Leopard Print Fashion

Top 10 Designer Bags That Rock The Apparel World

With a new fashion season fast approaching, we look back at the runway trends that easily transitioned into everyday, high street fashion.

Spring/Summer 2009 was a happy mishmash of style contradictions: comfortable but tasteful dressing, structured and architectural pieces, fluid and draping Dresses, bohemian dressing, and an undeniable ’80s flashback that saw fashion reviving some of the trends from this “decade of excess”, which we never thought will ever see the light of day again.

There are so many interpretations of the different looks that designers sent down the runways, and this list doesn’t even capture half of all of these looks.

However, these are the looks that were deemed most wearable—meaning they suited even us mere mortals who don’t have the gams and sizes of those ladies who walked the runways. Here, in no particular order, are the top ten looks from spring/summer 2009.

1. Fringe

The fringe is most always associated with the wild, wild West, but this season, designers showed the versatility—and glamour—of fringe.

There were still allusions to the Western world and the cowgirl, as seen in Hermes, but other designers, like Alberta Ferretti and Aquilano e Rimondi, resurrected the swinging 1920s with flapper dresses. The “glamour fringe” in jewel-tone and metallic frocks gave us the perfect look for a night out on the town.

2. Goddess dresses

Another look that’s great for a night out is the goddess dress. These Grecian-inspired frocks never really go out of style. Season after season, they come back; thanks in big part to designers who have made this look their “own”.

Marchesa is one brand that constantly gives us to-die-for, gorgeous goddess dresses. Monique Lhuillier glammed them up with jewel embellishments in her trademark light and airy creations. The ethereal, lovely and always elegant appeal of goddess dresses will survive any season.

3. Statement shoes

Pair your party frocks with statement-making shoes. (Or better yet, wear these with your most basic outfit and see the magic these shoes can weave.) The season’s most provocative footwear showed cut-outs and peekaboo details, usually in platform booties or towering gladiator sandals.

Yves Saint Laurent’s collection was the jump-off point for this shoe design trend, when his collection showed his now famous Caged Heel bootie. Also scoring high were Balmain’s jewel-encrusted gladiator-style stilettos by Giuseppe Zanotti. Other designers, like Nicholas Kirkwood, showed off sculptural, covetable pieces, too.

4. Trashed jeans

Classic denims were a no-show this season as the runway showed us the many ways we can “trash” our jeans. Another ’80s staple, acid wash and faded (bleached) jeans were seen in the high-end brands and most especially in the high-street labels, like Topshop Unique.

This London it brand took this denim treatment everywhere: on denim jackets, vests, and miniskirts, and even made wearing denim over denim acceptable, even cool.

5. Power shoulders

Who knew that shoulder pads—those made famous by Dynasty TV royals—would be back in fine form? Balmain made the most impact with his padded shoulders that jutted out prominently on his one-shoulder dresses and his now so-famous band jackets.

This flashback to the eighties was also seen in the shows of Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs (for his own label and for Louis Vuitton). This trend is not for everyone; those who hated shoulder pads in the ’80s shuddered at the thought of having to wear them again. But there were also those who more than happily—and fiercely—wore these architectural pieces.

6. Cover-ups

It was not really expected for summer, but people covered up this season. Their cover-ups of choice? Band jackets and boyfriend blazers. Band jackets, reminiscent of those worn by the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, were on the spotlight once again, most notably in Balmain.

Fashion’s latest it boy, the wunderkind Alexander Wang, meanwhile, made us grab our boyfriend’s jackets and blazers and pair them with the loosest cotton shirts and the shortest shorts—with sky-high platforms, of course.

7. Prints

This year is the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, and it was only timely that fashion also paid homage to this decade of freewheeling love, fun and fashion. Diane Von Furstenberg gave us boho luxe, with her models going down the runway in dresses in bold colors and vibrant prints.

Prints were not restricted to hippie florals (also seen in Fendi, Oscar dela Renta, and Dolce & Gabbana); there were also exotic tribal prints, as seen in Matthew Williamson and Anna Sui, watercolour splashes on pieces by Marni and Rodarte, and of course, fierce and fabulous Animal Prints (zebra, leopards, tigers, etc.) in the Christian Dior, Gucci, and Prada catwalks.

8. Sportswear

It really is the season for practicality as even the usually frivolous fashion world made an attempt to look comfortable via sports-inspired pieces. Erin Fetherston continued with her laid-back yet ultra-chic pieces; this time, the young designer looked to seventies sportswear for inspiration.

Lacoste, of course, was the frontrunner for this look, but even other designers not really inclined to doing sportswear, like BCBG, showed us their athleticism when it came to fashion.

9. Muted tones

Maybe the big recession has really caught up with fashion, because even in the summer, colors were primarily muted. Gray was ubiquitous, and so were really soft pastels.

But there are always rebels in fashion (which make it fun), and at the other end of the spectrum were day-glo, neon, and punchy colors—like the orange crush in Etro, Luella and Pucci. This really just goes to show that, in fashion, you always have an option.

10. Pants

Marrakesh was closely alluded to by designers like Paul Smith and Dries Van Noten, who had glorious turbans to show off. But it is more important to note that this Moroccan fantasy brought forth Ralph Lauren’s Ali Baba harem pants that literally stole the spotlight (they were very shiny, to say the least).

Yes, pants were strong this season, with everything from dhoti, harem and the simple act of rolling up your jeans dominating catwalks and high streets.

About the Author

Neelima Reddy, author of this article writes for TheFashionables.com. The Fashionables blog helps you learn everything you need to know about fashion. Know more about Fashion accessories, men’s fashion, women’s fashion, fashion tips, celebrity fashion, hairstyles, trends, makeup and beauty etc. Visit The fashionables

Animal Print Outfit Tips – MakeMeChic.com – Womens Clothing & Ankle Boots

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Elle Animal Print Headwrap $8.5 Elle Animal Print Headwrap is a sassy and stylish hairwrap.

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Return To The Wild Animal Print Dark Brown $8.98 Return To The Wild is designed by Whistler Studio for Windham Fabrics. Perfect fabric for quilting, craft projects, apparel and home decor accents. Colors include shades of brown.

Oh Boy Animal Silhouette Red $5.98 Designed by David Walker for Free Spirit, this cotton print fabric features an assortment of animal silhouettes. Colors include shades of orange. Fabric is perfect for quilts, home decor accents, craft projects and apparel.

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HairDo Pop Clip in Animal Print $10 HairDo Pop Clip in Animal Print is 16″ long.

Animal Print Slap Bracelets $3.95 Party Supplies That Will Bring Out the Animal In You. Animal Print Slap Bracelets are the perfect addition to any zoo or animal lover’s birthday party! The animal lover in your life will go wild for these unique animal print bracelets. These fierce bracelets work perfectly for zoo or animal themed events and will be worn long after the party is over. 12 bracelets per package. Slap bracelet covered in animal print fabric. 8 1/2 bracelets, one size fits most. Assorted animal prints. Create an animal adventure birthday for the animal lover in your life. Stock up on zoo and animal party supplies to make your wild party one to remember! Part of Costumes > Accessories > Jewelry > Bracelets

Animal Print Treat Bags $2.95 Party Supplies That Will Bring Out The Animal In You. Animal Print Treat Bags are the perfect addition to any zoo or animal lover’s birthday party! The animal lover in your life will go wild for these unique favor bags. These animal goodie bags work perfectly for zoo and animal themed birthday parties. 12 favor bags per package. Giraffe, tiger, leopard, and zebra patterns. Bags are 10 tall. Made of paper. Create an animal adventure birthday for the animal lover in your life. Stock up on zoo and animal party supplies to make your wild life party one to remember! Part of Supplies > Loot Bags > Paper Bags

Coffee Cat Café Animal Print Brown $8.98 Coffee Cat Café is designed by Color Principle for Henry Glass & Co. Perfect fabric for quilting, craft projects, apparel and home decor accents. Colors include brown and tan.

Coffee Cat Café Animal Print Orange $8.98 Coffee Cat Café is designed by Color Principle for Henry Glass & Co. Perfect fabric for quilting, craft projects, apparel and home decor accents. Colors include red and orange.

Return To The Wild Animal Print Saddle Brown $8.98 Return To The Wild is designed by Whistler Studio for Windham Fabrics. Perfect fabric for quilting, craft projects, apparel and home decor accents. Colors include shades of golden brown.

Woven Animal Print Earrings $5.99 Animal print design woven throughout the teardrop earring./Woven twisted design in the center./Fish back closure./Lightweight.//////Imported.

Animal Print Prom Gown $298 Strapless animal print Prom gown. Textured bodice. Empire waist with jeweled broach. Side slit.

ANIMAL PRINT SHOES $37.52 Walk on the Wild Side!Be daring with our 22″ animal print shoes and take a walk on the wild side.

ANIMAL PRINT GUITAR $21.76 Surfin’ Safari!Play along with the band and go on a safari with me. Our animal print guitars will accent your party.

Animal Print Sunglasses (12) $6.99 “Includes (12) assorted Animal Print Sunglasses. Plastic; 5″” W. For novelty use only.”

Dachshund Lying on Animal Print Blanket $24.99 Henryk T. Kaiser Dachshund Lying on Animal Print Blanket – Photographic Print

Animal Crappers $34.99 Will Bullas Animal Crappers – Giclee Print

20Animal Print Stocking(Pack of 36) $21.27 20″ animal print Christmas stocking.

Animal Print Braided Wedges $29.99 This wedge features an animal print upper front with a woven canvas./Open toe./Cushioned insoles./////All man made materials.//Imported.

Sparkling Animal Print Gown $262 Exotic animal print gown by Dave and Johnny 7422 has a ruched sweetheart bodice adorned with clusters of colorful beading at the bust and waist.

Strapless Gown With Animal Print $518 A blend of wild and elegant, this floor-length gown by Terani P620 features an animal print. The bustline of this strapless gown is contoured by a swirling, beaded pattern.

Flowing Animal Print Gown $418 The most distinctive feature of this charmeuse dress by Blush 9309 is the bold animal print. With one-shoulder detail and beading at the waist, this dress really stands out.

Animal Print Silk Bandana $98 Colorful animal print is bordered by an ornamental motif creating chic sophistication in this luxuriant silk scarf. Signature envelope included. Made in Italy.

Three Pack Animal Print Headbands $5.99 Three pack of fashion headbands!/Animal print with bows./Thin headbands.///////Imported.

Animal Print Pens(Pack of 1) $52.99 Animal Print Pens 48 assorted animal print pens Individually upc’d Priced per cardboard display of 48 pens.

Animal Print Tankini Swimsuit $15.99 Animal print in green hues allover printClosed back tankini style with green trim and halter neck tiesFloppy side tie bikini bottomsRemovable liner in sizes 10-20

Animal Print Jumpsuit $19.99 The perfect spring jumpsuit! A button down animal print tube jumpsuit./Two front pockets./Elastic waistband with belt./////100% Rayon/Hand wash cold, hang dry./Imported.

Beaded Animal Print Gown $298 Heed the call of the wild in this long animal print prom dress by Faviana 6712 Stunning all over pattern is highlighted by a line of beading under the bodice and up along the edges to the straps.

A-Line Animal Print Gown $418 Bold A-line animal print gown by Night Moves 6455 has a strapless bodice encrusted with sparkly sequins and a contrasting ruched waist. Please note sizes 20-32 may take up to 12 weeks for delivery.

Animal Print Bags Pkg/12 $1.99 Fill these paper animal-print bags with fun favors. Package of 12 includes assorted prints. Each bag is 10″ high x 5″ wide x 3″ deep.

Party Animal Print Treat Bags $3.49 Party Supplies That Will Bring Out The Animal In You. Party Animal Print Treat Bags are the perfect addition to any zoo or animal lover’s birthday party! The animal lover in your life will go wild for these unique favor bags. These colorful animal goodie bags work perfectly for zoo and animal themed birthday parties. 12 favor bags per package. Brightly colored animal patterns. Bags are 10 tall. Made of paper. Create an animal adventure birthday for the animal lover in your life. Stock up on zoo and animal party supplies to make your wild life party one to remember! Part of Supplies > Loot Bags > Paper Bags

Surf Animal $5.99 Scott Westmoreland Surf Animal – Art Print

Animal Soup $34.99 John Newcomb Animal Soup – Giclee Print

Animal Magic $139.99 Kate Moore Animal Magic – Framed Art Print

Animal Composition $19.99 Joan Miró Animal Composition – Art Print

Sunbathing Animal $74.99 Karel Appel Sunbathing Animal – Collectable Print

Animal Tracks $49.99 John Chalkley Animal Tracks – Giclee Print

Animal Open $44.99 Alfred Gockel Animal Open – Framed Art Print

Animal Scenes $49.99 Philipp Otto Runge Animal Scenes – Giclee Print

Animal Fair $34.99 William W. Denslow Animal Fair – Giclee Print

Tips On How To Wear Autumn/Winter Trends 2010/11 For Women

Do you want to be wearing this season’s trends whilst staying stylish and not be a fashion victim?

The only way to achieve this is to be conscious of your body shape and dress accordingly. So here are a few guidelines on how to wear some of this season’s trends.

COLOUR – Wearing the right colour can takes years off. So what do you do when this season’s colours aren’t right for you? You mix them with shades which are right and always wear these shades nearest to your face. The main colour trends are:

* Camel – a very stylish classic colour, especially good for women with warm complexions. Blend with autumnal accent colours such as browns and rusts for soft warm complexions. On warm bright complexions team with bright warm colours such as gold, creams and corals or a bold pattern such as leopard print.  If you have a cool, high contrasting colouring then team with dark navy (another on trend colour). The camel colour can look striking on blonde women with warm highlights such as honey and caramel, but can also look good on cool blondes if teamed with off white or pale pink.

*Navy – navy is the new black. It has the same properties as black i.e. can be slimming, but is not as harsh on the complexion. The trend is to be a very dark navy and this is best on women with cool bright complexions. Women with warm dark complexions can also wear dark navy, but the navy needs to be more muted rather than bright and bold. For the paler complexions a faded navy would be more complimentary.

*Army green – another classic neutral colour. Compliments warm and muted complexions the best, but neutral enough to team with berry shades to suit your own particular colouring.

Fabrics/DESIGNS & PATTERNS – consider your body shape and proportions when choosing fabrics, designs and patterns.

* Fabric trends are knitwear, fur, leather and lace.

Knitwear is not just restricted to cardigans and jumpers this season, but also Dresses and skirts so you can cocoon yourself from top to bottom. Oversized jumpers and chunky knits will add bulk and are better on the slim boyish figures. For the curvier or fuller figure layered fine knits are better, or the retro twin set with pearls.  Polo necks will be on trend, but for the larger bust add a long necklace to break the space.  Polo necks will shorten long necks and oblong shaped faces.

Fur (real and fake) will be not just for coats and jackets, but for leg warmers, boots, handbags, scarves, hats and even as embellishments.  Textures will vary from long shaggy yeti style to short chunky teddy bear style. Patterns will be plain, chevron and Animal Print. Most furs are usually bulky and so will draw attention to that particular area.  For the slim boy shaped figure, wearing a thin leather belt around the fur coat/jacket will add curves. For the curvier, fuller figure go for just fur trimming (only in the areas you want to bring attention to), fur stoles or look for thinner less bulky fur coats/jackets.

If you are not in to wearing leather pants, dresses or skirts, then go for clothing with just the leather trimmings or panels. Shearling will be big for jackets and boots giving the classic aviator look especially if teamed with skinny pants or a calf length slim pencil skirt. Shearling is also good at keeping you warm and cosy in the winter months without overheating.

Lace, a popular trend this summer, will continue in to autumn/ winter. Stiffer lace looks better on the straight boyish figure, keep the softer finer lace for the curvier figure.

*Pattern trend is florals and Animal Prints. The placement of the pattern depends on what you want to bring attention to. If you have large hips you will probably not want attention drawn to this area, therefore the pattern should be on the top half in order to draw the eye away from the hips.

* Design trend is heavy embroidery, beadings, feathers and pleating. Remember these will add bulk and will draw the eye to that area.

BELTS – Thin belts. A girl’s best friend as is much kinder to short waisted women than a wide belt.

HAIRBANDS – give the 60′s feel which is on trend.  Wear with fringe if face shape long, without if face shape round.

HANDBAGS – No shoulder bags, the trend will be to carry structured handbags in the hand or over the elbow. Look elegant and get the trendy 50′s look by wearing with gloves.

JEWELLERY – The trend is still to wear a large statement piece, especially the necklace. But remember to wear only one large statement piece unless your bone structure is large. Pearls add to the retro look.  If you have angular facial features, choose jewellery with angular details e.g. squares, triangles. If you have softer contoured features, choose circles and ovals for the detail. Also consider your face shape when choosing jewellery.E.g a round face will look good in longer earrings as they will lengthen the face, round earrings will only emphasise the roundness of the face.

JACKETS/COATS – A variety of styles to suit all tastes and body shapes: the Aviator style with shearling collars, the plain understated military styles and the classic camel coat. Capes are also on trend from long flowing cloaks to short capelets

DRESSES/SKIRTS –A-line skirts just above the knee, a flattering shape and a flattering length for most women. If you don’t like showing your knees then go for the wide full 50′s skirts which stops just below the knee. Both these shapes are great for the curvier figure as nip in the waist but also can camouflage the straighter boyish figure. The longer 50′s look can make your legs look slimmer whilst the shorter A-line skirt will lengthen your legs.

SHOES – Flats or low heels are the trend.  Combined with the calf length dresses, this is only good news for the tall ladies who want to look smaller .So in order to make the legs look longer you need to rely on other tricks such as: wearing the same colour for your tights and shoes, keeping the shoe front low, wear pointed toes, no ankle straps and keep the shoe free of accessories such as bows etc.

About the Author

frumpy to funky was established by Karen Grace, an affiliate member of the Federation of Image Consultants. Karen has studied Personal Styling at the London College of Fashion and received her professional training in one of the London’s leading Image Consultancy training centre. More details can be seen on http://www.frumpytofunky.com

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