New Fashion Trends for Spring 2007

Published by Agnieszka Kochanska-Deinrych March 29th, 2007 in Women Issues, Advice and Fashion.

by: Agnieszka Kochanska-Deinrych
As the spring has just started, now is the time to refresh your look! Here are the latest spring trends in fashion! Pick your favorite and enjoy!

Spring is romantic. You should be too!

As spring is the best season to fall in love or to renew your feelings toward your partner, you definitely need to look romantic as well! To achieve this goal, you can choose among a variety of spring dresses, starting from girlish and sweet babydoll minidresses to wrap, kimono-sleeve or jersey ones to shirtdresses. If you don’t feel like showing your legs in a mini babydoll dress, why not pair it with skinny cropped jeans? One of the most flattering cut of dresses and tops this season is a wrap as it gives a slimming effect to most silhouettes. You should also try hip low-cut tops embellished with ruffles, bows and lace to dress up jeans and other casual bottoms. For an even more romantic look, pick up clothes with fashionable ruching, puff sleeves or floral prints! But remember that the print style should reflect your stature, i.e. if you are petite, go for smaller prints and avoid the bigger ones as they would make you look smaller.

Shorts for everyone

Yes, that’s right! Shorts aren’t for tourists only anymore! You can choose whichever length you prefer - short or longer one. Be careful with cuffs as they add weight. Therefore, it’s a better idea to pick up a slim cut of longer shorts. To create a proper balance, pair your shorts with romantic blouses, tunics or empire waist tops and with appropriate not too dainty or dressy shoes. Stilettos will look much worse in composition with your shorts than a chunky platform, ballerina flat or simple thong sandal.

Modern metallics

This spring you’ll see lots of metallics all around you! Such colors as gold, silver and bronze will even become the new neutrals suitable not only for night but also for day. Naturally, you should exercise moderation and wear your metallic dresses in the evening, but still don’t be afraid of wearing metallic separates together with some more traditional fabrics for a modern spring look during the day!

A great comeback of dots and circles

Polka dots and circles of all sizes and shapes are in fashion again! No matter which you prefer – the smaller or the bigger ones, if you pair them with sophisticated items, your look will be well balanced. If you don’t feel like wearing dotted clothes, why not have a simple round pendant at your neck? It will refresh your outfit’s look immediately!

Impressive accessories

As you may find some of the trends “out there” for you, why not add freshness and trendy spirit to your garments with accessories instead of clothes? It’s the easiest and perhaps even the cheapest way of incorporating latest fashion trends into your own closet. You can start with shiny metallic bags and shoes. If it is still kind of too much for you, choose oversized patent leather belts or lucite jewelry as most fashionable accents of this season. Bangles of all kinds and sizes are extremely popular right now and suit every outfit, even shorts!

About the author:

Agnieszka Kochanska-Deinrych is a FashionAdvice.net’s Consultant interested in fashion and beauty.

To learn more about style and fashion and to get YOUR OWN Personal Fashion Advice, visit www.FashionAdvice.net and enjoy revealing a real BEAUTY in Yourself!

So You Want To Be A Fashion Model?

by: Jon Arnold

Have you ever thought about becoming a fashion model? Do you think you have what it takes for that kind of job? The typical fashion model travels to exotic places, models the latest clothes, fashions, and accessories from top designers, and can even be featured in various magazines, which of course can also then lead to being pursued by manufacturers for you to do product endorsements.

But that is typically not where a fashion model STARTS. Like anything else, a fashion model or teen model usually starts significantly lower on the totem pole while they are gaining visibility with potential clients and top modeling agencies around the world. But if you are willing to “pay your dues”, the rewards can be fabulous from many perspectives, including travel, mingling with celebrities, attending exclusive events, and of course from a financial perspective. Top models can earn upwards of thousands of dollars per day.

Fashion modeling is no longer limited to just the “perfect” people anymore with the great looks, superb hair, and a Barbie-doll figure. Particularly in recent years, the fashion designers have started to realize that by only targeting the “perfect” people, they were ignoring a large portion, indeed a MAJORITY, of the audiences they could potentially target to sell their merchandise, accessories, and fashions.

That being the case, there is also a market for fashion models that almost spans the entire range of types of people; i.e., the petite, the “plus size”, the teen, the “mature”, and yes even the retiree crowd. Think about it, all those types of people have money also, and are willing to spend it if they are aware of the possibilities and availability of their products. And selling their creations and fashions is what they are in business for! To become a successful fashion model today, you no longer need to be limited to the group that is about 5 foot 8 inches tall at 120 pounds with perfect bouncy hair and about 22 years old.

There are many types of modeling jobs available, and virtually any of them would be a good start for someone with the motivation and desire to get into some of the top spots and top agencies. There is catalog modeling, runway modeling, showroom modeling, promotional or trade show modeling, television modeling, as well as print modeling like in newspapers or magazines.

Make no mistake about it, it is a tough market and there will likely be some long hours involved. But for those with the motivation and desire to succeed in this very competitive industry, the rewards can far outweigh the negatives.

Contemporary Fashion Design : Today and tomorrow

by: Nisha Sharma

Those who says that fashion is one of the most important puerile way to present oneself perhaps lives outside the contemporary world. As fashion is not only is the fad to show once bode but at the same time feel at ease in the society. For many it may be the matter of prestige, so what’s wrong in it? After all every body loves to be cynosure of all eyes in a gathering and if that person is the celebrity in general and woman in particular then nobody complains.

Fashion Design is covetous to today’s youth as it is related to glamour, money and fame. Therefore in the contemporary fashion design the design presently in vogue is being taught as the subject to the budding designers who want to earn their diurnal wages through it. Earlier, people were not showing any inclination to join the courses pertaining to fashion design, but now a huge wave of fashion has swept every body there is mad rush of people running after it.

But why the design and especially the fashion which was despicable a decade ago have shot to this lime light and has become the craze of generation next. Well there have been other sources also which has acted as the catalyst in the growth of the fashion in the present time. The opening of the media and entry of the private channels in not just in the eastern part of the world but there has been the exchange of information from one part of globe to the other part has bolstered the influence of sexy design and outfit.

The growth of the entertainment industry has been tremendous and this has opened the gate for the courses of fashion design. Countries where fashion was seen as the attack on the culture and history, it has rather helped to enriched the culture of the nation by bringing in the new technology and at the same time showcased the local design in large number on channel as the staple diet of the people.

So, design which was scorned for maligning the culture suddenly found the new breadth and help preserving the local art and culture. This has helped the fashion design to grow in large scale across the countries of the globe. If we take the example of the India, we would find, since Indian culture has been considered free from the influence of the foreign design, the entry of the satellite TV in the country has created a lot of hue and cry by the local fundamentalist group as the invasion on the Indian culture. The MTV, V Channel were demonized as label as the serving the porn to the youth of the country by showing most of the western program.

But now the most of the program of these channels have become Indianized and showing more of the design having the local fervor. With the advent of this, the fashion design has come up as a big industry in the country and people are showing more variety coming not only from the urban centre but also from the very interior part of the country. Now the fashion design has emerged as the experienced industry in the country which is trying to experiment and making something very innovative to the world at large.

How You Can Look Really Fashionable And Gorgeous With Significant Hair Loss

by: Nicky Zip

Baldness amongst women is something hardly discussed in the fashion press and yet it is estimated that as many as 6 million women in the UK suffer with significant hair thinning, excessive hair shedding, androgenetic hair loss (the female equivalent of male baldness) and significant hair loss through the different forms of alopecia.

For men, baldness has become increasingly socially acceptable, with many men now shaving their heads. If anything this is the preferred trend, currently more acceptable than the ‘comb-over’ or the toupée. For women it still remains the final taboo, an embarrassment beyond open discussion.

Hair represents so many things to each individual, even if your hair before hair loss could hardly be described as your ‘crowning glory’. Your hair still probably conveyed your general well-being, your sense of style and personality, even your lifestyle. It’s highly understandable that for most women who have spent years defining and refining a hairstyle that makes them recognisable to family, friends and colleagues, should feel devastated at its loss.

With this taboo subject, there is little understanding of the social and psychological pressures women face. Hair loss isn’t about mere vanity for women, it is about trying to maintain a healthy attitude to body image, which is critical to the recovery process as well as coping with longer-term hair loss issues.

So how can you deal with those issues? How can you repair the damage to your self-esteem, your confidence, your body image, your look, your style?

Two common options spring to mind: wigs – improving all the time, with the more expensive light weight wefted and monofilament models and wig personalization cutting services becoming more available. However wigs in the summer months can prove hot and itchy when worn over prolonged periods of time. So let’s focus on the second fashion alternative - hats/ scarves. There is headwear available on the market specifically for women with hair loss, focusing on the practicalities of hiding that hair loss. Depending on your point of view, you could feel this actually highlights the problem, drawing attention to it, rather than softly distracting the eye away from it. And this doesn’t do much to build the self-esteem.

Most women report their biggest concern with the onset of significant hair loss is that they feel everyone is looking at them. How do women get to feel comfortable in their own bodies again or indeed feel they can simply blend in wherever they go? In fashion terms it’s all in the planning, take a good look in your wardrobe and figure out what you like to wear, what you feel good in and what other people tell you really suits you. List the number of complete outfits you can put your hand on and then think about how you’re going to accessorise those outfits to go with your new hair loss image. Jewellery is key, if you only wear gold or silver consider now picking up colour in a piece of jewellery, i.e. earrings or necklace that complement the colours of an outfit.

This also means coordinating headwear, coordinating because if you’re trying to ‘blend in’ it shouldn’t dominate your outfit, it should complement it and mimic the style of the outfit. The hat colour should ideally coordinate with you i.e. a colour selected because you know it suits your eyes/skin tone and the colour reflects something in the chosen outfit. Mimicking style can be hard for some people, for most of us it is ‘everyday casual’, in which case soft fabric hats are the most accessible style to find and feel comfortable in. Find a hat style that suits you and stick with it, duplicate it, triplicate it, purchase it in as many colours as you like to suit your key outfits. Suddenly life will feel ordered and calm, we’ve talked to women, who once they knew they were looking the best that they could, their confidence soared and they felt able to cope. Fashion for them becomes like that magical cloak but they don’t disappear, it simply deflects any curiosity and they can get out there and get on with life and focus on the important issue of recovery.

How do you achieve this? With a supportive network and an openness to experiment and work at achieving that new image. Headwear is nothing to be afraid of or concerned about, it is simply another item of clothing. Chose it well and it will serve you well and make you feel gorgeous, and people will only see the hat, your style, and you!

Why Colour is So Important in Fashion

by: Susan Lockhart

Colour is the first thing other people notice about us, and its impact is immediate and long-lasting. Our fashion colour choices say a lot about the image we are trying to portray and how we feel about ourselves. So what does colour tell people?

Within seconds of meeting you, others will respond to the 'colour messages' flashed by your clothes. Different colours can make people feel a certain way. In fact, it has been determined by medical science that colour can influence the viewer's hormones, blood pressure and body temperature. Colour also has an impact on:

* Your apparent shape;
* Your apparent weight;
* Your apparent personality;
* Your emotions
* Others emotions

Other important considerations are how appropriate the colour is for the location, occasion, time of year, your age and of course, your natural colouring.

We are all influenced by colour every day, whether we realise it or not. If we're having a bad day and not feeling good about ourselves, we tend to automatically choose clothes in dull neutral colours like black, grey or brown because they match how we're feeling. Just as when we're happy and feeling great we will go for something a bit brighter.

Have a look in your wardrobe and see how many different colours you own. Do you have a veritable rainbow of outfits? Or are there just 1 or 2 colours that you wear a variation of all the time? You may find you are stuck in a colour rut. Knowing this, why not experiment with the colours you wear and surround yourself with.

Sometimes it is not just the colour itself, but a combination of colours that create the affect. Colours produce different reactions when used in different fabrics and when put together in different colour combinations. For example, a red jacket worn with a white shirt to a business meeting exhibits confidence and power, but a red jacket worn with a lacy red top may be interpreted as saying, "I'm sexy and exciting and I have other things on my mind besides this business meeting".

Red is actually not the best colour to wear to a job interview as it can set the scene for an uneasy interaction between females. So what colours are appropriate for what situation?

Here is a list of the colours that men respond well to, both socially and professionally.

* Yellow: Holds their attention and keeps them alert; indicates the start of something new

* Yellow-based reds: Energetic colour that keeps conversations going

* True reds: Exhibits confidence

* Burgundy: Reflects class and sophistication and attracts the same type of men

* Mid-range blues: Puts others at ease and allows interactions to go smoothly

* Sky blue: A calming colour

* Navy blue: Signals that you want to be taken seriously; it inspires others to listen to what you have to say and displays that you are trustworthy

* Blue-based reds: Suggests intelligence and femininity

* Red violet: Suggests strength and creativity

It is most important though, to choose colours that are a good fit for your natural colouring. There is no point choosing a colour that suggests creativity and confidence if it also makes you look washed out or sick.

Wearing your best range of colours can have a huge impact on your wardrobe and your confidence. The right colours can make your skin tone appear more even, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles and make you look brighter and healthier. While on the other hand wearing a colour which isn't so good for you, can make you look tired, dull and even ill. A colour analysis with a professional image consultant will show you exactly which range of colours are best for your clothing, makeup and accessories.

In short, our fashion colour choices tell the world a lot about us. Knowing how to use colour to your advantage can change the way you dress and boost your self-confidence.

The Return of London Fashion Week

by: Tania Machowska

Provisional dates for London's fashion week are 16-23 September 2007. Fashion weeks tend to be held several months before the season, which gives press and buyers a chance to preview designs in advance. The last London Fashion Week was a huge success, bringing more than £100 million worth of business to London. Expectation is high for the next event, which many hope will be just as successful.

What We Can Expect

It's the first fashion week since top stylist Isabella Blow died in May. As Blow kick-started the careers of both Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen, we're expecting to see many tributes. Models such as Lily Cole, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Agyness Deyne are being lined up to sashay down the catwalk in the latest designs.

The last London Fashion Week in February 2007 was a huge success with £40 million worth of orders and a huge £24 million of media coverage. Following London Fashion Week will be London Fashion Weekend, which takes place at the Natural History Museum and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase designer clothes at sales prices.

Next Season Predictions

We're eagerly anticipating next season's trends. Will next summer prove to be the season for you to dust off your capri pants? Who knows!

The Designers

Luella Bartley will show her Spring/Summer 2008 collection at fashion week, which also coincides with the launch of her new flagship store in Mayfair. It’s unclear whether Vivienne Westwood is showing this year but if she does, we never fail to be impressed by the grand dame of fashion.

It was Marc Jacobs in February but who will be the talk of Fashion Week in September? Fashion week favourite Hussein Chalayan should be returning with a collection that promises a blend of simplicity and volume. There are also rumours that John Galliano is returning to London with another one of his spectacularly outlandish collections. Inspired by the French Revolution, one of his last shows featured a realistic-looking guillotine and so we’re can’t wait to see what he’ll do this time. Hot young designer Henry Holland is also one to look out for. His cheeky House of Holland label is guaranteed to raise a smile with bitchy slogan t-shirts and androgynous styling. Needless to say, we're expecting Julien McDonald to dazzle us with a glamourous Givenchy show.

The Fashion Industry and Model’s Health

Since the death of catwalk models Luisel Ramos and Ana Carolina Reston, fashion bosses have been under increasing pressure to ban size zero models. However, it's unclear whether they plan to do this at fashion week. However, the organisers of Madrid Fashion Week 2006 banned models with a Body Mass Index below 18 and pressure is mounting on London Fashion Week bosses to do the same.

The Independent Model Health Inquiry has also found it "profoundly inappropriate" that young girls should be portrayed as adult women on the catwalk and have called for them to be banned from fashion week. However, it is unclear whether they will be. Lily Cole, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell all modelled before their sixteenth birthday but should they have been allowed to?

Discover More about Fashion Week

If you’re eager for more news and gossip, stay tuned. We'll be at the shows in September, bringing you the hottest looks straight from the catwalk.