Breaking The Rules

Fashion is all about breaking the rules.Taking risks are all apart of having fun with fashion. Without controversial clothing fashion would be boring, and style would not exist. In the past women wore skirts and dresses and men wore pants and shirts. And that is how fashion worked for hundreds of years. In modern day society fashion is rapidly changing. Every season designers come out with new collections and ideas. Right now, opposite gender clothing is a really popular trend. Menswear is inspiring womenswear, and womenswear is inspiring menswear. The boyfriend jean, suit jackets, and vests are all examples of womenswear that were inspired by mens clothing. Menswear has also become more fitted. For example, mens jackets have become shorter and narrower, slightly resembling a woman's jacket. Mixing and matching menswear and womenswear creates interest in an outfit and is rebellious in its own way.

This is a perfect example of womenswear inspired by men's clothing. Oxford shoes are in style for both men and women. The belted boyfriend jean with a button down were both inspired by men's clothing. The hat is also reminiscent of a mans.   

 These shorts and pants are a lot shorter and slimmer than traditional menswear. Also,the v-neck sweaters and cardigans are all inspired by womenswear. 

Your Perfect Colour

In the fashion world colours are constantly categorized as being 'in' or 'out. This fall aubergine, which is a combination of dark purple and red, is very in style. But, not all of these colours are suitable for every skin tone. For example, this season camel is in style. This colour is similar to a light brown, which is inspired by the fur colour of the camel. Personally, this colour looks horrible on me and does nothing to emphasize my skin tone or features. To find out what colours look the best on you, compare a variety of colours to your skin tone. To do this, stand in front of a mirror and hold colours under your chin. You can use paint chips or fabric as samples. It is best to do this experiment near a window on a sunny day. The natural light is best, since other light sources can change the way the colours appear. Have a friend or relative help you decide which colours look best. Colours that look the best on you should emphasize your eyes and hair colour. And your overall complexion should look healthy and bright, a colour that does not complement you tends to make your skin look dull. From this experiment you should learn what hues look best on you, and whether warmer or cooler colours compliment your skin tone. Once you can have a clear understanding of which colours you like, it will making shopping for clothing and putting together outfits much easier.       

To learn more about colour in fashion

Canadian Fashion Designer

During our fashion class's theory week we've learned about a few great Canadian designers. This sparked my interest since many people are not familiar with Canadian designers. One very successful Canadian fashion designer we learned about is Alfred Sung. Sung was born in Shanghai, China and was the eldest of eight children. Originally he wanted to become an artist, but at 17 his parents sent him to Paris to study fashion design. After graduating from Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, he moved to New York to study at the infamous Parsons School of Design. After graduation he work in the New York fashion industry for a while, but then moved to Toronto in 1972. In Toronto he worked as a fashion designer for a Spadina Avenue company before building his own business.
Sung's garments are often referred to as classic pieces. Aside from clothing he has also designed jewelery, bridal wear,watches, eye wear, fragrances, and belts. Sung also designed his own home decor line which includes furniture, bedding, kitchen products ect. Sung has also launched a line of moderately priced women's fashions for Zellers. Over the years Sung has created timeless pieces that work for almost anyone.

Alfred Sung's new Pure line

 

The Fashion Industry

I have often written about clothing or designers prevalent in the fashion industry, but I have never given a full overview of what exactly the fashion industry consists of. The fashion industry consists of four different levels. Production of raw materials, production of goods by designers, retail sales, and advertisement and promotion. During the early 20th century the creation of the sewing machine and other technology, sped up the garment making process. This allowed for retailers like department stores to flourish. Clothing became mass produced, and were sold at fixed prices. Previous to this, most people had their clothing custom made, or made their clothing themselves. Today the fashion industry has grown to be one of the largest industries in the world, employing millions.
Fashion journalism is one of the most important aspects of keeping the fashion industry strong. Fashion journalism includes commentary and critiques of fashion in the media. These media sources include television, magazines, newspapers, and the internet. Overall, the media is responsible for spreading the word of what is new in the fashion industry, and keeps the industry running. 

To learn more about the effects the fashion industry has on the economy:  

The global fashion industry

 

Sweatshops

In fashion class we have recently started learned about sweatshops, and their impact on the modern day world. The garment industry is one of the largest industries in and world, therefore cheap labor is what this business strives on. A sweatshop is defined as a factory where workers are treated poorly. This may include low salaries, long hours of work with no breaks, and physical or emotional abuse. The problem is, most companies own millions of factories around the world, and it is hard to specify which factories are sweatshops and which are not. Sweatshop workers are mainly women and children. Almost 90% of workers are young girls or women. Women are hired since it is acceptable for other employers to rape them, if they are not working to the set standard. Workers are also paid extremely low wages, in a worst case scenario a worker may make as little as six cents an hour. The worst sweatshop runners include Disney, The Gap, Guess, J.C Penny, Nike, Wal-Mart, and Victoria's Secret. These are just a few of the thousands of companies that rely on sweatshops to produce their garments. This proves that most garments that are mass produced are made in sweatshops. Overall, this makes it difficult for consumers to purchase clothes that have not been manufactured in sweatshops. 

Victims of Fashion: Worker Abuse in Nearby Sweatshops Video

Dsquared :)

It's time to talk about some of Canada's finest designers! Dsquared was founded by twin Toronto born brothers, Dean and Dan Caten. Over the past decade their success has rapidly grown, and they are two of Canada's best known fashion designers. They design for men and women, and have also launched their own footwear, cosmetic, and fragrance lines. The pair's designs have been worn by celebrities including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Madonna. Their previous fashion shows have been opened and closed by artists like Rihanna and Bill Kaulitz, the lead singer of Tokio Hotel.
 The Dsquared Fall/Winter 2010 fashion show, in my opinion is a perfect example of what a fashion show is supposed to be like. It was futuristic, there were angry looking models, intense music, and a creative theme. The fashion show told a story, it was like watching a movie. The clothes were also amazing. The red and black colour scheme is a classic, and seems to be fairly popular this season. I like the fact that the clothes were not over the top extravagant, but were brought to life with accessories and a pop of red. The elevator was also a really cool addition to the show, and the entire set was amazing. The show really flowed the models, music, and set worked together to pull off a great performance. Overall, I loved the show and I am excited to see what Dsquared has in store for the future.  :)

Dsquared2 - Fall Winter 2010/2011 Full Fashion Show Part 2 - High Quality

When I Grow Up

What Not to Wear on TLC, is by far one of my favorite shows of all time. Not only is the show awesome, but the hosts/stylists Stacey London and Clinton Kelly are amazing at what they do. I have always said, when I grow up I want to be like Stacey London. She has the perfect job. She gets to work with beautiful designer clothes all day long, and gets paid for it. Plus, she promotes inner beauty as well as outer beauty. She believes if you look your best, it will boost your self confidence, resulting in success. Not only is she a stylists, but she tours around the States giving self-esteem lectures. And also supports many Cancer Research organizations including, The American Cancer Society. What I really like about her, is the fact that she promotes inner beauty and self-esteem. When you think of a fashion stylist, you would assume that they are more concerned about what you look like on the outside, instead of what's on the inside. That is why I admire the work Stacey has done.

Here is a clip from TLC's What Not to Wear. It's a great show, and I really hope they make a Canadian version of it.

 

What Not to Wear - Witch Chase

Layers for the cold

It saddens me to say this, but the colder weather is approaching. It's time to pack up the shorts and bring out the sweaters. Unfortunately, during the winter months most people sacrifice fashion for comfort. The good news is, there are ways to stay fashionable during the winter months while still managing to staying warm. Layering is a great way to stay warm while wearing trendy clothing. First of all, start with some great basic tops. Find tops and blouses that you love, but wouldn't be able to wear by itself during the colder months. Secondly, invest in a few blazers or cardigans to throw over top. Cardigans and blazers are a great way to stay warm, while still being able to wear you favourite tops underneath. This fall blazers are everywhere, and there are so many different styles to choose from.  Knits and sweaters are also great to wear over your summer tank tops, and they keep you warm and cozy. H&M has some amazing knits and sweaters for both men and women, and are very affordable! Lastly, top of you outfit with a great jacket. Take the time to pick out a jacket that you really like, that is simple and classic. A classic design will allow you to wear your jacket everyday, and will go with almost anything in your wardrobe. And if you really like to accessorize, add a scarf or waist belt over your jacket. Just because winter is approaching doesn't mean you still can't look put together. :)

Trendy sweaters for fall/winter

The Messenger Bag

The messenger style bag has become very popular this year. Messenger bags were originally worn by bicycle messengers, who were for the most part men. The original messenger bag was box like in shape, just larger enough to hold books, magazines, and papers. They usually have an adjustable strap, which is worn diagonally, across the body. Messenger bags are also great since they keep your hands free, and take pressure off of the shoulder, which other purses can cause. Another great thing about messenger bags, there are so many different styles. No matter your what your style is, there's a messenger bag for you. More casual bags include, those made of softer fabrics and are usually earth toned. These bags usually look trendier when they've been broken in. The more glamorous bags include, chains, metallics, charms, more expensive fabrics, and jewels. The modern take on the bag can range from wallet like to a laptop style bag. And usually contain tons of pockets, which is great for staying organized. Some bags have the original structured shape, while others take on a more round shape. There are hundreds of bags to choose from, and they are great for everyday use.

A few glam messenger bags

Chloe spring summer 2011 fashion show

The fashion world moves a lot faster than the rest of us. They have already launched their 2011 spring and summer collections, and are hard at work creating looks for next fall/winter. It is true they are a full year ahead.

Fashion week is Paris always impresses and this year is no different. The Chloe fashion show was by far, one of my favourites so far. It has gotten mixed reviews though, some people like it and others find it boring. The colour scheme is what differentiates this collections from others. The collection is made up of neutrals with a few red accents. Some people find this to be boring, but I think it is very classic and elegant. The line is very feminine and includes; shear flowing skirts, elegant dresses and sophisticated suits. This makes the collection very wearable in comparison to other collections that are more extravagant. Another thing that separates this line from others, are the ballet flats that the models wore, walking down the runway. Usually in fashion shows models are adorned with fierce 8 inch heels. The ballet flats worked really well in this collection, since the clothes are very feminine and the shoes follow that trend. The collection was very thought out, all the pieces worked really well together to make outfits that any woman can wear. The only random part of the show, that did not go along with the girly theme, was the reggae playing in the background...

Chloé Spring Summer 2011 Womenswear Full Fashion Show

YAY it is done!

For approximately four hours today I sewed non-stop to finally finish my Halloween costume! Even though it took forever to make, I am very happy with the outcome. I never realized how rewarding making something yourself can be. It was a lot of hard work and at times it got me very angry, but my costume is unique and there is nothing like it in stores. I even added a few personal touches by lining the bottom of the skirt with pink lace and adding pink shiny sequence to the corset. To top it all off I might even spray it with glittery fabric paint. And to prove how much i like my costume, I wore it to pick up my mom from work (she was confused to say the least). 
I suggest everyone try a do-it-yourself project. It doesn't have to be extravagant, but it gives you a new appreciation for things. For example, last year I bought a Halloween costume that cost me $50, it was nice but when I was done with it I no longer cared for it. I don't even know where I put it. But, the costume I made is being worn for as long as I can fit into it! It cost me a lot in fabric, much more than I would ever spend buying a costume, but it was well worth it. Also, my sewing and pattern reading skills have gotten a lot better from doing this project. Overall, it was a good learning experience, even though it drove me insane.

Here is a picture of the finished garment that took forever to make.

Halloween Costume...RAWR

A requirement for my fashion class is to make a Halloween costume. At first glance this did not seem like a hard task, that assumption was completely false. Being the ambitious person that I am, I decided to pick a pattern that was a bit more challenging than what I would normally attempt. I have now realized that being ambitious can be a real pain. For Halloween I chose to be Glinda the Good witch of the North. I thought it would be fun to dress in all pink and twirl around in a fluffy skirt, until it came down to making the costume. In the Wizard of Oz, Glinda's outfit is very extravagant. It's made up of a full skirt and sparkly top. What I didn't anticipate was how hard it would be to make a skirt and top. First of all the skirt involved a lot of tool and overlay. Overlay is a shiny fabric that is place over the skirt to make it look sparkly. Tool is a net like fabric that is put under the skirt to puff it out, until it looks like a tutu... And if it looking like a ballerina wasn't bad enough, the top is actually a corset! Something new I learned today, a hammer is involved in the corset making process. Now doesn't that sound ridiculous, using a hammer to make a costume! Apparently, eyelets (which are little circles that the ribbon/tie of the corset runs through)  needs to be hammered into place.
All in all, I have spent 4 weeks making a Halloween costume, that I will wear for one day.

Here is a picture of the pattern by SIMPLICITY that I have used. The name is a lie, this is the hardest most aggravating project I have ever had to do.

A few of my fav things...

This fall, there are a few things that I can't live without. Fall is a great time to layer pieces, and get playful with clothes. First of all get a great pair of boots, or a few great pairs. A simple pair of black boots can go a long way. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and go with almost anything. Longer boots are really in. Boots that come up to the knee keep you warm, but also look awesome on. Ankle boots are also popular for day to day usage, and look great with jeans. For a night out, ankle length stiletto heeled boots are in style. A suede pair of heeled boots look great with a pair of tights and a mini dress.
To add a bit of sophistication to any look try finding a hip length jacket.  My favourite is a hip length  trench coat from H&M. A shorter jacket elongates the legs, and makes you look taller. Adding a jacket over any outfit completes the look.
Lastly get a few pairs of tights. I suggest a solid black pair, and another patterned pair. Patterned or lace tights are in for fall,  and create interest to an outfit. They are great for a night out, or playing up a simple day outfit.
Have fun with fall fashions, there are a lot of cool stuff available:) 

Boots for fall

Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 Collection

The 2010 Louis Vuitton fall collection is absolutely amazing. The 50’s poodle skirt is back! The collection uses the 50’s poodle skirt as a template for every dress and skirt in the collection. The signature flare of the poodle skirt is still present in the collection, but the fabrics are a lot more luxurious. The garments are classic and sophisticated, but have a little twist. They show a good amount of cleavage. Wool corset-like bodices on the dresses create a curvy figure, while the skirts float away from the body. This allows the top and skirt to balance out one another, to create the perfect garment. I also really enjoyed how belts, waistbands and blazers are all used to define a waist on the female body. Belts and waistbands are added to draw attention to the smallest part of a woman, while blazers are taken in at the waist to create an hour-glass figure.  The other thing I liked about this collection was the shoes. They were very practical and simple, compared to most runway footwear. Each garment in the collection looks like it can be worn by an everyday woman, since the silhouettes are very flattering and the designs are classic.  

In Gossip Girl, Blair wears tons of Louis Vuitton's clothing and accessories:)

Louis Vuitton - Fall Winter 2010/2011 Full Fashion Show Part 1

Gossip Girl Fashions

Out of all the television shows for teens, Gossip Girl takes the lead for fashion. The show is set in Manhattan, and features all the latest fashions and couture clothing. There is even an entire website/blog dedicated to Gossip Girl fashions. The site takes outfits from the show and explains which designer each garment comes from, and how much they cost. There is also a ‘get the look’ suggestion posting; where similar, less expensive garments are shown.  

Designer clothing and accessories like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Prada are all featured in the show. The New York sophisticated style is what separates the show from others. My favourite character’s style in the show is Serena Van Der Woodsen’s; she is played by Blake Lively. Her style is more of the edgy New Yorker. She tends to wear shorter more revealing clothing and bolder accessories, but somehow manages to make herself look classy and put together. My other favourite character’s style is Blair Waldorf, played by Leighton Meester. Her style is more elegant and sophisticated. She tends to wear blazers, skirts, and extravagant dresses.  The most beautiful dress worn by her was a blue satin number, which wore on last night’s episode. Blair’s signature look in the show is her head band adorned with a bow.

Overall Gossip Girl= Great Fashions:)

 

Gossip Girl Fashion Blog  

 

Advertisement that works.

Most people who know me understand that I have pretty much sold my sole to Disney. So when I logged into the M.A.C. website to check out fall make trends, I was pleasantly surprised to see a Disney villain inspired make up collection.  Instead of the regular home page that pops up, three Disney characters appear, each villain representing a specific make up collection. The best part of all, the packaging of each cosmetic has Disney characters imprinted on it! There is even a Disney villain name creator. The mirror from snow white predicts what your villain name would be after answering a few questions. To most people, this wouldn’t be that exciting, but to Disney fanatics it’s awesome.

Unfortunately, M.A.C. has outsmarted the Disney lovers out there into purchasing their products. It is sad to admit, but I kind of want every single item in the collection. Without the Disney packaging, these products are the regular cosmetics available at M.A.C. retailers everywhere. But it looks cool...

I have officially realized the impact advertising has. A good ad or endorsement can turn a regular product into something that is desired. Ads make people want things that they normally would not want. M.A.C. has done that. And now all I want to do is buy stuff I don’t need...

To understand what I am talking about, visit: