A Fashion Crowd: women's fashion trends

Monday, August 25, 2014

Zip It

Vera Wang SS14; Source

Elite Tahari SS14; Source

Mathieu Mirano AW14; Source

This fall, the zipper will become noticed as more of a major design element than a fastener. As ridiculous as this may sound it is quite true. We all zip up something each day do we not? Why does the zipper deserve to be celebrated so widely? I propose that since zippers are so vital why not celebrate them for an entire season. Consider, how important zippers are in their inclusion in the following types of clothing: moto-jackets, moto-boots, skirts with asymmetrical zipper panels and pants with zippers at the ankles. I confess that I am really in love with zipper-embellished skirts right now and I am not the only one. Check out the celebrity and blogger looks below.

Chanel Iman; Source

Song of Style; Source

Allergic to Vanilla; Source

Sun Stilettos; Source

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Kate Bosworth in Phillip Lim; Source

I could go on and on but hopefully you know where I am going with this. The zipper will become one attractive mechanism this autumn. The Balenciaga AW14 looks below are credited to Style.com.

I could go on and on about how long it took the fashion industry to learn to love the zipper but I won’t. I will get to the point quickly. It took about twenty years. I can’t believe it took my beloved fashion industry that long to learn to love the zipper but shockingly it did. Did you know that the zipper had a hard time being accepted? Isn’t it amazing that this mechanical marvel was not immediately embraced? Of course, since it was up to the fashion industry to convince everyone that it was acceptable to actually like the zipper I won’t berate my beloved industry for taking so long to promote it. It is still quite astonishing that it took so long for it to be accepted. Note: The looks below are by Herve Leger SS14.

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Why did it take about eighty years, from the time of its creation, for the zipper to receive the love it deserves? I won’t bore you with a list of those whom are credited for inventing the zipper but I must at the very least give props to B.F. Goodrich Company. You see, if not for them the word zipper may not even exist in our vocabulary. They referred to the mechanical clasp as a zipper when they used it on galoshes and rain boots. I am ever so grateful that they termed the mechanical clasp a zipper because I just like the sound of it. Can you imagine calling it something else? Exactly; when the term fits use it. Note: The looks below are by Jason Wu and the images are credited to Style.com.

Have you ever left a pair of trousers or skirt unzipped? How embarrassing was the experience? This proves that much of the time when the zipper works as it is intended it goes un-noticed; however, if you forget to let it work its magic watch out for incoming remarks. I hope, my friends, if you notice someone with their zipper unzipped you gently let them know. Nothing is worse than finding out after many hours of thinking you are dressed stylishly that you learn to your dismay that your zipper was not zipped. I have been there done that before so I know of what I speak. Now that I have addressed zipper etiquette, let me discuss how a pair of zippers or a trio or more can be so captivating. Note: All looks below are from T by Alexander Wang. The images are credited to Style.com.

A cluster of zippers have played many starring and supporting roles in fashion design. The placement of a cluster of zippers on tops and dresses is certainly eye-catching. Designers have used multiple zippers to create geometric shapes on tops and dresses and even amazing jewelry pieces for many years.

Miu Miu AW13; Source

Atelier Versace SS13; Source

Erin Barr AW13; Source

Michael Kors RTW13; Source

Michael Kors AW13; Source

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Sometimes, however, a single zipper can completely transform a look into an edgy number. How about the placement of an asymmetric zipper on a leather mini-skirt or its strategic placement at the ankle of leather trousers. Does this not prove that the zipper can go from conservative to sexed-up in an instant? It is like a chameleon is it not? In most instances, it is thought of as a mechanism to fasten clothing but in other instances it becomes the central design element that ignites a look.

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I am on the board with the zipper trend? Are you?

I hope you have a great week.

Many thanks to my followers for their comments and ongoing support.

Jay Ahr AW14 RTW; Source

Christopher Kane Pre-Fall14; Source

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

A Look at Crochet

Diane Von Furstenburg; Source

Hello, my friends. I hope you are having a fantastic week. Now that it is summer, my thoughts have turned to suitable summer wear. My fascination with crochet clothing has reached its peak; particularly, since I have seen so many beautiful crochet dresses, tops and shorts here and there this spring and summer. I fear that in this case my desire to add crochet pieces to my wardrobe has reached fever pitch. Before too much longer, I am sure I will be adding a new crochet, please fill in the blank here, to my wardrobe. It is fill in the blank because I am not quite sure what I want to invest in. I already have a sleeveless pastel yellow crochet top which I acquired from retailer The LOFT many years ago now. I absolutely adore it and will most certainly be taking it out of hibernation soon but I think it needs a partner. It has been the only crochet piece in my wardrobe for ages. Perhaps, I will add a pair of crochet shorts to my wardrobe. I have an affinity for boho-chic clothing lately and crochet shorts would certainly fit with my newest obsession. I am far from alone in my fascination with crochet clothing. It has been red-carpet ready, wedding-worthy and a street style commodity for many, many years and I have the evidence below to prove it:

Joan Smalls; Source

Raquel Welch and Patrick Curtis on their Wedding Day in 1967; Source

Taylor Swift; Source

Miranda Kerr; Source

Naoemie Harris; Source

Maggie Gylenhall; Source

Rachel Bilson; Source

Sophia Bush; Source

Kristen Stewart; Source

Twiggy; Source

Beyoncé: Source

Kate Bosworth; Source

Somehow, the beauty of crochet fabric has gotten under my skin in the most affecting way. I think it is the softness of the fabric and the crochet patterns that appeal to me so much. Perhaps, it is really my past desire to learn the technique of crocheting that has impacted me so. My personal motto has always been that since I can’t design clothing or make it the next best thing is to show my love of fashion through my style and my writing. I also just have a feeling that whatever crochet garment I add to my wardrobe styling the newest addition to my wardrobe will be so much fun. I could go full-on bohemian by matching my crochet garment of choice with a wide-brimmed hat or give it a touch of modern sensibility by pairing it with a fedora.

Of course, when it comes to crochet, I am not sure anything can top the simple beauty of a white crochet dress.

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Oh, just think about the different textile pairing possibilities. Consider how often it is paired with both natural and man-made textiles: Cotton, linen, silk, denim and a hodgepodge of other fabrics that are summer-friendly are such appealing partners for crochet pieces, are they not? When a fabric is as pretty as crochet is it knows how to play well with other fabrics. Fashion houses, throughout the years, such as Chanel, Christian Dior Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch, Emilio Pucci and Christopher Kane consistently recognize its beautiful qualities so if you are not on board yet, come on, what’s stopping you?

Chanel SS14; Source

Chloe SS14; Source

Oscar de la Renta SS14; Source

Marc Jacobs SS11; Source

Proenza Schouler 2013; Source

Tory Burch SS14 RTW; Source

Tory Burch SS14; Source

Ralph Lauren SS11

Bec and Bridge AW11; Source

Tommy Hilfiger SS14; Source

Jil Sander SS12; Source

If you have not quite decided that crochet is worthy of some love this summer, maybe you will be inspired by the looks below. I think they will prove the reason as to why crochet clothing has seen such a huge resurgence this season beyond just being displayed as festival wear. Although, for those of you boho fashion lovers out there you always knew that crochet clothing has serious cred. I say, if you are so inclined, go forth and put crochet clothing on display this season.

Designers, such as Sister by Sibling, are creating some innovative looks with crochet garments so if you like your crochet with some sass I urge you to take a look at some of the designers known for modernizing this soft, vintage textile. I confess that while I love crochet I was quite surprised at how much this textile is used amongst designers throughout the year. It is a testament to the fact that it continues to draw attention because there is an inescapable softness and beauty that it possesses.

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What do you think of crochet clothing? Is it a hit or a miss? I am leaving you with a few of my favorite crochet runway looks to help you decide.

Until next time, stay stylish.