By Kelly Price


Every woman needs at least one little black dress!

It's the one garment you can always rely on when you are undecided what to wear. If you have the right dress, you can simply add some accessorizes for a chic and stunning look.

Let's look at what makes the perfect little black dress and how you can wear it for maximum impact.

The height of fashion since 1926

Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress in 1926 and it has become the symbol of timeless fashion. A fashion must for every women, the appeal of the little black dress has never waned.

Other trends and fashions come and go, but you will always be the height of chic with the little black dress.

Here are five tips to look chic for that special evening

1. Identify your key assets and show them off! You can highlight your back, shoulders arms breasts and legs. Pick a style that shows of your key assets

2. Choose a dress that's comfortable and fits well. Your little black dress should allow you to move, suit walk or dance comfortably. A knee-ish length (just above, or below) sleeveless sheath is a safe style to buy that always looks great.

3. Choose a well-constructed dress generally light wool or silk crepe with a lining are good and comfortable. The lining has the advantage of smoothing your figure to give the impression of a perfect fit.

4. Use the 3-1 ratio' to really standout - Three parts conservative but use one for a daring touch. A daring touch would be something like, a low cut back, a daring plunging neckline, or a deep slit in the side. Always remember to keep legs bare or in very sheer hose for the classiest look.

5. Accessorize your little black dress to really set off your look. A standout bracelet, a choker, or killer heels with a slim matching bag to add the final touch.

Versatility

A Little Black Dress is great for work as well as evening wear. Wearing your dress with a blazer or sweater and some knee length boots is a great look for work or an interview.

Your dress can also go on holiday with you and will be perfect for a stunning look quickly. Be sure to choose a material that resists wrinkles and dries quickly and you are ready for any fashion emergency.

Before Coco Chanel made it a fashion color, black was associated with mourning and death.

The great thing about the little black dress is that it doesn't draw attention to itself and looks completely different on different people.

The little black dress is and will remain a timeless classic, so make sure you use it to its full potential.

By Antigone Arthur


Fashion Trends and Popular Styles and Colors

The Wedding Dress - How did it all begin?

Did you ever wonder how the tradition of wearing a wedding dress came about? Wedding dresses have been worn by brides young and old alike for centuries. In modern times almost anything passes for a wedding dress however, in times of old, traditional wedding dresses were flowing gowns usually white in color.

White is usually accepted as the "traditional" color of gowns, and many designer wedding gowns are still fashioned in this color, representing the "purity" and "innocence" of the bride to be. Many women opt for other colors, including blue, pink, cream, yellow and more.

Wedding dresses have changed with time much as everything in the world has. In times of old most women selected a gown based on her financial status. Women who were at an economic disadvantage usually did not have the luxury of selecting an extraordinary gown that would be worn only once. Rather, most selected something more "plain" that could be worn for church services and other occasions after their blessed day.

Wedding gowns of varying styles and colors were popular among the elite, and by and large represented the unique style and personality of the bride to be, as well as modern trends at the time.

Popular Colors

An old poem states about the color of a wedding dress that "Married in white, you will have chosen all right." This is not to say that all brides historically have chosen white for their wedding gown. In fact, many brides chose colors including blue, pearl and even black. Many brides believed that if they wore blue their husbands would remain true to them (also a famous line in the wedding poem). Pink was even a popular wedding gown color for a time, though its darker variant, red was often considered taboo because it was associated with "scarlet women".

Many women who did not have a large budget to spend on a wedding dress in times of old opted for fashions that could be worn any day, rather than solely on their wedding day. For their wedding day, they would dress up their gown with accessories and flowers, even bows that could be removed after the festivities.

Wedding Gown Fashion

In the United States for a short spell the color white fell out of favor, but around the time of the Industrial Revolution, when the department store made it possible for a bride with any budget to purchase the gown of her dreams, white once again became the fashion. The style worn by women has changed through time.

Wedding dresses fashioned during the Roaring twenties were very different from those that came about in the thirties. In the twenties, women sought out gowns that de-emphasized their shape, in line with the style of the flappers that was trendy at the time.

During the 30's most women emphasized their shape and wore gowns that highlighted their waists and bosoms. Perhaps the most interesting period of time for the wedding gown was during the 1980s, when big puffy sleeves and extravagant skirts were worn by a majority of women. These gowns, while well suited for trim and petite women, often were not the most flattering choice for the average size woman. Despite this, gowns did not trim down again until the mid to late 1990s.

Wedding Gown Fashion Today

As mentioned at the start, almost anything passes for a wedding dress today. More and more women are buying a wedding dress online, because of the wide variety and selection of unique and custom made gowns available.

Informal wedding dresses, designer wedding dresses and even discount wedding dresses can all be found online thanks to modern technology. More popular than even designer wedding dresses are discount bridal gowns online. Most brides to be can purchase extravagant looking, custom made gowns for a fraction of the cost they would find them in a department store.

Another benefit of buying a wedding dress online is convenience. With so many things to plan for a wedding (location, cake, reception, flowers, invitations, rehearsal dinner etc.etc) most women appreciate having a handy resource for buying their wedding dress. Most women also find a wider selection of sizes and custom features available when they shop online vs. when they shop in a traditional store.

Trends

Trends have changed when it comes to modern wedding attire. No longer do all brides seek out a traditional white gown for their special occasion. In fact, there is a huge selection of vintage and informal wedding dresses available, many of which don't even look like official wedding gowns.

Most dresses today focus on the unique personality of the bride rather than socially accepted "norms" when it comes to buying a wedding dress. In general many brides are looking for wedding gowns that are narrower than they have been in times of old, and those that offer clean silhouettes. These types of dresses usually lengthen the body and provide a slimming effect. Some more popular trends include the following:

* A-line dresses that are long and slimming
* Sheaths with trains built into the silhouette, so that it trails behind the bride
* Bias-cut wedding gowns that follow the natural curves of the body, ending in a small flare at the bottom
* Raised waistline ball-gown styles
* Square necklines that provide a fresh open look
* Off the shoulder dresses providing a full neckline
* Sleeveless or cap sleeve gowns which are especially popular for summer brides
* Empire waists which elongate the figure and shift the focus upward

Trends are also apparent with regard to fabrics. Satin and silk gowns have long been popular, though sheer fabrics are also becoming more trendy, including chiffon and organzas. Embroidery is also replacing lace for many modern gowns, and some brides are opting to accent their dresses with pearls and other quality beads.

No matter what style gown you choose, the most important thing is that you select one that makes you look good, feel good and happy on the most important day of your life. You're sure to find a superb selection when shopping online.

By Leroy Fong


It is common to find men choosing white for their solid colored mens dress shirts. They believe that it is the easiest with other outfits as well as creating a formal appearance. There are people who feel that white dress shirts projects radiance onto mens face.

However, there is an aspect that we need to take note in mens fashion coordination, which is the skin tone as well as the hair color of the man. Imagine a blond man with fair-colored skin tone in a white shirt.

The direction of focus will on the shirt or tie rather than his face. The white shirt is not able enhance his overall light colored skin tone.

Instead solid colored mens dress shirts against the skin tone and hair color is supposed to bring the focal point to the man's face, not the shirt. It applies similarly to patterned dress shirts as well.

White is not the only ultimate choice for solid colored mens dress shirts, I would say blue color is the other must-have color for every mens dress shirts. It has the best blend into almost every mens skin tone and hair color.

It never seems to go wrong wearing a blue dress shirt to provide a warmer and richer overtone for any skin tone than white dress shirts.

Can all blue tones fit different skin tones and hair colors? Generally the best choice is going for medium blue and the suitable shade of medium should always bring the focus toward your face.

Men with tan or olive skin tones with contrasting hair color can afford to wear darker blue tones.

Fair skin men with dark colored hair have the best advantage in their choice of blue tones. Basically all the shades of blue are suitable for them especially the medium to dark blue tones.

Men with light colored hair and fair skin has to settle for light and soft blue hues. The overall blend between their hair and skin creates a muted contrast and the lighter blues will balance out this low contrast.

Check out our Mens Dress Shirts Store to find the most stylish and well-designed dress shirts for men.

By Leroy Fong


Every man should know the mens dress shoes details before even considering buying their dress shoes. It is important to understand that these details define the quality in the shoes.

Instead of repeated spending on replacing damaged dress shoes, it pays to have a few quality ones that can last for years. The high quality mens dress shoes are eventually going to be more cost efficient than the cheap poor quality ones that are not made to last.

Mens dress shoes details are the foundation in building and shaping the dress shoes. It provides the comfort and firmness within that men are always sensitive about. Let us begin going through the mens dress shoes details:

Leather

Most mens dress shoes are made of leather. It is important to know what constitutes good leather since this material covers about 80 - 90% of the dress shoe.

Leather quality is graded from 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest quality. However, we can never find these grading on the dress shoes and neither would the sales personnel at the shoe department know.

Generally, base on laymen's sight and touch, we focus on a smooth with consistent fine grain on the leather for mens dress shoes details. The leather should feel rich and supple.

A good example of good quality leather would be napa, a type of calfskin. Calfskin are fine leather from skin of young calf or even lambs. These hides have fine grains and shines with high polish.

All leather hides naturally have blemishes or scars on them. The high quality leather will have little scars on it and hence the higher price. The difference in durability for high and low quality leather is small in variation so it is not a determinant in the pricing for leather mens dress shoes.

Blemishes on leather dress shoes can be hidden by using sealant products. It smoothens the leather and cover-up the blemishes. Therefore, if the leather itself has less polished finishing (i.e. glassy finish) or as naked as it is, it represents lesser possible concealment of blemishes.

One of the most important mens dress shoes details lies on having high quality leather that has minimum blemishes and also barely touched-up with any artificial sealants.

Still it is difficult for any layman to assess the quality of leather unless you really know leather very well. Instead of trying to assess the leather itself, the focus should be more on the construction of the mens dress shoes.

Mens dress shoes details start from the inside since dress shoes are made from inside out. Blemishes and faulty workmanship are usually concealed on the outside. So focusing on the inside will allow us to find difficult areas of cover-ups.

An important point of focus is the insole. High quality mens dress shoes have insoles made from leather rather than layers of cardboards. These leather insoles are durable and prevents unnecessary foot odor because it allows the foot to breathe and absorb perspiration.

It can also be easily replaced when worn out as well as helps in shaping the bottom of the dress shoes which are not possible with cardboard insoles.

Lining

Leather is still the focus here. High quality leather should still be used to work on the lining. A good example of such leather would be calfskin.

Make sure that the lining is smooth at the folds around the seams and edges. Fine stitch is important along the lining because a fine binding and clean finishing defines the workmanship of the mens dress shoes details.

Stitching

Stitching is something that is not usually noticed among mens dress shoes details. We would recommend careful inspection of it.

Good quality stitching on mens dress shoes should be as inconspicuous as possible. It should be concealed from the top to the bottom of the dress shoes.

Remember to ensure that the inside of mens dress shoes do not have any exposed knots because these can cause a lot of discomfort for the wearer.

On the sole, a welt finishing involves stitching the leather in between the edge of the sole and the turned-in edge of the upper. These stitching should be hidden within the leather and should not have any loose ends revealed.

Soles

Soles are the foundation of mens dress shoes details. It is the easiest to wear out from walking.

A good investment for mens dress shoes would be having leather soles. One good point about leather soles is that it is definitely more formal and refined looking than rubber soles.

Leather soles are usually tanned to make it more lasting. The light tanned hue on the sole avoids possible cover-up of blemishes and scars.

It also avoids exposed stitching. The stitching along the soles should be well-hidden under the channels cut within the soles. These represents the quality required for mens dress shoes details.

The soles can be made into various layers, from single to three, and it all depends one's personal choice, or to fit the formal dressing.

Make sure these soles are shaped as closely as possible to the foot to assure comfort for the wearer. Dress shoes soles should never be glued to the shoe. We should expect stitching around this area. It allows possible changing of the soles when worn out but not for those with glued soles.

Heels

Another important aspect about mens dress shoes details is the heel. Leather comes into play again. The heels are actually layered with leather and nailed together with brass pins.

This creates a tight reinforcement for the leather layers to create a cushion effect as well as sustainable support around the heels.

Make sure the heels are not oversized as this disrupts the balance for the mens dress shoes and can make walking with such heels very uncomfortable. For added durability, some heels are further attached with brass tacks to the sole.

By Dr Edward Brell


Conjure up a caricature in your mind of Eve standing in front of a huge fig tree saying to Adam: "I have nothing to wear!" Now go to an average Western woman's wardrobe and it is likely one will find it bulging with things to wear. Yet she will lament "I have nothing to wear!" Amusingly, nothing much has changed.

This is because clothing stripped of its fashionable, chic, occasion-appropriate components is not what she has in mind when she is dressing-up. The utilitarian benefits of an apron made of fig leaves just won't do these days.
Not surprising, dressing-up encompasses primordial issues that go much deeper than mere fashion or utilitarian covering up for warmth, modesty, etc. and it goes beyond the female gender as well.

Who has not seen men in the middle of summer wearing suits and ties? Perhaps in this North Australian climate wearing suits and ties conform to their avatar of compliant men, or wishing to appear so, or are clueless followers, like lemmings down a cliff face. Neck-tie choking dressing-up, would be seen as mandatory for a job interview, regardless of the constriction of blood flow to one's brain to the point where one would prefer to faint rather than answer interview question. Not much utilitarian found here. Dressing-up for a court appearance, whether for sentencing or equity, expert witnessing or advocating, is the same.

It's as if the outer was to speak for the inner.

At least women have the good sense to bare more in this climate even if the power suit is the order of the day. Yet they still insist in wearing stiletto heels despite being-uncomfortable and risking back injury through postural nonfeasance as well as risking trips and falls. Let's not forget the girdle-type attire retaining what would otherwise spread like a badly misshapen sack of potatoes....all in the name of beauty, or so it would seem.

And Santa attire at Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is the most idiotic of them all. One might presuppose that I might have exempted myself from such inane practice. But No! Every year I dutifully did my HO-HO's when the kids were small. There has got to be an ill-intention fairy that gets delight from seeing us in ridiculous garb, perhaps not unlike the fun I have, letting my dachshund chase the red laser spot around the room.

Fashion has generally been conceived as a form of hegemonic oppression, exerting an obligation to conform (Diana Crane). But dressing-up is so much more than societal conformance or the outworking of the fashion industry manipulations. Take the cross-dresser who is motivated quite strongly against societal expectations, dressing-up in opposite sex clothing. Take the role players in a Nurse/Police uniform acting out a bedroom nuptial scene. No-one sees them dressing-up but themselves.

The topic of dressing-up, oversimplified and marginalized as fashion, is a serious subject touching the inner-most avatars. Dressing-up is not receiving the scholarly treatise it deserves being sketchy in many respects by scholars, relegating dressing-up to trivial or peripheral significance (Herbert Blumer, The Sociological Quarterly).

Sales of Superman or Batman outfits will attest to the Proteus effect in children while the quality and popularity of computer virtual games signal a complete immersion into the character of the game. Virtual dressing-up, no less! Grown men shooting paint balls at each other don battle fatigues, dressing-up to enter into the spirit of the game.

As for hegemonic oppression? The fashion industry merely adapts to, and exploits, what is already a deep pre-existing need to look good as defined by peers, tempered by a personal sense of aesthetics, to achieve a measure of personal significance as well as peer acceptance.

If fashion were ever to succumb to economic oblivion, dressing-up is here to stay, in one form or another.

By Bobby Deshea


Although it's common for most women to equate fashion with designer brands, the truth is, you can develop impeccable style without having to spend a fortune. Whether you describe your sense of fashion as chic, bohemian or grungy, you need to make sure that you have all the fashion staples in your wardrobe. And since casual dresses have become all the rage in the fashion circle over the past couple of years, it's important that you invest in a couple of quality pieces. Want to know how you can make the most out of your expensive casual garb? Here are a few tips that will help you take your fashion sense up a notch.

1. Learn to mix and match outerwear

Since casual dresses are considered to be quite versatile, you can easily change the look of an outfit just by mixing and matching different kinds of outerwear. During casual days, you can wear your favourite dress with a short denim vest and a pair of fashionable flats. While on dressy occasions, you can accessorize that same dress with an exotic pashmina scarf and a pair of studded high heeled sandals.

2. Accentuate your waist with a belt

If you want to look slimmer in casual dresses, you might want to start treating the wide belts trend as your new best friend. Wearing a wide belt over a casual dress is not only an effective way to accentuate your womanly curves, but it can also give your outfit an interesting splash of colour. Don't be afraid to experiment with bolder colours such as cobalt blue and forest green this year.

3. Choose accessories that are right for the occasion

Dying to know how you can look like the belle of the ball even if you're wearing a simple casual dress? Accessories such as necklaces, earrings bracelets and shoes can do a lot in putting together a well thought out ensemble. Just remember to choose accessories that will best suit the occasion. The last thing you need is to show up at the party of the century looking like a fashion victim. When choosing accessories, don't just follow your heart, follow your style guru as well.

If you want to be able to have access to a wide array of looks, be sure to stock up on the best casual dresses that money can buy. There are countless retailers that can offer you high quality dresses without having to cost you a fortune. All you need to do is check your favourite brands and take note of the dates when they will be on sale. Gather enough courage to ask for a discount. Who knows? You might be able to take home unique fashion pieces on the cheap.

So what are you waiting for? Ready to strut your stuff on the catwalk that is your everyday life? If you want to know more on what's hot and what's not in the fashion industry, make sure to check out the latest issue of your favourite fashion magazine today. With the right styling tips, you'll be able to turn all your drab outfits into pure glam.

By Ashley Adam

If you are seeking wardrobe ideas for a special occasion, look for inspiration from Hollywood's hottest trends for an ultra-trendy look. The formal wear fashion industry has recently broadened its scope of edgy appeal, now manufacturing some of the most fashion-forward garments and top evening dresses of 2011.

Contrary to popular belief, trends that you see in celebrity casual wear or fashion week runway shows do in fact transfer into many of the most popular evening dress designers' collections. Fashion trends are universal themes and the hottest dress designers are in tune with the latest looks and therefore design pieces inspired by big Hollywood fashion themes.

The latest celebrity trends that have also influenced the world of designer evening dresses are:

The Military Trend

Olive green, brass, a tailored fit, and strong geometric lines describe the basic infrastructure of the military trend. We have seen this plenty of times in snapshots of celebrities cruising down Rodeo Drive, but now we are seeing this popular trend interpreted on a higher level of sophistication on the red carpet.

The Color Purple

Numerous fashion magazines and style blogs are dedicating entire articles to the fabulous color. Purple is the 'it' color this season, symbolizing royalty, prosperity, and elegance. This is the perfect color for a chic evening gown.

Shoulder Detailing

Sometimes mixed with the military trend, the shoulder detailing trend actually helps enhance an hourglass figure. This gives the illusion of sharper edges around shoulder seams and also helps form a proportional structure.

Ruffles and Texture

Layers of fabric, complex textures, and extravagant drapes are all popular elements of the latest red carpet evening dresses. Ruffles are one of the hottest trends of the moment, combining an eye-catching texture with a feminine touch.

Animal Print

Animal print conveys a wild and sexy personality and looks best when complimented with classic elements. Head-to-toe animal print is a big no-no. Instead, choose a subtle way to incorporate animal print into your outfit, or in this case, your evening wear. Animal print shoes with a sexy black dress will make a bold and classy appearance.

Floral Detailing

Contrary to popular belief, floral prints can actually be incorporated into your wardrobe year round. No, it does not have to be the summer season to wear floral detailing. Recently, designers have developed a more subtle floral print with darker shades and a more neutral palette. Another big celebrity trend is the three-dimensional fabric flower detailing on evening dresses like Sarah Jessica Parker's ivory asymmetrical dress that she wore on the set of the Sex and the City Movie.

Culturally-Inspired Dresses

Cultural themes have made a big impact on the fashion industry this year. A global awakening and curiosity for unknown cultures is emerging and influencing everything from art and films to fashion and urban trends. Today, some of the most beautiful and unique dresses take inspiration from foreign cultures such as South American ancient tribes, Eastern European folk culture, and African tradition.

For more Hollywood trend ideas, browse through fashion magazines, look for clips of recent designer runway shows, and peruse your favorite evening gown dress websites. Getting inspired is the best way to begin a shopping mission!

By Daniel Collins


Fashion never waits. In fact, the fashion industry always seems to be a step (or three) ahead of the rest of us - which is why, when many are just settling into summer's fashion trends, autumn's styles are ready to be flaunted down the runways. However, while you don't need to pack away your summer wardrobe just yet, it's always to a fashionista's advantage to look ahead with regard to fashion trends. And, it certainly never hurts to get your hands on a few autumn styles before the season officially sets in.

As is the case with every season, autumn is set to highlight an array of key fashion pieces. Of course, some fashion items gain notice each autumn due to the nature of the season - for instance, boots, coats, and sweaters. However, each season also sees a set of special fashion items that play a prominent role in introducing the season's defining styles. The dress happens to be one such item for autumn 2010.

So, what exactly can one expect from the coming season's dress trends? To start, turtlenecks and high collars will be making a comeback in all forms - including dresses. However, turtleneck dresses this time around will be spiced up and matched alongside various (often bright) colours and funky accessories. The maxi dress, a prominent fashion staple over the last few seasons, will continue to go strong in autumn 2010 - though the colours and necklines of the dresses will vary from seasons past. Look for maxi dress skirt designs ranging from slightly bunched or flared (with a sexy slit), to long, straight and sleek. Patchwork, "poncho" and quilted dress styles will also be big, as will fringe on dresses. However, unlike the fringe trend from a few seasons ago, the fringe this season will remain solely on clothes (rather than on shoes, bags and accessories as well).

Tiered and strapless styles - commonly seen in Coast dresses will also be prominent for the upcoming season. And among the hottest colours for dresses this autumn will be black, white, red and yellow - not to mention the staple autumn fashion colour; brown.

So, while summer isn't over quite yet, keep your eyes peeled for some of the upcoming season's hottest items. With so many exceptional fashion pieces to be released - including an array of defining seasonal dresses - you'll want to be among the first to snag them off the fashion market.

By Neeluj Assel


Do you think that only lean and slim girls have a right to party? If yes, then it's a time to get a reality check and give a new perception to your thinking. Every woman is born beautiful and has a right to party equally as the ones having model like figure. All you need to have is a right attitude. So, if you have any qualms about, what you can wear to a club and look sexy, then read ahead and know the 7 basic tips.

· Be realistic:

Let's get practical. Every woman knows her body type and even her problem areas where she ahs bulk flab. So, if you are size 10, then don't try to get adjusted in size 8 as it will make you appear wannabe to the rest of the crowd. Don't be embarrassed if you are bit over-sized instead wear something, which flows when you move a little. Flowery patterns are a big NO. Its better that you go for a sexy silk linen or lacey dress that can make you look leaner and sexy.

· Choose a comfortable as well as stylish lingerie:

You may be wearing the sexiest outfit for clubbing, but if you have teamed up your dress with a wrong pair of lingerie then it can prove disastrous. Many girls keep on fixing the straps of their bra that makes a cheap scene to witness. If you don't have perky bust then avoid wearing nipple covers. It's better to wear a strapless bra and if you are scared of the idea of your bra falling down, then just wear a transparent bra of perfect shape and size. Lingerie gives the dress a form fitting.

· Panty lines are a fashion faux pass

Remember, you have to look sexy not slutty. Sexy doesn't stand for baring it all and just skin show. Leave something for imagination as well. Wear a low cut dress or top but then pair it with a sexy skirt that is not too fitted. See-through dresses that make your panty lines prominent will make you look like a playgirl.

· Become a head turner with the right set of heels:

Don't even think of wearing flats. As a total fashion disaster, flats make you look fleshy as well as plump. Go for the sexiest stiletto that you have in your wardrobe. Even if the color of your stilettos is in contrast with the dress, it's really okay. High heels make you look slender as well as glamorous.

· Give prominence to your best feature:

So, you better know your best feature and the slightly bad one. If you sexy legs then flaunt them by wearing a short dress or a short skirt and if you have beguiling and mesmeric eyes then do a lot of make up on them by putting up mascara, kajal, etc. This is the best way by which you can actually make yourself a style diva i.e. by highlighting your best feature.

· Accessorize your dress:

Belts, scarfs, rings, earrings, etc, accessorize your dress aptly but don't overdo it. Just wear those pieces of ornaments which are requisite and give a stunning look. Don't wear everything like it is the only and the last chance when you are going out for clubbing.

· Be in sync with the latest fashion trends:

Get yourself updated with the latest fashion trends and wear what is in fashion. There may be many dresses which you must have purchased earlier but it doesn't mean that you will have to stick to them only. Shop for some fashionable and trendy dresses and avoid imitating any body. Have your own style sense.

Apart from these seven tips, one advice that is actually essential to b followed is wearing a sexy fragrance. It means you just don't have to look sexy but smell sexy as well. So, stay cool, relaxed and comfortable while clubbing and you can surely have a good time.

By Lily McCallister


When people dress in the morning, they probably don't think about the groundbreakers in fashion design who have influenced them, either directly or even subconsciously. But fashion would not be what it is today without these designers, tastemakers, and entrepreneurs. They've changed the way we think about clothes, the way we wear them, and the way we buy them.

Charles Frederick Worth. Considered the Father of Haute Couture, Worth was the first fashion designer to make a name for himself. Before he opened his Paris fashion house in 1858, fashion design and construction were handled by anonymous tailors and seamstresses. He was the first to display model dresses at fashion shows in which customers placed orders, rather than letting customers dictate the style of their garments. He is also credited as the first designer to put labels on his designs.

Levi Strauss. During the California Gold Rush, Strauss was a retail store owner. Gold prospectors at the time wore cotton pants that tended to rip easily, so Strauss and a tailor, Jacob Davis, created more durable pants that were reinforced by small metal rivets. Jeans were born, and the rest is fashion history.

Coco Chanel. She may be known for the "little black dress" and classic cut suits, but women can especially thank Chanel for making clothes comfortable. Opening her first shop in 1913, her menswear-inspired designs freed women from the constraining corsets and uncomfortable long dresses that were in vogue at the time, ushering in an era of modern, casual dress.

R.H. Macy. The founder of Macy's department store drastically altered the way people bought clothes when the first Macy's opened in 1958.. While consumers previously went to small, family-owned shops or general stores primarily if they needed new clothes, they went to department stores more often just to peruse the wide variety of merchandise. And if they happened to find clothing that appealed to them on display, they would then purchase it. For the first time, clothing became an impulse item.

Edith Head. From the late 40s to early 70s, eight-time Oscar winner Edith Head was the designer of choice for some of Hollywood's most well-dressed leading ladies including Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Largely because of her influence, audiences became captivated with the love affair between movie stars and fashion design - a fascination that exists to this day.

Eileen Ford. The founder of Ford Models was responsible for discovering pretty women like Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley and turning them into household names, thereby creating the concept of the "supermodel" in the 70s. Supermodels have come to define American beauty - the way we aspire to look and dress.

Richard Blackwell. When Mr. Blackwell first published his "Worst Dressed List" in 1960, he pretty much invented the notion of "what not to wear." His biting remarks of stars' fashion sense, or lack thereof, created a cottage industry of fashion criticism, eventually leading to today's red carpet commentaries and post-awards fashion blogs.

Ralph Lauren. Fashion giant Ralph Lauren was a pioneer in turning a fashion design label into a lifestyle brand. Through aggressive advertising, he was not just selling clothes, he was selling an image: aristocratic, preppy, with a touch of the rugged West. He started a hunger for labels, as the public bought up anything with his polo player logo, especially his iconic short sleeve mesh shirt, introduced in 1972. And through numerous licensing agreements, consumers could own a little piece of luxury, even if it was just a pair of socks or a towel with a polo player on it.

Donald Fisher. With his wife Doris, Fisher opened a little store called Gap in 1969 that would grow to become an American institution. While Gap popularized khakis and casual Fridays, its legacy is much more far-reaching: Gap has become the epitome of the "mall store" concept, in which no matter what city consumers may be in, they have the comfort of knowing that the Gap store there is just like the one in their hometown. Practically every clothing retailer has followed this business model, resulting in a fashion landscape that is rather homogenous throughout the country.

Anna Wintour. Considered one of the most important, and intimidating, people in fashion today, the Vogue editor-in-chief since 1988 is known to set trends and anoint new designers. If Wintour puts a designer in her magazine, the implied endorsement can make his or her career. Because of her influence, John Galliano became the head designer of Dior, and Brooks Brothers collaborated with Thom Browne. Her clout in the current fashion scene is simply unrivaled.

Although this list of influential figures is short, the fashion school history annals could provide hundreds of additional names of people who have influenced the way we dress. Our hats are off to all of them.

By Erin Petersson


Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the transition period between winter and summer. Its days are close to twelve hours long with increasing day length. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring runs from March into June, and in the Southern Hemisphere it runs from September into November. Spring is also the tropical cyclone season in both hemispheres. Spring months are the blossoming months that bring meaningful growth and rejuvenation in its wake. Spring enriches natural beauty and it seems as if nature is dressed in a beautiful green gown. In most locations, spring occurs during the months of March, April and May.

Spring Fresh Fashion Looks and Dress Up Games

Spring is in the air, but many of us aren't feeling that same "spring" in our step as we usually do at this time of year... what with the state of the economy and beyond. That's why fashion is doing its best to brighten our days and lighten our life. This season in fashion is all about bright cheerful colors, cozy comforting fabrications, and easy breezy style.

Springtime fresh look and Dress Up Games collide. Dress Up Games presents Spring Dress Up Games. Your favorite springtime clothes is now in the online game. You can now think and design your look for spring. You can now have some options and make some adjustment for your spring scheduled activities. Spring is said to be the perfect time for more outdoor getaways. Through playing online dress up you are able to imagine your perfect spring look. All that you want and all the best dress I will share with you in this article are also in dress up games. You just have to check it out. Being able to gain access to fashion with dress up games is really an advantage. You are not only equipped but it will help you start planning and budgeting for your family needs and self desires.

If your budget only allows for a few essential items this spring, don't forget some of our "must have" suggestions. These suggestions includes the list of best spring outfit you must have and also playing Dress Up Games.

I've picked out pieces of casual items, work or dressy attire, and a exotic card selection for Mom, Dad, and kids that are versatile and fabulously fashion forward this springtime.

Springtime Sprinkled Dress Up

Spring fashion will not be complete without Spring fashionable clothes. These fashionable clothes are Trench Coat, Shirt Dress, Shift Dress, Capri Pants, Golf or Pencil Skirt, Ruffle Shirt, Jeans, Boat-neck sweater or Tea, Sweater Sets & Cozy Cardigans and Scarf. The Trench Coat, a staple for every busy Mom in springtime should be the timeless trench coat. This season, kick it up a notch with a "splash" of color. Dramatically sexy in solid brights, to whimsically charming in floral or ethnic prints, the shirt dress has been reinvented. Add some chunky jewelry and a great pair of shades and you'll definitely be one hot momma. Dare to wear Capri Pants in flame red, key lime green, hot pink, or even floral but for the more demure, pep up a subtle hued pant with a brighter and funkier twin set. Busy Moms can dress down a pencil skirt with skimmers and a t-shirt, but when the kids are in bed, glam it up with some sexy statement stilettos. Add flirty fashion jewelry and an oversize clutch to transform your busy day into a play day. The ruffle shirt has made a comeback this season and is being shown in classic colors, as well as in the more vivid color pattern. Whether sleeveless, long sleeve, or three quarter length, ruffles give any outfit some dimension. The ruffle shirt is just as perfect with jeans making them casual chic when coupled with flats, or dressed up with heels. A fabulous all-purpose boat-neck, whether monotone or optic striped, is comfy, as well as practical. Wear it over a poplin golf skirt, suggests Bouchard, or pair it with bright Capri pants and some ballet flats, or even sandals, and you'll look stylish, too. Sweater sets and cardies in blazing bright hues make a nice topper when paired with a skirt, pants, or even shorts for this season's hot look. They are great to slip on when there's a spring chill in the air, or can be broken apart with each piece worn separately. These are the must have dress up.

Now that you know some of the best clothes this springtime you will have no time for dress up games on your closet. You know what is best for you and for your family. Enjoy every springtime activities with wise spring tips and Dress Up Games.