Wedding Gowns Trends 2009!

Are you getting married this year! If yes, then be ready for wedding dress that is 'not-so-traditional' types. If going by what the bridal wear designers have shown on the runways, this year's wedding dress has gone shorter with much detailed embellishments and vibrant colors too. However, if you've always wanted to wear one from traditional wedding gown styles, you can still wear them as they never go out of fashion. Anyhow, knowing about the 2009 trends for wedding dresses might help you in giving a trendy look to your choice of wedding gown!

Tea-length Wedding Dress

The floor length wedding dress has given way to tea-length wedding dresses having high hemlines. These shorter wedding dresses have fitted bodice with full skirts having length upto knee or just above it. Many of them shown on the ramps are strapless or have thin spaghetti straps. If you want a traditional gown but also be chic and trendy, choose it as second dress, may be a reception dress if you want to change into something for partying and dancing the night away.

One Shoulder Wedding Dress

One of the striking feature of this year's wedding dress is 'one shoulder' wedding dress replacing the basic strapless gown. This is a good news for style loving brides who have toned limbs as this neckline shows off the upper arms and shoulders.

Detailed Embellishment

Ruffles and layers are the major details that designers are using to give dramatic feminine look to the wedding dress of 2009. Added embellishments include beading, ribbons, bows, lace, and appliqués. The lovely floral embellishments with attractive rosettes on wedding gowns, buds at the hip, neckline and shoulder are fast making way from ramps to the wedding venues.

Lighter Fabrics

Floaty and airy fabrics like taffeta, organza, and chiffon are in. They are easy to layer and also more comfortable, just perfect for a summer wedding. Also they are easier when going for ruffles and layers in the wedding dress.

Lively Colors

It's true that the majestic white will never go away but for a while wedding dress has gone colorful this year. Although softer pastel shades seem to be taking the center stage, warmer colors including shades of crimson with gold accents and scarlet red have also been seen on the runways. You can even experiment with colors by choosing a dress in a pale pastel such as lavender or going for a two-toned wedding gowns with a colored bodice against a white or off-white skirt.

Pockets

Now the brides can relieve and freshen up themselves a little with their minor tit bits like tissues and lip gloss in their wedding gown pockets. The attractive wedding dresses have gone practical too!

So, now when you know what the designers are making this season for weddings, why wait? Go shopping for your wedding dress!

Mens Clothing Trends 2009

Men are no far behind than women in fashion clothing. After all men too want to look good! So what are the top mens fashion trends this season? Here is the analysis of trends 2009 of mens clothing going by the catwalk shows and fashionable brands.


Mens Formal Wear Trends

With the gloomy economy scenario, men are looking for investment fashion clothing and are adopting the classics. However, there is a fusion among classic tailoring, classic looks, and the modern masculine silhouette giving the suits broad shoulders and a slim waist paired with slim trousers. Double-breasted suits will be liked by most men and there'll be a comeback of three-piece suits. And thus, there's also a comeback of waistcoat. It'll be better if the waistcoat is in the same fabric as the suit's other two pieces. If not, then a similar color palette will do. However any pattern should be avoided except for stripes.
Along with classic suits, the cloth pattern will also be classic including houndstooth, herringbone, glenurquhart/ prince of wales check, pinstripe, and rope-stripe. Oxford Bags - the loose, pleated trousers will be back but with variation- although loose, these trousers will not be as baggy as they were in the 1920s and 1930s. Anyhow, anytime wearing suits according to your body types will ensure your great looks.

Mens Party Wear Trends

Clothing inspired by dinner suits- the tuxedo- is the in thing. It contains traditional formal as well as fashion elements. Tuxedo- the satin shawl, satin notched or peaked lapels, or the satin stripe on the trouser leg- will be popular. Brooches for men will be loved on suits for both Spring/Summer and Autumn (Fall)/Winter seasons. They have registered a comeback.

Mens Casual Wear Trends

For all you guys searching for a casual trendy looks in summers 2009, the key wears are printed t- shirt, wrap shorts, summer trench coat and yes the very very trendy look of Goth Ninja- the figure hugging, black clad youths. The spring summer trench coats are made of cotton and are thin. Wrap Shorts in cotton twill, cuffed and breaking above the knee will be soothing as well as fashionable as per the trends. Avoid cargo shorts, shorts that break below the knee, avid wash or bleached shorts in denim, overly patterned shorts – they'll all be out in 2009.
The popular combination for mens casual outfit will consist a basic deep V-neck tee layered with a mens top, preferably a knit and an undercover or coat. Bottoms will consist either figure hugging jeans or a looser drop-crotch and a leather boot and here's the raw, modern yet very controlled masculine trendy look.

These were the main trends for mens clothing in 2009 but hold on guys, there's much more than this to dress better! Know them and look cool all year round!

Color Trends for Summer 2009!

Summers are here and the sun is set to work without rest! In summers, heat and high humidity levels make our body to produce more sweat in order to cool off. And therefore, we all know what summer fabrics should be- breathable, lightweight, and light-colored! Skin has to be literally pampered so it's wise to stay away from chemically dyed fabrics and wear more herbal textile that use natural dyes to produce fantastic colors. And if these colors are chosen according to the current color trends, what's better then that?

Say Bye to Metallic Colors!
If we believe the predictions made for Spring-Summer 2009 the trend seems to be moving away from metallic colors towards more earthy and subdued color palette.

Color Trend for Classic Looks
The classical color palette holds vivid and saturated colors that bring with them cool breezes of beach side – blues and the sandy hues. Deep sea blue, aqua sky or midnight sky, dark, medium or light brown, sand color - all will give that classical touch to your clothes.

Color Trend for Stylish and Trendy Looks
The Chic color palette holds the nature inspired hues. They represent simplicity with style including the Earthy colors heavily on the side of brown but more than just brown. Go for any color inspired by mother nature- morning grass green, subdued orange, violet or golden yellow!

Color Trend for Casual Looks
The Casual color palette makes a move from nature based colors to city life inspired colors- glassy blues, unnatural pinks and street light yellows.

Color Of the Year 2009!
Now hold your breath to know the top color of year 2009! It's none other than the Superb yellow! Match it with black, brown, plum or blue and get as bright as you can!

Stay Hot! Spend Less in Recession

Cutting down on budgets don't mean that you cease to be fashionable. By keeping your eyes open and adopting thrift techniques, you can get stylish clothing and accessories enough to maintain your hot looks in college, office and even in evening parties.

Search Your Closet
First, before going out to buy a new top or a footwear, look into your closet- fronts, backs and under the stacked up piles. Now sort your inventory. Keep the clothes and fashion accessories that you wear regularly. Recycle clothes that are still in good condition but you've got bored wearing them- make bags, halter tops, scarves, tank tops, belts out of your old jeans, t- shirts, neck ties etc.- They'll look all new- check with your friends if you don't believe it! Keep some that are in very good condition for reselling or swapping.

Mix and Match
There are certain dresses that can go with a number of outfits. You get a new look everytime you wear these dresses, say a top with suit for work, with skirt for a party, or with jeans for a casual date. These versatile items can be blue jeans, a little black dress, black slacks, white blouses, printed tops, pencil skirts, cardigans, sweaters, tanks and camisoles, ankle boots, heeled sandals etc. Thinks a little and mix and match these dresses to get new looks every time without spending a penny more.

Swap Clothes and Accessories
Clothing and accessory sales have gone down last year. However, the membership in different swapping meet up groups and sites related to swaps are increasing rapidly. Many have already taken advantage of the trend, you too can go for it. Most of the women use only 20% of their wardrobe at any given time! So why not get some hot clothes, handbags, footwear that only take space of others' closets and exchange with what you consider useless. You can visit one of such many swapping or swishing sites or can organize a clothing swap among your friends!

Buy from Thrift or Discount Stores
Everyone's doing that- even those who never went to these shops- after all, its recession time, and your budget is tight! Buy a designer-inspired bag or a dress instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a name brand. But don't equate cheap with inexpensive- cheap items have lower quality that won't stay even for a season. There are many other options to get quality fashion at discount rates- Clearance Sales near the end of the season, BOGO- buy one get one – sales will give you 50% discount on selected items, Special item sales- weekly sales by retailors, especially online retailors, where they feature a special item each week at discounted price ranging from 25 & 40 %. All's there for you, just keep your eyes and ears open.

Use Inexpensive Accessories a Lot
Matching or contrasting accessories with your outfit can surely change your looks in a big way. A single dress can be worn for a business conference, to a friend's gathereing, or cocktail party by just changing the accessories. There's no need to go for expensive ones. You can find a lot of inexpensive jewelery- bangles, earrings, bracelets, handbags made of inexpensive fabrics or recycled handbags made from textile wastes, they can all make you look cool!

Perfect Clothing for Your Body Shape

Whatever body shape you've got, you can make the most of it just by choosing the right clothing. Although beauty is what we believe to be, without going by any kind of set standards. However, If you might need to know what the current stereotype of a ‘perfect’ female and male body is?

For females, a ‘perfect’ body is a moderately tall and vertically balanced body. For males, it is considered to be tall with a balanced vertical body and a trapezoid torso - broad shoulders & chest tapering to medium waist & hips. If you don't have that perfect body- most of don't have it- no need to worry, just determine what your body shape is.

Determine Your Body Shape: Assess your vertical body proportions- the proportion of the bottom half of body as compared to the top half. Measure your full height and the height to your hip-line. Hip-line is the circumference around the hips where your bottom is fullest. Then determine where your hip-line comes in proportion to your height. Both males and females will fall in any one of the three body types,- Short Legs & Long Torso; Equally Measured Legs & Torso or the Balanced Body; and Long Legs & Short Torso.

Short Legs & Long Torso

Do's: Dress for drawing attention to your shoulders and face. You'll be fine with short to medium-long tops, layered tops- might tuck-in tops but only if you don't have a big tummy. Medium or light tops with dark pants or skirts and wide belts will look good. Straight skirts and straight or boot-leg pants are good. Men should wear pants, socks and shoes of same color. Heels should be medium to high and pant hems to the ground.

Dont's: If you are short in height, avoid long tops, pants or skirts with dropped waistband. Tight or tapered skirts & pants and also the cropped pants are a straight 'no' for you.

Balanced Body

Do's: Draw attention to your shoulders and face. Wear medium-long, untucked tops. If tops and bottoms are in same color, it's better. Such tops and dresses that flow through the waist and straight or flared skirts, will also look good. Go for skirts and pants with narrow or no waistband. Waisted, low-rise or hipster pants, all are good for you.

Dont's: Avoid short or empire waist tops & dresses as also wide belts. Pants or skirts with high waistband will also look odd on you.

Long Legs & Short Torso

Do's: Draw attention down by wearing such skirts or pants that have border prints and medium-long to long accessories, of course, if you are not short. Wear dark color tops and skirts & pants in lighter shades. If you are short, wear tops that are no longer than knuckle length. Tops should be worn untucked and if these tops or dresses flow through the waist, it's great. Skirts & pants with narrow or no waistband, straight and flared skirts & pants or low-rise or hipster pants, all are for you.

Dont's: Avoid pin stripes, short tops, empire line tops & dresses, wider belts, tapered pants and skirts or those with a high waistband.

Now also do some color analysis to look your best!

Valentines Day- Right Dress For Right Occasion

In my last post, I have written about valentines dresses that are appropriate for age groups- for teenage, adults and elderly. However, it's not all to know what dresses are suitable for our age. It's equally important to know as to what dress is appropriate for which occasion. If we don't think about this then it might so happen that we end up being uncomfortable or out of place. And this is the least rather 'not at all' wished circumstance we want to be in- not so on the special valentines day dates! So, what to wear on valentines day!

If you are going for a daytime date, you should avoid bright colors while choosing your dress. On a casual date, any thing which is comfortable such as a good pair of jeans and a t-shirt is fine. Girls should avoid high heels when going for such casual dates.

Boys should select pastels such as light blues, creams, or browns for a lunchtime date on valentines day. Jeans or baggy pants with turtleneck or v-neck t-shirt is good enough for them on casual dates.

For evening dates, women should go for prom dress, preferably in black or red. It may be teamed with healed footwear.
For a formal party, knee-length skirt and fitted peasant blouse is good for women. For a dinner date, black jeans or trousers with a maroon or wine colored t-shirt or a shirt are great for men.

For a formal party, black suit with plain shirt is best for them. If you are going to dance away the valentines night then glamorous look is what you need. Girls can opt for tank tops with cigarette pants and stilettos paired with dressy boots. Boys can wear their khakis or cargo, with a round neck or v-neck t-shirt to the discotheque.

That was about valentines day dates and about what to wear on such dates. Some girls might be thinking of spending the day at home with her special someone. So what to wear when greeting him at the door- ideas are many. You can think some of your own too!

Valentines Day Dresses For All

Love is in the air. Valentines Day is not very far away. I bet everyone's thinking of how this day can be made special? Dressing up for Valentines day becomes an all engrossing but a much desired activity which is looked forward for. Whether choosing a dress as a gift to someone or selecting one for own use, this should be done with a lot of thinking. So, what are the dresses that are on minds and on shop racks for all? Come, let's see!

Clothing includes a wide range of apparels. What is suitable for an age group might not go with the taste of another. So, it's always advisable to select what is preferred by the one whom you are going to give the gift. And when you are buying a dress for yourself, how can you just forget the trends. After all you don't want to look out of place, do you?

Valentine's Day Dresses for Teenage

For Teenage Girls: These 'full-of-life” girls look for stylish and trendy dresses. If thinking of getting casuals then go for some trendy tees and jeans. Girls look beautiful in colors, so don't hesitate to experiment with colors. If opting for the formals then a ruffle dress with fringe trims and spaghetti straps, halter neck or even strapless will be adored by girls. The latest trend, of course, favors the bubble dresses. It might be a hem or a tube dress, with halter neckline or strapless, in velvet or satin, with animal prints or polka dots, a bubble dress, in anyway, is rocking. And if your valentines day celebrations include fancy dress parties then there is no less options to choose from. There are attractive cupid dresses with tank tops, corsets, stockings, halo, wings etc. Then there are look alike dresses similar to Goddess Aphrodite and Venus. There are many such valentines day costumes that you can find just by browsing the net a little.

For Teenage Boys: These boys always prefer comfortable yet trendy casuals. So tees and jeans are the hot favorites with them. And yes, before I forget, pink is the hot color for boys this season, so don't shy away from this color. The real fun for boys is when it comes to their fancy dress costumes. So, girls, if you have taken the burden to select a one for him, link this costume with his dreams and make him, at least for an evening, what he wants to be! Get an airline pilot or ships captain fancy dress for him. Give some air to his fantasies and buy a batman or superman dress. And if you want to be mischievous then get a Horny Devil Costume, of course, if you don't mind be with a one on Valentines Day

!!

Valentine's Day Dresses for Adults

For Women: Whether teenage or a grown up, women love to dress up. So there's no dearth of beautiful dresses for them. They have on their minds- a prom dress, an evening gown, a cocktail dress or any other formal party dress. Prom dresses are a rather much favored dress- it can be any thing- a strapless, halter, beaded, or embroidered prom dress. Short dresses are also popular with them. A short satin or velvet dress- sequined, ruffled, or beaded- is simply loved by them. Same is the case with evening gowns which can be a satin gown with soft net overlay or a ruffled halter evening gown.

For Men: For daytime outings, men always like to wear pastel shades such as light blues, creams,and browns but for a special evening like that of Valentines day, they prefer black jeans or trousers paired with a maroon or wine colored t-shirt or a shirt. However, for a formal dinner, they obviously prefer formals- a black suit, with a plain, bright shirt. A silk necktie will complete the looks. They can always be gifted with a clean pair of denims with turtle neck, round neck or a v-neck t-shirt. They'll love it all the year round.

Valentine's Day Dresses for Elderly

For elderly women: While looks of the clothes remain important, elderly people always prefer comfort in them. Back open outfits that can easily be slipped on are the best choice. For women, such back open blouse will do well. Skirts that are not too tight and have Velcros or push buttons on the side, instead of zippers and buttons, are loved by them. And yes, they do not need to be boring. Comfort can always accompany fun and fashion.

For elderly men: Polo shirts or dress shirts are best options for elderly men. Paired with dress pants, they give the perfect look. For not-so-aged people, formal suits with a slightly loose fit can also be comfortable. Wrinkle resistant fabric that never needs ironing are preferred by them. Interesting patterns and cheerful colors & prints lift their spirits and create a sense of well-being. These stylish dresses are a perfect fit for the adorable elderly.

Design Your Own Christmas Dress

Have you got tired of roaming around the markets looking for that particular baby pink gown with beautiful embroidery and beaded trim? Do you have beautiful jewelery set with a necklace, bracelet and earrings but you can't find a matching dress? Then why don't you try designing your own Christmas Dress? It'll be fun, I tell you!

Preparation for Dress designing

You don't need to join a fashion design institute for that! Just give wings to your imagination and see what wonder it does! May be there's a long pending wish of your's to wear a beautiful evening dress of your favorite color having a particular pattern or a design. But the picture of your dream dress is very vague in your mind, isn't it? All you need to do as preparation is to give clear outline to your visionary dress- the type of dress (a gown, a cocktail or any other dress for the pretty girls, or a trendy vest or a tuxedo suit for you gentleman!), the color, the shape, the trims accessories any special craft work ( appliqué or embroidery for that matter!) and that's it! As the last preparation you have to find someone who can sew your dress, in case you can't do it yourself- it can be anyone- a professional tailor or a dear friend of yours- remunerations of course will differ- may be a few dollars to the professional and a gift or dinner for your friend!

Christmas Dress Designing for Women

If you dream of a halterneck dress, make it glamorous with some beautiful embroidery and beaded trim. Give a lace-up detail to the back that you can adjust to suit or go for a tie detail at back. Line it fully with acetate lining and feel the softness all over!

If you want a more glorious beaded 'V' neck dress, give it some asymmetric hemline with a flattering butterfly sleeves. Make it with polyester Georgette and pair it with polyester satin slip, you'll definitely love it! If you want something wild, go for animal print dress with a stunning somewhat low 'V' neck and crinkle finish, butterfly sleeves and side zip fastening, do it all in polyester.

For a simple yet sensuous feeling try a silky stretch knit top with beading along neck edge. Attach a long tie that wraps several times around the waist! It will look good only if you are slim. Make the top with a blend of viscose & elastane and ties with polyester chiffon.

If you want a special special Santa dresses then you have many options. A long red Santa gown, with white marabou trim – may have long side slit- will look elegant. A short velvet costume marabou trimmed details and lace-up, zip up, or open front will look very sweet. The dress can be two piece also with Santa mini skirt and a stylish halter bikini top- it will really look naughty! Wear them all with matching Santa Claus hat and gloves.

Christmas Dress Designing for Men

Men can go for black, silver, gold, burgundy and even red vest – metallic, silk or rough one- with matching or contrasting regular or bow tie, matching handkerchief set, with or without pockets. Vest can have an adjustable strap on the back that is hidden. Black lining and six button vests look really good. A light over all embroidery will look stunning.

Half zip sweater or jacket in vibrant colors with unique designs – embroidered or else- are really sporty. You can go for Rib knit collar that is lined in super-soft microfleece covering back side of zipper too.

Tartan waistcoat made from dupion silk with charming buttons will look really elegant.

If you prefer simple traditional suits then you can make yourself look different by using trendy accessories such as ties, bow ties, cuff links, belts and shoes. Just see how all the eyes turn towards you! So go design your ultimate Christmas dream dress and yes don't forget to write back what all compliments you got!

Christmas Party Dresses- For Men and Women

What better season than Christmas to flaunt your beautiful dresses! Parties and bashes are the flavor of this season. Christmas Evening Gowns, Dance Christmas Dresses, Fancy Christmas Dresses, Red Christmas Dresses (even for men)- every dress is special, even the formal Christmas Dresses look great, of course, if chosen carefully!

Christmas Evening Gowns: They are best for social dos as well as collective gatherings. If chosen for Christmas, its better to have fabrics like satin, velvet, chiffon or silk, they'll give a luxurious feel to you. Choose from among a Slinky Corset Back Red Prom Dress or a Black Halter Evening Gown. A Metallic Silk Dress having embellishments made with silver or gold threads will also look stunning.

Dance Christmas Dresses: All the apparel manufacturers and designers pay special attention to womens clothing, especially if they are for grand occasions like Christmas. A Dragonfly Costume, having a top made of stretch velvet and Lycra leotard and accompanied with trendy headpiece attached to the skirt will attract all attention towards you. If, however, you want to get something lesser highlighted then go for black slink Lycra leotard with attached glitzy sparkle side sleeve treatment and skirting or a tango dance ice dress made in the form of a halter dress with built-in nylon spandex leotard. You can as well choose long gowns in black, red and silver color for a stylish look.

Fancy Christmas Dress: If you are that adventurous and 'can wear anything for fun' types, then straightaway go for fancy dresses and what better then Marabo Miss Santa costume having a red dress with white Marabo trim with matching Miss Santa hat and gloves. Victorian Style Lady Santa costume, a rich red velvet elastic waist-long dress with trimmed long jacket and matching hat will also look great. Men can go for Santa luxurious red velvet jacket, with faux fur shawl collar and cuff trim. Matching hat and pipe accessory will add to the fun.

Formal Christmas Dress: Halter dresses and cocktail dresses are best holiday formal dress for Christmas. A smocked dress can be worn as an overcoat over other clothing. There's a big market for mens clothing. If talking about formal dress, you will look best in suit with or without tie. Dress shirt with dress pant will also look good. A tuxedo suit can also do magics for you.

Red Christmas Dresses for Men: All the men there, you have a great opportunity on Christmas to go for the forbidden color- red Christmas suites with matching belts, hat, and shoes! You can select from Flannel, Velveteen or Velour Christmas Santa suit, and Old Time Santa Suit. Christmas Santa Suits consist of a red hat, fur trimmed jacket with back closure, pants, belt buckle and fur trimmed boot tops. Old Time Santa Suits come with a hooded jacket, broad belt and boot tops and are suitable mostly for men in their late forties. Want to have more fun? Then go for Reindeer Mascot Costume, or a Christmas Elf Costume!

Christmas Party Dresses – For Kids

The cool December is here! With Christmas coming close, the long awaited month of festivities is all ours! It is wise to start Christmas shopping early so that when the time of celebration comes, you don't find yourself shopping. Always keep shopping the first thing on your 'to do list' for Christmas. If you haven't started it yet, there's time even now to shop for the same and if you are short on time or energy, just go for online Christmas shopping! Today I am giving some tips about Christmas party dresses for boys, girls, kids and infants.

Christmas Clothes For Girls: A traditional gown coupled with elegant gloves is perfect as a Christmas dress for girls. floral attires in bright colors with designer works can also be tried. If your young girl is of bubbly kind and loves to wear dresses that needs no special management, then go for a seersucker dress with an eyelet pinafore in yellow gingham material for representing her cheerfulness. Dresses having lace works and with matching gloves and floral hats will make her stand apart. A velour tunic type snowman dress with something creative such as three-dimensional snowman attached on the straps looks cute on small girls.

Christmas Clothes For Boys: On Christmas, an ideal dress for boys is the set that includes a vest, a long sleeved classic shirt, pants, and a tie. The most popular one is the blue shirt accompanied by a black and blue woven vest, a navy blue pant with an elastic waist. Boys love silver tie too, the one with patterns done on it in blue or burgundy. A white colored tuxedo set including a pant, a jacket, a long sleeve shirt, a satin belt and a bow tie will make your boy look like a prince. A black velvet pant, white collared shirt, a red tartan plaid vest and a matching black satin tie will also look smart. A red and blue sweater and pant set with a cute polar bear in white thread is also a good choice.


Christmas clothes for Kids: A whole lot of manufacturers are engaged in making custom kids clothing for all occasions and Christmas is one of their hot favorites. The Plaid Jumpers in bright colors like dark red in chequered pattern look great. They are tunics worn over a white woolly cot pullover which looks beautiful on your doll like angel. They are available in all fleece prints. Go for high quality brushed fleece and the dress which are machine washable, wrinkle free and non-shrinking. For boys, matching toddler overalls and vests or play shirts are the best. For more excitement you can chose coordinating father and son shirts. The kids will love it!

Christmas Clothes for Infants: Market is flooded with infant wear having various new designs with all color combination. You can dress up your baby girl in some designer animal species dresses such as cow through one piece romper and headpiece. The head-dress consisting of two tiny butting horns that stick out of the front andwith baby pink insides of the ears will give a cute look to your bundle of joy. Snowman Pant Set with matching velour striped snowman pullover shirt will be look great on toddler boys.