maybe ask questions like; the company’s growth plan strategies, their philosophies regarding their employees and staff retention, their performance appraisal policies. This will certainly impress. But important is to keep up the act when you then later get the answers, eager listening and by keeping eye contact as if your now getting a longed for sought answer. Avoid questions without relevance or to trivial, save “what time is lunch” or “is there any free samples”.Well, pretty much a good sense of ‘feeling’ the boss in front of you will do the job. If the interview is casual and feels friendly play along on that term as too many strict business questions and serious inquiries might portray you as ‘too good’ candidate and simply scare them off. Think like this; If you had a company, who would you like to work with? Someone might want a ‘best friend’ relationship around the office where social skills play a bigger part than the actual previous degrees and experiences.Tip 10. You want the job, right?Back to the clich again, ‘I have a passion for fashion’. Once again, don’t write it just simply say it. It’s surprisingly few that doesn’t ask for the job or actually act as if they really want it. It’s no shame in being frank and excited about the available job, this might just show the employer how eager you are and that you will work hard and be a good asset to the company. When it comes down to it, they want to employ someone that wants it, right?So when your having a great interview and you love the job on offer, be bold and ask for it! A good example of how is to simply say; “This is a great opportunity and if it was given to me I would gladly accept” or “This job is exactly what I am looking for and I would fit it perfectly!” Or “I feel so confident that I have the right skills for this job, I would love to join your company.” So be honest, sincere, calm and easy going and remember to be yourself and smile a lot. I’m not a big believer in the right ‘skills’ and always think that its all a combination of personality and team work, the necessary skills will come as you grow into the duties of the job.Final tip and a conclusion summon in some thoughts.Getting a high paying job with a big title is not always a reality. The best way to get that foot in the door is to start somewhere, act dedicated and eager to learn. What better than getting some real work experience of the business. This will increase your chances in further employment and also show that your up for it and in to it. It’s a popular business with high competition and don’t expect to be the only dreamer wanting to snatch the job available so start with low expectations and consider a ‘work experience’ program that allows you to join a fashion company for a few days a week or simply work part-time, take a job in the reception or be that ‘extra pair of hands’ all to have something on your CV. Earnings and positions will follow as you grow and learn..This is not always easy since getting an intern for a Fashion Company might in some cases not be that wanted, it takes time to train someone to work and act right around the office and as time is often an issue in Fashion Companies this is good to know. So don’t be surprised if some calls isn’t received with the most gratitude even if your willing to work for free. Another tip, when calling around always ask for the ‘human resources department’ or the one in charge for the recruitment and have a clear idea of where you intend to start, department that is. At H&M for example there is heaps of divisions, for example; ladies underwear, L.O.G.G-division with one buyer working simply on Sports Wear and the other for skirt, dresses and shirts..Finally, collect business cards, names and phone numbers. Having contacts and friends in the industry might come in handy in the future, don’t forget to talk about your aspirations and get the word out, then again without being a nag and too pushy. It will sort out as you go. Fashion is a fun and always moving business crowded with creative and colorful people well worth pursuing.Good Luck!
Fashion Jewelry Rings-An Affordable Way To Accessorize
Most women enjoy wearing rings as an accent to their sense of fashion style. Fashion jewelry rings come in many different styles.
Some of those styles include:
**Adjustable
**CZ Stones
**Wedding and Engagement
**Logo/Organization
**Thumb and Toe
Adjustable Rings
Adjustable rings can be a great way to find a ring that is really affordable. These rings are made more durable now than they were in the past. This is also a great way to give a fashion jewelry ring as a gift, when you are unsure of the person’s ring size.
CZ fashion jewelry rings
Cz fashion jewelry rings are another popular style because now these jewelry pieces come with beautiful colored stones that imitate expensive jewelry such as ruby, emeralds, and diamonds. CZ fashion rings are a nice way to compliment any fashion ensemble affordably.
Wedding Set and Engagement Style
These items have become more popular with women recently. This is a great option for ladies who don’t want to wear their valuable wedding sets everyday. The fun thing about these fashion jewelry rings is that you can choose a set that is completely different from your real set, making it nice to enjoy two completely different styles. Whatever style or color of fashion jewelry rings that you like, you can easily find one to match your sense of style or personality.
Logo/Organization Emblems
Some women even enjoy wearing fashion jewelry rings that display an organization logo or a club that they may belong to. These are great ways to express individuality and a sense of style and belonging. Many sororities and women’s organizations offer fashion jewelry to their members only.
Enjoy shopping for fashion jewelry rings and make it a fun experience! Purchasing cute and stylish jewelry that you can wear for different occasions offers the opportunity for a wide variety of style and colors. Finding your favorites can show off your sense of style. Many women enjoy wearing several rings at one time. While some women like only wearing one or two rings, wearing several rings is a trend that is often seen among younger women or juniors.
Thumb and toe rings
Thumb and toe rings have also become more popular with younger ladies as well. A toe ring can be a great accessory during the spring and summer months. Wearing sandals and open toe shoes allow you to show off your fashion style. Thumb rings are another great new trend that many people have begun following. Wearing a ring on either your left or right thumb can be a great accent to your jewelry collection Many of these rings are also adjustable, making it easy to find one that fits. A thumb ring can be an attractive and classy accent to siler or gold jewelry as well. Since wearing a thumb ring is still a new trend, they get noticed quickly.
The most important thing is - always choose fashion rings that make you feel comfortable and confident.
Fashion Jewelry and Costume Jewelry At A Garage Sale
A great thing to do on a Sunday afternoon is to visit a garage sale. Many people host sales on Sunday and you will occasionally see an advertisement posted on a pole or bench in your neighborhood. You can find all sorts of things at these sales like fashion jewelry, costume jewelry, clothes, books, furniture, towels, kitchen supplies, tools, and toys among other interesting odds and ends.Attending a garage sale is a fun past time. Some people frequent these sales very often. I once went to a sale that had a lot of fashion jewelry and costume jewelry. This was really great as these items are hard to come by. I found big dangling earrings, a pearl necklace, and big cuff bracelets. At that sale I also was able to find some interesting books and kitchen appliances. You never know what you will find! The people selling their things at these sales are usually very friendly and you can talk to them for what seems to be minutes but actually hours can go by! There are friendly people who go to the sales too.You can find some great bargains at garage sales. You can find kids clothes for just a few dollars and also jewelry for just a few dollars. It is worthwhile going to even if you don’t find anything. It is fun to just browse around and see what sort of odds and ends they have. Some people are getting rid of older items, even antiques, and some people just accidentally bought the wrong size in a store and they are trying to get rid of that article of clothing because it does not fit them.Garage sales are not only for older people. Kids could have fun at these sales as well. So next time you go to a sale, bring your kids along with you. They may already have about one hundred toys, but it is cheaper to get one more toy at a garage sale than it is to buy a brand new toy at Toys R’ Us. Just keep an eye on your kids because they could accidentally walk away with something without purchasing it first!Men can even find old golf clubs, suits, books, glasses, shoes, or even tools at a garage sale. So really, the sale is for everyone. It could be a family trip! Sometimes sales will also be posted in the newspaper or a magazine. You do not have to go far to find a garage sale, as some may even be right down the street from your very own house!So the next time you think you want to buy some new jewelry, don’t go to Nordstroms right away. First look at a garage sale and see what they have, because this could be saving you big bucks in the long run! Plus, it is fun to just rummage through someone else’s belongings and find hidden treasures. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Fashion Is Everywhere
There is much more of a demand for clothing nowadays. Back in the day it was quite unheard of to have closets bursting at the seams with the amounts of clothing you can find today in most womens closets. Yet somehow women will still be able to look at these bursting wardrobes and proclaim that they have absolutely nothing to wear. This is not a wonder we can understand nor can we explain it.
The fashion industries as well as the market for clothing have reached an incredible high in this century. Never before has there been so much being mass produced all the time. New styles are making their debuts constantly and putting the fashion world in a daze.
That is why there are an incredible amount of people looking to start a clothing business. Wholesale clothing has skyrocketed as there is a demand so great from the public. The wholesale clothes that are being sold enable all the buyers to purchase things at minimal prices so they can make a decent profit off of it. Todays wholesale clothing distributors are busy and proud of it.
One of the things so excellent about buying wholesale clothes is that the businesses get great deals and it allows the actual customers to get a great deal as well.
There is never a lack of places and stores to buy clothing. Malls and department stores alike are always looking to open in new places. You can even find clothing your local convenience store and pharmacy sometimes. Everywhere you go there is clothing, and everyone needs it. New companies, stores, and clothing lines are cropping up yearly to show what they are made of, and the in style goods they have to share.
One main reason there is such a high demand is because it is a necessity with a good excuse to make it fancy. People figure since they need to wear clothing and it is a basic for living; they might as well look good. It could be that a lot of people can go overboard, but not everyone. It is okay to have nice clothing and nice things. It is all about buying the right things at the right time.
While it may be hard for some people to find clothing because of a certain preference, most people will agree that there is most certainly something out there for everyone. Even with todays very stylish fashion which can get quite out of control for some peoples tastes; there is usually more quiet and subtle clothing to be found all over. You need not fret that you will never be able to leave your house again because the styles are changing too quickly.
You are bound to find something that meets your taste as there is always fashion coming out for each age, type, and walk in life. There are endless possibilities for everyone.
To learn more about wholesale clothing and the variety it brings. They offer a huge selection of wholesale clothes at excellent prices!
Fashion in the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, are dated by some scholars from the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This was from the 5th century to the beginning of the Early Modern Period – in the 16th century. There were many marked changes in this period and one can also notice variations in the dates of the particular periods, which has happened largely due to different scholars. The medieval period or the Middle Ages is divided into three periods – The Early Middle Ages, the High Middle Ages and the Late Middle Ages.
Fashion in the Middle Ages was not about the wide variety of choice that we have today. Clothing during the medieval period was also restricted to the social status one belonged to. The elite class had a different style of dressing as compared to the peasant folk. Heres a look at the various kinds of fashion in the Middle Ages.
Fashion in the Middle Ages:
Fashion in the Middle Ages was dominated by the kind of status one belonged to. The wealthy were seen in highly fashionable attire. The Kings and Queens in the period were seen adorned in silks and luxurious fabrics. The interesting fact about fashion in the Middle Ages remains to be the Sumptuary Laws that were passed during this period. Kings and Queens were known to adorn brightly colored silks. Special tailors created clothing in the medieval period for the royal Kings and Queens. With the Sumptuary Laws being enforced, people who violated the same faced severe penalty. The Sumptuary Laws enforced rules such as the wealthy class of the society would be the only ones seen wearing fashionable clothing. A violation of the same would result in loss of property or heavy fines as well!
Fashion in the Middle Ages for the common folks was all about loose linen or wool. Men were generally seen in tunics, which went all the way, down to their knees. Tunics that were really long were seen for special events or functions. Such tunics were also combined with long pants beneath. These pants were generally made of wool. For the cold winters, one often saw the use of cloaks.
The fashion in the Middle Ages for women was obviously dictated by their social status. Apart from long tunics, women also wore under-tunics made of wool and teamed it with a cloak if they stepped out of the house. These tunics were available in a wide range of colors and sometimes women also adorned fancy hats to make a fashion statement.
There were certain garments that were considered to be a status symbol for women who belonged to the upper classes. Brighter colors, rich materials, long jackets, elaborate garments, tunics worn with surcoats etc, were all a part of fashion in the Middle Ages. Women also preferred to wear gowns and used an array of headdresses to make a mark. Leggings and hose were also found in use during this period, but it was not considered to be a mark of the wealthy people. The rich classes were also known to import clothing from other countries such as silk cloth, bleached linen and dyed or patterned prints. On the other hand, people who belonged to the lower segment of the society often wore homespun wool and used colorful borders, which were woven into the fabric in the loom.
During the Middle Ages, people also wore togas and trousers apart from tunics. Wide gowns often had embroidered edges to add a touch of design to the entire ensemble. Womens gown often had long sleeves and trailing. Amongst the headdress worn by women, a high double horn headdress was considered a symbol of pride. Laced sandals and pointed shoes formed part of the footwear.
During the early period of the Middle Ages, womens dresses were high which covered their neck and such dresses often consisted of two tunics along with a veil that was worn over the head. Sleeves for the dresses were often long and pleated, sometimes with decorative ornamented bands. These bands were also used on the lower portions of the dress as well. Women soon began wearing surcoats, which were also worn by males later on. Surcoats were large coats wrapped around the upper portion of the robe.
A great amount of extravagance could be seen in the fashion of the Middle Ages when gold, silver and other precious stones were used on the clothing. Dresses in that case were seen richly embroidered or decorated. During the later period, the external corset also came into use. This was worn with a display of lace work and was crafted in silk for the summers and fur for the winters.
During the later period of the Middle Ages, the long trails that were worn earlier shortened to a great extent. High conical bonnets were also added to the dresses. Ruffs and small collars were introduced later on. The dresses had relatively lower necklines, which enabled women to wear necklaces as well.
Thus we see, how fashion in the Middle Ages was dictated by social status and various other factors associated with the people during this period.
Fashion in the 1800′s
Fashion from the olden era always has a certain kind of charm in itself. Although the fashion scene is always changing every single day, there are certain elements of fashion from the ancient days that have a unique appeal. These elements have been revamped and re-used as trends of the modern age! Fashion in the 1800s was such that could inspire many creative minds! Some of the gowns and outfits crafted during the 1800 sure do make one long for the good old days! Here, we shall take a look at some of the various styles of clothing and fashion in the 1800s. This trip into history would surely give you a glimpse of the kind of clothing worn back then.
Fashion in the 1800s:
For womens fashion, the high waist Empire style gown was a characteristic feature of fashion in the 1800s. Although there were different versions of the same early on, by the 1800, the Empire dress changed to a certain extent and was seen particularly with a square neckline. Sleeves were often puffy at the shoulders. This dress had a snug fit especially towards the upper torso. The garment was free flowing from the waist onwards. This high waistline often brought the attention away from the natural shape of the waist. Fabrics used for such dresses were generally muslin or batiste. Lawn fabrics were a little expensive during the 1800. Wearing white Empire gowns was then considered to be a status symbol. Such white gowns often had exquisite embroidery. The reason why it was a status symbol was simply because whites soiled easily with regular wear hence a woman who could afford to soil her Empire dress without any worries was considered to be an important figure in the society.
Dresses for women were quite varied and were even crafted for a specific period during the day. This was particularly dominant between women who belonged to the upper strata of the society. The morning dress was supposed to be worn in the morning hours at home. On the similar lines, one can also see the afternoon dress; a separate dress for dining and one was walking as well! The designs were also structured accordingly. The dresses worn in the morning hours were generally plain and covered most of the body. Evening dresses had short sleeves and open necklines as long as the woman maintained a line of decency. One could thus see evening gowns with lace and ribbons often paired with long, white gloves.
In case of mens clothing, men who belonged to affluent families wore garments that had excessive detailing. Tailcoats were a common feature. Knee length breeches were worn over stockings. Then, there came a change in clothing when Napoleon Bonaparte became the Emperor in 1804. Trousers made their appearance and clothes had a less formal appearance. Cloaks were often worn for many occasions but men preferred overcoats, which were comparatively easier to manage.
Long hair was a part of fashion in the 1800s for women. Curls were very much in fashion. Hats formed an integral part of clothing during this period. Women had to wear bonnets or hats whenever they went outside the house. These bonnets were often exquisitely decorated. Women carried parasoles whenever they stepped out of the house. These parasols were fashionable umbrellas designed to protect the skin from the rays of the sun. Men wore tall, conical hats and often sported sideburns.
These were some of the main characteristic styles of fashion in the 1800s. Quaint and elegant, there are many stores today that cater to people looking out to recreate the magic of an era gone by!
Fashion Icon – Fashion Attracts Attention And More So If
Fashion Icon – Fashion Attracts Attention And More So If In Good Taste
What is a fashion icon, well it is a person who is looked upon by others as being most fashionable in the way they dress to impress and present themselves in the latest trendy designer gear. A fashion icon regardless of how they feel, will, 24 hours a day, dress up to the nines to uphold the title they have been labelled with. An avid follower of fashion will normally duplicate what their favourite celebrity is wearing, therefore, choosing to ignore what is more ideally suited to their own image and budget.
Duplication in the form of replicating what your idol is wearing, should only be copied if the boot fits so as to speak i.e. shape and size
Example: A size 8 figure hugging frock may not look quite as good on the female frame – which measures up to a size 18.
In the UK – Victoria Beckham wife of David the famous footballer has been named the ultimate fashion icon – beating supermodel Kate Moss into second place, with pop rival Nicole Appleton taking the vote for third place. However personal preference in desired clothing and appeal may differ in opinion from different individuals on this ballot, there will be those who applaud Victoria Beckham being crowned a fashion icon, while on the other hand there will be those who oppose the result.
Without doubt – fashion icon Victoria is most profoundly stylish, trendy and chic dressed in expensive designer gear from Italy Paris London, but so is her pretty bank balance. Fashion traits of Mrs Beckham are very desirable to say the least, so desirable that women replicate themselves based upon her wardrobe with devastating consequences, i.e. debt.
They say money can not buy happiness, but it sure can put a smile on your face when it makes Prada and Versace designed garments more affordable. Former band member of the spice girls, Posh Spice (Victoria) has also had a taste of modelling – she went under the spotlight at the London Fashion Week wearing designs from one of her favourite designers Maria Grachvogel.
When following suit of others especially a fashion icon – you need to remember that whatever clothes you wear will always be considered as a second hand idea. In other words you are not the first to dress in the latest new chic designs because; your fashion icon has beaten you to it.
Put the shoe on the other foot. Fashion icons are no different to you and me; they too browse fashion magazines and shop in fashion boutiques for clothes to wear, so therefore this is an opportunity to turn the tables round in your favour. If you are of the creative type, then get out the sewing basket and start making your own creations. If you are not handy with a needle and cotton then find someone who is to help make – what it is – you have in mind.
Getting your ideas noticed by a fashion designer can be a difficult task, but do not let that deter you. Promote your own personal ideas to those who matter, by becoming a fashion icon in the eyes of friends and family. Fashion attracts attention and more so if it is in good taste where your personality shines through.
Fashion Guide For New Mothers
Why is it that people always seem to discuss
maternity fashion, but not post-pregnancy fashion styles. The focus is
all on how to breastfeed, eating healthily, getting fit, and weight
gain during pregnancy, all very important issues I know, but I think
that if you look good on the outside, then you feel good on the inside,
which makes that just as important.
You may be feeling a little betrayed by your body for not reforming to your pre-pregnancy weight and shape.
Some parts of your body may have gotten bigger and other parts a little
smaller, whilst other sections have become saggy and droopy.
You may get to the point where you get a touch of mirror madness (the avoidance of mirrors at all costs: – )
It’s
not surprising that some new mum’s just feel like giving up and staying
indoors, but hey girl, you can’t do that, it’s your duty to show off
your beautiful baby to the world. After what you went through to get
your new addition, we simply can’t allow it.
So, it’s time for your mummy makeover.
Stand naked in front of a mirror, have a good look and hone in on the assets
that your pregnancy has left you with. You may discover that you have
inherited a few sexy curves along the way, or bigger breasts that will create a cleavage to be proud of.
V-neck tops will show off this beautiful new asset and help take attention away from your mummy tummy.
EMPIRE
WAIST tops and dresses (high waistline just under your boobs) are also
great at this time. Just like the V-neck, they will also accentuate
your chest area and take attention away from your post-pregnancy tummy,
but this style does not fit snugly around your middle and will inspire
you to have more confidence in yourself.
If your hips have become
fuller, I would suggest that you avoid trousers, skirts or coats with
bulky side pockets as this will make the hips look bigger.
Don’t cover your body up with baggy clothing, but do dress for comfort as well as style.
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