Abayas

In the Middle Eastern countries where "abayas"  are the standard outfits worn at all times by the women, fashion designers are always working hard to come up with ideas which will set their abayas apart from the ordinary run of the mill ones worn by all. Based on the demands of their niche market, the high end designers create long and flowing abayas in expensive fabrics with embellishments and cuts to enhance the beauty of the wearer. The latest trend seen in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries are chiffon kaftans worn over fashionable abayas.

So here I have decided to give out some free advice for all my Muslim gal pals out there about looking your best even while wearing Islamic clothes like abayas and hijabs. The first thing that you should be conscious about being a Muslim is to always pick out outfits that are modest and do not allow any sort of inappropriate exposure of the body. It is completely untrue that women wearing abayas lack fashion sense, are dumb or boring. Wearing abayas and hijabs that are styled in vogue, flattering cuts and in complimentary colours can make you appear chic, stylish and modest.

The chiffon kaftans when worn over silken abayas create a look of mystique and give the wearer and air of charisma. However, they can also be worn with cotton ones depending on the weather they are worn in. Although most women choose to wear the same coloured kaftan as the abaya , but contrasting colours can also be used to create a unique and exclusive look.

Black and other dark coloured kaftans such as navy blue, red and bronze can be worn over abayas to give them a more formal look particularly when attending weddings and other evening parties. In order to create an added layer of sheer elegance during daytime events these chiffon add-ons can be worn in light colours such as off white, pink and lemon yellow. Green and blue coloured kaftans can be used for all events by selecting hues which not only compliment your skin tone but also is suitable for the tie of the day they are going to be worn.

Muslim women and girls are not diffrent, and even they equally love to dress up in nice and vibrant colours for various occasions. Therefore there is need for clothes which is always on an increase for them. Regardless of the conservative arabic culture, religion or socio-economic situationmost of the female population of the muslim world loves to pick out new outfits and colour coordinate their abayas for all social gatherings. Being a girl myself, I can vouch for the fact that fashion is modest and for success. This is a great motto to live by! At the same time, being a Muslim I have to bear in mind the shariah guidelines of Islam when it comes to picking out a jilbab or an abaya to wear to work or party.

By reinterpreting elements from the western designer fashions and the rich cultural and Islamic heritage of her background, abaya designs with pure indulgence in fabrics and textures with a twist of modern appeal.

This has attracted and generated a complete new deprived segment of the market and their designs are now embraced by young students to business professionals from all over the world- all of these women all have one thing in mind…modesty!

Salwar Suits

Sensuality is an attitude that can be expressed well with a civilized "salwar suits". Since, suits have always been a part of fashion and trend has called for innovations. That’s the reason; fashion designers are creating masterpieces of casual salwar kameez to make a woman look decent. Whether Salwar In Casual Looks   is about a young girl, middle aged woman or an old lady, this dress tends to cover every body in elegant style. All it matters is the color combination, designs and patterns meant for a particular age group. It is quite understood that a halter neck or deep cuts would not suit an old aged lady. This enabled the designers and “boutique“to keep a track of it.
The purchase of clothes for any woman is a task that is carried out with a lot of consideration. To a woman, every item of clothing that belongs to her is an irreplaceable asset. Clothes are brought not just for one time wear, but with a view at long time investment. In such a scenario, printed salwar suits sets are the perfect option for smart women. The beautiful  emphasises the charms of any woman who wears them.

The breathtaking range come in exquisite designs and patterns guaranteed to suit the requirements of even the most demanding customers. The high quality fabrics ensure that you are comfortable even under the worst of weather conditions. Traditional patterns and motifs in printed salwar sets appeal to customers with a more conservative sensibility whereas those who are bolder can opt for funkier prints. One can easily find printed salwar  sets for every occasion. The printed salwar sets are categorized to make it easy for you to shop. Fancy party wear, regular wear, bridal wear or multipurpose printed salwar sets can easily be found at our site.
The elegant cotton  have a superior look and are made by expert craftsmen who ensure that each set has a one of a kind design. A lot of the printed salwar kameez sets have gorgeous embellishments that give a richer look to the finished product. The prints on the sets are vibrant and glorify the charm of women. The tasteful prints flatter women of all ages.

 These days, Salwar suits In Casual Looks have started coming in various styles. Patiala, Afghani, simple Punjabi and with or without belt are some of the in-things in the world of salwar kameez. When it comes to wearing them on casual basis, what matters most is the subtle prints and comfortable fabric. Some of the favorite fabrics for casual wear are cotton, semi-crepe, crepe, georgette and chiffon. Though, spun and silk are used in winters because of the warmth in fabric. To add beauty to a casual salwar kameez, prints and light embroideries help a lot. In fact, they enhance the simplicity of the dress.

The modern women are quite creative with salwar suits and they tend to incorporate their ideas in designing the piece. From necklines to cuts on the borders, designer arms, innovative work on salwar, stylish laces on dupattas and addition of contrast cloth piece are few of the innovations that have made salwar kameez a hot favorite for a casual wear. These days, the trend of wearing short length kameez with salwar is a rage. And this has stylized the overall personality of salwar suits.

Spring/Summer Fashion Trends

 

The warm season comes with an array of dazzling, solar, bright colors, delicious tangerine hues, explosions of flowers, sweet, innocent whites and nudes, flowing cuts and soft fabrics, eternal denim items, and various daring combinations that exude femininity and sophistication. Spring/summer 2011 fashion trends are extremely complex and bold, yet stylish and chic. Take a look to some of the hottest elements for the upcoming season and get ready to energize and update your wardrobe!

New season requires new trends! It's time we upgrade our wardrobe as spring/summer 2011 fashion trends are here with a playful, fun and energetic vibe.

An amazing burst of bright colors, a wide palette of delicious tangerine, explosion of flowers, an optimistic feel of the '70s, innocent white lace and pure second-skin shades, timeless denim, versatile crisp white shirts, and flowing maxi dresses are among the hottest trends for the warm season that is just around the corner.
During spring everything comes to life, even our dull winter wardrobe. If during the cold season we are not so daring when it comes to wearing vibrant colors, summer instead is perfect for trying fruity, delicious shades. Well, spring/summer 2011 fashion trends make no exception as they come with a riot of brights brightening up our boring outfits. After the famous camel, it is time for tangerine to spice up your wardrobe. This season don't be afraid to break all fashion rules and mix dazzling bright colors at ease. On the other hand, if you are not sure the "color blocking" trend suits you, wear a dress in a candy color or pair brights with neutrals.

For romantic girls who are not so much into brights, designers proposed nude and the already classic white, two graceful colors that flawlessly add a fresh, innocent, yet feminine vibe to a summer look. The boho, adorable touch brought by a white clothing item is emphasized by the fabrics and details used such as lace, crochet and macramé. Second-skin colors are so hot for spring/summer 2011 as long as you choose the most flattering shade for your skin complexion. However, if you don't want a head-to-toe nude look, try to adorn your dress with cute black bows such as spotted at Jill Stuart. So feminine and pure!

Lovely flowers already became a timeless print and they add a vibrant and youthful flair. Spring/summer 2011 cannot make exception and designers brought a wide range of floral prints to add a playful feel to our wardrobe. Liberty, Asian-inspired, or tropical, get ready to see a real explosion of floral prints for the upcoming season. Maxi dresses, shorts, blouses, footwear, and different accessories are all beautifully embellished by chic, romantic floral prints. Besides flowers, bold graphic stripes or animal prints are the opposite of all adorable details and great if you want a wilder approach.
Among the riot of different fashion trends, we can also find a special '70-inspired vibe. We have seen the trend at Marc Jacobs through amazing '70s dresses, Just Cavalli through captivating patchworks, Anna Sui with round-shaped sunglasses, knitted shorts and denim vests, and Derek Lam through extremely stylish flared jeans worn with crisp white shirts. Well, since we are speaking of jeans, you should know that denim is back again for spring/summer 2011. Moreover, it seems that the head-to-toe denim look is so hot for the upcoming season.

The warm season means comfortable outfits and soft, breezy fabrics. Therefore, designers came with appropriate pieces in order to meet all your expectations. Maxi, flowing dresses and fashionable jumpsuits are some of the items that were so trendy last summer, yet they made a strong comeback in 2011. For chic, elegant appearances, but also for more effortless, laid-back looks, you should know that the white shirt is one key item that can be paired with feminine skirts, loose jeans, or sexy shorts. Despite its simplicity, the classic white shirt proved it's versatility and elegance, while designers came with a wide range of white shirts and various stylish combinations.

Spring/Summer Maxi Trends

'Maxi' is the key word for the upcoming warm season, describing the already famous ground-skimming dresses, but also long skirts and elegant jumpsuits. There are breezy, sheer fabrics and a riot of dazzling colors, romantic florals, and sexy animal prints. Besides, the eternal, old faithful white is back again proving that its classic beauty and sophistication will never go out of style. Take a look at some of the hottest spring/summer 2011 maxi trends.

Spring can definitely be felt in the air. And with the warm season just around the corner, it's time to invest into a beautiful maxi dress. There is no doubt that when it comes to the maxi trend, whether it's a dress, skirt or jumpsuit, these items can be a real knockout. We have fallen in love with floor-sweepers as these are exactly what we need during hot summer days. They are utterly romantic and feminine regardless the occasion. Wear them at the beach, in the park, at festivals and cocktail parties.

 

This season's catwalks were an explosion of flowing maxis. Among a riot of floral and wild animal prints, there is the classic white and second-skin shades that can make you get the wow-factor despite their apparent simplicity. Spotted at Dolce & Gabbana, Antonio Marras, Tommy Hilfiger, white is the best choice when the heat outside becomes rather unbearable, proving once again that it can be as effective as a bright color. Besides, you can also opt for nude alternatives as seen at Max Azria and Ports 1961.

The maxi trend proved to be very adaptable, being reinvented season after season. If what you want is to step out of the box and try something bolder, then the splash of dazzling brights should be your source of inspiration. The catwalks were full of boldly clashing combinations that seem to break all fashion rules. Extravagant and fascinating maxi dresses, skirt and jumpsuits in bright colors were spotted at Jil Sander, Paul & Joe, Issa and Sonya Rykiel, among others. Or, if the occasion requires something more elegant and colorful, make a special entrance in bold red by Lanvin or Valentino.

Now, for spring/summer 2011 maxi trend we can speak about two extremes. First, there is the oh-so-romantic and adorable version with sweet floral prints seen on maxi dresses, skirts and jumpsuits (D&G, Etro, Ralph Lauren, Rebecca Taylor, Erdem). Sweet, chic and utterly modern, the long dresses with cute florals are gently floating around the body expressing maximum femininity and an eternal bohemian flair. On the other hand, there is the wild, sexy side with the already famous leopard print (Just Cavalli, Blumarine), which represents your best ticket for a wow-factor entrance. Instead, if you are not so much into floral or animal prints, you can always try graphic or ethnic patterns (Emilio Pucci, Luca Luca).

Urban Eco Fashion - Junky Styling

Junky Styling

Junky Styling, a new East End London store founded by Anni Saunders and Kerry Seager. An eco epicurean fashion boutique based on the joys of clothing recycling, Junky Styling has gained an international mystic with its creative one-off styles.

Junky Styling

Saunders and Seager are not designers by training but rather stumbled into designing while making their own clothes to save money for traveling. The originality and freshness of their designs plus the environmental friendliness of recycling clothing quickly popped them into eco fashion awareness.

Junkystyling2_1Saunders and Seager have developed a design style based upon their destroy, repair, enhance, and reform approach which they call “Wardrobe Surgery”. They take old, recycled, donated clothing and deconstruct it by removing parts of it such as sleeves, lapels or panels and then reconstruct the remaining bits by moving seams, reassembling sleeves as leggings, or perhaps a sleeve turns into a torso when opened out. And then they might add bits of details such as ruffles on shirts and cuffs on trousers from other recycled clothes. Saunders and Seager might become the Picassos of eco fashion.

Junky Styling

Junkystyling1Clients and customers of Junky Styling range from young eco warriors to matronly art society ladies searching for the new “look.” While Junky Styling closely embraces recycling, one of the touchstones of the environmental movement, Seager has stated “we are obviously eco friendly but our main drive was to create and produce beautiful clothing.” We are beginning to find more and more environmental principles being incorporated into fashions and other industries.

Junky Styling

Saunders and Seager are not the only designers incorporating environmental and recycling principals into their fashions. New York’s Miguel Adrover has added ammunition belts to ladies fashions to emphasize the plight of indigenous tribes fighting for their lands in the Amazon rainforests and being forced out by American oil companies. Miguel Adrover has also used recycled fabrics such as an old Louis Vuitton handbag to create a mini-skirt and plaids found at flea markets in some of his big New York shows.
Well, I´m going on vacations... A big "green" hugh for everybody!

Coats Fall

Coats Fall

This NY fashion week I was on a mission to find the ultimate "It" piece in each designer's collection, and Tory Burch didn't make my job easy. Why? Because her Fall 2011 was full of gems, screaming "wear me now" jackets and dresses. But there was one look that stood out - the gorgeous wool coat with a fur collar - something that I noticed the moment of walking into the room full of editors, guests and the one and only - Tory's biggest celebrity fan - Kanye West.

Coats Fall

Tory Burch is always one of the shows I'm looking forward to at NY fashion week, both because I genuinely love her clothes, accessories - everything she does, and would wear it any time, but also because it always feels like a celebration. The presentation format allows closer look into the details, and enough time to explore (and twitpic!) them, as well as socialize and chat with other guests, which also Tory herself does so well!

Coats Fall

I had a chance to personally express my feelings towards her collection and even meet Tory's cute boys that were there to support their mom. As always, she couldn't be more down to earth and friendly - definitely one of my favorite people in this industry! Now enough emotions and back to my "job" - I can guarantee this tweed coat will be "It" as soon as the temperatures in NYC sky drop down to their 40s comes fall. Until then - check out the full collection on ELLE.com and start planning your wardrobe investments for next season!

Highlights From Russian Fashion Week Spring/ Summer

Russia might have lost the world domination power, but not the drama. Red and fur are still ruling the trends (even on Spring runways),

Russian Fashion 

Russian Fashion

Russian Fashion

Russian Fashion

Russian Fashion

with occasional splashes of modern western influences. Check out the creations by Slava Zaitsev, Dasha Gauzer, Pajaro and Stella Ndombi, shown in Moscow this week.

Designs Her Wedding Dress Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson is going to marry. Have you already heard this? Oh, my! How could I get this old news to you?Well, if you know she is to tie the knot with her fiancé Eric Johnson soon you’ll understand why she is so excited about her wedding dress, just like any girl who’s planning her big day. Jessica isn’t an ordinary girl though. She is going to participate in designing  her wedding dress. While we are unaware of the name of the designer yet we can be sure Jess will bring her fashion sense (that has earned her a billion!) to the one of the most important gowns in her life.

Jessica Simpson

And it seems that her mother will be a part of that as well, because the two have been very close to each other.
Jessica commented:
    I couldn’t do this without my mom. We have the same eye. [She's] been my stylist since I was born.”
Jessica Simpson has always used her mother’s advice in designing. They both approve items in the Jessica Simpson line.

Bondage Glam from Herve Leger for Fall/ Winter

Glam

For over 20 years Herve Leger brand has released bondage  dresses, season after season, year after year. And while this description seems to be a bit boring and repetitive the clothing has never been actually dull. What the secret is you might ask. The answer is simple enough.

Glam

Despite the fact Max and Lubov Azria have been reintroducing the bondage design many times, each season they invent something new which attracts customers. For Fall/ Winter 2011/ 2012 collection unveiled during New York Fashion Week the designers have brought “an inimitable suit of armor” that meant the extensive use of gold and silver hardware.

Glam

Majority of dresses in Herve Leger Fall/ Winter 2011/ 2012 collection had huge amount of metal pieces sewn in between bands of material, and covered with buckle rings and chains woven into the fabric.

Glam

That looked interesting and pretty different to a few dresses which were made in the old Herve Leger tradition.

Essential Clothing Style Tips

Essential Clothing

Now that the fall season is in its advent, it would do well for the stylish to have rounded up their most fashionable and yet also practical essentials for the cold season.

Essential Clothing

Among the most common of staples for the autumn-winter wardrobe of any savvy fashionista and stylista are boots, leggings, stockings, tights, scarves, sweaters, turtlenecks, leather (whether pants, gloves, boots, or jacket), and other warm clothing that can be worn to perfection with some really clever and stylish ideas for full-on chic autumn regalia.

Essential Clothing

A good theme to keep for this season is to not go overboard with the neutral and somber colors- sure, to keep up with the mood of the season (and for functional purposes as well, of course), wearing clothing in dark colors is alright and in fact downright practical but that unmistakably unique and attractive punch of color, that part of the outfit that must still have some character to it must not be forgotten in this mix of dark, somber and neutral. In the middle of all the seriousness and cover-ups, something must still make an outfit stand out. The goal of this season is to make one part stand out in contrast to the near-minimal coloring of the rest

Essential Clothing

One great styling tip for this season is the chic combination of knitted dresses with really dashing bags to add that hint of class to an otherwise comfy-casual top. For this cold season, a knitted mini-dress or body-hugging sweater in beige, white or light clean color would look really beautiful paired with sheer black tights or leggings and a pair of gray or neutral-colored boots (flat soles would be preferable for this look, as well as ankle-length or mid-calf-length boots). The spotlight would be given to the choice of handbag to add that touch of glam to the outfit. A bag in a bright or catchy color or design would accentuate that comfy neutrality of the rest of the outfit and instantly give it that punch of dashing chic to it. Black or gray ballet flats could also do the trick.

Essential Clothing

Another style tip for this fall season would be to pair a bold top or bold shorts/skirt with a classic neutral-colored top/ bottom. A good example would be to wear a simple white top with sheer stretch lace for a neckline and sleeves then to wear a high frilly flowery skirt over this in shades of dark blue, red, or purple, to be fastened with a belt by the waist. This should look okay without leggings or tights but for the purposes of the season, sheer black tights and ankle-length boots or high-heeled pumps would do.
For skinny jeans, a new trend for this season is the pairing of these grungy, tough-looking worn jeans with something more demure and feminine like a whimsical jacket with feminine designs and soft, easy tailoring. This contrast softens the rocker chic vibe and gives it a very lady-like and classier feel.

Essential Clothing

And of course, one fashion staple for this fall that definitely must not be overlooked is the classic camel coat. Time and time again, season after season, this apparel could go with almost anything in almost anyone's wardrobe with almost anyone's taste or style goals. The camel coat can go from elegant and lady-like, to professional and classy, to tough and sophisticated, to minimalist, to casual. It is that versatile that it can complement almost any style and this is what makes it so enduring.
So for this season, make sure that you are armed with these important tips on what to buy, what to wear, and how to wear it, to ensure not only comfort, but style as well.

Fashion Trends For Children's Clothing

Children's Clothing

This is the year where the press criticized celebrity baby Suri Cruise for wearing expensive designer kid's clothing. This is the year where designer brands began to actively produce clothes for children-as there seems to be a market for expensive kid's clothing. This is the year where children and adults alike explored the potentials of fashion from another culture-with Japanese and Korean fashion being in the forefront of the kid's clothing and adult clothing fashion trends. And the year has not even ended!

Children's Clothing

So what can people expect for the year 2011? It's not too early to tell: after all, designers and clothing companies release their clothing lines early. The likes of Ducci and even lesser known brands such as Ouef Eco have already shown their 2011 designs, among many others. What prominent trends can be seen from these early kid's clothing releases?
Perhaps the most prominent trend to surge for the year 2011 is the theme of practical luxury or elegance for kid's clothing. Again, this is a trend that probably stemmed from the "Suri Cruise effect," wherein children want to wear designer clothes and parents want to dress their children in design brands. However, the clothing companies are gunning for something appropriate for kids despite its designer-luxury trappings. These designer kid's clothing items will be comfortable and will steer away from styles that are inappropriate for the toddler and pre-teen set.

Children's Clothing

Of course, don't expect these "practical luxuries" to be practically priced.
The eco-conscious theme will also become prominent in 2011, sipping its way from the adult runway to the kid's clothing industry. Expect kid's clothing pieces made from highly sustainable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, and other similar fabrics. In short: frivolous is out, environmental trends are in.

Children's Clothing

Fashion pundits are already proclaiming the year 2011 as the year when the 80s rocker look returns. Expect this influence to become apparent in kid's clothing-or at least in teen and pre-teen clothing. Don't expect kid's clothing to incorporate the leather and the highly sexualized look of 80s rock, although many will see the disgruntled, mixed and matched styles that the 80s made popular.

Children's Clothing

Because of this, Japanese-inspired kid's clothing will become a bigger hit in 2011. This fashion aesthetic somewhat adheres to the concept of 80s fashion-clothes and accessories that shouldn't match but go well together anyway, the somewhat mature Victorian-inspired dresses, the exotic Lolita-styled dresses made innocent and child-like (and therefore safe yet cute).

Children's Clothing

For girl's fashion, expect dresses with flowing fabrics. This trend, which is more apparent in countries such as Australia and United Kingdom, is likely to be incorporated in kid's clothing-a far cry from the current trend of flesh showing for women's fashion. What not to expect in kid's clothing in 2011: velvet. Many fashion journalists are already seeing velvet as a major material in some of the biggest designs for next year-but it's unlikely that this material will enter the kid's clothing scene.