By Arline James-Thomas


Ever wondered why some people look so well put together and others do not? For those who appear to have put some thought into what to wear, that's exactly right. They did plan what they were going to wear. There is a difference between simply putting on clothes (hoping to get it right) and putting thought into what you are going to wear by coordinating your wardrobe.

Many of us pay little attention to our appearances for various reasons:

- No time
- Too lazy
- Can't be bothered
- What's the point!
- I'm just a stay at home mum
- Overweight
- Have no one to dress up for
- It's cold and I have to wear an outer coat anyway
- and the list goes on...

Whichever category you fall into, you can only change the way you dress by making an effort. The stimulus for change starts with you. It is important that you want to look good for you. What you wear can lift you up or put you down. Thus for me, when I look good I feel good. Even if other aspects of my life are not perfect, dressing well can usually be a confidence boost and lift my self esteem.

If you want to change the way you dress, start by adopting the attitude that you are going to make time to sort your wardrobe. You are going to buy clothes that flatter your shape and size. You are going to learn to layer up and still look good. Ultimately you need to make a commitment to get rid of clothes that do little to enhance your appearance. This I know is hard. So for every new piece of clothing you buy, get rid of one piece that you know does nothing for you.

Re-inventing yourself through fashion.

The first step is to define your body shape. For this you can seek professional help from a fashion stylist or personal shopper if money is no object. This can seem like an expensive option but can be cheaper in the long term as it saves you time and stops you wasting money on clothes that do not enhance your body shape or size. Books that can help you define and shop for your shape are Gok Wan's "How To Look Good Naked: Shop For Your Shape And Look Amazing!" and Trinni and Susannah's "The Body Shape Bible".

Once you have defined your shape, you would see that you do not have to be size zero model to look good in clothes. That is not to say that health and diet are not important. You should make every effort to maintain good health by exercising and eating right to avoid becoming victims to life style diseases.

Make a list of your positive body attributes, though I must say that you may not be the best person to do that as usually we are the harshest critics of ourselves when it comes to our body. For instance I think my bust size is a negative attribute while many of my friends wish they had my bust size. Thus what seems to be a negative for you may be a positive in the eyes of others. Be objective and ask the opinion of others in defining your body attributes. The key is to find clothes that accentuate your positives and downplay your problems areas. For example high waisted trousers are excellent for downplaying high tummies and bulges.

How do the fashion experts do it?

Browse through magazines to see how the experts put clothes together in terms of style, shapes, colours, patterns and accessories.

Take in TV Shows on Fashion. The Clothes Show on UKTV Style presented by Louise Redknapp, Carolyn Franklyn and Brendan is one example which shows high street fashion trends as a spin off from the catwalk. Another aspect of this show included a Yummy Mummy section where Cheryl Konteh - fashion stylist, transformed a weary mother into a beautiful swan. Browse your local TV and Cable Networks to see what's available. You can learn so much by watching these fashion programs.

Look at others around you

Identify persons whose look you like and start to emulate them. And I say persons because some people may be one dimensional in their dress sense. Take what is good from several persons and put your own look together. Ensure that the looks you are emulating are appropriate for your body shape and size or can be adjusted to suit. For example you may not be small breasted enough to wear certain thin strap tops or dresses comfortably without feeling that boobs are far too overexposed or spilling out. If the cut and shape of the garment works for you then experiment with wearing a camisole or vest under the top or dress.

Stop Clothes Hoarding

Refrain from buying clothes and putting it away for a special occasion or thinking "this jacket is too good to wear just to collect the kids". Learn to play down or play up an outfit. For instance a nice jacket or coat can be worn with jeans and a basic top to play down the outfit while you can wear the same jacket with dressy pants, heels, soft top and play up the coat or jacket. Experiment by buying inexpensive quality clothes from discount outlets, sales etc that flatters your shape and size. You did not pay much for them so it should not matter too much where you wear them.

Widen your shopping radius

You are not going to find everything you need to change the way you dress in one shop or in one day. If you are one of those who habitually visit the same stores over and over again then force yourself to go into a store you have never browsed in before. Remember you are not looking for ten of the same slacks or jumpers in different colours. You are looking for different styles, different cuts and different colours that may appeal to your figure and complexion respectively. Expand your shopping radius and even include the internet. There are lots of great bargains and unusual finds on the internet.

Get your underwear right

Wear appropriate underwear with your outfits. As stressed by Trinny and Susannah of "What not to Wear" fame, "Nowadays, specialist knickers, tights, all-in-ones and bras are industrially enhanced for the sole purpose of improving our shape....". If you are wearing a body hugging garment then wear underwear that will hold your tummy and bulges in place. Bras should give you the lift you need to keep large breasts well supported and small breasts boosted if that is the look you are going for. Either way, while underwear is practical it should also make you feel sexy. Visit a department store that offers measuring services for your bra size. Big boobed women will feel right at home at Bravissimo who "provides a wide choice of lingerie and swimwear in D-K cup". Check their website for store locations or buy online at bravissimo.com

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Invest in quality accessories. Accessories are very important and can really lift or pull an outfit together. Some say - "Oh I'm not a belt person or I'm not a scarf person or hat person or whatever the accessory might be". In a lot of cases this is usually said because you have no idea how to wear it. See how the fashion experts use these accessories in magazines, shop windows etc.

Remember quality accessories do not necessarily have to be a designer's brand to be of good quality or look good. Buy unique fashion accessories that will set you apart from the crowd and will make you look just as good or even better than the designer wear. Gok Wan on his Channel 4 programme - "Gok's Fashion Fix: look fabulous for less" shows us how to get designer looks for less. The last bag I bought while on holiday in the Caribbean by a local designer called Sel J is so unique in its styling that people always ask me "where did you get that". At the same time I also have other well known European designer bags that get the same attention when I use them. Thus the key is not to buy designer for designer sake but designer or non designer because it is quality and unusual.

Headscarves as an accessory is highly underrated and under utilized and can really liven up a look. Invest in some trendy headscarves preferably silk so as not to dry out the moisture from your hair - great for those bad hair days. Choose a colour from your outfit and match up with an appropriate headscarf.

Revitalize your hair and skin

Hair and skin are also vital to your appearance. Transform your face with a new haircut that is suitable to your face shape and age.

Make up is great to enhance our appearance but it is important to be comfortable in your skin. Develop a regular regime of cleaning, toning and moisturizing your face and do regular facials. A monthly galvanic facial is useful to get rid of dead skin cells as well as detoxing and rejuvenating the skin. Bear in mind your face never looks great immediately after a facial. However, after a day or two you would see the results and people will tell you as well how amazing you look. For those on a budget find your nearest college with a beauty school. They usually offer hair and beauty treatments at significantly reduced prices.

Dressing well is a habit

The bottom line is... you have to make an effort to look good. Like everything else, dressing well is a habit. The more you do it the better you become at it and it develops into a habit. Do not be afraid to experiment and have fun mixing and matching your clothes. Find new ways to wear old favourites. Sometimes we have to get it wrong before we know that we are getting it right.

But once you get it right, you will know that your dress sense is improving when you are receiving compliments on your clothes or being asked "where did you get that" or "what's the occasion". So enjoy the attention when it comes.

Soon you would be wondering why I didn't make an effort before. Next you would be critiquing the dress style of others around you in your head and thinking "how can a person dress so badly". Finally dressing well becomes effortless.

By Sasha Lemarcon


In the past, cocktail dresses were only used on special evenings and for high class parties. Nowadays, even if they are still considered formal wear, some women put their newly discovered versatility to good use. These dresses are now used for late afternoon and early night parties, social happenings, and other events.

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a cocktail dress is that it must look fashionable. More than simply looking fashionable, it should be fashionable for your body type. The market's formal dresses are not meant for every woman. Different dress designs are available for every individual figure. While most women have a regular figure, some could easily pass as supermodels.

A woman should consider her body type when shopping for formal clothing which will compliment her. The formal dress should highlight and give equal proportion to her figure.

Pear shaped women (having more to show downwards from the waist) should draw attention to the top part of their bodies and their facial areas. Spoon-shaped women (who are heavier upwards from the waist) should highlight the bottom part of their bodies and showcase their legs.

A cocktail dress that is suitable for a woman who is bottom-heavy would be one that fits snuggly, yet not too tight at the waist. A flared look is desirable because it makes hips and thighs look better.

The skirt should be full rather than too short, as you don't want to be embarrassed by people seeing too much. The flares may be created with ruffles at the bottom or layered tiers. Another option would be to have a slight flare at the hem of a sparkling tank dress.

Women who are heavy at the bottom should opt for a higher waistline which covers the entire body. In this case, a strapless or sleeveless top helps the flared skirt. In other words, this helps her figure to be highlighted by the arms rather than the hips.

A nice fashionable look for a cocktail dress for women who are heavy at the top would be one that highlights their legs. The use of clothing with solid colors would assist in accomplishing this. To help people concentrate on her legs, a woman could acquire a cocktail dress with a short skirt. Nowadays, it is possible to easily locate dresses that end right above the knee.

If you want focus on cleavage, you can show skin at the top part of the dress, making it more revealing. This can be accomplished through a low V-cut or plunging neckline. Strangely, a more discreet top can actually be more revealing. With that in mind, a bubbled hemline accentuates the dress.

Nowadays, showing cleavage may be considered fashionable by some women. It gives them a sexier look. Numerous female celebrities have been embracing this trend for some time now.

Wearing a fashionable cocktail dress is about more than just the dress. Women need accessories to make their wardrobe complete. Women can dress up using earrings, bracelets, chokers, necklaces, and small handbags. However, the dress's neckline may make a choker or necklace unnecessary. It's a good idea to start with the dress and then choose accessories that will match it.

Cocktail dresses can look good on any woman with a few effortless touches.

By Kathy Amarati


Let's very briefly consider the way some of our successful designers started on their careers with dress form.

Charles Frederick Worth - left England as a penniless draper's assistant. Worked for a Parisian dressmaker until his designs began to attract attention and his design and dress form originality became too daring for his employer. At this stage he set himself up as a couturier and thus started an industry that even now endures. His son Jean Phillippe Worth studied with Co rot and later worked for his father. He set the dress form for all the costumes of his close friend and great actress - Eleanora Duse.

Poiret - as a child was apprenticed to an umbrella maker. Later worked for Worth. Designing for the stage brought him his first success. He was known for his love of romantic, brilliant colors in dress form and for his predictions and promotion of bobbed hair, short skirts, and the trouser skirt.

Paquin - set the vogue for fur trimmings in dress form.

Molyneux - An Irishman who found fame in Paris. After working for another firm set up his own shop. His designs were known for social distinction in dress form rather than artistic genius.

Lucien Lelong - used his exceptional sense of publicity. Under his name and direction the work of many designers achieved distinction.

Chanel - started as a milliner - persuaded by friends to do dress designing. Known for straight line well constructed dress form with simple design and no meaningless ornamentation. Though she denied being "arty" she backed the Russian Ballet at its beginning, and among her friends were Picasso, Cocteau, Stravinsky, etc.

Lanvin - began her career through the urging of people who admired the design and dress form she created for her own daughter. Known for superb technique, sense of dramatic, and regal style, of her adaptations which made up for the lack of original innovations in dress form.

Patou - was a great and witty showman who was willing to take chances. He restored the natural waistline and longer skirts in dress form. Designed for many actresses for the publicity value. Enjoyed commenting on anything that came to mind for the benefit of the press. His openings were always gala and smart functions flowing with champagne and stuffed with canapes. Known for the new colors and shades in dress form he launched each season.

Augusta Bernard - began her fashion career as a copyist. Known for perfection of technique and beauty of design which were not practical for mass production because of elegant workmanship and expensive materials.

Schiapparelli - owned and operated a small sweater shop in Paris before she got her start in fashions. Known for "Italian prodigality of ideas" and her starkly simple and highly stylized dress form based on bold, sharp, square lines which, though not pretty, were magnificent.

Dior - became internationally famous when he jolted the fashion world by dropping the hemline from the 2nd World War above the knee status down almost to the ankles.

Carnegie - began as a milliner, later had a dress shop. Known for excellent ability to anticipate fashion trends in women's wear.

Jesse Franklin Turner - painter and sculptor. Began fashion career with Bonwit Teller, later had her own shop. World-wide traveler in search of unusual fabrics and ideas. Known for originality and timeless elegance in dress form independent of current fashion.

Elizabeth Hawes - sold original children's designs at the age of 12, later worked for Bergdorf Goodman. Had art school training. Did fashion reporting from Paris and worked as designer for a minor Parisian house. Opened her own shop in New York and followed Parisian custom by running exclusive openings.

Bernard Newman - studied painting at Art Students League. Worked at sketching fashions and dressing Fifth Avenue Windows. In answer to his critical attitude toward fashions with which he worked in this capacity was challenged to do better - and so began his career of fashion designing for Bergdorf Goodman.

Sophie Gimble - designed for amateur theatricals. Today directs the designing studio for one of New York's high fashion stores in dress design and form.

California designers among whom Adrian, Banton, Cassini, Greer, and Irene must be mentioned as style leaders, have all worked for the various motion picture companies. When you consider the time lapse between picture production and release, you begin to realize how important it is for the designer to anticipate style trends in advance.

By Alan J Patrick


The dictionary meaning of fashion is that (Dresses, behaviour, thought etc.,) which is considered most to be admired or imitated during a period or at a place. But the fashion may or may not be applicable to all. What is fashion at one time and one place need not be so at the same time at the other place. It is different from culture in that it is more in dynamic in terms of change than the culture. Or shall we say the ‘culture’ of fashion is ‘changing frequently’. The term fashion is used both in the positive and negative sense. The current popular trends is expressed when something is referred to as fashionable or unfashionable. Everything in the life from architecture to technology and every human being has fashion. Perhaps, it is the fashion of the fashion-haters not to accept the trends of fashion.

Fashion for men is as much needed as it is for women. Men’s fashion includes their clothing, hair style, their look, their food habit, talking nature etc. What make a man more fashionable are not just his dresses, not just his talking, not just his mannerisms etc. a combination of these things makes a man more fashionable. An unfashionable guy is not liked by his counterparts, who are fashionable. In fact, the changing trends in the fashion world make it very difficult to keep pace with the developments.

Make-up is an important aspect in human's life. Everybody wants to look good. Every human being has beauty in him/her. This is because no two human beings look alike. Make-up is an art which enhances one’s look and thereby the beauty. Make up is as essential for men as it is for women. By using make-up, people show their age reduced to a great extent and the old look younger.

The art of make-up is more used in cinema than in real life. In fact, people take the cue of make-up from the recent movies. As an art, make-up is well exploited in the movies. Hollywood is not an exception to this. Hollywood make-up secrets are not secrets but well known to everybody. There are lot of books, video clippings and websites about Hollywood make-up secrets. More often than not, make-up creates the fashion. The movie-goers, particularly the youngsters, follow the make-ups or the dressing ways of the hero or heroine of a particular movie. The trend of fashion is thus set.

In earlier days, people dressed just for the sake of dressing or covering their body. But slowly with the development of culture the way people started dressing changed. They started showing more interest in their dressing. New materials were found out for dressing. The new materials started giving way for new forms or trends and thus, started the advent of designing clothes.

Now, designer clothing is a common name everywhere. Under designer clothing, dresses are designed in a new way keeping in mind the current fashion and trends. The newly designed dresses are marketed. Big textile companies use this for easy marketing of their products. Usually the designed dresses are advertised in leading magazines, papers, video clippings with the help of models and cine stars to catch the attention of the public. Then the fabrics are easily sold. Considering the latest trends in the design technology, it is designer clothing at wholesale. This form of sales promotion has made many textile companies reach other countries for sale.

If god makes the human being born on this world, it is the fashion that makes them looking good. Though everybody is born with same features everybody does not look good with some people being short and some being tall. Though every human being is given equal opportunity for looking good, only some people take efforts in making them look good. Looking good is a good trait because people like good things. A good looking person attracts easily others than an ordinary looking person. The fire of friendship catches immediately on looking good. It can be said of both men and women. The modern day dressings and makeup create fashion, which ultimately make people look good.

For more details about fashion and trends, please log into www.ABCofFashion.info [http://www.ABCofFashion.info] and explore the fascinating world of fashion.

By Amber J Allen and Ann Barrago


In the 1950's most of peoples possessions, including clothing, were still passed on or recycled as part of the 'make do and mend' culture that had become a necessity throughout the Second World War. However this decade marked the end of rationing and the resulting economic growth inevitably led to an increase in consumerism. After years of hardship ordinary people suddenly had time, money and enthusiasm to put into re-inventing the post war world, and fashion was an important part of this.

Clothes for the average working person became more readily available, there was a surge in the availability of materials and patterns to make your own, but most importantly mass production 'off the peg' clothing became available at prices that allowed most people access to latest fashionable styles.

The baby boom led to a high demand for children's clothing. Some styles of children's clothes sought to include fashion ideas that were making their way into the youth and even adult styles. Dresses were the most popular item of clothing for women and girls, three tiered dresses with a bolero cardigan were popular for younger girls. Little boys were dressed in brightly coloured shorts, tartan shirts and stripy T-shirts, not clothing generally considered suitable for grown men but the change in attitudes towards fashion evident by the use of colour.

Youth fashion, well teenage fashion as we would call it today was really born in the 1950s, never before had this age group had available funds and freedom to spend in such a way. Previously young adult dress was about the same as normal adult dress but the changes came that allowed young people to care about how they looked and to dress purely for show. The birth of Rock 'n' Roll created a rebellious youth culture that sought to push fashion in a direction to attract attention, Elvis Presley pushed the fashion boundaries very far in what was considered acceptable in the 1950's.

The majority of people dressed in the conventional way of the time, a neat look with a jacket or blazer, trousers, thin straight tie and possibly suede shoes for younger men, however another youth fashion stream called 'Teddy boys' is always associated with the fifties, named after the Edwardian (Ted) style jackets that they wore. Typically teddy boys dressed in drainpipe trousers, beetle crusher shoes with fluorescent pink socks and DA haircuts. This 'duck tail' hair style consisted of greased long hair, moulded up to a quiff at the front and the side combed back to look like the back end of a duck. Their reputation was that of young men out looking for a fight with rumours of flick knives. This was following riots of a mainly teddy boy teenage audience in London cinemas after viewing the US film 'Blackboard Jungle'.

Young women were noted for wearing circle and 'poodle skirts' for dancing. These were wide swing felt skirts in bold colours with a design, originally a French poodle, applied to the fabric. These colourful skirts were also suited to everyday wear, starched petticoats required to achieve the look for some. Younger women would wear their hair in a ponytail and a short fringe, contrasting to the soft curls and shorter hair cuts preferred by more mature women of the time.

Women's fashion in the fifties was all about dresses. Slim fitting trousers for women, based on the men's style of the day had started to become part of socially acceptable dress for women but these were more for daring rock'n'roll teenagers, for most women dresses were the only suitable item of clothing for all occasions.

After the end of cloth rationing in the Second World War the fashion houses of Paris had started up again, it was however the 'New Look' silhouette released by Christian Dior in 1947 that seemed to set the style achievement for the decade of the 1950s. This look emphasized everything feminine and consisted of the classic hourglass shape as we would think of it today with many touches of luxury. The main look is to accentuate a small waist with rounded shoulders, full skirts worn with petticoats and finished with gloves and pearls.

Another main designer from this decade Coco Chanel contrasted this look with boxy jackets and straight skirts that now make up the classic Chanel suit. The attention for Chanel was to the materials and the small details such as the finishes and linings, pearls played a big part with the look as well.

For normal women the classic dresses of this time would be the shirtwaist dress, also known as a house dress, and the wrap dress. Skirts would be worn either as full, or in a straight pencil style. Wide 'Peter pan' collars on dresses were also very popular.

The end of the Second World War gave people the freedom to dress in new styles with far more fabric than would have been available previously. Peoples increased spending power and appetite for fashion made this decade notable for its daring new teenager and youth fashions, but also enviable for the glamour and elegance of the acceptable adult fashions.

By Laura Chiffons


Fashion trends come and go but a major trend that has not lost its charm is striped dresses. Women just love striped dresses. Reason behind this all time favorite women's fashion trend, once again becoming one of popular Spring 2010 fashion trend, is that it is apt for women of every age and size.

Talking about variety in striped dresses, it's numerous. Just name it and you'll find it. One can go for striped tee, striped sweater dress, striped shirt dress or even striped evening wear. Striped tees are best for casual wear. For a formal occasion or party, one can opt stylish striped gown or mini dress.

Three types of stripes are very much in fashion today. These are vertical stripes, horizontal stripes and diagonal stripes. Vertically striped dresses are best for ladies who want to elongate their body. It is apt for plus size women as vertical stripes pose a slimmer look. Ladies who are too slim and would like to go for stripe tee or sweater dress should opt for horizontal stripe, as it will add volume and give a ravishing look as well. Diagonal stripes work well for plus size as well as tall women because diagonal and askew stripes add curves wherever needed, hiding the rest.

Many fashion shows like Bottega Veneta and Givenchy Spring 2010, presented stylish striped dresses. Dresses with stripes can even correct some of the things one is not so proud of. Lot of variety as well as colors are available in striped dresses. One can also go for colorful or nautical striped dress. A black and white striped tee is best for every occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in latest Spring 2010 fashion trend and hit fashion streets. Before choosing a striped dress, keep your body shape in mind as right placement of stripes enhance the body and wrong stripe placement can be a style disaster. So, just choose one that complements your figure and be stylish!

By Sara Buttar


The 1950's spawned a wide variety of original and distinctive styles, presented with a classic new age twist. For America, recently recovering from catastrophic tragedies related to the second World War, the 1950's brought restored hope; a chance for a new way of life whose destiny would be decided by them alone. This metamorphosis of America was heavily represented by fashion.

Women especially dramatically altered the way they dressed and presented themselves; during the evolution of an increasingly liberated society, women began to favor casual, relaxed clothing over traditional dress rules and associated formality of previous decades. Some of the most admired new trends for women in the 1950's included button-up sweaters with simple necklines, fitted blouses, and full knee-length skirts. However, the most prevalent fashion for women during this time was dresses. Most dresses were worn casually, and were accentuated with circle skirts, halter straps, or small collars. Evening wear dresses seemed soft yet daring, coming in many pastel hues and accompanied with bold ruffles, tulle trim, and dazzling velvet bows. The fitted evening wear of this period, which was usually sleeveless or strapless, was also emphasized with sheer silk.

Growing increasingly popular, the full skirts of the 1950's needed some sort of support in order to maximize their look. To address this problem, Nylon petticoats were created exclusively to be worn in conjunction with full skirts to create fullness. Nylon was a favorable material because of its high quality and easy care wash. This fullness it created transformed the skirt who gave nothing more than a gentle swish, into a glamorous royal-like flutter. Another significant fashion of this period is the swing coat, developed in the last 1940's by Jacques Fath. The silhouette of the swing coat was "designed perfectly to cover full skirts, and also ideal for the post war high pregnancy rate". Another trend in the 1950's was the "trapeze dress: a swinging dress almost triangular in shape and designed to be worn with low shoes and bouffant hairstyles." The trapeze dress was later modified into a shorter baby doll tent style dress, which was popular in the next decade. Perhaps one of the most classic fashion garments from the 1950's was Christian Dior's H-line of 1954, which consisted of a slender tunic-style suit with a slim skirt. His other popular fashions during this period were his A and Y lines. Dior has long been a dominant force in the fashion world, especially in the 1950's. His creative and usually voluminous garments gave women a more feminine touch. Another designer, Hubert Givenchy created a Parisian style dress in 1957 which he called the Sack. The Sack began the trend of straighter-waist dresses. Initially, it developed into the "fitted darted sheath dress and later into the loose straight short shift dress."

Coco Chanel was another major fashion designer in the 1950's. In contrast to popular full and flouncy skirts, Chanel began creating the boxy, now classic Chanel suit jackets and skirts in trimmed and textured tweed. The materials Chanel chose were always richly textured, which contributed to the finished product's high prices. Chanel's silhouette of her suits was completely straight, divinely lined with silk. Her look was classic, refined, and adorned with details. Chanel also accessorized many of her designs with strings of pearls and collarless jackets, both of which were considered fashionable in the 1950's. One of the most classic trends from the 1950's is the empire line, which was introduced in the late 1950's. This style was applied to dresses and shirts mostly, and was adored by teenagers who looked innocently childlike, hence the coined phrase "baby doll style". During the 1950's, all teenagers were expected to dress like their elders. The empire line was also a striking contrast from what most mothers wore at the time, which contributed to its high approval among teenagers in America.

Until the 1950's, the term "teenagers" was not commonly used, and certainly not a targeted market group. But with a new range of influences, including film, television, rock music, and magazines, teenagers began to be respected and acknowledged in the community. Often nicknamed the "Space Age", the 1950's was an important time in history for science and development as well. So many aspects of life changed during this period, perhaps partially attributed to the recent end of World War II. America had emerged from war with prosperity and a new identity. A new consumer-based society was "forging ahead, helped by such new developments as the credit card system" (Baker, 6). These innovative conditions however produced a similar effect on the fashion industry: while so many things in the lives of Americans were changing, they stayed clear from the radical, intense fashions while preferring the normalcy of standard trends. For once, being normal felt good. Another huge change in the 1950's was the increased ownership of television sets. Popular television programs such as I Love Lucy connected Americans on both sides of the Atlantic, bringing a sense of unity in the country. Segregation was ended in 1954, which brought together black and white students for the first time though racial tensions were still high, and also birthed the existence of civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. Constant fears of communism reaching the states held many Americans tight with fear. More changes brought forth in the 1950's include the discovery of DNA, the launching of the first space satellite, an increase of women in the work field, and of course, rock and roll. All of these economic, social, and political changes in the world affected the American citizens, and therefore the fashion industry.

Regardless of the world's issues, the top fashions that drove the industry were more influenced by those who were idolized by the consumers: celebrities. Some of the most popular celebrities in the 1950's include Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Ricky Nelson, and of course, Elvis Presley. Marilyn Monroe's sexy yet simple style was a widely imitated across America, by women of all shapes and sizes. Elvis Presley was another huge influence in the 1950's; not only was he adored by millions of girls, but he was also an inspiration for men. In a time where men only wore traditional attire, Elvis tore down all barriers which confined men to navy suits and ties. Elvis typically wore clothes that were more popular among the African American population. His wild pegged pants and zoot suits concerned the conservative community of America, who hardly approved of such a "gender bending, race-integrating star" (SOURCE). Elvis' bright and baggy clothes, makeup, and so called obscene dancing all acted as evidence of his single handed destruction of the morals of America's youth. Not all men followed the examples Elvis set however. In fact, more men in this time period dressed conventionally than not.

Most men in the 1950's maintained clothes with casual and modest colors, including dark blue, dark brown, and charcoal. The occasional daring young man would wear pastel pink to stand out; a trend that was just gaining momentum in the 1950's. Cardigan sweaters were popular among athletes, and older men. Additionally popular were fitted vests, plaid flannels, and collared jackets. There was flexibility in men's casual wear, and was a common sight to see shirt tails sticking out. Basic fedora-style hats were also a staple item in the 1950's for men.

Hats were also fashionable accessory for women in the 1950's, for the reason that they were believed to add a final touch of glamour to any woman's outfit. The pillbox hat, first introduced by Balenciaga and later modeled by Jackie Kennedy, became one of the trendiest accessories of the decade. Several glorious hat styles existed in the 1950's. Some hats were covered in flower petals, while others were adorned with swirls of georgette. Gloves were also worn often by women, especially those of elite social status. Some were made of cotton, which was much more affordable than leather or nylon. Though gloves came in many colors and styles, clean gloves whose color was white or cream were the most favored. Fur trimmings and adorned collars were also extremely fashionable. Brooches too, were considered a glamorous accessory.

The 1950's was a decade in which fashion changed dramatically from previous generations. Multiple influences from political debates, to economic issues, to new age celebrities and mass media all influenced the distinct styles and trends which identify the 1950's. Recovering from the casualties of World War II brought a lasting change to America, which was reflected in the fashions of this decade. The American women craved glamorous simplicity in their new lives, and as a new and liberated society evolved, the women of America began to liberate themselves by choosing which fashions they felt depicted them best. Not only were the 1950's important in history, but they also greatly transformed the face of fashion in America.

By Diana Pemberton-Sikes


While I'm not a die-hard fan of any particular fashion TV show, I think there's a lot you can learn from the various shows about fashion as well as those that feature fashion prominently in their story lines. While you may not agree with or like everything you see on them, fashion shows - like cooking shows - help broaden your understanding of the art, which in turn, helps you dress better.

Here's a rundown of some of the most popular fashion TV shows (check your local listings for time and channel):

Project Runway

Project Runway is a reality show that pits aspiring fashion designers against other in a series of design challenges. The winner gets $100,000 to launch his first line, and builds name recognition and a following throughout the competition. Design contestants have had to do some crazy things over the years, like make apparel from grocery store items (remember Austin Scarlett's beautiful corn husk dress?), design Wrestlemania costumes, work with couture prom gown clients, create cocktail apparel for their mothers, and more. Throw in a little back-stabbing, snarky comments, and down-to-the-deadline high drama, and it's really easy to get addicted.

What you can learn: design terms, clothing elements, styling tips, and how to work on a budget.

What Not To Wear

In this recurring pauper-to-princess tale, badly-dressed clients are nominated for makeovers by friends and family. The hosts track down the client in a public place, embarrass the heck out of her, and promise to finance a clothing shopping spree IF she agrees to listen to their fashion advice. If she does, she's given a head-to-toe makeover and then returned home beautifully dressed to the astonishment of those nominating friends and family. While I don't always agree with the clothing advice given to the clients, I do like that they use men and women of all ages, shapes, and sizes to makeover. I also like when the clients realize that they CAN change their life by changing their clothes, because I've seen it with my own clients time and again.

What you can learn: how to dress various body shapes, how to dress for different occasions, and how to gain confidence through appropriate wardrobe choices.

The Rachel Zoe Project

Rachel Zoe is a celebrity stylist who dresses her famous clients for TV appearances, movie premieres, and red carpet events. While I don't always agree with her choices - and am ASTOUNDED by how many of her clients allow her to dictate their public image by wearing whatever she tells them to* - I can't help but be impressed by how hard this woman works. With her backstage access to designers, models, and celebrities, she knows entire collections, how to put clothing elements together, and perhaps most importantly, how to make high-level contacts and massage delicate egos to get what she wants.

What you can learn: designers, clothing and accessory terms, styling tips, and how to build a million-dollar Rolodex.

*Lana Turner knew exactly how high to cut the slits in her skirts so no cellulite showed. Marlene Dietrich brought her own lighting equipment to movie sets and dictated how she was to be lit. Audrey Hepburn insisted on Givenchy apparel both in films and for personal use, because she felt he alone best understood how to dress her. They would NEVER hand their public image over to someone else to manage.

Sex and the City

Perhaps the ultimate fashion TV [http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/articles/fashion-fun/celebrity-fashion/fashion-tv-what-you-can-learn-from-fashion-television/] show, "Sex and the City" follows the life of four friends who work, play, and date in New York City. On HBO from 1998-2004 (and currently in edited re-runs elsewhere), the show was groundbreaking for it subject matter, nudity, and fashion. Not only were Carrie Bradshaw's clothes expensive, eclectic, and unlike anything else on TV, this show -- like "The Nanny" - clearly demonstrated just how much our clothes reveal about who we are and where we come from: Carrie, the bohemian writer; Samantha, the creative, hot-shot publicist; Charlotte, the proper WASP princess, and Miranda, the no-nonsense lawyer. Regardless of where they went or what they wore, those personas were almost always reflected in their style of dress.

What you can learn: designers, styling tips, how to dress for different occasions and occupations, how to dress at different levels of society.

Ugly Betty

"Ugly Betty" follows the life of a sweet, smart, average-size, average-looking assistant from Queens who tries to fit into the reed-thin, high-glamour world of New York fashion. Betty's clothes are appropriate for her position and budget, but they pale in comparison to her high-wattage, fashion-obsessed co-workers. Not surprisingly, the costumer behind "Ugly Betty," Patricia Field, was also the mastermind behind "Sex and the City" and "The Devil Wears Prada," so you see plenty of big designer, high priced clothes.

What you can learn: styling ideas, what to wear at different levels, what NOT to wear.

Mad Men

Set in New York in the early 1960's, this style-savvy show offers some of the best period costumes on television. Great suits, pretty dresses, and carefully selected hats, gloves, and bags take me back to my childhood when taking pride in your appearance and dressing appropriately for every occasion were as important as working hard and minding your manners. Beautiful clothes, artful grooming, and lovely sets make this show a pleasure to watch.

What you can learn: occasion-appropriate attire, how to accessorize, historical costuming.

Now as I said, I don't always agree with everything on every show, but they're fun to watch if for no other reason than because fashion plays such a dominate roll. You can always find something to take away and use from each program.

By Vince Valentino


A guy meets a girl and instantly faces the biggest challenge. The first impression he makes. Beautiful girls get approached all the time. This is why she quickly needs to decide if he's worth pursuing or not. Girls don't consciously feel attracted to a man. They don't think "hmm, he has a nice smile, is six foot tall, let's get attracted". You might wonder what makes a girl attractive to a man. Well, girls are subconsciously attracted to qualities like social status, leadership, dominance and protection. And how can you convey these traits, so that when you meet a lovely girl, she could fall in love with you? A big part is how you dress. When dressed well, women can see your curves which conveys dominance and your type of personality.

Now if you are one of those guys that never had cool friends that could give you advice on fashion or never had women to help you out, then it's to no surprise that you probably never get many compliments from women on the way you dress yourself. (If you do, still read on, since if you have some sense about fashion then you can even improve upon your style). The problem for these guys that poorly dress themselves is that they simply don't know what they should take into account when trying to find a style that fits their personality. There are so many things to consider and yet for these men there is no resource that can help them.

Men don't have a clue about fashion. Even most "cool dudes" don't have the kind of success you can have when you dress well. They walk around in the same clothes they wore when they were young, ignorant to that conveying childishness for example. Did you know that your sense of style and fashion is a good measure for the amount of women in your life? If you never had women or stylish men help you out with fashion, you probably don't get compliments from women about the way you dress (If you do, read on, because if you already have a sense of fashion, you can improve your style even more). The problem with men that don't dress themselves well is that they never learned what style is tailored for their personality.

Do you want to dress in a way that perfectly fits your personality and get women to drool all over you? (As long as they don't ruin the clothes of course!).

If you said yes, Brad's Fashion Bible is written just for you. He goes into depth about the psychology of clothing, for example about "nice guys" and their needs to blend in with the rest of their peers when they were young (which causes them to continue to dress boring today). You see, the beliefs and values these nice guys have developed over the years have caused them to dress in ways completely unattractive to women. I've found it an interesting take on fashion to look at the inner beliefs that reside within us that influence the way we dress. Because brad has studied psychology for at least 13 years he does seem to know what he's talking about. I do think that he elaborated a bit too much on this though and if you are just a regular guy with no inhibitions about trying something new to wear, then you might want to skip the first part of Brad P's Fashion Bible.

After our psychology lesson we get right into the elitist world dressing and communicating. Because girls (biologically) want the best guy they can find, emulating the elite will create instant attraction.

In the next part the fun really begins, as Brad explains the three frameworks for creating your look. The first framework is normal and well dressed. It's easy to do and to start off with. The second framework is sexy stereotyping. Girls have a picture of their dream guy in their heads before meeting you, being dressed as the stereotype that fits that picture will cause her to be open to you immediately and will open the door to sex very swiftly. There are various types described in Brad's Fashion Bible and you will find a style that suits your personality, e.g. rock star. This will have a huge impact on girls that you'll meet as they can brag to their friends that they slept with a rock star like you. 'Framework Three' is pushing the limits. This one is the most difficult to create, since you'll have to be aware of the latest fashion and are actually mixing looks and stereotypes. When you master this frame, picking up models will be easier because she'll identify you as someone within her league.

At the end of the book Brad speaks about the basics of fashion, which include a lot of stuff to consider, like grooming and what to NEVER wear. On the very end there are a series of questions that clear up any remaining doubts around fashion.

Brad P's Fashion Bible is a great read. Although somewhat short, considering that the first half of it is spent discussing what influences the way we dress. I've checked out the other resources but they only talk about the clothing itself, instead of explaining how to create a style that attracts women like honey attracts bees. This book is an easy read and the ideas described are easy to grasp and after a quick read trough Brad P's Fashion Bible you will have enough ideas and motivation to go shopping immediately! (I did).

By Tim Gorman


Evening gowns for plus size woman can be found at Nordstrom's,
Neiman Marcus and other top retail stores. "Shop Plus" lady's wear
is what Nordstrom's named their clothing line that fits women larger
than a size 12. Nordstrom's is a national department store chain
that offers first rate merchandise in addition to first class
customer service.

Their line of clothing for the real woman is almost exclusively
designer labels. Their "Shop Plus" fashion shop include not only
basic working woman's clothes in the Plus size shop but also
beautifully designed dresses from some of Fashion's best and most
innovative fashion houses.

There is a stunner of a dress for plus size women on their website now.
The dress is designed by Adrianna Papell. The Plus Size section at
Nordstrom's website have a large selection of absolutely wonderful
evening gown for plus size women.

The first dress that was eye catching has a silvery glitter finish
and is in a lavender color. The site calls it a party dress.
I agree. Partying looks like what this dress does best. The dress
is made for a fuller figure woman who wants to go out and have a good
time at a party. The dress actually emphasizes all the right curves in
all the right places.

More impressive is the Ribbon Dress (Plus) by the same designer. This dress
is unusual in the design and the cut. The dress is in elegant silk that is
crisscrossed with ribbons. The dress has two front slits that add a sexy
edge to the dress and encourages the ebb and flow of the hem that reminds
you of the motion of the ocean.

This dress is only available in black and white but has such presence that the
lack of options may be a plus. The dress would be wonderful for a dinner date
or a night on the town going to a play or to a smashing fun party.

Both of the dresses are priced under $200.00. The dresses flow just
to the knee and may be considered more for an after five look.
But depending on what the occasion requires, they would work to make
any woman look elegant and very well put together.

The most appropriate dress by this designer that would be considered a
true evening gown for plus size ladies was a marvelous cachet beaded
dress with a sheer shawl that can cover the shoulders and the arms.
This dress is appropriate and amazing for any formal occasion.
The dress has a tonal beaded pattern of city lights on the bodice.
The beads flow down the skirt of the dress.

The dress has a scoop neck which is very flattering for most women.
Then there is this sheer shawl that adds coverage over the arms.
The shawl adds to the drama of this gown. The dress is form-fitting at
the bust which is covered in tiny beads. Then the dress becomes less fitted
at the hips. Because of the way the dress fits, the website suggests
that you order the next size up.

The entire collection by this designer is impressive. These dresses are available
in sizes 12-24 and cost from $128.00 - under $200.00

Evening gowns for plus size women have come a long way. The top designers in the
fashion world have started creating high end fashions for women that wear sizes over 12.

These high fashioned designsin plus sizes can finally be purchased at high end stores
like Nordstrom's and Neiman Marcus. Being a plus size woman is finally acceptable.
Finding a lovely plus size evening gown is no longer a problem.

Neiman Marcus calls their plus size line of designer fashions "Special Sizes" which
is a kind of misnomer. The average sized woman in the United States is a size 14.
So calling the average size woman a "Special Size" is a sort of clueless irony.
We forgive them their trespasses because these clothes really do have a "wow" factor.

Well, the tyranny has passed. Women who eat can buy beautiful elegant evening gowns
at almost any retail store from JC Penny's to Neiman's. Woman can look fashionable
and healthy as they arrive beautifully attired at the most fashionable locations
in their evening gowns for plus size women.

By JanMarie Sands


Dress Up games will never be boring for fashion will always be existing. Everybody likes to try on new fashion trends and styles. We want to look good and be more fashionable in any way possible. Dress Up games is all about fashion with an extraordinary twist. It brings a new scenario in online playing as it introduces collections of various outfits and dresses from different time frames. A blast from the past dresses and a peek into the present fashion trends is what Dress Up is all about. Kids and even adults will love this for sure! Do you want to see what the classic fashion 20 years before? Or maybe the elegant gowns of princesses centuries ago?

Elegance and Ball gowns for Princesses

Dress Up games will show you beautifully designed ball gowns during those times where kings, queens and princesses still live in big castles. Entertain yourself as you dress up your doll in wide selections of gowns and accessories. Feel the royalty and learn the art of fashion of princesses before. You might get useful information and fashion styles from these dresses while you play.

The Hippie Fashion Style of the Classic

This is when bright patterns (polka dots and loud floral), extra layers of ruffles and tight jeans are popular. Get to know the trendiest look of the classic fashion as you dress up your doll with these awesome clothing. Mix and match dresses to get that perfect classic look. You might think however, that these wardrobe from the classic are a little bit awkward but it is good to know that you experience dressing up in this style.

The Present Get Up and Wardrobe Selections

Get the latest fashion style of this generation as you dress up your doll in the most trendiest blouses blouses, skirts and pants. Try on a laced dress, a mini skirt or a skinny jeans on your doll. Apply your fashion expertise in dressing up your doll, for instance, when going to work or to a party. Furthermore, you might discover new trends and hot dress combinations while playing Dress Up games. Be creative and who knows you might actually love fashion more than you do before.

Design your own dress in Dress Up games

If you just want to begin from scratch in dressing your doll you can absolutely do it here in Dress Up games. Learn to combine and style patterns and textures to design your own dress. All you need to do is pick a dress you want then choose colors and designs you like. In this fashion game you can combine colors and items of clothing to create a whole outfit from scratch. Sounds fun right? There even more! Do not forget to add accessories once you already finished creating your dress. You will never surely get bored playing this.

By Erin Petersson


There are a lot of reasons why we people differ from fashion. Some say that our characteristics and our lifestyle vary because of our environment and how we are rear up by our parents. Psychologist say that it is because of the developmental stages that we meet and not met. Scientist say, heredity. But whatever the reason is, I believe that the change is unending because life and the world is a constant change.

Beauty of Fashion

In terms of fashion. Young and Old, we dress up differently. Our fashion statement really differ. It depends on our body structure, skin,status, likes and that you are comfortable with what you are wearing. The beauty of the dress does not depend on the person who wears it or how expensive the dress is. It depends on how that person carry his or her self with the dress he or she is wearing.

Some of us are born to be simple, don not care about fashion or really don not know fashion. Some people needs to be taught or need help to see the so called what is IN and NOT, what looks GOOD to her and what is NOT. I really think that there are people born unconscious of there surroundings. They do not care if they do not belong. They only care about their daily living and themselves.

Beauty Despite the Differences

I think that their is a lot of reason in this world for us to enjoy and to appreciate. I can see that even we differ in terms of clothing and appearance I am happy. Seeing the difference makes us unique. Our uniqueness make the world of fashion challenging and colorful.

I will take the psychology reason of why we differ in terms of fashion. Developmental stage is their reason. When we are little children I really have a feeling that girls who loves to dress up their dolls grows up to be more fashionable. There artistic talent and creativity have mold them to become beauty conscious and into fashion. Simply means that little children become fashionable and their change is because of dress up game after all.

Beauty of Dress Up Games

Internet and Computers now have enter the world of fashion and dress up. This time a lot are learning their fashion and to be fashionable because of the so called Online Dress Up Games. If you have internet, all you need to do is just to type in the Dress up Games website and presto, you can play different kind of Dress Up Games as you can in just a matter of seconds. Technology sure is great. They are now extending their creativity even in Fashion and girl thing.

Now I think we do not need to go back on being a kid. You can now learn fashion and be fashionable on online dress up games. In everyday play of dress up games you can be updated of what is new and what clothes you can be sure fits you so well.

If you love Dress Up Games with your paper dolls and Barbie dolls, I am definitely sure you will love on line dress up even more, more and more everyday. Learning fashion is now made easy. This dress up game have lead the lesson of choosing the proper clothing and accessories directly on our home. With this games you are not only learning but at the same time you are also able to satisfy yourself. You feel more good and understand the beauty of others. Learning Dress Up Games contributes a lot to our development as a human being. It have help us to have fun and learn. This game is really two in one package.

By Robert Scott


In the development and use of good taste in dress, you must always be progressive--always on the alert for new things, new color combinations, new lines, and always ready to make use of new ideas as they are given out.

The manufacturer, the designer of styles, the fashion authorities, all do their best to produce new and attractive ideas in style, color, and fabric, and if you would keep abreast of the times, take the new ideas that are offered and make the most of them; apply them to your needs in a way that is practical and serviceable. And here again is the necessity for a knowledge broad and flexible enough to enable one to take the sometimes seemingly impossible and successfully develop it.

When you are about to develop a new garment and you desire inspiration from prevailing style motifs, first ascertain from what this motif is derived--whether it is from an established or basic principle of design, pure in line and true in its relation to the lines of the figure, or whether it is a whimsical or erratic striving for something new and different in design without proper regard for its purpose, which is, or should be, that of clothing the human form comfortably and artistically. If the design cannot measure up to such points, there is no reason for its acceptance.

Next, determine the time and intensity of the present vogue of the style motif; that is, the period of its first appearance and the interest or popularity it has developed or is enjoying. For example, indications of the style motif come slowly, notwithstanding many opinions to the contrary. If you believe that style changes are effected overnight, you lack a proper knowledge of what constitutes style. You are confusing style with fashion.

Style is the motif, the treatment, the design, the entire ensemble, as it were, of the garment, which includes design, material, color, and workmanship; fashion is the popularity of a certain style, the common trend, the rage, as it may be called, the last term it would seem being fit when certain periods of women's dress are reflected on.

If you desire style rather than fashion, examine the newest silhouette or outline. For example, if wide, flaring skirts, natural waist-line effects, and full sleeves are at the height of popular favor, search until you find a changing tendency, which will invariably be a decrease in skirt widths, the moving of the waist line, and a changing of sleeve outlines. If, on the other hand, the narrow skirt and general appearance of slimness is the silhouette preeminent, you may rest assured that a change in the other direction is inevitable.

Fashion moves like a pendulum, and you will never be dressed in faulty style or entirely out of fashion if you anticipate, after a correct analysis of current modes, what will most surely follow.

It is to your advantage, then, not only to keep up with the prevailing fashions, but to keep as far as possible abreast of the popular mode. By this study of style and fashion, along with the proper knowledge and appreciation of your needs, it is not unreasonable to assert that you may always be dressed in good style and in fashion, for the life of every garment chosen will be materially prolonged and greater satisfaction and comfort, as well as practical economy, will most surely result.

Learn to buy materials that are good, practical, durable, and beautiful; avoid eccentricities, and choose lines that are in accord with your type of figure. Then your gown or suit will be agreeably appropriate for two years rather than for six months.

To be constantly awake to new things does not mean that everything must be adopted; it means that through your thorough knowledge of lines, color, and fabrics, you will be able to discard the bad and choose only the things that will give satisfactory results and be pleasing and serviceable.

To know dress well is to keep growing. You cannot afford to feel satisfied that you know all there is to be known about clothes. You must remember that many persons are devoting hours of earnest effort each day in bringing out the very best things in fabrics, style, and color, and that these people, as they are experts in their lines, can give you many good ideas and help you achieve your desires by aiding you in keeping you informed on the ever-changing problems of dress.

Always work for a happy medium, and never allow yourself to get into a rut regarding your clothes. It is well to keep style and color constantly in mind, never losing sight of yourself, for few are ideal in face or figure and all frequently require modified styles to bring out their charm or individual beauty.

Individual development of style is one thing that makes the clever individual's interpretation superior to ready-to-wear garments, and when consideration is given to the durability or lasting qualities of a garment that is carefully made by one who understands dress, such garments are so much superior to ready-to-wear garments that there is no comparison.

Regard dress and its correct use and development as an art, just as the musician or the painter considers his work an art. Strive to have your dresses creations--harmonious pictures.

Such dresses may be created by a combination of certain factors that produce a oneness of effect, a harmoniously pleasing result; and as you develop a garment you will be satisfied or dissatisfied with the result according to the ideal you have set for your work and to the amount of thought and effort that you have put into it.

There is always great opportunity for the woman who is willing to give plenty of study and earnest effort and thought to the designing and making of her clothes.

Many of our greatest creators of fashion in an effort to get a desired effect labor over a certain gown or suit for seemingly unreasonable lengths of time. Surrounded by yards of chiffon, silks, laces, and similar materials from which they can get inspiration, their every thought, in fact, their whole being, centers upon the creation in mind, and they gradually develop the thought, the effect they want, and with this done the details, the general construction, and the finishing of the garment itself seem of minor importance.

Beautiful dresses, those which stand out most prominently in fashion's history, are developed by the bringing together of certain fabrics and certain colors; and, in striving to get harmony out of their combinations, there are developed suitable lines that in many instances make striking creations.

Such effects are often produced during the development of a gown--nothing cut and dried about it; all inspired work is work of love, and in the creating of clothes, the inspiration must be supplemented by a knowledge of color combinations, fabric combinations, and lines.

Such garments are, as a rule, creations in every sense of the word--a work of art--for they are generally artistic and harmonious. There is life to such garments. They are usually strong in line and show evidence of development by a master hand. Only by such devotion, by a full appreciation of all the elements of garment construction, and a continual striving for the beautiful, are these creations possible.

The woman making dresses for herself must have studied dress principles enough to support her own ideals.

From what has been said you will readily see that the development of good taste in line, color, material, and suitability as to color combination of material and to style of the garment are arrived at only by diligent study of the artistic and practical relation of one to the other; then application and the determination to apply them to yourself are the mediums through which excellent results are expressed. Sustained work, conscientious study, and a pride in achievement will bring forth results that spasmodic effort never can.

You may not always be satisfied with your result, even though you have put a great amount of labor, conscientious thought, and honest effort into the production of a garment. When it is completed you will see where certain things that would improve it might have gone into the gown. Strive to have each new garment an improvement on the last by incorporating in it the good points missing in the one before.

And as you go on and develop clothes for yourself, and, as I have suggested, dress up your friends by planning in your mind what they should wear and why they should wear certain things, you will acquire not only the correct principles of dress, but the high ideals of dress--ideals that will put dress and its mission in the high position it should have in your mind.

Your consideration about dress, your correct adherence to the principles and the carrying out of your ideals, will make your friends and acquaintances take notice of you and will invariably awaken in them a desire for the right kind of clothes.

So, you see, it is an endless chain, for if you will lay the foundation for the understanding of dress, as in any other subject, you will have a following and an opportunity to do much toward helping American women to be distinctively clothed.

By Caterina Christakos


Poor men. While there are countless stores offering cool, unique, stylish clothes for women, men typically have to look longer and harder to find clothes that suit their style. In my experience, many men eventually give up on even trying to cultivate a personal style. They just settle on the ordinary t-shirt-and-jeans look and don't even think about it anymore. I understand this impulse, but it's a little boring.

And in the end, cultivating a look isn't so hard if you have something in mind. Rather than just throwing stuff up and seeing what sticks, it's good to have a certain men's fashion style in mind, and to commit to it.

As a general guide, here are the most common looks for American men.

Professional: This is the look in which you cultivate the appearance of an intelligent, professional, working man, but stopping short of being a powerhouse. In other words, you wear light suits, simple gray and white tones, along with non-flashy ties and stylish leather work shoes. The advantage of this look is that it's rare for it to be one man's all-encompassing style. After all, few people wear suits to the park on the weekend. In other words, you get to be business-stylish on the weekdays, and casual-stylish on the weekends and in the evenings.

Workman: If you're a guy who works a typical guy's job-anything in industry, construction, or any other type of hands-on work, the workman look might be perfect for you. Of course, even if you don't work in one of these fields, the workman look is still a great way to make a statement about your personality and to unite yourself with the working class. Go with simple work-shirts, beat-up jeans, flannel jackets, and plain t-shirts.

The Woodsman: This one is similar to the workman, but with more of an outdoorsy feel. Camouflage is generally a bad idea, at least if you want to be stylish, but it's good to wear olive, green, and brown tones, including corduroy pants and jackets, green hunting coats, simple shirts that you can move around in, lumberjack sweaters, and rugged outdoorsy boots.

The Sportsman: This one is easy, but it's usually not considered very fashionable. Dress as if you're going on a hike every day, with cotton jeans, light cotton sweaters, nylon jackets and vests, useful watches, and few accessories. Of course, there's another version of a sportsman, which involves wearing lots of jerseys and baseball caps, but not everyone can pull this off.

Rock-and-Roll: This is one variety of the hipster look. It involves leather or jean jackets, rocker jeans, lots of t-shirts, and the occasional vest or simple button-up shirt for those "special" occasions. Of course, you can only really pull off this look if you also sell it from the neck-up, with shaggy hair and stubble.

Laid-back bohemian: This is the other main type of hipster look. Essentially, you cultivate a non-caring air, bringing together a little bit of everything, but with a definite artsy and cosmopolitan vibe. It's hard to get this look right, so if you're not a genuine bohemian at heart, approach with caution.

By Caterina Christakos


Looking good and being in style are all about the little things. Of course, it's important to have the right outfits and hair, but little things like make-up problems, awkwardly fitting clothes, mismatched accessories, or sleepiness after a long night can render all your fashionable dressing pointless. If you don't have a lot of time to take care of every little thing, try these easy fashion-fix-ups to help you look good on the go.

1. Put dirty hair up: If you're in a rush and can't spare the time to lather and rinse your hair, just put it up in a stylish bun. This'll keep your hair out of the way until you have a chance to wash it.

2. Spruce up after exercise: If you need to be somewhere after exercising, use a disposable wipe on your face and any areas of your body that have gathered sweat. Then, use a scented, deodorizing body powder to sop up any excess moisture and keep you smelling fresh. The good news is that after exercising you'll have a nice, healthy flush to your cheeks.

3. Mix hair-drying methods: Blow drying may give you the look you want, but it can be quite time consuming. So, rather than blow drying from the start, first use a towel to dry your hair as much as possible. Then, when your hair is no longer dripping wet, use maximum heat to zap the remaining moisture out of your hair. As you're blow drying, brush out any tangles.

4. Quick self-facial: Professional facials can take forever, but you can perform almost all the important elements of a facial on yourself in under 10 minutes. Wash your face with an oil-free cleanser; massage your face with a gentle scrub for 30 seconds; apply a natural mask that contains tons of nutrients and fruit enzymes; finish with an oil-free moisturizer; and apply your usual make-up. All of this takes a short time, and you'll come out looking refreshed.

5. Stretch out your jeans: If you're in a hurry to get out the door and you can't quite button up those jeans all the way, put them on, leave the fly open, and do a series of lunges and squats to stretch them out. If this doesn't work, spray the tight spots of the jeans with a little bit of warm water, and then try the lunges and squats again. This should do the trick.

6. 10-second makeover: If you're in public and you're not looking your best, you can upgrade your look almost instantly. Pinch your cheeks to bring a little red out, tap your fingers around your eyes to get blood flowing to the area, and shake out your hair for a sexy semi-messy look.

7. Use a purse within a purse: If you have several purses but find that switching between them is a little too time consuming, keep all your purse belongings in a smaller bag within your purse. This way, you can switch everything to a different bag with no fuss.

By Tina Richard


Are you tried of your same flat style every day? If yes, there is no need to worry. You just need to wear some fashion accessories to further enhance your look and beauty. They are really fashion essentials that every keen fashionista should never be without. Currently, in the modern society, people become more and more fashion-conscious and capable of show themselves. Maybe in the past, most of them may consider spending huge fortunes in clothes to have a brand new style. While now, they have realized that being in vogue is just a matter of updating common look by simply adding fashion accessories to the outfits rather than purchasing new trendy clothes.

Fashion accessories include handbags, watches, scarves, sunglasses, hats, belts, jewelries, neckties, and other more faddish things. Though they are used for different purposes, they all can instantly transform your traditional, plain or boring clothes into a sophisticated, trendy fashion dress and then help you get stunning look. Thanks of them, you can freely change your look and style. For example, even if you wear the same clothes from the day to the night, you will appear distinctively by adding some complements as well. Seems so incredible, right?

These fashion complements are also perfect items indicating the fashion taste and personality of the wearers. Therefore, no matter how these accessories feature, and how you want to make them match your clothes, you should ensure that they can perfectly define your own style and avoid exposing the weakness of your stature. Since there are many accessories available in different sizes, colors, etc and are created for all kind of individuals and all ages, it is preferable to choose the very ones that just meet your personal preference.

Now, if you want to renew your wardrobe, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect moment! For the upcoming summer season of 2010, it is said to be a perfect opportunity for having fun in experimenting with accessories. If you have no idea toward the hot fashion trend, you can refer to the iconic trend information on magazines and TV, even you can copy the style from your favorable celebrities. So never hesitate and buy a lot of fashion accessories to become in a different person. As soon as you put great effort to match them, they will never let you down. You will find that you are so special and every day is a new day as well.

By Andrea R. Morales


Shopping for babies is not as easy as shopping for adults. This is because since their bodies are still small and underdeveloped, and so not every kind of outfit can suit them. Also the quality of the material is very important. Their skin is very delicate and is prone to rashes. Hence we should ensure that we not only pick pretty costumes, but also ones whose materials are suitable for such delicate skin. The quality of the material should also be strong enough to withstand wear and tear, as kids often indulge in many activities like tree climbing and playing in the sand. Such activities could ruin their clothes completely if they are not of strong quality and washable material.

Bonnie jean dresses is a designer brand that is completely well suited for children, and caters exclusively to their needs. You will find many pretty and beautiful clothes under this brand. There are various types of dresses for every occasion, and are of many vibrant colours. These dresses are extremely well known for their quality. These clothes are totally well suited for the needs of young children. The material is soft on the inside so that kinds don't get rashes due to them. They have good sweat absorbing qualities; which will ensure that the kids remain fresh even while playing their riotous games. Bonnie jean dresses are made of good, strong quality materials, which can withstand a large amount of wear and tear. So your kids can play to their heart's content without facing too many admonishments.

Bonnie jean dresses is a brand that has gained extremely good reviews from all the people who have tried them for their children. People swear by the brand and its quality. Once you purchase Bonnie jean dresses, you will become a loyal customer. Bonnie jean dresses is a brand that also comes up with various fashionable dresses for kids, making them look extremely smart.

By Abhishek Agarwal


You rock, woman - and so should your wedding dress because you want to look your best on your wedding day, which is the most special day in any woman's life! You want to knock your husband's eyeballs out and don't mind the guests admiring glances either - so what do you do?

You get yourself a comfortable pair of walking shoes and scour the market for the perfect wedding dress - that's what you do to be knockout bride! Here are some tips on knowing how to get your hands and your delectable body into the perfect wedding gown for yourself - take a look and look your best! We wish you all the best!

First and foremost, women getting ready to tie the knot have to understand that stinting on their wedding gown is in no way contributing to the wedding budget so scrimping is out! Of course, this does not mean the opposite either (i.e. break the bank to buy top-of-the-line designer wear you could buy a country house with and which compels you to live on bread and water for the next 5 years)! It means striving for striking a balance between the dress of your dreams and your how much your finances can stretch to, if you do find something that is a little beyond your imagined wedding dress budget!

Most women dream of their wedding day from their teenage years, if not childhood days and so nothing must detract from helping you achieve that dream - white gown, veil et all. Wedding dress and the perfect wedding accessories go a long way in making you feel on top of the world - a feeling we recommend for all brides for it sets the mood for happier times to come as you look back with fond memories of your most special day when you looked a princess!

You needn't shop with the budget of one to look like one, we reaffirm; brides that are happy to be getting married and comfortable in their dress look their best, photographs reveal. Many make the mistake of going in for a sexy, stylish but entirely "not me" look simply to draw attention to themselves but tight or ill-fitting for the sake of fashion dresses are so "not happening!" This is what brides today need to know - imagine a form-fitting wedding gown that cuts off your circulation: is it really worth it if the gown causes you to faint? Nothing short of embarrassing we say - so avoid this nightmare!

Buying the perfect wedding dress takes time, patience, money and negotiation skills for bargaining if buying from a new boutique or a discount store; the advantage of buying from the latter is that these often stock big labels and designer wear but at half-cost or have off-season sales that offer great catalogue style wedding gowns designed to fit beautifully.

The other alternative is to scour pages of wedding dress magazines and have the local seamstress or tailor shape it according to your body type as every design that looks good on models may not suit average women with womanly bodies. Always try out a number of wedding gowns before settling for the one you feel looks and feels best - try out the famous Vera Wang creations if you want luxurious detailing, intricate craftsmanship and delicate hand-worked details for she's outfitted celebrity brides like Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman and Mariah Carey so she sure can be trusted with little old you!

By John Carey


Ladies are well known to be very conscious with the dresses they wear especially if they are attending special events or gatherings. Actually wearing a glamorous evening dress in attending events is really a must particularly if the event that they are attending means a lot to them. Glamorous dress or gown is really a must for women in very especial events in their lives. This explains the need of stylish and fashionable dresses for women.

Dresses can be very simple yet glamorous or can be very unique base on preferences of a woman who is wearing it. On the other hand designs and styles of these dresses should be based on the event or gatherings that you have to attend so you, as a woman can avoid gossips such as you are out of style, or you just wanted to flirt especially if the evening event or gatherings that you will attend cater various men with excellent status in life.

These dresses is a must, however, you have to be careful enough in considering the kind of event that you will attend in choosing the best dress that will suit you. This is to make sure that you will not make any worse scene in the gatherings that you will attend. As much as possible, you have to try your best being simple since it s one of the great secrets of staying beautiful in whatever gatherings or parties that you are attending.

Thus there are several stores out there that can provide you a variety of dresses, there are even several online stores that can also provide you a variety of dresses once you don't have quality time to scout for the dress that can fit you. In fact purchasing these dresses online can also lead you to acquiring great discounts using coupon sites that are always been available along several online stores.