The Language of Jeans

A pair of Blue Blood jeans

Image via Wikipedia

Jeans are as American as apple pie, baseball and the Fourth of July.  We all have them.  We all love them.  And from time to time we are all baffled when it comes to the terminology of jeans.  Jeans have their own language.  So until Babelfish.com recognizes it as a language, here is a basic language guide.

Words describing the denim fabric

  • Acid wash – the denim fabric will have vivid white portions. This is accomplished in the manufacturing process by scrubbing the denim with chlorine soaked pumice stones.
  • Creased – once meant that someone ironed the jeans.  Now it means that a tiny white stripe down the front of each leg has been added in the manufacturing process to give the illusion that the jeans have been ironed.
  • Dirty wash – are jeans that are manufactured to look dirty.
  • Stone wash –similar to its acid wash cousin, stone wash fades the jeans more evenly.  This manufacturer uses pumice stones, sand and enzymes to achieve the look.

Words describing the style of jeans

  • Boyfriend—are jeans from the men’s department that are slightly too long (so you must roll them into cuffs) and slightly too big, particularly in the waist.  A belt is mandatory.
  • Bootcut –are jeans with a wider cuff, never to be confused with “bell bottoms” which were jeans with a very wide cuff.
  • Cargo jeans—loose fitting jeans with a lot of pockets on the legs.
  • Trouser jeans—are fitted at the waist and hips and fit more loosely along the thighs and legs.

The language of jeans like the pants it describes is constantly changing. For fashionistas, it is a full time job.

What Do Designers Really Think?

Most of us don’t know what really is going on inside a designers head when he or she is developing the latest seasonal fashion line, or how he does feel when he sees his labels linked with a celebrity, unless his opinion or feeling is quoted, but many still like to speculate.

What Do Designers Really Think When They are Preparing for Upcoming Fashion Shows?

Many believe that they are looking at their labels to see how well certain designs sold. They also like to think that if the results were not too good, they ask themselves why and how they can change them.

Many look to other designers and clothing lines, not to steal ideas, but to get a feel of what works. Most likely, a smart designer will look at Coogi pants and try to figure out exactly why they are so popular and why they remain a fashion must-have season after season.

What Do Designers Really Think When They See Their Labels Linked With a Celebrity?

Most are happy, because very often what a celebrity is seen wearing becomes the next trend. Just look at the clothing worn by rappers and other singers, the forward brushed hair style that was made popular by a still-very-hot teen idol, and other examples.

Also, most fashion designers are interested in what really works for everyone, and they try to develop their seasonal fashion lines with that in mind. Everyone wants to look good, whether that person has celebrity status or not.

 

 

Fashions that never go out of style

jeans for men 

Image via Wikipedia

Fashion trends seem to change as often as the wind blows, and for many people it can be difficult to try to keep up with the demands of trying to stay in style.  But, with a little bit of smart shopping, anyone can stay current by investing in a few pieces that will never go out of style, yet can be matched with other trendy accessories to keep the look current.  Here are a few fashions that will never go out of style, and should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe.

Black Dress Pants

Black dress pants can be appropriate for practically any setting.  When shopping for that perfect pair of black dress pants, it is important to make sure that they fit properly.  Avoid pants that are too tight, too loose, too long, or too short, because any of these problems can cause the pants to make the wearer look sloppy.

Well-Fitted Jeans

Even though most people have quite a few pairs of jeans in their wardrobe, everyone should be sure to have at least one pair of well-fitting light jeans and one pair of dark jeans.  Slightly flared jeans never go out of style, and can be dressed up or dressed down.

Button-Down Shirt

A crisp white button down shirt is timeless.  It should be slightly tailored, and should not be too loose, short, tight, or in any other way be ill-fitting.

Khakis

Khakis come in so many different styles, and some may not fit the classic look that will stand the test of fashion time.  So, khakis should be well fitted, and pleats should be avoided.

 

The ins and outs of a designer

In order to become a successful designer you must have an eye for detail.  If you are wanting to become a designer you must have an outstanding desire to correct problems as they arise as well as effective communication.  Communication is a crucial part to this industry.  You must have an artsy ability.  An ability to be able to sketch, draw, compose different materials.  With the help of a computer you can get to where you need to be to be successful in designing and creating all different articles of clothing.  As you move along in your schooling keep a clean portfolio of all the work you have done.  A decent collection of work just might land you the job you’ve dreamed of all along.

Not only do you need to have an eye for detail, but you must also know the ins and outs on how to sew.  Understanding how to sew is crucial in giving instructions to the person producing your garment. It’s a good idea to have very strong selling techniques and be able to give phenomenal presentations in order to get potential clients and retailer’s to purchase your items.  Excellent communication is prime as in this business if you want to keep your business growing and gain that expierence you will be responsible for maintaining contact with suppliers, manufacturers and buyers from around the world.

If you are just staring out, you will most likely start out on pattern making or becoming an assistant to a designer and assist with his or her sketches before being considered moving to the higher levels.

Why Urban Clothing?

If you’re not familiar with urban clothing, perhaps you should be. Urban clothing lines have certainly made their mark in fashion, producing a number of great options for men, women and children. Don’t hesitate to check out urban fashion.

Urban fashion was largely born of hip-hop culture. The 1990s were certainly a golden age for urban clothing, where brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren were dominating more mainstream sportswear. During this time, however, urban clothing became very popular, where brands such as Ecko and Rocawear were gaining momentum.

Today urban clothing is very well received. Part of the beauty is in its versatility. Taking the brand Ecko, for instance, you wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find a man with a sleek polo from the brand in a club. However, the fashion line also produces a number of dressier clothes, perfect for the office. Urban clothing lines give a great deal of versatility, perfect for individuals that need to stay stylish wherever they go.

Urban clothing has successfully been introduced into mainstream culture. Whether or not you’re into more of the “traditional” influences of hip-hop culture from the 1980s, you can update your wardrobe to take advantage of its style. You can wear it when you’re hanging out with your friends, out on the town, or at your job.

Consider some of the choices available with regards to urban clothing. No matter where your fashion-related interests are placed, urban clothing should have something perfect for you. If you’re familiar with the latest fashions, inevitable you have come across a few popular urban fashion lines. As a distinct part of today’s fashion, it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the best urban clothing offerings available.

Just What Are the Different Types of Engagement Rings?

When you think about the different types of engagement rings, you may think this only refers to the shape of the stones. This is one indication of the different types, but the stones used, as well as the band width and the inclusion of other stones or designs are also used to denote the different types.

The Shapes of the Stones

Although diamonds are the most popular stones used in engagement rings, it is not unusual to see them with other gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, jade, ruby, or any type of precious or semi-precious stone. Any of these stones can be fashioned into different shapes, although the softness of some stones may limit them to oval, round, or square shapes only.

Other Stone Shapes

Besides the three aforementioned, gemstones, diamonds especially can also come in other shapes, and these are generally referred to by different names rather than the shape itself. If you want to keep it simple, though, you can ask to see engagement rings with round-, oval-, square-, or pear-shaped stones. If you want to get a little fancier ask for the “Marquise”, an oval-shaped stone but with tapered ends.

Which Shape is best?

In engagement rings, the shape of the stone can be determined by the presence or absence of other stones. Some shapes look better for the types of engagement rings that only have a single stone, while others are better suited to being surrounded by other smaller stones or a design of some sort.

Back in the good old days

The first ever fashion designer was Charles Worth. Before he was able to set up his fashion house, his creation was completed by an anynomous seamstress.  He was so successful in his line of work that just one look at a client and he would tell them what he or she needed to wear instead of them choosing what they wanted like earlier dressmakers had done.  During this time period design houses would start to hire artists to help in the designing of clothing.  Once the client saw the skectching of the potential piece of clothing and had placed an order for it, it would be made available to the client at a cheaper price then if the designer was to acutally make the garment available first.

In the early 20th century all high fashion was originated in Paris.  Employees from Fashion magazines from around the world would go to Paris to watch the fashion shows.  Buyers from stores were sent to the fashion shows where they had an opportunity to purchase clothing for their store.  It was around this time that Fashion magazines began to introduce pictures and the public flocked to get these magazines.  By the end of the 19th century the fashion industry had a more profound image due to many well off women purchasing these trends that were demanded.  Trimmings and colors distinguished one season from another.  The S-Bend corset look was common up until around 1908.  At the end of the decade the look became more straight and somewhat slim.  An elegant garment was necessary for any well dressed woman.  Another crucial part to the womens outfit was the desginer hat.  Hats back then were either tiny little ones that perched up on top of the head, trimmed with ribbons, flowers and even feathers.  As an added accessory to the wardrobe parasols were worn dripped with lace that added to the prettiness.

What started fashion?

Have you ever asked yourself when or why fashion submerged?  Fashion has been a continuing factor for hundreds of years, and continues year after year with new trends and ideas.

Well before the 1840′s wedding dresses were of any color.  When Queen Victoria got married in 1840 in a stunning white lace trimmed dress, white dresses were then related to weddings from that point on.

In the 19th centry people with new clothes and fashions would be considered middle class.  Men who wore black suits, shades of gray and brown were looked at as being respectful, and having authority and responsibility.  Salior uniforms became vital for the middle class boys.  Bows, ruffels, and pastels were worn of those of the middle class girls.

Over the past five decades we have seen numerous trends in fashion.  In the 1950′s we saw women in poodle skirts and saddle shoes.  Then a year later it changed to women in miniskirts, baby doll dresses and go go boots.  In the 1970′s people were after bell bottoms and platform shoes or the disco look.  The 1980′s brought out clothes with big shoulder pads, leg warmers, designer jeans.  In the 1990′s the look was that of grunge, tattoos, straight hair with a part down the middle.

More often then not clothing is known to express emotions.  We often wear black as a sign of mourning the loss of a loved one, but at the same time black can also consider a formal color.  There are many well known people whom are well known for their clothing such as Elvis Presley.  Elvis Presley has been remembered by his white jewled suits.  Abrahma Lincoln was known for his stove piped hat.   Jackie Kennedy was known for her hats, and her well tailored suits.  President Jimmy Carter was remembered by his cardigan sweaters.  Ronald Reagan wore his cowboy hat as a symbol of his heritage.   As time changes so does trends and fashions.