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When it comes to a beautiful outfit, nothing completes a look like a well-chosen fashion accessory. You may be wearing the perfect little black dress or the sleek and sophisticated pant suit but until you pair it with a fashion accessory it never quite becomes the full expression of which it is capable.

A fashion accessory can mean many different things to different people. For the shoe enthusiasts among us, no outfit is worth wearing without a stunning and complementary pair of shoes. There are certainly a bevy of beautiful shoes on the market today made by creative designers who know what looks good. But don’t be afraid to check out vintage stores where you could easily find a pair of classic shoes reflective of that period in history. Pairing the contemporary with the vintage is a great way to create drama and interest.

For others, a fashion accessory may mean a unique belt that goes with a great pair of jeans – taking the ordinary to the extraordinary; or a purse to offset elegant eveningwear. Ladies’ handbags are always popular vintage items, so you’ll be sure to find a number of beautiful bags in antique stores. Carrying a vintage bag to an elegant evening affair is a trend even seen on Hollywood’s red carpets.

However, when most people think of a fashion accessory they think of jewelry. Jewelry as a fashion accessory can complement any outfit and lend itself to casual clothing as well as eveningwear because of its versatility. Diamonds, crystal, silver, and gold – the jewelry that you choose will define your look; nothing changes the look of an outfit more. For this reason, jewelry is by far the most influential fashion accessory.

Finding the fashion accessory that complements a particular outfit depends largely on your personal style. That perfect fashion accessory may be waiting for you at your nearby mall or large retail store. But when looking for a unique fashion accessory it’s imperative that you think creatively.

Hit the local antique stores where you will find a nod to the vintage fashion accessory. Pair a modern pair of pants with a 1950s piece of jewelry or a contemporary evening dress with an elegant 1920s scarf. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the fashion accessory. With the addition of a few pieces you are able to infuse the outfit with your personal style and elevate your look to the next level.

For easy to understand, in depth information about fashion visit our ezGuide 2 Fashion.

Author: Michelle Bery
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Fashion can be influenced from a lot of different places, but more often than not, those influences seem to come from whatever’s hot in pop culture.

We’ve seen this happen time and time again, where a cultural phenomenon plays a major role in what trendy dresses and outfits become popular. This can occur when celebrities are seen wearing something, and it can also occur with the right kind of marketing campaign.

However, as seen at this Fall’s Fashion Week in New York City, it occurred because of a television show.

That’s right. The American dramatic television series Mad Men on the cable network AMC is bringing 1960′s retro style dresses and clothing back into popular culture, and nowhere was this more obvious than the runway of New York City’s most recent fashion week.

The television show, which is based in the 1960s and started its fourth season in July this past summer, offers a reformed, lady-like style that shares both classy and sexy qualities. The style for these vintage style dresses has been influenced mostly by the character Joan, a bombshell secretary in Mad Men played by Christina Hendricks. According to NeonTommy.com, Joan is constantly seen “showing off her hourglass frame with low dcolletage and solid pencil-skirted dresses in bright turquoise, pink, and cherry red,” and it is her image that should be most credited with the increase in the 1960s style in current fashion.

And for all you keeping score at home, Alison Brie, one of the female characters in the show, was spotted at several NYC Fashion Week events wearing “a retro lilac dress with pleating and floral detail and a draped nude long-sleeved mini-dress.”

What perhaps makes this jump back to vintage style dresses and clothing even more remarkable is how pop icons like Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga have done everything they can to send the fashion world in the opposite direction. With shock-value outfits and mini-skirts the size of rubber bands, the trendy dresses worn by these pop-icons are about as opposite as the retro style dresses seen in Mad Men as could be. Just a few weeks ago Lady Gaga went to the VMAs wearing a dress entirely made up of red meat. Yes, REAL meat.

And yet, its AMCs Mad Men that is setting the fashion trends…. not the barely dressed pop-singers. In a recent poll on AskMen.com, Mad Men fictional main character Don Draper was voted America’s most influential man, (beating out Usain Bolt, President Obama, and Mark Zuckerberg). Who knew this meant in the world of fashion as well?

MessesofDresses.com is your source for indie and vintage style clothing, whether you’re looking for trendy dresses and rompers or retro style dresses with a modern flair. Next time you’re shopping for mod clothing, give us a try!

Author: Mark Etinger
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Fashion design may appear to be a glamorous profession with branded clothing and accessories. However, a lot of hard work goes into the creation of a designer item. Creation of a design involves a multi-step process. The designer has to keep in the mind not only the theme of the design but also how to create that design. This requires a proper selection of fashion supplies.

The designer has information of all the work aids. These include pattern masters, rulers, French curves and setsquares with engraved markings. A Pattern master comes in different sizes for cutting patterns, while a flexi curve draws the design along it. A metric vary form curve helps in the creation of flowing lines.

The colorings of designs require color pastel and high quality charcoal sticks.

The designers also need a hem maker for making chalk lines at the hem length of the cloth.

Other supplies include the grader ruler, which is used for measuring curves. The designers also use the fashion scale, which contains curves for making armholes, necklines and sleeves.

Another item that helps in the process of style planning is the fashion tape. It is used for fixing up the designed outfit on the dress stand.

Both amateur and the professional artists use non water-soluble pencils in the process of designing the outfits. In addition to these supplies, there are the pin holders used for pinning the fabric.

The other essential supplies are the dressmaking dummies and the tailors bust forms that assist in cutting of the patterns and making samples.

The fashion designers need carrying cases for carrying their sketches, patterns, fabric or incomplete garments from one place to another. The wallets are also used by the designers to carry their fashion portfolios.

All these supplies put together help a fashion designer complete his job in the best possible manner. From the first sketch to the final outfit, these fashion supplies are almost indispensable.

Fashion Design [http://www.e-FashionDesign.com] provides detailed information on Fashion Design, Fashion Design Schools, Fashion Design Programs, Fashion Design Games and more. Fashion Design is affiliated with Fabric Hammocks.

Author: Jennifer Bailey
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Saying one’s adieu to the summer season is a bittersweet affair. With the withering of leaves comes the layering of clothes, but fortunately for us, this fall season’s top trends defy the droll bleakness that can sometimes accompany the fall and winter seasons with sleek and trim fits, vivid colors, and the revitalization of spruced up golden-oldies. Luckily, you don’t have to go and start throwing out your tucked away winter clothes. This season’s trends are accents and are here to help men do something they’re not given many opportunities to do: accessorize. There’s nothing like a good suit, of course, but why must it end there? Is it hard to straddle the lines between classic masculinity and a little menswear showmanship? This fall get ready to have a little fun with your wardrobe without feeling like you’re taking a risk.

Trend # 1: SUSPENDERS
Grandpas and newsies – that’s the extent of the suspenders’ prior versatility. This fall, try
pairing your suspenders with a nice white poplin collar shirt (poplins are great because they’re durable and hard to wrinkle, which can help when suspenders are pressing up against your shirt all day), a tie, and a pair of slim-cut flannel or tweed pants and you’re set to go to the office. Or if you feel like taking them out for a try out on the town, skip the buttons and the knots and try them on a fitted pair of slacks and a slim-cut hoodie, as seen in Emporio Armani’s fall menswear collection. Don’t shy away from adding a bit of color either. Suspenders in lavish fire engine red were seen in Adam Kimmel’s line and even in braided leather on army fatigue pants in the DSquared2 collection.

Trend # 2: VIBRANT PANTS
Earth tones, black and white: signature colors for the season that have been around since
time immemorial. Shirts, pants and coats in any combination of these colors can be found
in any man’s closet (as well they should – a classic never dies), but there is room for flexibility. Mustard, cerulean, moss, violet, cadmium – they’re all showing up, no – not just in dress shirts, but in men’s pants. Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith both explored a fun mongrelization of every man’s favorite hybrid, the “business-casual” look by going maybe one step further. Blazers, collared shirts and ties paired with very form-fitting, vibrant colored pants added a most welcome pizzazz to a golden oldie. If you’re leaning more towards the right side of that spectrum, make sure to style those colors with a more loose-fitted pant and try them with some lace-up boots (more on this particular article a little bit later) and a knitted jacket for a fun, sporty, ski-gear look.

Trend # 3: BOW TIES
Now, this we didn’t really see coming, but boy it works! The bowtie is a welcome respite for those bound to the 9 to 5 necktie day in and day out. Finally the bowtie is now extricable from the tuxedo á la Golden-Age of Hollywood. This fall, the use of the bowtie rids itself of the suit jacket altogether and finds a home in a more casual setting. Wear your tie with a cardigan over a buttoned-up collared shirts and tapered pants. Make sure to add a print or design in there, either above or below for a more faceted execution. Tartans/plaids and bowties have become this season’s perfect odd-couple. Finish off your look with a sleek pair of dress shoes. If you’re dead-set on wearing sneakers, a pair of John Varvatos Converse shoes should pull the look together perfectly.

Trend # 4: LACE-UP BOOTS
Lace-up boots stomped their way down many catwalks for this fall’s runway collections. It seems there was an immediate understanding amongst designers that lace-up boots were in, but boot-cut pants were out! Whether the boots come halfway up your calf or just above your ankle, make sure of one thing: show those laces. Feel free to roll those jeans up to expose the sleekness and overt butchness of the boot and pair it with a hefty, lined parka or duster. Or, take a more sophisticated route, with the most fatalistic aplomb by Neil Barrett in his spy-game “Tuxedo Ski” collection, where the tuxedo stayed intact and the perfectly fitted pant hid behind the boot. Sans the overly formal jacket, heed Mr. Barrett’s advice and replace it with a shiny, rained-slicked motorcycle jacket. The look is to die for. And if those picture-perfect Salvatore Ferragamo’s are too far out of your reach, check out Kenneth Cole’s “Moonrise” boot in either brown or black. They have an astronaut-skater sneaker look at the bottom and end at the shin in an almost Doc Martin styled combat boot, lined in fleece fabric.

Trend # 5: DARK DENIM
Now that the intensely hot summer sun has begun to dissipate a bit, it is safe once again to wear dark denim. There was hardly a piece of Donna Karan’s DKNY collection that didn’t come down the runway in dark denim jeans. Charcoal grays and opaque, onyx blacks give a certain sense of sophistication when combined with a blazer, dress shirt and tie. It provides a certain sleekness without looking uncomfortable and compartmentalized in an overly formal pair of work slacks. But to offset the dramatic effect of these dark hues, make sure to offset your outfit with at least one colorful article, be it a scarf, vest, or even a belt.

Trend # 6: SHEARLING
Simple nylons and polyesters are not going to cut it this fall and winter season. Instead, start looking for coats, bomber jackets, even boots, lined with shearling. Shearling is a beautifully uniformed lambskin pelt that is highly durable and very comfortable to wear during the fall and winter seasons that helps to keep you warm from the oppressive snow and even helps to keep away moisture during the rainy spring season. Because it is a lambskin pelt that has only been sheared once, the look and feel of shearling is smooth, uninterrupted. It’s a very graceful texture; and yet, highly versatile. If you’re looking for a signature shearling piece this season, check out Zegna’s stunning bomber jackets, especially the baby calf patina shearling lined bomber, which was seen worn over a pure wool workers suit and tucked under shearling lined boots. The high-definition Red Baron apparel was a true showstopper. The look was very stylistic, but with just the perfect touch of demure. So gents, whether its a Dr. Zhivago hat, a long duster coat, or shearling-lined boots, one thing is for sure: this season, staying warm in shearling goes well with anything!

Trend # 7: TUXEDO SHIRTS
Dash it all into the fray seems to be the season’s dominant fashion protocol. The displacement of the suspender, the bowtie and the tuxedo shirt from strictly formal to casual-sportswear continues to blur the restriction lines of men’s apparel. Viktor & Rolf offers a classic, yet beautiful take on the tuxedo shirt. The fashion line pairs the crisp, vibrant white shirt with a nicely tailored heather-gray pair of slacks, but offset by a camel and bone striped belt. This fall, the tux shirt transcends its old dowdiness and steps into an almost hipster-sphere of style. But of course, in keeping with fall’s knockout combo of mixing genres and infusing color, don’t feel that white is the only way to go. Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo deviate from the menswear rulebook and garner their respective tuxedo shirts in thick and bold gray stripes and in a metallic midnight blue. Remember to not feel bound to combining the tuxedo shirt with tuxedo pants. Black skinny jeans or slacks provide the perfect balance of not too formal and not too sporty. Add a fitted jacket and maybe even a beanie to the mix and you’ve got a Telluride James Bond look working for you.

Trend # 8: COATS AND JACKETS
In Milan, Berlin, Los Angeles and New York, the exuberant coats and jackets that went down the runways were highlighting points of focus. Coats took center stage, muting the energy of its accompanying pieces – keeping the collections feeling animated and not bombastic. Imbued in golds, purples, and camel-suedes, Wall Street’s sense of style will grow a bit of muscle this fall. And with bomber jackets lined in fleece, officer coats rejuvenated with epaulets and asymmetrical tailoring, the season’s added bits of flair to the coats, draped over the a work shirt and pants will show a man who is confident in both his sense of style and his masculinity.

Trend # 9: MESSENGER BAGS
Leave the suitcase at home for a change and add a bit of youth to the office commute with a canvas or leather tote messenger bag. The suitcase has become arcane; the messenger bag has started to usurp it of its staple stature. Prada bags have always been popular, and naturally, they show a dual taste and refinement. For men, the popularity of Jack Spade’s messenger bags have grown exponentially in the past two years. They’re compact, tailored beautifully and come in wonderful plush colors. If you’re looking for something a bit special, check out Highway bags, located in Nolita in New York City. The leather and nylon bags of Highway have original textures, creative colors and great functionality, and compared to the other two highly marketed brands, these are quite affordable for their aesthetics and uniqueness.

Trend # 10: TARTANS & PLAIDS
Plaids and tartans are the most ubiquitous trend of the fall and since they didn’t ever really go away, its easier for men to embrace the boldness of these patterns. Plaids are a surefire antidote to the winter ennui of black and white quite possibly the most versatile tool a man can use to liven up his wardrobe. Ties and scarves have been the dominant accessories to don these patterns, but try to kill two birds with one stone and look for some plaid suspenders or even pants, as seen in the new Band of Outsiders collection, which combines red and black tartan pants with a periwinkle blue poplin collar shirt under a vest and topped off with a big muskrat hat.

Alexander Patino
Junior Editor, Men’s Style & Product Trends
http://www.fashionqanda.com
877-STYL-411

Author: Alexander Patino
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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