Men's Fashions to Women's Passion - Is Designer Wear History?

Men's Fashions to Women's Passion - Is Designer Wear History?

Today's woman has choices her mother didn't. But does mom have her daughter's figure? Mom can go to the gym, and starve herself slim, but sooner or later her hormones kick in. And unless she's a fan of Suzanne Somers' bioidentical hormone therapy, what's a mom to do?
Forever Young
She can start by browsing stylish fashion emporiums like H&M or its formidable competitor Forever 21/Forever XXI, a billion dollar fashion house with over 400 locations and footage five times most Gap stores. From Pasadena, California to Union Square, New York, Canada and everywhere in between, this shopping mecca is ahead of its European counterparts and sprouting like Chia products. Not just for teenagers, Forever 21 caters to family shoppers, which means men, boys and big bucks. 2006 saw the first opening exclusively for men. Typically, "Forever XXI" stores are larger than "Forever 21."
A Guy's Candid Review
"The size branded on the clothes is the actual size. The Medium is an actual Medium. They know the clothes, they smile, I can ask for advice. Plus I get to hang out with really good looking women."
A tip for you men who are into style but need some help: Check out the latest GQ online for men's designers. I happen to favor Donna Karen (DKNY Men's) fall 2007 collection. But you'll find all of them there. Then compare at H&M or Forever 21 stores. If you bring your wife or girlfriend, prepare to spend some time.
When Fashion Chic is Fashion Cheap
So when mother and daughter-let's call them the Tomases-set off on their monthly shopping-bonding safari, they might steer a course through the aisles of Forever 21, one of the most successful retail fashion houses in the business. Mostly in shopping malls, this Forever 21 is in Manhattan's Union Square location on 14th Street where Mrs. Tomases is looking for trendy that conceals, and sexy that reveals.
Her daughter's approval is important; what mom chooses should be cool but not too young. Mrs. Tomases makes a $17.80 purchase of a blue-patterned sheer chiffon tunic with ruffled placket. Her 26-year-old chooses a red and black floral tunic ($19.80), and chocolate brown wide leg linen pant ($27.80). Who wouldn't shop here? These are chic designer clothes at subway prices! Savvy consumers have learned that to ensure quality, not all roads must lead to Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue. When clothing that's cut couture can be sold at affordable prices, what more can shoppers ask?
Is There a Fox in The Basement?
The founders and owners of the Forever 21/XXI chain are Don and Jin Chang who immigrated to Los Angeles from South Korea in the mid-1980s. Aggressively marketing young and mature women as well as men and children, the Changs have achieved what every immigrant hopes for-the American Dream. Starting with one store in L.A., they began adding new stores every six months. Last year they acquired 40,000-square feet of a former Saks store in Pasadena, California, turning it into a palace of rich looking clothes and other desirable articles for the not so rich.
Preferring to remain a mystery, Mrs. Chang gives no interviews and maintains a profile so low her physical body is off the radar. Ask top designers like Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg and they will say it takes months to get their clothes from the runways to the stores. The Changs deliver interpretations of the same item down to the tiniest patterns and finest quality material, within six weeks!
So Sue Me

Men's Fashion: Current Trends

Men's Fashion: Current Trends
Fashion changes fast, clothing that may be popular now, will not be in six months time. The evolution of fashion is fast-paced, and unless you have the time, money, and inclination, to keep up, you are likely to be one or two steps behind the fashionista. At least this is how the fashion industry works for women, when it comes to men's fashions, however, changes are slow to happen - this is great news for men, as they do not need to make as much effort to look great. Here we will consider men's fashions for the upcoming months; we hope that our advice will be concise and easy to follow. Read this article, and you will not need to read another fashion article until at least the next fashion season.
A good tip for anyone who wants to dress fashionably at all times: choose a classic style of clothing. Classic clothing never goes out of fashion, and always looks good. As far as mens clothes are concerned, one of the classic casual looks consists of a pair of straight-legged jeans, a comfortable dress shirt, and a cashmere jumper, and a black pair of leather shoes or boots - by opting for such a look, you will always look good. A classic formal look simply consists of a tailored suit, a dress shirt, and again, a pair of leather shoes.
However, if you want to be a little more adventurous, you will want to follow current fashion trends, so here goes:
Patterns/designs
Floral motifs are popular in men's clothes this fashion season, but beware of the types of items you purchase. Floral shirts will be particularly prominent, but you must be comfortable and confident in your sense of style to pull this off with any success. If you are unsure about your own sense of style, then stick to classic items that sport floral patterns, such as long-length beach shorts or beach t-shirts.
Blazers
Of particular importance in both men's and women's fashion circles this year, the blazer is set to form part of the key fashion trends this season.
When choosing a blazer, make sure that they are well tailored and fit well. Choose subtle colours and make sure the blazer has a single block of colour, rather than a patchwork of different colour.
Blazers will be suitable for both formal and informal occasions, and will look equally good with a pair of jeans, as with a pair of formal trousers.
Wear blazers to work, on dates, to weddings, and any casual occasion.
Jackets

The Summer Months and Men's Fashions

The Summer Months and Men's Fashions

Summer is all about relaxing fits, cool fabrics and vibrant colours. Still, it can be tough for some men to figure out what works and what should be left behind. With that in mind, we thought it'd be good to throw some tried and true ideas out there that work well when the sun's bright and the temperatures are rising.
• Don't underestimate those basics that have been loyal through time. If your khaki shorts are showing wear and tear, it's time to add a few new pair to your collection and save those from seasons past for Saturday afternoons at the car wash. Go for a length that's just above the knee.
• Cotton tees - It's difficult to even suggest tossing those classic favorites, especially if they do have visible wear. After all, it's what gives them character. Still, you need to make room for new colors, looks and graphics. Like the plain cotton tees with a simple pocket? These never go out of style - just don't forget the bright oranges, blues and greens.
• Shoes - Men are traditionally hesitant about buying shoes - even when it's clear they need to. This summer has a lot of the men's fashion designers releasing great looks in trainers and the summer must-have flip flops.
• Accessories - Ball caps will forever be what men reach for on their way out the door. Make sure it fits well and looks well. Save those ratty caps from college for the days when you're wearing last year's shorts at the car wash.
• Denim - It makes no difference if you only wear jeans a few times during the summer months, every man must own a few pair of denim jeans that fit well and look fantastic. Find the right cut and style and you'll never go wrong.
Neatness counts - even when you're trying to look laid-back. Never underestimate the details and take pride in your appearance. Whatever clothes you opt for will look that much better.

Designer Jeans For Men Fashions

Designer Jeans For Men Fashions

Once considered only for leisure wear jeans are worn more than any other clothing item by women and men. In fact, men prefer wearing designer jeans for not only the comfort, but for the fashion statement. Combined with a dress jacket and a pair of men's dress shoes the look is replacing men's suites.
Men's clothing can be a combination of style and comfort that is appropriate for the business world, and a night out on the town. This luxury of comfort and fashion does not come from other non designer brands of jeans. They can be worn with T shirts for a casual look, or pair them with men's dress shirts for a more dressy style.
Designer jeans provide men with great style and comfort as well as quality. There are several varieties of styles to select from. Aside from style, there are different washes, colors, rises and cuts. One will also be able to choose styles from boot cut, straight leg, relaxed fit, and slim fit, just to name a few. The possibilities for putting together several combinations almost endless.
Choosing from the vast variety of designs and styles of designer jeans will make a positive statement about men's fashion. The fashion item is worn by many celebrities which contributes to the fact that they are a status symbol. The logos on the clothing alone advertise their quality and design.
When buying these fashions be assured the the fabric is of the highest quality, they are very long wearing, and will last for many years to come. Although they are more expensive than a regular pair, they are carefully designed and well processed so they are an excellent value for the price. They will out last an ordinary pair which makes them well worth the purchase price.
What adds to the attractiveness of these fashions, is the embroidery. Many styles are hand embroidered and the pattern is carefully incorporated in to the design of the item. The fabric they are made from, blue or black denim and stretch poplin fabrics, also enhances the look. The type of material that is used to produce this clothing item also makes them extremely comfortable to wear.

Merchandising Tips For Your Small Fashion Boutique

Merchandising Tips For Your Small Fashion Boutique

Are you just starting your own small business? Focusing on ladies fashions and accessories? If so, I have some tips to help merchandise your inventory to provide the maximum curb appeal and in-store usability.
Many small clothing retailers make several mistakes. It's as though they forgot how to look at a store through the eyes of a shopper. Instead, they only think about promoting product after product; in the end, they crowd the shopper's mind and prevent them from gaining clarity necessary for decision-making. When people get overwhelmed, they flee.
Start by looking at your storefront windows. Is there all sorts of vibrant signage or text on the windows? If so, consider scaling down considerably. Psychologically speaking, that kind of thing crowded around the window is a deterrent because shoppers assume it's as crowded on the inside as it is on the outside.
Know your target and cater to them, not to them plus three other targets. Again, focus is the key. Select one outfit to feature in the window, but dress it up by adding contextual elements so the shopper can "see" how it would look in real life. Add things like carpet, wall coverings, a chair, etc. Anything that says "your body here" helps the shopper visualize the products on their own body.
Within the store, containing clutter is key. Shoe racks can help accomplish two things. One, you can do a better job of showing off the merchandise and encourage try-ons if they're easily accessible. Two, boxes are boring and take up a lot of room. Toss the boxes in favor of shoe racks, then when a pair is purchased think of a clever way to wrap and package the new pair that doesn't involve a bulky box.

Medieval Fashion - Lady Hunter Dress - Chic Yet Overlooked Medieval Clothing

Medieval Fashion - Lady Hunter Dress - Chic Yet Overlooked Medieval Clothing

The history of medieval fashion dates back from 1066 and was highly influenced by the Royalty era. This is the time where Kings and Queens usually ruled the land. The upper class individuals were deemed as the only ones who could dress fashionably. Then there was this Sumptuary Law passed by King Edward III stating that only royalty were allowed to wear gold cloth and purple silk. Women from the lower class were banned from wearing expensive veils. Velvet, satin sable or ermine were only allowed to be worn by wives and children of the nobles.
The medieval trends changed with the reign of each king and queen. A lot of crusades had happened during this time and it greatly affected fashion. Silks, satins, damasks, velvets and brocades were already imported from the Far East at this time. Fashion in France, Spain and Italy had strongly influenced the fashion trends of Medieval England.
Medieval dresses also played a big role in society. There are many different types of dresses in this era. There is the princess dress, lady in waiting dress and much more. Another popular but most often overlook medieval clothing is the Lady Hunter Dress. The Lady Hunter Dress is usually worn when a lady goes hunting with the men in the woods. It is often worn with chemises and accessories such as a crown, jewels, purse, and sometimes with a sword. Thigh-high boots are recommended to be paired with this dress.
Perhaps people are wondering why this dress is called "Lady Hunter Dress". The wearer perfectly knows that this dress matches the hounds and the horse she has and completes her look. It makes the character projected more expressive and complete. The wearer would feel she is well equipped when going to the woodlands with this outfit.
The lady hunter dress is made of natural cotton. It has lacings on the sides and the sleeves are fitted well. It allows having light size adjustments easily. There are fine trimmings on the neck, sleeves, bottom and the belt which completes the perfect look. You could have a trimmed fabric belt used as an additional accessory. Sometimes this dress is worn with a bodice vest or pereline. The bodice is made of natural red flax material with beautiful lace silk trimmings on the side.
The lady hunter dress will suit both the young lady from any medieval European country or the heroine from the fantasy stories that we often read about. The only difference that can be seen is the headpiece. The lady from the medieval period can wear a headdress while the heroine can wear a striking crown or headpiece.
Regardless of the purpose of the lady hunter dress, women who donned this kind of medieval clothing still managed to wear it gracefully amidst the very rough terrain and conditions that they had to contend with. Similar to modern day outdoor wear for both men and women, the Lady Hunter Dress focuses on form and function which probably at that period was the reason why most females, especially from the middle and lower class, preferred to wear them compared to their usual line of clothing or apparel.