By Sara Buttar
Deep in the countryside of Saumur France, August 19, 1883 bore the birth of a baby girl given the name Gabrielle Chasnel. As the illegitimate daughter of a forsaken romance between an aspiring seamstress and a nomad, Gabrielle would grow up ashamed of her family and later lead her life in denial of her past. Still against all odds, she would become a legend; one who would eventually be known to the world as Coco Chanel.
As an integrative fashion designer, Coco single-handedly launched what is now considered to be one of the world's most recognized brand names: Chanel. Named after her adopted surname, the company which first began in a small French village nearly 100 years ago is now worth an estimated 11.8 billion dollars.
How exactly did Coco Chanel accomplish such a rags-to-riches fairytale? Her journey was not a simple one.
Gabrielle Chasnel began her life as the second child of Jeanne Devolle and Albert Chanel, a young and unwed couple searching for independence and identity. When Gabrielle was born, her birth was recorded by two illiterate employees of a local hospice. The workers were not sure of how to spell 'Chanel', prompting them to improvise and spell her surname incorrectly as 'Chasnel' on the birth certificate.
Later as an adult, Gabrielle would refuse to correct this mistake in fear that the truth of her illegitimacy would become public. The Chanel family struggled financially during Gabrielle's childhood, with Albert and Jeanne often sacrificing their own food to feed their children. By the time Gabrielle was 12 years old, she had 4 siblings in total. Despite having relatively close relationships with her family now, Gabrielle would later insist that she was an only child, and pay her real siblings off as a way to prevent public humiliation from the truth about her real family. Her father left early in 1895 that year to expedite across Europe, leaving Jeanne alone to support their 5 children. The combination of loneliness and stress led Jeanne to face a series of medical problems. Her health matters only became worse over the years, and she eventually died from tuberculosis in the winter of 1895.
Gabrielle's father returned for a short while, but soon left again in hopes of saving up money to raise his family. Because of his absence, the Chanel children were divided to stay with extended family and orphanages. Gabrielle, along with her older sister were sent to an orphanage. Since they had no money, the girls stayed at the home for free. Still, this was in no way considered a privilege. The nuns or "aunts" as they were referred to at the Catholic-based home were extremely cruel to the Chanel sisters in particular, and often singled them out for being 'charity cases'. To 'earn her keep', Gabrielle was forced to became a seamstress. Though assured that her stay there was temporary, Albert never returned to his family.
Gabrielle remained in the orphanage, visiting her other relatives only during school vacations. On the occasions that she did visit, various female family members adamantly taught Gabrielle techniques to improve her sewing. At the age of 18, Gabrielle left the orphanage and began working for a local tailor. Despite talking freely about her experience at the orphanage, and explaining in meticulous detail the abuse in which she encountered from the 'aunts', Gabrielle later insisted that she was more than thankful for her upbringing.
She once told a French newspaper that "I've been ungrateful toward the odious aunts. I owe them everything. A child in revolt becomes a person with armor and strength. It's the kisses, caresses, teachers, and vitamins that ... turn [children] into unhappy or sickly adults. It's the mean and nasty aunts who create winners ... under nastiness looms strength, and a passion for grandeur." Still, Coco frequently contradicted herself, blaming the aunts for her all her inferiorities. This irregularity from her interviews led many to question her honesty in later years.
The first decade of the 1900's not only brought the fresh start of a new century, but also many personal changes for Gabrielle. After adopting the name Coco during a brief stint as a café singer from 1905-1908, Gabrielle met and began an affair with a man she was introduced to while working at a tailoring shop: a French playboy and millionaire, Etienne Balsan.
Gabrielle, hereafter referred to as simply 'Coco', quickly turned into a member of an accustomed high-class society. Life became a materialistic game in which Coco thrived to have more riches than anyone else. Balsan endowed Coco with splendors of the rich life, including diamonds, dresses, and pearls. During her time spent living with Balsan, Coco took on the hobby of designing hats for herself. Soon, this frivolous pastime became a much more profound talent and captured the interest of the budding designer.
In 1907, Coco opened up her first shop which offered a range of chic raincoats and jackets for a generous cost. Coco later confessed that the shop was in fact Balsan's lavish Paris apartment, and that she had taken it over after leaving him the prior year. Though the fashionable boutique was located in the center of thriving Paris, France, the store was not as prosperous as Coco had hoped. She was requested to surrender the property in early 1908. Still, the lack of success from her shop failed to disappoint or discourage Coco; it only made her more determined.
On a chance occasion prior to World War I, Coco reconnected with Etienne Balsan's former best friend, Arthur "Boy" Capel, a wealthy English polo player who Coco later referred to "the only love" of her life. The two soon began a madly passionate relationship that lasted from 1909 until 1918, though Capel was never completely faithful to Coco. Still, Arthur had a lasting impression on the styles of Coco, and his abundance of money helped her to gather enough resources to open another shop. With his support, Coco eventually gained access to a desirable property and financial assistance to open her second millinery shop in Brittany, France.
This time Coco experienced much more success than she did with her previous shop. Impressive clientele at Chanel's shops, including famed American diplomats and renowned French actresses helped to build her notable reputation. In the middle of 1913, Coco opened her third and largest boutique in Deauville, featuring original women's sportswear. This was a huge change from the common corsets that most women opted to wear to impress their husbands. A preferred location helped this shop become more profitable than the others; most women in Deauville during the World War I era were coming to realize that women should dress for themselves instead of their men. The wardrobe in which Chanel offered seemed captivating and liberating to women of this time.
Nonetheless, Capel's influence played a huge role in deciding what fashions Coco would choose to style and sell. For example, the design of Arthur's favorite blazers inspired Coco to incorporate a squared, masculine touch on classic suit designs. These styles still remain a staple part of the Chanel wardrobe. Coco and Arthur's affair lasted for many years. Though Capel married Diana Wyndham, an honorable English aristocrat in late 1918, he still remained close to Coco. Later in her life, Chanel listed Capel's fatal car accident in late 1919 the "single most devastating event" in her life. Many believe that the tragic loss of her great love was the sole reason why Chanel never married.
In the year preceding Capel's death, world ballet impresario Sergei Diaghilev introduced a distraught Coco to famed composer Igor Stravinsky. Aside from consoling Coco's broken heart, Sergei became a close friend and supposed companion. Chanel offered Diaghilev and his family to reside with her in her French estate. During the time in which this temporary abide took place is when it was rumored that the two had an affair.
Two years after her so called 'illicit affair' with Diaghilev ended, Coco introduced a new product: a perfume, called Chanel No. 5. The new fragrance quickly became, and remains one of the most lucrative products of the Chanel empire. A man named Pierre Wertheimer was announced Coco's partner in the perfume portion of the business in 1924. It was also speculated that Wertheimer may have been yet another one of the many lovers Coco had in her lifetime. Still, Wertheimer remained a close confidant and his family continues to control Chanel's perfume company today.
In 1923, Coco told Harper's Bazaar magazine that "simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance". Chanel applied this statement to each and every feature of her company. The clothing she designed was always ensured to be simple, comfortable, and revealing. One of Coco's greatest talents was the art of upgrading fabrics that were considered 'poor', such as jersey. Coco was also extremely influential in helping design the iconic 1920's flapper: young women who strutted around with sleek hair and flat chests, publicly applying their makeup and smoking with long cigarette holders.
In 1925, a woman named Vera Bate Lombardi became Chanel's official public relations liaison to several European royal families. Lombardi was reported to have had the highest correlations to build the House of Chanel. Interestingly enough, it was Lombardi's personality whom Coco established her English Look based upon. Lombardi introduced Coco to her aristocratic family members, including her uncle, the Duke of Westminster and her cousin, the Duke of Windsor. Her close relations with many other royals only assisted in Chanel's creative rule of the fashion world.
Also in 1925, Coco introduced her long-anticipated signature cardigan jacket. The iconic Chanel jackets have several distinguishing designs, and are constructed differently than the traditional tailored jacket. For example, Chanel's original pieces contain silk lining quilted directly to the fabric, opposed to the usual inner structure of pad stitching. Additionally, Chanel jackets all feature machine sewn and hand-stitched fabric, providing them with more durability.
The distinctive Chanel three-piece sleeve is also constructed similarly before being hand sewn to the jacket's body. The arrays of heavy trims, metal buttons, and curbed chains sewn to the hem have a functional purpose as well. All of these factors together grant the finished product with a tremendously comfortable garment. Most of Chanel's inventive fashions, including her signature jacket have not changed much since their original debut. This can prove that Chanel's integrative styles were the product of a brilliant woman beyond her time.
The year 1926 brought the birth of what is now considered to be 'the' staple item in every woman's closet: the signature little black dress. Now commonly referred to as simply a "LBD", the little black dress was an instant success for Chanel, prompting American Vogue to call it the "Ford"; just as Henry Ford's Model-T car, the LBD was an immediate hit and widely available. Chanel's first creation of the little black dress was a slash-necked, short silk dress with diagonal pin-tucks serving decoration.
Though many may perceive the LBD as too plain, Coco strongly believed that fashion should be just as functional as it was chic. Ideally simple, her interpretation of the LBD was designed to conceal stains and to fit every woman. The little black dress also is extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down to fit different people's needs perfectly. Some believe that Coco's early years spent at the convent orphanage with nuns offered Coco an intuitive affinity for the "uniform" worn by the women who had raised her in her time of need. Regardless, Chanel's legendary LBD has remained the epitome of simple elegance for over 80 years.
In 1939 at the start of World War II, Coco closed all of her shops. She believed that in the middle of the entire world's chaos, fashion was not a top priority. Coco began residing in what would become a more than 30 year stay at the Hotel Ritz Paris. During the Nazi occupation of Paris, she was widely criticized for engaging in a steamy affair with Hans Gunther von Dincklage, a German officer and Nazi spy who secretly arranged for Coco to remain in the hotel. During this same time period, Coco maintained two other residences, both of which were also located in France.
In fall of 1943, Coco sought to end 4 years of professional partition with Vera Bate Lombardi who was staying in Rome. Though Lombardi was unaware of it then, Coco's true intention was to contact Lombardi's relative, Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill was a member of the Walter Schellenberg Nazi plan "Operation Modellhut". Chanel extended an offer for Lombardi to resume her work for Paris' House of Chanel.
Lombardi was overwhelmed until she discovered the truth behind Coco's request. Vera adamantly repudiated Coco's request, citing the fashion designer's guise as "cut-throat". Vera was later captured as an English spy and was locked in a Roman prison by the Gestapo. Chanel was also briefly arrested for war related crimes, shortly after Lombardi's detainment. However, Coco's close ties with the British Royal family ultimately prevented her from being taken to trial.
Two years after her close encounter with prison, the Nazi Empire crumbled and France was free once more. Still, the French government warned of harsh punishments to French citizens who may have partnered with the Nazis. Coco's previous ties with Hans Gunther von Dincklage provoked several rumors about her loyalty to France. Fearfully Chanel fled to Switzerland, in hopes of obtaining a fresh new start.
Coco chose to convey an upscale, yet relatively low-key lifestyle, residing in upper Lausanne aside the sandy shores of Lake Geneva. She could often be seen indulging in beauty treatments at the Valmont Clinic, which was in close proximity to her oceanfront home. Chanel was also frequently witnessed at the Steffan tea room in upper Montreux, a popular spot for local celebrities. During her stay in Switzerland, a distraught and spiteful Coco began to create her own collection of perfumes without informing her partner Pierre Wertheimer. Though Wertheimer believed his legal rights were breached, he settled the disagreement with Coco civilly. She eventually sold inclusive rights to her name to the Wertheimer family in exchange for a monthly remuneration. This stipend helped to support her and her live-in friend: former Nazi spy, Hans Gunther von Dincklage.
1953 marked the year that Chanel finally returned to Paris, only to discover that famed designer Christian Dior was now the alpha of the couture world. Coco decided to consult her estranged former business-partner Pierre Wertheimer for guidance and financial back-up. In return, Wertheimer was awarded full rights to all Chanel products. Their alliance was hoped to have sparked a flame that would reignite Coco's majestic stance in the fashion industry. However, this was not the case for the French selection of her clientele. Chanel's new collections were not successful with local Parisians. It is widely speculated that this is because of Coco's publicized previous relations with German officer von Dincklage. Still, her collection was celebrated by Americans, who would later become her most prevalent purchases.
In February of 1955, the now famous Chanel suit was re-introduced to the public. Her casual yet sophisticated styles once more captured the eyes of women globally. Also in the same month, the fashionable Chanel chain handled quilted leather handbag originally premiered. Coco additionally and impressively established her first men's cologne, referred to in France as eau de toilette, which she named Pour Monsieur.
Chanel's spring collection was granted the Fashion Oscar at the 1957 Fashion Awards in Dallas. Soon after, Chanel introduced pea jackets and bell bottoms, whose popularity soared in the 1970's. Coco is also believed by many to be the initial trend-setter for the now popular suntanned skin look. On the eve of her return from St. Barts, Coco sported a summer glow to a fashion show, standing out from the rest of the powdered and pale faces of all the other women.
January 10, 1971 was the final day of Coco's life. Her obituary listed her as still "designing, still working" at the time of her death. Though she led a remarkable and extraordinary life, Chanel died alone, with only the presence of her sketches and fabric samples to keep her company. In the last years of her life, Coco had become somewhat of a recluse, only leaving her home when absolutely necessary. She had few real friends, and no family.
Many may have envied the aspects of Coco's glamorous and wealthy lifestyle in theory, but most would not have traded their own lives for hers. Though Coco died with a superfluous amount of money, she was lonesome, and never got to experience the one-of-a-kind love and joy of having a husband or children. After her death, Coco Chanel left behind a true legacy. Still, her life seemed as empty as her pockets were during her childhood. She was 87.
Coco Chanel is one of the most important fashion designers of all time. In fact, Coco Chanel's influence on modern couture was so prominent that she was the only person in the field to be mentioned on Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century." Though Coco is still criticized today for being dubious about her childhood and years before her stardom, some support her decisions, citing that she was only attempting to "diminish the disgrace that poverty and illegitimacy bestowed upon the unfortunates in 19th century France". Though Chanel has been deceased for nearly 30 years, her legacy continues to live on today. In the utmost of impressive ways, Coco Chanel single-handedly changed the face of fashion, and for that, she will live on for eternity.
Sara Buttar
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Buttar
http://EzineArticles.com/?Simply-Coco---How-One-Woman-Changed-the-Fashion-Industry-Forever&id=3473864
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Women's Fashions in the Year 1970
Hi all,
I've just come across this fascinating set of old photos from 1969 and 1970 showing the women fashions at that time. As can be seen, the mini-skirt and tiny micro-skirts were the dominant style. The accompanying music is the theme from the film "Love story" with Ali MacGraw. This famous movie was released the same year (1970).
Enjoy the styles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKXleNwn3QA
I've just come across this fascinating set of old photos from 1969 and 1970 showing the women fashions at that time. As can be seen, the mini-skirt and tiny micro-skirts were the dominant style. The accompanying music is the theme from the film "Love story" with Ali MacGraw. This famous movie was released the same year (1970).
Enjoy the styles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKXleNwn3QA
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Brief History of Nike Shoes
By Charlle Junttila
Nike shoes have various styles and colors. They can be worn by professionals and daily walkers who like to make a fashion statement. You can easily find Nike stores in your area. The Nike swoosh logo has been considered as one of the most recognized company logos in the world now.
This special logo was originally designed in 1971 by a student who studied graphic design at Portland State University. They paid the girl only $35 for the fabulous design but some sources also say that Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, later gave her a diamond ring engraved with the logo she designed as well as an unknown amount of Nike stock. It is interesting that Knight was not very impressed with her work the first time, like what he said, "I don't love it, but it will grow on me."
Today, there have been more than 30,000 people employed by Nike around the world. Nike also provides other sports gear besides shoes. The company is under some scrutiny recently for the issues concerned with human rights and poor working environment. Official statistic shows that only in 2008, Nike has made a net income of approximate $1.9 billion dollars.
The name Nike comes from the Greek goddess of victory. As a matter of fact, like many other famous companies, Nike also had a humble condition at the beginning. All of the original founders are used to be athletes and they have been running it for more than 50 years till now.
In fact, the duo first sold the shoes manufactured by a Japanese factory but in very short time they ended the relationship with the Japanese company in 1971. Afterwards, they started to improve their own line of footwear made mostly for football and decided to call it the name Nike. Soon they developed much more lines of shoes. With the development of technique and management, by 1980, abound 50% of shoes sold in the United States had carried the Nike brand. The headquarters the Nike company still locates in Oregon now and owns several subsidiaries such as Umbro and Converse.
Among the websites for sports gear, just choose this great one for authentic designer shoes. Come to buy the quality UGG classic short boots UK and UGG classic short boots black UK there.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlle_Junttila
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Brief-History-of-Nike-Shoes&id=3444923
Nike shoes have various styles and colors. They can be worn by professionals and daily walkers who like to make a fashion statement. You can easily find Nike stores in your area. The Nike swoosh logo has been considered as one of the most recognized company logos in the world now.
This special logo was originally designed in 1971 by a student who studied graphic design at Portland State University. They paid the girl only $35 for the fabulous design but some sources also say that Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, later gave her a diamond ring engraved with the logo she designed as well as an unknown amount of Nike stock. It is interesting that Knight was not very impressed with her work the first time, like what he said, "I don't love it, but it will grow on me."
Today, there have been more than 30,000 people employed by Nike around the world. Nike also provides other sports gear besides shoes. The company is under some scrutiny recently for the issues concerned with human rights and poor working environment. Official statistic shows that only in 2008, Nike has made a net income of approximate $1.9 billion dollars.
The name Nike comes from the Greek goddess of victory. As a matter of fact, like many other famous companies, Nike also had a humble condition at the beginning. All of the original founders are used to be athletes and they have been running it for more than 50 years till now.
In fact, the duo first sold the shoes manufactured by a Japanese factory but in very short time they ended the relationship with the Japanese company in 1971. Afterwards, they started to improve their own line of footwear made mostly for football and decided to call it the name Nike. Soon they developed much more lines of shoes. With the development of technique and management, by 1980, abound 50% of shoes sold in the United States had carried the Nike brand. The headquarters the Nike company still locates in Oregon now and owns several subsidiaries such as Umbro and Converse.
Among the websites for sports gear, just choose this great one for authentic designer shoes. Come to buy the quality UGG classic short boots UK and UGG classic short boots black UK there.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlle_Junttila
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Brief-History-of-Nike-Shoes&id=3444923
From Sailors to Hippies and Beyond, the History of the Bell-Bottom
By Kenneth Poulsen
When we think of bell-bottoms, more than likely images of love beads, peace signs, leather jackets with fringe and love-ins come to mind. But did you know that bell-bottoms date back to the early 1800s when sailors in the Navy were given them as "standard issue" uniforms. There are conflicting reasons why sailors initially wore bell-bottoms. One theory is that they could double as a life preserver. Absent any reliable documentation, this seems like a reasonable explanation.
According to Wikipedia, Commodore Stephen Decatur wrote of the uniforms his sailors wore, "glazed canvas hats with stiff brims, decked with streamers of ribbon, blue jackets buttoned loosely over waistcoats and blue trousers with bell bottoms." This statement dates back to 1813 and so we must assume that Navy personnel have been wearing them for something approaching 200 years.
Fast forward to the 1960s. Bell-bottoms were all-the-fashion craze for women in the United States and Europe. Expensive and chic, they seemed available only for the wealthiest of women.
This all changed when a rock group, led by lead singer and guitarist Eric Clapton, sported a pair of bell-bottoms on stage at a rock concert. Clothing designers realized the huge potential in manufacturing affordable bell-bottoms and so the bell-bottom as we know it was born. Suddenly, rock stars such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones, et al and fans alike began wearing the flared pant leg with everything from hippie tunics, to button-down shirts and complimenting the leather fringe vests that are still associated with the hippie counter culture.
Bell-bottoms continued to go in and out of style from the 1960s. As with anything fashionable, clothes make "come backs" and bell-bottoms are no different.
In the 1980s during the designer jean craze, bell-bottoms were re-introduced to consumers but this time with different names. Flared and boot-cut jeans boast an equally wide pant leg, and aren't just for ranchers needing a pant to fit over his cowboy boots, as their name implies.
As with anything, bell-bottoms, boot-cut or whatever you wish to call them, will continue to fall in and out of favor with fashion-conscious jean wearers. One thing is for certain, they're no longer exclusive or for the Sailors on the high seas.
K. Poulsen is the publisher of the website White Stag Apparel which is a website dedicated to White Stag.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Poulsen
http://EzineArticles.com/?From-Sailors-to-Hippies-and-Beyond,-the-History-of-the-Bell-Bottom&id=3451782
When we think of bell-bottoms, more than likely images of love beads, peace signs, leather jackets with fringe and love-ins come to mind. But did you know that bell-bottoms date back to the early 1800s when sailors in the Navy were given them as "standard issue" uniforms. There are conflicting reasons why sailors initially wore bell-bottoms. One theory is that they could double as a life preserver. Absent any reliable documentation, this seems like a reasonable explanation.
According to Wikipedia, Commodore Stephen Decatur wrote of the uniforms his sailors wore, "glazed canvas hats with stiff brims, decked with streamers of ribbon, blue jackets buttoned loosely over waistcoats and blue trousers with bell bottoms." This statement dates back to 1813 and so we must assume that Navy personnel have been wearing them for something approaching 200 years.
Fast forward to the 1960s. Bell-bottoms were all-the-fashion craze for women in the United States and Europe. Expensive and chic, they seemed available only for the wealthiest of women.
This all changed when a rock group, led by lead singer and guitarist Eric Clapton, sported a pair of bell-bottoms on stage at a rock concert. Clothing designers realized the huge potential in manufacturing affordable bell-bottoms and so the bell-bottom as we know it was born. Suddenly, rock stars such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones, et al and fans alike began wearing the flared pant leg with everything from hippie tunics, to button-down shirts and complimenting the leather fringe vests that are still associated with the hippie counter culture.
Bell-bottoms continued to go in and out of style from the 1960s. As with anything fashionable, clothes make "come backs" and bell-bottoms are no different.
In the 1980s during the designer jean craze, bell-bottoms were re-introduced to consumers but this time with different names. Flared and boot-cut jeans boast an equally wide pant leg, and aren't just for ranchers needing a pant to fit over his cowboy boots, as their name implies.
As with anything, bell-bottoms, boot-cut or whatever you wish to call them, will continue to fall in and out of favor with fashion-conscious jean wearers. One thing is for certain, they're no longer exclusive or for the Sailors on the high seas.
K. Poulsen is the publisher of the website White Stag Apparel which is a website dedicated to White Stag.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Poulsen
http://EzineArticles.com/?From-Sailors-to-Hippies-and-Beyond,-the-History-of-the-Bell-Bottom&id=3451782
The beauty of Grace Slick
Hey everyone,
Check out this great video: Jefferson Airplane performing live in 1967 doing both White Rabbit and Somebody to Love on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour! FAR OUT!
Take particular notice of the clothing but also of the great hairstyle being worn by the beautiful Grace Slick!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1cfTMdjkYM
Enjoy! And Merry Christmas for 2009.
Check out this great video: Jefferson Airplane performing live in 1967 doing both White Rabbit and Somebody to Love on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour! FAR OUT!
Take particular notice of the clothing but also of the great hairstyle being worn by the beautiful Grace Slick!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1cfTMdjkYM
Enjoy! And Merry Christmas for 2009.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Black Satin Mini Skirt
By Mitchell Key
Since the 60's, the mini skirt has always been an essential part of a woman's wardrobe. When the pleated versions were introduced, the fresh look created a renewed spark of interest among women as the added flair transforms the skirts into a different level, adding character and life to it.
The playful appeal of pleated minis breathes youthfulness into the trend, yet remains versatile enough to be carried out into any look the wearer wants to create. The popularity of the pleats made available all sorts of pleated versions for every style of skirt. The black satin mini, one of women's more favourable choices, has its own pleated counterparts too.
Worn by those with more style-conscious mindset, black is the color well occupied in the fashion scene. Its recognition as a must-have in every woman's closet is owed to its strong sense of appeal, confidence and sophistication. Now one of the most classic items in a woman's wardrobe, black satin mini is an article of clothing that is incredibly easy to wear. Its versatile color allows any shade of top to be paired with it and different sorts of footwear to go with the look.
Even the most surprising selections seem to work fine with this skirt. The glossy fabric makes it a very appropriate ensemble to take to work and for evening affairs. But comfortable as it is, they are even perfect to wear during the day and for any casual occasion. The gentle feel does make a difference to women making it a favourite over other materials. Pleated black minis don't need immaculate tailoring to look right and the trend is just so easy to dress up and down. The feminine and elegant touch from its natural shine brings eye-catching ensembles.
Mini skirts can be found in local clothing stores with ease and with a wide selection of styles, materials and variations. Choosing satin is the perfect way to enjoy this trend. This beautiful fabric must be the best material fused into a black garment and is truly a classy and expensive choice you can flaunt on.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitchell_Key
http://EzineArticles.com/?Black-Satin-Mini-Skirt&id=3407822
Since the 60's, the mini skirt has always been an essential part of a woman's wardrobe. When the pleated versions were introduced, the fresh look created a renewed spark of interest among women as the added flair transforms the skirts into a different level, adding character and life to it.
The playful appeal of pleated minis breathes youthfulness into the trend, yet remains versatile enough to be carried out into any look the wearer wants to create. The popularity of the pleats made available all sorts of pleated versions for every style of skirt. The black satin mini, one of women's more favourable choices, has its own pleated counterparts too.
Worn by those with more style-conscious mindset, black is the color well occupied in the fashion scene. Its recognition as a must-have in every woman's closet is owed to its strong sense of appeal, confidence and sophistication. Now one of the most classic items in a woman's wardrobe, black satin mini is an article of clothing that is incredibly easy to wear. Its versatile color allows any shade of top to be paired with it and different sorts of footwear to go with the look.
Even the most surprising selections seem to work fine with this skirt. The glossy fabric makes it a very appropriate ensemble to take to work and for evening affairs. But comfortable as it is, they are even perfect to wear during the day and for any casual occasion. The gentle feel does make a difference to women making it a favourite over other materials. Pleated black minis don't need immaculate tailoring to look right and the trend is just so easy to dress up and down. The feminine and elegant touch from its natural shine brings eye-catching ensembles.
Mini skirts can be found in local clothing stores with ease and with a wide selection of styles, materials and variations. Choosing satin is the perfect way to enjoy this trend. This beautiful fabric must be the best material fused into a black garment and is truly a classy and expensive choice you can flaunt on.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitchell_Key
http://EzineArticles.com/?Black-Satin-Mini-Skirt&id=3407822
Friday, December 11, 2009
Making a Hippie Bag Out of Scarves
By Meryl Rougeaux
The hippie movement started in the United States during the 1960s and it spread rapidly around the world shortly after. Hippies got their name from the word "hipster" which described the beatniks from the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco. Basically, the hippie lifestyle revolved around psychedelic music, embracing the sexual revolution and exploring alternative heightened states by using recreational drugs.
Hippies have always been known to think out of the box and come up with creative ways to do things. When it comes to fashion items, they are very innovative as well. In fact, they can even turn a simple scarf into a chic hippie bag. The great thing about it is that you can make one yourself and all you need is a bunch of scarves and basic sewing knowledge.
The first thing you need to do to start on your hippie bag is to make a shoulder strap using an oblong scarf. Make sure that it is four inches wide and thirteen inches long. Start by creating a tube ending with a clean finish. To make the tube, start sewing the scarf inside-out.
Once you are done, the tube needs to be turned right side out to be able to make the seam concealed. Next, take the scarves and lay them down a flat surface. To be able to make the right sides face one another, make sure they are folded lengthwise in half. To secure the long edge of the tube, always use straight pins.
You will be able to keep them in place by pinning the fabric as you sew. Always allow a one fourth seam allowance so you can keep sewing along the long edge. Afterwards, invert the tube right side out as soon as you are done. From here, you can move on to working on the bag itself. Your rectangular scarves need to be laid on a flat surface.
Afterwards, be sure that the fabrics are folded width-wise in half. The sides need to be secured using straight pins. Using a top-stitch technique, keep sewing down the long edge and stop approximately four inches from the bottom of the fold. Continue sewing the bottom and then move on to sewing across it four inches from the fold.
Now you can start working on the fringe. You can do this by cutting the slits that are perpendicular to the bottom stitch to just about one fourth inch of the bottom. Make sure that while cutting the slits, they are equal in length. You will know if you are doing it correctly if the slits appear like loops.
To make two layers of fringe, keep cutting across the folded edge. And finally, you will be able to finish off your hippie bag by attaching the strap to each side of the bag by sewing them on. You will notice how all the scarves you used have been utilized to create the dimensions of your sling bag.
You can use your hippie bag for your art materials or even your textbooks for school. Not only will your bag stand out from the others but you can also say that you made the bag yourself. The hippies have always made it a point to work with what they have. This is one characteristic you could apply in your life as well.
So if you think you are simply just making a bag out of scarves, think again. By working on your project, you are actually making a small step to being an innovative individual. In time, you will realize that by keeping an open mind, you will explore a wide range of possibilities in life.
Meryl Rougeaux has been in the fashion industry for many years. She know what looks good, is in style at reasonable prices. She sells all kinds of shawls, scarves in silk, and many, many fashion accessories. Visit her top ranked online store at: http://www.fashionscarvesandshawls.com. You'll be glad you did.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meryl_Rougeaux
http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-a-Hippie-Bag-Out-of-Scarves&id=3400239
The hippie movement started in the United States during the 1960s and it spread rapidly around the world shortly after. Hippies got their name from the word "hipster" which described the beatniks from the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco. Basically, the hippie lifestyle revolved around psychedelic music, embracing the sexual revolution and exploring alternative heightened states by using recreational drugs.
Hippies have always been known to think out of the box and come up with creative ways to do things. When it comes to fashion items, they are very innovative as well. In fact, they can even turn a simple scarf into a chic hippie bag. The great thing about it is that you can make one yourself and all you need is a bunch of scarves and basic sewing knowledge.
The first thing you need to do to start on your hippie bag is to make a shoulder strap using an oblong scarf. Make sure that it is four inches wide and thirteen inches long. Start by creating a tube ending with a clean finish. To make the tube, start sewing the scarf inside-out.
Once you are done, the tube needs to be turned right side out to be able to make the seam concealed. Next, take the scarves and lay them down a flat surface. To be able to make the right sides face one another, make sure they are folded lengthwise in half. To secure the long edge of the tube, always use straight pins.
You will be able to keep them in place by pinning the fabric as you sew. Always allow a one fourth seam allowance so you can keep sewing along the long edge. Afterwards, invert the tube right side out as soon as you are done. From here, you can move on to working on the bag itself. Your rectangular scarves need to be laid on a flat surface.
Afterwards, be sure that the fabrics are folded width-wise in half. The sides need to be secured using straight pins. Using a top-stitch technique, keep sewing down the long edge and stop approximately four inches from the bottom of the fold. Continue sewing the bottom and then move on to sewing across it four inches from the fold.
Now you can start working on the fringe. You can do this by cutting the slits that are perpendicular to the bottom stitch to just about one fourth inch of the bottom. Make sure that while cutting the slits, they are equal in length. You will know if you are doing it correctly if the slits appear like loops.
To make two layers of fringe, keep cutting across the folded edge. And finally, you will be able to finish off your hippie bag by attaching the strap to each side of the bag by sewing them on. You will notice how all the scarves you used have been utilized to create the dimensions of your sling bag.
You can use your hippie bag for your art materials or even your textbooks for school. Not only will your bag stand out from the others but you can also say that you made the bag yourself. The hippies have always made it a point to work with what they have. This is one characteristic you could apply in your life as well.
So if you think you are simply just making a bag out of scarves, think again. By working on your project, you are actually making a small step to being an innovative individual. In time, you will realize that by keeping an open mind, you will explore a wide range of possibilities in life.
Meryl Rougeaux has been in the fashion industry for many years. She know what looks good, is in style at reasonable prices. She sells all kinds of shawls, scarves in silk, and many, many fashion accessories. Visit her top ranked online store at: http://www.fashionscarvesandshawls.com. You'll be glad you did.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meryl_Rougeaux
http://EzineArticles.com/?Making-a-Hippie-Bag-Out-of-Scarves&id=3400239
Gucci Bag - Top Four Most Popular
By Jennifer Reyes
Ever since its introduction in the 1960s, a Gucci bag became one of the most coveted items of both men and women today - yes, even if there is a hefty price tag attached to it. There is only one good reason for the demand: quality. All original Gucci bags are made from pure strong materials, such as leather. There are also a lot of Gucci bags that were already launched; and there are a few that remained iconic, essential, and sought after until today:
Hobo Handbag
You can easily spot a Gucci hobo handbag. The top is usually U-shaped, while the body can be made from real leather. It can have silver to gold clasp. One of the main reasons why women look for hobo handbags is because their flexibility. You can pair them with an evening gown or casual wear. There are also different varieties of hobo handbags, including Gucci Signoria, Guccisma, and the classic Black hobo.
Price Tag: Depending on the size of the hobo handbag, be ready to shell out as much as $700 for this one.
Jackie O Bag
This is also known as the Bouvier bag and was definitely named after the former first Lady - and a fashionable one at that - Jacqueline Onassis. This is actually a Constance shoulder bag. However, after it received a lot of raves from women who saw Jackie O wearing it in one of her images, Gucci decided to rename it in honor of her. The original Jackie O bag is characterized by an H clasp that almost runs vertically along the front side of the bag. It also has two straps. Today, though, there are slight variations, including the presence of tassles on the sides.
Price Tag: The cheapest Jackie O bag sold today is worth $450.
Pelham Bit Bags
These are the most recent types of bags launched by Gucci. They are called as such because of the presence of bits that are normally used when riding horses. The body is also made of pony hair leather while the side of the bag features leather trim, giving it a more vintage or classic look. Of course, you will never miss out the GG monogram logo, which is found in all authentic GG products. This is also popular among women since it is medium top. This means that it has enough space to accommodate all items they want to bring, such as iPods, phones, make-up kits, papers, and purses.
Price Tag: The cheapest Pelham bit bag will be worth more than $300.
Bardot Bag
This bag was named after one of the sexiest actresses that ever graced the silver-screen: Brigitte Bardot. It is a very classic, elegant, and timeless that is made from a material produced from a jacquard machine. It also comes in two-tone combinations, such as white and black or beige and dark brown.
Price Tag: You can have one for yourself at $450.
These Gucci bags are definitely worth the high price. Otherwise, they would have remained into oblivion after they were introduced. Besides, you're paying for history and quality, right?
Jennifer Reyes is an expert author. He has written many articles in various interesting stories about brand Gucci. For more information about Gucci Replica Handbags, please contact with us.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Reyes
http://EzineArticles.com/?Gucci-Bag---Top-Four-Most-Popular&id=3016889
Ever since its introduction in the 1960s, a Gucci bag became one of the most coveted items of both men and women today - yes, even if there is a hefty price tag attached to it. There is only one good reason for the demand: quality. All original Gucci bags are made from pure strong materials, such as leather. There are also a lot of Gucci bags that were already launched; and there are a few that remained iconic, essential, and sought after until today:
Hobo Handbag
You can easily spot a Gucci hobo handbag. The top is usually U-shaped, while the body can be made from real leather. It can have silver to gold clasp. One of the main reasons why women look for hobo handbags is because their flexibility. You can pair them with an evening gown or casual wear. There are also different varieties of hobo handbags, including Gucci Signoria, Guccisma, and the classic Black hobo.
Price Tag: Depending on the size of the hobo handbag, be ready to shell out as much as $700 for this one.
Jackie O Bag
This is also known as the Bouvier bag and was definitely named after the former first Lady - and a fashionable one at that - Jacqueline Onassis. This is actually a Constance shoulder bag. However, after it received a lot of raves from women who saw Jackie O wearing it in one of her images, Gucci decided to rename it in honor of her. The original Jackie O bag is characterized by an H clasp that almost runs vertically along the front side of the bag. It also has two straps. Today, though, there are slight variations, including the presence of tassles on the sides.
Price Tag: The cheapest Jackie O bag sold today is worth $450.
Pelham Bit Bags
These are the most recent types of bags launched by Gucci. They are called as such because of the presence of bits that are normally used when riding horses. The body is also made of pony hair leather while the side of the bag features leather trim, giving it a more vintage or classic look. Of course, you will never miss out the GG monogram logo, which is found in all authentic GG products. This is also popular among women since it is medium top. This means that it has enough space to accommodate all items they want to bring, such as iPods, phones, make-up kits, papers, and purses.
Price Tag: The cheapest Pelham bit bag will be worth more than $300.
Bardot Bag
This bag was named after one of the sexiest actresses that ever graced the silver-screen: Brigitte Bardot. It is a very classic, elegant, and timeless that is made from a material produced from a jacquard machine. It also comes in two-tone combinations, such as white and black or beige and dark brown.
Price Tag: You can have one for yourself at $450.
These Gucci bags are definitely worth the high price. Otherwise, they would have remained into oblivion after they were introduced. Besides, you're paying for history and quality, right?
Jennifer Reyes is an expert author. He has written many articles in various interesting stories about brand Gucci. For more information about Gucci Replica Handbags, please contact with us.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Reyes
http://EzineArticles.com/?Gucci-Bag---Top-Four-Most-Popular&id=3016889
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