Fashion & Shopping

It’s festival time, and we thought you might enjoy some tips on how to look fantastic and be prepared for some festival fun.

Celebs like Katy Perry and Alexa Chung have already been working some key trends at festivals this year and there are loads of options, from playsuits to wellie boots.

We think your festival fashion kit for 2010 should include:

· Hunters Wellingtons (we love their short studded ‘festival 2010′ boots)
· Denim shorts
· Tie dye/fringed scarf
· Playsuit
· Tie dye/retro tee
· Panama hat
· Retro shades
· Mini-dress
· Waterproof poncho
· Over-the-knee socks

Don’t be tempted by flip-flops or anything that you aren’t prepared to sacrifice in the name of fun! Don’t forget to take something warm to wear later on; a comfy sweatshirt will be very welcome at 3am.

Once you’ve created your look, you need to preserve it, so take a handy bag with items such as a compact mirror, miniature deodorant, hand sanitiser, dry shampoo and the all-important wet wipes. These items will be worth their weight in gold.

Makeup wise, keep it low-maintenance after the first day and night. By all means arrive in full makeup but accept that the best way forward from day two is to make use of your wipes and stick with the basics. We would recommend taking: mascara, concealer, a small compact bronzer and some lip balm/gloss.
Your hat and sunglasses may well become your best friends at a festival. Not only do they keep the sun off, they are simplest way to deal with unruly hair and smudged eye makeup.

Finally, please don’t forget your sunscreen – harmful UV rays will age your skin even more quickly than all those late nights!

Fashion is a global occurrence that caters to all age groups. Fashion is no more synonymous to women. Over the years, men, women, children and the elderly have become really conscious of what to wear and what not. Fashion is an expression of personal style and glamour.

Men’s Clothing

There has been an impeccable transformation in the way men have started viewing fashion. There has been a complete change in the perception of men as over the years they have been extremely cautious of their appearance and how they present themselves among people. The everyday clothing for men essentially includes a nice comfortable pair of jeans teamed up with trendy T-shirts that make them look extremely relaxed and chilled out. This type of attire looks really cool on young boys who are mostly seen in such apparel. Pastel colored shirts also look really elegant and graceful that can be easily worn on formal as well as semi formal occasions. For their business conferences and other related formal occasions, business suits can be worn that make them look extremely classy and sophisticated. In order to suit several other formal occasions like weddings and dinner parties, tuxedos are perfect that make a man stand out from the crowd.

Teenage Clothing

Teenagers are passionate followers of fashion and the ever changing trends. Jeans is the most favorite piece of attire for all the young. The youth enjoys dressing in bright and vibrant colors that bring out the fun loving aspect of their lives. Young girls have an array of choice from dresses to short skirts that make them look extremely chic and elegant. The young prefers to wear all sorts of colors to bring out cheerfulness and funkiness out of them.

Kid’s Clothing

Kids are no less when it comes to fashion and trends. The latest fad among kids is to wear T-shirts that bear the print of their super heroes or sports persons that instantly attracts a child and lures into buying. Kids are also extremely fond of teaming their attire with several accessories that really compliments their apparel. These accessories may include sport caps, fashionable belts, wrist bands, sun glasses and trendy shoes.

Women’s Clothing

When it comes to fashion and women’s apparel, there is an array of choice that women can choose from. Body type and shape is of utmost significance in order to dress appropriately. Women who are heavy and rounded need to wear dark colors in order to hide their flaws. There is a wide variety of clothing to choose from like skirts of short, medium and full length, flowing dresses, tunics, layered dresses, fitted jeans, floral prints and A-line dresses.

Elderly Clothing

The old people look for something comfortable yet sophisticated at the same time. Such people should not wear flashy and floral prints as these may make them look extremely hideous. They should prefer a much natural look in order to make them look really elegant and graceful. Zippered jackets, trench coats and jeans can give a fresh look. Old people need something sober yet extremely classy that may establish them as an ardent fashion lover. The most suitable colors would be khaki, black, gray and white. There are several patterns that look really good like the all time favorite checks and stripes.

The realm of fashion design, by its sheer glamour and grace, has always been exciting and intriguing. When we talk of fashion design, it implies a form of art that incorporates the nuances of creating clothes and accessories.

The history of fashion design can be traced back to the beginning of the19th century when the designs were the product of the dresses worn in the royal courts. Eventually, Charles Frederick Worth, the first fashion designer, set up his first fashion house in Paris. His designs greatly influenced the people and they labeled them as the designs of the “House Of Worth.” As a result, a designer became synonymous with a particular brand.

Another important designer who made a significant contribution to the evolution of the fashion was Paul Poi Ret. He blended the classical style consisting of aesthetic dressing with Paris fashion. Other important designers of this age were Patou, Vionnet, Fortuny, Lanvin and Chanel.

Throughout the 20th century, Paris remained the world’s fashion hub, with countries such as the US and Britain openly aping the French designs. The post World War era saw the emergence of other countries as the centers of fashion and Paris ceased to be the sole influential factor. The rising British fashion industry brought a new range of street fashion focusing mainly on the young consumers.

Later, American designers such as Calvin Klein And Ralph Lauren came to the fore with their sportswear and made it a style statement. Today, fashion designs can be categorized into two main categories. The haute couture is designed for individual customers. The other category is the ready-to-wear collection. While the former is based on certain themes and is more for creating a style statement, the latter is meant for the masses.

The mid-90s saw the emergence of a new breed of designers who redefined traditional concepts. They looked at fashion from a new angle, creating their own new concepts.

Thus, the world of fashion design has witnessed a steady evolution over the years and has been the by-product of the sincere efforts of many of the top designers.

Summer is just around the corner and that means summer plus size fashion trends are here and items are sprouting up in a boutique or department store near you. Colors are bright, patterns are bold and some of the classics are back and trendier than ever. Regardless of personal taste, the collection this season is sure to have something for absolutely everyone. The hot color scheme for this year is white or bright colors paired with earth tone or gray neutrals. Black and white returns as a hot color combination. Bright shades of blue, especially turquoise, will be everywhere this year. Be prepared to choose from the full spectrum of pinks and bright yellow in big, geometric prints. The turquoise trend carries over to jewelry.

As always denim remains popular but be prepared to see it used in new ways. The classic denim jean has shifted away from wide legs and toward boot cut and flares. Designers have taken denim to completely new places with everything from shorts to corsets going denim for the summer. The Greek goddess look continues to be in demand with the over the shoulder design and fabulous fabrics dramatically draped. Perfecting the art of draping your curves is now mandatory. You can instantly flatter your figure with a properly draped garment. Asymmetric hems are now showing up on tops and tunics.

Tribal influences and animal prints with futuristic style offer bold options for the warm weather fashionista. This style is now edgier than ever with layers and slash sleeves for emphasis. The latest jungle influenced prints are accented with bright blues and corals. Metallic accents and plating are used to embellish tunics and belts are thin. Shopping for summer fashion has never been more fun. With the wide variety of styles and colors to choose from there is something to please any fashion palate.

1. Shop for plus size women’s clothing at high end stores and boutiques. Yes, you may end up paying more for clothing then your smaller size friends but it is well worth it. The reality is that plus size clothing needs to be ample in size, well made with a flattering cut, and usually in finer fabrics if you really want that wow factor. It is rare that you can find nice plus size clothing that will last in a big box store. You need to go to the experts.

2. Larger women’s clothing doesn’t have to look gaudy. Forget the leopard print blouses, they just draw more attention to your figure. Simple lines and neutral colors flatter pluz size women. Choosing classic clothing in browns, blacks, tans, and navy blues will provide an element of class and sophistication.

3. Don’t wear baggy plus size clothing. While you may not want to buy form fitting clothes that will accentuate your flaws you do not want to to look like you are wearing a potato sack either. That is no more attractive than super tight clothes! You want to find clothes that fit well, that gather in the right places, and that provide room to move. Finding a balance between loose and form fitting is the key. A blouse that hugs the bust and flows around the arms and waist is one such example.

4. Play up your assets. If you have an ample bosom then try an empire waist dress or top that highlights your bust. If you have an hour glass figure then choose an outfit with a belt or cummerbund. If you have large hips that you want to hide then choose clothing that hugs the waist and flows over the hips. Accentuate your assets and your flaws will automatically become less apparent.

5. When you stumble upon clothing that looks good on you, stick with it! If you bought a gorgeous blouse that is perfect for your full figure then buy a couple more in other colors. The same goes for pants and skirts. A plus size wardrobe can often consist mostly of the same basic elements if you accessorize well with different jewelry, handbags, hats, shoes, and belts.