Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Potential Fashionista Column: India :D
Although I've never seen with my own eyes, I've always had an adoration towards my other heritage India. I've been fascinated by its cultural beauty, countless languages that are spoken among Indian people, diversity of each region, and, of course, delicious Indian food!
I'd like to take my column as an opportunity to explore a part of my roots, India, by introducing Saree which is a traditional clothes and Henna (Mehndi) which is a temporary tattoo made of flowering plants.
And I hope my next column will be enjoyed by as many readers as possible. Thanks! ;)
Body Art Mehndi (Henna)
Wedding Dress
Bollywood Start Rai Aishwarya
India's traditional clothes: Saree
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Fashionista International Edition: Yukata
Instead of writing all about western version, I'd like to introduce an eastern fashion of my dearest home, Japan. Although western fashion has very much established in Japan, beauty of Japanese traditions are still present.
Many of you might be familiar with Kimono which is a Japanese traditional clothing. But how many of you know about Yukata?
Yukata is a casual version of Kimono mostly worn among women. The word Yukata means bathing clothing. Like its root of word, Yukata used to be for outerwear after bath.
It is a popular traditional garment, especially among youth.Children dress in it looking adorable. And don't get me wrong, its worn, of course, by men as well. We wear it during the summer for big events like fire-works displays, dancing festivals, and other festivities.
Made of cotton, Yukata doesn't feel heavy compared with Kimono. I like Yukata better than Kimono, because it's comfortable to get around. On the other hand, Kimono comes with several garments making it a little harder to walk around, at least for me. ( It feels like I have another person weighing on me.)
While Kimono usually takes two to three people to put on, you can put Yukata on by yourself. Yukata is popular traditional clothes because of its pattern too.
The common patterns are summer flowers like day-lily, hydrangea and morning glory. Other patterns are roses, anemone and even butterflies.
As I searched (googled) the image of Yukata online, I found the Hello Kitty pattern which made me giggled. Yes, we Hello Kitty on anything from a toilet lid to a motorcycle, so why not on Yukata right?
Yukata varies in colors as well. Bright colors like blue, white, pink and yellow gives an impression of a breezy summer. The color of purple and red give an elegant look while bright colors have charming look.
Accessories are necessary for Yukata dressing. Types of accessories are as follows:
Obi - A sash tied up around the waist to stabilize Yukata
Geta - Wooden shoes (more like sandals) with a thong that's crossing between a first toe and the rest of toes
Kanzashi - Hair pin with a flower clip attached
Uchiwa - Paper fan to cool off from a typical humid summer in Japan (Also used to keep mosquitoes away)
Similar in western fashion, Yukata has evolved over the course of time. It's gotten knee-high instead of ankle-high. Some wear just simple beach sandals instead of Geta.
Thanks to the vertual shopping-mall (market), you don't need to go all the way to Japan, if you're interested in trying Yukata.You can purchase at Amazon or eBay at a price ranging from 40 dollars to 80 dollars. And they come in different sizes, patterns and colors.
Amazingly, Mini Yukata are also available on LioNella com. Models are wearing heels for foot wear; a great collaboration of eastern style and western style.
Don't worry, to learn steps of dressing in Yukata, tutorial is available on Wikihow and Youtube ( what a convenient world we now live in!)
Regardless of your interests, it would be my pleasure if you'll get an opportunity to experience in dressing Yukata that reflects values of Japanese culture.
Many of you might be familiar with Kimono which is a Japanese traditional clothing. But how many of you know about Yukata?
Yukata is a casual version of Kimono mostly worn among women. The word Yukata means bathing clothing. Like its root of word, Yukata used to be for outerwear after bath.
It is a popular traditional garment, especially among youth.Children dress in it looking adorable. And don't get me wrong, its worn, of course, by men as well. We wear it during the summer for big events like fire-works displays, dancing festivals, and other festivities.
Made of cotton, Yukata doesn't feel heavy compared with Kimono. I like Yukata better than Kimono, because it's comfortable to get around. On the other hand, Kimono comes with several garments making it a little harder to walk around, at least for me. ( It feels like I have another person weighing on me.)
While Kimono usually takes two to three people to put on, you can put Yukata on by yourself. Yukata is popular traditional clothes because of its pattern too.
The common patterns are summer flowers like day-lily, hydrangea and morning glory. Other patterns are roses, anemone and even butterflies.
As I searched (googled) the image of Yukata online, I found the Hello Kitty pattern which made me giggled. Yes, we Hello Kitty on anything from a toilet lid to a motorcycle, so why not on Yukata right?
Yukata varies in colors as well. Bright colors like blue, white, pink and yellow gives an impression of a breezy summer. The color of purple and red give an elegant look while bright colors have charming look.
Accessories are necessary for Yukata dressing. Types of accessories are as follows:
Obi - A sash tied up around the waist to stabilize Yukata
Geta - Wooden shoes (more like sandals) with a thong that's crossing between a first toe and the rest of toes
Kanzashi - Hair pin with a flower clip attached
Uchiwa - Paper fan to cool off from a typical humid summer in Japan (Also used to keep mosquitoes away)
Similar in western fashion, Yukata has evolved over the course of time. It's gotten knee-high instead of ankle-high. Some wear just simple beach sandals instead of Geta.
Thanks to the vertual shopping-mall (market), you don't need to go all the way to Japan, if you're interested in trying Yukata.You can purchase at Amazon or eBay at a price ranging from 40 dollars to 80 dollars. And they come in different sizes, patterns and colors.
Amazingly, Mini Yukata are also available on LioNella com. Models are wearing heels for foot wear; a great collaboration of eastern style and western style.
Don't worry, to learn steps of dressing in Yukata, tutorial is available on Wikihow and Youtube ( what a convenient world we now live in!)
Regardless of your interests, it would be my pleasure if you'll get an opportunity to experience in dressing Yukata that reflects values of Japanese culture.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Classic Skirts
Fashion revives. It constantly comes and goes. Nowadays, 60's, 70's, 80's fashion, and even 20's fashion are seen in a modern fashion. The coolest thing about this is that even if you weren't born in these times, you're able to go back in time by dressing up of the past.
One of trends that are back in style is skirts. Personally, there used to be a resistant within myself in wearing a skirt. It's not that I was a tom-boy, but whenever I went out, I wore jeans. To tell the truth, I needed some guts to wear skirts because I wasn't brave enough to make my legs appear. But not anymore. I've fallen in love with skirts that are dominating a scene. For so long, I was not taking an advantage of my own gender. Current designs of skirts are so cute that my resistance started to ease off. Now, I own more than several skirts.
Luckily, I can wear skirts without showing my legs; covering up with tights. If you prefer a girlie look, I suggest a flowery skirts. Even if the top is black, floral prints on skirts would spark your appearance. Besides, now that spring is here, flower printed skirts would match the season.
On the other hand, If you want to try a daring look, tulip skirt and high waisted skirt are options. Events like weddings, concerts, and social gatherings are suited for tulip skirts. If you want to dress formally, choose pencil skirts. For the top, wear a blouse with a blazer jacket. And then get your feet into ankle boots.
Another item is flared skirts. They may make you look childish, but they are easy and comfortable to wear. Nonetheless, they play a great role of bottom wear. Even just for chilling outside.
The lead of a fashion oftentimes come from films. My favorite classic movie actress (of all time) who I adore is Audrey Hepburn. In no doubt she was iconic in every sense of her movies as well as a role model of a fashion. Many envied her long legs, slender hips, and a perfect height. Whatever cloths she puts on, the audience, including myself, was mesmerized by it.
In the film "Roman Holiday," Hepburn was dressed up in a full circle skirt with a white blouse tucked in. (Throughout the movie she cleverly converted her original look by adding a scurf, sandals, and even chopping off her hair short.
Like hers was trans-formative, you can changer your look with just a simple touch.) Although my legs aren't like Audrey's, I've discovered a way. If you don't feel comfortable in wearing skirt with bare legs, wear tights. Tights will go along with any type or color of skirts, so there's nothing to be afraid of! Slip into skirts and glitz the style!
One of trends that are back in style is skirts. Personally, there used to be a resistant within myself in wearing a skirt. It's not that I was a tom-boy, but whenever I went out, I wore jeans. To tell the truth, I needed some guts to wear skirts because I wasn't brave enough to make my legs appear. But not anymore. I've fallen in love with skirts that are dominating a scene. For so long, I was not taking an advantage of my own gender. Current designs of skirts are so cute that my resistance started to ease off. Now, I own more than several skirts.
Luckily, I can wear skirts without showing my legs; covering up with tights. If you prefer a girlie look, I suggest a flowery skirts. Even if the top is black, floral prints on skirts would spark your appearance. Besides, now that spring is here, flower printed skirts would match the season.
On the other hand, If you want to try a daring look, tulip skirt and high waisted skirt are options. Events like weddings, concerts, and social gatherings are suited for tulip skirts. If you want to dress formally, choose pencil skirts. For the top, wear a blouse with a blazer jacket. And then get your feet into ankle boots.
Another item is flared skirts. They may make you look childish, but they are easy and comfortable to wear. Nonetheless, they play a great role of bottom wear. Even just for chilling outside.
The lead of a fashion oftentimes come from films. My favorite classic movie actress (of all time) who I adore is Audrey Hepburn. In no doubt she was iconic in every sense of her movies as well as a role model of a fashion. Many envied her long legs, slender hips, and a perfect height. Whatever cloths she puts on, the audience, including myself, was mesmerized by it.
In the film "Roman Holiday," Hepburn was dressed up in a full circle skirt with a white blouse tucked in. (Throughout the movie she cleverly converted her original look by adding a scurf, sandals, and even chopping off her hair short.
Like hers was trans-formative, you can changer your look with just a simple touch.) Although my legs aren't like Audrey's, I've discovered a way. If you don't feel comfortable in wearing skirt with bare legs, wear tights. Tights will go along with any type or color of skirts, so there's nothing to be afraid of! Slip into skirts and glitz the style!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Flat Shoes
Have you ever heard of a saying, "Shoes are where the fashion starts from?" Well, it could be true.
My interpretation of this phrase is that shoes are like a transformer of a look. Whatever cloths you put on, shoes often determines if the look is good or not. Depends on what kind of footwear you choose, you can make yourself look either casual, classy or boring. Because shoes can make instantly stylish! They are an element of a successful look. Dressy shoes such as pumps and heels are common items among women as well as flat shoes.
Though they are not suitable for walking miles, flat shoes are best suited to formal occasions like going to church, going to work (office), and even going to the wedding. If you care enough about fashion, I recommend adding a pair of flat shoes to your shoe collection.
Unlike boots, flat shoes don't have heels. They may not help you with your height, but they surely help you become a stylista! My personal choice of color is always chocolate-brown because this color doesn't come off gaudy. Besides, when the color of shoes is darker than an outfit, it allows an outfit to be the main character.
Like I mentioned earlier, if you choose the right color of shoes, you don't need to think hard of an outfit as much. If you prefer brighter color and don't hesitate getting people's attention, try red. As long as an outfit is not loud, red flat shoes are awesome composer of the vogue. So go for it!
In regard to the price, flat shoes can be purchased at between $20-30. Target is selling black flat shoes with a black ribbon (bow) on the front at $24.99. Some are excellently affordable price at $12.99. Different colors of flat shoes are offered at Payless ShoeSource, and they are sold at $22.99 on average.
Sometimes shoes are a little bit pricy, but if you want to upgrade your look, shop at Nine West; most of them are available at $79. There are various colors along with designs. My long-time favorite clothing store, Forever21 is selling flat shoes that range in patterns. There are leopard printed, rhinestones with beaded, and floral printed ones. Above are all available to view at their websites. (Even if you don't consider getting them, it's fun to surf through the world of flat shoes!)
Many Hollywood actresses have been seen with flat shoes both on and off the movies. Although her shoes are slightly different than flat shoes, the vivid picture of them that perhaps anyone can imagine is Dorothy's sparkly red shoes form the movie "The Wizard of Oz."
It might be too flashy to wear hers in reality, but to borrow her phrase, "There's no goodies like (flat) shoes!"
My interpretation of this phrase is that shoes are like a transformer of a look. Whatever cloths you put on, shoes often determines if the look is good or not. Depends on what kind of footwear you choose, you can make yourself look either casual, classy or boring. Because shoes can make instantly stylish! They are an element of a successful look. Dressy shoes such as pumps and heels are common items among women as well as flat shoes.
Though they are not suitable for walking miles, flat shoes are best suited to formal occasions like going to church, going to work (office), and even going to the wedding. If you care enough about fashion, I recommend adding a pair of flat shoes to your shoe collection.
Unlike boots, flat shoes don't have heels. They may not help you with your height, but they surely help you become a stylista! My personal choice of color is always chocolate-brown because this color doesn't come off gaudy. Besides, when the color of shoes is darker than an outfit, it allows an outfit to be the main character.
Like I mentioned earlier, if you choose the right color of shoes, you don't need to think hard of an outfit as much. If you prefer brighter color and don't hesitate getting people's attention, try red. As long as an outfit is not loud, red flat shoes are awesome composer of the vogue. So go for it!
In regard to the price, flat shoes can be purchased at between $20-30. Target is selling black flat shoes with a black ribbon (bow) on the front at $24.99. Some are excellently affordable price at $12.99. Different colors of flat shoes are offered at Payless ShoeSource, and they are sold at $22.99 on average.
Sometimes shoes are a little bit pricy, but if you want to upgrade your look, shop at Nine West; most of them are available at $79. There are various colors along with designs. My long-time favorite clothing store, Forever21 is selling flat shoes that range in patterns. There are leopard printed, rhinestones with beaded, and floral printed ones. Above are all available to view at their websites. (Even if you don't consider getting them, it's fun to surf through the world of flat shoes!)
Many Hollywood actresses have been seen with flat shoes both on and off the movies. Although her shoes are slightly different than flat shoes, the vivid picture of them that perhaps anyone can imagine is Dorothy's sparkly red shoes form the movie "The Wizard of Oz."
It might be too flashy to wear hers in reality, but to borrow her phrase, "There's no goodies like (flat) shoes!"
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Spring Alert: Sundress Fever
With the blaze of the sun that seems to be appearing more than before, time for sundresses is just around the corner. Feeling a warm touch of the sun on the skin, sundresses make it possible to enjoy the brisk breeze of the spring.
Like every spring, I have no doubt that sundresses will take over streets this year as well. Sundress is a casual dress that is easy and comfortable to wear. They are also light and are mostly made out of cotton. It's popularity doesn't tend to fall down while the spring comes around. Youngsters that are aware of fashion never forget to keep sundresses of one or two in their closet. Let’s take a look at types of dresses that had been trend for the spring.
Regardless of the dress color of hot pink, yellow or turquoise, bright vibrant colored dress have enough impact that they can be worn with simple footwear like flip-flops; flip-flops are almost necessities for spring fashion.
To go for an adorable look, floral printed dress is the best item. Floral printed dress light up the style that flat shoes will match the pattern. If you add a belt to it, there you'll have a flattering look.
Speaking of which, there are varieties of belts that can go along with dresses, and that you can choose from depending on type of a dress. I'm not talking about typical belts that businessmen wear, but I'm talking about fashionable belts that help the style look iconic and unique.
Wide belts started to come back into style a couple years ago that those are effective items for dresses like ruffle dress and one shoulder. If you were to go to a birthday party or barbeque get together, a wide belt is a classy way of completing the style. (Watch out on eating too much food though. You might feel a little too tight squeezed.)
Since a floral printed dress is already charming and relaxed, skinny belt will be perfect for an accent.
Just like braided belts are wrapped around denim, try them with white sundress. What to step outside with? The dark brown cowboy boots!A pair of cowboy boots come in handy because you can wear them with jeans too.
With or without the spritz of a belt, sundresses can be worn anytime of a day. So fling out of the room with a favorite sundress, and let your spring jazz up!
Like every spring, I have no doubt that sundresses will take over streets this year as well. Sundress is a casual dress that is easy and comfortable to wear. They are also light and are mostly made out of cotton. It's popularity doesn't tend to fall down while the spring comes around. Youngsters that are aware of fashion never forget to keep sundresses of one or two in their closet. Let’s take a look at types of dresses that had been trend for the spring.
Regardless of the dress color of hot pink, yellow or turquoise, bright vibrant colored dress have enough impact that they can be worn with simple footwear like flip-flops; flip-flops are almost necessities for spring fashion.
To go for an adorable look, floral printed dress is the best item. Floral printed dress light up the style that flat shoes will match the pattern. If you add a belt to it, there you'll have a flattering look.
Speaking of which, there are varieties of belts that can go along with dresses, and that you can choose from depending on type of a dress. I'm not talking about typical belts that businessmen wear, but I'm talking about fashionable belts that help the style look iconic and unique.
Wide belts started to come back into style a couple years ago that those are effective items for dresses like ruffle dress and one shoulder. If you were to go to a birthday party or barbeque get together, a wide belt is a classy way of completing the style. (Watch out on eating too much food though. You might feel a little too tight squeezed.)
Since a floral printed dress is already charming and relaxed, skinny belt will be perfect for an accent.
Just like braided belts are wrapped around denim, try them with white sundress. What to step outside with? The dark brown cowboy boots!A pair of cowboy boots come in handy because you can wear them with jeans too.
With or without the spritz of a belt, sundresses can be worn anytime of a day. So fling out of the room with a favorite sundress, and let your spring jazz up!
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