Fashion Articles

Fashion Items: Behind Every T-Shirt

posted on 10 January 2012

Do you believe in the saying ‘simplicity is beauty’? I think some people would agree on that because they can see the value and sophistication in everything - even to the simplest things such as T-Shirts. If you are to ask someone to choose between a plain T-Shirt or a plain jewellery or a pashmina, what do you think he/she would choose? Of course the one that is much expensive, right? But do you believe that there are people who would rather look at the use than the worth? I’m one of those guys. I love T-Shirts more than any other fashion item. T-Shirts are simple thus portray beauty. T-Shirts are comfortable and affordable. T-Shirts are for everyone regardless of age, height, gender or anything! T-Shirts can be styled or accessorized. T-Shirts are like the foundation of other clothes. T-Shirts can define someone. T-Shirts can express something. T-Shirts can be turned to blouse, dress, handkerchief and almost anything! I also love them because they challenge one’s creativity. They let people know that there can be good things out of little things. And those are what are behind every T-Shirt, my favourite fashion item. So what’s behind your favourite fashion item?

Biker Girls, Gloves and a Tear Drop

posted on 29 December 2011

It was September 2007 I was in Bristol, England, at University. Not one that was ever very organized to really make the most out of the opportunity provided, I spent the 3 years since having left Sri Lanka at the age of 17 trying to find myself and just keeping my head above water. I had also just met my friend’s new girl friend – Tosh – a gorgeous Persian girl as tough nails, sporting an edgy look to go with it, the biker gloves I wasn’t ready for, but her strange fashion choices of the hair accessories she wore as well as black lace gloves intrigued me. She wore them to “toughen up” her look, but growing up whilst absorbing all the likes of My Fair Lady I could find, lace gloves represented something very different to me, a Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Having come across a flyer in the post that advertised of a traveling vintage cloths sale, I decided for once, to go out and explore. Needless to say I waited till the last day of the show, went out too late, and got lost. By the time I got there most sellers were packing up, I browsed through what was left out and came upon a shift dress, I decided to try it on in the make shift changing area littered with boxes and cloths. I have trouble finding my spectacles on a relatively uncluttered table let alone in a pile of cloths, so I kept them outside on a table whilst I changed. It looked nice, I happened to have had the flapper like bob with a fringe and was wearing pearl earrings and white pumps, but I couldn’t see well enough to judge whether the fit was good. So I came outside to look for my spectacles and as per the usual I can’t find them. Whilst looking through the clutter left on the table I came across them – a pair of beautiful white fingerless lace gloves, made even more exquisite by the trim – It looked like what a doll of mine had. I didn’t get my hopes up, I’ve been blessed with skinny hands with straw like fingers – let’s just say that I can be the hand double of the Wicked Witch of the West – nothing meant for a person’s hands ever fit me. The seller comes up to hand me my spectacles, I’ve left them on the table on the other side, and she sees the gloves. They’ll look perfect on you she says, so I slip them on and turn around. The lady says “ You look like a picture love “ , and three others come around to compliment me – yes it’s true that I still wasn’t wearing my spectacles and that everything was slightly hazy – but I looked pretty good, the gloves did something magical, it pulled the outfit together. I come home and Tosh immediately falls in love with the gloves, we become best friends over the years and the little white lace gloves became a staple in my wardrobe. With Tosh’s influence I was even bold enough to add a leather pair of my own, but those little white gloves were my favorite, it added a different air to whatever I was wearing, something whimsical about it. I left to Sri Lanka in November 2009, Tosh cried at the airport saying she won’t see me again, I promised her she would. 16th of December 2010, a friend calls to tell me that Tosh has passed away due to Swine Flu. Having not wanted to go anywhere in the days that followed, I was coaxed to a house party for New Years Eve. I dusted off my box containing my gloves, which hadn’t seen day light since coming to Sri Lanka- on this tear drop of the Indian Ocean, gloves are not the norm, they aren’t even the exception- and as Tosh would say, I lacked the guts ( replace with a certain word I shouldn’t be typing here). I thought I’ll wear them in remembrance of Tosh. I enjoyed my night, and some complimented me, and to those who asked about them -I was rather out of place at a house pool party - I told about Tosh. It didn’t take long to hear about the girl with the Michael Jackson gloves at person X’s party, and just like that it was the last time I wore them. It’s the 16th of December today, maybe they will come out, and maybe they should, because the pair are my favorite item in the closet. They made dressing up fun and every time I added them to a new outfit I was surprised by the effect it had. I remember being one half of the glove girls, and Tosh was right fashion is a statement, not for those afraid to make it, but till that time comes for me, they will be in their satin lined box, representing all the possibilities.

Gift Giving: a Suggestion for Husbands and Wives

posted on 22 December 2011

My wife and I have difficulties shopping for each other. All year, we've essentially bought what we needed or wanted, so there isn't much left for us to pick up for special occasions such as the holidays. Commonly, during the year, we give each other grief for spending money during the year on senseless items (such as additional purses for the wife when she already owns plenty of them). This year, we've decided to buy gifts for ourselves under a set limit, and sometimes we even make each other gifts - I once made jewellery items for my daughters using jewellery making supplies one time to ensure the gifts were unique! Then, we'll wrap them for ourselves and have the other person open it to see what "they" bought us this year. This will work because we'll get exactly what we wanted, not have to deal with returns, and we won't give each other any grief over the purchases. It will also very fun surprise for each other, since they'll see the perfect gift they never would have thought of. I think this is an idea that can revolutionize gift giving. No more crappy gifts, and only get what you want. It's perfect.

Attire That Attains The Right Attention

posted on 24 November 2011

I’ve never been much of a stylish person - not like my sister who is into her Toki and Nabi and Forever Unique brands - but of late, I’ve taken a keen liking to some t-shirts, especially the ones with messages or symbols that encourage others to think or make a bold statement. As a poet I do value creativity in its many forms and using art, calligraphy and literary devices on t-shirts is a very efficient way to get what you have to say, ‘heard’. So whether it’s a clever line, a parable or an historical allusion if it has aesthetic appeal, you can consider me more than interested. However, the messages are not the only reason that t-shirts are my favorite fashion item, but because of their simplicity, even when different styles are used. T-shirts are available in many colors and many fabrics to suite the occasion and the season, they can keep you cool in the Summer or warm and snug in the Winter.

Delirium as a Character for a Fancy Dress Costume

posted on 11 October 2011

I would dress up as Delirium from the Sandman comics by Neil Gaiman for a womens fancy dress idea. Apart from being my favorite character, she is shown in lots of different costumes in the books so there's plenty of room for different interpretations. I could go with a mixture of red, pink and purple hair, or a half shaved head. Accessories are great as well: I could make a flying fish like she carries in the books, or bring along my dog as her companion. There's different ways to do her clothes as well, be it a custom made slashed black dress, a fluffy skirt with a see-through top. I could ever interpret it more broadly and wear a dress made of crazy butterflies or bits and pieces from pictures of her realm. What's certain is that making a delirium costume is lots of fun, and a great way to explore creative ideas.

My Wristlet, a Favorite Accessory

posted on 9 October 2011

My favorite item is my wristlet. I am a mother to a beautiful 17 month old baby girl, and also a 6 year old. When I am running errands I usually have my daughters with me so I happen to be carrying a diaper bag filled to the top for my youngest. One of the items it contains is a wristlet. It is a purple Coach wristlet that I happen to absolutely love. It helps me stay organized with my money and credit cards while I'm out with my daughter. Then if my husband is watching her, I just take my wristlet out and I am ready to go again. There is no need to transfer everything over to a purse. I have it all ready to go. As a mother that makes a huge difference. It's purple leather with a lock on the front (which is convenient incase my daughter gets ahold of it) and since it is coach, it is made out of great material! The types of fashion I like the best are the ones that are stylish AND convenient! As for my elder daughter, well she's old enough now to take an interest in girls designer clothing so we are often having conversations about fashion - though she doesn't get my own love for such a simple wristlet!

The Fine Materials that Go to Make Up Fashion

posted on 1 October 2011

For me, when it comes to fashion, it's all about the materials you use. Lace and other fine materials do the "heavy lifting" when it comes to making a fashion item look spectacular. If you have the right materials, it just comes down to the tailoring. If you have the wrong materials, the best tailor in the world isn't going to help you. So I always say "materials first" when it comes to designing dresses and blouses. Of course, colour and design come into play once you've sourced your material, and execution (tailoring) is the final piece to this jigsaw. But never forget that the material itself is the essential first building block. Although my advice sounds rather prescriptive, you will still need to find your own unique way of working to achieve the best results - a lot of trial and error is necessary to find out YOUR way of coming up with wonderful fashion garments.

Pastel Striped Kate Spade Handbag Love

posted on 1 October 2011

I have a wide collection of handbags - from pink clutch bags to big black shoulder bags. My favourite? I got my Kate Spade handbag from my aunt a few years ago. At first I was a little nervous about using it very often, because Kate Spade bags are expensive! I realized though, that a bag is only as good as how often you use it. You can’t show off your cute handbag is unless you pull it out of the closet, put your stuff in it and take it out the door with you. I remember loving it at first sight—the dominant pastel pink striped theme, the semi-hard outer fabric covering, the leather handles. It was a beautiful little bag. This bag does not disappoint, especially in the summer. My only bummer moment with the bag was when one of my friends spilled coffee on it at a restaurant. It was an accident, of course, but I don’t think she understood how important it was to me.

Best Baby Swings For Your Precious Ones

posted on 4 July 2011

If you're looking for baby shower gifts or first or second birthday gifts that will last a little longer than clothes or toys, a baby swing would be a great choice. There is perhaps no child (honestly even adults) on earth who is not fascinated by playing in a swing. There's just something so magical and so innocently pure about it that makes swings the perfect gift to a child. When buying it as a gift, make sure that you get the best baby swings around. For a very small child or newborn, it is best to choose the ones that mimic a parent's rocking motion. This is so the child does not get confused when he or she is being held by a person and when staying on the swing. There are swings for newborns and there are ones which are suited for toddlers. However, there are also models which have adjustments that can be made to suit the age of the child. This is more ideal since this kind of baby swing can be used for a longer period of time. They are also built of very sturdy materials and often have different safety and security features not present in the cheaper brands.

I Love Combat Boots, and You Should as Well

posted on 14 June 2011

I think that combat boots are superior footwear, whether military issue or otherwise. Having rather large feet, combat boots tend to fit me OK, although I have to say Hotter shoes (purpose made for large feet) are my "go to" shoes for most events. Aside from looking great on most people, combat boots are also very practical. They offer excellent foot protection, especially the steel-toed varieties, and are extremely durable. With proper care, a pair can last for years. Their popularity at metal, hardcore and punk rock shows is not simply a coincidence. The protection they offer is ideal for mosh pits. Some people think that they're only appropriate during the Winter months, but this isn't true. Unlike heavy winter boots, combat boots tend to maintain a relatively neutral temperature, even when worn for extended periods of time. They also look good any time of the year and are very versatile. For example, I've yet to see them look great in combination with jeans, skirts, shorts, bathing suits and dresses. Additionally, they can make even the skinniest weakling look a bit tougher. The only downside of combat boots is that they take longer to break in than most other types of footwear, however the benefits clearly outweigh the cost. There are some who criticize people who are not in the military who enjoy combat boots, but this is irrelevant. Many people who wear jeans are not farmers or laborers, even though that article of clothing was originally designed for that sort of work. Like combat boots, they gained popularity because they look good and are practical. Aside from differences in personal taste, there is no good reason to degenerate combat boots, and I invite anyone who thinks otherwise to try a pair for themselves. I promise that you'll warm up to them.

Favorite Staples of my Everyday Wardrobe

posted on 10 June 2011

Working in the unique gifts for her niche (that's how we call it!), I am always thinking about my own favourite gifts. There are a few things that I own that I really love to wear. I have two pairs of Converse Chuck Taylors, one pair with a camouflage pattern and one pair that is bright red. They are comfortable, durable shoes that put some personality in my wardrobe. If I am wearing a skirt and it is cold enough, I also wear knee socks with various unusual and unique patterns. Often I pair these with my Mary Jane style, black Doc Martens shoes. On a warm day when I am working, I generally wear a gray skirt for professional reasons, as my job requires me to interact with businesses in the area. My amethyst engagement ring is a constant part of my wardrobe. In a professional setting, I pull my hair back into a bun using two spin pins to secure the hair, although lately I have found that a soft braid works as well.

Happy Married Life with an Age Difference of Ten Years

posted on 6 May 2011

Marriage is an important part of one’s life. Your whole life changes with marriage. You get a companion who shares everything with you and you share everything with him. And as so obvious as it sounds, you have to be very careful while choosing your spouse. I knew my husband since my childhood, so I really had no doubts about him, even though my marriage was not a love marriage - it was totally arranged by my parents, and I agreed to their choice as I trust them and him too of course. Forget the usual anxieties of wedding days such as "how will the bridal comb tiara look with my dress?", I had doubts about the actual marriage itself! I wondered: is he the right choice, as we have an age difference of about ten years. People say that it is not good to have such a huge difference as it is difficult to maintain compatibility with a big age difference. But he proved the doubters wrong. He gave me so much love that I forgot everything except him. And in return I gave him love too. We share everything with each other. We are leading a very successful life. People used to say us the ideal couple. So I think age difference doesn’t matter for a good marital life.

Witnessing the Colorful, Traditional Vibrant Indian Wedding

posted on 27 April 2011

An Indian wedding is one of the most elaborate, colorful events you will ever see in your life. It is once in a lifetime experience. Most of the Indian weddings are ‘arranged’ to begin with the husband and wife don’t know each other! In some extreme cases, they aren’t even aware of how she/he looks like since no pictures are exchanged. Weeks prior to the wedding day, arrangements begin. Usually a big ‘marriage hall’ is booked which can accommodate few hundred people. Guests arrive a week before the marriage for various ceremonies like ‘ladies music’, ‘hina ceremony’, etc. The music starts playing 3-4 days before the marriage. Shopping consists of tradition Indian costume in bright colors, wedding shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and other items. If you are witnessing a girl’s marriage, usually the family is busy shopping for dowry which consists of household items, vehicle, jewelry, white goods, cosmetics, clothes and cash. On the day of marriage the groom comes with a procession, usually on a horse, complete with armor and a sword. The marriage ceremony itself last for hours and often brides faint due to exhaustion. At the end of the marriage, the groom takes the bride, along with the dowry to his home. Everyone cries, including the males. The bride cries the most. With the departure of the bride, the marriage ceremony concludes.

The Joys of Owning La Sportiva Tibet Boots

posted on 10 April 2011

Several years ago I purchased a pair of La Sportiva Tibet boots. I normally bought more "girly" shoes like gladiator sandals and whatnot, but these caught my attention. I bought them in an online store and was attracted primarily by their robust exterior view, while I also considered GoreTex lining and Vibram sole to be good features. Another advantage was the fact that their upper parts were built of single pieces of Nubuck leather, meaning complete waterproof condition and certain scratch resistance. Finally, these were the boots assembled by Italian people who had been making footwear since 1930s - quite trustworthy, to my mind. So I picked these boots. And since then I've been happy. They broke in in a day without chafing. I live in a small town surrounded by harsh terrain, and right behind my house there is a steep slope scattered with boulders. That's where I ran a test drive and found them to be fit. And now, after almost three years of wearing (and full time usage during fall, winter and spring), they're still alive. The only part that perished is laces, because the boots are equipped with lace locks which cause some extra wear. In winter I put crampons on my boots, as we have poor road conditions, and with those crampons I feel simply invulnerable.

Beautiful pearls

posted on 14 March 2011

One of the most beautiful characteristics of a pearl is its lustre or shine which depends on the reflection, refraction and diffraction of light from the translucent layers. The best luster will be produced when there are numerous thin layers of nacre in the pearl. An iridescence in the pearl can be created when there is overlapping of the different layers which breaks up the light as it falls on the surface. In addition to this pearl jewellery is often dyed different colours to add to the interesting pieces which can be made. Saltwater pearls grow inside pearl oysters in the ocean although they are occasionally cultivated in protected lagoons.So although freshwater and saltwater pearls come from different sources they can appear very similar and with modern farming techniques a string of cultured freshwater pearls can look just as wonderful as a string of saltwater pearls which could have cost many times more.

Finding the right boys shoes

posted on 21 February 2011

Boys shoes are really easy to find if you go to a department store, but I don’t want those types of boys shoes. All I want to find is the best kind of boys shoes possible so that it will make my son happy with the way that it looks, the way that it feels, and how long that the shoes will last. The best shoes store for boys shoes that I have found recently is online. It is very easy to find as you go on the Internet and type in cool boys shoes, and there right at the top is the website. This online boys shoes store has some of the greatest shoes and they look to be a great prices throughout the entire store. There isn’t really one shoe that is better than the rest or more expensive, they all of have different purposes. Cool boys shoes really are a great way for you to have many different looks including fulfillment of boys deck shoes, boys boat shoes, boys wellies, and boys boots that will really make all of the different styles that I am looking for so that I can really help make a lot of better choices when it comes to finding the right boys shoes for my child. But then again you can find any kids shoe that you want here and they are all at a great price. Be certain to look for these boys shoes online and I am sure they will surprise you on how great they are!

A Surprise Gift at My Local Church

posted on 8 December 2010

I have made sure to keep church a way of life in my home. I make sure my children and husband all being involved in activities, services and gatherings with our church family. The men’s ministry from time to time loves to surprise the ladies of the church for our contributions. Sometimes they have a luncheon, sometimes a flower or a special song at the beginning of service. This past Sunday was such a surprise, a lovely surprise at that. We began service with praise and worship and directly after a young boy came to the stage to read a poem directed to the women of the church. While he was reading the ushers were passing pashminas of different colors out to each and every woman in the service that morning. This was such a touching moment for all the women. A moment we will not forget any time too soon.

How to Colour-match Your Evening Bag with Your Outfit

posted on 7 December 2010

Whenever someone selects an evening bag to go with their wardrobe, they may take a great deal of time to select the perfect one because the color has to be just right. Maybe something small should be solid color and spacious for the evening. For that everyday woman, something near an earth tone color or large bags. A common mistake in the selection of evening bags is that of glitter, if you are not wearing the attire to match glittery bags then don’t look like the fool that you will look like. Choose something more tone down like a patent leather bag or something that will match the shoes and waist accents and do not try to overdo the look by cluttering it with other shiny stuff. The more you tone it down the better it will look on you, so let’s bring in the holidays with the perfect evening bag.

Chrome Hearts Sunglasses

posted on 30 October 2010

Need a pair of extremely fashionable eyewear? Consider Chrome Hearts sunglasses. Founded in 1988 by Richard Stark and wife Laurie Lynn, the brand features sunglasses, silver jewelry, leather clothing and even furniture in a rock and roll gothic style. The pair started out in the business by creating high quality leather pants for friends and the craze has expanded to a chain of boutiques in 6 different countries. The Chrome Hearts sunglasses are created using precious metals and cost from $200 to thousands and thousands of dollars. Even less cheap are the glasses that offer UV protection and anti-glare coating. Although many people like to wear Ray Ban because of the Independence Day movie will Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, Chrome Hearts sunglasses have their place in the hearts of famous people and American minds. European style and fashion culture have long loved the Chome Hearts pairs of sunglasses for which they are known for.

My Night Out On the Town with My Friends

posted on 28 October 2010

My friends and I love to get together for a girls night out on the town - and we love sharing fashion tips - from bridal lingerie to handbags. When we went this past weekend to a comedy club I was so impressed by one of the evening bags my friend was carrying. It looked like a shiny leather material but when you touched it the material was so very soft. I was not the only one that liked it our other friends were asking her about it as well. She told us that she found it on a website online when she was actually looking for a wallet for her husband as a gift. I have to admit it though, when women are shopping for someone else it is so easy to become sidetracked by an awesome purse. Laughing we asked her if her husband ever got a wallet, he eventually did but after the credit card was approved for her bag first.

  Older Entries »