5 Posts are tagged with: animal_prints

Clothing in Pop Culture: Desperately Seeking 1980s Fashion

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Aug 5, 2009 by Pam Gaulin


Fashions of the 1980s are hot commodities right now. There are those of us who remember wanting to pull off some version of Madonna's look in Desperately Seeking Susan, much like Rosanna Arquette. Women wanted to dress like her and the guys all wanted to be with her. The movie made a huge impact on youth culture and high school fashions of the mid 1980s.

Today we are clamoring for the 1980s look, in all its excess, perhaps because we cannot live so lavishly as we did back then. Less caution is being thrown to the wind, and the fashion conscious are more conscious of their bottom line. Incorporating elements from the outrageous fashions found in Desperately Seeking Susan is a nostalgic move for some, and a way to embrace Retro culture for others.

A Little Animal Print Goes a Long Way

Animal-like patterns found their way onto coat collars in the movie, although the print was somewhere between floral and animal, with a black and ecru pattern. Add a little animal print to your wardrobe with a zebra print belt or a leopard print blouse. Wear the blouse to work, under a jacket, or pull out the bustier and play up the subtly sheer fabric for night on the town.

His Wear

Don't underestimate the fashion statement of wearing his shirt, either. Madonna turned a pair of boxer shorts, a white tank top and a men's shirt into a fashion statement in Desperately Seeking Susan.

Neither Madonna or Rosanna Arquette wore these shoes in the movie, but they surely would have if they had been available. When you can't afford the rhinestone boots in the window, a pair of black Type Z Emily heels with a row of four wide straps should be added to your shopping list. Wear them with a pair of black, sheer knee-highs, your favorite black cropped pants, a black top and a belt.

Don't be so desperate to capture the 1980s that you find yourself in your own savings and loan disaster, instead, enjoy the 1980s fashions of Desperately Seeking Susan in small, palatable doses.

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Handbag Report: Celebrate Summer with a Colorful Clutch!

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Aug 1, 2009 by Sabah K.

Summer season might mean that you're hitting the beach or sunning by the pool more often than not, but that doesn't mean you have to haul around your oversized bags and totes all season long. This season's hottest trends in handbags can be found in the clutch department, and you can choose from dozens of fresh and funky styles to complement your summer look.

Designers are turning out beautiful oversized and miniature clutches covered in bright and bold designs, and you will find a handful of flashy patent leather or classic woven bags for your summer ensemble. Whether you're a luxury fashionista or sporting the bohemian look this season, make sure you're reaching for a colorful clutch this summer!

The Glossy Patent Leather Clutch
Chic, shiny and begging to be touched, a patent leather clutch is a great way to round out your summer look and take the shine factor up a notch. Pick out a bright pink, red, yellow or turquoise patent leather clutch for your daytime or evening look.

The Woven Clutch
Celebrate summer with a stylish straw or woven metallic clutch that captures the essence of the season. These fun, eye-catching bags are great for toting along at the luncheon or evening soiree, and you can even find a few with sequins and metallic embellishments. The woven clutch is a versatile and attractive addition to any summer wardrobe.

The Bejeweled Clutch
Jewels and gems are the ultimate embellishment for the luxury fashionista, and you can carry a beautiful clutch emblazoned with jewels if you wish. These sparkly bags are perfect for a night on the town, but you can also find some daytime-worthy bags made with embossed leather and elegant accents.

The Envelope Clutch
The giant envelope clutch is a must for any handbag enthusiast who thinks they're not quite ready to transition to a strap-free bag. These oversized clutches offer plenty of room for your basics, and you can brighten up any outfit with a bold red, pink or blue accessory.

The Animal Print Clutch
From zebra stripes to leopard spots, animal prints are back for another season, and you can sport the look with a cute and colorful clutch. Take a walk on the wild side with a pouchette or long rectangular clutch that is sure to turn a few heads!

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Wear This, Not That: How to Wear Fringe, Animal Prints and His Silky PJs

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May 18, 2009 by Pam Gaulin

Fringe Boots not Snow Boots
The practice of wearing winter accessories trends -- think scarves, winter hats -- in any weather continues, as knee-high fringe boots stomp onto the fashion scene. Winter hats and scarves have become fashion staples, even in warm climates. Fringe boots can be worn with shorts or skirts. These are not fringe boots with a line of fringe down the back of a Western-style boot a la Sloan in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. These are full-fringe, suede boots covered with layers of fringe.

Soft Shorts, not Hot Shorts
Put away the snug shorts and opt for a pair of softer shorts with fabric that drapes gently and does not constrict. Pair these with your favorite dressy tanks tucked into the shorts. Or wear a fitted shirt belted around the waist. The comfortable and dressy shorts help you be chic and maintain modesty at the next outdoor cocktail party, where you may find yourself sitting on low lawn chairs.

Look for shorts with pleats, of a similar length to a mini-skirt, fabricated in cotton blends or silk. These soft shorts are loose around the thigh.

Men's Silk PJ Pants, not Leggings
Let your skin breathe with a pair of loose, pajama-inspired silky pants. Women's fashions are borrowing from his wardrobe, again. Men's silk pajama tops can be worn with embellished skirts, or tailored shorts. This is not the peek-a-boo lingerie top style of the 90s. This look is about comfort and leisure. Wear a pair of satin pants, your favorite sandals and a fitted t-shirt or tank for shopping, a trip to the salon or a leisurely day of sipping iced tea on the sun porch with friends.
silk_pants
Safari
The animal print trend expands into full-fledged safari gear. Animal prints become more subtle and quieter. Neutral safari colors including taupe and moss green become chic when paired with a black and white leopard blouse or thin zebra belt.

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Handbag Report: Sensational Clutches for Summer

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May 16, 2009 by Sabah K.

Warmer temperatures call for light summer dresses and a care-free look, which means it's time to ditch the heavy leather handbag and trade it out for a fun, stylish clutch. A clutch is the perfect accessory for the weekend barbecue, casual day at the office, or just to take along for your weekly errand runs.

This year's hottest trends include the oversized, envelope clutch style that can carry all your daily necessities and keep you looking stylish and organized. Here are some other top trends to keep an eye on this season:

1. The Slim Animal Print Clutch. Pick up a long and skinny clutch covered in a bold, eye-catching leopard print to heat up your look this season. These are perfect for carrying the basics; credit cards, ID and an iPhone, as you go about your busy day.

2. The Fan Clutch. Add a feminine, luxe twist to your ensemble with a satin or leather fan clutch embellished with metallic details. The Nite Fan Clutch by Stuart Weitzman is the perfect example of this showstopping look - it's perfect for those special social occasions.

3. The Patent Leather Clutch. Go matchy matchy with your patent leather heels by sporting a contrasting color patent leather clutch. These handbags are ideal for carrying your lipstick, cash and keys for a day of shopping. This season's hottest colors are bright green, pink, yellow and orange, but you can also stick with the basic black or white to complement any summer outfit with ease.

4. The Quilted Leather Clutch. Show off your love for leather with a soft and glossy quilted clutch. Look for styles with an oversized buckle or metallic embellishments to catch this season's trend wave. These are ideal for the office or weekend getaways; just tuck them under your arm to add a classy and stylish finishing touch to your ensemble.

5. The Patchwork Clutch. Add a Bohemian-inspired touch to your ensemble this season with a patchwork clutch covered in contrasting suede, leather or canvas details. The patchwork effect works best with a one-color outfit, and is a fun and playful look for day or night.

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Celebrity Style: Animal Prints!

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Feb 10, 2009 by Tiffany B

Animal prints are definitely in fashion with celebrities. Everything from animal print accessories, like totes and scarves, to full animal print dresses. Celebrities are going wild over these animal prints. Kate Bosworth was seen wearing an animal print t-shirt as she headed to the airport, while Nicole Richie sported an animal print scarf to a red carpet event. Lily Allen took the animal print to the extreme and wore a leopard print winter coat to add some drama to her outfit. Full-on animal print dresses have been seen all over the red carpet also. America Ferrera wore a black and white tiger print dress to an event, while Maggie Gyllenhaal wore an animal print dress to the Golden Globes. This is one easy fashion trend for everyone to follow. If you are unsure about the trend, which is actually a classic fashion trend, think like Jessica Alba and start out with a snakeskin tote. Or you can go even simpler and add a touch of animal print to your outfit with an animal print belt from Dolce and Gabbana.

It appears that the 80's are back. More and more celebrities are bringing back the 80's fashion looks in a slightly more modern way. Hayden Panettiere rocked the 80's look in her gold metallic mini-dress that she wore on the red carpet. While Jessica Biel rocked a full black taffeta dress that almost looked like it could have been wore to a prom in the 80's. Other celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Kate Bosworth, Rihanna, Blake Lively, Kate Moss and Lily Allen are also bringing out the 80's fashion garb. When trying to follow this celebrity fashion trend, you have to be careful not to look like you actually belong in the 80's. Think updated 80's fashion such as sleek dresses with polka dots and fitted leather jackets. Leave the parachute pants and shoulder pads at home. You want to look in fashion and not like a total blast from the past.

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