Springtime Fashion Tips

Show me a woman who does not want to look fashionable? Every woman want to look and feel attractive and sometimes the quest for the best look can be a financial drain. This year, however, is a good year as there is being offered very attractive and well designed spring time fashion that will not break the budget.

One of the most popular apparels is the T shirt because they keep cool during hot days and they keep for a long time. On top of that, the older it gets the more comfortable the wear is. But T-shirts are not just relegated to tops they can be designed as dresses too. Cotton knit or T-shirts are very comfortable to wear because of the way the fabric feels to the skin. There are now dresses which complement the T shirt and they are just as comfortable as oversized shirts but more attractively cut and designed that will look attractive to any size and shape.

Denims and jeans have been around for hundreds of years and they remain popular because of the durable material which can be made in so many different clothing apparel: belts, bags, jeans, and jackets. Denim is a versatile material and now designers have innovative denim designs that may influence the look of the material from traditional and plain to glitzy and glamorous in some and even floral in others. The innovative cuts and designs are a nice surprise for those who love the denim look.

Jumpsuits may be old news, but new designs are now coming out with silky and attractive colors that enhance a woman's figure attractively. Choose colors that make the body look slim and tall, accent with a nice piece of attractive jewellery and probably some high stilettos and you're done.

Shorts are a mainstay in spring fashion. Don't get stuck on Bermuda shorts that are floral all the time, or even denim ones which had been cut from pants. Turn to silky shorts that look comfortable and cool on the body. Choose colors that are jewel toned to celebrate spring and top off with a nice sleeveless silk shirt. One can still look elegant in even in shorts, as long as the material depicts elegance and not slouchiness.

Spring means profusion of flowers and that means a confusion of floral colors, there is no right or wrong as long as the colors reflect the colors of the blooms that come out in spring. Find the perfect color and tone that makes your skin look translucent and not sallow. Once that color is found, pair them off with other colors that may enhance it.

Look for fresh patterns instead of just plain colors. Plaid is a good design if you like it and you look good in it. Wear plaids with a pair of nice ballet flats for easy comfort.

Great Outfitter Denim Rocks Fashion & Retail Sales

Denim has changed radically in past few years, from basic work clothing, to a high-end stylish and fashion oriented attire. Denim is presently a 10 billion dollar industry in the US. From retailer selling in mass market to exclusive couture designers, everyone has identified denim as a profitable business.

The apparel industry veterans are amazed by the success of denim. Reviewing recent sales-graph and fiscal year results of the leading retailers and brands, the analysts forecast a better future for denim on condition that the product should appeal different to the consumer looking while sustaining the traditional fabric.

The American consumers approximately purchase 450 million pairs of jeans per year. The denim market has been performing well, except for a drop in the sales was witnessed because of stiff competition with the alternative products like cargos, fatigues, cotton combat and khaki trousers, which led market at a saturation point in mid 2004.

The saturation in the denim market was a result coming-out of garments and fabric in developing countries, due to the elimination of a quota system, in the beginning of 2005. However, the denim industry emerged again during 2005-2006. The evergreen work-wear fabric is back on track with the efforts of companies, such as ITG, Levi Strauss & Co., VF Corporation, American Eagle Outfitters and Perry Ellis performed well throughout 2005.
American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters come into view as triumph last year, emerging as leader in specialty store brands for the age group of 15 to 25. Comparing the $143.4 million sales month which ended April 30, 2005, the company recorded 25% climb in sales for April 29, 2006. The month of April depicted an optimistic consumer response to the company's excellent initiatives for product assortments, designed for spring and summer that were also focused at other age groups.

The success standing behind, American Eagle Outfitters, in the denim market, is an outcome of right allocation of initiatives for various market phases. The perfect blend of the American West with European touch was the key reason of the gained success.

American Eagle Outfitters is a leading retailer that designs, markets, and sells it's own brand of laidback, current clothing for 15 to 25 year old, providing high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. AE's original collection includes standards like jeans and graphic T's as well as essentials like accessories, outer wear, footwear, basics and swim wear.
ITG

Identifying the opportunities for growth in denim market, the Cone Denim business of International Textile Group (ITG) is focusing to meet its growing demand by making sourcing based in African developing countries. The company has recently taken initiatives to set-up a 28 million yard capacity denim plant in Nicaragua. This plant is anticipated to generate employment for nearly 750 people.

The Company has also announced that its Burlington WorldWide division plans to build a state-of-the-art cotton manufacturing complex in DaNang, Vietnam. The complex will be a joint venture operation called Burlington Phong Phu Supply Chain City, 60 percent owned by a subsidiary of ITG (a WL Ross & Co company) and 40 percent owned by Phong Phu Corporation, one of the largest textile and garment enterprises in Vietnam. The investment will exceed US$80 million.

International Textile Group, Inc. was organized in March 2004, by Wilbur L.Ross, to combine the assets of Burlington Industries and Cone Mills. ITG is a diverse, innovative provider of global textile solutions and distinguished market brands to apparel and interior furnishing customers worldwide. ITG operates four business units: Cone Denim, Burlington Worldwide (apparel fabrics), Interior Fabrics, Carlisle Finishing, and is affiliated with Nano-Tex.

Perry Ellis International

In a move to produce and distribute Levi's Dockers men's outer wear again in the US and Mexico, Perry Ellis International has entered an agreement with Levi Strauss & Co. for another strategic alliance. Dockers is considered as a world class brand that reveals the American style. The company plans to run the segment as a separate unit with the help and experienced of designers in Seattle.

Both companies have agreed in terms to distribute the brand through December 2009, with a renewal period by Dec 2012. The product line includes men's coats, denim jackets, and synthetic fleece. Perry Ellis will start delivering the product this month into selected stores and networks.

Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor, and licensor of a broad line of high quality men's and women's apparel, accessories, and fragrances, including: dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress and casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear, and men's and women's swimwear to all major levels of retail distribution.

The company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of highly recognized brands including Perry Ellis, Jantzen, Cubavera, Munsingwear, Savane, Original Penguin, Grand Slam, Natural Issue, Pro Player, the Havanera Co., Axis, Tricots St. Raphael, Gotcha, Girl Star, and MCD. The company is also licensed to trademark from third parties including: Dockers for outerwear, Nike for swimwear, PING and PGA TOUR for golf apparel.
Levi Strauss & Co.

Meanwhile, the clothing giant, Levi Strauss & Co. has projected denim as a reputable outer wear. The company has reported a climb in net income for the Q1 FY2005-06 compared with last year. Even sales slipped, net income was up taking denim to the higher level of market. The company is already in the middle of transformation business to Europe, which will result the product assortment featuring more fashion and style.

The introduction of super-slim cigarette denim pant is an initial launch to this season. The looks of this collection can be ruthless at times, however, with the appropriate match it gives a nice slim look. The reason behind success to this collection is long and bunchy looks at the bottom that put one in illusion about the length of the pant.

Levi Strauss & Co is one of the world's leading branded apparel companies, marketing its products in more than 100 countries worldwide. Jeans giant Levi Strauss & Co has launched a new corporate Website at: http://www.levistrauss.com.

The site provides consumers, students, potential employees, news media, investors and anyone interested in Levi Strauss and Co.'s rich, 153-year history with easy access to current and historical information about the company.

Levi Strauss & Co. designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories under the Levi's, Dockers and Levi Strauss Signature brands.

VF Corporation

VF Corporation has recorded a climb in full year earnings guidance, on a strong Q1 performance. Significantly, performance this year is being led by a powerful strategy for organic growth. The company is anticipating a climb in revenues by 6 to 7%, led by the momentum in outdoor alliances and higher anticipated revenues from its local Jeans wear business.

VF Corp. is planning to enter Indian markets through an equity joint venture with Arvind Mills. Licensing agreement between Arvind Mills and VF Corporation includes brands like Lee, Wrangler and Nautica. Both are likely to enter in 50:50 partnerships.

VF Corporation is a leader in branded apparel including: jeans wear, outdoor products, intimate apparel, image apparel, and sportswear. It's principal brands include: Lee, Wrangler, Riders, Rustler,Vanity Fair, Vassarette, Bestform, Lily of France, Nautica, John Varvatos, JanSport, Eastpak, The North Face, Vans, Napapijri, Kipling, Lee Sport, and Red Kap.

Get Some Fashionable Advice

How should you proceed if you want tips, hints and advice on improving your fashion sense? Well, the traditional source of information has always been fashion magazines. People are even used to newspapers which often follow fashion trends. However, you will always get general information and will find it very difficult to get specific information suited to your requirements.

Of course, it is unreasonable to blame fashion magazines because they have to cater to a wide range of customers. In such a scenario, you would do well to log on to the internet and make use of the web and its fantastic resources.

You can use forums and get in touch with other individuals who are as keen on improving their fashion sense as you are. You can convert your individual attempt into a group attempt and learn jointly. Not only will this help you pool your resources, it will also help you learn faster.

Secondly, you can get in touch with different experts by contacting them through their blogs. Experts often provide latest tips, hints and other information and details relating to fashion. You just have to follow the same and enjoy the benefits. This information is available for free but would be directly from the experts.

Thirdly, you can make use of news and other websites that provide up to date information about fashion trends on a constant basis. This will definitely make it easier for you to get all the information you need. What is more, you can verify each and every point you find so that you are confident of taking the right fashion decision.

You can contribute your views and help other persons learn the same way you have learned. This simple resource is available for free and can be utilized without even stepping out of your house.

Fashion New Year's Resolutions

Give yourself a mini fashion makeover

Resolutions take on many forms; the good news is that they don't all have to include giving up cheesecake and your morning lattes. Now is the time to set your fashion New Year's Resolutions, and start 2008 with your best (and most stylish) foot forward.

1. Clean out your closet. As the nights get colder, you need something to do right? Why not get a jump start on Spring cleaning? Donate, consign or give away clothes you haven't worn in a year or are too big/small.

2. Make a resolution to only buy clothes in your true size. No more buying clothes that are too small as motivation for the diet you plan to start next week/month, etc. Also don't buy clothes or shoes that are too big or too small simply because they're on sale. I know this is a toughy. I found a pair of Christian Louboutin booties last week at Barney's for $300 and I had to pass because they were a full size too big. Trust me, I considered how I could make it work (shoe inserts?). You'll save money and heartache.

3. Buy a new handbag. I will need to preface this by saying that if you're a handbag-a-holic and buy a new one every week, your resolution might be to buy less handbags. Instead, put the money into a retirement fund, or at least buy something different ... like shoes! But if you've been carrying around the same tired Coach purse since 2002, I think it's time you splurged and bought a new handbag. Look for one that's sturdy and made to last in addition to being stylish. If you want your handbag to outlast trends, stick to classic designs. The Chloe Paddington Classic Satchel is, well, classic. When shopping for a timeless handbag, stay away from trendy texturing (like quilted or sequined bags) and other flashy accessories that could lose their luster after a season. If you're all about the here and now, by all means buy the trendiest bags.

4. Be a trendsetter. Instead of waiting for your friends to try out a new trend, go ahead and blaze new trails by being the first in your group to try something a little daring. Sheer fabrics are the next big trend--don't be afraid to show a little skin! The Cynthia Steffe Sheer Striped Dress is just enough sheer to pique interest but retain all the mystery.

5. Go for a higher heel. If I could count how many times other women have asked me how I can "walk in those things" while making a face at my teetering stilletoes, I'd be rich. But you know what ? My legs sure do look fantastic when I wear heels! If you find them uncomfortable, you don't have to wear them everyday; save them for a special occasion when you want to look super sexy. It's okay to start small--try going up one half inch. You don't have to go all SJP; the Python Platform Pump from CO-OP Barneys New York are sultry and sensible, plus they're on sale. Get 'em while they last!

What's your fashion resolution?

Style, Fashion and Personal Style - The Pressure and the Opportunity

Today, fashion is increasingly about personal style, taking the trends and making them your own. Women embrace fashion and use style to express their personality, but for many the pressure to create personal style is overwhelming.

Our world is more and more about image and how fashion and style apply to it. These changes are influencing our desire and ability to incorporate style in our own lives. The major market influencers are:

- Our increased interest in celebrities
- The adoption of all body shapes and sizes
- The mainstream availability of more affordable, fashionable clothing
- Hot, hip, stylish and sexy - 30s, 40s, 50s
- Women have less to spend on clothing

Celebrities are everywhere and we want to know everything about them. Where they go and what they wear are big news. They adorn the covers of our favorite magazines and endorse our coveted luxury items. We follow their every fashion move, we want what they have; Louis Vuitton bags, the "it" designer jeans, Gucci sunglasses...the list goes on. Celebrities today not only wear the latest and greatest fashions but they define what fashion is. All this media exposure drives the 'want' factor of fashion. We want what they have.

Celebrities are influential and getting more and more attention, exposure and mindshare every day. This can be further seen by the explosion of celebrities as cover models on our favorite magazines. Years ago fashion models were the cover models of fashion magazines, but today it is the stars of the big/small screen and music industry. Not only is their photo on the cover, but they are a prominent story that month.

"Jennifer Lopez: Is Soooo Back, on Marc, the Exes, and Her Tell-All Album," Elle, February, 2010
"Christina Aguilera: I'm a Different Person Now," Marie Claire, February, 2010
Oprah, "Don't Change Your Body...Change Your Jeans! Find Your Dream Fit," O The Oprah Magazine, February, 2010

Adoption of all bodies. The increased coverage and variety of celebrities has also opened the door to what we perceive as beautiful. We are slowly changing the old stereotype of beauty. No longer is it solely defined by that perfect, 18-year-old, 6 foot, super skinny, supermodel of the past. Today we are exposed to a wide range of ages, bodies and styles - Taylor Swift and Hillary Duff to Madonna and Catherine Zeta Jones...Jennifer Aniston and Eva Longoria to Oprah and Queen Latifah...Drew Barrymore and Kate Hudson to Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Mainstream fashion availability & affordability. Fashion has gone main-stream. High-end clothing designers create designer wear for mainstream retailers like Target and Wal-Mart. This availability of affordable, stylish clothing allows women to be more stylish and elevates the expectation of higher fashion and style for all. Stores like H&M and Forever 21 have opened many doors for women to embrace the latest fashion offerings at extremely affordable prices. This is both a blessing and a curse; women have the opportunity to find and afford more fashionable clothing, but also have greater pressure to be fashionable.

Hot, Hip, Stylish and Sexy - 30s, 40s, 50s. Thirty is the new Twenty, Forty is the new Thirty and Fifty is the new Forty - and the definitions of hot women in their 30s and 40s+ as Puma's and Cougar's proves sexy no longer has an age limit. Madonna, Elle MacPherson, Teri Hatcher, Heather Locklear, Kim Cattrall, Halle Berry, Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Diane Lane...they are all over 40. For women of all ages this is power. Style and beauty are not only for the 20-somethings. Women of any age and body type can look good, and when you look good, you feel good. Women want to look good, really good...no matter what their age.

Women have less to spend on clothing. The pressure of society to be stylish coupled with our global financial challenges makes shopping for a new wardrobe challenging. Today women are spending less. As per the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ survey, "84% of female respondents have the same to less money to spend on clothing this year versus last year (2009 vs. 2008)." So with less to spend it is critical to spend smartly. "Women are definitely being more careful about how and what they are spending on clothing... They are taking their time to assure themselves that they are making a smart choice," Joanne Stoner, edressme.com.

In Summary women feel the pressure to look good and don't want to waste money along the way. By select the right cuts for their body, colors that flatter, styles that are appropriate and pieces that work for their lifestyle and budget they will be better shoppers and better dressers.

Boho Chic, Boho Style - A Fashion Trend that Focuses on Details

Chances are you're on one side of the fence: you love the Boho style that ruled 2005 or are sick of wearing fashions that make you feel like a newly-eighteen Olsen. The good news is everyone will love what fall and winter fashion has to offer. Fans of the look that made Sienna Miller a fashion icon will definitely love the over-the-top detail that will continue from Boho Chic into fall. Others that never felt comfortable in heavy jewelry, metal-adorned belts and shoes and flowy, diaphanous skirts, the new crop of fashion offers a different approach to rich detail that may make you feel more pulled together than looking like a gypsy.

Bold accessories will remain a staple in every fashion-forward woman's wardrobe. Sorry Boho Chic haters, belts and boots look like they have staying power along with pendants, over-sized earrings, long chains and drop earrings. They may be staying on the shelves, but stones, feathers and shells that decorated the ears of spring and summer's hottest fashionistas will be replaced by rhinestone-encrusted chandeliers and delicate drops. The long necklaces paired with the over-stated earrings will morph slightly from heavy, multi-layered, multi-stone piece to a simpler, chic, one-strand accessory. While the length and materials remain the same (gold still the winner), the detail will shift from Boho's accessories to fall and winter's fabrics.

Ultra-rich fabrics like lace and brocade are the hottest additions to fall and winter lines. Back-again-black along with gray and purple are the most popular for jaw-dropping dresses, frilly tops and tweed trousers that will line racks and closets everywhere in upcoming months. The feminine, flowy look will still be desirable, but it will be achieved with blouson skirts and culottes instead of sheer, floor-length numbers. If you're concerned newer more regal fabrics like velvet, lace and tweed will still look make you look more thirties than twenties, you can still look eclectic-chic by matching new pieces with your favorite over-stated Boho belts and jewelry. If you're still worried about shifting from fun and flirty to dark and serious, mix fabrics to achieve an even more eclectic look: there are NO rules this season about mixing tweeds and velvet or brocades with lace. More than anything, have fun mixing your existing styles with a totally new style to find your personal fit--fall and winter will bring plenty of opportunity to get away with experimenting.

Women in Fashion - Lessons learned from The Devil Wears Prada - 5 Must Know Tips from Movie Fashion

'I think that high heals were invented by a man, he wanted to slow women down so that he could catch up with them'.

For those in the fashion world, whether it is by greater or smaller degree most likely were riveted to the fashions in the movie The Devil Wears Prada, 2006, staring Meryl Streep. Now that it is out on DVD, you might enjoy an evening of just drooling over each and every fashion as it hit the screen. But this time take out your notebook. There are lessons here about fashion that every woman can learn from.

Warning: If you are a great lover of this movie, you can stop here. I don't want to get into a fight but I warn you - I have accessories and I know how to use them.

First, I loved Meryl Streep's in The Devil Wears Prada. I appreciated every definitive movement of Streep's, from the sweep of her hands, her expressive eye movements( that could freeze water into ice and serve them to you in cubes), her majestic walk and her heads up - first in the class attitude. Now in the real world I rather she be nice to people - but that would make a boring movie. Streep in each and every fashion outfit she wore was the epitome of elegance, style and class in this distressed-denim-drenched fashion deprived world. How I watched each scene with envy, appreciation, anticipation and delight.

I bet, I was not alone in the hero worship of one of our favorite bedecked movie icon. Wow. Her silver white silky tresses alone made me reconsider my next bottle of dye. And let us not forget that across the country big girls were hopping up and down - please don't imagine that - celebrating the fashion blessing that Ms. Streep was no size 4.

Ann Hathaway, on the other hand, in the number two role as the much put upon junior assistant, sails through the movie going from Cinder Maid to Cinderella. The majority of the outfits were pin up and "cut out worthy" from our favorite fashion spreads. Ms. Hathaway, sporting a slim trim body once again showed Hollywood's predilection to wafer thin women. At least we were not subjected to bones jutting out from ridiculously sharp collar blades.

Oh, what a delightful succession of fashions that just delighted the eye, inspired the imagination and caused us to dream.

Lessons Learned

Here is how we can take to heart some lessons we learned from the silver screen.

1. Fashion is designed to have you buy something that has the predetermined shelf life of cottage cheese. The scathing comments directed to Ms. Hathaway at the beginning of the movie, clearly indicate that picking your day's attire takes more than sniffing for what's clean and searching for something that doesn't need ironing.
2. That a designer will put a fashion combination on a cover of a magazine that you would never dream of coupling together. Remember the screen when we were stung with not knowing the "proper" belt accessory. Bah humbug. This should remind you that even in the fabulous TV's Sex in the City's there were wardrobe hits and misses. The designers can be experimental, after all, the fashion has a life span of a June bug.
3. That people can pay all too much money for a handbag - after all it is just something to put "stuff" into. Well, just think of a purse is another opportunity to be mismatched with your shoes.
4. Real women will die wearing high heals that are high enough to give you a nose bleed. Be comforted in the fact that you may avoid being crippled later. I think that high heals were invented by a man, he wanted to slow women down so that he could catch up with them. The good news though for those who do not heed my words, that any pair of those shoes could double as a lethal weapon in case of emergency.
5. Even designers have off days, and seasons for that matter. Learn how to just walk away from anything you can't describe what color it is. I believe that one of Hathaway's dresses could best be described as the color of thawing frozen spinach.

But rejoice. Revel in a few moments of pleasure when you were transported to a better place, before your feet must touch down once again to the bosom spilling, acid rubbed, liquidly tight jeans and T-shirts we are forced to see on the streets today.

So maybe, you can forget the plot, turn off the sound, hold on to the remote and fast forward though the movie, to lovingly feast your eyes on "the wardrobe of our dreams". Welcome to fashion heaven.

Promote Your Own Clothing Brand - Top Fashion Networking Sites

Fashion marketing is undergoing a quiet revolution at the moment. Traditionally new fashion designers have had to compete with the major corporate labels through magazine advertising, direct mail, events promotions and if the budget is there, television ad campaigns. The Internet has for a long time been a useful tool for introducing sales leads to your clothing range, but until recently, budget dictated your site's popularity on the net.

Things are rapidly changing, and it is almost all due to the Social Networking phenomenon. You will have no doubt heard of Facebook and MySpace, however over the past couple of years there has been a distinct increase in social community sites that have geared themselves towards the consumer lifestyle market, and in particularly fashion. Many of these online communities run on a democratic principle. Ideally, if enough people vote or bookmark a particular product, say a t-shirt for example, the product and designer's popularity increases. Within a relatively short time. Using tools such as bookmark sharing and recommendations, a relatively unknown designer can attract an enormous amount of positive publicity.

I have researched and collated a list of the most popular and useful fashion social networks for you to browse at your own leisure. You will find there is a wide variety and scope offered by these fashion-related communities. The larger and more established sites are great for breaking new products in to the fashion consumer market, others will provide invaluable assistance from fellow designers, retailers and manufacturers. Most of whom I am sure will be more than willing to guide you through the next stages of your burgeoning fashion career.

Fashionising.com is dedicated to fashion, this social fashion community offering a news, photo and video service for upcoming and established designers, labels, models and more. Very friendly and welcoming community, mainly professionals in all fields of fashion.

Stylehive.com is an online style portal for people who love and/or work in fashion, design and retail. You can connect with fellow style addicts and share all of your new design discoveries and latest finds together. A trend-setters social-networking club, part pop-culture lab, Stylehive.com is one big ensemble cast of trend-setters creating, discovering and buying the next big thing!

Kaboodle.com is a social shopping network where people discover, recommend and share products. Kaboodle's excellent range of shopping widgets mean you can begin organizing all your favorite items in shared lists, discovering new things from people with similar style. Easy to find the best prices and discounts on the most popular products. This site offers fashion products amongst many others including gadgets, soft furnishings, art and more.

ThisNext.com focuses its online and social-shopping community more towards the next big trends. Your popular votes count, everyone recommends their favorite up and coming products for others to discover and purchase online. This global community is in the pursuit of cross-cultural shopping habits for the year to come. This site is laden with more branded advertising and e-commerce solutions making it a more attractive media platform for corporate marketing. The system encompasses each product in a process of discovery, consideration, trial and purchase. Fashion is a big favorite here.

StyleFeeder.com is a personal shopping engine that uses a unique matchmaking system to offer daily personal recommendations, just for you. It's a great way to find new clothes, shoes, in fact anything stylish and keep track of what you're shopping for online, using visual their bookmark options. Great widgets for incorporating your style-feeds in to your personal blogs or commercial sites. I regularly use this site to promote my own fashion -- a great resource for designers.

ShareYourLook.com is a new fashion community for all trends-setters, shoppers and designers, (currently in beta). If you read articles New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, you will probably recognize the co-founder's name - fashion have appeared in The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, fashion journalist Melissa Ceria. The format is easy to use and on the eye: upload photos of you modeling your favorite outfits, and let other members rate your look and leave you comments. Don't worry, there is a policy of fair and objective criticism, even compliments and most of all useful style tips. The whole site relies on a great blog style tagging process, plus a great feature where you'll be able to post favourite 'looks' to your network of fashion friends. You even get your own styleblog.

OsoYou.com is the UK's first social networking and fashion website. Focusing more on High Street fashion and all the latest clothing items, plus features on the hottest celebrity styles and a chance to share fashion with your friends via some innovative social networking options.

Avenue7.com should be classed as up and coming. From my research it seems to be aimed at a younger audience. They already use some rather clever programming to help you create your own perfect outfit and also offer fashion scouts. However there are some even more promising features in the pipeline including 'The Fashion Show' and 'Start a Makeover'. This is more of a hot or not direction for the field of fashion social networking, but it's bright, bold and adventurous and I'll take a punt it will do well in the future.

StyleMob.com is rather funky looking (though corporate owned) street style community StyleMob offering a service that is part Hot or Not, part fashion magazine and part MySpace.

TeamSugar.com is one of the latest contributions to the market. Backed by the Sugar Network, this series of blogs primarily targets fashion-conscious women. The most popular is PopSugar.com, where celebrity gossip and fashion come together in a hedonistic mix. TeamSugar.com pro-actively promote their content, encouraging their community to form around it. Blog syndication integrates the network -- PopSugar.com, DearSugar.com, TeamSugar.com and FabSugar.com, encouraging users to switch sites to see the latest news on each one. Ultra intelligent marketing - helping to boost the popularity of the whole network at the same time. Standard social networking features friends list, leave comments, send messages, write a blog and voting in polls.

This supplemental list offers links to more general/shopping social networks that feature some fashion content, and a few to keep an eye out for in the future:

TheFind.com is the leading shopping search engine to find stores, brands and products, bigger than any other product finder online.

ShopWiki.com is a shopping search engine designed to help consumers find specific products on the Internet with ease. It is the only shopping search engine that combines advanced Web-crawling technology with a consumer-written wiki.

Etsy.com is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade and only handmade.

Fastmatch.com Very new and more social model, however the site is currently still in beta and the interface needs some serious work.

Whatsbuzzing.com Productwiki.com Yub.com Selfploitation.com A brand new site for artists to help each other to promote/sell their products.

Fashion Photography - 4 Requirements To Become A Successful Fashion Photographer

We can get a glimpse of fashion photography almost everywhere we look on TV, newspapers, internet and all media. Dazzling women with long legs and tanned skin scream for attention on news stands all over the place. It is the fashion photographer who is primarily responsible to bring those photographers to us, the everyday people. Unlike what one often imagines, there is more to fashion photography than a glitzy life style, fun and happening models. In fact there is a lot of planning involved behind every single fashion photograph that we see.

A name such as Mario Testino has become iconic in the realm of fashion photography. Did you know that photographers like him are just as sought after as the models that they photograph? At times the photographer is an even bigger celebrity than the model.

This profession may seem dream like to the young and enthusiastic photographer but it is not all about fun and glitz. It is not just about meeting the rich and the famous, the fat checks and the feeling of rock that goes with fashion photography. Did you know, for every one photographer that is successful, there are hundreds who are left looking for shoots for many years? Many give up after a few years while some do go on to become successful later on in life.

If you want to become a fashion photographer -

1. Learn the art well
There is no end to learning. Here is where many a youngster goes astray. they are so bothered about the style and the glamour associated with the fashion photographer, they concentrate more on looking right than shooting right. Know your photography so well that it comes naturally to you. Get books on the subject and read them to expand your knowledge of the subject.

2. Equipment
Next to the right knowledge comes the right equipment. Here is a hard truth - you cannot be a good fashion photographer unless you can afford expensive equipment. Cameras are not cheap, and you have new ones coming out every season. If you cannot afford to start off with a good camera and lighting system, your knowledge would go to waste.

3. The portfolio
The portfolio of a photographer is what finally lands the job. Make sure you have an impressive folio with your best work carefully selected. Choose the best 4 by 5 slide images you have. Some prefer to make prints. It is suggested - if you are discussing something with a photography pro, carry the slides. If it is a designer you are meeting the prints may be a better idea and more convenient for everyone.

4. Personality
Any editor is looking for original talent, so make sure you have a strong individual point of view. It is OK to be affected by another professional's point of view, as long as you add or remove from it to make it unique and different. You need an identity!

Has A Fashion Apparel Bubble Burst?

Walking the local mall this past weekend, and going through one store after another, watching customers, and how they were reacting to merchandise, it was hard to escape the thought that fashion apparel retailing is in trouble. Customers passing by stores, looking in windows and doorways, indifferent to what they are seeing. Customers in stores, aimlessly touching garments as they move through the store without purpose. Customers leaving stores empty handed, without making a purchase.

And as I shopped for myself, I felt what I was observing in these customers, men and women, young and old; there's nothing compelling, there's no urgency, it's just... stuff.

Of all the major retail segments, perhaps only jewelry is under more duress than fashion apparel. Nothing except jewelry has seemingly become more discretionary than fashion apparel. Shopping fashion right now feels like witnessing the after affects of a retail bubble having burst.

In the last 20 to 25 years, fashion apparel retailing exploded with new concepts, segments and retailers. Money was readily available and consumers hopped on the fashion train, and went along for the ride. Shopping these stores now is like experiencing a morning-after hangover. What once looked highly differentiated now looks eerily the same. What once looked exciting and trendy now appears dull and passé. Stores that were once full of merchandise, customers and energy are now devoid of all three.

The last time we saw profound changes in fashion apparel retailing was during the '81-'82 recession. Customers found department store assortments to be dated and dull, and the stores responded by increasing the number of promotional events they ran a year from three or four to twelve or fifteen, on their way to the permanently-on-sale store. Designer shops-within-a-store emerged as an alternative to category merchandising. New concepts like The Gap and The Limited came on the scene. Nothing came between Brooke Shields and her Calvin's.

Is this a similar inflection point? Was there a fashion apparel bubble that gradually built up over the past several decades, and has it now burst?

Over the past couple of years, consumers have looked in their closets, and out of necessity have said that's what there is good enough. They've looked in their closets and seen their own... stuff, and many have probably wondered if they really needed to buy all of it in the first place. The unanswered question is whether this is merely a temporary response to the recession, or whether this reflects a more profound shift in consumer's attitudes and shopping patterns. Clearly, there's an imbalance at the moment between supply and demand.

One way or another, there can be little doubt that the competition in fashion apparel retailing is likely to be ferocious for the foreseeable future. For independent fashion apparel retailers, the challenge will be to differentiate yourself from the pack and truly distinguish yourself in your customer's mind. Success will depend upon achieving critical mass with your customer base, upon establishing yourself with your target customer as THE retail fashion destination of choice. The mission will be to become known for the fashion buzz that surrounds your store, rather than being known as just another store that carries indistinguishable stuff.

Shifting Fashions - The History of Shorts

Historical fashion photos can create a mixed reaction depending on the individual. For those who are in the photos, they may feel a slight tinge of embarrassment if they were subjected to a trend that later became a major fashion faux-pas.

However, for those who weren't even born when the offending photos were taken, images of shoulder pads, flared dungarees with flowery shirts or any number of other fashion frights can cause many people to burst into fits of laughter. Of course, that is the nature of fashion. What is acceptable one day can quickly become yesterday's news, leaving wardrobes of unworn clothes the length and breadth of the country.

It can be very interesting to look back at how certain items of clothing have changed over the years. This is especially true in terms of how they were worn, who wore them and the wider cultural implications of anyone inadvertently 'getting it wrong'.

Shorts provide a good example of how fashion attitudes can change significantly over a relatively short period of time. Historically speaking, in the late 19th and early 20th century, shorts were almost exclusively worn by young boys until they were deemed old enough to wear trousers. And because of this, many men would refuse to wear shorts, even when it was more practical to do so, in case they were perceived to be immature for their age.

With soldiers being sent to tropical regions during the Second World War, shorts became a more popular item of clothing for reasons of necessity. Although it did take a number of decades for them to be fully accepted within wider society, shorts are now worn by people from all backgrounds and every conceivable demographic within the western world.

Over the years, every style imaginable has been in fashion at some point. For example, baggies were worn by soccer players around the early to mid 20th century. Then there was board shorts, which are usually worn by beach-goers and surfers, though they are sufficiently fashionable to be worn almost anywhere in society.

Smart shorts too are extremely popular among various social groups. Bermuda shorts, in particular, have become popular in the British Overseas Territory Bermuda, where they are widely worn as part of a business suit with full shirt, tie and blazer. However, dress shorts are also worn in many other societies too, as smart or casual attire in warm weather.

Shorts are a great example of how clothing and fashion attitudes can change significantly over time. What was once reserved entirely for one small group of society, is now worn by people of almost every demographic imaginable.

How to Stay Ahead in Fashion

If you want to be ahead of the game and find out what's hot in the world of fashion you have two choices. One - you get a job as a fashion editor for a hugely glamorous magazine or two - you visit a website that tells you what's new out in the world of fashion! One of these is very tricky and there's a long waiting list of people ahead of you - and the second option is easy. All the Clothes has just launched it's fashion news section. This will keep you up to date with all the new items from loads of great shops. They scour the what's new lists, visit the top fashion sites they know you love and bring you everything you need to be wearing cutting edge fashion.

Even visiting the cat walk shows doesn't guarantee you being able to buy what's being shown. Many companies take their leads from the big fashion shows at Paris and London and design their new ranges round the themes and colours of the cat walk fashion.

Fashion seems to constantly change. What's trendy one week can be old hat the next! Some fashion seems more prone to fading quickly - anything that's really unusual will be more likely to be out of favour. Plainer clothes are likely to be wearable longer, but sometimes new cutting edge styles stay and change a little with the times. When items are flexible to change, can be made from different fabrics, and even worn by different age groups then an item will be long lasting.

For some sections of fashion - like underwear, new technologies really help widen the range available. Machine embroidery means bras can be prettier than ever before. For some clothing a return to hand embroidery has been important and has bought about some really pretty changes to the high street fashion.

How Do Fashion Bloggers Know What To Write About?

Most fashion bloggers are really passionate about this industry, but also about writing. Like any other blogger, the one that covers issues about fashion has a je ne sais quoi about words and playing with words. A fashion blogger is nevertheless a true artist, with highly developed artistic sense, who can tell from just a glance a high quality leather jacket from a fake one.

First of all fashion bloggers know what to write about from what they experience and what they feel. Most blogs are very personal and people post from their own opinions about different topics. However, they need to find inspiration from the outside world too. One of the most important sources of all is the world of celebrities. Famous people are adored and are in fact trend setters in all areas, especially in fashion.

There is a category of fashion blogs that are specially created by famous designers or their PR teams. They are intended to work as a way of getting the person behind the brand close to his costumers. Some of them are also online shops, or at least redirect the viewer to the website where they can purchase what they liked. Because designers are artistic minds they feel the need to communicate with the others. Plus, they give excellent advice on their blogs on what to wear, when to wear and what accessories to choose each season.

A new trend in fashion blogging is featuring the street style. Many bloggers get inspiration from what other common people wear in all sorts of situations. Even though celebrities' outfits are fascinating, we have to admit that we can't all wear those extravagant, glittering clothes in our day to day life. Moreover, there are many people out there who have a thing about fashion and know how to create their own style, even though they are not professionals.

One of the most important sources of inspiration for bloggers is fashion shows. Many bloggers who are already famous, and have a large audience get invited to attend shows in most stylish cities of the world, like Milan, Paris, New York and many others. Being close to the catwalks is a must to be able to stay in touch with the newest trends in this world that changes so rapidly. However, what people find most attractive about these blogs is the fact that their creators do not post news from the fashion world, but they also give them a personal touch.

5 Great Reasons to Shop for Fashion in This Economic Climate

Do you like saving money? Do you like finding great deals in women's fashion? Obviously, the answer to these questions should be a resounding yes! Now here is another question that might not be so easy to answer, do believe that you can still shop for great fashion in this dismal economic climate? You might be surprised to hear this but the answer to this question is yes as well.

Now you might be waiting for a magic trick where additional money will appear either in your bank account or wallet so you can begin shopping with confidence in this economy which has taken a nose dive with no visible upward swing in the near future. Let me assure you, there is no magic trick or gimmick but a little extra work on your part combined with a determined mindset will have you being a guru for savings and being on top of the latest trends in women's fashion to all your friends!

*The first reason to shop is having a positive outlook. You might be saying "Wait, is this one of those self-help moments?" and I'll tell you yes. Having the thought process that you are excited about finding deals in this crazy economic free-fall will give you an advantage over other potential customers where certain deals only last for a certain period of time. You will have an advantage because most customers will already be frustrated because they already feel like they don't have enough finances to shop for the fashion they want and they will not be motivated to look for deals. This will give you more of an opportunity to take advantage of deals because you will be constantly looking for deals, believing that one is out there just for you!

*The second reason is that companies need you more then you need them. The only reason why companies can sell you trendy fashion is because you spend your money. They also know that if you like their product, you will probably tell someone else and news on a great deal will spread like wild fire. Once you realize that as much as you might want that beige jacket that goes right with your jeans, companies want you to buy that same jacket as well not because it fits you just right but because literally their lively hood weighs in the balance. If their products aren't sold, possibly "closing down" signs will be seen in the present future.

*The third reason is companies are at war against each other, fighting for the same customer. They are constantly looking for that competitive advantage. When you realize how important you are to the fashion industry you will turn that frown into a smile and go from being slouched down to standing tall with confidence about all the savings that are headed your way. By following the first reason, you find out right away that you will not have to do a lot of looking for great deals because companies are so hungry to give you great deals and beat their competitor they will literally chase you down with deals like "free shipping on $75 or more", and "buy 1 get 3 FREE". By subscribing to emails or newsletters, you will get a brand new deal almost every day. In the past you would be worried about missing out on that special deal but you'll probably find an even better deal the next day.

*The fourth reason is your opinion counts. When giving the opportunity, give feedback to the business that you're buying from. This can be via their website or when talking to a customer service rep. You might find the same dress somewhere for 15% less or you had an issue with trying to navigate a website. Companies appreciate this and many have polices that say "if you find our product cheaper somewhere, we'll match the price" or if they find out you had difficulty within their site, they might take off your current or next purchase.

* The fifth reason is shop smart, buy in bulk. You might be saying how I can buy in bulk if I can't even buy one dress or hat. Certain sites will allow you buy in bulk for the same price you would buy for item. When you buy in bulk, you can save money in the future. You can use the clothes you buy in bulk to give gifts for special occasions to your family, friends, co-workers and even your boss.

Now that you have 5 great reasons to shop for fashion in this economic climate, what are you waiting for? Get online, get coupons, get positive with a determined mindset and save like crazy and add up the savings.

Top 10 Fashion Tips for Clueless Men

Men: we all know it's important to look good, but that it's equally as important not to look like you know that it's important to look good. Twenty - or even fifteen - years ago, a man's accessories simply weren't a big part of the fashion industry. Men's accessories have become a huge part of today's fashion market, and today men are under just as much pressure as women to pull together a perfectly-accessorized outfit in order to make the best possible impression to those around them. From Stylish wallets and belts to latest much have accessory the Man Bag...So here are some fashion tips, that no matter how clueless you are, will set you well on to the road to an appearance of effortless style.

1. Match your belt with your shoes. Such a simple touch, but one that makes the difference between dishevelled charm and threw-it-on-in-the-dark disinterest.

2. Don't go mad with colour. Fashion isn't about having everything matching but it is advisable to exercise a little restraint with colour unless you're a catwalk model. Bright colours go with black, reds go with brown and denim goes with (nearly) everything.

3. Just wedding rings.

4. Get a nice wallet. It's the little things that count and dragging round a ripped, scratched wallet is more likely to have you losing your cash than winning admiring glances.

5. Think about a manbag.

Weighing down your pockets with keys, wallet and phone damages the material of your trousers and isn't exactly comfortable either. Manbags are definitely here to stay and you can show that you're on top of fashion into the bargain by getting one. Check out some great manbags to be found on the web and great deals to be had at the moment..

6. Choose trousers that fit. High waisted jeans a la Simon Cowell are a definite no-no, as are skater slouches that not only show your boxers but also your knees and ankles if you're unlucky. Get a belt if necessary (see Tip 1).

7. Avoid beige. Traditionally the premise of over 60s holidays and Crocodile Dundee, beige is rarely a good colour both fashionably and practically.

8. Wear a scarf. Nothing like a bit of opera-going sophistication to add to your ensemble - choose something understated and wear it draped around your neck rather than tied.

9. Throw away the hair gel. Too nineties!

10. Follow the stars. GQ magazine have just published their "Best Dressed 2011" list - check it out here for more inspiration! Visit Just4leather today and see their terrific mens fashion items today.

6 Ways to Stay in the Loop About Fashion Even When You're a Busy Mom

When one's children are small, it can be the busiest time in a woman's life. As they get older, it doesn't seem to let up for an instant. Is she isn't taking one child to soccer practice, she is taking another to ballet. There simply never seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done, let alone pay attention to what is going on in the rest of the world. This is especially true for the rapidly changing world of fashion. However, there are some ways that a busy mom can still stay in the loop about fashion without having to spend large chunks of time. Here are 6 of them:

1. Watch TV

After the kids have gone to school or when the tiny ones have gone down for their morning naps, there are any number of daytime television talk shows that usually have a quick rundown of what is happening in fashion. Keep the TV on while doing something else. Then pause and take a look when the fashion show comes on.

2. Fashion Blogs

Another time-efficient way in which a busy mother can keep up with the latest fashion news, is to spend a few minutes each week reading fashion blogs. Choosing from among the thousands of fashion blogs that are rich in photo content can give the best and quickest overviews of the latest in styles.

3. Fashion Magazines

When in doubt, turn to the famous fashion magazines. There are magazines that are fully dedicated to nothing but fashion. One can find both haute couture fashions that are modeled by supermodels, as well as everyday fashions for the average mom. The busy mom should find those that best suit what she is looking for, and take out a subscription.

4. Online Subscriptions

Most moms do manage to find time to check their email, at least one time per day. This would be the perfect time to take advantage of the many opportunities there are online to read one of the many online fashion magazine subscriptions. Most can be delivered straight to an inbox. Others can be read via a news reader.

5. Newspapers
There are entire newspapers that are devoted to fashion. If this is too much for a busy mom, most newspapers these days do have fashion sections. It takes no time at all to skim over the latest fashion trends.

6. Department Store Mailing Lists

Many of the larger department stores send out flyers or other forms of news about the fashion world in general, and, at times, about fashion sales that are going on in their stores. Online or off, sign up, and stay in the know!

Women Plus Sizes - Clothes in Designer Size Fashions

The word "plus size" is a familiar term, but can be somewhat discriminating, and even downright insulting to some women designers. But many fashion experts are changing from using the term plus size, to using a less obvious term, "designer size".

So, now all of a sudden, large women enjoy a fashion they can call their own in the "designer size" market. The stigma of plus sizes as being just big clothing for women is going away slowly. But with every adjustment, or change, there is usually good news and bad news.

The bad news then is that it is discouraging since it means two things. First, what was once plus size is now just fashion size, or designer size. This means society is more accepting of the weight problem. It requires more of the plus sized clothing women have to wear. Society is to blame for expecting that being large is more the norm, and this is true in fashion, more than ever before. Secondly, it could be signaling a trend that large size clothing is more in demand. As we all know, America is leading the way in obesity and is well on the way to epidemic proportions.

The good news is for the fashion designers. Suddenly, there is this whole new market. Due to the rising demand for the fashion size, or the designer size for large size clothing, sales are at an all time high for what used to be called "the plus sizes clothing". So what can we expect from this news? Is there any encouraging news for the large designer size consumers?

There are several encouraging facts emerging with regard to these plus sizes clothing industry standards. One of the changes is in the competition. There are amazing discounts in the women sizes making plus sizes women clothes very affordable. Also, there are dozens of new designers coming on the scene with fabulous fashions for women. Soon, we will see runway models putting on some inches to show off these new styles. This opens up jobs for young women who are interested in modeling. But it also creates a wave of activity behind the scenes.

There is no shortage in good taste among all shapes of women. So, to set them apart is simply humiliating and unfair. So, in a sense, the change in attitude can be good for the self esteem of women in general. With that said, there are huge name brand suppliers of fine clothing online for women that shop for sizes 14 and above. Ok, so it is a fact that there are sizes 8, 10, 12, and so on. Nothing wrong with that.

Another encouraging fact is that young junior plus sized girls are considering the health implications of gaining weight at a young age. So, there seems to be an emphasis on health and fitness among high school and college groups. This is good because they want to balance exercise and a good diet with the emotional demands. This makes for a healthier lifestyle in general. In the long-run, they will be healthier women and can avoid the medical complications that come with gaining weight in general.