Sewing Tips

Since I have taken fashion courses for the past three years, I’ve learned a lot about the different aspects of sewing. After helping a student teacher with her beginner class, I realized I have a fair bit of knowledge to share. Here are a few helpful hints for the beginner sewer.

First of all, buy good quality thread! Guetermann is an amazing thread brand, and is available at all Fabricland stores.  Using quality thread is important since threads are usually the cause of sewing machine jams. If the thread is of a low quality, or not appropriate for the machine, it can cause extensive damage. Another tip is to buy a good pair of shears/ scissors. Fabric can be difficult to cut, but having the right tool can make it a lot easier. The most important piece of advice I can give is, do not cut paper with fabric scissors! Paper causes the blades to dull, and the scissors will no longer cut fabric with ease. The most important sewing tool has to be the stitch ripper. No one is perfect, therefore most often there with be a sewing error in your garment. A stitch ripper is a small blade with a handle, which allows you to remove every little stitch. Most stitch rippers are fairly inexpensive, and are usually around 5 dollars. Lastly it is a good idea to stock up on pins. Every sewing project involves pinning; therefore pins are needed by the dozens. It is a good idea to also buy a pin cushion or pin magnet to safely store your pins on.

Hopefully these tips are useful; sewing can be fun as long as you have the right tools.:)

To learn more about which threads to use visit: 

Thread

Stitch ripper

 

 

 

 

 

Glee!!!!

Thankfully the new season of Glee has started. It is a new year for the students, which means new songs and new clothes. Glee defiantly portrays the image of chic geek, a new spin on an old stereotype. What is the chic geek look you may ask? Well from the first two episodes we have seen; 3-D glasses, knee high socks, oxford shoes, cardigans, neck ties, and last but not least a colourful variety of sweater vests.

Kurt is my favourite style icon on the show. Kurt is the flamboyant gay student who is constantly bullied, but has an amazing sense of style. He can be seen wearing colourful neckties and bow ties, suspenders, and trench coats. He also sports some unique hats and messenger bags. Kurt’s style can be described as a trendy nerd. His clothes are very sophisticated, with a bold twist. 

My other favourite Glee style icon is Rachel. Her style can be described as the innocent nerd. Her signature look this season seems to be white socks with brown flat shoes. She can usually be seen in a cardigan and a modest dress. Her style is extremely modest compared to the average teenager, but still manages to be 

trendy.

The newer style icon on the show is Sunshine, the exchange student. She gives off the impression of the stereotypical nerd. Her look consists of knee high socks, large framed glasses, and a plush Hello Kitty backpack. She is adorable and I can’t wait to see more of her.

 

 To watch Glee visit this site. 
http://www.globaltv.com/video/britneybrittany/video.html?v=1602105793&p=1#glee/video/full+episodes


All I can say is Glee has the best nerd fashions:)

A New Kind of Fashion Statement

When we think of making a fashion statement, we usually think of wearing something bold. But, a fashion statement doesn’t necessarily have to do with clothing. Today, people all around the world adorn themselves as a way of self expression. These adornments can be anything, from permanent measures like tattoos and piercings to temporary art like henna.

Tattoos and piercings especially, have become a popular way of self expression for people of all ages.  In the past tattoos and piercings were not always seen as beautiful or fashionable. Thankfully, that has begun to change. Tattoos in specific are addressed as pieces of art on the body.

Since tattoos are usually a representation of a person, fashionistas have defiantly had a little fun with body art. Fashion inspired tattoos range from sexy stilettos to the Chanel logo.  Feminine tattoos have also become a trend. Handwritten messages, flowers, and lacy designs are a few examples of tattoos that have a little feminine touch.

 Tattoos are a great way of self expression and look pretty awesome. Tattoos are probably a fashion fad, so please don’t get a tattoo because it’s in style at the moment. Get one because it represents you :)

Dressing For Your Body

Almost every woman wants to change at least one thing about their body. For most, it’s weigh. Tons of women, believe that they would look better in clothing if they lost weight. I’m sure you’ve heard a friend say, “This outfit would look better if I lost 10 pounds”. It’s unfortunate, but it’s reality.  

The good thing is there are ways to conceal your imperfection using clothing. Clothes don’t have to be the enemy; just because you’re not a size 0 doesn’t mean clothes won’t look good on you. Here are a few helpful tips to use when shopping for clothes, that will help the everyday woman.

If you want to look long and lean try looking for clothing with vertical stripes. Clothing with horizontal strips give the illusion of extra width, and if you are self conscious about your midsection stay away from horizontal strips. 

Try looking for v-necks. The extra plunge is great for balancing out a larger chest, and elongates the neck. V-neck sweaters are great for everyday use. For a more sophisticated look try a v-neck dress.

Define a waist! For most women, their waist is their smallest point. Wearing clothes with a defined waist will draw attention to the smallest part of you and makes you look slimmer. To combine all the tips, look for a dress with a v-neck, defined waist that floats away from the body. This is the ultimate silhouette that would look good on any body type.

All in all, the goal is to make the best of what you have.:)

Lady Gaga Trend Setter

Lady gaga is one of the most controversial artists of our generation. She is well known, not only for her music, but for her fashion statements as well.

Gaga’s looks can range from elaborate pieces of art to caution tape, causing her to always be the center of attention. Even though her outfits are fairly extreme, in comparison to the modern day woman, she has inspired main stream apparel. For example, in her earlier music videos Gaga can be seen sporting a sparkling onesie. After these videos reached their all time high, the onesie came back into style. I remember walking into an Urban Behaviour store and seeing a lime green lace onesie on the hanger, and the one and only named popped into my head...Gaga. Even though it might seem ridiculous for someone over the age of two to be wearing a onesie, Gaga had inspired a new trend.

http://www.fashionmerchandisingdegrees.net/blog/2010/50-lady-gaga-outfits-that-get-her-noticed/

Above is a link to a website, which shows a variety of amazingly creative garments Gaga has worn.  Being a student who has taken fashion courses for the past 3 years, I can really appreciate the clothes that she is wearing. These pieces are very intricate; it would take someone with extraordinary talent to create these garments.

Gaga’s style is unique. The one thing I hate....the meat dress! Gaga, your style is awesome, but cows are cute.

   

Easy A

I just saw Easy A and absolutely loved it! It was hilarious, and there were some amazing fashions. Throughout the movie Emma Stone’s character, Olivia, wore the most fabulous shoes. I later found similar pairs, on Aldo’s website, which are probably much less expensive than the ones worn in the movie.

http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/sandals/evening

Even though I enjoyed the movie, there was one aspect that did disappoint me, how skinny the actresses were. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with being skinny, but these actresses were stick thin! For example, Amanda Bynes looked gorgeous as always, but was a lot thinner than I remember. In other movies she has stared in, Bynes always looked healthy and fit. Not stick thin.

Most high school girls look nothing like the characters in this movie. Personally, I think it sends out the wrong message to female audiences. All of the popular, pretty girls were abnormally thin. I am usually a fairly confident person, but even I walked out of the theatre feeling a little self-conscious.  Overall a great movie, the actresses just need a sandwich...

Faux Fur Please

After posting the Chanel faux fur fall collection video last week, it got me thinking about all the people who still wear real fur. When I found this video on Youtube I was shocked to see how many celebrities still wear fur, even though it has been shunned upon for a few years now.

What I find difficult to understand, is how people can wear furs even though they claim to love animals. For example, Pairs Hilton’s dog was famous at one point and was treated like royalty. Obviously she loved the animal, and claims to be a dog lover. But, in the video Paris is photographed wearing a fur garment. I find it to be the biggest contradiction that she can have a pet, yet still be alright with wearing a skinned animal on her body.

It is a known fact that every year over 50 million animals die every year in the name of fashion. Animals are electrocuted, gasses and trapped. Animal furs are not a by product of the meat industry, animals are killed exclusively for their coats. Even though it is not legal, cat and dog furs are being sold under false pretences in the United States. An example of animal cruelty is the clubbing of seals. Seal are killed, and their pelts are sold. It is legal to hunt for seals in Canada through November 15^th to May 15^th.

Personally I love fashion, but killing animals in the name if fashion is just wrong. This is why I was really impressed by the Chanel faux fur collection. Even though the furs weren’t real, the clothes still looked beautiful. Unfortunately, furs have come back into fashion this season, and it is important for buyers to understand the history behind the pieces they are purchasing. Real fur is cruel.  

Fur Is Dead : Compassion Is My Fashion - NO FUR .Daphne D.

A Few Fall Trends

This fall designers have defiantly created tons of amazing looks, which can be transitioned into everyday life.  Knits have been very popular this season. Big knit sweaters are very in right now. Knits can be worn over layers of tank tops and belted to create a defined waist. Great examples of knits include; thick cardigans, big scarves, and wooly sweaters. Flared legs on pants are also in fashion. Flared legs look amazing on almost every silhouette. They give the appearance of a straight long leg, and create the illusion of added height. Flared leg pants can be paired with blazers, fitted tops and slim belts. Leopard print has also been popular with designers this season. Blouses, sweaters, coats, shoes, purses and jewellery have all been adorned with leopard print. Prints are a good way to add interest to an outfit and can be worn day or night. When wearing leopard print, it is a good idea to neutralize it with a solid colour, for example, wearing a leopard print cardigan with a black pencil skirt.  Lace is also a big fall trend. Lace tops and dresses can be very feminine and look amazing on. For day, lace tops look great under blazers and can be paired with either a great skirt or a pair of dark jeans. For night, lacy dresses can be paired with heels and a chic coat to create the perfect evening look. All of these looks are easy to pull off and can look great on every body type. My tip is to have fun experimenting with fall fashions; you never know what you may find! :)

Chanel Fall/Winter 2010 collection

Beautiful Clothes. Great Knits. Amazing Set. Faux Fur!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chanel - Fall Winter 2010/2011 Full Fashion Show Part 1 - High Quality

The Little Black Dress (History)

After watching this video during my fashion class’s Little Black Dress seminar, I was inspired to share a little bit of what I have learned. In 1926, Coco Chanel created the concept of the Little Black Dress.  Before this time period, black was mainly worn by people who were in mourning. After World War 1 black became more commonly worn, since many people were grieving the loss of loved ones. Noticing this trend, Coco Chanel designed a simple black dress that was published in Vogue magazine. Women loved the idea of this simple black dress since it was practical. Many women had been working in factories and doing men’s work during and after the war, and needed attire that was suited for these conditions. The Little Black Dress was dark enough to cover any dirt the women accumulated during the day, and was easily accessible to every social class.  Vogue described Chanel’s LBD as “Chanel’s Ford”, comparing it to the Model T which was also simple and accessible.  Vogue predicted the LBD would be ‘a sort of uniform for all women of taste’.

Today the LBD is a classic piece that almost every woman owns. It can transform any women from ordinary to elegant, and has been worn by many style icons over the years including; Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Kate Moss, and Princess Diana. The LBD started off as practical wear, and turned into a trademark for sophistication. Thanks Coco Chanel!

"The Little Black Dress"

The Boyfriend Jean

Since fall is rapidly approaching, and the weather has gotten cooler, most of us have traded in our shorts for jeans.  This year while back to school shopping, I stumbled upon the most awesome jeans. They were a pair of light wash, Calvin Klein, boyfriend style jeans. Boyfriend style jeans are inspired by men’s jeans, and have a more loose fit than traditional women's jeans. They range from dark to light washes, and are usually rolled up above the ankle. These jeans are defiantly different from the basic skinny jean that most women have been wearing for the past few seasons. These jeans have a more casual look to them, and fit fairly loosely on the body. I found that these jeans look just as great on as skinny jeans, but are way more comfortable to wear. Even though they are inspired by menswear, these jeans are designed for women; therefore they still have a feminine feel. Boyfriend jeans can be dressed up, for a more sophisticated look try paring them with heels and a hip length fitted blazer. For a more casual look try paring them with a v-neck t-shirt, a belt and flats.  All women have lazy days where they would rather feel comfortable instead of fashionable. So the next time you want to slip on your worn-out track pants, try a pair of boyfriend jeans instead. Trust me, you will look stylish but still feel comfy.

Above are some great examples of boyfriend jeans.

http://heelsandsteals.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/boyfriend-jeans.jpg

TIFF fashions 2010

Tiff fashions

Unfortunately summer is almost over, and most of us are settling back into another school year.  Luckily TIFF has started, and the fashions this year have begun to make headlines. The fashions so far have been fairly casual, and have had a youthful feel to them. Most dresses worn by celebrities have been of a shorter length than what is accustomed, and are mostly above the knee. Each piece of clothing worn has an urban, free spirited, city feel to it, reflective of Toronto and the ‘vibe’ associated with the city.  For example, Natalie Portman wore a beautiful strapless, knee length dress by Jason Wu. Although it is an adorable dress, that most teenage girls would kill to own, it is extremely casual compared to the more red-carpet, sophisticated gowns we are used to seeing her in. Juno star Ellen Page also sported the casual look. She wore pants, a t-shirt, and a hip length blazer. Overall, even though casual seems to be the major trend this year; every look is classic, and pulled together with a stunning pair of heels!  I defiantly look forward to seeing more fashions from TIFF, hopefully we will see more unique and controversial pieces. Like Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

Ellen Page                                        

 

                       

Natalie Portman 

Pictures of TIFF fashions:

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/hype/tiff-talk/2010/09/14/toronto-the-boring-fashion-at-tiff-duller-than-at-venice-film-fest/

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/hype/tiff-talk/2010/09/11/tiff-fashion-poll-megan-fox-ellen-page-liv-tyler-and-liana-liberato/