Authored by Jessica Ellis and can also be found here: http://is.gd/7Fcne6 ![]() Choosing good party high heels can help make an outfit and an evening extra fabulous. Getting great party high heels begins at the shoe store, so be certain to take time and be choosey when it comes to making a purchase. The best high heels for a party will suit the occasion and enhance a person's look and style. When choosing party high heels, consider the type of the event, coordination with an outfit, the effect of the heels on your silhouette, and the comfort level of the shoes. Shopping for party high heels can be a lot of fun, but may also involve some serious detective work. One key to choosing great heels is to make sure that they fit well, which may be more difficult than it sounds. Since different shoe manufacturers may have slightly different measurement guides, it may help to try on a half size up and down from your normal shoe size to be sure of the optimal fit. It may also help to go shoe shopping when feet are slightly tired from walking around, since a shoe that fits early in the morning may be too tight or uncomfortable by the end of the day. When picking out high heels for an event, be sure to consider the formality and style of the occasion. Four-inch (10.16 cm) high platform stilettos could be great for a night of dancing at a sexy club, but may be way over the top for meeting a boyfriend's parents for dinner. Similarly, what works for an afternoon baby shower in summer may be inappropriate for a bachelorette party in December. It may help to divide high heels into separate categories in the closet, such as elegant vs. sexy, or spring/summer vs. fall/winter.
Party high heels should be chosen as part of an overall outfit, either for coordination or as an accent piece. To coordinate, look for a pair of heels that contains at least one color present in clothing, such as grey polka dots to go with a grey and red dress, or black heels to match a fancy black and white outfit. If an outfit is largely neutral or monochromatic, party high heels can also add some jazz with a pop of contrasting color, such as red heels with a cream-colored outfit, or sequined party high heels against a black dress. The cut of a pair of heels can significantly impact the overall look of body lines. Nude heels are famous for creating an optical illusion that bare legs are longer, simply because the shoes closely match skin tone. D'orsay heels, which feature a cut-out on the inner part of the shoe, can show off ankles and the arch of the foot, and may also help elongate the legs. In general, for a longer silhouette, avoid shoes with ankle straps, as these can make the leg appear cut off at the top of the shoes. Finally, in order to party all night, it is crucially important to choose high heels that are comfortable. No matter how pretty, shoes that are agonizing to wear can turn a fun night into a disaster. In addition to making sure to choose shoes that fit correctly, consider padding less-comfortable shoes with gel insoles or moleskin to increase comfort level and cut down on blisters. It may help to consider what events are planned before choosing party high heels: if the party will be conducted sitting down at tables, less-comfortable shoes may be acceptable. For a great pair of high heels, check out our Rolando Santana page.
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Authored by Janis Adams and can also be found here: http://is.gd/EvcJWe ![]() Instead of having been styled by models on Parisian runways and designers standing in front of boards of directors, street fashion is said to have emerged from the streets. It has what is said to be grassroots in the youth culture of the most recent decade. Street fashion is not specific to one type of dressing, but instead covers a host of different styles, all unique in the fact that they were created and styled by the young people who favor them. It is this style that has begun to influence the creators of high fashion. The tight-fitted jeans once favored only by those wearing the street fashion known as punk now are a common element in high fashion designer wear. Similarly, the hippie, loose-flowing dresses with filmy material are being redirected in the fashion set in a more demure, focused innocence. Hip hop fashion, with its origins in street fashion, has now translated itself into a multi-billion dollar industry. While now considered an iconic style, it still continues to be a statement of the music culture from which it originated. Hip hop street clothing emerged from the African American urban movement and filtered into the music industry and was worn by many well-known recognized athletes. ![]() Big-name designers have incorporated this fashion into their design lines. Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein, among a host others, feature distinctly street fashion trends in their designs. These designers, along with others, have brought the style to another level by allowing it to influence dress and formal wear. Japanese street fashion is largely influenced by the street fashion wear found in the United States. Though most of their clothing labels are produced within Japan, they are strongly influenced by trends seen abroad. Japanese fashion is dictated by the underground club scene attended by many young people. Japan's street fashions have to credit many looks to the hip hop culture. Street fashion, though largely influenced by the trends seen worn by the youth of United States, can be noted throughout the world, as each and every culture has a youth that is desirous of making a statement. This statement is made many times by the clothes chosen to be worn by any given generation. Every decade, which produces a new crop of youth, has a markedly notable street fashion uniquely generated by it. Authored by Jessica Ellis and can also be found here: http://is.gd/wfOOy3 High heels can be a great asset to nearly any outfit by adding a touch of glamor and lengthening the silhouette of the body. Choosing the best high heels can depend on several factors, including comfort, suiting an occasion, and seasonality. Other concepts to consider include matching new heels with an existing wardrobe, and how to budget for the best value. High-heeled shoes that are severely uncomfortable can ruin a long day at work or a fun evening out. To maximize comfort, look for heels that are not too high, and foot beds that are well padded. Remember that shoe size can change between brands and styles, so purchase pairs that fit correctly, rather than just going by normal shoe size. Avoid shoes that pinch or rub the feet when they are tried on, as the problem will often get worse the longer they are worn. For existing shoes that are somewhat uncomfortable, try purchasing a gel insole and lining spots that rub with moleskin for extra protection from blisters. ![]() Wearing glittery high heel dress shoes to an interview, or sporting penny loafer high heel office shoes for a night of fancy dancing can be a fashion faux pas. Consider the type of occasion when choosing high heels in order to avoid appearing inappropriate. To determine if a shoe is correct for an occasion, think of two adjectives that describe the shoe, such as “sexy and sky-high,” and two adjectives that describe the event. If the shoe doesn't fit the event, consider another pair. Seasonality is important when choosing the right high heels. For winter, think about high heeled boots, which help protect feet from cold and wet conditions, as well as allowing the wearer to sneak on a pair of comfortable socks. Strappy, open-toe sandals are often best for late spring, while espadrilles simply scream for a summer vacation to the islands. For fall, look for high heels that match the cooling temperatures, but consider livening up wardrobe colors with shoes in warm autumn and jewel tones. A fabulous pair of heels can sit sadly dormant in a closet if the owner has no clothes that match. When purchasing shoes, try to think of a few already-owned outfits that would work with the new pair. This shouldn't deter fashionistas from trying a few daring pairs, however, as nearly any color or style of shoe can be used to accent a dress in a neutral color. If the lime green platforms are calling out from a sea of boring brown pumps, it may be worth the risk. For a shopper with a limited budget, it may help to consider the value of the shoe before buying. For a high heel that may be worn daily to work, it makes sense to spend a little extra for a quality shoe that will last a long time. When purchasing a trendy shoe that will likely go out of style in a year, look for cheaper brands that allow a lot of flash for a lower price tag. Timeless styles, like a nude or black pump, may be worth a bigger investment, since they may be worn for years and stay in style. Balancing good quality basics with less expensive fun pairs can ensure a high heel wardrobe worth its cost. We recommend you check out our Rolando Santana page and see the heels on offer here. Authored by N. Madison and can also be found here: http://is.gd/zg5v0v ![]() There are many ways to improve your fashion vocabulary, including reading fashion magazines and newsletters as well as fashion-related articles in regular magazines and newspapers. Even websites that provide fashion content can help you learn more about this industry, and some even provide fashion word glossaries. You can also learn about fashion by attending fashion shows and speaking with designers, models, or photographers. You may have this opportunity, for instance, if you attend meet-and-greet events or are lucky enough to win a behind-the-scenes look at a fashion event. Additionally, if you are interested in a fashion career, enrolling in fashion-related courses might help you to improve your fashion vocabulary. One of the easiest and least stressful ways to build your fashion vocabulary is by reading. For example, you might find fashion magazines particularly helpful for learning fashion words from context, and fashion-related books may prove helpful as well. You might also find websites that help you learn about fashion and boost your vocabulary. Such publications may prove particularly helpful if they provide glossaries to which you can refer as you read the passages. Regular newspapers can also help you build your fashion vocabulary. Often, newspapers provide coverage of fashion shows and other major fashion events. As with fashion magazines, you can learn a good deal from context when you read such articles. If there is anything you do not understand, you can probably look it up online. You can also learn fashion vocabulary by attending fashion shows and other types of fashion events. The most useful experiences may be those that allow you to mingle with people in the fashion industry or even just hear them speak. If you have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at a fashion show or event, this may prove helpful as well. Sometimes organizations run contests through which a person can win such an opportunity. You could also secure this opportunity as a student by asking the people who organize the show to allow you behind the scenes as a learning experience.
In the event that you are hoping to begin a fashion career, you might also consider taking fashion-related courses to boost your vocabulary. Classes can be a good way to learn, even if you are an enthusiast rather than a student. In such a case, you might find fashion courses through a local community college, and some adult education organizations may offer them as well. Authored by Cassie L. Damewood and can also be found here: http://is.gd/iJrQYR ![]() A fashion model uses his/her appearance and natural chemistry to sell goods or services. He/She commonly works in promotional production settings, including still photography sessions, video recording studios and venues featuring live fashion shows on runways. Other popular modeling environments include specialty stores, retail stores, commercial showrooms and custom salons. A model’s marketability in the fashion world depends upon the image that is desired by his/her employer or dictated by the product or service he is promoting. While an image of athletic virility may be required to advertise youth-oriented goods, a more mature image may be preferred to promote services and products normally purchased by older consumers. A model who can convincingly portray a wide range of ages, styles and personalities can significantly improve his/her marketability. The road to becoming a super model, a term commonly used to describe a fashion model who has gained international fame, is normally one full of challenges. Modeling is a highly competitive industry full of attractive hopefuls of which only one or two will ever achieve stardom. Besides being charismatic and photogenic, someone in this position is ordinarily required to have strong work ethic and a positive attitude. ![]() A person aspiring to success in this field normally begins with a solid plan for self-promotion. Educating himself on the latest trends and styles in clothing and accessories is important as his public image is generally expected to reflect the latest fashion. He/She is commonly expected to follow a strict diet and exercise plan to keep his/her body in a highly-marketable condition. The ability to apply makeup to achieve specific effects and having a versatile hairstyle are helpful tools for a person in this position as well. A portfolio of photographs depicting many moods and dispositions is typically considered an essential tool for an aspiring model. Landing a posh job as a runway model or being hired for a multi-page layout in a high fashion magazine are generally considered landmark events for a fashion model. These career plateaus indicate a level of success enjoyed by a select few. Many models with lucrative careers started out in much less glamorous positions, such as spraying perfume on department store customers, modeling for college art and photography classes and working as sample models for garment makers. A career as a model may involve working as an independent contractor or require a contractual agreement with a public relations company, advertising firm or modeling agency. It is common for a fashion model to simultaneously work in several mediums while building his resume and portfolio. Pay varies depending on the length and demands of the job. Some assignments involve travel, which is customarily paid for by the employer. No formal education is normally required to model. Taking classes in fashion design, dance, art or drama may give an aspiring model a more competitive edge, however. Some modeling agencies may also offer training in runway modeling procedures as well as hair and makeup techniques. Authored by Pamela Pleasant and can also be found here: http://is.gd/9wptrQ ![]() Fashion sketches are sketches done by designers when they want to turn a new clothing idea into an actual design. They start with a template of a body and draw the garment onto it. This allows the designer to market his ideas and designs and to showcase originality and style. There are two ways to present fashion sketches. Images can be created by using computer software or they can be drawn out freehand. The template a designer uses is just as important as the garment itself. Templates are used as guides and the designer must find one that enhances the look of the garment. Hairstyles and different accessories might also be included onto the template to add a splash of color or to emphasize a style. Developing figure poses for a particular garment is also important when a designer chooses a template for fashion sketches. The designer will have to include the texture and color of the material being used to create the garment. Fashion sketches have to be drawn in three- dimensional illustrations and this is done by shading in areas to show different textures. There are natural folds in clothing when it is worn on the body and the designer has to emphasize these folds so that the garment can be fully understood. When preparing fashion sketches the garment has to be presented with both the front and back views. ![]() All zippers, buttons, and seams are usually included in most fashion sketches. Any visible seam lines are drawn out on the sketch in darker-colored dotted lines. Zippers and buttons are clearly drawn out to indicate where more material is needed and to see where there may be a material pull or puckering on the garment. This can eliminate any unexpected problems when the pattern is being constructed. Fashion sketches are an important part of creating a garment. They clearly show the look the designer is trying to convey. The intended textures and colors are also documented as well as the how the clothing falls and gathers on the body. Preparing a pattern for the garment is the last step before it is actually made. Occasionally, fashion sketches are not converted into garments if a designer isn’t happy with the results. They can still be used as guides and the designer may choose to slightly alter the areas that need changes. The designer may have to repeat the process several times to create an acceptable garment. Authored by Malcolm Tatum and can also be found here: http://is.gd/MKc0Oz While many people believe that a fashion designer is involved only in creating the idea for a new garment, the fact is that the designer is actively engaged in just about every aspect of the process of bringing new fashions to the attention of the public. Here are some examples of how fashion designers create new designs and see the vision become reality. There is no doubt that the task of the fashion designer begins with creating the basic design.Fashion design initially begins in several ways. Some designers create storyboards with sketches of new ideas. Others prefer to work with a sewing dummy and begin to use various pieces of cloth to come up with a new design. During this phase of the creative process, the fashion designer is translating the vision that he or she has seen in the mind’s eye, and giving it some sort of outward expression. Often, the initial design is refined as the designer comes up with the first basic prototype. ![]() Taking the sketches or the rough model of the new design and providing a more detailed working pattern is the next step for the fashion designer. This is achieved by making what is usually known as a toile. The toile is simply a rough model of the design, sewn from some basic material, such as calico. In the United States, the toile is often referred to as a muslin, perhaps because muslin fabric often is an inexpensive type of cloth to use in the creation of the rough model. Muslins are ideal for placing on a dress stand to make sure the design allows for properly draping and hanging on the human form. Once the toile is considered to be perfect, the fashion designer will oversee the creation of a card pattern. This is simply all the sections of the garment made from cardboard, and assembled to ensure the pieces fit together properly. Once the designer approves the card pattern, the final task of the design process takes place, which is the creation of the finished garment. Here, the fashion designer will make final selections in the choices of material, buttons, zippers, and all other elements of the garment. All the materials, including color selections, are provided to a competent dressmaker, along with the card pattern. Upon completion of the garment, the fashion designer will either approve the garment for showing in a collection, or choose to modify or abandon the design. The fashion designer will also be heavily involved in the arrangements for a fashion showing, often selecting the models, arranging the presentation of the garments in the collection, and determining the final price for each garment. While most designers utilize assistants to handle many small details, the fashion designer usually retains full control of the process, from the initial vision to the first public presentation of the garment. Authored by B. Miller and can also be found here: http://is.gd/ybsM7F To become a fashion model it will generally be necessary to sign a contract with a modeling agency. Someone who wants to become a fashion model will typically need to determine if he or she wants to be a print model, a runway model, or both. Some agencies will employ models who can work in multiple areas, while others will only want models who work in one. Fashion models typically create advertisements for magazines, billboards, and catalogs. If you hope to become a fashion model, you will need to make this decision very early in life. Most fashion models are quite young, usually in their teenage years to their early twenties. It is also generally necessary to have a specific look and physique in order to become a fashion model. Most models are quite tall and thin, with vary narrow hips. It may be possible to become a plus-size fashion model as well. Once you have determined that you intend to become a fashion model, it will be necessary to develop a portfolio to send to agencies and clients. The portfolio should be made up of high-quality photographs that demonstrate your ability to model, as well as illustrate your flexibility and ability to adapt to different situations. A good quality portfolio is the single most important thing you can do in order to become a fashion model. In addition, when you go for meetings at modeling agencies, it is important to present yourself well, and appear articulate and knowledgeable. It is the same as any job interview, in that making a good first impression is more likely to get you hired. Once hired by an agency, you must consistently demonstrate excellency and professionalism in order to maintain your employment with the agency.
Keep in mind that fashion models are generally required to maintain the appearance that they signed onto the agency with. This means maintaining a certain weight and shape. It is important that someone who works as a fashion model is able to wear each garment as is, with no alterations. This will save clients money, and many will not be willing to work with a model who does not fit into the sample sizes. Keep in mind as well that only the most successful fashion models make a high income; the income compared to the amount of time spent working as a model is often quite low. |
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