Happy Birthday to Me!! My First Photo Post

I decided to treat myself to a photoshoot for my birthday, which was 10/10/2010, and to finally showcase some of my own outfits to my readers. Sequins, which is one of my favorite trends, is the theme I chose to wear on my birthday. To me, they represent Sophistication, glamour and celebration.

Here, I am wearing a sequined top and liquid leggings from H&M, and shoes from StellaBlu.

These strappy leather sandals are in the Jessica Simpson Collection. Don't sleep on her shoes, they are not only affordable, wearable and stylish, but also they exude her own style.

This multi-colored sequined jacket is one of my favorite pieces. I got it from H&M last year and I am impressed with the quality of the stitch-work for the price I paid for the jacket ($49.95). I wore red lipstick and nails as a fun contrast against this wonderfully colored jacket and black pants.

Thanks to my wonderful photographer George, for the amazing pictures!

How To Transition Into Fall By Shopping Your Own Closet

As fall has "befallen" us, and summer bbq's and vacations seem to be a distant memory, some of you may have some trouble adjusting to the sudden and dramatic change in temperature. However, don't go rushing into a retailer nearest you to drop money on clothes you think you might need to help you transition into fall. You can save a whole lot of money if you simply just shop in your own closet, with some minor adjustments, you could still rock some of your summer frocks (put away the terry cloth clothing please, you can't get away with wearing that material in the fall). Here is a short list of items that you can start adding into your wardrobe, that I am sure you already have at home, so roll up your sleeves and start digging in your closets!

• Cardigans/Blazers: adding these classics to summer clothing, like shorts and dresses will give them fall appeal, as well as shield you from breezy fall days or chilly nights. For example, leggings are a necessity to me and are easy to assemble in an outfit. So I'd wear a nice pair with a cool blazer and heels or ballet flats.
• Boots/Booties: although some of you may choose to rock sandals until the first flurry of snow arrives or even after, boots with a summer frock, or shorts, could change the outfit into a fall look. I'd pair my fave Gap denim jacket with a flowy floral dress & cowboy boots for an evening out with friends.
• Scarves/Hats: another fun way to add fall flair to a summer wardrobe is by using accessories. They are also easier on the wallet, if you must buy some new fall additions to your closet. I've been wearing my favorite Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M scarf as a shawl to avoid wearing jackets right now! Have fun mixing fall accessories with summer clothes, so you don't have to wait until winter to start wearing scarves.
• Socks/Tights: as seen on the runways lately, pair some slouchy socks with your fave sandals or shoes, or just add tights to a pair of high-waisted shorts, and voile! You've got a trendy fall outfit! (make sure your socks/tights work well into your outfit; don't be a fashion victim!)

Fall & spring are my two favorite seasons because it isn't too hot or cold, so you interchange more clothing, like summer clothing, into your wardrobe. Also, a layered look is very polished, and comfortable.

What's your favorite fall accessory and why?



Photos: Fall Accessories; Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M Scarf

Somewhere...Over The Rainbow: Irridescence Forcasted for Fall

     "For every cloud, there is a silver lining". But this fall, irridescent hues are lining the catwalk as well as the sidewalk. Irridescence is a phenomenon described when an object, surface, or living thing may appear to be various colors depending upon what angle it is being viewed from. That can also be interpreted as how we all view the world from different angles, depending on where we live, how we feel, among other aspects. Therefore, differences are what make this world so colorful, as well as beautiful and fun. It is befitting that, as we all approach the fall season, irridescence reflects in the clothing and accessories we are or will be wearing.

     Because irridescent fabrics mimic the same effects found in nature, such as an insect's wings, a rainbow or bubble, they will be very bold and it is very important that the garment, makeup or accessory worn stands alone. In other words, keep everything else simple so the irridescent pattern can shine on its own without clashing with another bold pattern or color, such as red or yellow. If you dare wear a dark colored dress, for example, wearing an irridescent accessory to reflect the color of the dress while the dark color absorbs light is a great balance (dark purples, and cobalt blues are wonderful examples).  Please note that the word "accessory" is singular, don't get carried away with this trend; this is one that could make for a recipe for disaster!

 

     If you want to try out this trend by using makeup and cosmetics (one approach I usually take before gravitating to garments and accessories), try a fun irridescent Dazzle Glass lipgloss by M-A-C, or try some eyeshadows and lipsticks from Illamasqua, a dramatic makeup line at Sephora. But remember, if you choose to have irridescent eyes, make sure your lipcolor is neutral, or simple enough to allow your eyes to pop. If you choose to rock an irridescent lipcolor, the same rules apply. keep the face as simple or natural as possible. Unless you've got a career that is appropriate for dramatic makeup, I suggest you limit the trend at work to a lipcolor.

  I view irridescence as a reflection of the moods of designers abroad: hopeful, bright and optimistic as we approach the end of a decennial and the beginning of a new season and new year, and maybe, just maybe, a flourishing economy. What's your view on this trend?

Photos:    DazzleGlass;

Gown;

Proenza Schouler Heels;

Pendant

In The Nude: Summer's Natural Hue

     When I think of summer, I think of many things: the beach, sipping ice cold cocktails while enjoying the warm breeze, and vacationing. But as a fashion blogger, and self-proclaimed fashionista, I cannot help but to also think of the latest trends that seem to accompany the warm summer months. While there are so many summer trends that there isn't enough paper, tweets, or Blackberry message statuses to mention, I couldn't help but sit up and take notice of the nude trend ths season, and no, I am not referring to a lack of clothing. We'll save that for another post.
     Brights are fun colors for the summer, but if you want to get closer to nature, there's nothing like the color nude. It gives that "barely there" appeal, so it is very soft and subtle. Just like the clothing we shed during the warmer climates it is also befitting to shed away some bold colors from our makeup palletes, wardrobes and shoe collection. Nude makeup (lips & eyes), clothing, and accessories (shoes, scarves, handbags, etc) allow other elements of your wardrobe to shine.

     For example, a nude pump worn with a pencil skirt could elomgate the legs, while a nude eye shadow pallette could give way for a red pout to stand alone. If you are new to the nude trend, trying out nude eye or nail colors is a great start. Too-Faced cosmetics has a natural eye pallete, called the Naked Eye Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection (Sephora, $35). It is a blend of matte and shimmery eye colors that can transition from a "day" to "night" look. Although there are so many nude nail colors on the market these days my favorite is Sally Hansen's Cafe Au Lait, which reminds me of a tall, iced coffee. 

     Another way to wear this trend is to find some great nude accessories, like a sassy clutch, or nude colored garment (top, pants, shorts, suit, etc). Nude is sexy because it gives the illusion of nakedness, be it a natural face, alluring nails, or tawny legs. While being bold is fun and flirty, being nude takes a bit more vulnerability, more sex appeal. Although  nude seems very basic, it's versatile and looks great on everyone (now go out there and embrace your inner nudist!)

Photos: Nude Louboutins ; Nude Face ; Too Faced; Sally Hansen; Marc Jacobs bag

Hottest New Women's Summer Fashions by William Rast

(Guest Blog, by Pammy Rosen, who works for Luello, a North American clothing company; I am both honored and delighted to have been chosen to feature her post on my blog :-)

William Rast is a fashion company based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 2005 by Justin Timberlake and his longtime friend, Trace Ayala. The company name, William Rast, is a combination of Justin Timberlake's grandfather's first name and Trace Ayala's grandfather's last name. The brand initially made only denim clothing, but has since expanded into a lifestyle brand that includes shirts, knits, leather jackets and outerwear.
William Rast can be seen on many celebrities and in TV shows. There are William Rast retail stores in Los Angeles, and San Jose, California. William Rast is also available at specialty boutiques and high end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.

The new summer line for women includes flowing, lightweight tanks and shirts, fitted, feminine jackets, and classic William Rast denim pieces with a twist. Pieces range in price from $100-$600. All of the pieces are of the highest quality and are well worth the price. The pieces fall back on the classics with a twist of biker couture, but modernized with small, unique touches.

The tanks are light and flowing with a beautiful touch of femininity. The standout of the collection is a goregous, silk tank in a lush, deep, peacock color. It drapes beautifully and has a comfortable racerback. This tank would look stunning with a pair of jeans. It also comes in a lovely, light pink or a pale yellow. Other tanks have the same flowing fit and come in subtle patterns or fun, graphics that would work on everybody.

There are a handful 0f shirts, but they are all unique and beautiful. The woven blouse is an almost paper-like texture in  a stunning, flowing, cut. It has short sleeves and comes in a blossom pink, cream, and seafoam teal. There is also a more fitted, long sleeved shirt in a tailored cut. These come in  a Chambray blue, seafoam plaid, and a brown and cream plaid.

"Tony" Stretch Jegging in Midnight Oil, $ Available Upon Request

 sea foam cream & plaid shirt, $145

The roots of the collection are amazing denim, plus the collection expands into shirts, skirts, and capris on top of the classic jean. This collection also includes denim leggings called "jeggings". This is a fashion trend that is very in right now. William Rast offers 3 styles of leggings in 9 washes, ranging from white to black, and all the "blues" in between. The newest addition to the collection is the long, denim short, which falls just about the knee. It is built for comfort and versatility.

The new collection from William Rast is versatile and feminine. Built for comfort and durability, this collection will be a fashion investment worth the money.






Silk Raceback Tank, Peacock $110






Photos: JT & Trace Ayala, Raceback tank & plaid shirt: http://www.williamrast.com/
                Jeggings: http://www.jeancouture.com/

The Garden Collection, By H&M

Let's cut to the chase: Either you love it or you hate it. "The Garden Collection", by H&M, a Swedish retail giant, is just as the title describes: An explosion of colorful flowers, printed or embroidered onto organic or recycled pallates in the forms of long, flowy gowns, billowy tops, form-fitting skirts and flouncy shorts. The prettiest garment, in my opinion, is the most desired in the collection: the multicolored kimono-style dress (pictured above). Thing is, I could imagine myself wearing it, while lounging around in the privacy of my own home.

The dress does nothing for the model wearing it. Matter of fact, her figure is obscured in it (and some customers thought that H&M on Newbury St not carrying it was an inconvenience). Another coveted item, the Red tube dress ( shown above, also in Beige) looks surprisingly good up close. The floral detail on the skirt is well assembled, and it doesn't look cheap, especially for the price ($34.95).

The multicolored smock dress, with "ethnic floral design" as H&M's press release describes it, looks like something I donned in an elementary school art class. The floral prints are too loud, and the color combinations are so grotesque, that the garment was rightfully named a "smock" because it belongs in an art class. Maybe paint splashing all over it doesn't seem like a bad idea, maybe it will improve!! The organic shorts look like they were made from a burlap sack that once held Idaho potatoes, and they wouldn't flatter any woman, if you ask me.

 However, my grief with this collection, lies in the fact that it fails to complement a curvy shape. Once again, I feel that H&M did not have a "womanly" shape in mind when creating the collection. Matter of fact, as a whole, I don't think they had anyone in mind when they decided that grandma's old house dresses should be revamped and would ever be considered vogue.

Link: www.hmthegardencollection.com/look-book

How To Wear..SEQUINS

As an H&M employee I am privy to new items, as well as old, and sale items. The latest trend that I have grown to adore is sequins. Currently, I own a sequined beret (H&M, $12.95); Jacket (Last two photos, bottom :H&M,Black, $49.95); Multicolored Jacket (Left,2nd photo, bottom: H&M, $49.95), and recently purchased a top,#rd &4th photo, bottom: H&M, orig. $49.95, sale $10!!) However, I know that in order to successfully pull off this trend (which incidentially revived after MJ's death), there are a few rules to abide by:

1. Don't wear more than one piece at a time, unless you want to look like your grandmother when she used to party at Studio 54. You'd look costumey and therefore become a "trend victim" by OD-ing on a trend.

2. Make sure you keep whatever else you are pairing with the sequins as simple as possible, so it wouldn't compete with the sequined piece of your outfit.

3. Wear sequin pieces that are flattering. Let me say that again-get pieces that are flattering to your body type. I am sick of people buying a trend because they see it in their size, but it doesn't complement their shape. For example, I am short and busty, and I know that sequined harem pants would not work well with my shape, and I'd look like an elf. Acknowledge that a trend or style doesn't work for you and move on. Everything isn't for everybody!

4. Get a garment whose sequins have been sewn on well, and have decent quality. There are certain stores that I've visited, and the sequined items I observed had such poor stitching that all it took was one pull, and all the sequins would fall off onto the ground. This is a trend that if you want to store the garment for future usage, I suggest that you pay a bit more for better quality. Furthermore, don't wear any materials that could get snagged by the sequins.

5. If you'd like to try this trend, but are nervous because it is a very flashy and daring look, start off small with a clutch, shoes,belt, or a headband. I started out purchasing the black sequined beret from H&M, then worked my way up. It is not entirely covered in sequins but just enough for a bit of sparkle.

Dita's Addiction: "Mad As a Hatter" , By OPI

     This Blog is dedicated to, as well as inspired by a fellow fashion blogger, Fashion Court, who featured this nail color, "Mad as a Hatter" in her blog. This color is part of a collection, called Alice in Wonderland, by OPI. Here is the URL to her blog below: 

http://www.fashionxcourt.blogspot.com/2010/01/colors-of-alice-in-wonderland.html

The name of this nail color, "Mad as a Hatter" was inspired by actor Johnny Depp's character, "The Mad Hatter", in Lewis Carroll's classic, Alice in Wonderland. Just as the character is the first to encounter Alice, in the story, this nail polish is so noticeable, that it is probably the first thing you would notice about the wearer. This nail color, as is the character it was named after, is both showy, and eccentric. The faint of heart, or conservative need not apply. I describe this color as "as hyper as the Mad Hatter himself" because the color has bits of multi-colored glitter in it and seems to be "all over the place" since the colors are distributed evenly throughout the nail lacquer. 

 

 

     However, as fellow blogger FashionCourt warned, that this color doesn't have that much depth to it, so she suggests that you add a few more coats than you usually would. I also suggest that you find another nail color that would work underneath it. As my fabulous and wonderfully talented nail technician suggested for me, I chose the Russian Navy by OPI, to wear underneath the "Mad as a Hatter" to give it more depth. As you can see in the picture above, my nails almost look black, but with lots of shimmer! (Thanks to my dear friend Kawana, for the pictures.) It was difficult trying to show pics of how shimmery this nail color is.

BUY: If you would like to purchase this color, go to www.amazon.com, or www.amazingbeautynail.com. Visit your local nail salon, since most order the latest OPI nail color collections, to try "Mad as a Hatter" on for size.

Photos: (of "Mad as a Hatter", www.amazon.com) (of "Russian Navy", www.chemistdirect.co.uk)

    

Nicky Minaj & The "Barbie" Phenomenon

     I have a blue key chain with pink writing that reads: "I want to be like Barbie, the Bitch has everything".  I think to some degree every woman wants to channel her inner "Barbie". Just like the iconic doll, she's super sexy, ultra-feminine, and she has her own house, car, man, etc. (each sold separately). Although such stars as Pamela Anderson, Lil Kim, and Paris Hilton are known for their "Barbie"-like qualities, I think that Rapper Nicky Minaj has revamped this phenomena among urban women. I am not directing this observation towards any particular race or ethnic group, I am referring to women who live in the city, who stay on top of the latest trends, live a faster paced life, and are usually single (unmarried). Whereas most women who live in the suburbs are family-oriented.

(photo of Minaj, sitting: www.billboard.com)

     In, 2007 NYC's own Nicky Minaj posed as a Barbie doll on the cover of her mix tape, titled Playtime is Over (photo, shown above, www.images.google.com). In 2010 she has titled her latest work, Barbie World. What gives her Barbie-like qualities is her beauty, dangerous curves, her femininity, and sex appeal. She has been photo'd with pink hair, and pink clothing. For those who don't know, colors give off certain moods. Pink represents sensuality, femininity, and even innocence. So there is that element of Barbie, as we know her to be, both alluring and sexual, but also innocent and "girly". 
     Although a lot of us women are in the workforce, and we want to be taken seriously, I also think there is a part of us that wants to get in touch with our inner "Barbie" every now and then. I also think that Nicky Minaj portrays this fantasy that we may want to be a part of. Part sinner, part saint, innocent yet naughty, sensual, yet emotionless (I know I wish I can be robotic when it comes to certain situations)...like Barbie. She's an icon because of her timeless beauty, her possessions, but also her "plastic" nature to her surroundings..meaning..She doesn't let the outside world influence her, she influences the outside world.

 

(photo:www.heromachine.com)

Dita's Addiction: Billy Stretch Denim, in Medium Vintage, by True Religion

I am proud to say that I have been on the True Religion bandwagon since Fergie mentioned them in the Black Eyed Peas "Humps" song. I am so addicted to these jeans and had them for more than three years, and they still look like new-especially compared to other jeans I own at lower price points. They are currently priced at $172.00 (Saks.com, Saks5th Ave; True Religion Store, or check out the Outlet in Wrentham Village) but I feel as if a great pair of denim is worth the splurge. They even feel better than the average pair of denim (99% cotton, 1% spandex) and I find that they retain their original shape. Also, they make my rear end look so much more flattering.

Photo: http://www.media.djpremium.com/

Going Commando: To Wear or Not to Wear Underwear? That is the Question!

     According to http://www.urbandictionary.com/, the term "going commando" means "to not wear underwear". This term was derived from army commando missions that were so "so intense that you supposedly pooped your pants. If you didn't wear any underwear then you couldn't defecate in them, which means you could boast about not going in your pants".  Nowadays women go 'commando", or go without wearing any panties, for less extreme reasons than going on covert military missions. While some may think that this practice is taboo or even distasteful, others think that it is even necessary to successfully pull off wearing certain articles of dress, while being classy of course.
     Although such retailers as Victoria's Secret or Calvin Klein have launched lines of "minimizer" panties, which are designed to minimize the appearance of panty lines, tend to 'cut' a woman's shape to the point where the outline of the panty can be seen through the clothing being worn. For example, I've interviewed a number of women who've all agreed that going "commando" is necessary when donning a pair of white pants. (Note: not wearing panties with sheer fabric may be obvious to the public, so do so at your own risk). No matter what type of panty, be it brief, bikini, or thong, some women feel that a panty line will be noticeable, no matter what color, and it also makes white pants appear unflattering. In my opinion, cerain dresses require going "commando" because of the way they hug the (my) body.
     For example, no form of panty does me any justice when I wear a wrap dress (and yes, I am wearing my correct panty size, and I am also referring to wearing one in the summer, without tights). I've tried Calvin Klein's seamless panty, and even thongs, but the result is the same: the outline of my undies still show under the dress! No one should see a woman's pantyline, ever! Although some women cringe at the thought of going "commando", others see it as fashionably necessary. As long as it is done in a discreet manner, going without panties could make a woman look polished, and the silhouette of the garment smoother. What do you think?

Do Bostonian Women Have A "Uniform" Sense of Style?

Boston is known to have some of the most Prestigious schools in the nation, breeding some of the most talented and intelligent people in possibly the whole world (hint of arrogance and patriotism...). There are prominent doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers just to name a few. While this city is quite known for its conservatism, from the building structures to the way most people dress, I have come to wonder: do the women who live in this city unconsciously follow some sort of uniformed way of style?
I've come to notice that most Bostonian women, whether she's a college student from out of town, or was born and bred in this very city, rarely display a unique sense of style. I am not discrediting the few women I do see every day who do stand out from the crowd and even I have made a double-take to admire those who dare to be different. But I have to say that the majority seem to wear pretty much of the same things, for example, the uniformed style of dress has been of late, a Longchamp tote, black leggings, Uggs or tall riding boots, and North Face fleece.
Yes, I am guilty of wearing Uggs, and right now I own two pair (possibly alluding to the fact that I may score another pair), and I am not discouraging anyone from wearing or buying them-they are quite comfortable, however ugly..yes somethings can be bought for function are not always fashionable..anyways...I wear them to run to the store, or if I've overslept and need to dash out of the house to school or work. However, my concern is this: however long it takes for me to leave home to go to school or work, I've noticed at least 6 out of 10 women have a Longchamp tote, with black leggings, with either Uggs on or riding boots, and the optional North Face fleece..of course mixing and matching these trends.
One woman may have the Uggs and the leggings, with the Longchamp tote, or another woman who is going to work may have on slacks, Uggs, the North Face fleece and her Longchamp tote. Whatever the combination is, it is indicative to me that that is the Bostonian "uniform" of choice this season. This also shows that most women tend to fall victim to wearing several trends at once (I will have a special blog on this later..it's quite sad actually). Again it is not the items I have illustrated in this column that are an issue, but the fact that several women tend to imitate this exact look down to the last detail. I just want to know, are people in Boston so conservative at work, that they retain that same demeanor when dressing for the weekend or a day off? Loosen up, Boston, is all I am suggesting.
Trends are what they are for a reason, and I don't know anyone who would be caught dead wearing anything that is not in style (well, I don't know them personally but such creatures do exist). Although there are employee dress codes enforced at many businesses, it seems to me that women here tend to follow a certain dress code outside of work, because I see the exact same look repeatedly and on several women at a time, in a given day. This can be indicative of three things: either most people are too lazy to deviate from what the masses are wearing; they are afraid of standing out from the crowd and not being accepted as a result of it, or they just don't know how to develop their own sense of style and it is easier to copy someone else.
Readers, when you leave the house for now on, look around and see how many people (women were used as an example for this column because I am one) are dressed alike. It doesn't have to be a Longchamp tote with riding boots and leggings, but just notice how many people have the exact same items on worn the exact same way. Please, someone tell me I am having a hallucination and just seeing the same person all over Boston, simultaneously..a million times over....

3 Winter 2009 Important Trends for the Recession-Conscious

 (To the Fashion Merchandising Dept Chair @ Bay State College, Patricia Nugent, for inspiring me to start my blog with my first writing assignment in her Fashion Merchandising Course).



No matter where one lives on this massive planet, everyone is influenced by fashion in some way, be it directly, or indirectly. Now that Winter is approaching, and most people have tucked away their summer wardrobe (unless you live in the Florida Keys, California, or vacationing on an island somewhere; there is no reason why I should be seeing flip flops and shorts..for the season-confused, check weather.com or your local news station)...anyways I was rudely interrupted by the mere thought of some people who neglect to walk by a mirror on the way out....back to our regularly scheduled program....Now that Winter is approaching, consumers everywhere are gallivanting to the nearest store in hopes to score the latest fashion trends.
Even in the midst of a recession, which has affected even the average shopper's spending habits; people still want to dress fashionably. Therefore, Winter 2009 trends must reflect power, hope, and humanity, despite any financial turmoil the world must endure at this point. The color green, higher necklines and ornamented merchandise will ensure that the wearer of these trends will continue to exude strength and confidence.
Green is manifesting itself in many ways, through clothing, footwear and jewelry this season.
Green is one of the trends because it symbolizes hope, in spite of an uncertain future. Also green can mean luck, and is also the color of money. In Chinese cultures, jade is worn for good fortune. Green can also be associated with the world's concern for saving this planet's natural resources. This color is important this winter because throughout this recessional crisis, people need to feel a sense of hope that the economy will get better. Adding the color green to one's wardrobe may even allow one to feel closer to nature, or even God(or whatever higher power one chooses to worship). While green is a symbol of optimism, high necklines this winter exude strength and confidence.
High necklines are important this season, because they not only represent confidence, but also the wearer appears more conservative than he or she would have in the summer. Since it is cooler, the clothing is most naturally going to cover up more parts of the body (for most of us who are fully conscious of the seasonal changes in our region of the world). People may be more reserved when it comes to spending money since the recession began. Therefore, this reserved attitude may reflect itself in the way people are choosing to dress nowadays (and again I am referring to normal people who are in the right frame of mind and do not think it is normal to wear Havianas as the snow is melting on the ground. Also, designers are very conscious of how the recession has affected everyone, and has used this to translate conservatism into fall fashion.
A consumer may choose a garment with a high neckline because it is also more frugal (and warmer around these parts, and for the umpteenth time I am making reference to those people who do not wish to catch cold in their joints and bones in the long run for not wearing the proper winter attire). Ahem, as I was saying, a higher neckline is more frugal than purchasing jewelry to elongate the neck. Higher necklines exude royalty, in spite of the world's current financial struggle. Structurally speaking, a garment with a high neckline almost forces the wearer to stand erect (referring to those who know how to conduct themselves when wearing certain attire and know there is a certain decorum and canons of taste by which most decent people abide by), and in doing so the wearer gives off an air of confidence and strength. Ornamentation is another important trend because it declares how the world shows appreciation for various cultures, and that bond that fashion creates can allow for a more hopeful, and even speedy financial recovery (work with me here).
Ornamented clothing and accessories can also substitute for purchasing expensive jewelry if one wishes to aim for that "expensive look", but definitely for a fraction of the price. Also, this trend pays homage to the Far East, which is important, because, if not any other time, humanity must embrace each other for its cultural differences, especially during wartime and economical turmoil. Ornamented pieces this season also appear futuristic, another sign that, despite the world's current financial status, humanity, namely designers, tend to remain resilient and creative enough to continue to wow the consumer with the latest trends. Lastly, ornamented merchandise tends to exude glamour and richness, despite how much money is in the wearer's bank account. In that aspect, this trend also represents power and confidence.
Throughout history, humanity has managed to withstand the ravages of war and poverty. Rich or poor, black or white, what the consumer has in common with others is that he or she wants to feel a sense of control, power, and confidence, which reflects itself in self expression, or fashion. Designers know that the consumer will always want to be "in the know" when it comes to the latest fashion trend, at any price. Also, they are aware that the general public relies upon the designers to be able to create their strengths, hopes and dreams in three-dimensional form. Although no one may be certain of his or her financial future at this point, consumers are still willing to pay a small price for new fashions. Winter 2009 trends include the "lucky" and hopeful color green, regal, high necklines and futuristic, multicultural ornamentation. It is vital that humanity remains optimistic and strong at this time, and these trends are a strong representation of just those qualities that keeps the world thriving.