Feminin Zone

Nisse Hulth asked:

The fashion world has long been filled with glitz and glamour. The ramp for models is always long, dramatic, and well-lighted. The walk is certainly a walk for fame, fortunately for aspirants but sometimes leading to a walk for shame. Who is behind all these promises and/or even breakdowns? No less than the fashion designers.

What, exactly, does a fashion designer do?

Basically, with streaks of talent, creativity, and sensitivity, fashion designers, as if influenced by Rumpelstiltskin, craft accessory and clothing sketches. They usually concentrate in one nature of accessory or garment such as women’s or men’s apparels, swimwear, lingerie, children’s garments, handbags, and even shoes. They, sometimes, lead the groundwork of the creation and promotion of their creations.

Famous fashion designers prefer to be self-employed and they cater for the request of their clients. Some cater to high-fashion department stores or to specialty stores. They establish fashion statements by setting the colors, silhouette, and type of materials that are worn each season.

There are also some designers who are employed by manufacturers of clothes. These designers just adapt fashion statements set by other designers for the market. However, there are small manufacturers who just purchase or copy designs.

Both designers sketch unique garments and follow certain trends in fashion. Likewise, both need assistants who should get used to the fast-paced schedule of the fashion business.

In detail, these designers execute the following tasks:

• Draw their unique designs.

• Create patterns for sample garments.

• Choose textile and add-ons (accessories).

• Apply tailoring and basic dressmaking principles along with draping techniques and flat pattern works.

• Fit and alter the completed product, if necessary.

• Set-up a fashion show.

• Compare the performance of the merchandise against the competitors.

• Keep self up-to-date of latest fashion trends thru magazines and other fashion shows.

• Have frequent trips to fabric showrooms to keep self updated of latest type of fabrics.

Actually, fashion designers can be categorized as follows:

1. Lead or Head Designers

They take care of the executive and creative tasks.

2. Assistant or Apprentice Designers

They usually make patterns and sample garments. They may also teach sample makers how to make patterns and designer garments.

3. Specialty Designers

They coordinate with other designers about special lines of garments.

4. Costume or Theatrical Designers

They usually create costumes used in theater and movie productions on a contractual basis.

The foundations for their creations are their knowledge, skills, and abilities honed in fashion schools and trainings in the long run.

• Basic Design – This refers to technical know-how included in the creation and use of technical blueprints, drawings, plans, and models.

• Idea Production – This is the ability of designers to approach problems creatively and resourcefully.

• Dynamic Learning – This is being able to analyze implications of new information and materials at hand.

• Operations Scrutiny – This is considering requirements of products to execute a design.

• Uniqueness – This pertains to unusual cleverness vis-à-vis trying situations.

• Harmonization – This is being able to having good coordination with others.

• Visioning – This is being able to see how an organization works under real conditions.

The talents and skills of these artists are really important in the fashion industry. The work requires an eye for a striking creation and business management. Thus, aside from the portfolio of their usually creations, formal education help these designers acquire the secrets of the trade in this business. In fact, graduation from a college or school that provides training on fashion and design is highly recommended in the industry, to keep incoming designers updated on the advent of new techniques and technologies.

However, some leaders of this industry view vocational training schools and community college as more capable of producing competent artists because these institutions work along with clothing industries.

Vocational schools provide trainings in sketching, draping and grading, pattern making, garment construction, textiles and trimmings, costume history, principles of design and color; and how to plan and market seasonal fashion lines.

High school students inclined in fashion and design should finish basic courses in arts, sewing, mathematics, speech, English, and business.

Usually, vocational institutions provide a two-leveled program with certificate that is consonant to the degree in Associate of Arts. For those who want to enter the fashion field immediately, a first level certificate of proficiency is provided. The next level of proficiency, the second-level requires a greater time of completion. But upon graduation, artists are considered competent enough to aim for positions as Assistant Designers. After all the necessary formal trainings and specializations, those who have the guts and high hopes spin gold fabrics!

Michael OBrien asked:




With over two dozen factories around the world the Citizen Watch Company has been producing quality precision watches and timepieces since the company was founded in 1930. The years have seen the company grow and expand into other technology products and became a major force in the digital liquid crystal display, microelectronics and optical devices markets.

 

The expertise the company gained through the introduction of quartz timepieces was significant to the tremendous growth in the production of televisions and high resolution digital projectors.

 

Since the founding of the company, over two hundred million watches have been produced. Though competing companies such as Casio have gained ground in the growing market for practical and rugged watches, the Citizen Watch Company lays claim to introducing the first line of shockproof watches as well as waterproof watches designed for the rigors of diving. Seeing a market for affordable and reliable timepieces that Citizen had, as part of its mission, the idea of offering quality watches that would be within reach of people of modest means. This goal was made possible in part by designing watches that were durable enough for everyday wear and less likely to break under conditions of average use.

 

In the years after World War Two, Japanese manufacturers saw great opportunity in the development of highly precise machine tools supporting everything from automobile production to the manufacture of aircraft.  Many Japanese companies incorporated the engineering philosophy of design for manufacturability. The guiding principle behind this philosophy was to integrate the design and manufacturing functions which in turn led to increased production efficiencies and increased levels of quality. These lessons were not lost on the growing Citizen Company and the result was the production of very precise watch components, greater reliability and ease of repair.

 

Seiko Watch HistorySince the end of World War Two, Japanese manufacturers have brought innovation, style and reliability to a wide range of products from cars, computers, cameras and a host of other hi-tech consumer goods. Competing on the world stage, Japan has earned its reputation for giving consumers good value. A shortage of physical space and few natural resources has driven the Japanese to become extremely efficient and focused on detail.  All of these attributes can be found in companies like Seiko which has become the first name in Japanese timekeeping technology, with a reputation that predates the war by over four decades.

 

Founded in the late nineteenth century, Seiko was a major of clocks and watches, producing its first wrist watches beginning in nineteen thirteen, with the brand name of Seiko first appearing on timepieces in nineteen twenty four. The Seiko brand name gained worldwide notoriety as a result of the nineteen sixty four Olympic Games held in Tokyo. Seiko earned the honor as official timekeeper during the games which were the first Olympic competition to be widely broadcast on television and Seiko has continued its relationship with the Olympic Games as well as providing trusted timekeeping technologies to other major sporting events including the World Cup.

 

Seiko has developed a reputation for innovative designs and features not found on other brands of wrist watches. Taking full technological advantage of quartz and microelectronics, Seiko introduced the first digital watch that featured a multifunction design not found on other digital wrist watches. Seiko became known for its ultra-accurate self winding watches that incorporated integrated circuit technology. Further use of microelectronics can be seen in the worlds first television watch which was introduced by Seiko in nineteen eighty two. In nineteen eighty four Seiko produced a watch that featured with functions that mimicked those found in early personal computers. In addition to watches and other timepieces, Seiko has expanded its product offerings to include precision optics.

Scott Parham asked:




Rolex is one of the world’s biggest luxury watch brands. Since it carries a price premium, Rolex has become a status symbol for people. If we go by its history, in 1905, German watchmaker Hans Wilsdorf and his brother in law, Alfred Davis started a watch making company named ‘Wilsdorf and Davis’ in London. Wilsdorf registered the company later as ‘Rolex’ in 1908. He named it so, as he wanted a brand name that can be easily pronounced in any language. Since then, Rolex has dominated luxury watch segment in a big way. A typical quartz watch has 50-100 parts, but a typical Rolex has around 220 parts which take a year to manufacture.

Watches are the perfect accessories that people look out for. Now, you too can own a Rolex watch at the most competitive price through Melrose Jewelers. They are one of the largest global importers and distributors of preowned Rolex watches both for men and women at affordable prices. They purchase only the finest vintage and modern pre-owned watches, which are then carefully restored by experienced technicians to ensure accurate and reliable time keeping. The polishers at the company are trained to make the watches look brand new. Their suppliers were carefully selected and verified to meet quality and authenticity standards.

To purchase a Rolex watch you may visit their website at melrosejewelers.com. Their wholesale parent company allows them to offer you genuine Rolex watches at affordable prices. Every purchase of Rolex watch receives a full appraisal from the Los Angeles International Gemological Laboratory.

You get a wide range to choose one that best suits the style and persona of the user. There are two broad categories of Rolex watches that they deal with: Rolex Presidents and Rolex Datejusts. Each category offers a wide range. The maximum variety is available in the category of Rolex Datejusts. For instance, you can go for Fluted Bezel Rolex Datejust, Beadset Diamond Bezel Rolex Datejust, Specialty Diamond Bezel Rolex Datejust, String Diamond Dial Rolex Datejust or SS Jubilee Rolex Datejusts.

You can simply order your Rolex watch by visiting their website. Once ordered, it reaches you in 3-4 business days. All Rolex watches come with a 1-year warranty. You also get a customized Melrose Jewelers leather & velvet interior watch box, a hand-sewn watch polishing cloth and an instruction manual, with every purchase.

Melrose Jewelers also offers custom accessories for your Rolex watch such as Italian made gold and diamond bands, bezels and diamond dials, featuring quality diamonds and marvelous craftsmanship.

Editor123 asked:




One might be wondering if there are any stylish pearl rings out there. When one thinks of rings with a pearl centrepiece, what pops into mind is a ring band with a round white pearl on top.

One would be surprised on how many pearl rings have elaborate designs and stylish looks. The pearls alone have different sizes, color and quality and making it a centrepiece of a ring would be a jewellers dream. The most beautiful rings with a pearl as its center rely on the design of the band and base of the pearl to pull off an elegant look.

One can the band and base of the pearl be fabricated to one’s tastes. It can be thin and stylish with a small pearl on top of it. One can use different colored pearls of different sizes to use in the ring allowing the band and base of the pearl accent the beauty of the pearl.

Some combine two pearls of different sizes and color to make it look very elegant and stylish. The key thing is the bands and the accents. The more the band and accents work well with the pearl, the better it will be.

There are rings that use other gemstones as accents. Small diamond or rubies beautifully laid out as an accent for the center pearl will only make the ring more stunning.

There are a lot of pearl rings one can choose from. When one decides to own one, one must take great care of it and clean it regularly so the pearl will keep its luster.

Online Shopping asked:




Today, a lot of us lead such busy lives that sometimes; we just do not have the time to shop for clothes. Fortunately, however, there is the Internet. As you go online, you would discover that the Internet offers a lot of great selections as far as apparel and accessories are concerned, among many other things that could be bought online.

Buying apparel and accessories online, however, would require you to follow some few guidelines to make sure that your whole shopping experience is safe and fruitful.

You would first need to do your research. You could easily find customer reviews online to help you in choosing which online stores to shop from. Particularly check reviews on the quality of the merchandise, the time of delivery, as well as the customer service provided.

You could then hunt for bargains. You might be able to purchase the same item at another website for a fraction of the price. Make sure that you have looked around before you start giving your credit card number. There are also some stores that have lower shipping costs. You could also check for coupons, sales and discount codes that could lower the price tag even further.

Try to visit eBay or other auction websites, as they are great places for experimenting with great new styles and fashions. You could buy apparel and accessories that have been slightly used, at a fraction of the price and still look and feel like new.

Study the sizing charts. Make sure that you check out the online store’s sizing charts as it could prove to be very helpful and useful in making sure that you are getting the right size for you. You would also need to know the material of the item, as there are some fabrics that shrink after washing.

Adam Singleton asked:




Autumn and winter fashions have been paving the runways for months, shedding light on this year’s hottest trends. From styles, colours, and textures to key season pieces, anyone can shop for autumn and winter apparel with an eye for top 2009 trends.

One way to follow 2009’s autumn and winter fashions is to grasp some of the key “looks” and themes making their way through the seasons. For instance, two of the main eras that have appeared in many season collections include the 1940s and the 1980s – with ’40s styles offering practical fabrics like wools and tweeds, and ’80s trends accentuating the shoulders and displaying loud colours and patterns.

What’s more, two key themes running through the seasons include: the merging of masculine with feminine styles – for instance, a pairing of masculine tailoring with ruffled and lacy pieces – and the glamour punk and grunge look – brining leather, studs, zips, buckles, and metallics into the limelight.

When it comes to key fashion trends, colours make up a major component of style. This year’s seasonal colours include black, grey in all shades, warm golds and rich browns. However, bright, colourful hues – such as red, pink, purple, blues of all tones and different greens – will help break up the winter hues. Animal prints – from zebra stripes to leopard spots – are also emerging within the 80s trends, as are monochrome combination prints. Key textures include leather, velvet, silk, wools, tweeds, shearling and sheepskins, not to mention sequinned and sparkly fabrics.

Once you’re familiar with this autumn and winter’s themes, colours and textures, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a set of key season pieces, some of which include classic camel coats, professional white shirts, skirt suits, chic pencil skirts, one-shoulder dress, and boots of every kind. Leggings are also making a huge comeback, paired with dresses and chunky sweaters.

Finally, who could forget the little black dress? A classic element for any season, but an absolute must this autumn and winter. Whether you choose to go with a full-layered skirt or a more fitted look, make the little black dress one of your first buys this season. Structured dresses are another major element of 2009’s hottest trends.

Keeping these simple yet defining fashion guidelines in mind, you’re set to approach 2009’s autumn and winter fashion trends with an eye for what’s in and be the focal point of your friends’ fashion questions.

Sarah Porter asked:




For all of the invitations and that are sent out for weddings, the wording is perhaps the most important. The wording for these pieces of stationery will set the tone for the event and give guests a good idea as to what to expect. The most important pieces of stationery that are sent out need the best wording and this means paying particular attention to bridal shower invitations wording, wedding announcements wording, wedding shower invitations wording, and marriage announcements wedding.Bridal shower invitations wordings, verses and sayings can be kept very fun and light, especially if the event is going to be a casual affair, such as a lingerie bridal shower.

Traditional bridal shower invitation wording could say, “Please join us for a bridal shower in honor of the bride-to-be, Elizabeth Clark,” and follow with the details of the shower. Bridal showers can also be casual. For instance, a lingerie bridal shower wording could say, ”Elizabeth is about to walk down the aisle; Let’s shower her with silk and lace that will make the groom smile.” However formal the event, the bridal shower invitations wording needs to be focusing attention on the bride and the theme of the event.

Events such as bridal showers also require thank you cards. Bridal shower thank you card wording should also keep within the theme of the event. If the shower was formal, with formal invitations and perhaps catering, the bridal shower thank you card wording should reflect that. The bride can generally write whatever she wishes on the inside of the card but the bridal shower thank you card wording that’s printed on the front of the card should say something such as, “I am filled with gratitude for your presence at my bridal shower.” For something more casual such as a lingerie bridal shower, the bridal shower thank you card wording could say, “Thanks for coming to my shower; I’m thrilled that you were there! To start my marriage off right, thanks for the underwear!”

Wedding announcements wording, elopement announcements wording, and engagement announcements wording will all be fairly alike. These announcements are simply to tell people that you have wed, or that you will be wed. Elopement announcement wording can be much like wedding announcement wording and does not necessarily need to include the fact that you have eloped. Something such as, “Ms. Elizabeth Clark and Richard Dayton were married on June 30, 2007” would be appropriate.

Rehearsal dinner invitation wording can be a little bit tricky as many of the guests may not be sure what to expect from the rehearsal dinner. For a formal ceremony, the rehearsal dinner usually means rehearsing the ceremony, with dinner to follow. This rehearsal dinner invitation wording could say, “We request your presence at the rehearsal dinner on June 29th, to rehearse the ceremony with a delicious meal to follow.” For a casual wedding there may be no actual rehearsal required so this rehearsal dinner invitation wording could say, “Let’s sit down to eat together before the stress of the big day!”

Whatever stationery you are sending out, the wording is very important. Online retailers and wedding planners can help with unique bridal shower wording ideas, wedding announcements wording verses and sayings for bridal shower invitations that will be perfect for any piece of wedding mail you are sending out.

ajay asked:




Pearls have been a favorite with men and women since times immemorial. In the past, you had Rajas and Maharajas wearing elaborate pearl jewelry. These days, you can see portraits of rich kings, princes and ladies adorned with beautiful pearl jewelry. Among the different kinds of pearls, white pearl jewelry is by far the most common and the most popular. Even today, you find a large majority of consumers opting for white pearl jewelry.

To a large extent, tradition and culture have played an important role in the predominance of white pearl jewelry. Most Christian weddings have brides and bridesmaids adorned with strands of white pearls, even though a lot of this jewelry is fake. White pearls have come to symbolize purity, truth and innocence. They stand for longevity and faithfulness, which explains why white pearls are quite common in engagement rings and anniversary pendants.

Before cultured pearls overtook the market, almost all pearls were white, rose or cream. White pearl jewelry is popular because of its natural iridescence, luster and purity. White pearls are more abundant and are therefore less expensive, particularly when compared with their rose or gold cousins.

White pearls are generally freshwater pearls. You also find white pearls among South Sea Pearls. These white pearls grow to amazing sizes, sometimes touching 15 mm or more in diameter. White South Sea Pearls have a satiny luster, which makes them look sophisticated and elegant. White Akoya pearls are more common and they are what most people mean when they talk about white pearl jewelry. Akoya pearls are smaller, near round and perfect in shape. They are easily farmed, so abundantly available.

The most common item made using white pearls is the white pearl necklace. The most common styles for these are choker, rope, opera, matinee and princess. White pearls can go naturally with any other gemstone or metal. So, you can combine them nicely with gold, silver, platinum and gemstones. Whether you use them alone or in combination with other gems, white pearl jewelry looks stunning. Since white pearls come in all sizes, women of all ages can use them. Generally, young women and girls use small to medium pearls, while older women prefer larger pearls. In the past, the size of the pearl worn by a woman reflected her status and marital status. This tradition has seeped into the modern age.

White pearls are very popular because they easily complement any style or dress. You can wear them to the office or to a disco, and still look cool. But you must choose the right kind of pearl color for your skin tone if you want to get maximum mileage from your pearl jewelry. So, people with darker skin tones prefer creamy tones, while those with fair skin tones opt for cooler tones. However, white pearl jewelry is so common and such a unanimous favorite that all women love wearing it regardless of age and skin tone.

Michael Wright asked:




Color contact lenses are the latest trend in fashion. These hot fashion accessories make your eyes look stunning. They completely transform your look and there are so many to choose from. The variety of colors available not only change your eye color, these fashion accessories even have designs on them for theme and costume parties, such as for Halloween or Valentine’s Day, etc.

These color contact lenses are simply cosmetic accessories, and not for medical purposes, and so should be used only temporarily, for a short period of time. Most of the people using color contact lenses do not have a vision problem, and use them only as a fashion accessory. People with vision problem, too, can have color contacts made, based on their prescription, and should consult their ophthalmologist beforehand.

The Latest Fashion Trend

If you want to be the center of attention in a gathering or a party, color contact lenses are the answer. Color contact lenses provide you with the versatility to change your eye color to any color you want – instantly, and are great fun.

These fashion accessories are available from a number of sources including beauty salons, some doctors, and novelty stores – which normally would stock Halloween contact lenses. You can have a larger selection of color contact lenses from online retailers, and these could be less expensive than buying from other sources.

There are two main types of color contact lenses, just as there are for normal contacts. They are the disposable types, and the ones for extended wear. The extended wear contact lenses can be used up to a year, and sometimes even longer, depending on your usage. Disposable contact lenses are worn for shorter periods – for about a week or so. Such contact lenses come, more or less, in packs of six pairs.

Therefore, whether you buy disposables or extended wear color contact lenses as an accessory for fashion, depends on your usage. If you wish to have green eyes more often, it would probably be better to go for extended wear lenses. If on the other hand, your color contact lenses are for use on Halloween Day only, or on Valentine’s Day, it is advisable to go for disposable types. Today, most doctors recommend disposable contact lenses even in the prescription category, and it is equally applicable for contact lenses for cosmetic purposes.

Colors In Contact Lenses

Blue is the most popular in color contact lenses. Many people, born with eyes of different colors, prefer blue eyes, and some people with blue eyes wish theirs were of a brighter hue. You can have blue contacts in a variety of hues, up to a true vivid blue. Green is another color sought by those looking for color contacts as fashion accessories. Green, whether jade green or emerald green, exudes sexuality, and is appropriate for those wishing to bring out their wild side!

People with dark eyes and medium to dark skin can create a mysterious look with amethyst color contact lenses. Natural amethyst, or purple, color eyes are very rare, and with your contact lenses in purple color, you will be noticed.

There is another way of being noticed without changing the natural color of your eyes. It is by using contact lenses with a ‘definition ring.’ These are clear lenses with a dark ring that outlines the natural color of your eyes, adding depth to them and makes your eyes appear large. One other type of color contact lenses have an illuminating effect that lend sparkle to your eyes, exuding with life and happiness. These are a great way of drawing attention to your eyes.

Also popular for cosmetic uses are a variety of contact lenses used on particular occasions. Valentine’s Day color contact lenses come in a variety of different colors with hearts in various shapes and styles painted on them. For Halloween too, there is an endless variety to select from creating great effects, such as cat eye, ice fire, red hot, black, red and white spiral, wolf, and many others.

Safe Use Of Color Contact Lenses

As this particular fashion accessory comes in touch with your eyes – a delicate organ – every time you use it, care needs to be taken each and every time. There are ways of using color contacts so that they do not give you any problem. The two main reasons why color contact lenses used as fashion accessories may cause problems to your eyes are:

Buying color contact lenses that are of inferior quality, and without the doctor’s prescription.

Not taking good care of your color contact lenses.

You may normally be buying your fashion accessories, such as jewelry, from beauty salons, and at times from the flea market. Buying color contacts from such places could be dangerous, as most paints are toxic. You need to buy your color contact lenses from places where they are properly manufactured. Without a doctor’s prescription, most color contact lenses do not meet the basic requirements avoiding direct contact between the paint and the sensitive surface of your eyes.

The other safety rules you need to follow are:

Even if you do not need vision correction contacts, it is best to obtain a doctor’s prescription to select the best lenses there are.

Buying color contacts may be less expensive online, still buy from a reputable online retailer.

As a fashion accessory, color contact lenses need to be worn for shorter periods. Do not wear such contacts for more than 8 to 9 hours, as most block the flow of oxygen to your eyes, which could cause problem.

Though certain color contacts come with the FDA approval to wear continuously for 7 days at a stretch, it is always advisable not to risk eye health, even with the best of color contacts available.

Always remove your color contacts while swimming. Other than the chance of losing your lens in water, there is every chance of water creating a condition favorable to bacteria growth.

If bought from a reputed source, and used safely, your color contact lenses will make a great fashion accessory.

cherry asked:

Wondering how to make a statement this fall with accessories? Instead of turning to statement necklaces, consider chunky bracelets instead. These styles will hold their own against the heavier fabrics that are needed to keep you warm. Here are some of top tips for choosing the right bracelets to compliment your cool weather look:

Keep it simple – Chunky bracelets don’t necessarily need to be embellished and heavily adorned. In fact, some of the hottest styles are those where simplicity reigns supreme. For example, try bracelets with classic shapes and supersized features. A yellow gold bangle in chunky chain link or shiny metal adds just the right amount of flair to an outfit.

Add some color – Colored enamel bracelets are flying off the racks this year. With yummy colors to brighten up your gear, you can wear these bracelets to work or for play. Look for pieces that use one solid color like cobalt blue or turquoise, or ones that have geometric blocks of color. Wear with contrasting fabrics like orange or red for a unique style statement.

It’s all in the details – Cuff bracelets don’t have to be over the top to make maximum impact. Maybe there is some great finish or a special handcrafted detail that makes it special. Try bracelets that are made from hammered metal, have a muted finish or are engraved with a fun design. These pieces are versatile enough to go with many pieces in your closet, so you can be sure you’ll get your wear out of them.

Stretch it out – If you’re looking for bracelets that will fit any size wrist, consider stretchy bracelets. These are comfortable and easy to wear. Best of all, they’re completely affordable. If you’re going for mega sized beads, stones or pearls, stretch bracelets are a great style solution.