Feature Friday: Top 10 Fashion Trends for Fall 2015

The Fashion Spot recently published an article with the top 10 fashion trends for Fall 2015 based on wardrobe previews at runway shows.

Today's Feature Friday will highlight these 10 trends!

1. Colored Fur

Fur is a rising trend this year with a splash of color. The fur featured above is from Emilio Pucci. Faux is my preference!

2. Floral

Have you noticed a lot of floral print on clothing lately? I have! Floral is definitely making a comeback. The above outfit is by Suno.

3. Capes & Ponchos

I think capes & ponchos has been a trend for a while. Many women prefer it to a coat or jacket. The designer is Chloe.

4. Feathers

I haven't seen a lot of feathers on clothing yet, but I have noticed styles similar to this Michael Kor's skirt, but made with faux materials. 

5. Bold Colors

Bold is back! Not everyone is for the prints, so these solid bold colors are perfect. Suit by Diane von Furstenberg.

6. Haute Hippie

The hippie/bohemian style has continued to re-emerge in today's fashion trends.

7. The 70's

Everything comes back around! Similar styles of the 70's but with a modern color and pattern.

8. Turtlenecks

Some people love turtlenecks, some don't. But they are a classic staple that holds up through time.

9. Plaid

90's making a comeback? Probably. But plaid is one of those prints that everyone likes, if the color is right! 

10. Fringe

Fringe has been reappearing over the past few years. Another trend from the 60's and 70's that continues on! By Burberry.

Feature Friday: An Intern's Firsthand Experience Working with Beads

There has been a lot of bead work going on in the Studio lately! One of our interns, JJ, has been working diligently on two wedding dresses with beads galore! Working with beads is a difficult task that requires a lot of patience and concentration. Today's "Feature Friday" is an interview with JJ about her experience working with them.

1. You've been doing the beading for two different wedding gowns. Can you describe them and their beading design?

JJ: One is completely encrusted with pearls, crystals and rhinestones. It's replacing the beads after an alteration so I just had to pack them all in and even build them up on each other at some points. The other gown I got to help design the layout of has beads scattered across the front and up the train as well. I like the second one myself.

2. What are the biggest challenges you've faced working on beading? What did you learn about it that you never knew before?

JJ: The most challenging for me was making sure to go through one layer of the dress. If you go through more than one, it can pucker the fabric and ruin the look of the dress. I've learned how truly time consuming it is, but it's important to take your time so you're not having to go back and fix things.

3. Are there types of beads that are easier to work with than others? What are some tips you'd give stitchers working on beading?

JJ: I don't know I would say any are easier. They all have their own challenges. My main tip would be to take your time and be very patient! Look at it from different angles and distances. You are so close to it when you're working on it, it's really important to step back every one in a while.

4. Do you have any suggestions for brides-to-be shopping for their dress? (i.e. Things they should consider for alterations, etc.)

JJ: Know that it is going to need be to altered, just accept this. If it's a second hand, changes are it already has been. It's almost always easier to take something in rather than letting it out. Beads are pretty but they can be costly - you can probably tell the quality of the bead work by simply touching the beads - you don't want them to be loose or wiggly.

5. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

JJ: Pick your gown for yourself, and only yourself. It's your day. You want to look beatuiful and still be comfortable. Pick what makes YOU happy. (This is really just a personal opinion). :)

Feature Friday: Dress Waistlines

Bridal season is still going here at the Studio and we've seen several different gown styles! I thought I'd continue talking about dresses in today's Feature Friday as well, focusing on waistlines.

Whether a bridal gown, or a special occasion dress, here are different waist styles to consider when shopping!

Basque Waist

This waistline features a "U" or "V" shape.

This particular dress is made for a Quinceanera.

Dropped Waist

This dress features a waist line below the natural waist at the mid hip.

This particular dress is a great everyday style.

Empire Waist

This style has a raised waistline that sits just below the bust, 

from which the rest of the dress flows down to the hem. 

The Empire Waistline is used in all types of dresses.

Natural Waist

This style waist line hits at the natural waist, 

the indentation between the hips and the rib-cage.

Princess Waist

Also known as the "no waist," it features an  A-line silhouette 

with vertical seams down the front.

Which waistline style do you prefer?

Feature Friday: Types of Vintage Dresses

Today's Feature Friday dives into vintage fashion, particularly dresses and their different styles.

The A-Line

Form fitting around the chest with a cinched waist and flared out skirt, usually ends at the knee.

Shirtwaist

The top half resembles a men's button-down shirt and the bottom is a dress. The bottom can be A-Line or Shift style.

Tent

Not form fitting. The flare begins at or just below the chest. The fabric is often pleated. 

Shift

Also not form fitting. No flare. The style is straight and box, usually ending at the knee.

Sheath

Form fitting around the chest, waist, and hips. There is no flare, the bottom falls straight and narrow from the hips. They are usually sleeveless with a high neck.

Wiggle

Form fitting around the chest, waist, hips, and knees. It narrows toward the bottom ending at the knees or mid-calf. 

Feature Friday: Mood Rings

Today's Feature Friday focuses on Mood Rings - that cool piece of jewelry that contained a stone that changed color depending on your mood. Some people believed in them, some didn't think they worked. What did you think?

The Mood Ring was invented by a jeweler named Marvin Wernick in the late 1960’s. Wernick discovered the process when he went on an emergency call with a friend who happened to be a doctor. The doctor used a strip of thermotropic material on a young boy’s forehead to check his temperature which gave Wernick the idea for the mood ring.

Even though the technical discovery of the mood ring was by Wernick, credit is most often given to Joshua Reynolds for what became one of the biggest fads of the 1970’s. Reynolds was the first to popularize the rings in 1975 and even though they were a fad in the 70’s, they continually resurface for periods of time throughout the years.
The ring consisted of a liquid crystal thermometer in a quartz or glass stone that changed color depending on the temperature of the finger of the wearer.

When a person’s body temperature increases the temperature of the liquid crystal increases, and takes on a different molecular structure at every temperature. Each molecular structure reflects or absorbs different wavelengths which are responsible for the color change in mood rings. The color of the ring actually changes because of body temperature, not because of mood.

When the liquid crystal was calibrated with body temperature, it was also calibrated for color. Average body temperature displays a blue/green or teal color on the mood ring. The following is a list of all the colors and there corresponding moods, starting with the coldest temperature:

Black: depressed or down, really cold outside or a damaged ring
Brown/Gray: anxious or nervous
Yellow/Amber: tense and excited
Green/Teal: average day and average body temperature
Blue: calm and relaxed
Violet/Purple: happy or passionate

The rings initially sold for $45 in a "silvery setting" or $250 for gold.

They were short lived in the 70's and mostly worn by young girls. However, they did make mention in pop culture including a Peanut's comic strip where Peppermint Patty gets so angry at Charlie Brown that her mood ring explodes.

The Mood Ring re-emerged in the 1990's and this time came in different styles, not just the traditional oval stone. Some were bands, heart shaped, triangular and so on.

Sources:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-mood-rings.htm
http://www.complex.com/style/2011/09/the-90-greatest-90s-fashion-trends/mood-rings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mood_ring
http://www.bestmoodrings.com/blog/how-mood-rings-work

Feature Friday: Crocs

Do you remember how popular these shoes were when they first came out?

I had never heard of them until I slowly started seeing every other man, woman, and child wearing them. Did I ever become one of those people? Nope. They just never really got my attention.

Either way, today's "Feature Friday" will focus on the history of Crocs and how they became so popular!

The idea of Crocs was created by three friends on a boating trip one day in 2002.

All Crocs shoes are made with Croslite™, a closed-cell resin that gives each pair of shoes its soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking and odor-resistant qualities.

Their first debut was at a boating show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Many people weren't impressed by the look of the shoe but needless to say, all pairs sold out by the end of the day!

In 2003, they introduced a separate line called "The Nile" which was geared towards women.

The friends opened their first mall kiosk in 2004 and today, have more then 400 stores around the world.

And what about the alligator logo? They actually didn't have one until a few years later! The alligator, named Duke, was introduced in 2005.

As the brand's popularity continued to rise, the company created a charity called, SolesUnited, now known as Crocs Cares. Since 2008, more than 3,000,000 pairs of shoes are donated to children and families around the world.

In 2010, the company expanded their style of shoes to flip flops and sneakers and today they also have boat shoes, loafers, boots, and slip on shoes that change colors called "chameleon."

So do/did you own a pair of crocs? What color? What style? Share your comments!

Feature Friday: Our Upcoming Campaign on Indiegogo

As you may have heard, our Studio is launching a campaign this Wednesday, July 1st on Indiegogo called, "Help Save Our Costume Closet." 

The main goal of our campaign is to cover the costs of maintaining the Costume Closet for the next year, which includes the rental fees and other overhead expenses for that part of the studio, cleaning costs, and material costs for any repairs needed. We have recently implemented several new marketing tactics and slimmed down our operation as much as possible. Now we need the time and capital to see it through.

Our Costume Closet consists of rare, unique and vintage pieces, as well as complex costumes we have built in-house. Our passion is to provide beautifully built, clean, and creative costumes for schools, theatre and dance troupes, film studios, and individual clients for theme parties, galas, Renaissance Festivals, Comic Con, and beyond.

Our Studio rent is $3,000 a month and the past several months have proven difficult in making ends meet. We do not want to give up our costume closet, as it took 16 years to build, and we love it greatly. But storing these costumes takes up most of Unit J, which is half the studio and half the rent – a whopping $1,500 a month.

We have our peak seasons for the Costume Closet (Spring: Bridal/Prom, Fall: Bridal/Halloween), and the in-between months of alterations as our bread and butter. This income alone is not always enough to cover the expenses of garment building and maintenance, let alone to allow us to take that next big leap. Now we need the capital to grow and bring in the costume clientele to match the level of our custom clientele.

Please visit any of our pages (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc) or our website (www.sewingdesignstudio.com) on July 1st for the link to the campaign. There will also be a video from the Studio with more information about the campaign. If you are unable to make a donation, that's okay! Please share any post from us with your friends and family. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Feature Friday: How to dress like Grace Kelly

Today's Feature Friday will focus on the fashion of Grace Kelly, courtesy of About Style.

1. The Circle Skirt

In the 1950s, Grace often wore dresses that featured a fitted bodice, a nipped-in waist and a full skirt, a silhouette known as the “New Look” made famous by Christian Dior, one of Grace’s favorite designers.

2. Simple Separates

Grace looks cool and casual as she sits on a makeup counter wearing a sleeveless black mock turtleneck and plain beige pants in 1954. The black top pops against Grace’s porcelain skin and light features.

3. Minimal Accessories

When Grace Kelly won the Academy Award for Best Actress for “The Country Girl” in 1954, she turned heads in a gorgeous sea foam gown designed by famed Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. The simple 1950's bag and minimal jewelry ground the ensemble.

4. Solid Colors

Grace often wore solid colors, specifically blue, pink, white and her favorite color yellow, like this Asian-inspired dress she wore to the Golden Globe Awards in 1956 where she won the award for World Film Favorite (Female). When shopping for a gown, select a solid color that complements your skin.

5. Simple White Shirt

Even in this casual white shirt and red-and-blue silk scarf, Grace looks stunning in this outfit circa 1955. One of Grace’s best accessories: red lipstick.

6. Tailored Pants

Just a few days before she left Hollywood to marry Prince Rainier III in Monaco in 1956, Grace wore this collared shirt with belted tailored pants that accentuated her tiny waist. With a printed scarf in her pocket and simple flats, she looks effortless and fuss-free.

7. The Kelly Bag

Originally named “sac à dépêches” when it was first produced in 1935, this Hermès bag was renamed the Kelly bag in 1956 after Grace Kelly carried it in front of her to hide her pregnancy. The Hermès Kelly bag is still one of the most coveted bags today. Can’t afford a Kelly bag? Opt for a structured vintage 1950s handbag.

8. Starlet Sunglasses

On the set of “Mogambo” circa 1953, the ingénue exudes Hollywood glamour in her dark sunglasses, pants and simple strapless top.

5 Iconic (but very different) Wedding Outfits

Since it's wedding season, today's Feature Friday will highlight a few iconic (but very different) wedding wear choices by women. Not everyone follows the usual white dress and that's okay, because it's great to show our individuality. Below are 5 of the most iconic, nontraditional wedding outfits brought to you by simplybridal.com

#1 Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn's bridal wear consisted of a dark broadcloth suit with a white fur collar at her wedding to Joe DiMaggio in 1954.

#2 Mia Farrow

Completely opposite to the ball gown trend at the time, Mia wore a clean, fun and perfectly mod skirt that captured the era beautifully. This was her wedding to Frank Sinatra in 1966.

#3 Yoko Ono

Yoko's unconventional outfit is a statement of her personality and individuality. A mini-skirt, blouse, knee high socks, and big floppy hat replaced the traditional wedding gown. Wedding to John Lennon, 1969 - holding their marriage certificate.

#4 Gwen Stefani

Gwen's 2002 wedding to Gavin Rossdale was a Galliano that was a dip-dyed silk faille that kept her rock image while still being a princess on her big day.

#5 Ellen DeGeneres

Zac Posen was the creator of this relaxed, elegant white pantsuit with a sheer loose top under a stylish vest. 

What did/would you wear at your wedding? Would you go the traditional route or add your own personal flair? Comment below!

Feature Friday: Penny Loafers

Today's Feature Friday is the penny loafer, the classic unisex shoe that still remains a popular fashion staple.

Penny loafers originated in the 1930's and were modeled after the shoes of dairy farmers, which were leather with straps across the front.

The Spaulding family from New Hampshire made an American version of the shoe, and called them "loafers" after the cows who loafed around the milking area.

Six years later, shoe manufacturer G.H. Bass & Co. put a stylish spin on the utilitarian shoe by calling it the Weejun, and adding the now-iconic strap detail with slots for pennies so that the wearer always had money to make a phone-booth call.

Penny loafers will always be known as an exceptionally sturdy slip-on. Bass Shoes & Co. is still dedicated to making them with the same bench-crafted and hand-stitched material that made the shoes so comfortable in the first place.

Today, many other famous brands -- Ralph Lauren, Ermenegildo Zegna and Allen-Edmonds have followed suit, making sure that quality control remains at the forefront.

Penny loafers came to college campuses in the 1950's and 1960's and quickly became a fashion trend. Today it's the genuine leather insoles, comfortable linings and cool colors that make people step up and pay anywhere from $50 to $500 a pair.

Do you have a pair of loafers?

Source:
http://www.ehow.com/about_5056990_history-penny-loafers.html