Category: Fashion

With the death of Louis XIV and the coronation of Louis XV in 1715, a new style called rococo blossomed across Europe. Although the term was later used in a derogatory manner, suggesting excess and frivolity, it generally refers to a high achievement in fashion that represents the height of French culture. Though France was already the well-renowned leader in fashion by the reign of Louis XIV, the rococo period confirmed the countrys reputation as a worldwide leader in the world of fashion. After the initial popularity of rococo, the styles changed, and the French Revolution in 1789 seemed to create a new modernization in clothing styles reducing rococo into the much more stark fashions of neoclassicism in style. The radical change in clothing style is one of the most dramatic such shifts in the history of fashion.

During the seventeenth century new and ornate mens fashions continually appeared, but by the time of the eighteenth century the styles had become much more refined. The typical French court apparel included a coat, which gradually became more fitted and added a waistcoat and breeches, a white shirt, a cravat, and a pair of silk stockings. Brilliant colors and intricate embroidery were increasingly important adornments. Cloth for jackets was often embroidered before being tailored so that men could choose their favorite patterns and then order the suit cut and sewn to size.

Despite the fact that Rococo began in the exclusively ornamental arts, the method showed unquestionably in painting. Painters used graceful colors and blissful forms, decorated with cherubs and myths of love. Some works show a sort of wickedness or contamination in the behavior of their subjects. Landscapes were idyllic and often illustrated the laid-back jaunts of patricians.

On the eve of the French Revolution, striped patterns became very popular, and the desire for elaborate embroidery seemed to tail off and the favored fabric shifted from silk to much more simple cotton. The youth adopted new fashions that defined the age, some dressing in black coats to be seen as outlandish. The only thing, it seems that could end the reign of high-fashion rococo dress was the leveling of the French Revolution.

Spring is here, and clothing designers are introducing their newest styles in skirts, dresses, denim jeans, shirts, and halter tops. The mod, hipster, and retro fashion mavens among us tend to covet certain styles. However, to look your best, it’s also essential to select clothing styles that complement your figure.

At first glance, the hourglass figure seems like the embodiment of feminine perfection. Men lust after it and women covet it. Surprisingly, we’ve found that hourglass-shaped ladies can’t wear everything. Too-tight clothes, like leggings and provocative halters, tend to look trampy. Too-big clothes, like baggy sheath dresses and very wide-legged denim jeans, tend to look sloppy. Read on to discover the clothing styles that flatter you, and get hip to the hottest clothing design trends, too.

Dresses

If you have an hourglass figure, play up your curves by selecting clothing with a defined waist. This year, designer Corey Lynn Calter introduced the Raven dress, a sheath, rust-color patterned dress with a slim waist. This dress accents your curves in all the right places without revealing too much flesh. Another flattering dress for your figure is the Duo strapless sailor dress by clothing designer Hype. This grey and magenta swirled sun dress, which features a front tie and side pockets, is perfectly filled out by your pretty figure.

If you’re into A-line styles, add a belt to make a big splash and play up your intriguing lines. For example, the Mod-est dress by Jessie Williams is a short, flirty sheath-style dress with bell sleeves. You can wear this dress as beautifully as your boy-figured sisters if you cinch it with a wide belt at the waist. When buying this dress, opt for solid colors over patterns or stripes to flatter your curves.

Formal wear is tailor made for hourglass figures. However, there are still certain dress styles that suit you better than others. One option we like this year is the Cupra white, strapless gown by Zeto. The black-colored tie-back evens out your figure, and the white, meshy tulle bust accents subtly play up your curves. Pair this long dress with the Lovely Day textured gold high heel shoes by Poetic License.

Pants and Jeans

When selecting pants, opt for cuts that balance your figure and play up your assets. For example, the Electric Blue skinny jeans by Paper Denim feature a higher waist that accents the curve of your hips, and ankle zippers that showcase your bottom half.

If zippers aren’t your style, try the Rose grey straight leg denim jeans by Union. The full-coverage, low-rise waist and minimal pocket detailing play your curves like a melody. Joan Jett-style punk-rock denim jeans scream for cute flats. We like the Night Velvet textured plastic flats by Melissa Plastic Dreams, or the Sadie navy blue ballet flats by Pink Studio.

Flares are always hot, and the hourglass figure can wear many flared styles. The Isabella jeans by Paper Denim feature a mid-rise waist, and bell-bottom legs that create long, dreamy lines. If denim’s a bit too casual for you, slide into a pair of Union Jeans’ flared corduroy pants in navy blue or grey. The soft, stretchy fabric hugs your curves in all the right places. Pair your flares with intriguing shoes, like theMarta square-toe, wooden heel T-strap shoes by Frye, or the Sorbet black leather high heel boots by Chie Mihara.

Tops and tee shirts

Scoop neck tops are beautiful on ample busts. This spring, try the Alice organic cotton racer-back tank top by Velvet Leaf. The modest scoop neck and sailor tie gracefully accent your chest and shoulders. If you prefer fewer details, the Oyashio vest-style, scoop neck tank top by Dagg and Stacey offers a peep of cleavage and creates graceful lines.

Flowing fabrics done right also accent hourglass figures providing your shirt choices aren’t too baggy. The Marcie owl-print swing top by Corey Lynn Calter balances your curves, while the Joni ruffle-neck blouse by Dear Creatures is gently loose throughout, but slim right at the waist to play up your assets.

When in doubt, classic tee shirts are never a bad idea. The young designers at Blood is the New Black have a few things in store for the curvy girl check out their Offering and Fists of Fury tee shirts that feature sleek cuts, sweet cap sleeves, and big, bold printed graphics. If basics are what you need, try the women’s ribbed Beater tank top by Alternative Apparel. The cut draws attention to your neck and arms while hugging your body just right. Grab a few in black, rose, and green so you can mix-and-match your wardrobe.

Happy shopping, girls!

Edge of Urge is a mod, retro, hipster, and boho fashion boutique in Wilmington, NC. The clothing seller offers one-of-a-kind dresses, skirts, tops, tee shirts, denim jeans, and accessories, including brands such as Chie Mihara, Pink Studios Shoes, and the namesake Edge of Urge line. Visit our online boutique to shop 24/7, or to get current store hours.

Picking one out of many fashion jobs generally is an overwhelming
challenge. There are several different opportunities in the fashion
industry that you might not be sure which one is best for you. With the
high demand for fashion jobs, you need to be sure of what it is that you
want to do so you can get started on pursuing your dream in this
competitive industry. Below you will find descriptions for several
fashion jobs and, subsequently, be one step closer to establishing your
career in the fashion industry.

1. Fashion Designer

Thanks
to shows like Project Runway, there are many people whose curiosity has
been rose towards the fashion industry, exclusively, fashion design. A
career as a fashion designer seems extravagant and rewarding but it
takes a whole lot of work. A fashion designer must be well-informed of
the latest trends (and sometimes even be ahead of them) and have the
creativity to conceptualize new designs. A fashion designer creates
sketches, whether by hand or with computer-aided design (CAD) software,
of their designs and must be familiar with fabrics and materials in
order to create samples that show what the final product would look
like. As a fashion designer you can specialize in clothing design,
footwear or accessories. Fashion jobs like that of a fashion designer
are prolonged with grueling hours of intensive work and lots of
traveling if you want to promote your designs. Fashion designers work
under pressure to meet deadlines and make an impression on fashion
buyers and other potential clients. As a fashion designer you would need
not only talent and creativity but also thick skin and dedication.

2. Fashion Merchandising

Fashion
jobs in merchandising can be very challenging. A fashion merchandiser
must know what consumers really want, how to present it to them, what
they want to pay for it and how to lure them to purchase. A fashion
merchandiser is not just an expert in fashion but must also have strong
business, financial and advertising skills. As a fashion designer you
might find yourself creating budgets, tracking profits and losses,
tracking inventory, developing marketing strategies and even putting
together creative visual displays to draw in consumers. It’s a career
that entails many different roles but also has many opportunities to
grow and advance in.

3. Fashion Buyer

Fashion buyers are
among the most crucial people for brands and companies. They must have
good communication skills, be aggressive, organized and driven. As a
fashion buyer you work hand in hand with designers, merchandisers and
other key people to select what pieces to present to consumers and
ensure that best-sellers are continually available. Buyers must be
mindful of both current and future trends so they can make the right
choices of clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. to ensure high profits.
Working with suppliers to negotiate prices suggests that a fashion buyer
must have good interpersonal skills, be educated in market costs and
also in consumer demands. Fashion buyers must be ready to work under
pressure, travel and research and analyze in order to make practical
decisions on what products to offer their target customer base.

4. Fashion Director

Fashion
directors, also known as creative directors or fashion coordinators,
are in charge of the image and look of a store, magazine or a fashion
house. They are accountable for that first impression given when people
look at ad campaigns, shoots and even fashion films. A fashion director
must make sure that the models, photographers, location and concepts
characterize the store, brand, or magazine in the best and most genuine
way. One of the most well known creative directors in the industry is
Grace Coddington who, alongside Anna Wintour and other industry
professionals, are a part of American Vogue. In the documentary “The
September Issue” we are able to see Coddington showing us her best work
and the steps she takes to produce the magnificent spreads in Vogue.
Now, don’t think it will be a snap landing one of these fashion jobs. Be
prepared for long hours of work, creative stumps, frequent traveling,
crazy deadlines, and being willing to go back to the drawing board time
and time again. Remember, as a fashion director you are responsible for
the image of a brand; you produce something that the whole world will
see. People will base their opinions on what you present to them. As one
of the top fashion jobs in the industry, the pressure is on!

Fashion Jobs – The List Goes On

5. Fashion Forecaster

Probably
one of the highest ranking careers in the fashion industry, fashion
forecasters do just that, forecast the future trends and styles. This is
much more sophisticated than forecasting the weather. Not only does a
fashion forecaster need to have in depth knowledge of fashion but he or
she must also be creative and surely have the skills necessary to
research and analyze potential trends, colors, fabrics and patterns.
Fashion forecasters seek inspiration in everything from movies, music,
even science and technology. Getting a position as a fashion forecaster
is one of the most prestigious of all fashion jobs you could aspire to.

6. Fashion Stylist

A
fashion stylist has the easy (or is it?) task of making someone look
good. A stylist must be familiar with what colors, fabrics and styles
work best to flatter someone’s shape while also knowing ways to
accessorize and finish the perfect outfit. Fashion stylists are
responsible for picking the best pieces for photoshoots, events, etc.
and putting them together for the final product. A stylist’s reputation
lies on how good the client looks and, in the case of ad campaigns,
whether or not the stylist can communicate the image and vision of a
product. Don’t be surprised if, as a fashion stylist, you find yourself
traveling for motivation or shopping for clothing, or even spending a
day (or a few) revamping a client’s closet. Finding fashion jobs for
stylists can be as uncomplicated as working as a personal shopper or
styling photo shoots for websites or local magazines or newspapers.

7. Fashion Photographer

It’s
not just about knowing just how to take a good picture. Fashion
photographers basically have two fields to be good at: fashion and
photography. The photography part consists of knowing what angles,
lighting, etc. As far as the fashion, photographers really need to be
experts in that as well. A fashion photographer should always know what
the best trends are, top designers, top fashion events and any other
heavy hitter aspects of the industry. Fashion jobs in this field can
consist of taking pictures for model portfolios, ad campaigns, and
fashion shows. Fashion photographers are responsible for producing a
shot that requires excellent technical skills and extensive fashion
knowledge. For example, when a fashion photographer goes to shoot at a
fashion show he or she must know exactly when to snap the shot of that
model wearing the flowing dress. The picture must showcase how the
fabric moves and flows instead of displaying a dress that falls limp and
drags on the floor. A fashion photographer works hand in hand with
stylists, makeup artists and models to ensure that the final product is
efficient in sending a visual message.

8. Fashion Editor

Fashion
editors supervise the direction of a fashion publication, website and
other media. They are in charge for editing a fashion writer’s work,
making suggestions, and researching the possibilities of future stories.
Fashion writers must be aware of trends and classics to assure that
coverage is provided for the target audience. A fashion editor works
under the pressure of meeting deadlines, supervising writers,
discovering features and fresh ideas all while staying current on the
industry and scanning the levels of competition. Some of the qualities
necessary for one of these fashion jobs are being organized, punctual,
able to communicate verbally and have impeccable writing and
journalistic skills. Being one of the most competitive fashion jobs in
the industry, a fashion editor should be ready to put some hard work in
and spend long nights brewing up excellent, creative content.

9. Fashion Writer

Being
a fashion writer is not as easy as picking up a pen and paper (or
laptop, tablet, etc.) but includes extensive amounts of research.
Fashion writers must be current on their knowledge of fashion and
creative when drumming up writing ideas. Of course, outstanding writing
skills are a must and meeting deadlines are also fundamental in this
career. Fashion writers can execute interviews, cover fashion events and
supply reviews of products. You have a choice of working as a freelance
writer, with television shows, websites, blogs, smaller publications
like local magazines and newspapers or with major publications such as
Vogue or Elle, among others. This is one of those fashion jobs where you
can find many opportunities and can be fairly simple to get started.

10. Fashion PR (Fashion Public Relations)

Creating
a good consumer opinion is of the utmost importance for this fashion
job. Where advertising and marketing can create a consumer desire to
purchase a certain fashion item, public relations handles the image in
its relation to the public eye. Public opinion can gauge the success and
longevity of a company. Out of all the fashion jobs mentioned, fashion
pr is the piece that ties it all together.

Fashion Jobs that Require WORK!

Whatever
one of these fashion jobs you determine to make your career, remember
that in such a reasonably competitive industry it’s important to put in a
lot of hard work and to be determined. All employers look for something
that make their next hire special and capable of making their
publication, line, show, or website shine amongst the rest. What is it
that you have to offer that others don’t have? How motivated are you?
Tell us, which one of these fashion jobs appeal to you the most?

A blast from the past, cropped tops add flirty texture and shape to any outfit. Pair short crop tops with longer tanks or long sleeves, or show a little hip. Vintage patterns, sheer fabrics and flirty florals can help you pull off the low-effort feminine look.

Next we’ll jump to peasant blouses. Peasant blouses add a sweet, sensual touch to any outfit. Delicate lacey knits and smocked patterned tops add flow to any look and make a great layering piece. Some peasant tops also come off the shoulder simply amplifying your sugar and spice.

Third on our list are sheer blouses. Translucency can be a beautiful thing. Sheer blouses can be used as a more intimate layer over a bandeau or under a jacket. Sheer tops add depth, dimension, and fluidity to any outfit and can be paired with relaxed denim, a skirt, or patterned shorts.

Off the shoulder tops are not just a garment from the 80s. Off the shoulder tops add a little softness to any look with delicate ruffles, vintage patterns, and finely detailed fabrics. Stitched into vintage cuts with free flowing fabrics, shoppers will find new off the shoulder sweaters girly and super sweet for the fall.

Next on our list for the fall are cotton tunics. Cotton tunics can be warm & fun for those chillier evenings & come in so many colors, textures, and patterns its impossible to name them all. Varying necklines, fabric textures, knits, cuts, and colors, these tunics are must haves for the fall. Flowing, airy fabrics are perfect for warm weather and can be layered as the autumn air grows colder. Whether your style is flirty, edgy, earthy, or anywhere in between, cotton tunics provide the flexibility to match several styles.

Tunic sweaters are the final item on our fall 2011 list. Tunic sweaters are a must have as the weather gets colder. Shoppers will find that tunic sweaters come in a variety of romantic knits, lower necklines, chic silhouettes, and sweet sleeve lengths. Tunic sweaters can be paired with leggings and boots, or worn as a dress, cinched in with a boho belt and dressed up with platforms. Long tunic sweaters create a cute relaxed silhouette that says effortless yet sweet and sexy.

With all of the new fashions created every season, it’s hard to keep up with all of the changing styles. The above guide should push anyone with fashion questions for this fall in the right direction. Whether you’re short or tall, a double zero or a 14, peasant blouses, sheer blouses, cotton tunics & tunics sweaters are just some of the ideas to make this season comfortable & fashionable.

The question is not What to wear with Ugg Boots?, its more like, Is there anything you cant wear with Ugg Boots? This popular style of boot is so versatile and can be worn with just about anything. Few fashion rules apply when you are considering Ugg Boots. Ugg Boots start out by breaking just about every fashion rule you can think of, then creates a whole new set of fashion rules!

Part of what makes Ugg Boots so versatile and popular is having so many styles and colors to choose from, the enormous selection is key. Styles range from super casual classic mid-calf height boots in a natural tan color to the tall, funky, furry pink boots. And, Ugg Boots can come in dyed sheepskin thats any color in your imagination.

Nobody saw this trend coming, and now people wear Ugg Boots to work, out to clubs, at restaurants, on the ski slopes, and on the beach. With any look, Ugg Boots can work. Every type of person is wearing Ugg Boots, too, from men to women to children to celebrities. Anyone can find a great pair of Ugg Boots in their size.

Cant imagine wearing Ugg Boots to the beach? Yes, it sounds crazy, but this is really how these odd-looking woolly wonders really got started as a craze. In the 1970s, Aussie surfers wore the sheepskin boots to keep their feet warm after they got out of the cold surf. Those Australians already knew about the great features of Uggs, and they became an essential part of every surfers gear, just as critical as the surfboard itself. With the onset of global interest in surfing, Ugg Boots just rode that wave, and were soon in the United States, too, gaining popularity. The rest is, well, history.

Because Ugg Boots are made from genuine Australian Merino sheepskin, they can be worn in all types of weather. Although most people think of cold weather when they think about wearing boots, and its true that Uggs will keep you super cozy and warm, the sheepskin allows your feet to breathe and can be worn in warmer temps as well. The natural fibers have a wicking action that draws moisture away from the skin, keeping your feet dry.

Not only are they cozy, but very comfortable, too. Ugg Boots fit like a second skin. And, the comfort is really why people keep wearing them. Whether you prefer tall or short style; boots, clogs or slippers; or anything in between, youll find Ugg Boots to feel great on your feet. With the details that range from tie laces to top-stitching to buckles to snaps, anything goes with Ugg Boots. From ultra-feminine to rugged male, Ugg has the look.

Time to think outside of the regular fashion box and use your imagination. Find some Ugg Boots and start wearing them everywhere. Work, dinner, or just hanging around, Ugg Boots are the answer. You dont have to be a surfer, a shepherd, or a celebrity to enjoy Ugg Bootseverybodys doing it, why not you? And because you can wear them with just about anything, Ugg Boots make a great wardrobe investment.