over clothing

14th Century Woman’s Clothing: The Luttrell Psalter Period

2011-10-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is, to me, the most f period for historical clothing. The transition from rectangular construction to fitted, fairly modern, techniques was in its infancy, very exciting times for a costumer. To truly understand the clothing of this period, its patterns and design it is recommended that one have an understanding of rectangular construction and how bias works. This is from personal experience. I took a two year sabbatical away from 14^th centuary clothing century clothing to learn in depth about rectangular construction and every minute was worth it. I return to my first clothing love with a renewed excitement to try out some of my new ideas. There is no way to cover the finer details of this period in a four hour class. This is an overview of the basic garments and accessories with a look at patterns and construction techniques.

My favorite block of time in the 14th century is, bar none, the time of the Luttrell Psalter, c.1338 - 1344. No one knows exactly what year this work was done (it was not completed) but it is agreed that it took several years to do so and that it was most likely within the years 1338-1344. This is the time period I will concentrate on. This is also the country I will concentrate on. England with a dash of French thrown in for fun and good measure.

STOCKINGS AND GARTERS

Stockings for women and men were sewn from woven fabrics. While several techniques existed such as naalbinding and knitting, the socks found so far in graves and refuge dumps for this time period and location were constructed from woven fabric, wool, linen or silk. The leg of the stocking was most often cut on the bias to give the most stretch across the breadth of the calf. There are extant examples of straight grain cut too. There are several pattern types for stockings but I prefer the socks that have no seam on the bottom of the foot. In winter for extra warmth, one could wear two pairs of stockings. One of the main things to remember when making stockings out of woven fabric, assuming you can spare the extra fabric, is to cut the leg and top of the foot on the bias. When you cut on the bias the fabric stretches and flexes to the movement and shape of your leg. Bias is the cross grain of fabric and is at a 45 degree angle from the warp or the weft of the weave. Cut a square of fabric, any woven fabric, along the warp and weft threads and, grasping opposite sides, pull. There is a resistance and very little stretch. Now take opposite corners of the square in your hands and pull. The fabric stretches and puckers across the center. Pretty cool. Wool tends to be stretchier than linen and linen stretchier than silk. Stockings typically came up to or just over the knee and were tied securely with a garter in the little dip below the knee. It is much more comfortable to have the garter between the knee and the top of the calf and it also rests more securely at this narrow portion of the leg without the need for subsequent adjustments. Garters could be as simple as a strip of wool tied in a knot. There is evidence for many other types of garters. Woven strips of wool with integral fringe, card woven bands either tied or buckled on, and leather strips with buckles are all appropriate for garters. The most important part is that they hold up the stocking without cutting off circulation.

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Urban clothing

2011-10-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Urban clothing is becoming one of the most trendy clothing styles in the world. Urban clothing has even become people for people that don't associate with the Hip Hop music genre.
It is a very popular clothing style among almost every age group and among both genders. You can see people sporting this style in almost any setting. Urban clothing is more expensive that a lot of other fashion styles as well. But what really makes urban clothing so fashionable?. The number one reason that Hip Hop clothing is so popular is that it has more variety than any other style. If you need an outfit for a formal event or just a casual outfit to wear around the house, urban clothing has you covered. Hip Hop clothes come in every color imaginable. You can also find any style of fit that you would like. Men can find tight or loose jeans. Women can find dresses or jeans and a tee. Since Hip Hop clothing has become so popular, it has become available for any size, both genders, and any age range. You can even see newborns wearing Hip Hop clothing and some Air Force Ones or Jordans. You can also find almost every clothing design with urban clothes, which adds to its popularity.

The most popular urban brands offer thousands of products. It is usually rare to see somebody wearing the same shirt or jeans as you. Hip Hop music and urban clothing are always adapting with each other. For that reason, many of the companies launch many new products very often. That's how many people have their own mini styles within Hip Hop clothing. There is much more than just a general Hip Hop style. The urban clothing style has micro-styles within the main style that are each unique from the next. The comfort that comes along with the great look is another reason for the style's popularity. If you have ever worn high quality urban clothing, then you would know the level of comfort is great. Men can look nice in urban clothes even though that a lot are loose fitting. The quality of clothes produced in the urban style are very hgih quality, which women like a lo. Hip Hop clothing is usually expensive because the quality of the fabrics and color dyes used are much higher than ordinary clothing. Along with being very comfortable, Hip Hop clothing can make you look better than many other styles of clothing available. As you can see, urban clothing is popular for a reason. Fashion isn't the only reason for its popularity. It isn't just about Hip Hop music. The high quality design and style is a good reason for its popularity. The style is trendy because of its variety and uniqueness. The style allows you to stay comfortable while still looking your best. urban clothing can be great for anybody in any situation because of its many benefits and its variety.

punk clothing

2011-10-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Born rebels will love our collection of punk clothing - mix it up to create a punk style that's all your own. Punk dress clothes from zips and straps, red tartan and ripped T-shirts we have everything here to add to your punk rock clothes collection.

Stripes, fishnet and safety pins - classic punk themes are given the Soho's twist with bright acid colours and modern shapes. And what could be punkier than tartan, stripes and zips? Either way, our studded leather accessories and some serious boots are an essential part of any punk look.Check out our patent finish Dr Martens Boots, the industrial UK punk look boot with a modern finese.

Most of the punk clothes featured, like all Soho's clothes, are top quality and unique to Soho's - these designs are only available online or from our stores in Leeds, Liverpool, Shrewsbury, Chester or Manchester. As well as our own range, we stock other alternative brands, such as Mercy, Hell Bunny, Iron Fist, Living Dead Souls, Poizen Industries and Criminal Damage to name but a few.

hawaii clothes

2011-10-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Living in a benign climate, Hawaiian requirements for shelter and clothing were minimal. The basic garments were a malo, or loincloth, for men, a pa`u, or skirt, for women and a rectangular shawl or kihei for both. All were made of kapa, a barkcloth made from wauke, mamaki, oloa, `akala, or hau plant fibers. While kapa is produced throughout Polynesia and the first settlers brought wauke plants (paper mulberry) with them, as Hawaiian kapa evolved, its quality surpassed that of any other region. Kapa in Hawai`i displayed a wide variety of textures, weights and designs. Hawaiians used a number of unique techniques including producing watermarks with patterned beaters, printing designs with bamboo stamps, achieving greens and blues with vegetable dyes and beating perfumed flora into the cloth to impart a fragrance. At least 68 individual types of kapa were produced, each with a specific name. Kapa was used for many things other than clothing, including bedding or sheet material and as banners or as wrapping material.

Other garments included the kihei, a type of cloak worn over one shoulder. Ti leaf capes provided protection against cold or rain. Ali`i wore feather capes, cloaks, helmets and lei as signs of rank and status. Made from the feathers of hundreds or thousands of birds attached to a mesh backing, feather garments used striking geometric patterns, most often in yellow and red. Since only a few feathers were taken from each bird caught (the live bird was then released), gathering the feathers for one cape could take decades or even generations.

Quality Leggings

2011-09-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

These days a major piece of clothing mainly among women is the legging. They can give you an athletic look and often mixed with other items of clothing can be very easy on the eye. Leggings can be found in various colors, some stretchy, some tight, but generally very appealing to the onlooker. Terrific combinations with leggings such as skirts thigh length boots, snazzy belts and buckles and leather jackets, will all be easily accepted as nice attire. Leggings come in various materials including denim, spandex, lycra, cotton and stretch denim, the satin look is great and will be a terrific addition to a well suited female.

Other leggings can have prints on them, literally anything goes, from Mickey mouse to the paisley pattern, if you choose to where Mickey mouse leggings with a nice skirt you are likely to look like a complete lemon, I also think that 90% of patterned leggings will make you look a bit of a plank so you should choose wisely. Even if you are a victim to fashion, you don't have to pay to much to look good in a nice pair of leggings.

Women often wear leggings , or nasty veins and large legs, they are ideal for this and as said before can look great if worn properly. Wool leggings are fantastic for keeping you worm in the chilly weather, men such as postal workers and window cleaners wear nice thick leggings in the colder weather, and for other activities like walking and gardening, thus replacing the old sweatpants, they are also often worn in the London electro-music scene as a fashion item.

Typically leggings are ankle length, but some completely encase the foot as a sock would, whereas some are stirruped, to stop them riding up your legs. Cowboys wore leggings to protect themselves from chapping, caused by riding their horses and from bites from animals and insects, such as ticks. A contributory part of the legging being accepted in modern society was the fitness and aerobics craze of the early 1980s.

There is newer addition to the legging, and that is the "Jegging", A kind of mix between the legging and the jean, including the color and the seam down the side, to make it more of an accessory in today's ever changing fashion world

Wearing leggings under long skirts, was a big part of wearing Gym and Dance clothes attire for the streets that came thro' with the fitness craze, that was linked in no small way to the dance movie "Flashdance", But whatever you decide, and how you decide to wear them, be sure that if you show to much of your buttocks, there is likely to be a visible panty line.

How to Dress

2011-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Incorporating two different fashion aesthetics--such as feminine and edgy--is a tricky task, but if you do it effectively, it allows you to create a personal style that's wholly your own. Many women want to develop a look that sets them apart stylishly. While there are a few obvious choices when you attempt to blend two styles that don't go together naturally, anything's possible as long as you make practical choices and blend subtly. When these combinations are successful, they set you apart from the masses and draw attention to your flair for fashion.

Instructions

Mix and match feminine and edgy pieces to bring elements of both styles into your look. For example, wear a neon and black striped tee tucked into a full silk skirt. Find a common element, such as color, to unite the pieces so that their pairing doesn't look random. A neon and black short-sleeved top evokes punk rock legends while a knee-length black silk skirt is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn. However, the black in both garments unites them to blend the styles.

Choose a garment that incorporate elements of each style. Shift dresses are ladylike, but a black, leather shift adds an edgy vibe to a ladylike design. A cropped leather jacket projects a rebellious image, but if the jacket is pastel it also has a feminine quality. A tailored, blush hued biker jacket looks appropriate with a floral skirt or dark, fitted jeans because it includes elements of each aesthetic.

Select pieces with an embellishment that brings the two styles together. For example, ballet flats are a decidedly feminine shoe, but fuchsia ballet flats with a row of studs around the toe incorporate the feminine quality of ballet shoes with the edgy quality of studded detailing.

Add an accessory to bring the disparate styles together. Wear a narrow, studded belt with a floral, full-skirted dress. Layer dark jeans and leather boots with a lace-trimmed T-shirt. You can wear an outfit that is exclusively feminine or edgy, then blend the looks by adding just one accessory that embodies the other aesthetic.

Style your hair and makeup in a way that blends the looks. For example, arrange your hair in large, soft curls for a decidedly feminine foundation. Pair it with dark, dramatic eyeliner as a nod to your edgy interests. Sleek hair with a severe part draws upon the strong, angular qualities of edgy styling, but sliding a tiny, floral barrette into your sleek tresses adds a touch of femininity to your overall look.

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Different Ways to Wear a Dress

2011-09-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

When wearing a dress underneath a long-sleeved jacket, fashion stipulates that certain rules apply. However, diverse ways exist to wear a jacket with a dress, depending on your preferences, the season, the event you are attending and the time of year. Mix and match to dress up (or down) your ensemble to make it look preppy, edgy or girly, or to give your attire your unique stamp.

Solids, Prints and Colors

· Wear a dress that complements and does not clash with the jacket. Wear a printed dress only if the jacket is a solid and wear a solid-colored dress only if the jacket has a print, even it is a border print. Choose colors carefully. When matching the dress and jacket, complementary colors contrast well, such as orange sherbet or bright salmon with baby blue or navy. Pair a neutral, such as taupe or ivory with a bold color such as black, brown, white or a primary color. Silver or gold works well with neutrals. Avoid mixing blacks and browns, as they are too similar to each other.

Warm or Cool Weather

· If your dress is below the knee, such as mid-calf or longer, your legs may be the only skin showing in this ensemble. In warm weather, dare to go bare legged or wear sheer hosiery from a fine hosiery store. In cooler climes, wear tights that match the hem of your dress or that contrast with the ensemble. Stick to neutral shades of ivory, taupe, navy, black or brown. Alternatively, wear knee-high boots in cooler weather. For warmer climates, drape the jacket over your shoulders or roll the jacket sleeves to three-quarters length.

Formal or Informal, Edgy or Girly

· There is no hard and fast rule that a dress must be as formal or as informal as the jacket. Wear a cotton or denim dress to dress down a structured blazer or a flowy silk, georgette or satin dress to dress up a structured blazer. A floral dress underneath a leather jacket makes an outfit girly and a leather dress underneath a printed jacket makes it edgy.

Structured or Casual Looks

· Belt the dress underneath the jacket for a tailored look, especially if wearing a structured blazer. Alternatively, wear a tulle slip under the dress to give the skirt dimension and to add curves to the ensemble. A bell-shaped or tulip skirt works well with a cropped jacket. Button the jacket over the dress to make the ensemble formal. Unbutton the jacket to show off the dress for a casual look.

Dress and Jacket Length

· The dress length should be suited to the length of the jacket. For instance, a shorter dress works best with a cropped jacket. Avoid pairing a short dress with a long jacket. A maxi dress can be worn underneath a cropped or waist-length jacket, but it should not be worn underneath a jacket that extends past the waist.

Fashion Rules for Sweater Vests

2011-08-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sweater vests can be an excellent addition to any wardrobe. Warm and easy to wear, they can be dressed up for a fancy occasion or dressed down for a more casual look. Following a few simple fashion rules will ensure that you always look polished in your sweater vest and help you avoid any fashion faux pas

Pants and Skirts

· When pairing sweater vests with bottoms such as pants or a skirt, consider the pattern, color, style and material of both. Because sweater vests tend to be more dressy, never pair one with sweatpants or old jeans. A classic look for a sweater vest is to pair it with khakis, although dress pants, pencil skirts or dark-wash jeans also work. Never pair a wool sweater with light summer pants or skirts. Avoid wearing sweater vests with shorts unless you are putting together a golfing outfit.

Shirts

· Never wear a sweater vest on its own. For a classic look, wear your vest with collared shirts, such as dress shirts or polos. Generally, the collared shirt should not be longer than your vest and should be tucked in. For a more casual outfit, pair with a solid-colored T-shirt. Be sure that any logos or pictures on the front are covered by the sweater vest.

Fit

· Sweater vests should be fitted to the body without being too tight. Allow enough room to fit a dress shirt or T-shirt underneath, while still maintaining a tailored silhouette.

Colors and Prints

Choose sweater vests with solid colors and muted prints. A more subtly colored sweater vest will leave you with more pairing options and give you a more polished, classic look. Generally, sweater vests with patterns, such as argyle or stripes, should not contain more than three colors.

Flappers Clothing Fashion of the 1920s

2011-08-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Flapper fashion reached its peak of popularity in 1926, but was found on American women between 1925 and 1928. Despite only being in vogue for four years, the flapper look is iconic and is usually what comes to mind when people think of the "Roaring Twenties" or the jazz era.

Dresses

· Flapper dresses had a shorter hemline than had ever before been seen on ladies, typically sitting just above the knee. The dresses tended to be loose and shapeless, rebelling against the restrictive women's clothing and tight corsets of previous decades. The waistline was often dropped to the hips, creating a boyish silhouette. Flappers wore a huge variety of colors and fabrics. Many flapper dresses featured intricate beadwork or tassels as decoration.

Coats

· Wrapover coats became extremely popular in the flapper era of the 1920s. The wrapover portion closed on one side and was fixed with a buckle or a large button. Three-quarter length coats were common, but they could be seen in a variety of other lengths as well, and in different fabrics and colors. Coats were often designed with fur-trimmed collars. For parties or evening events, flappers wore raccoon fur coats or short stoles.

Undergarments

· Up until the 1920s, corsets had been the standard underwear for ladies. However, corsets were restrictive and uncomfortable. Those who followed flapper fashion rejected the stiff, binding corset. Instead, they wore camisoles and knickers (panties) or shorts, or simply knickers and a petticoat. Those who needed help getting a boyish figure would wear lightweight, elastic webbing girdles or long corsets, which flattened their stomachs, but were not restrictive in the same way as a boned corset.

Accessories

· Accessories were minimal in the flapper era, but there were a few important signature pieces that many women enjoyed. The cloche hat --- a tight fitting hat, worn pulled down slightly over the eyes --- was an notable flapper accessory. Another "must have" was a single string of pearls, in homage to flapper icon Coco Chanel. It was popular practice to wear skin-colored stockings and go out with bare arms.

Dresses to Wear to a Quinceanera

2011-08-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Similar to a sweet sixteen, but a year younger, a quinceanera celebrates the blossoming of a young Latina on her 15th birthday. It is a traditional coming-of-age party in which the birthday girl is presented to society in a beautiful, pastel-colored gown. When guests attend quinceaneras, they are expected to dress accordingly. Because of the celebration's religious roots, modesty plays a huge part in the fashion choices. While the guests can wear modern dresses, they must also wear age-appropriate clothing that complements the celebrated birthday girl.

Maxi Dresses

· Women of all ages and sizes can feel comfortable and elegant in maxi dresses. Because of their length and style, these classy dresses will slim down your body. They also come in various fabrics, patterns and colors. Maxi dresses can be dressed up or dressed down with the choice of accessories. When wearing a maxi dress to a quinceanera, pick one with an accessorized, bejeweled neckline to add glamour to the outfit.

Light-Colored Dresses

· When quinceaneras choose to wear another color other than white, they often wear light-colored dresses, such as soft pink. Guests can carry the theme of innocence and youth by also wearing light-colored dresses. However, like wedding etiquette, guests should do their best to avoid wearing the same color as the quinceanera's gown.

Tube-Top Dresses

· Many guests choose to wear tube-top dresses to quinceanera parties because they are trendy, fun and comfortable for dancing. These dresses make excellent party dresses, but they can be also worn to the church ceremony prior to the celebration. For example, wear an appropriate-length tube-top dress with a shawl or sweater as a coverup.

Little Black Dresses

· When in doubt, wear a little black dress to a quinceanera. No matter how lavish or small the party, cocktail attire looks chic and classic at these celebrations. Little black dresses come in a variety of styles. For example, they are available in strapless, spaghetti-strapped, three-quarter sleeves and many more options. Even though black is a controversial color for events, when used correctly, it can look stunning. Dress up a little black dress with diamond studs to add elegance.