Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Leather Sandals


Leather sandals have been worn for many thousand of years. Our ancestors began making them not long after they realized how to strip the hides off animals. Leather was readily available and protected their feet and has continued to be sued ever since.

Pearls


Pearls are for purity, pearls are for perfection. White pearls are the symbol of elegance and beauty and peace. They represent moon and are valued next to diamond. Pearls are obtained from the mollusks. They are formed in a wide range of colors. Mollusks, marine or freshwater, have a soft body and a hard shell. Although all mollusks can produce pearls , they are still rare. The technique of cultured pearls has made this gem more common.

Cufflings


Cufflings are basically seen as men's jewelry which are applied on the sleeves rather than using the traditional buttons. Seen as style statement, these are actually symbols of artistic finesse of dexterous craftsmen and are made in accordance with contemporary as well as modern tastes in mind. The adornment piece has gained more popularity among men especially with them becoming quite conscious about their attire and personality as a whole.Often crafted out of beautiful & stunning materials, cufflings function as a fine blend of tradition & modernity where the best of both is taken which leads to the production of alluring adornment items. Quite attractive and charming in nature, these cufflings immediately win the admiration of the most discerning buyers. Beautiful & vibrant in designs, they are popular throughout the world.

Chokers


Chokers are tight-fitting necklaces or collars which are meant to be worn high on the neck. It may be one or more bands encircling the neck which are made from inexpensive and semiprecious materials. In earlier times, chokers were worn by people during ceremonies to display their wealth and rank. Traditionally every material that was used to make the choker had a religious and social significance though now they just have an ornamental value. These function as flashy but less expensive jewelery & therefore are very much in vogue.

Brooches


Brooches are ornaments available in various forms, with a tongue, pin, or loop for attaching it to a garment. Dexterous Indian craftsmen have been creating spellbinding range of ornate brooches that have gained lot of importance as major items of export, worldwide.Manufacturers of jewelry have been constantly using different metals to churn out beautiful brooches in both traditional and swanky designs. Considered as timeless symbols of beauty, the brooches are crafted by skilled Indian artisans who are experts in grooming the metal beautifully.

Bracelets


Bracelets are ornamental bands or chains encircling the wrist or arm. Today, fashion is taking its cue and creating attractive fashion jewelry especially bracelets that bring about delicate feminine elegance. Versatile to suit different tastes of women of all classes and age groups, bracelets are made by the traditional craftsmen, who have inherited craftsmanship from their previous generations, making each bracelet, exquisite and unique.

Armlets


Armlets are traditionally worn by women, though, nowadays even men flaunt these loving jewelry items. Normally worn is an ornamental band worn around the upper arm. Popularly known as an arm ring, it resembles a lot with a bangle or a bracelet in its features. Although, the shape & size are unique in their own which can easily fit on the upper arm.
In the ancient era, armlets meant for both men and women were designed to look like a coiled snake or having creepers, crocodiles and lions etc. They formed an important item of the body ornaments. Not just in Indian Culture, they were worn by Native Americans as a symbol of compliance with the customs. In other civilizations different types of armlets were use to indicate their status in society. An exclusive ornamental piece for women, it has survived the contemporary scenario as well & has beautifully imbibed modernity to make itself apt for today's women. The traditional charm is still intact & the craftsmen makes it sure that even a contemporary look should not lose the age old pattern.

Anklets


Anklets are also known as an ankle bracelet which are used to adorn the ankles. These have been in use since ages & the fragile beauty of a woman's anklets get multiplied when ornamented with a pair of uniquely designed anklets, perfect piece of art. They can easily gel well with both formal and casual wears & has become a quite fashion rage among all age groups, especially the teenage group.Traditionally in use, anklets have even taken up the current fashion world with a storm & they are being worn by both young and unmarried women in India. Funky & chunky anklets can be seen adorning a woman's anklet in various parts of the world. The beauteous ornament have also been found in other ancient cultures of Egypt and Middle East where it was of ornamentation and had great spiritual and social significance as well. The anklets come with loving embellishments, intricate carvings and other fine artistry easily done on metal. Earlier they were made of silver or brass but their popularity has made the manufacturers try out other metals and experiment with traditional and contemporary designs.

Toe Rings


Toe rings are small circular bands, made of metal that is worn on the toes. The much sought after costume jewelery pieces are quite inexpensive in the sense of their metals and non-metal types. Worn commonly on the second toe of either feet, these tiny adorable toe rings are considered an important accessory for the married women. It forms one of the most popular fashion accessories among the Indians. These days a large number of college going youth wear them as stylish and trendy accessories.Nowadays, they are being adorned even by western women & are quite a rage in the international fashion circuit. Though, these pieces are worn either in single or in uneven numbers, tradition in India still allows them to be worn in pairs on either toes.The toe rings are usually adjustable type and are available in a variety of designs & patterns and are great to show off with sandals or open-toe shoes. They are made with the base material as metal and often embellished with various other materials.

Scarves


Scarf is a piece of fabric that is worn by both men and women for reasons including but not limited to fashion, sports or religion. Scarves are fashion accessories that can be worn around the neck or on the head to prevent oneself from cold climate or as also a headscarf to cover one's hair. Scarves are sometimes part of academic uniforms and are also worn by sports lovers to identify with their team. Scarves comes in variety of shapes and sizes and are made in different fabrics. There are hand knitted scarves, printed scarves, scarves made from satin, cotton, rayon, polyester and wool. Silk and Pashmina scarves are worn on special occasions.

Purse & handbags


In American English, a purse is a small bag, also called a handbag or a pocketbook.In British English, a purse is a small money container similar to a wallet, but typically used by women and including a compartment for coins, with a handbag being considerably larger; indeed, a purse is often kept in a handbag.A purse or handbag is often fashionably designed, typically used by women, and is used to hold items such as wallet, keys, tissues, makeup, a hairbrush, cellular device or personal digital assistant, feminine hygiene products, or other items

Indian Fashion


Ancient Indian fashion garments generally used no stitching although Indians knew about sewing. Most clothes were ready to wear as soon as they left the loom. The traditional Indian Dhoti, the Scarf or Uttariya, and the popular Turban are still visible India and continue to be part of Indian fashion. Likewise, for women, the Dhoti or the Sari as the lower garments, combined with a Stanapatta forms the basic ensemble, and once again consists of garments that do not have to be stitched, the stanapatta being simply fastened in a knot at the back. And the Dhoti or the Sari worn covering both legs at the same time or, in the alternative, with one end of it passed between the legs and tucked at the back in the fashion that is still prevalent in large area of India. Indian men and women for these garments in the usually hot Indian climate. - dhoti when he speaks of 'turbans used for trousers', and a kaupina when he is speaking of 'a rag of two fingers' breadth bound over the loins.

Nose pins & rings


Nose Pins and Nose Rings come in various styles, with and without stones, some with enamel, some with precious and semi-precious stones including mainly diamonds, pearls, sapphires and rubies. The nose pins are made in two main styles, the wire type and the screw type, the difference is mainly due to the way they are worn, the details are given below:Wire Style nose pins: The wire style nose pins may be easier to wear for someone who has the nose pierced recently, as it is thinner, it consist of a wire, with the stone or decoration on the top surface, the wire is malleable so can be easily twisted and turned with out breaking, the wire is inserted in the pierced hole and then turned to a comfortable position from inside the nosestrill so as not to hurt or poke the inside of the nosePush style or screw style nose pins: The difference between the push style and screw style is minor, the push style as the name suggest, is just pushed on the back of the stem, it is easier to wear, the disadvantage it that the back may be lost as it is just held by friction, which is not the case with the screw style nose pins as these have to be screwed tight, the procedure to wear the screw style nose pin is simple enough, it consist of two parts, a tiny stem about 1-1.5 mm thick, which is inserted in the pierced hole in the nose, the second part is a screw which is tightened from inside the noses trill, the screw section is long enough, so it is easier to hold between the finger and thumb, while trying to screw it on the stem.

Fashion accessory


Fashion accessories are decorative items that supplement one's garment, such as jewelry, gloves, handbags, hats, belts, scarves, watches, sunglasses, pins, stockings, bow tie, leg warmer, leggings, necktie, suspenders, and tights.Accessories add color, style and class to an outfit, and create a certain look, but they may also have practical functions. Handbags are for carrying, hats protect the face from weather elements, and gloves keep the hands warm.Many accessories are produced by clothing design companies. However, there has been an increase in individuals creating their own brand name by designing and making their own label of accessories.Accessories may be used as external visual symbols of religious or cultural affiliation: Crucifixes, Jewish stars, Islamic headscarves, skullcaps and turbans are common examples. Designer labels on accessories are perceived as an indicator of social status.Accessories are also available in the form of bracelets, necklaces and earring.

Ring (jewellery)


A finger ring is a band worn as a type of ornamental jewellery around a finger; it is the most common current meaning of the word ring. Other types of metal bands worn as ornaments are also called rings, such as arm rings and neck rings.Rings are worn by both men and women and can be of any quality. Rings can be made of metal, plastic, wood, bone, glass, gemstone and other materials. They may be set with a "stone" of some sort, which is often a precious or semi-precious gemstone such as ruby, sapphire or emerald, but can also be of almost any material.

Bangle,s


Bangles are probably the oldest form of jewelry, and can be made out of any material that can hold a stiff form: wood, plastic, paper mache and of course, precious metals such as gold. In some primitive societies, the family's wealth was stored and transported as bangles and necklaces worn by the women. The more gold bangles you could stack up your arm, the higher status you could be presumed to hold.A bangle can be worn alone or in large clattering groups. The word bangle itself can mean 'simple adornment' or 'cheap trinket' depending upon the context; for instance, "Her simple twin set and single gold bangle completed the ivy-league look" versus "Plastic dimestore bangles adorned her sunburned wrists, clattering as she played inexpertly with her cigarette holder."If wearing several bangles, combine styles with care. A gold bangle among wooden ones can look startling, or simply confused. A wooden bangle, perhaps stained with leopard spots, can go with a funky or ethnic look, but might jar if worn with Harris tweed.A glass bangle might be beautiful, particularly one made of strands of colored glass fused together, but be wary. A door closing too soon or a sudden jar from a car door and you might be looking at shards embedded in your wrist. Stick with Lucite or acrylic if you like the clear bangle concept.A bangle can be plain, just a ring of plastic, gold or other material, or carved into interesting shapes, or bejeweled and faceted. Bangles are never out of fashion, so a large collection of bangles in different materials, colors and styles can serve you well for many years.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Necklace


A necklace is an article of jewellery which is worn around the neck. Necklaces are frequently formed from a metal jewellery chain, often attached to a locket or pendant. Necklaces can also be manufactured with cloth, and they sometimes contain rocks (particularly gems), wood, and/or shells with different shapes and sizes.

Fashion Jewelry Trends for 2009



Unlike past years where minimalist clothing demanded that one goes without jewelry, this seasons styles are best highlighted with a bold statement. Classic pieces that turn heads can go with either simple color clothes like black, or rich colors are also popula.Costume or fashion jewelry is back with a vengeance. One can only go so far with precgemstones if you can could even afford in todays environment. Statement jewelry items with giant diamonds are better left at home. Why take the risk of losing it or getting mugged? For starters, even the rich tends to keep their priceless jewelry locked up in a safe and wear imitations of their precious jewels in public.Stunning and bold Necklaces are back in style. The best thing about these Swarovski crystal necklaces is that they are very affordable. You could dress like a millionaire even if you are on a tight budget. Just accessorize your new gown with one of our absolutely stunning necklace. Swarovski Crystals come is a full spectrum of colors. What better way to bring life to a formal or structured dress then with beautiful sparkling Swarovski crystal necklace dazzling around your neck. Cuff Bracelets are also a big hit. Cuff bracelets are statement jewels that turn a simple dress into a stunning outfit. Your little black sleeveless dress or strapless gown looks even more amazing with the addition of a single cuff bracelet. They are timeless classics that never appear to go out of season. A small collection of statement jewelry such as these is all you need to create your new signature look. Wear one item at a time with your favorite dress or make a change of accessories to freshen your look instantly. Now is the time to collect statement jewelry to create your personal signature look. Take advantage of this season's offerings to build up your jewelry wardrobe.

Jewellery in History


Adorning the body with jewellery is an ancient custom found in every society. These pages trace the history of fine precious and fake costume jewellery styles used to adorn the body throughout fashion history.A brief survey from Roman times, through Sumptuary laws of fashion history, to 80's glitz and glamour.

1980s Jewelry for the 21st Century


People who are interested in 1980s jewelry will find that it is regularly available for sale on online auctions sites such as eBay. There is a wide variety of second hand vintage jewelry for sale. Modern jewelry is also being created with a 1980s feel.

Here are some tips explaining how to create a 1980s look in the 21st century:

  • Look for implausibly large earrings and wear with 'big' hairstyles
  • Seek large pieces of costume jewelry such as brooches and necklaces to accessories 80s style outfits
  • Pick primary colors for a real 80s feel
  • Consider 1980s themed charms, such as the Rubik's cube
  • Forget floaty or delicate styles – think bold!

The 1980s was an interesting decade for fashion and jewelry. The distinctive styles provide inspiration for those trend setters looking for something a little different from their jewelry.

Earring


Earrings are jewelry attached to the ear through a piercing in the earlobe or some other external part of the ear (except in the case of clip earrings, which clip onto the lobe). Earrings are worn by both sexes. In western cultures, earrings have traditionally been worn primarily by women, although in recent decades, ear piercing has also become popular among men in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

1980 Fashion History


In the 1980s, fashion was influenced by the western economic boom. Youth culture stopped hogging the scene as the teenage market lost impetus. The dominant market was getting older and was also financially secure. Demographics changed the face of society. People were living longer and seemed to act younger at the same time. Old industries died, while new technologies developed and boomed.

Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan in the USA celebrated presidential success with a style that used fashionable conspicuous clothes and social events to display the affluence of American society to a world audience.

The world was in flux; ever changing. The USSR relaxed rules and opened up to private enterprise. The Berlin wall came down and other eastern bloc countries craved western clothes and liberation.

In Britain Thatcherism promoted privatization and the idea that greed was good was given credence. Temples to modern living, shopping malls sprang up throughout Britain. Western society consumed and consumed.

Right - Margaret Thatcher in her power suits. Fashion history records the power suit and dressing for success as the symbol of the 1980s. The best know icons of 1980s fashion for power dressing were Mrs Thatcher and The Princess of Wales, Diana.

Designer labels and branding gained impetus. Brand names became status symbols for sports gear and sportswear, perfumes, electrical equipment, cars and fashion designer goods such as clothing, bags, luggage, scarves and spectacles.

The appearance of affluence was reinforced by access to designer label goods.

By the mid-eighties tills rang not with cash, but the increasing use of credit cards. It was all such a relief to the consumer to be able to spend and actively be encouraged to consume after years of recession. Clothing purchases soared. Interiors were decorated. Showing wealth was superficially powerful.

1970 Fashion History



This set of fashion history pages looks at pictures of women's skirt and jacket designs of 1974 fashions. The women's fashion pictures in the main chart all enlarge to A4 size when clicked.

This fashion image far right captures so much of the 1974 fashion era. The jacket is short and bomber jacket style with a tab front waistband. The sleeves are cuffed and the jacket is worn with an open neck shirt. The trousers are full flared and were called flares. The whole look screams mid 1970s in general and the year 1974 in particular. Both emerald and bottle green were popular colours of the 1970s along with rust, wine red, purple, orange and brown.

In the 1974 skirt image right you can see how complex the fashionable collar had become and how boots were an essential way to wear an outfit. In this fashion history image the boots have been teamed with what became a mass fashion - a cut on the cross diagonal check A-line above the knee skirt probably made up in Courtelle jersey knit fabric or Terylene.

1960s Fashion History


1960s Fashion History can be traced very accurately by looking at old sewing patterns. These illustrations were some I had torn from an old sewing pattern book, decades ago and kept as reference. 1962 was scribbled on the original pages and they are so typical of early 1960s clothes. All the images below will expand to fit an A4 sheet when printed out. Click the thumbnails for those enlargements.

These images are ideal for colouring in. Or use them as inspiration for fashion designing and pattern cutting with an early 1960s feel. Those unschooled in 1960s fashion history often wrongly assume that all 1960s fashion was extremely short. The mini skirt length was not really a mass fashion until the mid 1960s. Skirt lengths had gradually become shorter at the end of the 1950s. By the early sixties skirt lengths were as you can see just on, or just skimming the knee. Many people think that this is the perfect length for a dress as any style that ends on a body joint has a natural look that helps the body seems well balanced.

Slim line sheath or tubular dresses gave way to flared skirts. Here you can see the tentative beginning of the A line skirt, that, in its many varying lengths, from maxi to mini, would remain popular for about 15 years until 1979. The image of the clothes the two girls wear are quite innovative for the time frame. They marry two eras. The little girl wearing the full dress looks like her dress could have sat happily in the 1950s, whilst the coat has an early Jackie Kennedy feel to it. That coat style looks much like styles of coats worn by adults after 1964.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

What is fashion?

Fashion is something we deal with everyday. Even people who say they don't care what they wear choose clothes every morning that say a lot about them and how they feel that day. One certain thing in the fashion world is change. We are constantly being bombarded with new fashion ideas from music, videos, books, and television. Movies also have a big impact on what people wear. Ray-Ban sold more sunglasses after the movie Men In Black. Sometimes a trend is world-wide. Back in the 1950s, teenagers everywhere dressed like Elvis Presley