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Psychology of Clothes: Six Ways Your Clothes Affects the Way You Think

September 18, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips for Women


“To me, clothing is a form of self-expression—there are hints about who you are in what you wear.”-Marc Jacobs

What really goes into choosing clothes?

How do we end up with the final ensemble we choose to garb ourselves in?

Well, more often than not what wear depends largely on the sort of occasion we dress ourselves for. Most of us take a little extra time and effort in making ourselves look good for special occasions and certain events. However, it has also been posited that our moods play a pivotal role in our choices in clothes. In fact, various studies have been conducted showcasing the different ways clothing color would affect our emotions and the way we think. It has also been acknowledged that the way we dress tend to affect how we are perceived by other people. But, science now suggests that how we choose our ensembles may be that one significant difference when it comes to giving ourselves that extra edge in our professional and personal lives—regardless of whether you are male or female. After all, the adage that says we should dress for the job we want and not the one we have does not actually stem from nowhere.

Most people might dismiss clothes as something negligible, and something overlooked, but as research has suggested, the impact of clothes does have a direct effect on behavior. Through extensive research, science has shown that something as simple and easily overlooked as clothes affect personality, confidence, attitudes, and behavior and even how you interact with others socially—even somewhat subtly. So, the next time you casually throw on some casual streetwear clothing, think of what you are trying to convey and know that what you choose to wear affects your choice of behavior. Here are the various ways clothes affect the way you think:

1.) Casual Clothing = Makes us friendlier

While sophisticated and chic clothing would command not only attention but also respect in the workplace, it comes with a consequence: It would make you seem unapproachable and unfriendly. If you want to socialize with your colleagues, wearing rigidly strict corporate wear is not the best way to do it. Furthermore, studies have shown that wearing formal clothing tends to make you stiffer and a lot less open. As a result, you would have a harder time in trying to relax. Meanwhile, casual clothing makes you friendlier and a lot more creative—meaning that a good balance between a corporate and relaxed dress code at the office would be incredibly beneficial.

2.) Power Suits=Dominance and Confidence

There is a reason why individuals who want to be perceived as successful always wear suits and a well-tailored jacket or blazer. In fact, most people would see the traditional suit as the typical uniform of a CEO, and this is because it is primarily associated with being “dressed for success”. As research has found, structured clothing and well-tailored clothing would actually put us in the right state of mind to conduct business. In a sense, wearing power clothing would also make us feel confident and would consequently make us abstract thinkers and better negotiators.

3.) Uniforms =Conscious diligence in performing job better

There is a reason why some offices and jobs would require their employees to wear uniforms to work. Typically, this is to foster and cultivate an environment of orderliness and organization as employees wearing uniform clothing tend to be less of an eyesore than those who came in choosing their work clothes. Subtly, however, this is because from a psychological standpoint, wearing any kind of clothing that is associated with a specific job or role tends to encourage us to emulate how the people wearing that particular uniform should behave. Wearing clothing associated with a particular profession or job would activate our expectations and knowledge of how those people should act and behave. An example of this is how people wearing their coats and uniforms would make them more meticulous and conscious about their duties. In a sense, this is because they know it is expected of them. Likewise, school children who have uniforms to wear tend to perform better as perhaps it made school work more valuable and real.

4.) Gym Clothes=Motivation to work out

Much like how you should dress for the job you want and not the one you have, you should also dress for the activity you want to do. Studies have shown that wearing gym clothes increases the likelihood of you actually exercising. It might be incredibly subtle, but the simple act of wearing working gear would actually prompt you into thinking you should make healthier choices and would serve as a reminder that you should exercise. So, if you feel unmotivated to exercise daily, wear your active wear or at least have them with you.

5.) Luxurious and Designer Clothes= Political Ideologies

It might seem far-fetched, but studies have shown that clothes would not only affect our perceived social status but would have a tendency to modify our political attitudes and views. As an example, a study that asked women to carry a Prada handbag tend to identify with more conservative and capitalist values as opposed to those who have been invited to carry a generic one non-designer and non-luxury one. Furthermore, it has been shown that these ladies were less likely to help others in general unless it improved their status. In conclusion, researchers believe that people have an unconscious but uncanny ability to act in such a way that is consistent with their look. From this ideology, it can be safely assumed that if we do dress for the role, we will inevitably start to live it.

6.) Lingerie =Exude confidence and sexiness

For the most part, underwear is mostly hidden and as a consequence should bear no significance on the impact of our clothes on our moods and line of thinking. Contrary to that, however, studies have shown that something that rarely sees the light of the day can actually affect the way we feel about ourselves. Clothes that are concealed under a layer of clothes such as socks and underwear influence our confidence levels and self-perception. The simple act of wearing something sexy would make us feel more confident, self-assured and powerful. So, if you need an extra boost of confidence for that job interview, consider wearing sexy lingerie underneath the smart and corporate ensemble.

 

 
As shown in the article above, clothes are not merely sartorial garments in which we garb, clothe and cover ourselves. But rather, they transcend their necessary purpose by being an avenue not only for self-expression but psychological processes as well. Seeing as different characteristics are ascribed to different clothes, it would then be wise to be a lot more selective and discerning when it comes to what we wear. After all, not only does it affect how we are perceived, but how we think as well.

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Retail Therapy: Five Failsafe Shopping Tips to Buy Clothes That Last

September 11, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Women

“Crying is for plain women. Pretty women go shopping.”-Oscar Wilde

Oniochalasia (n.): Buying or shopping as a method of stress relief or relaxation

It is without a doubt that shopping is one of the best avenues for allaying stress and it has also been known to be an effective method of lifting one’s mood whenever one is down in the dumps. Although hardly considered economic, this fact is especially so for women who have a unique affinity for sartorial items and a penchant for retail therapy. After all, a rather popular sentiment when it comes to shopping is wishing it was covered by health insurance as is it considered an excellent alternative to having a therapist. However, considering that to dispel the blues away and alleviate stress, you need to fork over some cash, you need to be extra meticulous and careful about the purchases you make. Before giving in to your shopping impulses take a look and survey your closets first? Are they filling to the brim with clothes you never wear? Or are they otherwise clothes you do wear but would wear out quickly? Regardless of whether you indulge your shopping with desires with retail buys or wholesale clothing, the fact remains that when it comes to shopping, you need to come up with a strategy in order to select only the best clothes that would last you for years and not months alone.

After all, nothing is more infuriating than seeing a brand new sartorial purchase look aged after a single wash, or having holes appear on it after several uses. While there are some clothes that are not made to last, this does not mean they should be disposable either. This fact coupled with the quality of clothes on the decline should give you a sense of urgency to be a bit more thorough in selecting the clothes you buy. Here are a few tried and trusted tips to ensure you do not make the mistake of buying easily worn-out clothes:

1.) Check the label

No, this does not mean the brand tag that your clothes come with, but rather it means the tag which indicates what the fabric content is. Regardless of where you bought your clothes, the fabric content would matter. These may come from a lot of sources such as plants and animals which would yield linen, cotton, silk, and wool. But in order not to over exhaust that limited supply, some of our clothes might be made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, spandex, rayon and the like which are spun from petrochemicals and plastics. These synthetic fabrics are made to feel a lot like natural fibers albeit, a lot less sturdy. These materials cannot withstand repeated laundering the way natural fibers can and would eventually break down in the wash or the dryer. For this reason, you need to be a bit particular about the type of fabric your clothes are made of, and consequently, it is advisable to learn what good quality feels and looks like.

2.) Use your sense of touch

There is no doubt that the singular best way to know and judge a fabric’s quality whether it is knit or woven is to touch it. In this way, you would have a better idea of whether the fabric feels soft, smooth or substantial or brittle, thin and rough. If you want a garment to last long, then you need to go for fabrics of substantial fiber as this would mean it is more likely to last longer. It does not necessarily have to be heavy, just ensure that the yarns and threads are tightly packed and observe the density. A good way to establish a sense of what fabrics will hold up well is to start with the clothes in your closet. Observe your clothes and determine which ones have stood up to the test of time and which have not. Get a feel of your own clothes in order to have a sense of what it is that made some of your garments age well.

3.) Hold it up to the light and stretch it

Sometimes, reading the label and touching a garment’s fabric just does not cut it. More often than not, if you truly want to ensure you are buying quality clothes that would last you long, you need to hold it up against the light and stretch it a bit. Touch alone would not be an excellent indicator of quality as there are some manufacturers who may add chemicals to make a cloth seem smoother and feel heftier. Holding up a particular garment against the light would give you a better sense of its weight and the density of its weave. Make sure you pay attention to the yarns as well. And remember, the more tightly spun they appear, the better.

4.) Look at the seams, inside and outside

While fabric quality is paramount to determining a piece of clothing’s quality, it is not the sole element that matters. Apart from the fabric itself, it would be wise to check what is holding your garment together. This means you have to pay particular attention the seams and see to it that the stitches should be closely spaced, even and lying flat on the fabric. Do not limit your scrutiny to the outer layer of the garment and check the insides as well. Avoid purchasing seams that look sloppy or garments that have spots where they appear loose or stitched over multiple times. Checking stitches and seams is imperative as this is what holds a garment together and ensures that it would not fall apart with movement or washing.

5.) Good quality will probably cost you

The bottom line here is: If you want your clothes to last, you need to pay a premium for it. Good quality means a lot more attention is given to detail and other aspects where manufacturers offering cheaper alternatives would overlook or even neglect. If you wish your garments and clothing to last, you must be prepared to spending money for it. However, a word of caution though: While cheap clothing can be readily dismissed as low-quality, a hefty price tag does not necessarily mean high quality. As indicated above, it recommended that you check first and know what to look for.

 

When it comes to shopping for clothes, it is always advisable that you buy those that would last you quite a long time. Hopefully, the tips written above would serve as a guide in helping you make better choices and purchases. As a result, you can have the best value for your money. Lastly, should your clothes seem to be breaking down, do not immediately resort to dispensing or giving them away, you can always choose to repair them and have them good as new. Choose your clothes well and avoid shopping on impulse, and you will have a wardrobe filled with clothes that would last you not only for months but for years to come.

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Retail Therapy: Five Good Reasons to Shop

July 31, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips for Women


“Honestly, shopping beats therapy, anytime. It costs the same, and you get a dress out of it.” –Sophie Kinsella

Without a doubt, shopping has a way of cheering people up.

The act of buying something and treating yourself to some trinkets or clothes brings a feeling of euphoria similar to that of getting a gift you have sorely wanted for quite some time. It would be no surprise that people with bouts of sadness turn to the cathedrals of consumerism known as malls and indulge their penchant for acquiring things through cash or credit. Indeed, shopping has become such an ingrained habit for people who find joy in purchasing things when they want to improve their mood. This has become a constant practice that they often find themselves wishing that it was covered by health insurance. After all, retail therapy costs just as much and as according to Sophie Kinsella, you get a beautiful dress out of it. So, why not indulge?

For as long as malls remain standing, people would always have a myriad of reasons to shop and have resulting anecdotes from their retail excursions. We would often hear scorned women fresh from broken up relationships treating themselves to a nice little ensemble and swear that they have looked better in the dress they bought that they had been while they were in the relationship. However, the act of bringing joy is just one little perk, and as it is, there are a lot of benefits associated with the act of buying little treats for yourself. In fact, it matters not whether you shop largely for wholesale clothing or retail brands—all that matters is that you buy it solely for yourself. So, if you have been itching to get yourself a little something, here are some of the good reasons that might encourage you to do a little splurging:

1.) When you look good, you feel good

There is no doubt that buying stuff makes you feel a lot better. It would not even matter whether what you buy is an assemblage of various clothing or simply stuff for the home to improve your quality of life. The point you are making is: you are purchasing something with the thought of improving your current situation. As a result, you will feel a mood boost and end up much happier. It would feel new and just right. In a sense, you are doing you. After all, there is no better feeling than treating yourself to a five-course meal you have thoroughly enjoyed, or looking at yourself in the mirror wearing a killer outfit.

2.) Shopping is a celebration

In a deeper sense, shopping is a celebration of you–of all your accomplishments and achievements, of the survival of your struggle, of your lifestyle—of you. Having an incredibly long and stressful week at work would make you feel like you deserve a treat—whether that is in the form of treating yourself to a couple of movies in a row, or an expensive clothing ensemble. After all, blowing a little steam need not be so complicated if you just got paid and felt like you are weighed down by so much work or are simply just under the weather. After all, it is not called “Treating yourself” for nothing. If it helps you cancel out all the negative energy that happened during the day or any of the frustrating and upsetting things that have happened to you, then go and shop.

3.) Shopping signifies transition

Buying and acquiring things may seem like a negligible act, but although it might seem trivial, it might hold a larger significance in our lives. It could mean that we are preparing ourselves for new and better experiences—or we are looking to reinvent ourselves. In our endeavors to bring about such a transition, we would need to purchase the necessary items for it. Take going away for college for example; you would need your essentials in order for that to be a comfortable and liberating experience. Whether this may be in the form of buying furniture for your new dorm room or a new set of clothes for you to wear is entirely up to you. The act of buying things may seem relatively straightforward, but in one way or another, we are preparing ourselves—both mentally and physically for what lies ahead of us.

4.) It is a good me time

Unless you are a miserly individual who endeavors to live each day parsimoniously, chances are, shopping would be one of your favorite hobbies. And why should it not be? After all, you get to feel a significant boost in mood and would also have the added benefit of getting the item you want. Shopping for ourselves is a great avenue for spending time with yourself and your money. From there, you can focus on things which we are often told that should not really matter. It is an excellent way to find release and is fun as well. After all, it is not called retail therapy for nothing. By the end of the day, seeing the things you have bought for yourself as after effects or even fruits of your hard work would actually pay off.

5.) It distracts you from failure

No matter how hard we try, there are just some things in life where we would fail. We cannot have it all, and we should be inclined to accept the fact that failure is an inevitable occurrence in life. However, acceptance does not always mean we are happy with the idea or at least comfortable with it. So, to compromise, we find ways to cheer ourselves up. Suppose you underperformed on a particular test or have been through a truly exhausting and try day, instead of imbibing drinks of libation at the bar, you reach for clothes or shoes instead. Not only would it be more helpful to you, but you would also be doing your liver a favor as well.
While shopping may be a great alternative avenue for easing the stress and cheering ourselves up, always remember that like anything in life, too much of a good thing can be bad. So, exercise caution and do not overdo it. Treat yourself once in a while, but not to the point of excess where you are no longer prudent about your finances. So, if you are feeling a bit under the weather, go ahead and give yourself a treat—you deserve it!

 

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Shop Wiser: Five Bad Shopping Habits You Need to Break Now

July 26, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Women

“When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better. But then it is not, and I need to do it again.” -Sophie Kinsella (Confessions of a Shopaholic)

It has been said that women can shop all their lives and remain at a loss as to what to wear—or might even proclaim that they have nothing to wear at all. So, what is the primary motivator of this rather expensive habit? Well, for some the compulsion stems from the feeling of euphoria they usually get after purchase—most especially if they have been plagued by a rather stressful or depressing event. After all, making yourself feel better with a few purchases here and there is a lot cheaper than seeing a therapist for your woes, hence the term, retail therapy. For others, the impulse is driven by the sheer lack of self-control when it comes to fashion items, and for the rest, there might be just an ingrained penchant for acquiring and purchasing new items. Whether your reason is to elevate or cultivate your personal style, update your wardrobe or simply just to satisfy a fancy, there is no doubt that making a habit of impetuous buying can be really damaging to your finances. While there is nothing wrong with a mindless purchase every now and then, spending most of your monthly paycheck on unnecessary items is an entirely different story altogether. The former is an innocuous act—maybe something you might do to reward yourself after a stressful week, but the latter is a dangerous habit that might send you to a crippling financial situation.

If you find yourself relating to any of the above statements, then you might have already developed a bad shopping habit. Here are some of the most expensive fashion habits you need to break now:

1.) Buying just because it is on sale

Regardless of whether you are on the market for wholesale clothing or retail purchases, you find yourself buying it simply just because it is on sale. It does not even matter whether you actually want it or not, all that you know is that it is seventy percent off. To you, it is a deal, a bargain, and a steal. Well, you need a reality check. The truth is, it is not a deal nor would it be a steal if you never wanted the item in the first place. You just felt compelled to buy the item because it was on sale. And no, you did not save yourself some money, you just spent money on something you do not even want nor need.

2.) Buying too far outside your comfort zone

While it would be okay to try and mix it up once in a while, there is absolutely no point in buying something if you know you are not likely to be wearing them anytime soon. In a sense, something might be on trend and fashionable at the moment, but you are not entirely sure if it would look great on you. True, when it comes to clothing, you should have an open mind and should at least approach styles and unfamiliar trends with at least some form of receptivity. However, there is a thin line between buying something to try out a trend and purchasing something that you know would not work for you. If a pair of leggings or sheer tights is not your thing, do not buy one just because they are all the rage right now.

3.) You do not invest in the right things

An exorbitant price tag does not always equate quality nor a worthy investment. Unfortunately, for some individuals, the heftier the price tag is, the more attractive an item becomes to them. However, this is not always the case and associating expensive items with quality is an erroneous assessment. Instead, be wiser with your money and be practical when it comes to what marks as an essential purchase for you. Go for classics—ones that you know would stand the test of time. We might have different ideals as to what constitutes as a “worthy investment, ” and it is totally alright to splurge from time to time. However, before checking out an expensive item, take the time to think twice. Make sure it is something you can wear today, a few months from now and even years from now.

4.) You do not take care of your things

You constantly feel the need to buy new clothes and accessories because yours always seem to be falling apart. It is not for the lack of quality that these items break down, but rather your inability to take care of them properly. Buying investment pieces and items that are of considerable price means that you ought to take care of them properly if you want them to last. Read the tags on your clothes as to how they should be washed and the care cards of your accessories and stick to these. It does not take much for you to take care of your personal belongings and you will no longer feel the need to replace them when they break down.

5.) You shop for social media

In a modern age where most individuals are preoccupied with personal appearances, things such as OOTDs (outfit of the day) have been conceptualized. Although there is nothing absolutely wrong with this, if you find yourself shopping for clothes just to fill your social media feed then you need a reality check. Are you buying those clothes and accessories just because you like them? Or just because you want others to know you have them? Are you likely to wear them anytime soon or are they going to be stowed away once you have snapped your photo and posted it? These are crucial questions you need to take note of. Remember, when you are buying items they need to be for you primarily and not for the sole purpose of constantly impressing your followers and friends on social media platforms.

 

So, before you try and buy things that you think you covet, have an internal talk with yourself first. Do some introspection and think if you really want the item or not. After all, you may want it today, but once you receive your bank statement weeks later, you might realize that little tee that looked so good on the mannequin might not be so worth it at all.

Corporate Fashion 101: Seven Common Office Style Faux Pas

July 11, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Women

“To me, clothing is a form of self-expression—there are hints about who you are in what you wear.” -Marc Jacobs

“Dress for the job, you want and not the one you have.”

“Dress how you want to be addressed.”

These two are just a fraction of the slew of the corporate adages one would hear when it comes to the advocacy in power dressing in the office. Nowadays, corporate fashion is no longer limited to smart looking outfits and dapper suits, today it has extended its meaning well beyond that and has ventured towards quirkier and more interesting styles. After all, walking in the office day in and out then seeing it largely dominated by neutral colors such as gray, white and black can feel incredibly dull and stiff. Today, contemporary and modern fashion has incorporated the use of colors and mainstream trends into corporate style. However, this is not to say that everything you can find in casual fashion and street style wears are acceptable outfits for the office. So, do not make the novice mistake of haphazardly dressing yourself up in random retail or wholesale clothing and think it would be an appropriate outfit for work lest you commit a fatal corporate fashion faux pas.

To have a better idea of what these corporate style faux pas are, it is best if you have an idea of what the most common style errors in the office are so as to prevent to committing them yourself. Take note however that some may not resonate differently with you, but as it is in the corporate world, there are unspoken rules—even when it comes to your manner of dress.

1.) Too Casual Clothing

No matter how relaxed the dress code of your office is, there is still a business standard to what would look acceptable in a corporate setting. If your outfit looks like you might as well just be going out of your house for a brief walk, then you might as well rethink wearing it. It might be too hot to wear stockings during the summer, but that does not mean you can trade them for flip-flops instead. At the very least, wear closed shoes instead. Remember, your company (no matter its dress code) is still presenting a professional image and employees in shorts and flip flops—even on a hot summer day, shows the contrary.

2.) Inappropriate style for age

There is absolutely nothing more jarring to see than a woman in her forties garbed in a style reminiscent of today’s teenagers or youth. This does not mean to say that middle-aged women are forever constrained to wearing dull and boring styles that would seemingly age them, but they must draw the line where they would not look too mincing. After all, you would want to present a confident and powerful image so it is only expected that you would want to be taken seriously which would be a lot easier if you sported the sophisticated and professional look.

3.) Too provocative clothes

There is a reason why mini skirts, halter tops, and cleavage-baring tops are absolutely not allowed in the office. Apart from being a major visual distraction to many of your colleagues, you would make your office look like a nightclub scene instead. If your skirts hitch a little too high and if you cannot bend without showing your undies, you might want to reconsider wearing them to work (unless you plan on wearing hosiery on your legs). Similarly, if bending down gives anyone a generous view of your bosom then refrain from wearing it. All in all, if the outfit is something you would wear to the club on a Friday or Saturday night, then you might as well not wear it to work.

4.) No sense of personal hygiene

You can be as low-maintenance as you want, but that does not mean you should forego all the basics of self-care and personal hygiene altogether. More often than not, how you take care of yourself impacts your credibility, and you lose that when you do not do any personal care. Do a self-assessment and see if your hair is brushed, your nails polished (or at least clean) and your general appearance looks well groomed, and you are likely to look sharper, more professional and worthy of your position and role (whatever it might be).

5.) Strong perfume

Smelling great is nice, but sometimes when a scent becomes too overwhelming, it tends to have an overpowering effect that can be irritating to some of your co-workers—particularly those with sensitive noses. An incredibly strong perfume can be a distraction at work and can be the main source of chronic headaches in your immediate work vicinity. If you find that you are easily tracked or identified whenever you walk into a room, you might need to tone down the dosage or application of your perfume.

6.) Noisy and huge accessories

If your accessories tend to jangle whenever you do the slightest movement, they might be more in place inside a nightclub than in your office. Office etiquette dictates that you should wear minimal jewelry and probably refrain from wearing anything too flashy. When it comes to accessorizing for the office, stick to muted and more professional looking designs and save your huge and noisy ones for parties and weekend soirees.

7.) Wearing excessive or no makeup at all

Makeup is an excellent tool for upgrading our looks and making us feel beautiful as a consequence. However, in a corporate setting, it is best to apply light to moderate makeup. Never overdo your makeup as it would look hardly professional. Rather than look confident in your smokey eyes, dark red lipstick and thick foundation for your morning meeting, you would look like you are trying to score a date instead. Similarly, it is also not advisable to go to the office sans makeup—especially if you look like you were just got out of bed and went immediately to your cubicle.

 

Regardless of whether your office has a strict dress code or not, the set of mistakes illustrated above is universally regarded by most businesses as something unacceptable in their corporate offices. After all, when it comes to your manner of dress, you are not only presenting a brief impression of yourself—but your credibility and your respectability as well.

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The Worst Fashion Trends of Every Decade

July 3, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Women


“Do not be into trends. Do not make fashion own you, but you decide what you are.” –Gianni Versace

Fashion is the penultimate way of showing off your personality, taste, and character through the assembly of clothing. In a sense, in the sagely and most famous words of Rachel Zoe, it is akin to saying who you are without having to speak. For this reason, each decade sees a wave of fresh, unique, beautiful and versatile style trends that would make their mark in the fashion world for that particular era. However, while it is easy to romanticize the trends of the yesteryears as innovative, inspired and truly visionary, some of them do not just make the cut, and we are left wondering whatever prompted the designer to think it was a good idea. Unfortunately, while these trends look questionable at best and downright dreadful at worst, some people seem to think that sporting them is a splendid idea and just like any trend that grips the fashion world, it spreads quickly and easily—much like an infection would. They are found almost anywhere—from retail buys to wholesale clothing brands. After all, if they are the all the rage, nearly every designer would be giving his or her own rendition to satisfy the incessant clamor for trends. Here are just some of the worst and most memorable trends that have graced every decade:

1.) CORSETS (the 1900s)

Corsets were heavily used in the 1900s as a way for women to give off the illusion of a slimmer waist and as a consequence, a svelte figure. Although it was incredibly effective, women were constrained to wearing this constricting piece which they can hardly breathe in just to appear slimmer. With prolonged use, it could potentially result in broken ribs and internal organ damage—which would mean that wearing a corset is hardly worth the trouble. Today, corsets have been given a modern overhaul but still retain that definitive waist-slimming and constricting feature.

2.) HOBBLE SKIRTS (the 1910s)

Hobble skirts look like a multilayered mess on your legs. In the 1900s, women may have thought of them to be fashionable but walking in its heavy and constricting floor-length hemlines is not exactly an easy feat to do. Owing to the skirt’s design which constricts movement (Imagine an ankle-length pencil skirt), women’s movement would be limited, and as a result, the wearer would have to move at a slower and even glacial-like cadence.

3.) CLOCHE HATS AND SWIMSUIT DRESSES (the 1920s)

The 1920s gave the fashion a lot of things to celebrate for. However, for every great piece comes a couple of bad trends. Such is the case of the cloche hats and swimsuit dresses. Cloche hats would make you look like an overgrown infant while swimsuit dresses just leave us scratching our heads. The functionality and design of a swimsuit dress are not fit for women who want to go swimming as it would actually be a feat to stay afloat while wearing the taffeta dresses.

4.) T-STRAP SHOES AND HEELED OXFORDS

The 1930s had a lot going on, and it evidently showed on their choice of clothes. Heeled oxfords were not only uncomfortable to walk in, but they were incredibly unstylish as well. Apart from giving you a few inches in height, this kind of shoe virtually did nothing for you.

5.) WHITE GLOVES (the 1950s)

Before elbow gloves were considered stylish, white gloves were trendy fashion pieces women occasionally sported to look elegant and apply a dash of panache to their ensembles. Unfortunately, while they looked sophisticated and polished, they also made one look like a limousine driver, and it was a natural deterrent for finger food.

6.) POODLE SKIRTS (the 1950s)

Poodle skirts are definitive of fifties fashion. In fact, it was the epitome of what fashion was like back in the fifties. However, while they are cute and feminine, there was no absolute reason to embroider poodles on poufy and wide ankle skirts. Over time and as the trend faded out, the design looked more childish than it was sophisticated.

7.) PATTERNED TIGHTS (the 1960s)

Patterned tights are what neon and patterned leggings are today. In no way possible was this trend ever considered fashionable by today’s standards, but apparently, in the sixties, they were all the rage. The patterns etched on the tights would only make your legs look oddly misshapen which is not exactly a good look to be sporting.

8.) FUTURISTIC FASHION (the 1960s)

In the sixties, the style trend futuristic fashion was anything but. They may have thought that individuals would be sporting more metal and silver by this time of the year, but fortunately, this has not been the case as fashion never really evolved to look like something the sixties have predicted (And thankfully so!)

9.) PATCHWORK PEASANT SKIRTS (the 1970s)

Patchwork peasant skirts may be vibrant and cheery, but they make the wearer look as if they have mistaken their quilts for a skirt. Hardly anyone can pull it off, and if they can, they would probably look like they had just gotten out of bed.

10.) SAFETY PIN JEWELRY (the 1970s)

The seventies was an era where fashion had a rebellious touch to it and where individuals would like to be perceived as grungy and a bit edgy. However, some of the trends it produced were just one of the worst ones the world has seen and could not even begin to fathom why people considered it as fashionable back in the day. Such is the case of the safety pin jewelry where people thought that it looked highly fashionable to be sporting safety pins strewn across your face. The punk rock movement might be successful, but adorning your face with office and school supplies is a trend that should never have taken off.
Terrible trends have indeed made their mark in fashion history, and they are just as memorable as the best ones in fashion. If you have ever had the misfortune of ever succumbing to any of these trends, you best be glad you know better now and are way past your cringe-worthy fashion years.

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Fashion Faux Pas: Eight Fashion Mistakes You May be Unknowingly Committing

June 29, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips for Women

“I have so many fashion mistakes, but that is part of being in fashion. I think the people that you see make the most mistakes are usually the best dressers.” –Zac Posen

 

According to Donatella Versace, the three biggest fashion mistakes are cheap suits, shoes and shirts. She asserts that when it comes to fashion, people should spend their money on something good. Unfortunately, when it comes to fashion, the errors and faux pas committed extends way beyond cheap suits, shoes and shirts. In fact, women remain notorious for making these fashion errors. Whether these are hard ingrained style habits they have developed or fashion clichés and trends they tend to religiously follow, it does not matter.  Regardless of what the reasoning behind their fashion lapses may be, it does help them one bit in enhancing their style. Women who want to improve their fashion and reach their full style potential should break away from obsolete styles as well as adapt to modern fashion practices to avoid damaging their personal style. If you want to be a chic, sophisticated and fashion forward woman, you need to break away from the style errors you are constantly committing.

If your fashion choices have been largely questionable (regardless of whether they are retail or wholesale clothing), then you need to revisit your personal practices and choices when it comes to fashion. Here are some of the mistakes you might be unknowingly committing:

 

1.) Wearing retro clothes without giving it a modern spin

While wearing retro pieces is not necessarily a bad thing (nor is it even remotely considered tacky), donning them without giving them even the slightest modern twist is. Fashion is cyclical and the trends of tomorrow are sure to make a comeback anytime soon. However, this is absolutely no excuse to garb yourself from head to toe in a style reminiscent of the roaring sixties. Unless you are attending a costume party, dressing yourself from head to toe in another decade’s outfits is never acceptable. Instead, incorporate small pieces from another fashion era and combine them with modern fashion staples.

2.) You believe tall women do not need heels

Not only is this notion erroneous, but a bit silly as well. A pair of heels does not only serve to add to a woman’s height after all, it does wonders for her posture as well. This misconception stem from the sexist idea that women should not be abundantly tall as it is not considered feminine and would only accomplish in drawing more attention to herself. However, a tall woman would still look graceful and every bit as feminine and sultry in heels as any woman would. So, do not let this skewed perception on the rules of high heels deter you.

3.) You primarily shop for Instagram

Since the advent of social media, more and more women are a bit more particular on how they portray themselves online–even going as far as to showing off their branded buys on social media platforms in an effort to impress their friends and followers. While we hate to think that this would be your reasoning for buying that Kate Spade Bag, the reality is we live in a materialistic world obsessed with appearances. So, ask yourself: Are you buying that exorbitant branded purse because you love it? Or because you want others to know you bought it?

4.)You only wear one bold color at a time

More often than not, you wear apparel in bold colors only one at a time. You either match them with much subtler pieces or patterned ones with the idea that it would look tacky or a bit much when complemented with another piece of clothing in a bold color. However, you will find that bold saturated hues look better when paired with another bold saturated hue. The effect is simply stunning, chic and modern.

5.) You avoid wearing horizontal stripes

Most women have this deep-seated belief that wearing anything with horizontal stripes would make them look wider. Although this antiquated notion may be true for body-hugging pieces, they do not necessarily hold the same for clothing pieces that are made well and would fit you well. Try on a blazer with this pattern and pair it with your favorite dark skinny jeans and see the effect for yourself.

6.) You do not mix prints

It has been the belief of many women that mixing prints creates visual noise and as a result, what you are wearing would look too busy. But on the contrary however, mixing prints can elevate your look and make you look fresh. You would be surprised at what you can achieve by mixing stripes with florals or polka dots with Ikat. Start small and break into pattern mixing slowly. Start by treating camo and leopard prints as neutral and add a colored print to it.

7.) You are quick to buy on trends

While there is nothing wrong with a splurge or two on fashion trends, exclusively buying trends is. Every fashion purchase you make does not necessarily have to be a classic, but buying an excessively expensive trend that would potentially fade into a tacky fad within a year is nothing short of unwise. After the season is over and the panache your once so coveted fashion item fades, you are stuck with a very expensive item that would probably hold no value even when it is sold. So, before buying expensive trends, think twice and mull it over. Otherwise, you might want to purchase cheaper alternatives instead.

8.) You believe loose styles would flatter plus-sized women

You are under the impression that in hiding your imperfections, you are effectively concealing your wide frame from view. The truth is, you are only making yourself look wider than necessary and truly are. Instead of trying to hide your body underneath mountains of clothes in a couple of sizes bigger than yours, opt for clothes that are well-tailored and would fit you well instead.

 

Elevate your style by getting rid of outdated fashion practices and beliefs. Start with the eight most common listed above and reach your true fashion and style potential so that whatever the occasion may be, you will always be sophisticatedly chic and  fashionable.

 

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Fashion 101: Eight Style Terms Every Self-Confessed Fashionista Must Know

June 19, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips for Women

“Fashion is more than just how many colors and patterns you can put on at once. Being a great dresser is not necessarily about the colors you put on. It is about putting things together in the right way and then trying different things.” -Dwayne Wade

Self-confessed fashionistas live, breathe and figuratively eat fashion. They do not only strive to look fashion forward and sophisticated, but they try to keep themselves constantly updated with the new styles and trends that come out every season. However, what distinguishes a self-confessed fashionista from a true blue fashionista? What sets a real fashionista apart? Well, they similarly love fashion, but while the former loves to shop and just try out a myriad of clothes, the latter’s view of fashion extends beyond what they can see in clothes, bags, and shoes. For true fashionistas, fashion is an art form whose various details and aspects are translated into what we see in various fashion items. True fashionistas have this distinct propensity to be a little more meticulous on the details than their self-confessed counterparts. Style details such as sleeve styles, embellishments, hems and the like are of paramount importance to them—far more than the label that merely created it. In their eyes, fashion is the physical manifestation of a designer’s creative eye.

These are the individuals who have spent extra time and went the extra mile to do some extra studying as regards fashion. Unfortunately, while we all do love fashion, a lot of the style and fashion terminology will sound a lot like jargon if you have never been to fashion or designer school—or at least brushed up on a fashion course. There is no reason to fret, however, as this article has collected some of the most common and often used terms in the fashion world which you could start using today.

1.) Balloon Sleeves

Balloon sleeves have been around for quite a while, and today, they have been making waves in the fashion world—both in wholesale clothing and in retail branded buys. Ballon sleeves are sleeves of any length that have a bulbous and exquisite effect. If you are looking for an absolute fashion forward look, go for this season’s hottest trend and flaunt your balloon sleeves.

2.) Knife Pleat

Knife pleats can be seen anywhere from long skirts to ankle-cut culottes. In one way or another, you can see it as a type of fold on the fabric itself which creates a unique texture on the clothing itself. Knife pleats are sharp and narrow folds which are formed by doubling the material back upon itself. If you want more dimension to your clothing, adding knife pleats to your full ensemble would be your best bet.

3.) Choker Tops

As of late, choker tops have been all the rage, and almost every major celebrity was seen sporting it. However, why not take it up a notch and go for choker tops instead. Let go of that choker necklace and don on a choker top which closely resembles a top combined with a choker sans the choker necklace’s many details. If you are pressed for time, then skip the accessorizing part of your dressing routine and combine your clothes with your accessories with a simple choker top.

4.) Bustle

Skirts that flare out are incredibly chic and girlish. Unfortunately, not every one of us has the time to insert a petticoat underneath our skirts nor do we want to contend with the persistent itchiness of the fabric and material used. So, instead of the usual and rather outdated petticoats, women can now alternatively use a bustle which functions much like a petticoat. However, while petticoats would usually pouf out the entire skirt, bustles are frames or pads designed to support and expand the fullness of the back of a woman’s skirt. Regardless, however, the wearer can still achieve mainly the same effect of a fuller and flared out skirt.

5.) Dress Gloves

Dress gloves are appropriate for any formal functions and wherein the dress code is designated as formal or gowns for the ladies. These are gloves that extend way beyond the wrist and would give your formal ensemble a bit of glamor. Although they can be used casually, they look more at home and appropriate in a formal setting. Audrey Hepburn was an iconic person who popularized the use of dress gloves in her movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

6.) Epaulet

Epaulets more mostly reserved for high-ranking individuals in the military, navy or aviation service. Otherwise, they are famously seen in many costumes and dress pieces singers would wear on stage. Today, most individuals would wear them as a fashion statement. An epaulet is an ornamental shoulder piece characterized by its many tassels that dangle over a wearer’s shoulder. It is typically seen in a military-style coat or jacket.

7.) Fanny Pack

Several years ago, a lot of individuals who swear by fashion would not be caught dead wearing a fanny pack. Fanny packs were considered as an absurd and obsolete piece of fashion mostly worn by merchants selling wares as it is a convenient storage room for their profit sales. However, fashion is circuitous, and just now it has come in a complete circle. Fanny packs are no longer considered unfashionable, and they are given even better and modern upgrades that fashionistas would no longer snub them on the aisles. Fanny packs are convenient alternatives to small purses which tie around your waist. It is both a functional and stylish accessory ideal for carrying daily essentials and going hands-free. Lastly, a well-designed fanny pack cinches the waist and can do wonders to your silhouette.

8.) Minaudiere

While small purses are chic and cute, minaudieres are all the rage now. Their function is mostly decorative as they are small and without handles and straps, but they give any outfit that extra oomph with its elegant design. Minaudieres are characterized by the heavily embellished designs which are mostly made of metals or rhinestones and fancy stones.
So, whether you are going from chic to casual fashion term, here are some of the most common fashion terminologies you can now finally add to your vocabulary so that you can finally say that you are a real and genuine fashionista.

 

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Six Ways Your Clothing Can Affect Your Mood

June 13, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Women

“Without a word, your clothes tell a story of who you are. Say something interesting.” –Author Unknown

 

Every single day, we think of choosing clothes as a mindless and perfunctory activity that is almost negligible as it is a part of our routine, but this should not be the case. Unless we are incredibly fashion forward individuals who have a keen eye for fashion ensembles, there are only a handful of special days wherein we are a bit more meticulous as to what we wear. Otherwise, we think of dressing up as another essential part of our regular everyday habit we have to get on with. However, this should not be the case as your clothes—trifling as they may seem—actually play a pivotal role in affecting your mood. In fact, this is readily seen as to how you will instantly get a confident boost from loving what you are wearing—so, indeed, dressing for your mood is indeed a thing and is actually a real concept. If you are unconvinced, wear the best ensemble you have sitting in your closet among the assortment of clothes and take a gander at yourself in the mirror. If it makes you look good then it would inevitably make you feel good—regardless of whether these clothes are branded retail buys, thrifted clothes or even wholesale clothing. So, the next time you head out to the office, you might want to ponder on these points and make a more deliberate choice in selecting your office tie or work shoes:

 

  1. What you wear can make you feel powerful

One study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science took a number of volunteers to wear formal business attires and perform a series of experiments that would challenge their cognitive processing abilities. It has been shown that people who dressed up and more deliberately felt more powerful and in control of the situation than their under dressed counterparts. From this, we can readily assume that power dressing is indeed a thing as evidenced from this successful study and experiment.

 

  1. What you wear can make you fitter and healthier

While it seems like a far fetched concept, what you wear actually contributes to a fitter lifestyle by making you exercise harder sans the difficulty that entails. In a sense, what you wear can actually make arduous and strenuous exercises feel easier. This has been backed up by the observation made in the 2004 Olympic games where athletes in red clothing won more events than their competitors who wore blue. This phenomena prompted researchers to see if there was a relation between the clothing and the success in sport. It has been found in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology that people who exercised in red clothing could actually lift heavier weights and had higher average heart rates (meaning they worked harder than those in blue). It might seem like there should be no correlation between the two, but considering how this study has backed up the theory, wearing red indeed contributes to success in sports.

 

  1. What you wear helps you think better

Apart from feeling empowered and more powerful, it has also been shown that subjects who dressed in business formal clothing can come up with better and more creative ideas on their feet than their underdressed peers. It has been speculated that the way you dress plays a role in your perception of objects, events and people around you which would prompt a new point of view or fresh ideas

  1. What you wear helps you focus

Most jobs—especially those that are seen as a bit tedious and boring, require a lot of focus. Unfortunately, that is only half the battle and when it comes down right to it, focusing on something that is boring is not exactly easy. With this, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology has found that people who wore smart looking doctor’s labs were able to focus longer and better than those who thought they were just wearing a painter’s smock. This phenomena as explained by authors is caused by a physician’s tendency to be rigorous, careful and meticulous when it comes to detail—so it would be as if like the wearer is embodying some of those qualities. In a sense, they are trying to live up to the expectations of the outfit.

 

  1. What you wear can make you smarter

Although the correlation is hardly evident, dressing in clothing that is associated with intelligence can not only make you look smarter but act smarter as well. In the same study conducted above, subjects were given doctor’s lab coats though none of them were physicians. They were then asked to perform a series of complex tasks. It has then been shown that people in white clothes made fewer mistakes than those who worked sans a physician’s lab coats. The same experiment was again performed but this time everyone was given lab coats. However. They told half of the participants they were given paint smocks while they told the rest that they were wearing doctor’s coats. Similarly, those who were told they were donning doctor’s coats performed better in the tests. This experiment shows that it is not just what you wear, but rather what you think of what you wear that matters more.

 

  1. What you wear can make you lose weight

While clothing can make you appear slimmer and svelte with ingenious slimming illusions, it can also provide an avenue for losing weight. An example would be wearing snug pants for example or tightening your belt more than usual which would give you a subconscious signal to stop eating the moment you are full. For this reason, a lot of French women have been known to tie a ribbon around their waist underneath their clothes whenever they are going out for a meal. It keeps them conscious of their waist—especially as the ribbon starts to feel a bit tighter in their midsection as the meal goes on.
And the last but not the least is that what you wear can cheer you up. If what you wear makes you look good, you will inevitably feel good as a result. In fatc, it has been show that more often than not, we dress how we would like to feel or how we want others to perceive how we are feeling. As a result, clothing can cheer us up wheneverwe are particularly feeling under the weather. So, the next time you assemble an assortment of clothes from your closet, remember that you are not only dressing to look good, but to feel good as well.

 

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Fashion Hacks 101: Eight Failsafe Tips to Look Great in Clothes

May 30, 2017 by admin
Posted in Fashion Tips, Fashion Tips for Women


“Beware the old man in young guy’s clothes. If he is over 35 and comes to pick you up looking as though he is headed for a skateboarding competition while you are dressed to go to a nice restaurant, this is not a good sign.” –Merrill Markoe

Fashion has always been a hit or miss thing when it comes to looking great and spectacular. More often than not, it seems as if the clothes we have our tailored for our old bodies—when we were at least ten pounds lighter and had more curves in places where they were needed. Unfortunately, as it is in life, it is hard to maintain the kind of body that would serve as an appropriate foundation for fashion and look best in most clothes. However, what most people are not aware of is that looking great in clothes would depend less on your body type and more of your choice in clothing and how you go about mixing and matching it.

Clothing brands, designer labels—all these are extraneous factors that would do little to contribute how great you would look in clothes and wearing generic branded clothing or wholesale clothing is a testament to that. When it comes to dressing well, it all comes down to choosing the right clothes and combining them with other clothing elements that make them look great. It matters not if you have a sizable budget, are using your existing wardrobe or are looking for a change of fashion taste; all you need is a keen eye for what looks great on you and what does not. Here are some of the failsafe tricks that would make you look like you overhauled your existing wardrobe:

1.) When it comes to skirts, opt for A-line

If you have a penchant for wearing skirts more than any other clothing, show your fashion flair by opting for A-line skirts which have been long thought to be one of the most flattering cuts for skirts. This is because unlike any other skirt, the A-lines nipped waist and full bottom creates the illusion of a smaller waist. Additionally, it cinches the waist with its boxy upper area and would make your legs look great with its billowing bottom.

2.) Do not overdo fashion. Stay simple

The fashion adage of simplicity is beauty does ring true as simplicity is key in sophistication and elegance. Keep this in mind whenever you are shopping for new clothes. Steer clear from affordable clothing items that have gaudy embellishments on them. Chances are they will fall off after consistent use and washing. Instead, look for items that are simpler but require a bit more skill to make such as pleated tops, embroidered pieces, tapered pants and the like.

3.) Wear your clothes in rotation and do less laundry

A true mark of an individual who dresses well is one who knows how to plan his fashion options in rotation. This is because planning what you wear for the week in advance means you would have to wash your clothes less making them preserve their natural color. If it is not particularly hot or if your clothes are not especially dirty, there is no need to wash your clothes every single time you wear them. Just sponge it with water and a bit of soap, cleanse and then air dry it.

4.) Go for stretch materials

Looking for clothes that fit can be a bit hard if you pack a bit of extra weight. This is particularly the case for women who carry their weight in their hips and thighs. Finding a pair of jeans that would flatter their body would often be a challenge, so instead of conventional fabrics, go for stretch instead. Jeans that are made of a combination of spandex, polyester, and Lycra would allow the fabric to hug every part of your body—which would flatter it from any angle. However, a word of caution as the material is meant to be worn snug, not tight.

5.) Buy more black

Black may seem like a somber color, but it flatters everyone and would look excellent on almost everybody. Not only is it slimming, but the neutral shade makes it easier for you to pair it with anything you might have sitting in your closet. Black is a classic color that would always look great, and it conceals any of your imperfections and problem areas easily. So, invest in a few choice pieces as well as some staples and basics in this dark hue to add to your wardrobe.

6.) Your hair matters as much as your outfit

Going to a big event extends beyond investing in the proper and best dress for the occasion—it also means doing your hair appropriately to look great with your outfit. Remember, when it comes to formal events, it is always best to treat your tresses and have it look different than on an ordinary day. Have it professionally styled or get a blowout to complement your outfit and make it look put together.

7.) Focus on fit

No matter what you wear, how the clothes fit you will always be paramount. Do not wear ill-fitting clothes—even if they do fit you (once you have managed to squeeze yourself into it). You may think you look thinner and more svelte by cramming yourself to a smaller size. But that does not mean you should. Remember, in forcing yourself to a smaller size, you will be creating more bulges that are an unflattering sight, so it is best to stick with clothes that fit you comfortably.

8.) Buy basic pieces in bulk

You can never go wrong with basic pieces. These are the clothing staples your wardrobe truly needs. Its versatility would make it ideal for everyday casual wear and would even make excellent complements to dressy clothes. With this in mind, do not invest in pieces that you know would easily get disintegrated. Take note, these are clothes you are going to be wearing quite a lot so do not bother investing in items that are easily worn out.

 

When it comes to dressing well, there is no absolute need to drain your monthly finances, just have a good eye for knowing what works well for you and your body type. Additionally, try not to constrain yourself into one fashion style—venture out and try new pieces, you might not know it, but the style you try on next might flatter your better than your existing one.

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