Ripped Jeans and Patched Jeans

By Danielle Levinson

Ripped jeans have been worn as a fashion statement since the 1970's. During the 1970's many chose to deform their jeans in an effort to separate themselves from mainstream culture. Ironically, the mainstream eventually embraced ripped jeans.

Today ripped jeans and patched jeans have become part of the fabric of American culture. Both styles are now welcome in places that range from the dorm room to the board room, the art studio to the art opening, and the vegetable garden to the garden gala.

The truth is, we just love to abuse our jeans. Since their invention, jeans have been ripped, bleached, shrunk, permanent pressed, cut off, torn, shredded, distressed, sanded, stone washed, and acid washed. On the other hand, they've been lovingly embroidered, beaded, patched, painted and sequined. We definitely have an intriguing relationship with our favorite article of clothing. Through the good times, and the bad ones, our loyal jeans still love us. And we still love them.

Which reminds us, in the 1970's, during the height of the free love movement, the US also saw an outpouring of denim love. Americans were using their jeans to visually express their hopes, political views, and religious beliefs. In 1974, Levi's held a denim art contest and received thousands of entries.

The worst part (or best part!) is that people actually wore these jeans. That's right, take a look at the bad boys and their jeans from Levi's Denim Art Contest Catalogue of Winners by Richard M. Owens, Baron Wolman, John Burks.

You can design your own custom jeans with holes and rips online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Levinson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ripped-Jeans-and-Patched-Jeans&id=2625760

What is Fashion? What is Style?

By Monica Barnett

I have often used the words "fashion" and "style" interchangeably but, I'm not sure they mean the same thing....or do they? The Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion says fashion is, "a sociocultural phenomenon in which a preference is shared by a large number of people of a particular style that last for a relatively short period time, and then is replaced by another style...". Fairchild defines style as, "in fashion, an individual and distinctive type of dress, coat, blouse, or other item of apparel or accessory...to have a certain flair that is specific and individual."

The fashion industry has left us parsing words and syllables to come up with an answer and, in the end, have we made an perceptible progress? We track backwards to style icons like Valentino, Gabrielle Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent to use their words..."fashions fade - style is eternal" in hopes of an answer.

With each day, I become more brazen in my defiance in saying there is an difference but, the problem is, I'm still not sure what it is. Rather than try to answer this, I am now working toward understanding the question. To do that, there are a few items I am using to factor into my evaluation of the validity of the question at hand:

(1) time - as in 'today' versus 'in the days of ole' - did we ever parse hairs (i.e. fashion vs style) back then?
(2) location - as in do you live in Paris, France, South Bend, Indiana, Seoul, Korea, or elsewhere? - can fashion and style be dependent on where you live and perhaps what information or media you have access to?; and
(3) exposure - as in are you Gabrielle Chanel, a self-proclaimed Fashionista or Fashionelle, a WWD editor, or an unknowing fashion victim?

I'm positive there are many other elements to consider but, consider this the proverbial 'line in the sand' as I move down the road to (possible) differentiation!

http://www.blueprintforstyle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monica_Barnett
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Fashion?-What-is-Style?&id=2609824

Men's Clothing From the 60's to Today

By Phil Stott

Men's clothing has long since passed the few basic staples of the 1960s. The fashion icons that included Elvis Presley and The Beatles provided the foundation for which many men followed. The ties, belts and lapels got wider, the shoes got whiter and the flared jean ruled. Today, men follow the beat of their own drums and prefer cotton over polyester and Banlon and collarless over the longer collar indicative of days past.

There are, however, a few timeless pieces that have stood the test of time and remain in men's closets throughout the world. The classic polo, the simplicity of a white tee and the versatility of denim are dateless. They transcend time and never go out of style. Although the British invasion may have come and gone and took with it the mod business suit, complete with tapered legs and funky plaids, we still covet the slimming features proffered by these uniquely cut suits.

Fortunately, there are designers who recognize a great look and still provide those leg-lengthening and waist-reducing looks. One celebrity that comes to mind and who has that tapered look down to perfection is the new late-night talk show king, Conan O'Brien. He's clearly found the magic formula in bring the 1960s forward into current day and done so with great flair.

Casual was best defined all those decades ago with one word: Woodstock. Psychedelic patterns, tie-dyed tees and leather sandals ruled the weekend look for men all over the world. Although the groovy color patterns associated with tie-dyes may have given way to the simplicity of a single color, men are still able to find countless colors and designs. Whether you saw the end of the decade as "a long time coming" or were reluctant to enter into the 1970s, the style and bold look, although pared back to a large degree, can still be found in many of today's designers.

Get all the latest Mens Designer Clothing from Ragazzi, one of the UK's leading online designer stores.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Stott
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mens-Clothing-From-the-60s-to-Today&id=2645679

Soul-Flower for all your hippie clothing needs in July

Wait, wait - is it the middle of July already? Time is an elusive thing - sometimes it seems like it's taking forever, and times like now it seems to just fly by. I guess that means we're having fun, and hopefully you have been too.

We've been busy creating new styles, as well as hooking up with some phresh, new designers to provide those funky, bohemian looks we all love. Check out our latest & greatest right here.















And to keep things moving along, we've added a bunch of new stuff to the sale page and have dropped the prices on many items that we only have a few pieces/sizes left. But just in case you don't think that's low enough then use this coupon (JULYDEAL) and receive an additional 10% off any order over $50!

We have lots of stuff coming in around the beginning of August so stay tuned, have a great month and stay in touch - we love your letters, emails, and photo's!








You can check out all of the products that are on this page and lots more at Soul Flower - for all your hippie clothing needs:

http://www.soul-flower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=SOS&AFFIL=Robert_Muller

Retro and Vintage Apparel

Retro and Vintage Apparel by Suzie Chandlar

People like vintage and retro clothing for different reasons. Some people prefer the materials used during a certain era while others prefer the designs and the cut of the clothes. Finally, some people just like being able to point out to others that the clothing they own is genuine vintage from another era. There is something kind of cool about just wearing that retro gear.

A lot of people right now are in to wearing fashions from the 1970s and 1980s. That is par for the course as it seems that fashion often comes back about twenty to thirty years after it was first popular. The fashions from the seventies include a wide range of looks. The early seventies were a continuation of the late sixties extreme casual look. Jeans, granny dresses, hot pants and midi skirts were representative for female fashion. Males continued the hippie look until the middle to late seventies brought about the switch to the unforgettable disco fashions. Disco looks included shiny skin tight outfits and loud silk shirts among other fashion fiascos.

When the eighties came along, the disco theme continued, but not everyone followed along. Trends moved toward a preppy look in the middle of the decade that included Polo shirts with collars turned up and docksider shoes with no socks. Watching some episodes of Miami Vice or some mid-eighties music videos can give you a feel for what was being worn by people who follow fashion.

Today, when people dress in a retro fashion, the idea is not to copy the look exactly. Some people do this and end up looking like they are wearing a costume. The way to make the most of seventies and eighties vintage clothing is to incorporate is into what is popular today. It is meant to be an accent to your look, not a look in itself.

Dressing with an appreciation for vintage clothing doesn't have to be limited to the two decades mentioned. There are some great old clothes out there from even earlier decades. The 1940s are very popular with some people as a fashion era. During this time, the United States went through a lot of changes due to the war. This includes clothing fashions. Because of shortages of material and other basic items, clothing in the forties was much simpler than in the previous decade. People who appreciate more basic styles might enjoy clothing from this era.

Whether you like vintage clothing or not, it can be interesting to look at from a historical viewpoint. Clothing and fashion help to tell the story of a different time. Sometimes we look back and smile, and sometimes we just shake our heads.

You might also want to try these articles about vintage apparel and vintage jackets on for size.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzie_Chandlar
http://EzineArticles.com/?Retro-and-Vintage-Apparel&id=2605126

Invitation to Book Launch for "Goodbye, Crackernight" by Justin Sheedy, Saturday 26 September

Hi all,

Here is an email I received from one of the regular contributors to this site, Justin Sheedy. Justin has a launch for his new book "Goodbye, Crackernight" coming up in September, so if you are in Sydney at this time, please go along. I'm sure Justin would love to meet you as he is a big fan of this site and the music and culture associated with it. And judging by the articles he writes for this site, he is a hell of a good writer!

Cheers,

Robert.

You are invited to the Book Launch for "Goodbye, Crackernight" by Justin Sheedy.

As per the image shown, the launch will be held at the beautiful new Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills, on Saturday 26 September, 4-7pm. Admission is free, food & refreshments provided, copies of the book available on-site for sale and signing by the author, who will thank the Good Lord and read excerpts.

Though admission is free, your RSVP is essential: To do so, please telephone the Surry Hills Library on 02 8374 6230. To help us better plan the event, please also send an email to the following address by the end of July, stating numbers wishing to attend.

Though places will be limited so do get in quick. crackerlaunch@hotmail.com. We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. Until then, please keep up to date with happenings re "Goodbye, Crackernight" at http://crackernight.com/ and please feel free to forward this Invite email to anybody and everybody you like. Justin Sheedy.

http://psychedelichippiemusic.blogspot.com/
http://psychedelichippiefashion.blogspot.com/
http://thezeitgeistischanging.blogspot.com/
http://www.soul-flower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=SOS&AFFIL=Robert_Muller

'It' Fashion Then and Now

'It' Fashion Then and Now by Marie Hilland

Retro fashion styles have been around for a long time. Take the rock and roll Teddy boys, for example, who mimicked Edwardian styles. With the current economic recession, we are all cutting back on our spending. The disposable age has gone, and is replaced by the make-do-and-mend attitude. As bargain designer wear flies off the rails in charity shops, it is time to look elsewhere for that little black dress or Chanel suit which has stood the test of time.

With vintage clothing becoming more and more popular, prices are rising, and so it could be time to search through our mother's, grandmother's or even big sister's wardrobes for some hidden gem of a fashion item from decades ago. To be able to distinguish between what is hot and what is definitely not, we need to establish what was 'It' in the 1950s, 70s and 90s.

In the 1950s teenage fashion emerged for the first time, and with it some exciting looks. New synthetic fabrics appeared, making it possible to use pastel shades and white, which had previously yellowed when washed. Dior created a shaped fitted jacket with nipped in waistline, worn with lavish full calf length skirt which used vast metres of fabric.

Full skirts were supported by starched nylon bouffant petticoats. Chanel created a slim and sleek skirt and slender tunic. The swoop line or empire line was huge with teenagers. Tapered ski pants worn with cowl necked or roll necked black jumpers emerged as part of the Beatnik look in the 1950s. The Kelly Bag and Chanel's quilted bag were much coveted items which have been copied ever since.

The early 1970s saw the arrival of loons, skin tight canvas trousers with huge flairs in bright funky colors, worn with wooden soled platform shoes. Embroidered smock tops with glittery mirror beading was all part of the hippy look. Long bell-sleeved tee shirts with screen prints of album covers designs have recently made a huge come back. Tailored tweed hacking jackets were worn with jeans.

The mid 70s saw groovy young things turning either to the glitzy world of disco or the bondage and safety pin look of punk. Flares were replaced by drain pipe jeans, platform shoes by pointed toe stiletto shoes, cowboy boots and wooden clogs. Skirt lengths were mini, maxi or midi. The disco scene saw hot pants a plenty, often with matching smock tops and heels with criss cross strapping around the calf. Big names on the High Street for disco clothes were Bus Stop and Chelsea Girl with stretch tops, light reflecting clothes and baggy satin or silver fabric trousers. Punk designer clothing focused on Westwood and Maclaren's Seditionary clothes.

The 1990s saw minimalism creep in, with low key jewelery, cargo pants, ripped faded denims, Adidas wind pants and baggy jeans. Distressed aviator jackets and leather pants appeared once more. Beaded cashmere cardigans, pashminas, petticoat dresses and strappy floral print dresses were accentuated with a flash of cleavage, courtesy of the Wonderbra. Tight lycra or leather black skirts and cinch belts demonstrated an emerging reaction to the scruffy grunge look. Black began to be worn by absolutely everyone. Capri pants arrived and refuse to go away. Lycra clothing also appeared, originally in sports wear but working its way through to skin tight tops, catsuits and pants.

For more of today's 'it' fashion picks please visit The 'It' Guide.

Marie Hilland

Fashion Director of The 'It' Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Hilland
http://EzineArticles.com/?It-Fashion-Then-and-Now---Part-One&id=2580840

Pierre Cardin 1969: 'Space-Age Futurism' Style

Image "Barbarella" by Cayusa via Flickr

Hi everyone,

I've just found another interesting video of the fashions of Pierre Cardin from 1969. It's an expose of 'Space-Age Futurism' clothing. It's very unusual and provides a rare insight into what they probably thought we would be wearing now. Nevertheless, the 'feel' is definitely 1960s! The video is put to the music of Bob Dylan with Lay Lady Lay performed by Mike Melvoin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi_Ck1R3CXQ

Relax, enjoy and get plenty of ideas!

http://psychedelichippiefashion.blogspot.com/
http://psychedelichippiemusic.blogspot.com/
http://thezeitgeistischanging.blogspot.com/
http://www.soul-flower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=SOS&AFFIL=Robert_Muller

A Montage of 1960s Beauty and Style

Image of Marianne Faithful 1965 by Sacheverelle via Flickr

Hi everyone,

I've come across a couple of brilliant montages of the beautiful women (and their fashions) of the 1960s. Included are pics of: Pattie Boyd, Jane Asher, Maureen Starkey, Anna Karina, Michelle Phillips, Bridgitte Bardot, Eleanor Bron, Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Edie Sedgwick, Marianne Faithful, Mary Quant, Faye Dunaway, Mia Farrow, Priscilla Presley, Sharon Tate and others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WLyeDMKHss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WTh9mOl_so

Enjoy and be inspired!

http://psychedelichippiefashion.blogspot.com/
http://psychedelichippiemusic.blogspot.com/
http://thezeitgeistischanging.blogspot.com/
http://www.soul-flower.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=SOS&AFFIL=Robert_Muller