Eco-Fashion: Style Choices

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Vintage Clothes Shops Camden London

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It’s an assumption of burlap, the cling of hemp and thick cotton: environmentally friendly fashion is often deemed a mess of natural fibers, forcing would-be stylists to cloak themselves in dull designs. The truth is far more flattering, however. Threads aren’t always stripped of dyes and shiny plastics. Instead they can merely be exchanged.

Choosing an eco-worthy lifestyle requires no great sacrifice. Vintage pieces instead exist. These clothes are recycled, shared again and again between owners — and this allows them to be both earth conscious and worthy of fashion.

Finding them is no great struggle as well, with many options now available:

Consignment Shops

Secondhand stores are often dismissed, thought to provide no great value. Consignment shops, however, offer environmental awareness (without denying style). Items from previous decades can be found in these inexpensive boutiques: granting variety on a budget.

Swap Parties

Friends often mirror each other — sharing personalities and textile tastes. Choosing a swapping party is therefore recommended. Groups can exchange items, filling closets with new (yet old) designs. This keeps items from simply being tossed away.

Online Vendors

Variety defines fashion. Searching the Internet is then necessary — with online vendors offering diversity and recycled clothing. Speciality boutiques are common. These boast formerly owned pieces of good condition and undeniable style.

Saving the environment is a worthy quest. Forcing yourself to suffer through weak designs and unfortunate silhouettes is unnecessary, however. Eco-friendly clothing is instead a reflection of the past; and these items can be found with ease.

 

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Recycling Old Clothes

June 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Needle plate, foot and transporter of a sewing...

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Whether your unwanted clothing is ripped, stained, unfashionable, or just too small, you don’t have to throw it away. If it’s not too beat up, you can donate it to Goodwill or Dress for Success or someplace. You can also recycle your old, unwanted clothing into something you’ll use. Here are some suggestions.

  • Does that bright yellow t-shirt not go with as many things as you expected? You can always dye clothing to more desired colors.
  • Old clothing, from socks to t-shirts, can be cut into cleaning cloths, shop rags, or dust rags. Why buy rags or cleaning cloths when you can make your own out of unwanted clothing?
  • Get creative with scissors and unwanted dresses or pants and cut them into skirts or shorts. Sew up the new hems and you’ve got something new.
  • Use old clothing as material for making crafts. Don’t have to go out and buy fabric when you may have some hanging unused in your closet. Use old clothing to make puppets, new clothing, purses, patchwork scarves, and even blue jean drink coasters. Use the buttons, zippers, and cloth – you can make anything.
  • You can cut the clothes up into squares to make a quilt. Maybe make a quilt of all the clothing your kids have grown out of.
  • With two old t-shirts, a sewing machine (or a needle and thread), an old belt, and scissors you can make a reusable grocery bag.

All you need is some creativity, tools, and time and you can turn your old, unwanted clothing into something new. It’s fun, easy, and the possibilities are limitless.

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Beyonce’s Influence on Fashion

January 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Beyonce has been a hit on the music scene since 1997 when she was in the music group Destiny’s Child. Her music style is R&B with a bit of pop mixed in. In 2001, Beyonce broke off from Destiny’s Child and went solo because of conflicts within the group. She has since released three solo albums and is currently working on her fourth, which is sure to be a hit.

In 2006, Beyonce married Jay-Z, a rap artist that she had been working collaboratively with on a couple of songs. The whole relationship had been rather private as they were rarely seen in public together. The wedding took place in New York City without a paparazzi affair and was announced to the public during a concert where Beyonce was sporting her new ring.

R&B music is not the only thing that Beyonce has influenced. Fashion is also one of her interests. Celebrities always make a mark with their outfits, so it is no surprise that Beyonce has used her influence to make a statement. Every time Beyonce is seen in public, she is wearing tasteful clothing from her line, Dereon.

The official name for her clothing line is House of Dereon and it was named after her grandmother who had some influence in Beyonce’s passion for clothing. The clothing line has been quite successful and features mostly outerwear and sportswear. Dereon also sells other apparel, as well as jewelry and fashion accessories. You can learn more about Beyonce’s fashion line on her website, or check it out at one of her concerts. The ideas truly are unique and breathtaking.

Beyonce has always used her taste of style to make her music videos better, yet she has quite a different style when she is not in a concert or creating a music video. You’ll have to take a look at her whole line to understand what Beyonce has contributed to the fashion world.

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Thrift Store Fashion Adventure

December 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Being fashionable while on a budget can be nearly impossible if only retail store sales are considered. A far less expensive route to fashion is using thrift stores and consignment shops.

Romancing the Thrift Store

Think of thrift store shopping as an adventure. They are out there, so find out where they are first. They may be hidden in a strip mall or some odd part of town. They may be lurking in nearby cities as well. Their names could be familiar or something completely strange and even exotic. First find out where the treasures may lay, then plot out a course to obtain the jewels among stones.

How about Lunch?

A fun part of the thrift store adventure is to plan a morning of fashion hunting followed by lunch. Perhaps some of the jewels won’t shine so brightly once considered more closely, while others could assemble themselves into a stunning outfit. So after lunch, it is time to make decisions and bring home the fashion.

Bargaining

Sometimes thrift stores will come down on their prices if asked. Consignment shops may do so too, especially if the fashion was given an asking price and a rock bottom figure. The fact of the matter is that whoever put up the clothing for consignment wants the items to move, so it never hurts to offer what may be a reasonable compromise on price.

Altering the Course of Clothing

If the bargain fashions don’t quite fit right, many dry cleaners offer minor alterations for reasonable prices. Dry cleaners are also often good at fixing broken zippers and finding matches for odd buttons.

The thrift store fashion adventure can be made into a fun outing that results in one or more complete outfits for a fraction of retail store prices, even when on sale. The fit can be tailored inexpensively at dry cleaners as well.

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How to Wear a Scarf

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Adding a scarf to your outfit is a fun and functional way to enhance your look. Scarves come in a variety of colors, patterns, fabrics and sizes. Whether you choose a scarf to keep your neck warm or just as a fashion accessory, choose a design that complements your personal style.

There are many ways to wear a scarf. One of the most popular techniques is achieved by creating a slipknot and looping the scarf around your neck. Start by folding the scarf in half to form a loop. Put the folded scarf around your neck and bring the ends together at the front of your neck. Place the two loose ends through the loop and tighten the scarf to achieve this look. Scarves worn this way will be secure and won’t fall off. Another option for wearing a scarf is to wrap it around your neck one or more times and leave the loose ends hanging over the front of your collar bone. A different variation of this style can be achieved by letting one end of the scarf lay on your back. A shorter scarf can also be worn in this style, but you may need to add a pin to secure it in place. A scarf can also be used to protect your head and hair in cold or snowy weather. Wrap the scarf once around your head and once around your neck with both loose ends hanging over the collar bone. Finish this look by tying or pinning the ends together. Finally, consider wearing your scarf as a belt for a unique look.

A scarf can be a wonderful addition to any outfit. Whether you choose to drape it, wrap it, wear it for warmth or just for style, there are a variety of options for this popular fashion accessory.

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Fashion Tips for Short Women

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you are a short woman, it can be difficult to find clothes that fit properly or flatter your figure. Generally, any women under 5′ 3is considered petite and should follow a few easy fashion tips that can help lengthen your body and create the illusion of height.

1. Choose monochromatic colors or one solid shade for your entire outfit to create an illusion of length. Wearing different colors on the top and bottom will cut the body in half and make you appear shorter.

2. Wear dark colors instead of light colors, which will help lengthen your body. Dark colors are also slimming, which is an added bonus.

3. Avoid wearing Capri pants. In order to appear taller, you should choose a pant style that covers your shoes. In addition, straight pants are more flattering than flared pants on shorter women.

4. Select pants or skirts that are high waisted. This will also help lengthen the body and create an illusion of height. Pants that sit low on the hips can cut the body in half and make a woman look short.

5. Wear a thin belt with your outfit instead of a thick belt, which will also cut the body in half. Also, choose a belt that blends with your outfit instead of one that contrasts in color. Avoid anything with busy patterns or bright details.

6. Choose a shoe that blends with your outfit. Although heels can help increase your height, it is not nessasary to wear the highest heel you can find. Instead, choose something with a medium heel height and make sure it blends well with your outfit.

7. If you want to wear a pattern, avoid horizontal stripes. These can make you look shorter than you really are. However, vertical stripes can be very flattering for short women and help make you look taller.

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Finding a Bra that Fits Properly

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It is estimated that 96 million women around the world are wearing the wrong size bra. Many of these women have never been measured to determine their proper bra size. Today, most department stores or women’s specialty lingerie stores will offer this service for free to customers. However, it is just as easy to determine your bra size by yourself at home if you follow a few easy steps.

1. Using a measuring tape, measure the area around your rib cage just below your breasts. For the most accurate results, take off your shirt and bra to measure against your skin. This number indicates your band size.

2. Using the same measuring tape, determine the width at the widest part of your chest. The tape should go around your back and across the center of your breasts.

3. Determine the difference between the two measurements to figure out your cup size. If there is less than 1/2 inch difference, you should wear a size AA bra. A difference of one inch is an A cup size. A difference of two inches indicates a B cup and three inches indicates a C cup in your bra. A difference of four inches is a D cup and five inches is a DD or an E cup.

4. Try on a few different bras in this size to find one that fits comfortably. Close the bra using the middle hook to start, but adjust this as needed if the bra is too loose or too tight. The goal is to find a bra that offers a snug fit but that does not cut into your skin.

5. In order to make sure the cup size fits properly, bend over at the waist while trying on a bra. Your breasts should be contained in the cups of the bra. The fabric between your breasts should also lie flat on your skin.

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Tricks to Feminine Outerwear

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Feminine vintage looks are everywhere right now and many women are looking for ways to incorporate feminine silhouettes into their winter attire. There is no reason for winter coats to be bulky and boxya flattering coat can dramatically change a person’s appearance and help every woman to embrace her shape and love the colder months of the year.

Look for a coat that ends at or no more than two inches above or below the hemline of your most flattering skirt. Often the best length falls right to the knee. A coat that hits at this length will help to keep you warm while avoiding that awkward coat and skirt length.

A wide belt or sash that sits at or just above the natural waistline is one of the most flattering things to look for in a coat. This will help to cinch in the narrowest part of the body while a fuller skirt balances out fuller hips.

Many women prefer a coat in black, camel, or gray tones to coordinate elegantly with their entire wardrobe. Other women may consider a bright color that will help lift their spirits on cloudy days and stand out in any crowd. A bright Kelly green is one particularly flattering shade while a red coat is a flattering classic that will look good with many different womens’ skin tones.

Winter accessories can help to make an outfit. A thick scarf in a coordinating color is an absolute must in the winter. Thinner scarves can be worn indoors and out to keep your neck cozy during the day. A well-made pair of gloves is a wintertime investment that every woman needs to have in her closet. A pair of leather gloves with a soft lining can last for years. Topped off with a hat in any number of classic shapes, you are ready to face any kind of weather with style and elegance.

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Finding Fashion

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Clothing in the ancient world
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Sometimes it is not a fashion find that makes a new outfit super special, it is the money that you buy it with. I know that sounds crazy, but if you have ever bought some sweet shoes with the fifty dollars your favorite grandma gave you, or bought a beautiful sweater that quickly became your favorite on cold winter days with a $20 bill that you found tumbling through the street on a windy day, then you will understand what I am talking about.

I have these jeans that are amazing. They were not on a particularly good sale. They were not a one-of-a-kind pair. They were bought with money I won after picking the Superbowl winner last year after visiting some sports betting sites on a whim.

I almost never gamble. This was was just a fun thing I decided to do. I guess you could say I got really lucky. I was the closest in the whole office to picking the actual score. Anyway, my point is that those jeans are a favorite of mine because of the way I won the money to buy them!

There is one other way that I find fashions that excite me. When it happens, I almost never tell anyone where the item came from. But I guess I can tell you. It is not like I see any of you in real life, right?

My best fashion finds come from the second hand store. I don’t care if it has been worn by someone else who has outgrown it. I don’t care if it was in someone’s grandma’s closet for the last 25 years. If it has come back into style and I can score it for $5, I am ecstatic.

So, next time you are out shopping, remember that the price is not always what makes it a fashion find.

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Tips On How A Woman Should Dress For A Job Interview

December 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
several piercings
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When you are looking for a new job, the entire process can be nerve wracking and frustrating. From the first interview to hiring, putting your best foot forward is very important. One way to ensure that you make a good first impression is to dress appropriately at all times. Here are a few tips to dress for success.

1. Keep in mind the type of business that you are interviewing for. A corporate career would call for a more professional look, such as a suit. In other positions, such as childcare or informal business, a more informal look would work well.

2. Avoid improper clothing. Miniskirts, tight clothes, sloppy looking clothes do not give the first impression you want to impart.

3. Do not go overboard. Do not use too much makeup, hair spray, jewelry, accessories, or even perfume. Body piercings are not usually appropriate for most job interviews. Unless, of course, you are interviewing for a body piercing business.

4. Make sure personal hygiene is up to par. Nothing can kill an interview like bad breath, body odor, or even dirty nails. Make sure hair is brushed and nails are trimmed.

5. Take notice of the little things. Hems should be straight, shoes should be shined. If you are wearing a skirt, pantyhose should be worn. No holes, tears, or wrinkles should be present in your clothing.

6. Use a nice bag, whether a briefcase or porfolio, to carry your resume, business card, and references in applicable. Do not carry a large handbag that is unorganized with resumes that are wrinkled and damaged looking.

With just these few simples steps in mind, dressing for a job interview should not be difficult to accomplish. Remember that getting hired starts with a good first impression, and you only get one chance at first impression.

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