Why Not Turn to Skirt Dressing Instead?

Why Not Turn to Skirt Dressing Instead?

“Skirts are definitely happening for cocktail dressing,” said Meg Cuna, the fashion expert at the style site Popsugar. “It’s a less traditional way to dress for the holidays but it gives you so many more options and combinations to work with.”

Look no further than Kim Kardashian and other influencers, including Lydia Hearst and Alexa Chung, for ways to elevate a skirt.

“Skirts are great way to get the most variations out of your holiday party pieces,” said Connie Wang, fashion features director at Refinery29.

Some tips on how to dress up a skirt for the holidays:

Mix and match

Wang suggests wearing a stiffer skirt on top of a flowier dress. Try a slim pencil in a below-the-knee style over a slip dress.

“It’s a creative way to layer. Or cinch a longer-length skirt and a fitted top together with a wide Wonder Woman-style belt for a femme fatale silhouette,” she said.

Last year’s peplum-style skirts and high-low hemlines have been replaced by long, sinewy silhouettes like the below-the-knee pencil, long, fringed styles and pleated, asymmetrical crepe skirts, Wang added.

“Wear them with high-necked cropped shirts or an off-the-shoulder blouse and your flashiest shoes,” she said.

Or pair a mini skirt with a feminine blouse that has a bow at the neck and wear a killer pair of sky high boots, Cuna suggests.

Go for prints, and pay attention to fabric. Choose silk, brocade, lace or cashmere touches, she said.

Simple Elegance

Skirts can lend a simple elegance over the bling of a beaded or sequined cocktail dress. There’s a ‘70s vibe that plays on fabrics over embellishments.

“I’m sort of loving the feminine skirts and the cozy tops, especially when it’s starting to get a little chilly out,” Hearst said.

For cocktails, Chung added: “I’d wear a leather pencil skirt and I’d wear some kind of big frilly blouse and a stiletto.”

Chambary Fabric

Fashion: How to Wear Florals In Winter

Fashion: How to Wear Florals In Winter

We all know florals are the perfect choice for spring, but I’d prefer we break them out a little earlier. We’ve still got a few months left of the cold weather, so your wardrobe may be the only place to see a few beautiful blooms, and a sweet, pretty bouquet is just the right look for gloomy, winter weather.

Lead by fashion designers like Preen, Erdem, and Dolce & Gabbana on the winter runways, the florals of the moment are set on a dark canvas rather than white or soft pastel – and during these dark winter days, I’m all about the moodier palette.

But there’s a right way and a wrong way to introduce flora and fauna into your wardrobe and I’ve got the inside scoop on just how to do it…
Do choose your fabric wisely. Cotton and chiffon are fine for hot weather but just aren’t going to see you through the colder days.
Look for florals in slightly heavier fabrics like brocade, rich satin or plush cashmere. Longer sleeves and longer hemlines will also help balance the effect of breezy florals and remind people what season we’re in.

Floral

When it comes to picking a colour scheme, it may sound obvious, but opt for dark, deeper tones like black or burgundy to keep them looking appropriate for the colder months.
stylist’s take
When you play pretty pink or blue patterns against a dark background, garden style takes on a new edge. Embracing the feminine nature of florals, I went for a ladylike blouse and pencil skirt combo

Floral

Separates are a great investment and will give me more mileage out of the winter floral trend. By picking up a top and skirt stamped in a similar print, I can wear them as a set, like in the picture, or spilt them up to create new looks to get more out of the moody buds and take them in to spring.

Chambary Fabric

Why Modern Men Are Dressing Better Than Women

Why Modern Men Are Dressing Better Than Women

We’ve all witnessed the rise of the “metrosexual”, the heterosexual urban man with an interest in fashion and shopping that was previously far more closely associated with women and gay men.

We started to watch his suits become slimmer and nattier, his trousers become more cropped, and his shoes worn without socks, even on those we considered conservative.

• Best foot forward: how to buy shoes that last the distance
• Christmas tree ideas from a self-confessed Grinch

Then this man started to play with colour. Wear designer sandals. Carry expensive leather bags and satchels. Grow a beard and get a great haircut. Smell fantastic. Wear jewellery that wasn’t horrible. And do these things all at once.

That was the big change.

It was a very long time coming, but men have taken up this approach with aplomb and are, in my opinion, starting to outstrip the women.

I recently realised why this was the case. I was walking around Barney’s in New York last year and flicking idly through the women’s section and pondering life’s big fashion questions.

Do I really want to look like a 80s warrior princess in woven leather and a wide belt? No. Neither am I feeling very Victorian (at my age, a high neck blouse and long skirt would add, oh, about a century). I dispute the idea that crop tops on the red carpet are a legitimate, translatable “trend”.

The cobweb-style lace is very her, along with the thigh splits and subtle cut-outs. It’s a showstopper that needs a big personality to wear it and Nicole – we think you were made to wear this.

 

Brocade Fabric

Bridal Wear Leads Trend In Affordable Luxury With British Made Collection

Bridal Wear Leads Trend In Affordable Luxury With British Made Collection

The dress brand, launched in March and recently on show at Wimbledon where star tennis mum Judy Murray wore one of its navy lace numbers, has just added bridal wear to its rails.

But with a business model like that, even adding in the lower costs and bigger sales opportunities possible with e-commerce, can founder Tiffany London measure up to what might seem a rag trade mission impossible?

London has excellent form. Tiffany Rose, her special occasion maternity line, all British made too, began with a £600 credit card investment in 2003 after she saw a gap in the market when her pregnant sister struggled to find a dress for a wedding.

The chance to dress women so they feel confident and comfortable was born. Now the label, known for its affordability, luxurious fabrics, comfort and flattering silhouettes for serious curves, has celebrity fans such as opera singer Katherine Jenkins, Strictly presenter Tess Daly and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

It sells in 80 countries, both online and through boutiques bringing in £3.4 million sales in 2014, 75 per cent for export.

London, 43, who comes from an events management background and parents who were entrepreneurs, has stuck to her game plan, a mix of control and fast response flexibility, by extending her headquarters in Surrey where 19 are employed in the design studio and despatch warehouse.

Bridal Fabric

Soulful Performances At Bridal Couture

Soulful Performances At Bridal Couture

The young and aspiring cricketer Wahab Riaz donned the showstopper for Almirah, handsome film and TV star Imran Abbas walked the ramp for Humayun Alamgir, popular vocalist Amanat Ali and Quratulain Baloch gave soulful performances for brands like Rani Emaan and Maria.
B, The stunning Armeena Rana Khan Strutted down the Runaway for Sobai Nazir’s Mesmerizing finale Presentation.

Inspired by the role of women who recently gets marred, it’s the personality she becomes, no longer is she alone.

She suddenly becomes the other half, adorned in finery she leaves her parents house to become a wife , a spouse, the other half, the Ardhangni.

Teena by Hina Butt

The collection ‘The Royal Majesty’ is directly derived from Victoria era.
The collection is based on stylish mélange of savvy silhouette and prudish lengths with richly decorated plunging necklines.

Floaty and sheer gowns with accentuated waistlines are mainstay of this collection.

Rani Emaan

Rani Emaan’s is an original force in the industry and maintains a distinct style through its designs, which set a distinct mood and outline the finest trends each season.

The signature line celebrates the essence of classicism in which Greek architecture has been subject of inspiration.
the endeavor has been to amalgamate classical patterns such as Temple of Zeus and Greek columns with modern artistic shapes.
These designs are well silhouetted ad colored by assortment of shades found in a splendiferous aquarium.
We are fervently looking forward to converting floral and architectural design into 2D and 3D work which gives the illusion of depth through protruding objects embroidered on fabric quite intricately and beautifully.

Saira Rizwan

Saira Rizwan came up with a mystery and glamour collection.
While the cuts are kept traditional the color palette involves more round deep maroons, black and burgundy.

Embellishments and exaggerated silhouettes gave a royal feel to the outfits this season.

Lajwanti’s collection ‘Royal Glam’ features metallics in earthy tones blended with a traditional color palette and chic flared cuts.

Sheath dresses dripping with sequins and a traditional flow will add some serious drama to the simple silhouettes.
Ethnicity is our pride and our collection has been brought together by giving it a complete traditional look.

Bridal Fabric

Bridal Fabric

3 Hints For Washing Cotton Clothes To Keep Them Pristine

3 Hints For Washing Cotton Clothes To Keep Them Pristine

It’s easy to make cotton clothes last longer with a little bit of care.To keep yours pristine, here are three hints for washing cotton clothes you should know.
Cotton is a common fabric source for towels, sheets, lingerie and almost every kind of apparel. Before you wash a garment, always check the manufacturer’s care label for special instructions. If you want to absolutely prevent any shrinkage, cotton is best washed by hand. This isn’t practical for most people, so follow these general guidelines when washing cotton clothing.

1. Sort your laundry

• Always wash like colors together to prevent fabric dyes from bleeding into lighter colored clothing.
• Colored cotton is especially prone to shrinkage, so choose a cold-water setting.
  Heavier fabrics or dark pieces, like denim, can also be washed in cold water to preserve color.
• Towels and sheets are heavy and can beat up other clothing in the washing machine. These should be washed together.

2. Always pretreat stains

• If possible, try to remove a stain as soon as it happens by dabbing with club soda or plain sparkling water.
• Don’t rub the stain, as you may push it deeper into the fabric.
• If the stain has already dried, pretreat with a stain remover solvent or scrub with a small amount of liquid detergent and water before washing. (A clean toothbrush is a handy tool to use for stain removal.)
• Chlorine bleach can yellow some cotton items, particularly denim. Opt for oxygenated bleach or distilled white vinegar to brighten whites as needed.

3. Choose an appropriate temperature

Refer to the manufacturer’s care label for special instructions.
Hot water can shrink or fade many cotton fabrics, but towels and sheets should be washed in hot water to kill any bacteria.

Finely woven cottons or linens may require a more delicate wash and spin cycle.

Cotton Fabric

How To Shrink Cotton Shirts In Boiling Water

How To Shrink Cotton Shirts In Boiling Water

Cotton is a durable fabric that is widely used for making clothes. Cotton can shrink under the right conditions, so if you have a cotton shirt that is a tad too big, you can shrink it. Although washing the shirt in hot water in the washing machine might do the trick, the hotter the water the better. The heat from boiling water constricts the fabric fibers, making the shirt smaller.

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water. Make sure there’s enough water in the pot to completely submerge the shirts you want to shrink. Put the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil.

Step 2

Place the cotton shirts in the water. Use long-handled tongs to carefully press the shirts into the water so they are completely submerged.

Step 3

Leave the shirts in the water to boil for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat from the stove, then carefully dump the boiling water and the shirts from the pot into a sink or tub.

Step 4

Allow the shirts to cool down completely in the sink. Remove the shirts after they’re cool and wring them out gently to remove the excess water.

Step 5

Put the shirts in the dryer on high heat until they are dry. The heat from the dryer also helps shrink the shirts.

Cotton Fabric

Uses Of Silk Charmeuse Fabric

Uses Of Silk Charmeuse Fabric

Silk charmeuse fabric is just one of the fabrics we carry that are classic choices for blouses and dresses. In addition to silk charmeuse, our site also offers silk georgette, silk chiffon, silk organza, silk crepe and peau de soie fabric. The common denominator among these fabrics is that, like silk charmeuse, they have a long history as generic silks but have been very successfully imitated in polyester. For reasons of both cost and ease of care, polyester has taken over from silk for both bridal gowns and prom dresses. However, designers still much prefer silk and where cost and practical concerns are not at issue, silk is still the fabric of choice.

While Charmeuse catches the eye with its satin finish (though the other side has a dull back), its a very delicate fabric. it tears easily when wet and dry cleaning is recommended. It’s often used in women’s undergarments, women’s evening wear and other clothing because of the way looks under lights and how it accentuates body. It is also used in other fabrics in the home. While Charmeuse can be made out of silk, polyester can also be used.

Charmeus Fabric

Types Of Crepe Fabric

Types Of Crepe Fabric

Crepe is a supple fabric with a twisted, pebbled or puckered appearance. The distinctive crepe surface can be the result of tight weaving, twisting or knotting the fibers prior to weaving, using irregular patterns during the weaving process or by embossing a finished fabric with rollers engraved with a crepe pattern. The pattern is permanently embedded into the fibers using a combination of heat and pressure. Several types of fibres can be used to produce crepe fabrics, notably silk, silk-like fabrics and cotton. There is a wide variety of types of crepe, including crepe de chine, plisse crepe, Moroccan crepe, wool crepe and crepe georgette.

Crepe de Chine

Crepe de chine is a lightweight fabric, usually made of silk, without a pronounced crepe finish. It tends to have a smooth, pebbled, matte finish and is used to make luxury garments and evening wear. The fabric is made with highly twisted, worsted yarns in the weft and silk yarns in the warp, or of just silk warps and wefts. It weakens when exposed to perspiration or sunlight.

Crepe Georgette

Crepe georgette is a thin, matte silk or silk-like fabric that drapes well and is very elastic. It is sheer and flat with a grainy texture and is sometimes referred to as chiffon. Its fluidity and easy draping makes it ideal for women’s clothing. It is used to make evening wear, gowns, blouses, dresses and skirts.

Moroccan Crepe

Moroccan crepe, also known as crepe marocain, is a heavy textured, woven, ribbed crepe fabric made of silk, rayon or wool. It is made using heavily twisted yarns in the weft, resulting in the characteristic wavy, ribbed texture. It is used to make dresses and suits.

Plisse Crepe

Plisse crepe is made by using heavy rollers to impress a crepe pattern into fabric or by chemically treating the fabric to give it a characteristic crepe-like appearance. The fabric, often cotton, is covered in wax in a striped or pebbled pattern and dipped into an alkaline solution. The uncovered portions of the fabric shrink, resulting in a striping or puckering when the wax is removed. The resulting plisse crepe fabric is very strong and does not need ironing.

Wool Crepe

Wool crepe, also known as crepon, is a wiry crepe fabric made from mixtures of silk and cotton fibers. The crepe effect on the surface of the fabric comes about through the treatment of the yarn during the weaving process. The fabric can be woven with a combination of left- and right-hand twists in the same fabric or by having different degrees of slackness in the warp yarns or in the tightness of the twists. Wool crepe is used to make lingerie and dresses.

Crepe Fabric

Sophisticated Crepe Fabric

Sophisticated Crepe Fabric

Crepe is a type of thin fabric known for its distinctive crinkled texture and wrinkled appearance. Crepe fabric was originally only made using silk, but nowadays all types of fabrics including cotton, chiffon and rayon are used to create crepe. Therefore the question ‘what is crepe fabric made of’ does not have a simple or straightforward answer. The one common factor for all these different types of crepe fabrics is that they are always made by an elaborate process of weaving and knitting to get the crinkled yet light appearance. Chinese crepe fabric is the original textile which has a softer, more flowing look while the relatively recent British methods of weaving produce a more hard and tough fabric.

Crepe is highly in demand around the world because of its unique look and comfortable, light-weight feel. Crepe fabric gives the wearer a slimming appearance and has a very graceful fall, making it a great fabric for party events or other formal occasions; however, crepe fabrics are also preferred for daily wear because they require little to no ironing and are very soft and comfortable. Moreover, they are quite absorbent and heat resistant and can hence be worn around the year. In Indian fashion, crepe is widely used to create stylish salwar kameez, sarees and kurtis, and is used in both formal and casual wear collections. The final look of each garment is determined by the specific type of crepe used, as each variety has a slightly different look and feel.

For winter wear, wool crepe is an extremely popular fabric. Woven using strands of wool, this fabric is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. The fabric still retains its puckered and wrinkled appearance but the use of wool lends some heaviness to it. It is used to make beautiful tunics, dresses and salwar kameez for winter wear.

On the other end of the scale is the cotton crepe fabric which is almost always worn in summer. It is an extremely light and pretty fabric which provides airiness and comfort to the wearer. Another variation preferred for summer is stretch crepe fabric, which, as indicated by the name, is a stretchable and elastic fabric that gives a unique body hugging effect to the dress or outfit. It is mostly made of cotton though rayon and polyester can also be twisted into stretch crepe fabrics depending on their pliability. Both rayon crepe fabric and polyester crepe fabric are immensely popular because of their affordability and stylish look. They are most often used to make casual or daily wear clothes.

For formal or party wear, women who want to wear crepe tend to opt for the fine silk crepe fabric. This has a distinctive sheen and a lustrous look that contrasts beautifully with the bumps and ridges on the surface. French crepe fabric is another very fine and light type of fabric known for its slightly flatter appearance and more subtle crinkles. Both of these are used to make lehenga cholis and sarees as well as salwar kameez and tunics. Besides silk, satin is also sometimes used to make beautiful crepe fabrics for formal wear.

Crepe Fabric