Looking at this years Next A/W collection I felt compelled to write about it. I don't know about you but in the past when I normally thought of Next and its branding, it was branded at the slightly maturer market i.e. 25+ (Yes in fashion years thats ancient daaaarling!) and you would only go to Next when you needed a suit or smart clothing.
However now the re-branding of Next is one of the best fashion transformations ever! Judging from their collection I really do believe that Next can easily rival any designer upmarket boutique- everything is bang on trend!
So far (Yes I have a look list I am to invest in!) I have invested in some jewellery by the fashion label the fashion label they have instore: Runway fashion. Looking at the jewellery, a lip shaped ring with a diamonte, diamonte (I wish they were diamonds!) skull encrusted earrings and some red heart shaped studs, Next has clearly invested in some good lines- hence my point of the amazing 'fransformation' (fashion transformation).
No longer will people think Next is just about buying suits for work (although they do great ones!) but for all our fashion needs. The Next best thing has arrived people :)
Thursday
Friday
The Sari gets Sexy
The Sari. Endless (What seems like endless) yards of material. For centurys women in India have adorned their bodies with the Sari that represents womanhood and modesty. The West I feel particulary find the Sari amazing as its nothing like the fashion that exists here, its not a dress, not a skirt and definately not trousers it is what it is. A sari. In its own entity.
Its one thing every woman should have whether Asian or Western as its the most versatile piece of clothing you will ever have. Want to hide lumps and bumps- The Sari can hide that, simply put your 'Palla' (material that hangs off the shoulder)towards your shoulder so it hangs at the back. Want to show off the a gorgeous design on your Sari blouse (some sari's are designed specifically for this purpose) same rule applies. This style of wearing the sari is also known as 'Punjabi' style as people of the Punjab region in India wear it this way.
Do you have a boyish, straight up/down figure and want to create some curves? The sari can do that too just tie it tighter at the waist and bring the palla round the back of your shoulder so it sits at the front. This way is great if your palla has a gorgeous design too and if your sari blouse is plain, although in my experience most aren't. Want to show off those sexy abs, swing it to the front baby and flaunt it! This style of tying the sari is known as 'Gujarati'style as the people of Gujarath region in India wear it this way.
As mentioned before the sari represents modesty but looking at the new collection of Satya Paul (http://www.satyapaul.com/main.html). The Sari got sexy! The blouses are shorter, the Palla's shorter and tailored for the modern woman. His designs have always been unique but now they are out there and women in India are embracing them. Although modern he has kept to the traditions and by still having the long beautiful materials, covering most of the body but his designs are teaching women to embrace their curves and feel sexy.
Western fashion has always dictated the more flesh you flash the sexier you are. However looking at Sari's and what they represent, Satya Paul's collection clearly shows that modesty is and always will be sexy.
So there you have it ladies the Sari. Versatile, traditional, sexy. Don't all rush at once to snap one of up, this is one fashion that will never go out, but snap one of up as you owe it your wardrobe.
Its one thing every woman should have whether Asian or Western as its the most versatile piece of clothing you will ever have. Want to hide lumps and bumps- The Sari can hide that, simply put your 'Palla' (material that hangs off the shoulder)towards your shoulder so it hangs at the back. Want to show off the a gorgeous design on your Sari blouse (some sari's are designed specifically for this purpose) same rule applies. This style of wearing the sari is also known as 'Punjabi' style as people of the Punjab region in India wear it this way.
Do you have a boyish, straight up/down figure and want to create some curves? The sari can do that too just tie it tighter at the waist and bring the palla round the back of your shoulder so it sits at the front. This way is great if your palla has a gorgeous design too and if your sari blouse is plain, although in my experience most aren't. Want to show off those sexy abs, swing it to the front baby and flaunt it! This style of tying the sari is known as 'Gujarati'style as the people of Gujarath region in India wear it this way.
As mentioned before the sari represents modesty but looking at the new collection of Satya Paul (http://www.satyapaul.com/main.html). The Sari got sexy! The blouses are shorter, the Palla's shorter and tailored for the modern woman. His designs have always been unique but now they are out there and women in India are embracing them. Although modern he has kept to the traditions and by still having the long beautiful materials, covering most of the body but his designs are teaching women to embrace their curves and feel sexy.
Western fashion has always dictated the more flesh you flash the sexier you are. However looking at Sari's and what they represent, Satya Paul's collection clearly shows that modesty is and always will be sexy.
So there you have it ladies the Sari. Versatile, traditional, sexy. Don't all rush at once to snap one of up, this is one fashion that will never go out, but snap one of up as you owe it your wardrobe.
Fashion gets real
Hold the press, start eating again girls because curves are soooo in! It's what we have all been waiting for: Fashion is finally getting real. Milan banned models from the catwalk who had a BMI less then 18 (That would have been a short show) and last year Louis V was the first to kick it off by using curvier models (really meaning they actually eat) for his Autumn Winter 09 collection.
Now Giles Deacon has used Kelly Brook and Abby Clancy for his Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk show. What better way to endorse a healthy figure then the lovely Miss Brook (can't say much about Ms Clancy, apart from are they real- see Marie Claire website for pictures of the show and you will know what I mean!). Kelly has done some work for New Look before, same as Giles Deacon who has a fashion line with them so the combination of the two was perfect: 'Real' woman and 'Real' clothing designs that can make women feel unique without looking a bit Lady Gaga.
The Lady Gaga phenomena has seemed to left the catwalks too. Looking at Moschino's srping/Summer 2011 line has got my fashion senses tingling at the thought of 'real' clothes coming back in. No more will we be trying to pull off unrealistic styles (cone shaped skirts anyone- Mr Deacon unfortunately is guilty for this, see his Paris Spring/summer show 2010), squeezing into clothes that were clearly made for a small child & trying to convince ourselves that we can pull of something that looks like an experiment gone wrong in a lab. "But thats only for inspiration, it gets filtered through as noral on our high street shops" I hear you cry but honestly how many of us really truly understand that side of fashion, particulary young girls?
I mean honestly would any of us really dare pull off a Lady Gaga without feeling like we are going to a fancy dress party?
Its nice Mr Moschino is starting to show clothes that we wear everyday, OK so most of us would have to sell a kidney to buy them but we can all look at them and say we could wear them, beacuse we have, i.e. everyone has a shirt or skirt in their wardrobes. I don't like the clashing prints on some of the collection though, that still for me is a fashion no-no, but real fashion? Yes- Yes, definately Yes please.
Now Giles Deacon has used Kelly Brook and Abby Clancy for his Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk show. What better way to endorse a healthy figure then the lovely Miss Brook (can't say much about Ms Clancy, apart from are they real- see Marie Claire website for pictures of the show and you will know what I mean!). Kelly has done some work for New Look before, same as Giles Deacon who has a fashion line with them so the combination of the two was perfect: 'Real' woman and 'Real' clothing designs that can make women feel unique without looking a bit Lady Gaga.
The Lady Gaga phenomena has seemed to left the catwalks too. Looking at Moschino's srping/Summer 2011 line has got my fashion senses tingling at the thought of 'real' clothes coming back in. No more will we be trying to pull off unrealistic styles (cone shaped skirts anyone- Mr Deacon unfortunately is guilty for this, see his Paris Spring/summer show 2010), squeezing into clothes that were clearly made for a small child & trying to convince ourselves that we can pull of something that looks like an experiment gone wrong in a lab. "But thats only for inspiration, it gets filtered through as noral on our high street shops" I hear you cry but honestly how many of us really truly understand that side of fashion, particulary young girls?
I mean honestly would any of us really dare pull off a Lady Gaga without feeling like we are going to a fancy dress party?
Its nice Mr Moschino is starting to show clothes that we wear everyday, OK so most of us would have to sell a kidney to buy them but we can all look at them and say we could wear them, beacuse we have, i.e. everyone has a shirt or skirt in their wardrobes. I don't like the clashing prints on some of the collection though, that still for me is a fashion no-no, but real fashion? Yes- Yes, definately Yes please.
Sunday
Vanity sizing... Vanity or Misleading?
Following up on the last blog the good ole people at Marie Claire (God they should really pay me for plugging them shamelessly!) have now informed us that shops across the UK, mainly our high street brands are sizing their clothes bigger then the size guides. So in actual fact they are going against the rules- Hold the press someone is actually rebelling against fashion?! There's a first! I like many of you probably knew that clothing sizes vary from shop to shop but now we have a term for it, its becoming more apparent.
Vanity sizing as its affectionately termed is happening with many of our favourite labels including Marks & Spencer and Topshop. It literally means that women are lead to believe they are buying a small size by making the clothes slightly bigger then they are. Flattering right? or Misleading? Lets just say you have picked up a size 6 (for those of us who are lucky to be that size) and it is slightly big for you as the sizing is made bigger, it can be seen as a disadvantage because when it does not fit you you can't just get a smaller size. This would only work for people who are 8 and above and hence maybe a bit misleading.
Lets face it you you want to remain your current size for as long as possible and don't really want to jump from size to size. On the other hand it can be flattering to know that your smaller then the sizes and in addition to this with regards to the last blog its about time that fashion becomes more 'real' and treats people as they are. Real.
Is this another indicator of fashion becoming about 'real' people? Milan has already banned models on the catwalk who have a BMI less then 18.5, Britney Spears released photo's of herself au natural (non airbrush)and now its been revealed that Vanity Sizing is in process. Here's hoping :) its about time we enjoyed fashion rather then letting it make us obsess over how we should look. Live for fashion but remember to enjoy it at the same time too :)
For full article please visit:
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/world/451160/clothes-shops-flatter-women-with-vanity-sizing.html
Vanity sizing as its affectionately termed is happening with many of our favourite labels including Marks & Spencer and Topshop. It literally means that women are lead to believe they are buying a small size by making the clothes slightly bigger then they are. Flattering right? or Misleading? Lets just say you have picked up a size 6 (for those of us who are lucky to be that size) and it is slightly big for you as the sizing is made bigger, it can be seen as a disadvantage because when it does not fit you you can't just get a smaller size. This would only work for people who are 8 and above and hence maybe a bit misleading.
Lets face it you you want to remain your current size for as long as possible and don't really want to jump from size to size. On the other hand it can be flattering to know that your smaller then the sizes and in addition to this with regards to the last blog its about time that fashion becomes more 'real' and treats people as they are. Real.
Is this another indicator of fashion becoming about 'real' people? Milan has already banned models on the catwalk who have a BMI less then 18.5, Britney Spears released photo's of herself au natural (non airbrush)and now its been revealed that Vanity Sizing is in process. Here's hoping :) its about time we enjoyed fashion rather then letting it make us obsess over how we should look. Live for fashion but remember to enjoy it at the same time too :)
For full article please visit:
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/world/451160/clothes-shops-flatter-women-with-vanity-sizing.html
Wednesday
Fashion in all its glory
Just got this in my email from Marie Claire and just had to blog about it! I felt as my duty as a fashionista blogger to bring up this subject. It seems that Ms Spears has boldly gone where no female celebrity has gone before and let everyone see her in all her glory- without airbrushed pictures! Liberating feminist move or clever PR stunt? Being a cynical PR person it probably is the latter but I'd like to think its liberating too for women and Britney Spears too. Its liberating for women to see that celebrities are "normal" just like you and me and Briney must feel liberated too where she does not need to be worried about her body and clearly from the shots below she isn't.
It also shows how much she has grown up from that little school girl outfit we saw her in first, to the women she has become now. These pictures show that she is not only comfortable in her own skin but that she accepts all her "flaws".
These pictures also reveal the extent of air brushing that is done to pictures which then presents false expectations on womens body image. From the pictures we can see just how many inches are taken off from the picture (note the first picture below in particular) and how they look a bit unrealistic compared to her natural body which I think looks good anyway for someone who has had two children. If you compare the pictures you can see her 'before' picture is not bad at all and she looks great.
The picture which really surprised me is the one below where her bottom with airbrushing has decieded to defy gravity by being lifted a considerable amount and her legs have got stretched out and "toned" to the extent where they look a bit like chicken legs instead of "real" human legs.
I think if your going to use this airbrushing technique (and lets face it the fashion magazines are not really going to stop using this) then it should be a little realistic. I'll be the first to admit the airbrushing of her skin to even out the complexion looks good but I dont really agree with the 'trimming' that takes place as this is not what real women look like.
Its time that the fashion magazines and the industry took some responsbility in how images can influence women and in particular young girls in being paranoid about their body shapes. As I mentioned they in my opinion will never stop air brushing picures but surely a compromise should be reached where they have rules as to what can be airbrushed and how many inches of bottoms, breasts, legs etc can be taken off. This way the fashion industry can still be vain but in a better way where they create confidence in women's body shapes rather then have them obsess over unrealistic body ideals.
This would mean a lot of graphic artist's (is that the offical job title for people who air brush these images for a living??) will be out of jobs (sorry about that!) but they will be saving fashion man/woman kind :)
Whether a PR stunt or a liberating feminist move its refreshing to see celebrities or pictures of women in their natural state so the world can really see how images like these are heavily airbrushed. I watched a program last year on this subject and airbrushing takes around ten hours to do! Other fun facts about fashion airbrushing (quiete an ovbious one when you think about it) 99% of all images in Hollywood are airbrushed!
So next time you find yourself obessing over eating too many carbs or you want that doughnut- take it because you may (or those lucky ones who may not) put on some pounds which will then make you obsess over how you don't have Britneys perky rear- remember that poor person who spent ten hours giving her a bottom lift and thus the fashion images you see are not real and have been altered drastically as you seen here.
A bold move from Ms Spears too and I do respect her for it, never really thought much of her before as I'm more of a aggy fan (not the one from the cleaning duo but I like that one too!) myself but I suppose I see her in a new more grown up light.
As usual fashion lovers please do let me know your thoughts as I know this subject always provokes food (excuse the pun again!) for thought.
For full article and pictures please follow this link:
www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/beauty/450528/pics-before-after-britney-s-airbrushed-candie-s-ads.html
It also shows how much she has grown up from that little school girl outfit we saw her in first, to the women she has become now. These pictures show that she is not only comfortable in her own skin but that she accepts all her "flaws".
These pictures also reveal the extent of air brushing that is done to pictures which then presents false expectations on womens body image. From the pictures we can see just how many inches are taken off from the picture (note the first picture below in particular) and how they look a bit unrealistic compared to her natural body which I think looks good anyway for someone who has had two children. If you compare the pictures you can see her 'before' picture is not bad at all and she looks great.
The picture which really surprised me is the one below where her bottom with airbrushing has decieded to defy gravity by being lifted a considerable amount and her legs have got stretched out and "toned" to the extent where they look a bit like chicken legs instead of "real" human legs.
I think if your going to use this airbrushing technique (and lets face it the fashion magazines are not really going to stop using this) then it should be a little realistic. I'll be the first to admit the airbrushing of her skin to even out the complexion looks good but I dont really agree with the 'trimming' that takes place as this is not what real women look like.
Its time that the fashion magazines and the industry took some responsbility in how images can influence women and in particular young girls in being paranoid about their body shapes. As I mentioned they in my opinion will never stop air brushing picures but surely a compromise should be reached where they have rules as to what can be airbrushed and how many inches of bottoms, breasts, legs etc can be taken off. This way the fashion industry can still be vain but in a better way where they create confidence in women's body shapes rather then have them obsess over unrealistic body ideals.
This would mean a lot of graphic artist's (is that the offical job title for people who air brush these images for a living??) will be out of jobs (sorry about that!) but they will be saving fashion man/woman kind :)
Whether a PR stunt or a liberating feminist move its refreshing to see celebrities or pictures of women in their natural state so the world can really see how images like these are heavily airbrushed. I watched a program last year on this subject and airbrushing takes around ten hours to do! Other fun facts about fashion airbrushing (quiete an ovbious one when you think about it) 99% of all images in Hollywood are airbrushed!
So next time you find yourself obessing over eating too many carbs or you want that doughnut- take it because you may (or those lucky ones who may not) put on some pounds which will then make you obsess over how you don't have Britneys perky rear- remember that poor person who spent ten hours giving her a bottom lift and thus the fashion images you see are not real and have been altered drastically as you seen here.
A bold move from Ms Spears too and I do respect her for it, never really thought much of her before as I'm more of a aggy fan (not the one from the cleaning duo but I like that one too!) myself but I suppose I see her in a new more grown up light.
As usual fashion lovers please do let me know your thoughts as I know this subject always provokes food (excuse the pun again!) for thought.
For full article and pictures please follow this link:
www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/beauty/450528/pics-before-after-britney-s-airbrushed-candie-s-ads.html
Monday
Give it up for the old skool: Functional and Fabulous
Amongst all the trends out at the moment, lets take a moment to go back to some good old fashioned functional fashion. After all Old is Gold :) and it always manages to creep back into fashion anyway. Take a look at bell bottoms (now given the name of boot cut jeans, trousers etc), shoulder pads (how very Dallas!) & prom dresses (Grease is the word!). These have now all become part of the staple diet that is fashion.
Its now time to add another staple to your fashion diet. I present to you some functional and fabulous beauties: The Madame Pump Adores. Never again have out of shape shoes with these ingenious shoe "trees" or shoe shapers. Entirely hand made and out of vintage components, ribbons and lace, its old skool with a fresh modern functional twist that every fashionista needs to look after her no.1 best friends.
Functional and fabulous is exactly what the makers of Madame Pump Adores describe themselves as, and judging by the images below (shoes are not for sale, only shown as an example) they live up to their motto as the shoe is in perfect condition.
Whats nice about these and thus old skool/vintage is, the fact that they bring in elegance, sophistication and glamour, which is refreshing if you want want something elegant instead of just trendy. In terms of accessories they are easy on the eye and don't look too 'mechanical' like most shoe accessories on the market and being handmade adds speciality to them, as its not mass produced by some machine.
So go ahead and pamper you shoes with some Madame Pump Adores because after all they deserve it, being on the floor all day can't be easy. Think about all the tough times they have gone through with you (being caught in treacherous weather conditions is one example) and they never talk back to you when you make fashion faux pas (yes believe it or not we have all made them). Remember old is gold, and don't be afraid of mixing old with new as opposites do attract :)
Add a pair now to your fashion collection: www.pumpadores.com
Its now time to add another staple to your fashion diet. I present to you some functional and fabulous beauties: The Madame Pump Adores. Never again have out of shape shoes with these ingenious shoe "trees" or shoe shapers. Entirely hand made and out of vintage components, ribbons and lace, its old skool with a fresh modern functional twist that every fashionista needs to look after her no.1 best friends.
Functional and fabulous is exactly what the makers of Madame Pump Adores describe themselves as, and judging by the images below (shoes are not for sale, only shown as an example) they live up to their motto as the shoe is in perfect condition.
Whats nice about these and thus old skool/vintage is, the fact that they bring in elegance, sophistication and glamour, which is refreshing if you want want something elegant instead of just trendy. In terms of accessories they are easy on the eye and don't look too 'mechanical' like most shoe accessories on the market and being handmade adds speciality to them, as its not mass produced by some machine.
So go ahead and pamper you shoes with some Madame Pump Adores because after all they deserve it, being on the floor all day can't be easy. Think about all the tough times they have gone through with you (being caught in treacherous weather conditions is one example) and they never talk back to you when you make fashion faux pas (yes believe it or not we have all made them). Remember old is gold, and don't be afraid of mixing old with new as opposites do attract :)
Add a pair now to your fashion collection: www.pumpadores.com
Tuesday
The Noughties according to Marie Claire
While coming across this little news clip in my email from Marie Claire I was very interested in them critiquing trends of the noughties, as ironically most of these trends will have been probably been on their lust list afterwards. But any hoo you decide for yourself (The link is enclosed):
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/25252/1/17/noughties-style-the-way-we-wore.html
Trend number one: Hipster jeans.
Now according to Ms Marie Claire: "Any trend which relies on the mantra 'the lower the better' should never be trusted, so step up the hipster jean as the Noughties' ultimate reigning denim disaster."
However I believe if worn right ( and sorry to be sizist) and with fab abs this look could work. In my youth I rocked this trend with the 'boyfriend' jeans, timberlands and a cropped top. It also works better if you show of the belly button rather then wear it quite high which gives off a 'tire' kind of effect (take note Ms Spears in link above). May I just add what happened to "If you got it flaunt it?"
Trend number 2: Velour tracksuits.
OK again half and half on this. They are a guilty pleasure of clothing as they are comfortable but the danger is when they start to look chavvy. This one is debatable.
Trend number 3: Combats with heels.
UGH UGH UGH and did I mention UGH! Why would anyone do this? You may as well wear trainers with a dress (oh wait Lily already did that) or why not wear heels with tracksuits? You just wouldn't would you? Me and Ms Claire are on agreement here then.
Trend number 4: Timberland Boots....
...are comfy and wonderful and cool! A definite disagreement with this one. They have been around for so long but its not till J-Lo rocked them in her Jenny from the Block video they became cool again. Although traditionally masculine and used for hiking, these boots have a lot more credibility then Marie Claire think. As a lover of Urban music (where Timberlands are a regular wardrobe staple) I think they ooze coolness, however only if you like that 'cool', 'urban' look (Like Girls Aloud who sport it in the link above) as they work most well that.
Trend number 5: Trucker Hats
Never invested in one myself as this is one accessory I can't even pull off but as I said before if worn properly can look quite cool but only if your into that certain look as its not very mainstream. I'll let Marie Claire have this one.
Trend number 6: WAG Chic
The clothes themselves are OK but I fail to see how its a trend as the clothes are just normal apart from the fact that you have footballers wives/girlfriends wearing them. The only thing I can say is:(With referring to link above) Can someone please feed Mrs B a burger or something, that kind of skinny just ain't sexy at all.
Trend number 7: Ugg Boots
Hold the press, are these not one of the most popular pair shoes anywhere now? As Marie Claire have themselves pointed out "They might not be the most attractive of booties, but thanks to their sole-saving sheepskin lining, they soon became a fashion addiction that has endured the decade."
I don't own a pair myself but my FUGGS (Fake Uggs) do the trick I can only imagine the feeling I get from mine are similar to the ones the real Uggs give to the wearer. So whether we like it or not the Uggs are here to stay and so they should as I have been told they are comfy and keep your feet toasty, which is handy in this country!
Trend 8: Skinny Jeans
One of the best things ever! So versatile! Team them with almost everything from heels to flats and dresses to tops, these are here to stay and will be loved forever :)
Trend 9: Over sized Corsages.
Think I must have been sleeping through this trend or possibly knocked out by the size of them. In this case big ain't cool but rather medium sized or small may have worked better.
Trend 10: Wet Look Leggings.
Mmmmm this one is definitely a stumper. At first they look like bin liners but again if worn with certain things, they maybe 'pullable' but this one ain't for me.
Trend 11: Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
The Wayfarer (didn't even know they had a technical term) ooze that retro 90's glamour. Unfortunately not very versatile as you can only wear them if you wear the same kind of clothes. However they get a thumbs up from me ;)
Trend 12: Pint sized pooches.
Why anyone would carry anything that resembles a rat is beyond me but that's the crazy world of fashion. I wouldn't say this was a clothes trend as technically you don't wear them (I know a lot of animal activists will have something to say about that), but going back to what I said in the beginning of this: Why carry around a rat and one that looks starved too? So UGH to this trend too. Dogs are for walking not carrying and also dogs should be treated for what they are: dogs.
Trend 13: Prom Dresses.
This dress is vintage chic personified. They look sexy, glamourous and ultra feminine and would probably make any ladette feel like a lady. So Hooray for the Prom Dress!
Trend 14: Maxi Dresses.
In my opinion this dress is better suited to a taller woman as it creates a more feminine silhouette and brings down a 'bulky' frame. If however your petite it could end up looking like an over sized nightie (I am aware that Nicole Ritchie has worn one, which is exactly my point, need I say more?)
Trend 15: Gladiator Sandals
These belong in one place: The set of the Gladiator film set, best worn on Russel Crow. Not a very big fan of these but there are some in River Island: http://xml.riverisland.com/flash/content.php that do the rick. they are more feminine and nicer looking.
Trend 16: Boho.
Sienna set off a catalyst with this one didn't she? Great for a casual 'lazy Sunday afternoon' look. This look should stay that way and not come out from this category as it could go drastically wrong otherwise.
Trend 17: Bandanna's
Great trend for the beach or if your going to some urban music festival, oh and for bad hair days. So overall a good one.
Trend 18: Bandage dresses.
Again had no idea these had names. Too tight and quite unflattering (Mrs B need I say more?) Not one to wear if you have a big night of eating ahead of you. Not one for me at all.
So there we have it fashionisitas, you decide what trend was hot and what was not. Until next time happy fashioning :D
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/25252/1/17/noughties-style-the-way-we-wore.html
Trend number one: Hipster jeans.
Now according to Ms Marie Claire: "Any trend which relies on the mantra 'the lower the better' should never be trusted, so step up the hipster jean as the Noughties' ultimate reigning denim disaster."
However I believe if worn right ( and sorry to be sizist) and with fab abs this look could work. In my youth I rocked this trend with the 'boyfriend' jeans, timberlands and a cropped top. It also works better if you show of the belly button rather then wear it quite high which gives off a 'tire' kind of effect (take note Ms Spears in link above). May I just add what happened to "If you got it flaunt it?"
Trend number 2: Velour tracksuits.
OK again half and half on this. They are a guilty pleasure of clothing as they are comfortable but the danger is when they start to look chavvy. This one is debatable.
Trend number 3: Combats with heels.
UGH UGH UGH and did I mention UGH! Why would anyone do this? You may as well wear trainers with a dress (oh wait Lily already did that) or why not wear heels with tracksuits? You just wouldn't would you? Me and Ms Claire are on agreement here then.
Trend number 4: Timberland Boots....
...are comfy and wonderful and cool! A definite disagreement with this one. They have been around for so long but its not till J-Lo rocked them in her Jenny from the Block video they became cool again. Although traditionally masculine and used for hiking, these boots have a lot more credibility then Marie Claire think. As a lover of Urban music (where Timberlands are a regular wardrobe staple) I think they ooze coolness, however only if you like that 'cool', 'urban' look (Like Girls Aloud who sport it in the link above) as they work most well that.
Trend number 5: Trucker Hats
Never invested in one myself as this is one accessory I can't even pull off but as I said before if worn properly can look quite cool but only if your into that certain look as its not very mainstream. I'll let Marie Claire have this one.
Trend number 6: WAG Chic
The clothes themselves are OK but I fail to see how its a trend as the clothes are just normal apart from the fact that you have footballers wives/girlfriends wearing them. The only thing I can say is:(With referring to link above) Can someone please feed Mrs B a burger or something, that kind of skinny just ain't sexy at all.
Trend number 7: Ugg Boots
Hold the press, are these not one of the most popular pair shoes anywhere now? As Marie Claire have themselves pointed out "They might not be the most attractive of booties, but thanks to their sole-saving sheepskin lining, they soon became a fashion addiction that has endured the decade."
I don't own a pair myself but my FUGGS (Fake Uggs) do the trick I can only imagine the feeling I get from mine are similar to the ones the real Uggs give to the wearer. So whether we like it or not the Uggs are here to stay and so they should as I have been told they are comfy and keep your feet toasty, which is handy in this country!
Trend 8: Skinny Jeans
One of the best things ever! So versatile! Team them with almost everything from heels to flats and dresses to tops, these are here to stay and will be loved forever :)
Trend 9: Over sized Corsages.
Think I must have been sleeping through this trend or possibly knocked out by the size of them. In this case big ain't cool but rather medium sized or small may have worked better.
Trend 10: Wet Look Leggings.
Mmmmm this one is definitely a stumper. At first they look like bin liners but again if worn with certain things, they maybe 'pullable' but this one ain't for me.
Trend 11: Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
The Wayfarer (didn't even know they had a technical term) ooze that retro 90's glamour. Unfortunately not very versatile as you can only wear them if you wear the same kind of clothes. However they get a thumbs up from me ;)
Trend 12: Pint sized pooches.
Why anyone would carry anything that resembles a rat is beyond me but that's the crazy world of fashion. I wouldn't say this was a clothes trend as technically you don't wear them (I know a lot of animal activists will have something to say about that), but going back to what I said in the beginning of this: Why carry around a rat and one that looks starved too? So UGH to this trend too. Dogs are for walking not carrying and also dogs should be treated for what they are: dogs.
Trend 13: Prom Dresses.
This dress is vintage chic personified. They look sexy, glamourous and ultra feminine and would probably make any ladette feel like a lady. So Hooray for the Prom Dress!
Trend 14: Maxi Dresses.
In my opinion this dress is better suited to a taller woman as it creates a more feminine silhouette and brings down a 'bulky' frame. If however your petite it could end up looking like an over sized nightie (I am aware that Nicole Ritchie has worn one, which is exactly my point, need I say more?)
Trend 15: Gladiator Sandals
These belong in one place: The set of the Gladiator film set, best worn on Russel Crow. Not a very big fan of these but there are some in River Island: http://xml.riverisland.com/flash/content.php that do the rick. they are more feminine and nicer looking.
Trend 16: Boho.
Sienna set off a catalyst with this one didn't she? Great for a casual 'lazy Sunday afternoon' look. This look should stay that way and not come out from this category as it could go drastically wrong otherwise.
Trend 17: Bandanna's
Great trend for the beach or if your going to some urban music festival, oh and for bad hair days. So overall a good one.
Trend 18: Bandage dresses.
Again had no idea these had names. Too tight and quite unflattering (Mrs B need I say more?) Not one to wear if you have a big night of eating ahead of you. Not one for me at all.
So there we have it fashionisitas, you decide what trend was hot and what was not. Until next time happy fashioning :D
Saturday
Hand bags to secure loans for cash strapped fashionistas
Trawling through the Internet for my next possible opportunity to get into the fashionable doors of fashion PR I came across this article which I thought would be of interest to all fashionistas or even Women in general.
A firm, Yes Lady Finance (how appropriate!) in Hong Kong has started to offer personal loans to cash strapped Women in exchange for their designer handbags to act as collateral. The same rule we all know with non payment of loans applies here too: No payment, No handbag.
An example the article gave was of a Louis Vuitton handbag valued at $2,600 (that's about £1,500) US dollars in the second-hand market that would secure an $1,800 (approx £1100) dollar three-month loan. This is good news for the second hand market in Hong Kong as this kind of business thrives here.
So I ask everyone this: Is the future for securing loans? Do we treat our Chanel's and Louis's like our homes when we want to secure loans? Can luxury handbags really be a strong enough collateral?
On the one hand I know if I owned a luxury handbag and it was held in ransom by a loan company I'd think twice about missing a payment. I believe if we had something like this in the UK it may just have a chance of working as this kind of thing will feed upon peoples vanity and may just make them work harder to pay of loans and take it more seriously.
However does this this mean we would need a guide on the type of loan and exchange of handbag?
Think about it, a life without Louis? Perish the thought!
Do let me know your thoughts, I have enclosed the link above.
A firm, Yes Lady Finance (how appropriate!) in Hong Kong has started to offer personal loans to cash strapped Women in exchange for their designer handbags to act as collateral. The same rule we all know with non payment of loans applies here too: No payment, No handbag.
An example the article gave was of a Louis Vuitton handbag valued at $2,600 (that's about £1,500) US dollars in the second-hand market that would secure an $1,800 (approx £1100) dollar three-month loan. This is good news for the second hand market in Hong Kong as this kind of business thrives here.
So I ask everyone this: Is the future for securing loans? Do we treat our Chanel's and Louis's like our homes when we want to secure loans? Can luxury handbags really be a strong enough collateral?
On the one hand I know if I owned a luxury handbag and it was held in ransom by a loan company I'd think twice about missing a payment. I believe if we had something like this in the UK it may just have a chance of working as this kind of thing will feed upon peoples vanity and may just make them work harder to pay of loans and take it more seriously.
However does this this mean we would need a guide on the type of loan and exchange of handbag?
Think about it, a life without Louis? Perish the thought!
Do let me know your thoughts, I have enclosed the link above.
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