Animal prints have held steady for the past few
seasons but with this new crop of wild things hitting the market, you can really
express yourself in tribal fashion.
Before you venture into the fashion biz, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with industry terms and fashion seasons.
Here are some fashion terms you may find useful in planning your fashion career:|
Haute Couture: This fashion term is French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking" and refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted fashions. While the term is very loosely used, it’s actually a "protected name" in France, so it can only be officially used by designers that meet certain well-defined standards.
Lookbook: A lookbook is used by designers and retailers to show the range of a collection. You can use these to send to buyers, editors, journalists or on your website for the viewing public.
Off-the-rack: This refers to apparel made in standard sizes and available from in-stock merchandise. Also referred to as “ready-made” and “ready-to-wear”.
Why does it seem like the fashion powers-that-be are always contradicting themselves? If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck ...
So one minute you have to match your handbag to your shoes and the next you absolutely should not perfectly match your accessories. It's a crazy world out there and who can keep all the fashion rules straight? They're always changing any way! Here are some fashion "DON'Ts" that are really fashions DOs! Wear more than one pattern at a time
Obviously, you have to use some discretion here. You don't want to wear a leopard print dress with a zebra scarf. Choose a main pattern and let other patterns compliment it. Scarves, when worn correctly, are a great way to accent a great pattern on a dress or skirt. Actress like Kate Bosworth knows how to mix and match patterns.
It seems like everyone is jumping on the designer bandwagon these days. And why not? The fashion industry is sexy — fashion shows, parties, celebrities, recognition, and even fame go along with a career in fashion.
Now herein lies the question: do you go to design school or go straight to starting a business? Not all fashion designers go the traditional route to design school, instead drawing on an entrepreneurial spirit, some “designers” turn their head for business into a thriving fashion enterprise.
Ralph Lauren is an example of a fashion designer who bypassed the sewing machine and headed straight for the marketplace. Which path you take depends on your personal motivation. If you love sewing and pattern making, the traditional route is going to bring the most satisfaction. If you love the fashion world but don’t have the patience for needle and thread, a career in the fast-paced and exciting fashion biz is still possible … read on.
If you’re an American heading to Rome for vacation and you plan to shop, prepare to spend. You won’t find many deals in this ancient city. The major fashion houses aren’t based here (like they are in Milan and Paris), and Rome is more of a draw for tourists, so you can expect the prices to match those found in high-end stores in the States. And with the weak dollar, you’ll end up spending nearly double that amount. When I visited Rome in March, the exchange rate was $1.58 to the almighty euro. Ouch.
Yes, what's old is new again. That's what happens in fashion right? And now those body-hugging Herve Leger (by Max Azria) dresses are back and boy do celebrities love them. Most notably Victoria Beckham. Also seen in the signature bandage dresses are Lindsey Lohan and Hayden Panettiere.
You've seen vintage Leger numbers on the red carpet recently but now celebrities have access to a whole new collection. And now you can get your own. Intermix and Net-a-Porter are happy to sell you one online, or you can try one on for size at boutiques across the country. For a complete store list, visit HerveLeger.com.
The idea of wearing a bandage may be an old joke but these gorgeous yet simple dresses make wearing bandages en vogue.
Lindsey Lohan, Hayden Panettiere, Victoria Beckham (Photo: WhatsHauteBlog.com)
Don't worry, you can still have some single fun even if you’re in a relationship. I'm talking about Single, the adorable clothing line with a celebrity following.
I don’t know about you but I am ready for Spring in a big way. And there’s nothing that makes me feel happier than sunshine and bright colors. The it color for Spring ’08 is cobalt blue. You’ll see it on handbags, tops, dresses, skirts and shoes. If it’s blue, it’s hot … or cool?
If you like to plan ahead, stock up all things blue right now. So when the clouds break you’ll be ready to go. Or, be daring and get a head start on Spring. Wear blue to brighten up a cold winter day.
So the Golden Globes was an hour long "press conference" ... we can still critique what celebrities wear right? Of course! Here is my list of the best-dressed actresses:
A fashion design contest you could actually win! No TV reality show drama required!
Have you always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer? I know I have, although after watching a few seasons of Project Runway, I don't think I'm cracked up to handle the drama of the sewing room! Plus, I can't sew a hem to save my life. I'll leave that to Mr. Pucci and Mr. Armani, thank you. But if you think you have what it takes, enter your fabulous dress design to the Glam.com Be Discovered: Design a Dress contest. But hurry, designs must be received by 6 p.m. PT on February 5, 2008. Then the voting goes to the people. Glam.com and MSN viewers will vote on the best designs. The winner will be flown to New York City to receive a $500 gift certificate to Lord & Taylor, and will have the opportunity to apprentice with ADAM Adam Lippes design studio. Get to drawing!
Go ahead, shop it to me. No seriously. Shop It To Me is a new service that sends you emails when your favorite brands go on sale in your size. It’s like a free online personal shopper. While there are only certain designers to choose from, they have some really good ones like Prada, Ella Moss, Tahari, and Gucci from retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic, Zappos and Bluefly. You’ll get an email either daily or weekly (depending on what you choose) when designer jeans, dresses, skirts, tops, shoes, handbags and jewelry go on sale in your size.
Okay, take a deep breath; oversizedhandbags are still in … for now. According to an Omiru poll, 60 percent of readers cast their vote in favor of the big bag trend. A shocking 27 percent said the trend (one of my favorites in a long time by the way) is on its way out. Ouch! I am holding out hope that my oversized investments will hold their show value for a couple more seasons at least. I hightly doubt that with so many women dropping hundreds (and thousands) on big handbags are going to accept the ousting order of this popular trend without a fight.
Who cares about Black Friday? I certainly don’t regret waking up at 3 a.m. to scratch and claw my way around sales racks. But you can still get great deals on fashion at many of your favorite stores. So whether you’re looking for gifts or want to treat yourself, you better get clicking--these deals won’t last!
A splash of color, a stunning print or a little lace. The mercury may be dropping but that doesn’t mean you can’t look feminine and sexy. Unfortunately when you hit the mall all you see are bulky sweaters. Well, ladies, get those fingers clicking, I’ve rounded up some of the prettiest tops you can find on the Internet. And yes, I’m aware that it’s the holidays and we “shouldn’t” buy things for ourselves but what better way to ensure you get what you really want--and in the right size? I say, go for it!
While we haven’t seen piles of snow yet, the temps have dropped in many parts of the country. Even temperate climes get a little chilly at night--yes, even in California. Once the snowbanks bog us down, we often go from battling brute force winds to sweltering indoor heat. The best way to deal is by layering and choosing your accessories wisely.
It’s that time of year again: holiday parties. Love ‘em or loath them, you still want to be the center of attention. With the holidays right around the corner, now’s the time to snag the dress of the season.
Here’s a list of my favorites. From the little black dress to glittering gold and demure earth tones, there’s a dress here for every taste and budget.
They have a bricks-and-mortar store on Melrose Avenue, Robertson Blvd, in Brentwood on San Vicente, and in Malibu. But they also have a fashion website, www.MadisonLosAngeles.com, for those of us who don’t have a Southern California zip code.
What it is: The sister website of Zappos.com that specializes in couture handbags, shoes and apparel.
Why we love it: As much as we love the fashion steals at Zappos.com, I really love snagging a deal on an Isabella Fiore handbag or a Jean Paul Gaultier dress. CoutureZappos.com carries designers like Kate Spade, Furla, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Goldenbleu, and Roberto Cavalli. What’s not to love?
Buy priceless art and designer handbags in one place
It comes as no surprise that the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is featuring the work of famous Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Does the name ring a bell? It should.
Takashi Murakami is the artist who brought Louis Vuitton fans the first multi-colored collection. The new line of Murakami-designed handbags and small leather goods will be showcased in their very own Louis Vuitton boutique situated in the middle of MOCA's Geffen Contemporary space.
What it is: An online shopping website for Barbara Silberman, who has gained a reputation in South Florida for carrying fine lingerie collections from On Gossamer, Cosabella lingerie, Jezabel lingerie, Oscar De La Renta and others. ShopBarbara.com offers more than intimate apparel; you can find tops and dresses you probably won't find elsewhere.
Did you expect anything less than flamboyant from SJP? There are feathers, flowers and a whole lotta pattern mismatching going on at the SATC set.
Leave it to Patricia Field’s to pick out the Salvatore Ferragamo pheasant feather bag pictured here, which comes in two sizes with two different pricetags ($1,550 and $3,100). While we may not look to this film as a benchmark for what we should wear in our “normal” everyday lives, the SATC girls certainly give the rest of us a lot more rope when it comes to fashion dare-devilism. Although, I have to say I am not a fan of the enormous shoulder pads sported by Samantha. But, like many of you, I can't wait for the movie. I've missed having my neuroses justified on a weekly basis.
Sex and the City: The Movie is currently set to be released May 30, 2008
Bad hair day? Who cares! Throw on one of these high fashion hats and hide those flyaways and frizz. Most of them are slick enough you could make the claim that they are part of the outfit—hence they stay on your head.
What is it about animal print that strikes a cord with the general public and the fashion community? Whatever it is, it brings out our wild side every few years or so. Well, hold your horses, the wild cats are back.
Here, Theodora Richards displays her animal prowess in leopard print tights while gal-pal Astrid Munoz wears the Cavalli for H&M corset, which will be available in November.
If you're a supermodel, have legs like a gazelle, or are going club hopping, you just might be able to pull off the corset, or an animal print handbag or shoes. Otherwise, I recommend keeping the cats in the pen.
See what Jennifer Love Hewitt and Brittany Spears picked up at Lisa Kline ... okay, so Brittany hasn't exhibited the best judgment lately but she does have a #1 album, so we'll give her some credit.
These days, it’s easier to keep track of the celebrities who aren’t jumping on the fashion designer bandwagon. But before you start huffing over the ridiculous notion that because people can act or sing means they can conquer all creative and artistic endeavors, these celebs aren’t touting their own ingenious lines—they’re lending their name for a good cause.
At Belisi we're always on the lookout for fashion fixes that make our lives more fabulous.
Here's a fashion fix that will save you from the embarrassing label of "that girl"--you know, the one who holds up the line while you dig for rogue credit cards and loose change in the bottomless pit you call your handbag. Or from moments of panic when you've stood frantically scouring your handbag in the parking lot looking for your keys.
Now you can put it all behind you with the Purse Mate. Get it. Say goodbye to handbag
rummaging.
Oops! Telltale white marks on a black dress, out of control static, gaping blouses and embarrassing “tic tacs” in a cold room. They happen at all the wrong times. Well, I guess there never is a good time to suffer a fashion meltdown.
