Fashion Trends | Entertainment and Style Gossip

July 2, 2010

Best retro accessories for this Summer

In every self respecting fashionista’s retro accessories collection there should be a retro tote bag. However with so many gorgeous pieces to choose from it can be difficult to decide on just one! Learning about the two of top retro handbags of 2010 selected by other fellow retro purse worshippers can be a valuable guide and the following suggestions are here to put you on the right track:

The modern mix dome Tignanello tote bag

This gem of a retro handbag is available in a variety of colours. The beautiful colour variations will have you itching to buy more than one as retro gifts for your friends, and it is designed in perfect dimensions. It is a handy size to tote around all those other retro accessories that are essential for a fashion diva but this divine bag will never weigh you down. There are several handy compartments built in so you can organise all your essentials from your purse, a small makeup case, your mobile phone, sunglasses and any other mix of girly trinkets. This retro bag is made out of real leather and has a stylish interior lining with dual shoulder straps. There is a zipped pocket at the back, a centre zip divider and other multi-functional slip pockets. It is the perfect complement to any outfit and can accentuate retro jewellery.

Fossil Bailey multi tote bag

This eye catching retro treat is made of real patchwork leather. It is a wonderful size made to hold your iPhone, sunglasses, purse, your designer mineral water and maybe the odd light fiction copy or two. There are sweet dangle and tassel embellishments that add extra glamour to this already breathtaking piece of fashion art. It comes with dual shoulder straps and closes with hidden magnetic clasp. There are some great slip pockets at the front and a back wall zipped pocket.

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June 28, 2010

Find the Perfect Maxi Summer Dress for your Shape

Filed under: Fashion trends — admin @ 5:47 pm

Finding the perfect maxi summer dress to suit your shape should not be too difficult, whatever size you are. As maxi dresses make their return this season as the hottest summer dress to wear, women of all shapes and sizes can rejoice as there is a maxi dress to suit everyone. Maxi dresses will ensure that you look cool when the weather is hot and are a great choice for any woman whatever their body hang ups.

As with every outfit, the key to looking great in a maxi summer dress is to make sure you dress for your shape, enhancing your best features. If you are lucky enough to be a slim size 8 -10, then you can almost have the pick of the maxi dresses in the shops from summer dresses with frills and ruffles to simple statement dresses that will give you a classic silhouette. Your slim shape can take layers and so teaming your maxi summer dress with a longer draped cardigan will take your maxi dress from day to night in the absence of a hot balmy night in the UK. If you are the classic UK size 12, a fitted maxi dress will really suit your great shape and worn in a bold colour, will be a confident fashion choice for your size.

Curvy girls can take patterns such as uneven diagonal lines which will give the impression of streamlining your body shape or large floral patterns which will balance with your figure. Soft fabrics and long flowing summer dresses will give your figure femininity particularly if the dress is pulled in at the waist to add definition. Particularly ensure that the dress is well fitted around the top of your body to show off your bust and let the material flow from there.

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Accessories to Glam up your Summer Dress

Filed under: Fashion trends — admin @ 5:44 pm

When the weather warms up and you want to look hot, it is time to get your summer dresses out of the wardrobe. A summer dress is the staple of any wardrobe but it can be difficult to feel glammed up when you want to wear as little as possible in the heat. The answer to this is to accessorise your summer dress. Whether your summer dress is highly patterned or floral or just a simple light fabric, adding accessories to your summer dress will give it a stylish edge and make sure that you still add shine and personality to your look.

This season, remember that when it comes to jewellery, size matters. Wear fewer jewels but make sure that when you are choosing your earrings, a necklace and any rings or bracelets, that big is beautiful. Huge, statement pieces will compliment your summer dress and make your look fresh and young. Delicate jewellery can be beautiful and classy but choosing just one or two pieces of statement jewellery can compliment your summer dress perfectly and enhance a fun summer look.

The trick is not to go overboard with this look. If you wear a short, chunky necklace, forego the earrings and wear a large ring instead. If your necklace is very long and hangs down to your waist, then you can get away with some large stud earrings. Bangles should be big and bold or layers of thinner, clashing bracelets.

Let your jewellery accessories do the talking and keep all other items minimal. So if you need a bag, ensure it is a simple leather neutral coloured bag or ensure your shoes are a stylish leather gladiator or simple ballet pump. Belts are still in fashion but keep to snake thin belts rather than the wide styles that we have seen in recent fashion seasons.

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March 1, 2010

Coffees around the world

Filed under: Drinks, Fashion trends — Tags: coffee, hot chocolate, tea — admin @ 5:22 pm

Like tea and hot chocolate, there are many ways to serve coffee, but did you know that over 50 countries actually grow the beans? Only a handful produce them in commercially viable quantities. However, there is a growing number of specialist coffees from smaller producers reaching our shores. They include Jamaican Blue Mountain, Java Estate Kuyumas and Indian Mysore.
All are at the higher end of the market. However, the most expensive coffee in the world is Kopi Luwak. Made from beans that have been eaten and passed by the Asian Palm civet, it is produced in Indonesia, Timor and the Philippines. With a totally different chemical structure to ordinary coffee beans, it has a mild, aromatic flavour.
Brazil and Columbia are the coffee growing nations of the world, producing more beans than anywhere else. Prized for their light, tangy quality, they are ideal for blending. Other Latin producers include Mexico, Guatemala, Panama and Costa Rica. Some of these countries are equally prized for their cocoa beans, used to make hot chocolate.
The coffees of Eastern Africa and the Middle East are like wine: complex and alluring, with copious flavours including citrus fruits, blueberries and spices. Asian coffees, on the other hand, are full-bodied and thick, and are often used to deepen lighter blends.
The coffee of each country has its own distinct characteristics and flavour. Coffee tasters, like tea tasters, are employed by importers to ensure only the best beans reach our shores. These connoisseurs sample each batch as though it were the finest wine. It’s certainly something to think about, when you next reach for a cup.

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February 9, 2010

Do British have a sense of style?

Filed under: Fashion trends, Uncategorized — Tags: british home style, nostalgic, Retro, union jack cushion — admin @ 10:22 am

British taste in style is a somewhat acquired taste, like with the Japanese;

As a matter of fact, London is one of the only places in the world where you can punk, gothic and posh in the same area. Even your grandma could have her hair dyed pink and it wouldn’t shock anyone.
With this said, London is considered one of the trendiest and fashionable cities in the world.
So thumbs up to fashion but how does the British sense of style tally up against other areas of aesthetic appreciation? Home decor for instance? Let’s be honest, not as well. Exhibit A: The Royal Family

So let us paint a picture of the traditional British home decor. Over to the left there is a lovely wall hanging plate
providing a reminder of our biggest loss since Robbie decided to leave Take That. Anybody for a cup of tea in an exclusive Prince Charles mug? Milk, and two sugars please.
Come sit and enjoy your tea here on our well-worn brown sofa and enjoy, whilst taking in the sites of this revolutionary design style. Ooh this is going down a right treat, cushty!
So does British sense of style transcend to the home? In the words of Les Dennis “Our survey said…..YES!”
What you call tacky contributes to that homely cosy feel you can’t get anywhere else. Take for example the union jack printed accessories. All over the house, and you are borderline football hooligan, but in proportion you are subtley displaying patriotism whilst being accommodating to guests. Can’t do more British than that can you?
Just remember, it is all about moderation. You don’t want to go crazy and end up with this;

The union jack is the great British symbol, and we all know we are in England with the bad weather and soppy morning attitude. We don’t need it painted on houses to help confirm our location.
Why not the union jack cushion? When you think about it, it can go with everything and pretty much everywhere (on your couch, on a chair, on your shelves or even on your bed!).
It defies design convention and adds that sense of fun and quirkiness to the home. Plus, it gives you something to grip with nerves during England’s inevitable penalty shoot out in the quarter finals of the World Cup.
All this excitement is too much. Where is my prince Charles mug, I need a cuppa!

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February 3, 2010

Retro fashion for 2010

Filed under: Fashion trends — Tags: nostalgia, Nostalgic gifts, retro fashion, Retro gifts — admin @ 11:54 am

We all love a little retro fashion from time to time, and when it comes to nostalgic gifts from days gone by, what could be better than items of clothing, or clothing accessories from a more extravagant and stylish time?

For example, even in nightwear, yesteryear’s fashion was more tasteful and luxurious than it is today. For women, there are dressing gowns from the Victorian era, with their elaborate flowing trains and their lines, or perhaps an even more elaborate Art Nouveau satin kimono. Retro gifts such as these make you realise just how luxurious fashion used to be, as opposed to the styles we see today.

The same can be applied to men’s nightwear, as stylish nightshirts that flow down to the knees can be bought as nostalgic gifts. They can be purchased in tartan or stripes, depending on the inclination of your man.

One of the most extravagant fashion styles of the 20th century was inspired by Art Deco, and as such there are many Art Deco items available that make excellent retro gifts. For example, what woman’s handbag collection would be complete without a 1920’s inspired Art Deco handbag? The twenties decade was known for its style, and 80 years on the fashion is still just as stylish today.

One of the fashion accessories of days gone by that we rarely see today is the handkerchief. Handkerchiefs make excellent retro gifts, and they can be bought to match any outfit – perfect for when a gentlemen needs to offer a lady a clean handkerchief.

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September 30, 2009

A Guide to Eco Chic

Filed under: Fashion trends — Tags: celebrity fashion, eco chic, green fashion, organic fashion — admin @ 10:16 am

Eco Chic is a phrase you may have heard on the television or radio, or you have seen it written in magazines or on the Internet; but what exactly does the term Eco Chic refer to?

The ‘eco’ part, as you could guess, is about the ecology and how the organic fashion helps the environment. The eco refers to green clothing, clothing that is made from recycled materials or has been bought from fair trade suppliers who are paid fairly for their produce, ensuring they are able to earn a living.

The ‘chic’ part of the phrase refers to the organic fashion itself and how it is perceived in the fashion world. Eco Chic green clothing is seen as fashionable and is becoming part of the latest celebrity fashion too; it is often seen endorsed by, and adorning, celebrities such as Natalie Portman and Adrian Grenier (the star of ‘Entourage’). Eco Chic means not only to care about the environment enough to buy green clothing and organic fashion, but that you want to look good while doing it.

The emergence of Eco Chic also helps to spread the word of organic fashion, making caring for the environment fashionable and cool, which is important if people really are going to make a different and reduce their carbon footprint.

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June 1, 2009

The Fuss Over Organic Clothing - AscensionOnline goes live

Filed under: Fashion trends — Tags: eco clothing, eco fashion, ethical clothing, ethical fashion, green clothing, green fashion, organic cotton, organic products, organic wool — admin @ 11:32 am

Tonnes of toxic chemicals are used in the conventional farming and production of clothing and textiles.

From the farming of the crop, to the production of the yarns, to the finishing of garments, chemicals are used that eventually end up in the environment, causing devastation to plant and animal life indiscriminately. When you add in the human cost to farmers and their families who are in direct contact with these nasty chemicals, this becomes an even bigger issue.

organic-clothing-from-adili1

There are several alternatives to the conventional cottons used in most textile manufacturing:

ORGANIC COTTON

Organic cotton is grown without insecticide or pesticide or the use of genetically modified seeds – in other words it’s guaranteed 100% natural and chemical-free. It’s typically rotated with other crops – replenishing the soil and reducing farmers’ dependency on a single crop. Certified organic cotton also bans the addition of chemicals as the fibre is turned into cloth.

ORGANIC WOOL

Organic wool comes from sheep raised organically, to high standards of animal welfare and without being “mulesed” (a cruel process whereby chunks of flesh are cut off the sheep’s backside to prevent flystrike). Depending on the certification it also means that various chemicals and other harmful substances have been banned from use during the cleaning, spinning, dyeing and further processes.

ORGANIC LEATHER

Organic leather comes from animals raised on organic farms and is tanned and processed in an environmentally-friendly manner. There is very little certified organic leather currently available.

ORGANIC TEXTILES

Other organic textiles - obviously any fibre from a natural source could be grown organically. Here we’ve looked at the most common natural materials that are used in clothing and textiles. However, even though organic cotton is a vast improvement on its non-organic counter-part, it’s still “the world’s thirstiest crop” and takes “a total of 2,000 litres to produce one cotton t-shirt”. (Environmental Justice Foundation)

By buying organic products at genuine organic clothing and eco-clothing retailers like AscensionOnline.com, you’re helping to save our planet and the lives of those involved in the production. Right now organic products tend to be more expensive than conventional products. As demand grows, the industry will have adapt and support and promote organic farming.

Do your part to create the demand for organics.

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May 27, 2009

Organic Natural Beauty | Tips From The Pros

Filed under: Beauty & Cosmetic Trends, Fashion trends — Tags: ascension, fair trade skin care, green people, natural shampoo, natural skin care, organic products, organic skin care — admin @ 1:19 pm

This summer, look after your body the natural way - using organic skin care!

adili1

Wherever possible, choose beauty products that contain pure plant extracts and oils which are gentle and soothing on sensitive skin. The plant-based ingredients within organic products have powerful properties which work wonders on your hair and skin, whilst still being incredibly gentle.

Continual use of organic skin care products gives you the freedom to construct a completely natural facial routine that is perfect for your skin type. You can purify with an organic cleanser and hydrate with an organic moisturiser, as well as exfoliate tone and give your skin a natural night treatment. You can now also find the organic shampoo which is right for you. Organic shampoos and natural conditioners have been specially formulated for a certain hair type so it is vital to select the most suitable in order to get the best results.

If you are prone to dry skin you may find that washing can leave it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Organic shower gels and organic liquid soap are an excellent solution to this as they do not contain soap or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, which both can lead to dry skin. And, if you are looking to soothe sensitive skin, allergies, eczema or psoriasis and need extremely mild and gentle skin care products - try organic based products. Organic body care products allow you to free yourself from the harsh chemicals found in many other brands.

Organic beauty retailers like Green People and Adili.com are leaders in the organic health and beauty trade. On their respective websites you’ll find loads of information and techniques on how to get the most from your organic products.

Source: AscensionOnline.com | Green People

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April 28, 2009

Bamboo Clothing | Tree to Cloth, 4 Times a Year

Filed under: Fashion trends — Tags: adili, bamboo, eco clothing, faritrade clothing, green clothing, hemp clothing — admin @ 3:46 pm

When I think about bamboo, I think pandas.

panda

Ling-Ling specifically; because that’s the only panda I know the name of. Not sure if Ling-Ling is still around or not, but I know I have vivid memories of him (was it her?) laying waste to kilos of bamboo every feeding time.

Like most, for me the bamboo plant doesn’t conjure up images of fine clothing, because until recently bamboo was not significantly used in the textile industry.

If some leading eco-clothing retailers get their way, that’s about to change.

Until not so long ago, Bamboo had a small and undistinguished history in clothing manufacture, used only for structural elements such as bustles and the ribs of corsets. In China and Japan, thin strips of bamboo were woven together into hats and shoes. One particular design of bamboo hats was stereotypically connected with rural life, being worn almost universally by farmers and fishermen in order to protect their heads from the sun.

In recent years a range of technologies have been developed allowing bamboo fibre to be used in a wide range of textile and fashion applications. In 2003, scientists at Beijing University invented a way of turning bamboo fibre into yarn. They accomplish this by heating the fibre to 80-90° C, then soaking them in a mixture of soap and emulsion oil, dried, rehydrated with another mixture of oils, then left to set for five to seven days. The fibres may then be spun, by a variety of methods, into a high-quality yarn. Since then, the technique of manufacturing top quality fabric has been in development, bringing new innovations in fibre mixing and other processes. The whole process is a natural one, maintaining the organic heritage of the product.

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth; it has been measured surging skyward as fast as 121 cm (47.6 inches) in a 24-hour period. With this rate of growth it is possible to harvest bamboo up to four times a year, making it potentially a very valuable clothing resource. The chemical properties of bamboo also yield a naturally antibacterial yarn, especially if at least 70% of the fibre is bamboo. Bamboo clothing is also anti-static, so it sits nicely next to your skin, while not clinging to it, and is also UV protective (bamboo cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays).

panda-1

Ethical (eco) clothing manufacturers and retailers such as Adili.com and others are looking more and more towards bamboo as an alternative to cotton and synthetics. Bamboo grows wild, without the aid of fertilizers, pesticides or any chemical assistance whatsoever, unlike cotton, which is the world’s most environmentally disastrous crop. Cotton accounts for a quarter of ALL chemical fertilizers and pesticides from only 10% of the agricultural land mass. As the world gets ‘greener’, this becomes less acceptable all the time, and consumers are leading the charge away from environmentally harmful products.

As public awareness of its strong positives increases, maybe bamboo will indeed become the future of the 21st century textile industry - or at the very least a large part of it.

It has a lot going for it. Quite sure Ling-Ling would agree.

Source: Wikipedia | Adili.com bamboo clothing section

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