Reading Room

Welcome to our library for the fashion conscious consumer. Here you will find articles on fashion and design and much more!

Urban Fashion by Design

Spring Fashion Ideas

How Clothing Shapes Identity

Fashions for Your Personality

Vintage Clothing Guide

Holiday & Formal Fashion Advice

How to Choose the Proper Skirt Length

Types of Skirts

Your Fashion Statement





What Makes You Totally Urban Cool?

Hip, urban, cosmopolitan and cool. These are just some of the adjectives that would best describe what urban streetwear clothing is all about. For some, wearing the thing that makes you look totally cool and chic with a groovy touch to it is totally urban. For others, it is sporting different accessories to match various styles of clothing. How about you? What is the urban streetwear clothing that will make you look urban cool?

It is said that the clothing worn by an individual reflects his personality. Well, you can say that those who don’t get to wear something that rocks cannot simply say that they got what it takes to make them look really good and cool to be accepted by such a discriminating urban crowd.

Normally, the urban streetwear clothing you would wear could spell a big difference in terms of how good you look. Considering that each piece of clothing is criticized by hawk-like eyes, you would surely need to look up the best pieces of urban streetwear clothing that you can find in order to blend in with such a discriminating crowd.

Although men and women, normally have different tastes when it comes to clothing. Urban streetwear clothing sometimes have similarities between what’s considered hot and funky when it comes to the design and look. Each of these designs is notably suitable for both men and women who enjoy the street look. The most common designs are those that were given popularity by great rappers of today such as Nelly, 2Pac, Eminem, Lil Kim, and Timberland among others. In fact, you won’t be surprised to find a lot of people you bump into the street patronizing the same style and brands.

Actually, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the style and design of the perfect urban streetwear clothing. What matters is the way colors are combined, designs are chosen and how you carry yourself whenever you strut on the streets.

Although an urban t shirt for both men and women never fade, unlike other styles of novelty value. Shirts will always be available for the hip and cool men and women of today. It is one thing that will never wear off among the different urban streetwear clothing.

By: Tab Hunter

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Spring Outfits For Woman

Winter is going to over and spring is few steps away. Therefore, are you ready of getting full flash fashion series for your self? You might want to throw away your long down coats or long wool coats now and going for some spice and sassy attire. This is because you know spring is the best season for you to show your charm and glow to people around. Thus here are some sassy and charming dresses that are going to decorate your mood for the coming spring season.

Dotted Summer Dresses
Get a fresh and colorful dotted summer dress for yourself. This dress makes you look younger and energetic. You can choose the color that you are comfortable with. Generally these dresses come with without shoulder strap. As such they look like tube dress too. However since you need warmness for spring season also, thus you can always pair these dresses with a cute vest or coat. The dotted texture of the dress will go to make you cheer up for the day.

Lined Long Tank Dress
If you want to change your fashion image for spring, then you can consider putting on a lined slim long tank dress. This dress makes you look elegant and sensible. The dress is presentable enough for you to go for date and gathering. If possible, go for lighter series of long tank dress like white, cream color and lime yellow. As far as concern these color series of long tank dress will give a new splashing color to your image and fashion style. Besides, it matches well with the spring them as you desired.

Smart Casual Leather Garments
Put on a leather dress and go for a ride! Spring is the best season for you to vacation. As such leather garments leather trench coats, leather skirts or leather pants are the best option to make you enjoy your spring. These casual clothing is easier for movement and they are the durable piece that featured with all-weather resistant. Thus they are also the smart piece that best decorated your fashion style. As far as concern, woman looks smart and steady with leather garments like leather coats and leather skirts.

By: Jessica Collin

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How Clothes Shape Identity And Confidence

As the old saying goes, "It's the clothes that make the man (or the woman)." But is this really true? Fashion magazines want us to believe it, clothing stores want us to believe it, and designers want us to believe it. While we might simply think that this idea of clothes creating confidence in ourselves is simply a marketing ploy, perhaps it isn't. According to psychological studies, it seems that our perception of our selves can be affected by the way we dress. Here's what you need to know.

Why the Power Suit Works

Just like any lucky object, dressing for success is something that has worked time and time again. When you go into a job interview, you dress a certain way, hoping to project confident and professionalism. If you were to walk into that same job interview in a t-shirt and jeans, you wouldn't look the part of the suitable hire, plus you also wouldn't feel confident in yourself. That lack of confidence would show and your interview might not go as well as you would like.

In truth, the idea of a power suit does work. By creating a more confident, a more put together self, you begin to change your attitude about yourself at the same time - not just your clothes. You act differently because you feel differently about yourself. You might be more willing to speak up for yourself or to speak in front of other people because your outfit makes you look like someone that deserves to be heard.

While it could be said that this is a sort of mind game that we are playing with ourselves, it works. By creating an image of the person we want to be, we inevitably become (or at least act) like that ideal self.

We act like that confident person we want to be. And the more we act, the more we become that person we aspire to be.

Creating your Unique Look

But beyond creating confidence, your clothing can also change the identity you project. When in the office setting, you might wear office professional clothes. And when on a date, you might try to dress more provocatively. In either case, you want to create a look that truly speaks to the person you are, rather than focusing solely on what the fashion magazines might be telling you to wear.

You can start this process by figuring out what colors you like and what colors look good on you - not always the same thing. Look through your closet right now to see what colors you predominantly have - those are probably your signature colors.

Some people also create their unique look by wearing a certain piece again and again - like a certain pair of earrings or a belt or scarf. Sure, the colors of these items might change, but it's the piece that they always wear, so it sets their style apart from everyone else. It makes them unique and identifiable.

Making Your Closet Work for You

To help create the person you want to reflect to the world, you will want to make sure you are wearing things that you like and feel comfortable in. You can start to reshape your wardrobe by taking the time to look through what you already own and then toss anything that doesn't make you feel absolutely beautiful. Donate these pieces to charity or give them to friends who might love them.

When you have a closet that's full of only the things you truly love to wear and feel you look good in, you will be able to be confident every day.

By: Grant Eckert

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Fashion for Every Personality  

by Colby Morrison

A noted philosopher and politician Aristotle once said, women are the best creatures of god.

And for 'you' creatures that are bold, beautiful, gracious and smart, wrapping and carrying yourself is of utmost importance. According to the varying shape and size or body shape and colors, etc, here are few wrapping and carrying tips i.e. Fashion Tips For Women.

But before jumping into those tips to make you smarter, beautiful and bold definitely you would like to know What is Fashion for Women, especially if you are a bit extra cautious about your looks and appearance.

Fashion For Women

Women are directly linked with fashion. It would be right to say that the word fashion is synonyms to woman. It is something more than wearing clothing. If you are an urban beauty, the fashion trend and style should go well and that too in advance with you. Few of the factors that define your fashion statement are body frame, skin tone, level of comfort and personal attitude.

So beautiful ladies, come on, lets have a feel according to your body frame, skin tone and after all your level of comfort.

Body Frame- Are you a plump women, if yes, try avoiding sleeveless cuts. Choose dark color clothing rather than lighter shades. Or prefer over a range of dull colors like dull blue or dirty blue. If you wear small prints and vertical line prints, you will look slimmer. If you have extra pounds in you, avoid kota sarees and cotton sarees and stick to Chiffon and Georgette Sarees.

Choose beige and fawn colors, if you have a medium structure. In case of blouses, try on nets as these are of great help in disguising physical flaws.

Thin women, cheer up, you will look gorgeous in all the color ranges. All the colors and shades will suits on you. You also can try on sleeveless, deep cuts and strapped blouses.

Skin Tone- If you have fair complexion, gold with a blend of copper will make you cool. If you are a medium / wheatish colored, prefer mix shades of white, beige and bronzy golden. If you have dark skin, prefer to wrap yourself in golden copper shades. Personal Attitude and Level of comfort- Your attitude and level of comfort is very important along with your appearance and clothing sense. If you want to maintain a cosmopolitan outlook but do not feel very much comfortable with western wear, try Indo Western style. A blend of Indo Western style should add an extra charm to your personality. A boat necked saree with a squared necked blouse is definitely for a shy and introvert women. Bold 'n' beautiful should choose from sleeveless, deep-necked blouses and may be straps.

So no matter what is your body frame and skin tone or how bold is your personality, fashion is for you, LADIES.


About the Author

To read about lumps on dogs, secondary cataract and other information, visit the Health And Nutrition Tips site.


Vintage Clothing Guide

Buying vintage clothing is becoming ever popular and more mainstream by the day. And we don't all live in uber cool cities with bags of vintage shops to choose from. So most of us, through choice or not, are looking to buy vintage clothing online. So lets embrace this, put our feet up, make a cuppa and take a look at what vintage clothing the world wide web has to offer.


A good vintage clothing company will be run by people who are as passionate about their business as you are about buying their clothing. Such high feelings for vintage are great because any questions you have will be easily answered. You should also feel free to contact these companies if you would like advice on particular styles of vintage clothing or how to put certain items and outfits together. Most of these sellers have a real eye for fashion, cut and style as well as heaps of knowledge and experience of many decades of clothing.

The real bonus of using an online vintage clothes shop is that all the available stock is clearly laid out in relevant sections, with multiple photographs and descriptions, giving you the chance to browse in detail at your leisure. Most vintage clothing websites will sell a combination of mens vintage clothing and womens vintage clothing and many now also sell a range of retro clothing too. Another good tip is to search all sections of the website – as there may be hidden gems throughout. Bargain, clearance and sale sections are also bursting with vintage clothing – check these areas particularly if you are very petite or plus size.

Buying online is fantastic if you are the kind of buyer who likes to mix vintage clothing with high street pieces. Whether it's vintage dresses teamed with killer high street heels, or designer denim combined with vintage knitwear – you can easily cross reference between a whole array of different websites. Much more fun than trailing from one side of town to another in four inch stacks!

Vintage clothing websites are available twenty-four hours a day giving you access whenever it suits you. Once you have then found your desired piece(s) of vintage clothing, simply purchase online and let them do all the hard work! Orders can easily be tracked and within days, your fabulous new vintage clothing will be delivered directly to your door.

Vintage websites can also save you a packet! Internet only boutiques have lower overheads (no shop rent, rates, utilities etc) and therefore can afford to offer top quality vintage clothing for even less money! There will probably be a small postage charge but even this tends to be wavered if you spend over a certain amount.

Always check the terms of your chosen vintage clothing website, but most will have easy to understand policies for returns and exchanges and are happy to help if you come across any problems.

All things considered, buying vintage clothing online is an easier, more comfortable and hassle-free way to get your hands on the clothing you love. So have a good surf, find your favourites and get clicking - who knows what treasures you might find.

By: My Vintage

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Holiday & Formal Occasions

The following is a guest post by Sara Johnson.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, many are searching for the perfect attire for seasonal parties. Making sure one is function appropriate often proves more difficult than finding a fabulous ensemble. The following definitions cover most of the party attire requirements seen during the holidays and guarantee you’ll look fab and function appropriate in whatever you chose.

Cocktail attire is a consistent party theme throughout the holidays. It’s name is derived quite aptly from the concept of people gathering prior to a formal dinner or event for cocktails. Appropriate attire consists of dresses, ranging from mid-thigh to one inch below the knee. Tailored pants suits are also appropriate, however consider avoiding a business standby, instead add accents in a vibrant color, chose a fitted cut or incorporate a suit created from a unique textile. Silk, Chatung, Brocade, Polyester, Cashmere, Rayon, Velour, Velvet and Velveteen are all appropriate cocktail fabrics and embellishments with beading and sequins are also appropriate.

Every so often, you will find yourself being asked to wear semi formal attire to such events as weddings and award ceremonies. This form of attire gets the most attention, but often because of its universal use. Many associate other forms of dress such as cocktail attire, with semi-formal. However, Semi-formal attire is much more formal than cocktail attire. Pants suits may be worn if refined in construction and dresses ranging from an inch above the knee to two inches above the ankle are appropriate. Taffeta, Chiffon, Silk, Satin, Sateen, Gossamer, Brocade, Rayon, Velour, Velvet, Velveteen are all appropriate semi-formal fabric choices.

Occasionally business formal dress requirements are seen, often in work related or political functions. Business formal is the same as semi formal, however women should chose more tailored dresses or pants suits. Slinky, sexy or revealing attire is generally best suited for a NON-business formal affair.

Black tie, or formal attire requires cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates. Pants suits or dress suits are rarely appropriate for formal wear. Dresses rage from knee length to ankle and may vary from a straight sheath to a full skirt and fitted bodice. Sequin and beaded embellishment is appropriate and the fabrics Taffeta, Chiffon, Silk, Satin, Sateen, Gossamer, Brocade, Rayon, Velour, Velvet, Velveteen are all considered the textile norm. Colors vary seasonally, with black remaining a consistent standby favorite.


Fashion tips and guide on selecting skirt length for your age and body type

 

Skirt fashions change from year to year with flirty, bouncy, straight and long all playing a role in today’s fashion. Depending on their design, skirts can accentuate or camouflage certain body areas. Use this guide to select a skirt style that flatters your shape with an age appropriate, comfortable fit.

 

First, know your body by carefully taking these measurements: waistline, full hip and fullest part of your stomach.


To measure your waistline, pull the measuring tape snug around your waist and then let out a breath. This measurement, after exhale, allows you to breathe, eat, bend over and sit down in a skirt.

 

To measure your full hip, either measure your hips, which are about 7-9 inches below your waist or if your upper thighs are very full, take this measurement instead.

Finally measure around the fullest part of your stomach.

 

These measurements will help when purchasing skirts. Don’t be afraid to bring measuring tape with you to the department store and measure the inside of the skirt to find the best size. Once you’ve found a size in a particular designer, it should remain constant but don’t assume that a size 8 with one designer equals a size 8 with another designer.

 

Second, find the best length for your body type, be critical of yourself or, if brave, ask other people’s opinions. Stand in front of a full-length mirror in shoes with the average heel height you wear. Hold a piece of fabric (a pillow case or sheet works well) in front of you, draped to the floor. Gradually raise the fabric to different locations on your leg and notice as you raise it up or down that your leg will look thicker or thinner. No length should hit your leg at the fullest part. A safe length for most people is the shadow of the knee, where the calf curves in toward the back of the knee. Don’t be concerned with sticking with one length, either, your figure may suit two or three skirts length and look great. Keep in mind that if your heel heights vary, you should repeat this procedure to determine the best lengths with each pair.

 

Lastly, decide what style you like the best. Full, pleated, fitted, straight or wrapped. Check fashion magazines for the latest and greatest but keep in mind the age of the models. What looks appropriate and fun for a teenager will seem immature and silly on a forty year old. Use common sense; if your initial reaction is “that’s too young for me,” it probably is but don’t paint yourself into a corner either, try on a few current fashions to be certain.

 

Some basic rules of thumb for finding the most flattering skirt with common body area complaints.

 

Small Waist. Fitted waistlines are best; select a waistband width based on whether you're short- or long-waisted. Short waisted equals a thinner width waistband while long waisted equals a thicker waistband. If waistband options are not open, try pairing your skirt with a think or thick belt.

 

Large Waist. Choose elasticized waistbands or smooth-front waistbands with elastic in back, but avoid too much fullness; have just enough for a comfortable fit over the hips and waist. Narrow waistline widths minimize the focus at the waist.

 

Short Waist. Select a narrow waistband or a faced waistline to make the upper body look longer and more proportional to long legs. Skirts with dropped waistlines also achieve this effect. Avoid high-waisted styles and gathered or scrunched waist treatments.

 

Long Waist. Choose wider waistbands and belts and high-rise waistlines, unless you're full- or low-busted. Mid-calf-length skirts help visually lengthen the lower body. Avoid mini skirts and styles that begin below the waistline.

 

Large Tummy. For the most comfortable fit, choose narrow, elasticized waistbands or those that are smooth in front and elasticized in back. Wrap and A-line skirts are easier to fit, as are soft fabric skirts without too much fullness through the waist and hips. Avoid pleats from the waistline and fly front closures--they add bulk to the tummy.

 

Wide Hips. Choose skirt styles with slenderizing, lengthwise details--a side-front seam for example. Front or back zippers, and side pockets are also slimming details. Avoid bulky fabric or layer skirts.

 

Large Derriere and Waist. Elasticized waistlines with gentle fullness and softly gathered skirt styles will camouflage rather than accentuate your curves. Rather than pencil-straight skirts, steer toward A-line styles with a little more fullness for easier fitting. Avoid skirts with flared trumpet styling or ruffles at the lower edge that only accentuate body width.

 

Flat Derriere. Back fullness and detailing such as yokes or pockets will camouflage the lack of curve in back. Gathered waistlines, and full skirts also add some fullness.

 

Long Legs. Layered skirts and those with hemline ruffles will suit you best. Mid-calf and longer styles are proportionate while mini skirts will make legs look even longer.

 

Short Legs. Short skirts visually lengthen legs and re-balance proportions; however, short, full styles only make legs look shorter. Other lengths can be worn if they're in correct proportion--try mid-calf styles with heels, and knee to floor lengths. Steer toward slim, trim skirt styles and position skirt details close to the waistline to draw attention away from short legs.

 

Lastly, don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Elastic waistbands, hidden zippers, and lined skirts are personal preferences that can make or break a day. If needed, hunt for them, have favorite skirts tailored or adjusted to your liking and when you find that perfect fit, buy more!

Written by Lynn Katulka - © 2002 Pagewise



Types of Skirts


Skirts have been in fashion singe centuries, though their styles and patterns have got evolved with the time. And the best part about skirts is you can wear them at any occasion, whether you have to dress formally or simply chill out in casuals. While straight and pleated skirts impart a sophisticated look to the women, you can give the impression of being the replica of 1950’s actress by wearing full or ballerina skirts. Floral designs in skirts are liked by most of the girls in casual wear which also provides them a delicate look. In India, skirts have been in trend since times immemorial, and the cotton handloom skirts manufactured here, are loved by every Indian woman. Besides these cotton handloom skirts, there are many other types of skirts available across the world.   A-line skirts This is the basic skirt that has been customized to a great extent. With slight flare having rough shape of capital letter ‘A’, it fits at the waist while slightly touching hips and thighs; it is broader at the hem.   Flared Skirts Actually Flared skirts are A-line skirts, but they have extra flare which beautifully covers the fat over hips and thighs. Women who are thin can also try this out in large prints as it will give a voluptuous appearance.   Fit and Flare Skirts It is just about a variation in flared skirt and in this, flare starts from the hip, not from the waist. Girls having smaller derriere would love such skirts as it will accentuate the hip curve and cover up the lack of thigh curve.   Straight Skirts Just true to its name, straight skirt falls rightly from the hip. These skirts suit almost everyone, though depending upon the body shape, length and waistline, results may vary.   Pencil Skirts Hugged to the body from the waist to just above the knee, these skirts come in stretch material and with a back slit at times. Such skirts go only with slim and skinny figures as they emphasize the hips and the derriere.   Tube Skirts Simply the longer versions of the pencil skirts, Tube skirts fit at the hip and taper at the hem. The visible difference is that they go down below the knee. It suits slim figures.   Mini Skirts These casual and sexy skirts are loved more by men than women. Mini skirts can be very short and just right to reveal a beautiful pair of legs. Short women can always rely on this because mini skirts elongate the legs.   Pleated Skirts Plated skirts appear best in short length, just above the knees. The flare of this skirt is reduced by plates and it fits the waist. It looks nice on both, slim and a little plump figures.     Asymmetric Hem Skirts Asymmetric Hem Skirts come in a variety of shapes and suit a variety of figures. In this, the hem moves and curls in a pattern at different levels. It usually conceals various flaws at the hip, thigh or leg

Your Fashion Statement

Who exactly should say what your Fashion Statement is? You of course! Each of us has our own likes, dislikes comfort zones, body shape & size, and life styles. Yes its wonderful to pick up the magazine that shows this years top stars like Sarah, Jessica, Nicole, and Gwen but hey we aren’t them right.

Perhaps my comfort zone is a loose fit, maybe yours is a very tailored or tight fit. I like turtle necks, you’ve got cleavage and like to show it. Maybe your a rancher and functional is important, or an office executive where a professional look is critical. Tweeds in and you hate tweed, then don’t buy tweed. Hot colors are in but your skin is washed out, then stick to the colors that look good on you but perhaps dress them up with a little color. Low rise pants are in but they aren’t attractive on you, then don’t buy them.

It’s all wonderful and dandy for the fashion world to tell us what is in, what we should wear. But the bottom line is clothes that we buy and hang in the closet never to be warn are a waste of our money. Don’t feel pressured to stay with the trends. Trends come and go. If you stick with your basics and then add a piece here and there that fits the current fashions you’ll be much better off.

So pick up the popular fashion magazines like Vogue, Style, or Elle. Have a flip through. Then take what you like and use it and toss the rest away. What really matters is that you feel “good” in the look you present. When you feel good about how you look your confidence level jumps, you're happier, and your positive energy flows around you.

If a pair of blue jeans with a tank top and big bold earrings is your thing then that’s your fashion statement. If you like long skirts, heels, and gold jewelry then that’s your fashion statement. Don’t let anyone or anybody change you from who you are. Because you are your fashion statement.

Now that’s not to say we can’t all take a lesson or so, get the creative juices flowing, or freshen our look. The magazines are terrific ways to do just that. There are plenty of great web sites that can also be very helpful.

Don’t forget accessories can spice up any outfit. Denim can be very classy with the right shoes and jewelry. Your black dress can become quite informal and fun with the right jewelry or belt. Change the entire look of an outfit with your accessories. Utilize all your wardrobe by mixing and matching pieces, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories. The more jewelry you have the more looks you can create.

You are your fashion statement. Say what you want, say it how you want, wear it how you want!


Anacranism? Renaisance? Rennaisance? Renisance?


Are you looking for SCA or Renaissance garb? Many internet searches use common mispellings like Rennaisance or Ren Faire or Renn Fare when they are searching for Ren Fair. If you are looking for Renaissance or SCA garb, then you are in the right place. Simply click here to visit GarbPlus Fashions home page where you will find vests, leather items, pirate poet shirts, jackets, leather pants and more! For costuming, please visit our sister site at costumearena. For designer fashions, please visit our sister site at garbplusfashions.
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