Fashion is a powerful cultural feature that means different things to different people. To some, it is a strong emotion bordering on fanaticism while to others it is a non-event. People the world over - just like you - have often wondered why they find themselves thumbing through fashion magazines, concerned about the seasonal wardrobe revamp and why it has to be done every three months. Those in the Fashion business create clothes and styles for all sorts, and their market depends on consumers replacing their wardrobe periodically. Interestingly Fashion is rarely an original creation. Rather it follows a periodic cycle with styles constantly repeating over the decades.
While you may not be fortunate enough to be able to hop from city to city or from country to country to pick up high-end fashion from your chosen designer, you can pay attention to the reviews and ratings posted in the news, and find advice on creating your own high-fashion wardrobe. Most trends in women's high-end apparel fashion start in the ever popular Paris, London, Milan, and New York City. These hubs of the fashion industry are great forecasters of the cutting edge styles and materials that will be adapted for mainstream shoppers years down the road. For a long time, Paris was the Mecca of fashion for cutting-edge couture. Now, several cities throughout the world have earned just about the same respect and provide eye-popping fashion-forward designs. In general, as long as the designer and district has caught the attention of forecasters, the industry and a market, the designer's work can withstand competing with nearly any big name in the world.
Pants, for instance, came into vogue in the Middle Ages and their invention stemmed from women farm workers. Traditionally they wore long skirts, and in order to prevent them from getting muddy, the back of the skirts were pulled up between their legs and tucked into their waist. And so pants were created! Much later, pants came to Europe and became the normal choice for men. Pants are usually referred to as a "pair of pants", for until the 17th Century they were made using a separate sheath of fabric for each leg, then tied by a belt at the top. Each legging was called a "pantaloon". The Americans coined the term "pants" in 1840's and it was considered a vulgar term at that time. In the early 1900's, Denim Pants came into vogue to act as tough coveralls for mine workers. It was only in the 1940's that demin became fashionable.
No fashion forecaster is naive or vane enough to predict which clothing designs are sufficiently influential to change how the entire industry makes apparel. Or how long today's fashion will last. In fact, few fashion forecasters are willing to bet on what direction apparel fashion will take even for the next season...
Whether you sport blue jeans and a tee shirt or a power suit and tie, you can be sure that it was a fashion statement in the past and will be a again soon. Fashion is here to stay for as long as man has bodies and culture. Our need will be ever present to drape our frames in fabrics, add color to our faces and nails and futher decorate ourselves with stones attached to precious metal chains and ringlets. Many will see fashion as the way to reflect their identity and position in the community.
Every woman needs an elegant handbag. It is more than a fashion accessory, as it reflects your style, personality and look; it is with you all day long and keeps all your essentials safe and accessible; it puts the finishing touch to your whole image, so the finding the right bag is an important and often overwhelming decision.
How do you choose between all the many styles of luxury bags available today? If you can afford to go mad and buy a bag to go with each outfit, then you don't have a problem (except for needing more closet space!) but those of us with a more limited budget can invest in three good quality handbags to meet all our needs and still maintain a stylish and elegant image.
1.First of all you need a handbag that reflects your professional image to wear to work every day and complement your business wardrobe. Invest in excellent quality leather and good sleek design. Classic styles such as a crocodile or ostrich Birkins or Kelly bags, in black or neutral colors, work well and will be an investment that will last you for years, as those styles never go out of fashion. Make sure the inside of the handbag is as well designed as the exterior, with plenty of pockets and compartments to keep work papers and personal items organised and easily accessible.
2.You also need a casual bag for leisure time and weekends. Choose one of the current, fun, fashionable styles, which are big and roomy and come in a huge range of colors: a soft, sensual python hobo that fits comfortably over your shoulder or a bright tote with loads of room and long handles to tuck over your shoulder. Think carefully about the color. Will it work for both winter and summer? Is it a color that will work next year too? This bag is the one that should reflect your youthful and fun-loving inner self, so indulge yourself with this choice. Go for classic styles for your work and evening bags and have fun with this one!
3.Last of all for a basic handbag wardrobe, you need an elegant evening bag. If you go out a lot you may want more than one to suit different events and outfits, but for now if you are choosing just one, go for a timeless classic that will last for years, like a simple clutch with a removable chain shoulder strap for versatility, in python or crocodile leather. Black is always a safe and glamorous choice, but neutrals like cream or brown are also endlessly versatile, withstand the changes of fashion and will last you for years.
Once you have these three basics in your handbag wardrobe you can add to them gradually over the years. Just make sure that you invest in top quality bags, which will reflect your stylish and elegant image. Luxury handbags may not be cheap but the investment pays off as they still look just as beautiful and chic after many years of use, so you can build up a fine collection of elegant bags over time.
Both Astel Mannering & Kit Heathcock are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Astel Mannering has sinced written about articles on various topics from Women. Copyright 2006 Astel Mannering. All rights reserved. Astel Mannering is proprietor of Fashion Stylz, providing a wealth of fashions and style information. More info at. Astel Mannering's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Kit Heathcock has sinced written about articles on various topics from Audio Books, Photography and Cooking Tips. Kit Heathcock is a freelance writer contributing to the Italian luxury handbag maker's website. Read more on or s. Kit Heathcock's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.