Popular Patterns | Hollywood Inspired

Men and Fashion

One might be tempted to believe that the fashion world belongs first and foremost to women. Most of the fashion ads and shows are dedicated to them. You can tune into your favorite tv show or watch a movie at http://www.direct.tv, and see how much the fashion industry is influenced by media. Indeed, according to some preconceived notions and stereotypes, it is assumed that men are not attracted to anything like fashion and designer looks. However, upon closer inspection, much more is discovered and assumptions cannot be used to prove a rule.

This assumption is not new! Who said men did not like taking care of themselves and that they do not care for their style? Many people seem to have forgotten the times in which men wore powdered noses before donning outfits decorated with stickers and ribbons. Their heads were topped by a wig.

Later, the men of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries reduced a few frills, but always took care of their appearance. The dandies grew even in this passion for style even more. They adopted fashion costumes extensively, and studied the characteristics of dressing for their social status. Finally, in many ways, men’s fashion has been found over the centuries to be more outlandish than the style of the ladies. It was not until the 1970s that then began to wear clothing that really different.

The men were able to change their style by playing with the hair length, or not wearing a mustache, beard, sideburns, a variety of hats, gloves, sticks or other capes and coats for much longer. If the masculine style of dress has long been a reflection of social class, the twentieth century has brought a new approach to men’s fashion.

Filed Under: Apparel, Popular Patterns Tagged With: Clothing, Fashion, Magazines and E-zines, T-Men

Tips For Creating a Classic Fashion Look

Classic styled clothing tends to be more tailored in style. In the workplace, women’s suits will be basic colors of black, navy or grey. They look well with white blouses and a splash of colorful accessories such as a red earrings, necklace, or scarf. You won’t see lots of ruffles and frills on classic styled blouses. Blouses are generally fitted and sometimes have rows pin tucks on the front. Classic skirt styles include the pencil skirt and the A-line skirt.

Cashmere sweaters will always give you a classic look. By nature, their styles are not flamboyant or trendy. The styles are ones that will last through several seasons and not look dated. Cashmere sweaters generally do not come in garish colors. Many will be in the basic colors – white, black, tan, navy, red. Many times they also come in a more subtle shade of fashionable colors.

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When buying accessories to compliment a classic fashion style, think small. Earrings, necklaces, and watches will be modest in size. They won’t be huge and oversized. Their color will match the color of your outfit or be a complimentary color. Belts will also be normal widths. Shoes that match the classic style will be medium pumps with a simple strap at the ankle. They will be the same color as the tailored suit that is work in the workplace.

Purchase a single or double breasted coat when buying a classic styled winter coat. Your coat could be an A-line style or a princes style. To complete your winter ensemble, get some leather boots. They can be either slightly above the ankle or knee-hi.

Filed Under: Popular Patterns Tagged With: Color, Pencil skirt, Skirt

Building Your Career as a Stylist: Dressing the Stars

Being fashionable seems to come naturally to some people. If you have a sense for fashion and accessories, then a styling career is something worth considering. While dressing the stars is probably your ultimate goal, it won’t be easy to find your way in the fashion world without the proper knowledge. There is far more to being a stylist than grabbing outfits you see in the stores. The stars will only hire those who know a great deal about the art of being stylish.

Choosing from the many accredited online degrees is only the first step to take in building your career. Once you have gained knowledge about fashion design, body types, material, and even art, you can take that knowledge into the working world. You need practical experience along with book knowledge to make the most of your career.

Along with working, you will need to start the process of client networking. The networking process is how you connect with potential clients and get hired for jobs. Your personality, knowledge of how to create styles and a killer portfolio are important to landing styling jobs with influential clients. These people can give you a leg up in your career.

Don’t be afraid to offer your services at every available opportunity. Think outside the box and look for events at which a stylist might be needed such as charity fashion shows or a big speech. Often, charities will have big name supporters. If the stars like the work you do, they will remember you. Perhaps in the future, they might even hire you.

Filed Under: Celebrity Influence, Popular Patterns Tagged With: Career, Dressing

Making Statements with Contrasting Fashion

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Many times it simple enough to categorize fashion as good or bad, sexy or casual or even how it looks on a person. It makes things simpler. But fashion is so much more and therefore, it sometimes is a good idea to create your own statements by contrasting fashion. While there are ways of contrasting fashion for men, it’s often the women who tend to make an art out of it.

There are a few simple tricks you can use to get fashion contrasting right. For one, try and be unexpected. It can be difficult to do this, but then it’s what’s necessary when you are trying to team up two completely different styles. You will have to look for the difference or the contrast rather. Sometimes extremes help. For example – lacy tops with rugged boots or graffiti style T-shirts with floral skirts. These grab attention and look great if you carry them off right.

Another great way of contrasting fashion is by combining haute couture with street wear. You will find several style blogs online that will help make the right combination. Take a look at the place you are going to and make your mix and match accordingly. If you are dressing up, use a simple top but go in for stilettos that glitter all the way. No matter what you are wearing, the key to carrying of contrasting is to be comfortable in what you are wearing. Since you are the one putting together the outfit, only you will be able to determine what works well on the eye as well as on you.

Filed Under: Popular Patterns Tagged With: Art, Fashion, Haute couture

The Growing Trend of Dressing Pets Up

For many people, a pet is just as important as an immediate member of the family. Due to this fact, people will do just about anything to ensure their pet is safe, taken care of, and comfortable. This concept is by no means new, as pets have been a warm and welcome part of families for decades. However, people are seemingly becoming more pet crazy as modern society exhibits elements of popular culture.

Popular culture is vastly determined by what celebrities do and how they act. A growing trend among celebrities that pertains to pets in particular is the act of dressing them up in pet costumes. More and more celebrities are utilizing their pets as an accessory rather than as an actual pet. This can become especially prevalent during Halloween.

Celebrities such as Alyssa Milano and Martha Stewart are among some of the more widely known celebrities who enjoy dressing their pets in costumes. As these instances are featured in popular celebrity magazines and on television, people become interested in mimicking the concept. As such, pet costumes have experienced a great deal of growth in popularity over the past decade. People see their favorite celebrity fashioning their pet in a cute pet costume and in turn want to see what their own furry family member will look like in a costume of their own.

Now it is not just celebrities dressing their pets up any longer, it has become a popular trend in pop culture. As more people continue fashioning their pets in innovative costumes, more styles will continue to be released.

Filed Under: Apparel, Popular Patterns Tagged With: Costume, Halloween, Martha Stewart

Classic Fashions

Is your wardrobe recession proof? A wardrobe built around classic styles and investment pieces can actually save you money in the long-term. Classic fashions do not depend on trends. They are flattering to all figure types and have simple lines for a sleek silhouette. They come in classic colors like camel, black, blue, white and brown – not electric yellow or hot pink.

Classic clothing is made from natural materials like silk, wool, leather, and cotton, and it is well made. Seams are sturdy, collars are turned properly, and everything fits well. A few well-made pieces in classic styles can go through the seasons and can last for years. Wise shoppers use a “cost per wear” formula when shopping. An inexpensive piece may last one season and be worn six or seven times, but a slightly more expensive piece can last for years – and ultimately cost less per wear. Some shoppers believe in investment clothing – purchasing a few expensive pieces that they love and will wear for many years. These pieces may be vintage (think Chanel suit) and have never gone out of style.

Check the Internet and you will find several sites with basic wardrobe lists. Most include dress trousers, a daytime dress or two, a blazer, skirts, basic black dress, and trench coat. Add well-made pumps, flats in black and taupe, and a small clutch, and you have a foundation wardrobe that you can dress up or down with accessories.

Classic fashions are for those who do not follow trends. Women who develop a signature look and love timeless fashions follow their hearts, not current trends.

Filed Under: Apparel, Popular Patterns Tagged With: Chanel, Fashion, Trench coat

Fashion Forecast

After a long, dreary winter, spring fashions are finally in sight. Saturated colors, 70’s inspired graphics and prints, and the return of feminine ruffles all signal a change of season.

The 1970’s are definitely back – but with a more refined and tidier version of the old hippie styles. Wide leg, high waisted trousers paired with black and white geometric patterned tops or short rompers are new versions of another era. Pretty florals, wedge sandals, and longer full colorful skirts will make another statement. Orange is a favorite color for the season – persimmon, mango, or pumpkin paired with skinny white jeans is a fashion must. Updated geometric, striped and patterned tops with blazers, military inspired jackets or cropped motorcycle jackets are perfect for the office. Scarf headbands, distressed denim jeans, long flowing dresses, and peep-toe shoes will also make a comeback. Dresses will be romantic and flowery and ruffles emphasize a feminine look.

A popular look is the one shoulder top or dress in plume red, turquoise, mustard and electric blue worn with jeans or white trousers. White is everywhere – in slim sheaths, wide-leg trousers, and fuller, below the knee skirts. For special occasions, lace and sheer fabrics are in. A ladylike, slim silhouette paired with sandals and bold, colorful statement jewelry will make every party an occasion.

Large coach bags are big enough to carry all things a busy woman needs during the day. Big jewelry and beaded bracelets are the trends in accessories. Colors go from pretty pastels to bright intense shades like citrus and neon. Think spring flowers – any shade of green, bright blue, lavender, and pink will drive away all thoughts of winter!

Pretty is here – spring fashions will be the perfect end to a cold, miserable winter. A riot of color, hot geometric prints, and feminine touches will make this a season to remember.

Filed Under: General, Popular Patterns Tagged With: Denim, Dress, Fashion

Casual Friday

What is “casual Friday” and what can an employee wear? If a company doesn’t have a dress code, what style of clothing is appropriate? Some businesses allow employees who do not have contact with the public to dress very casually. But employees who attend meetings or have contact with the public represent their employers and need to live up to a standard of dress and decorum. Many businesses are backing away from casual Fridays and casual dress entirely because it has been interpreted as too casual. When employees show up to for work at the office in tank tops, shorts and flip-flops, employers start rethinking policy. Some businesses have created written dress codes to lessen confusion. Others rely on their employees’ good judgment, but can ask an employee to change or go home.

In general, business casual means shirt and long pants for men – ties and jackets are optional. Clothing should be clean, free of tears, and wrinkle free. Sweatsuits are not appropriate. On casual Fridays, women should wear a skirt, slacks, modest tops or sweater and shoes or sandals. Neither men nor women should wear flip-flops – ever. Women should not wear tank tops, bare midriff blouses, short skirts, or shorts.

Many bosses have found younger workers are confused by the term casual, and are likely to show up in outfits better suited to a beach than an office. Standards of dress allowed in high school and Universities have created a generation who believe appearance does not affect your work or people’s perception of you.

Filed Under: Apparel, Popular Patterns Tagged With: Casual, Casual Friday, Clothing

Clothing For Men

The advent of ready-to-wear clothes have also a decisive influence on fashion in the masculine. More reasonable to claim only its elegance and social class, men now have the opportunity to dress according to their tastes real, their passions, and be who they really are. Thus, a man can find clothes from the celebrities of certain types of music, sports and fashion. These clothes will be in many different styles, from which every man can find something to wear happiness.

Casual and elegant clothing for men in all shades are possible. There are now more clothing boutiques for men where this diversity of clothing can be seen. And although the trends are changing, the styles are numerous and everyone has the time to find one that is exactly what they want.

In addition, the prices for clothes are increasingly affordable, and the costs for quality clothing will allow every man a chance to express his style without breaking the bank. If it is a myth that men do not dress, we must still admit that few of them like to go shopping a lot to find their clothes. Yes there are men that love shopping. The Internet is a practical solution that allows other men to shop for clothes from home using his computer. In this way, he can enjoy a secure online transaction with fast delivery. Some of these items even have money back guarantees. Therefore, a man does not have to be hesitant to assert his style and enjoy wearing clothes that he really enjoys.

Filed Under: Popular Patterns, Style Tips Tagged With: Clothing, Design

Prints and Patterns

All sizes and body types can wear prints, but they must be worn right, or they become overwhelming and you lose the punch they create and just become busy.

There are a few key ideas to keep in mind when wearing prints or patterns.

Balance: If you wear a print top, make sure and wear a solid color on the bottom. If you wear a patterned bottom, the top should be solid. The solid should be a neutral color, or one that highlights a color within the pattern. For example, if you are wearing a Hawaiian print top in shades of blue, yellow, green, and black, you could choose any of those colors for the bottom as well as white, khaki, or denim. Be careful if you chose the main color in the print, as it can overwhelm and not be as flattering. Your best bet is to go with a color that is featured minimally in the pattern to bring it out, or go with the neutral.

Do not ever wear prints or patterns head to toe.

If you are not daring enough, or sure how to wear prints or patterns on your body type, consider using prints or patterns in your accessories. If you are wearing print accessories, you should not wear print clothing at the same time.

Accessories can include shoes, scarves, or handbags.

Wearing a wild print shoe with classic outfits, or all black is a sassy way to express yourself without redesigning your entire wardrobe, or breaking dress codes at your place of business.

Scarves can be used in place of jewelry or to add a print pattern or color. Scarves are an inexpensive way of changing your wardrobe with the season, fashion trends, or just because.

Many handbag designers offer print and pattern bags as well as basic colors. If you are not reading to experiment with patterns or prints, consider a bag in a vibrant color, like red, aqua, or purple, instead of basic black, brown, or white.

Filed Under: Popular Patterns, Style Tips Tagged With: Clothing, Constitution type, Fashion, Handbag, Pattern