Hollywood Inspired

Making Statements with Contrasting Fashion

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.

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.

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.

Business Attire

If the only label you consider before a fashion purchase is the one with the laundry instructions, you may be fashion challenged. And if your fashion decisions center on comfort and stain resistance, what sort of makeover might you need?

Most working women eventually come to the truth that first impressions count. Do you think you are taken seriously at work when you are badly dressed? Studies show that pretty people are more successful – certainly being well dressed and well groomed can only help.

Where does a fashion challenged person start? A successful business look is one that is polished, professional, and flattering. Project a professional image no matter what your position or pay level. Unless you are in the fashion business, a good rule of thumb is to dress conservatively and save the trendy clothing for social occasions. Some offices have written dress codes. If your office does not, pick the most successful person in the office and emulate them. If the highest-ranking woman always wears dark color suits, follow her example. If there isn’t a high-ranking woman in your company, follow the example of the men. If they wear a suit and tie every day, choose suits or conservative pantsuits.

Business jewelry should be tasteful, small, and quiet. Noisy bracelets and dangling earrings can be distracting, particularly in meetings. Avoid oversized slouchy handbags – they look sloppy. Avoid any overtly sexy clothing – see though blouses, very short skirts, or any clothing that may be considered too tight.

Look for well-made clothing and make sure it fits properly so you will not have to constantly adjust a short skirt or gaping blouse. Your motto should be “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

Spring 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 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.

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, big enough to carry all things a busy woman needs during the day, big jewelry, 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.

The Laws of Engagement Rings

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When boy meets girl and they fall in love, a wedding is in the making. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out right. Love is lost, hearts are broken, and the wedding is off. Setting emotions aside, there are some legal issues at stake, one of which is: what happens to the ring?

Whether or not the bride-to-be (or groom-to-be, as women proposing marriage is becoming more common) keeps the ring is a matter of debate. Some say the ring should be returned to the asker, others think it is uncouth for a person to ask for the ring back. However, some states have laws concerning this sort of thing.

Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Pennsylvania are all “conditional gift” states, meaning that a gift, such as an engagement ring, is conditioned on the couple getting married; if the wedding is off, the ring must be returned, or the man or woman is breaking the law. Many states have no set ruling or statutes on the matter, but one state, Montana, has a set Unconditional Gift rule: once a ring is given, it’s given for good. The only other state to have some sort of general rule for dealing with these matters is California, which is considered an “implied conditional gift” state, meaning that the ring is entitled to be returned, but not as a legal matter.

So, if you don’t live in a Conditional Gift state, be absolutely sure before you propose!

2011Spring Fashion Accessories

It may still feel like winter, but spring is just around the corner. The new accessories for the season are bold, colorful, and fun. The spring fashion shows painted a very colorful preview of new colors and designs for spring. Here is a leg up for finding the newest designer fashions.

Orange and yellow are everywhere – from a military style trench coat to sandals. Diane Von Furstenberg used bright orange and white for her cotton carryall, while Tory Burch’s large satchel glows in neon yellow. For the businesswoman with an eye for color, Zspokes offers a yellow and blue briefcase. Orange handbags come in all sizes from the largest totes in bright orange to a creamsicle orange leather clutch. Other clutches are neon green and bright blue. Homemadebags and Diane Von Furstenberg showed hip bags (think up-dated fanny packs) in black leather for hands free convenience.

Orange, hot pink, green, and lemon are paired with neutral colors in shoes and clutches. Karen Walker’s ruffled orange tote will stop traffic. Pumps can be multicolored, orange, or bright blue. Wedges are always popular, and were shown in bright colors. Sandals were strappy from toe to ankle.

Statement necklaces are important this season. Farilandfashions showed a plum red flower and swarovski crystal necklace with a simple black sheath. Proenza’s “warrior chest plate” necklace was shown on a long chain over a neutral tunic. Oversize wooden bracelets in natural and bold colors were shown from wrist to mid-arm at several shows. Earrings will be large and bright, too. Sewnthings showed unique recycled knitting needles shaped into multilayer orange bracelets.

Carolina Herrera adapted a traditional Japanese obi belt to a small, narrow belt in bright orange over a pencil skirt. Marc Jacobs opted for a more traditional size obi in leather or suede. Richly colored scarves covered models hair, and sunhats were large in white or black. Bucket hats, so popular in the 70’s, are back in any fabric.

The 70’s are definitely back in sunglasses. Oversold lenses, cat-eye shapes and white frames are all retro fashion.

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.

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.

How do you Accessorize?

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There are many different ways to accessorize depending on the look you are trying to achieve.

Classic accessories are basic pieces of jewelry, like a strand of pearls, diamond stud earrings, or a basic black bag.

Jewelry is both a fashion statement and accessory. You can dress a simple outfit up or down depending on your jewelry choice. For example, if you were black pants and a white shirt, a simple gold chain gives a classic but understated elegant look. If you choose a chunky multi-color multi-strand necklace it is a more fun, carefree look.

Even your watch can be an accessory, especially if you do not like bracelets or too much jewelry. Watches come in many colors, and styles, even delicate bracelet styles.

When accessorizing, do not forget all the options available when you style your hair, from a necktie headband, to a beaded barrette, to colorful clips and pins.

A popular way to accessorize if you are not the jewelry type is with a scarf or belt. Scarves come in so many styles, fabrics, textures and patterns that you can change the look of one outfit easily. Scarves can even be worn as a belt for a splash of color and drama. Depending on the length and fabric, scarves can be worn tied in front, in back, wrapped around the neck, draped over the shoulders, or pinned with a large brooch.

Many women accessorize with their shoes or handbag. You can match the handbag and shoes for one look, such as red bag with red shoes with a classic black dress. Or maybe you would like to make a statement with a black bag and a wild print or color shoe, such as a purple snakeskin or leopard print. For more color match the handbag to one color in the print shoes.