The Art of Fashion

I have always loved how clothing and art have the capability to mirror one another. By this I mean, how the art we have seen can also be turned into dresses, into pants, into shirts, and even into shoes. With fabric, a needle, and thread, so many things can happen. Designers of today have definitely used this for their advantage. From designers of wedding gowns, to designers of particular celebrities, we see the same art, but with a different style integrated to each and every one. Here are a few pictures to give you a sense of what I'm referring to when I say "The art of fashion".    

Or a Bauhaus Inspired Dress.

Picasso Inspired Garments

Patterns and Designs

Marc Jacobs, Spring 2012

So the other day I was looking around the website for fashion week, and I came across this dress from Marc by Marc Jacobs, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Of course this is my personal like and opinion. It really made me think of all the new things that are coming into trend and that are day to day common things. For example this dress, is a deep navy blue with little colorful swallow birds. We see birds every day, and we see dresses everyday. However, what makes this dress successful (besides that it is from Marc Jacobs) is how they took a bird, and made it into something different. In other words, this pattern is organic, yet modernized by the shape, and use of bright solid colors. Not only do we see this in magazines and runways, but we are starting to see this trend catch on more and more. Not only with birds and animal patterns, but with silhouettes and outlines of house appliances, school materials, and other everyday items. 

Second Chances.

Have you ever looked at a dress or shirt and after a while thought, this could use a make-over? Now I bet your wondering "Giving clothes a make-over"?! Well believe it or not, it is possible. But of course the main decision is always up to you if whether you want to keep it, donate it, or get it over with and throw it away. But consider giving it a second chance. Now, if you have no clue or idea from where to start, here are a couple of ideas to take off with:


1. BUTTONS! Buttons are easy to find, and easy to apply. You can add your own personality through buttons. You could use big or small buttons, wooden or plastic buttons, or even buttons decorated with pearls, which ever buttons of your choice. For a plain shirt, or blouse, this can add a playful style with a personal feel.      
                                                                    
2. ZIPPERS! Zippers -like buttons, are also easy to find, and also come in various styles. With a zipper you can turn something that is plain and solid, into two half's of fun. If you have a skirt or dress that is old and plain, add a colorful zipper in the back to break the solidness. You could even add a a couple of zippers and give your dress "pretend pockets". It's fun and again, it's personalized.


Although, this might take some sewing, there are always other ways to give something a second chance. 

Summer Hats

When summer season hits, so does the urge of wanting to go to the beach. We all want to kick the summer and splash in the waves and soak up some sun. Not Arizona sun, but some California sun of course! During this season there is one particular item that shines from the rest. Can you guess what it is? Summer hats! Besides flip flops and summer dresses hats become an important accessory for the summer! Especially for that beach vacation. These hats can add style and can make an outfit stand out. Some are big and round, others are small and fitted, while others are different colors. You can even accessorize them with a cool headband, a colorful flower, or with a nice simple ribbon which makes them unique and fun to wear.   

                                                                             

Tommy Tom Toms.

When I first laid eyes on my first pair of TOMS shoes, I fell in love. Some people are big fans, others think they           are hideous! Besides the fact that they are a big part of a shoe giving movement.. TOMS shoes are an accessory to have. They are light, they are fashionable, and they are for both men and women. What makes these shoes so special, is their signature design and how they use various colors and fabrics. Such as canvas,shiny metallic, vegan fabrics, and they even have suede boots; and in their latest collection, they have a new addition of flats! These shoes can be worn for every occasion. To a casual Thursday brunch, to even a garden wedding, (which is also a collection of theirs). These shoes are awesome because of how comfortable they are. I speak form personal experience when I say you could be on your feet all day and not feel a thing! So if you don't already own a pair, I suggest you get one. You won't be disappointed.

Recycle!

Have you ever had that one favorite piece of clothing that shrunk, got ruined by bleach, or just doesn't fit anymore? Then when the moment came to throw it out, you really wanted to keep it but knew it was useless? WELL, here is a little bit of an idea as to how you can give them a second chance. Lets say that one piece of clothing that you liked was unique, and even if you tried you wouldn't have much luck finding it anywhere else. So you choose not to throw it away. But, then you think to yourself, "well what the heck am I gonna use it for"? Here are some options to consider:

Braiding several strips of
fabric is one way to make
a cool headband.

1. You could rip a strip of the shirt or dress, and make a nifty headband. As long as you want, and as thick as you'd you like it to be. (This works especially well with patterns and solid colors). Not to mention this can be an option for guys.


2. Lets say one of your favorite dresses shrunk. This could then become a blouse type of thing, worn with some skinny jeans. You still get to wear your favorite dress, but now its a top! 

3. Now, if you really have some mad skills, you could even use the piece of clothing to make a small bag, or wallet type of thing. You could easily cut up the garment, and sew it into another being. Like a vintage bag of your own design.



Although I bet there are many more options and ideas out there. 
How would you recycle a favorite clothing item? 

La Vera Wang..

One of my all time favorite designers is Vera Wang. The detail and elegance she adds to her gowns, really makes them a piece of art. Did you know that Vera Wang was a successful figure skater before she ever designed clothes? During her young adult years Wang was a very talented figure skater and won various awards. It wasn't until she was a "bride to be" that she began her career as a designer. When dress hunting for her gown she was disappointed by the fact that dresses of her liking were limited and very hard to find.  She then took the initiative to design her own dress, and payed a good $10,000 dollars to have a dressmaker tailer her dream gown. After working for Vogue Magazine as Senior Fashion Editor for fifteen years, this is when she decided it was time to open her own boutique. After living a pampered life growing up, Vera Wang still worked hard to accomplish her own goals. She is truly a designer I admire. Today, Vera Wang is well-known for her excellent bridal gown collection and for her signature detail.