Category: Fashion

Fashion for Women – Selecting the Right Clothes

Shopping for women’s apparel has never been this good. The selections are getting wider and better, with so many different styles, designer labels, and off-the-rack outfits available for women of all sizes, shapes, and ages. The most important factors that women consider when buying fashion are still style and color. Comfort, fit, and designer labels are also significant factors that are considered in purchases. When choosing styles, women are now looking for apparel that they can wear both to work and to socialize. Pantsuits, skirt suits, blazers, and the classic white blouse are favorites in the office, while off-the-rack outfits and jeans remain popular for casual wear.

When shopping for fashion, it’s important to know how to pick the right clothes for you. Merely copying what is touted as the current trend or what is “fashionable” will just make you a fashion victim. A wardrobe that is fashionable but still fits your lifestyle, your age, and your figure will be the best. Try to get a good mix of trendy and basic apparel, so that you won’t have to update your wardrobe every time a new fashion season comes along.

One of the hottest niches in the fashion industry is designing and marketing fashion apparel for teens. This is due to the fact that teenagers account for billions of dollars spent each year on clothing and accessories. Anyone will agree that teenagers are habitués of shopping malls, and discount apparel shops as well as designer outlets are picking up healthy profits from teens buying trendy outfits every season. Tank tops, athletic wear and sports shirts, short skirts and low-rise jeans are very popular items. Trendy clothes that sell at reasonable prices are hot for teenagers, and merchandisers who give them value along with great fashion benefit the most. As a result, stores like Wal-Mart and Target get more teenage sales than outlets like the Gap.

Denim wear continues to be an all-time favorite, especially for teens. Jeans, jackets, skirts, and shorts are hot as ever. Jeans now come in an assortment of styles, whether it’s slim fitting, low-waisted, or bootleg designs. As with all other fashion apparel, different styles are suitable for different wearers. For example, teens who want to appear more svelte-looking usually prefer low-rise jeans, while women with fuller figures like relaxed fit jeans for a sleeker look. Petite women with slim figures go for slim and snug designs, either with a tapered cut or boot-leg cut.

And denim doesn’t come in just blue and black anymore. Jeans are now made with colors ranging from the usual blue and black to light brown, red, and ochre. You can even find jeans with military-type designs and colors, like khaki and olive green. One of the factors that make jeans popular is the fact that they can be worn with almost anything. Jeans can be coordinated with jackets, shirts, peasant tops, blouses, or almost anything else you may find in your closet. Teenagers often love to decorate their jeans with embellishments like beads and crystals to give them more flair and individuality, as well as to make a personal statement. Along with a complementary jacket, a shirt, and a pair of trainers, this outfit remains one of the favorites among teenagers.

Written By Syahrul Azlan Idris

Eco-Friendly Fashion Footwear: Cruelty-Free Fashion Shoes Every Woman Must Have This Fall/Winter

Most Vegan women like myself dread the thought that over 35 million beautiful, intelligent animals are killed just for their fur or leather (and that’s only the wintertime!), but that doesn’t stop us from being every bit as stylish as our carnivorous counterparts. Except for the fact that we only want cruelty-free fashion, we have the same desire to collect dozens upon dozens of sandals, sneakers, loafers, flip-flops, knee-high boots, and other footwear for our shoe wardrobe. Ten years ago, this would have been a challenge, one that would seem almost impossible, as all vegan shoes practically looked the same.

Nowadays, finding cruelty-free shoes isn’t as hard as it sounds. Now more than ever, companies are beginning to cater to those with a cruelty-free fashion sense and are now offering a wider variety to choose from. As this trend continues to emerge, the only challenge you will have is figuring out how many shoes you really do need. You’ll have to begin asking yourself how many of them do you really love, and how many fit well, complement your fashion style, and are versatile enough to serve multiple purposes.

Here are 5 fall/winter fashion shoe styles to help you create a cruelty-free shoe wardrobe so all encompassing, so perfect, that no matter what the occasion is, you’ll have just the right eco-friendly shoe.

1. One pair of weather-protective footwear

If you could only buy one boot in your life, an eco-friendly, air-seal range boot like the 14-Eye Boot from Vegetarian Shoes is the one to go with. If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go with two pairs. Air-seal range boots sporting steel-tipped toe and a sole made from rubber tires will provide you with that everlasting quality you need and want.

2. One or two pairs of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral

These leather alternative boots are classic enough for work-wear, yet sexy enough to add an edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a flat heel are one of the cold weather season’s hottest looks, but are surprisingly in demand even as the weather grows warmer. For those of you who love the Engineer boots, but want something a little more fitted, the Biker boots are perfect! When you’re feeling a little “rebel,” wear them as biker boots. When your style is more classic looking, just take off the buckle, instantly providing you with simple, comfortable boots that go with everything.

3. One pair of chic looking boots

Almost knee high boots like the Aurora give you a chic look with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work well with formal and near-formal wear; they add sophistication to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like nothing else can. You can also get the same look with Alta style that is only 11″ from the top of the shoe to the bottom of this eco-friendly fashion footwear. The upper is made from the highest quality synthetic micro-fibers while the lining is usually comprised of extremely soft synthetic micro-fibers or fleece.

4. One pair of neutral-colored casual boots for the weekend

A woman can never go wrong with classics such as the Amy boot. Your weekend casual cruelty-free boot should have an extremely soft and flexible sole, making it extremely comfortable for all day wear. Make sure your casual eco-friendly boots’ exteriors are made of “leather,” like synthetic micro-fibers, giving you that stylish look, while the interiors are made of a soft cotton lining and a generous foot bed that will accommodate your feet.

5. One pair of attractive non-leather sneakers

The fall is the perfect time to run around the track at your nearby park and enjoy your surroundings. Whether your eco-friendly non-leather sneakers are made from hemp or synthetic micro-fibers, they go well with your tracksuit, yet are hard working enough to perform at the gym. The best athletic/sporty shoes are the pairs that have an extremely supportive EVA sole and a thick padded tongue.

If you follow the above tips, you will create the perfect eco-friendly fall/winter women’s fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is, you will have the perfect non-leather shoe. Remember, no one can have fashion without compassion.

Written by Sarah Kubersky

Use Favorite Summer Fashion in Your Own Fall Collection

Use Favorite Summer Fashion in Your Own Fall Collection

Fashion weeks around the globe have already become the “it” calendar check-off in the industry. And whether or not you have the opportunity to make it backstage, have a seat at the show, hit after-show parties, and/or look at the pics from the shows in every fashion magazine you can find on the shelf at Borders, this event gives us ideas. It sort of sets the stage for the designer wear we want to purchase and find as a knockoff at a cheapy store. It’s fun to adopt a new color, a new trend, a new way of styling your outfits. But keep in mind, this doesn’t have to be an “in with the new and out with the old” process. There are current summer pieces in your closet that will add sass to your fall wardrobe collection.

Here are some ways to recycle, reuse, and retouch three of your favorite trends that keep you feeling ultra-cool in the hot, hot sun:

Tanks and Camisoles: So you wear your bright pink tank loud and proud with your jeans right now, right? Before you know it, you can throw a fun, printed scarf on top of it and wear a denim jacket with it. You may also want to try to wear the pink tank under a button-down blouse for work, with a poncho or shawl across your shoulders, or as a layering piece with your long-sleeve sheer tees. Let some color pop! (FYI: Every woman should have at least three tank top-like camisoles in her closet. The basic colors of black, white, and brown can save the day as undershirts, believe me.)

Sundresses: A sundress paired up with flat sandals is oh-so adorable! But as the fall approaches, this may not be practical. So find a pair of knee length boots in chocolate, black, or even purple (depending on the colors in your dress). As for how to stay warm here’s where you can have fun! A shrug, belted wrap sweater, bolero, and scarves will make a typical summer dress a fabulous fall staple.

Denim shorts: Ever throw a pair of opaque black tights under a pair of denim, frayed shorts? A great, funky combination may work perfectly for an eclectic personality. Think: denim shorts, black tights, black chunky UGG-like boots, and a loose long sleeve blouse or chunky sweater. There you are.

An alternative style that takes little effort but a lot of confidence! So make sure you are comfortable in your own skin, first.

I have no doubt that stylistas everywhere love fall because of the new fashion, and shopping for new must-haves. Tall boots, bright-colored booties, blazers, scarves, cowl neck sweaters, leggings, and flannel button-ups can make a gal’s wardrobe shine during a season that bridges the sun and gloomy weather. But don’t give up on what you already own! You will save money in the process and have fun stylizing the old with the new. Why stop wearing some of your favorite fashion pieces? Says who? Recycle, reuse, and retouch. That’s my motto.

Written by Elana Pruitt

October 2009 Face of the Month – Jane Tsareva

Where would you like to live?

I would love to live in a place where I could enjoy freedom of thought and action. Probably somewhere where I could get in close contact with nature and be able to look at the stars without any interference of city lights.

What quality do you most admire in a man?

I admire men that are respectful and patient.

What quality do you most admire in a woman?

I admire women that are not afraid to speak up and stand up for themselves. Also, I like women that try to achieve their goals in life.

What is your favorite occupation?

My favorite occupation is probably the one where I could get respect for what I do. I love modeling. It brings out a creative side of me and helps me achieve self-realization.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My most marked characteristic is the ability to never give up. Even though I may not be able to accomplish everything I would like to, I always try to find new ways of achieving my goals.
Also, I am never mad for a long time. My brain always tries to find excuses for me to forgive a person and to say, “I am sorry.”

What do you value most in your friends?

In friends I value the most when they value your opinion and no matter what you are unique and every situation you are in is unique. Also, I value friends that don’t pressure you to do what THEY believe is the best for you.

What is your dream of happiness?

When you are understood and valued by people who are important to you.

In what country would you like to live?

There is probably no particular country, but rather a combination of the best qualities of many countries. Such as the United States for its endless opportunities, France for its food and wine, Italy for one of the most beautiful and ancient cultures, and Russia because it is just a part of who I am.

How would you like to die?

Honestly, I would not want to die. But if I do, I would like to die without any regret that I have not done something that I could have, or that I have done something that was not something I should have.

What is your motto?

My motto is my success: the more you succeed the more you try next time.

An Interview with Ami Vashi – Miss India

Ami Vashi’s plane was leaving in a couple hours, and she was calm when she told me that she could text me from Hong Kong if there was anything else that I needed, and that she’ll see me in a month. Ami has had an amazing life for her young years. She is an exotic beauty who was born in Los Angeles and received her degree from USC in finance. She was later recruited as a financial analyst in San Francisco. While traveling in Mumbai, she was scouted for the Miss India compeitition.

What made you enter the Miss India competition?

It was my nana’s idea.

What are your future plans?

Like other winners, I’m focusing on the Miss World title. I feel honored to represent India and am looking forward to bringing the Miss World title there. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

How would you utilize the title ?

I am already in the social sector and I would like to help generate funds, and use those funds to help out the less fortunate.

What do you think is the reason so many women from India are winning international beauty titles?

The rich Indian cultural background, strong family ties, good education, and the professional grooming that we get before an international pageant help a great deal. Finally, it’s the confidence and the way we carry ourselves. This may surprise you, but it was really my Nana’s idea to send my pictures to the Miss India contest because she thinks I am the prettiest woman in the world. My brother who is a dentist and sister who is a dietician came especially from the United States just to cheer for me in the finals.

Interviewed by Ash Gupta

Ash Gupta Studio 838 September 2009 Recap

Studio 838 opened the fall season with a complete vertical campaign, from print to television commercial spots, for high-end jewelry company Highglow Jewelers. Also reinvented in September was starlet Rachelle LeFevre of “Twilight” fame who shot with Ash at one of Bel Air’s most infamously sumptuous residences to produce an editorial that, like her character in the films, is truly timeless. Meagan Good, “The Unborn” star, was also photographed by Ash Gupta for the cover of WNWN Magazine. The cover is all “rock-and-roll-north of sunset-sultry cool.”

Another chapter of the fine art series, “The Silk Web,” was shot with Jasmina Hgdada of Vision Models. Additionally, Ash conceived and shot the fine art coffee table book, Black Truth Midnight, featuring Max Ryan, who will be starring in the upcoming Sex and the City sequel opposite Kim Catrell, and Niki Sabet of Ford Models. Niki Sabet was also featured in the experimental collaborative art project with designer Maggie Barry. Images from this fine art beauty series titled “Wrapped in Beauty” will be printed on textile, which will then be sourced and cut for an exhibition, and fashioned into Maggie Berry’s new line for L.A. fashion. Another upcoming exhibition will be titled “Ashley”—this collaborative event/show features Ash’s photography and American painter Ashley Longshore. Part of the proceeds from both artists at the show will benefit women’s cancer research. Malibu designer Shannon Lewis of bubululu was shot for an upcoming campaign featuring her trademark eco-conscious Balinese-made bamboo textile casuals and swimwear. Finally, rounding out September, the magazine Acted By interviewed Ash and the studio for an article detailing the art and exploits through

Honeydew Intimates – An Interview with Creative Director Benny Zafrani

Honeydew Intimates consists of sexy, soft, and unique intimate apparel that appeals to a wide range of women. The colors and styles are fun and flirty, just what every woman needs! I interviewed Benny Zafrani, who is responsible for the creative direction of the label.

What made you decide to create designs for intimate apparel?  How did Honeydew come to be?

My father, Motty Zafrani, started a company that manufactured intimate apparel for different labels. After I joined the company, I began to seriously think about the future and how we already had everything in place to produce our very own brand. I then carefully studied what was already in the market and found that there was a serious need for more fashion-forward lingerie at more accessible prices.

How long has Honeydew been around?

Honeydew Intimates was launched in 2002.

Who is your demographic, what age, etc.?

Our target demographics are young women from their early teens all the way to women in their 40s. They’re from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds who want something a little more glamorous in their intimate apparel.

Your designs are colorful and extremely feminine.  What fabrics do you use?

One of our main objectives for the line is comfort. We use the finest fabrics with the softest hand, from microfibers and modal to cotton, rayon and lace trims.

What determines how you will create a collection?

When creating a collection we first consider what the brand is all about-color, fun, a touch flirty, and ultimately fashionable. From there we go through fabric choices, prints, details and colors that we see are the season’s leading trends.

How would you say Honeydew compares to some of the other intimate apparel?

With all due respect, there’s no other line like Honeydew Intimates. It’s very specific in itslooks and price points. We’re the go-to brand for women who want to project a certain innocent sexiness, a confident sense of style, all at prices that give them more fashion for their buck.

Who makes up the design team, andtell me a little about your/their background.

I’m responsible for the creative direction of the brand.  I earned a business degree from Cal State and have been in this business for nearly two decades. I work on many different aspects of the brand to ensure that the entire company is on the same page to achieve ourcommon goals. The design team and I also benefit from inputs we take from our customers and what’s going on in the fashion industry. Other members of my family, including my father, pitch in with his invaluable business experience and my two brothers Jim and Liron, who together ensure a smooth and trouble-free atmosphere and operations.

Highest high designing Honeydew?

Whether it’s seeing someone like Rebecca Romijn or Angelina Jolie wearing the line in a magazine spread or just knowing that customers are responding to the line brings a creative satisfaction that we always appreciate. To know that the collection we worked so hard on is being bought by women across the country is what we strive for.

Any lows?

There are no lows, simply challenges to be conquered and they only serve tomake my work always interesting.

What advice could you give to someone wanting to design lingerie?

Be bold and don’t be afraid to take chances. Learn to take criticism but believe in yourself.  Laugh at your mistakes and learn from them.

Go into detail about your current collection.  What’s in store for the next season?

Right now we have some fun sporty looks from striped cami and boxer brief sets, zig zag striped bralette and panty sets, Under the Sea boyshorts, featuring a soft, striped elastic band, along with panty and low-rise thong versions in sea horse, frog and shark prints; Sailboat & Anchor mesh panties with great coverage and matching bralettes; full coverage panties with a lace band and silk screen images printed on the back; Super “Dew”-per Low Rise Thong that hangs very low and made more comfortable with a supple softy wide lace band, available in ombre, animal, or neon leopard prints. As usual, we’reshowcasing a lavish range of colors: the Super “Dew”-per Low Rise comes in cream, black, dove, phantom, cross-dyed shades of bubble gum, banana and peppermint; fine mesh boyshorts are available in super pink and scuba blue; while other styles are available in turquoise, purple, raspberry, and polka dots. Next season we have some really exciting pieces, including a neon group, preppy and fabulous prints, some really beautiful jewel-toned pieces, and a hot Bridal-Dew group!

Where can our readers purchase Honeydew?

Honeydew Intimates is available nationwide from specialty boutiques to major department stores, such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Dillard’s, as well as on our website www.honeydewintimates.com.

Any last words?

The entire team behind Honeydew Intimates is proud of what we create every season. It’s that mix of ideas that generates the most inspiring work. We have an opportunity to work together towards a shared goal, and that is a privilege. From the beginning, we wanted to produce something women can enjoy wearing while ensuring that each item that has the Honeydew Intimates brand has an enduring appeal and hopefully continues to delight and surprise everyone.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Audrey K Boutique – Vintage-Inspired Modern Clothes by Local Designers

One morning my close friend and I did a long bike ride and stopped in a quaint district in Glendale to have coffee and a pastry. Across the street we spotted an adorable boutique—Audrey K. There was a rack outside with dresses on sale. My friend, Catherine, flipped over the designs and rushed into the store for a closer look. I followed, still a little winded from our bike ride. I noticed the clothes had a very old Hollywood look to them, yet they weren’t vintage at all. They were fresh new designs by local talent. And everything was priced affordably. While I was browsing, Catherine tried on and purchased several outfits. I got bold and tried one on, too. And I loved the way it looked and felt. The sales staff was attentive, but not pushy in the least. It was a wonderful shopping experience. Since that first visit, my riding partner and I have purchased many outfits from that store (which continues to stock beautiful, unique, vintage-inspired clothing at a reasonable price). What looks couture is actually affordable. Now that is what’s so special about Audrey K Boutique!

“The store has been a passion of mine. I’ve been in retail my entire life and I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to focus on designers that were local, not mass-produced, or all over in the mall.”—Audrey Robles, Owner of Audrey K Boutique

Audrey Robles is the owner of Audrey K Boutique located in Glendale, California. Uniquely, she is a trained stylist who helps out her clients individually, lending a friendly, caring atmosphere to those who shop at this vintage-inspired boutique. Audrey K has been featured in several publications, blogs, and the points of interest in “Walking in LA.” She has an extensive celebrity clientele, and her fashions and accessories have been seen on popular television shows. Audrey K is a boutique that fuses vintage and modern and vintage styles in a very fashion-forward, sophisticated, and affordable way. The boutique offers styles that you won’t see anywhere else. How does this boutique accomplish that? By supporting local designers with something unique and are high fashion with an edge.

I love your stuff. It reminds me of vintage even though it’s not. The 30s, 40s, 50s . . . How did you come up with such a niche-specific store?

To be honest with you, I buy the fashions that I like. It turns out that there are a lot of women who like to look this way too. Vintage is a broad term. You have the true “rockabillies.” They live it, they breathe it, they go to the vintage stores to find these styles. I find designers that live locally that recreate these styles. They have stretch bengaline or some type of spandex—friendly fabrics they use today that modern women can wear to work. You can wear these dresses and feel beautiful because the styles accommodate a lot of women as far as styles are concerned. It flatters the pear-shaped, tall and lengthy, hour glass figures, short . . . a lot of women can wear these dresses and feel beautiful and feel like they’re contributing to fashion. My concept behind the store is to offer fashion for women in a broad sense. The fashions I offer are also very affordably priced. These are pieces you can pull out of the closet and use season after season.

How do you decide what goes into your store?

When I buy, I’m very particular about the way the fabric feels on the skin, that they’re made well.

You’re also a designer?

The designing aspect is something that has evolved on its own. I have a college degree in fashion merchandising. I see a customer try on something in my store that doesn’t fit. I think to myself, I can tweak that to where it would fit her if it was a little longer, or maybe if it was made in another fabric. So being in the fashion industry, I see things that would meet the customer’s needs that other styles or clothing lines don’t. I find myself wanting to design . . . Audrey K Designs that will be sold exclusively on my website. (New lines were released Spring/Summer 2009.)

You said that 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s retro . . . all those eras had their bad picks as well. I noticed in your shop your stuff seems to be the cream of the crop of those styles. Can you tell me where that keen eye of fashion comes from within you?

The women of my family are fashion icons. My mother was a model for Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. She wore the wigs, makeup, eyelashes . . . and dressed to a tee . . . and so was my nana . . . and so was my great grandmother. You wouldn’t have known that if you saw me in the 80s. I had a mullet and wore bad clothes. I think it’s something I grew into. I never wanted to do fashion and sketch when I was 8 years old. That would have made a great Cinderella story. But that really wasn’t how it was for me. I went to the American College for the Applied Arts in Westwood to get my degree. That sparked it for me. I’ve always been in retail. I’ve always worked for big box stores, too, like Macy’s, and window displays at The Gap. But I’ve always known what I like. Regarding picking the cream of the crop, because there are styles in the 50s and 60s and even in the 70s, where I hoped those styles would never come back, there were styles where certain designers nailed. So I tried to find those pieces and put them in the store. Everything in here is a winner. Myfox LA . . . we came in 4th place for Best Hand Bags in Los Angeles. I don’t just go out and fill the store. I am very particular, so we nail it every single time.

Where do you see Audrey K in 5 years?

My husband and I have a focus and a goal that in 5 to 10 years we’ll have several stores by then. We don’t want to grow too fast because when you do that, the jewel of what this store is all about gets muffled in a way. You have to have the right supportive group of people working with you.

To learn more about Audrey K Boutique, visit their website atwww.audreyk.com.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Bao Tranchi – Costume and Fashion Designer

Costume and Fashion Designer Bao Tranchi graduated from Otis College of Art & Design at the top of her class. She was immediately offered a designer job at Anne Klein in New York or work onQueen of the Damned, as the illustrator and assistant to Academy Award nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips. Opting for the costume job, Tranchi became the youngest person ever admitted into the Costume Designers Guild. She went on to work onCharlie’s Angels, Hedwig & the Angry Inch, The Madonna Drown World Tour, music video styling for Janet Jackson, and Destiny’s Child, just to name a few projects.

Bao Tranchi’s first magazine shoot was Rolling Stone Magazine with Mark Seliger shooting Leonardo DiCaprio. Her designs have been worn by Steven Tyler, James McAvoy, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Alba, Brittany Murphy, Salma Hayek, Naomi Watts, Paris Hilton, and Courtney Cox. Tranchi also designed and produced the wardrobe for Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” and “Hazel Eyes” 2005-2006 World Tours, including her video for “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” Tranchi was also a guest judge on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 7.

In 2007 for her work in Fashion and Costume, Tranchi was a life-size cutout at the firstVietnamese American historical exhibition at the Smithsonian in Washington, D. C.

Arun Nevader presents Bao Tranchi Fashion 2010 Photo Shoot at the Hotel Borg in Reykjavik, Iceland.