The Hippie Era - The Music and Clothing Were Like None Other

Image via WikipediaBy Jayli Soladay

The Hippie era in the 60's and 70's was characterized by many things. Communes where groups of people banded together to live in one large household or farm, working together were all over the United States (a few small hold-outs are still active today).

Other nations had the same movement going on as well. The anti-Vietnam-war movement was another, with the young people promoting peace, love, open-mindedness and sharing.

The music and clothing were like none other before, sometimes the wilder, the better, but most of it was characterized by individualism, natural fibers and many accessories that were either hand-made or hand embellished to suit the owner.

Tie-dye was popular and showed up in everything from t-shirts to jeans, skirts to shirts, scarves, bandannas and bags. Any clothing that was reworked to fit someone was worked on by the owner, and maybe some friends, rather than a formal tailor shop.

The style was usually loose fitting, flowing and comfortable. Bright colors and flower designs were everywhere, from applique patches and fabric paint on clothing to painted on their vehicles. Peace symbols were just as predominant.

They were rebelling against the staid, 'normal' aspects of society, challenging it to grow and open up to new ideas. Many of the young people became vegetarians as a way of life and to protest the killing of other creatures for food. Hair was worn long in order to be different in yet another way from the generation before.

It was a time of almost an entire nation of young people on the move, looking to 'find themselves', a time of discovery to learn not only who they were, but also who they could be, a time not only of seeing the world around them, but appreciating it and trying to learn ways to preserve it.

Hippie Clothing is Back!

Colorful tie-die shirts were worn over bell bottoms and comfortable sandals took the place of the high heels and stockings that were worn in the '50s. Women and girls began wearing flowers and headdresses in their hair.

Long, loose and flowing, styles expressed the relaxed time of listening to the Beatles, Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, the Jefferson Airplane, Joan Baez and more. Moreover, the art of the music concert poster had an effect on the new styles that would come about, with colors and shapes that were unique and outrageous at the time.

Hippie clothes are pretty popular today and still provide generations the ability to express their individualism.

Hippie Clothing

Jayli has been in business for 18 years, we have always cared for people, product and professional standards. We love creating fabulous, funky, hippie fashion.

Sign up today for a 15% off Weekly Steal Coupon. We have lots of on sale items. $100 Orders Ship Free. Visit http://www.jayli.com Today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayli_Soladay
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Hippie-Era---The-Music-and-Clothing-Were-Like-None-Other&id=6389083

Men's Fashion Trends

Mad Men Dinner - Image by zandwacht via FlickrBy Michael D Taylor

One of the great things about men's fashion is that while trends come and go, such as the polyester suit of the 70s and the punk look of the 80s, it always seems to gravitate back towards a clean and masculine look.

2011 has definitely brought a major resurgence of this classic appearance. In both high fashion and catalog spreads, you'll see men dressed in flattering styles and natural fabrics. The grunge look of the 90s is out, and the well-groomed clean cut appearance of an earlier era has made a comeback. Along these lines, here are 3 of my favorite trends in men's fashion coming up for fall of 2011.

Colored denim

We have a tendency to always think of denim as meaning "blue jeans." But colored denim is a great trend for fall, and a nice way to dress up your normal denim look. Now it's accepted that you can wear white jeans, even after Labor Day. Just anchor them with darker pieces, such as gray or brown shoes and belt, and a navy sport jacket.

Gray jeans are a terrific look for fall. You can pair them with other cool tones, such as a blue and white striped shirt, camel suede shoes, and a blue denim jacket for a nice, calming look. Or for something a little bolder, try yellow-gold denim pants. Just remember that this is a bright color, and the rest of your outfit should remain in neutral shades, such as tans or navy blues.

"Mad Men" inspired fashion

Since the television show "Mad Men" became raucously popular, several different clothing companies have introduced tailored and form-fitting lines inspired by the pre-hippie era of the early 1960s.

I am personally looking forward to Banana Republic's "Mad Men" inspired men's line that will be introduced this fall. The reason this particular line works so well is that it offers a bit of an updated twist on classic, retro looks. This is the very key to looking appropriate, not like you are wearing a costume, when emulating vintage fashion.

Key pieces to pulling off the "Mad Men" inspired look are slim cut suits, shawl-collared sweaters, slim cut pin stripe trousers, vests, and waist coats. If you are attending a formal event, a classic black silk bow tie is key, and for everyday wear, a nice silk tie with necktie accessoriesis appropriate.

Casual dressy looks

What do I mean by "causal dressy"? Well, it differs from what you think of as straight-up dressy. For a casual dressy look, start with a casual foundation. This could be a pair of relaxed fit chinos and a polo shirt or silk screened cotton tee shirt. Then, add an element that you would normally only think of as dressy, such as a well fitted sport jacket.

For another casual dressy look, try a pair of dark wash jeans and a button down shirt with the vest from your three piece suit. Or, black denim pants with a plain white tee shirt and a tuxedo jacket. You can also make any casual outfit more dressy with an interesting accessory such as an antique pocket watch or a nice pair of leather oxford shoes. Celebrities who regularly and successfully pull off the casual dressy look are Kanye West, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and Pharell Williams. Just don't ever mix a blazer or sport jacket with shorts when going for the casual dressy look.

Author: Michael Taylor is a Marketing Manager at TIE SNUG. TIE SNUG eliminates continuous adjusting and makes wearing a tie more comfortable. The right tie accessories can ensure you look professional and help you stand out for the right reasons. So be confident knowing your tie knots look great. For more information, please visit http://www.tiesnug.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_D_Taylor
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mens-Fashion-Trends&id=6523561