July 2, 2010

StreetWear Trends

One of the best things about Streetwear is that there is no one right way to wear something. While celebrities and in particular hip hop artists and rappers play a big role in influencing Streetwear, essentially it all comes down to what look you can carry off well. Many such artists have their own clothing labels which do great business, but the best urban wear look is one that you put together to create something that’s really unique. In fact experts say that the best thing to do if you really want to rock the Streetwear look is to simply watch out for cool accessories or clothing items which can mesh well together. You don’t have to strictly go shopping for one complete ensemble; just keep your eyes open and pick up anything that catches your eye. Here’s a peek into the style trends you can expect to see for the rest of 2010-


1. Learn to mix it up- Combing different looks and themes from decades gone by is anything but trashy. The best way to go about it is to pick up a clothing or accessory trend from the yester years which you know will work for you and then team it up with something that’s current and hot. That way you won’t look like you’re a blast from the past and you’ll stick look cool. Leaf through mags or just surf the net to get a number of great looks. Bear in mind that the no-makeup look, wearing oversized clothes or overdoing the makeup bit is just not cool at all.

2. Prints and plaid are back- If you thought that prints looked better on your mom or that plaid was meant for your dad’s suit, then it’s time to wake up! Florals, paisley prints, graphics, abstracts, images, holograms and even tie and dye designs are all back with a bang. Throw on a plaid jacket or team up a plaid skirt with a t-shirt. The best way to wear prints and plaid is to wear them with pastels so that the look doesn’t become gaudy.

3. Rip those jeans- Boyfriend jeans, skinny stretch jeans and above all distressed jeans should find a place in your wardrobe. If the real thing is out of your budget, just grab a pair of scissors and rip, shred or make holes in your denim by yourself.

4. Wear out of the box- You have permission to steal your boyfriend’s jeans, sneakers, jackets and any other hep clothing he might own. It’s time to think different and to wear something you wouldn’t have dreamt of.

5. Get rid of dark colors- It’s the year to wear bright summery shades all year round. Go for colors with zing like yellow, pink, blue, purple and fruity shades like lime green and tangerine. It’ll help make you feel cheerful and make you stand out as well.

6. Yes to Head Gear- Beastie Boy caps, fedoras, beanie caps, boys caps and even scarves are all in and can be worn with anything. Don’t leave home without your hat.

June 23, 2010

It's all in the Denim

If you love your denim and can’t imagine life without a pair of jeans, then a pair of raw denim jeans is the one fashion item you simply have to own. Denim which had very humble beginnings has today evolved into a piece of clothing that can be found even in a baby’s wardrobe. Denim was traditionally dyed in a blue shade for years till manufacturers began to experiment with different dyes, cuts and patterns. The denim jeans that are available off the shelves are also known as ‘washed jeans’- a term which simply means that after the denim has been dipped in dye, it is then washed during the production stage. This helps to make the fabric softer when worn against the skin and is believed to reduce shrinkage which could affect the fit.


On the other hand, raw denim refers to fabric that skips the process of washing and treatment with chemicals which allows the fabric to lose its color naturally over a period of time. Therein lies its unique quality. Faded jeans have since long been an integral part of Streetwear, and can make an ensemble look rad. Raw denim eventually achieves a natural faded look which is much more appealing when compared to distressed denim that has been produced in a factory. Moreover, every pair of raw denim is different and each pair takes on a unique faded look depending entirely on how much the jeans is worn by the person.

So how do you pick out a pair that makes you sizzle? If you are purchasing your first pair of raw denim jeans, then the first thing you should keep in mind is to buy a pair that fits you like a second pair of skin. Wearing raw denim for the first time can feel really uncomfortable and stiff but over time the fabric will stretch and give you a really good fit. However how fast that happens depends on how long you wear the jeans. So it’s important to try on a pair before buying it and avoid making any hasty purchases based on your usual jeans size. If you’re in the habit of lending your jeans to friends, then this is one pair you can be selfish about considering that everybody has a different body shape. Fashion experts advise against washing your raw denim jeans for a minimum of 6 months. The reason they state is that it takes some time for the jeans to adapt to your body shape and washing the jeans could hamper the process. Instead, look at dry cleaning options if you absolutely must get them cleaned and rid of any stains or odor. Another option could be to rinse your jeans in fresh water without salt and then let them dry out in the sun on their own.

If you like a skinny or body hugging fit and have a great body to show off, then look hep anytime in raw denim. This is one look that is just yours no matter how you wear it.

June 16, 2010

Environmentally Green Clothing

The environment has probably never gotten as much attention as it does these days. People all over the world are taking serious steps to recycle, reduce consumption of plastic, use bags made of paper or jute and are concerned about carbon footprints as well. Although we may not even be aware of it, the fashion industry can play a major role in conserving the environment as well, on a global scale. Did you know for instance that your favorite t-shirt you could wear all day is likely to have made from conventional cotton unless otherwise has been stated on the label? What’s the harm in wearing synthetic cotton you may ask? Not much, save that it takes a sizeable amount of pesticide on a crop of cotton just to make one t-shirt. In addition, the harmful pesticides which are usually used on cotton crops damage the soil, harm small animals and birds as well as cause deaths due to poisoning. Not surprisingly then that many farmers are now switching over to growing organic cotton on their lands, which may be more expensive but definitely better for all of us. Hemp fibre based textiles are also highly durable, resistant to mould and just as comfy as your regular cotton t-shirt.

There are many brands which manufacture their garments from organic materials, and which are uncompromising on style or comfort. Planet Earth Clothing is one such brand with designs that are urban and hep, while doing the environment a big favor. Organic cotton and even recycled polyester used in plastic bottles are just two of the base materials used in their garments. Their clothes can be worn anywhere or even while skating and snowboarding. Besides individual ranges for men and women which feature shirts, pants, hoodies, t-shirts and shorts; they also have a range of smart caps which can be teamed up with any ensemble. Another brand which retails organic clothing is Volcom, which was born out of a sheer passion for skating and snowboarding. Today this is one of the best well known brands in the Urban Wear world. They have a great range of t-shirts, hoodies, shirts, jackets and a wide variety of jeans that are a huge hit with youngsters of all ages. They also retail t-shirts which are made from 100% organic cotton and have eye catching designs made from water based ink.

Elwood Clothing has been wooing the world with its range of organic clothing since 1996. This brand uses fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, recycled yarns as well as women fabric which has been dyed. They even offer a free replacement if a customer feels that the garment purchased is not up to the mark. They have an in-depth range of cool wear for men and women as well as accessories. Their range of t-shirts featuring their brand logo, abstract prints and other artwork are very popular as well. With such brands leading the way towards a better future, it may not be long before the fashion industry plays a bigger role in conserving the environment for our tomorrow.

June 8, 2010

Ripped or Shredded Jeans

If you thought that ripped and shredded jeans were a sign of poverty, then it’s likely you didn’t know that this style was a huge rage in the early eighties and nineties. Moreover, this style which was often touted as a rocker look now comes in a variety of styles such as in skinny fits and baggy boyfriend jeans. If all you want to do is look hep and cool at the same time, then distressed jeans are just the thing. The trick is to understand what styles flatter your body shape and to get the most out of the jeans. You dont have to necessarily wear a t-shirt with such jeans; in fact you can amp up your style by teaming it up with a feminine blouse, a ladies shirt, a long tee or even a plaid top.


Before you decide which look suits you best, it’s important to pick up the right pair of denim for you. Know your size and understand your figure before you make any purchases. If you are slim opt for skinny ripped jeans as they can help enhance your figure and make you look curvier than you actually are. It’s become acceptable and cool to flick your boyfriend’s jeans but remember that a casual ripped pair will also have wide legs and give you an overall baggy look. The look is a much more relaxed one and you are likely to be more comfortable in this pair as compared to skinny jeans. People who are on the heavy side can definitely carry off a distressed pair of jeans in style too but it’s important to stick with a pair that doesn’t go over the top. If possible, go for a pair with vertical rips so that you appear leaner. If you are looking for a pair to make your bottom half appear leaner as well, it’s advisable to opt for a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans. Also, ensure that the rips are in places you are comfortable with and also that it doesn’t reveal too much of skin, or the look will be anything but classy.

There’s a very thin line between looking hep in a pair of distressed jeans or looking trashy. Balance your clothes with the right accessories which will do wonders for your image. Remember that it’s important to change them with the look you intend to create. For instance, if your distressed jeans has small rips, its alright to wear a colorful or jazzy top. On the other hand, if the rips or holes are large, stick to a simple t-shirt or top which blends in with the jeans. Wearing the right footwear can make your jeans look even better and its best to choose a pair of open sandals or heels with a wide base. Bangles, charm bracelets, simple chains and even hats can help you look great. Once you put together what works best for you, it’s time to wear your look right and get ready to paint the town red!

June 2, 2010

Sports and Streetwear

The right place to be seen in Streetwear is no longer just at a party or at the beach; in fact it’s not unusual to see Streetwear worn proudly at sports related events as well. Besides just surfing or snowboarding, football is another hugely popular sport with plenty of fans all across the globe. So huge is the potential of football related merchandise that established brands often roll out a new line of football fashion clothing and other gear usually just before a major tournament or widely watched series. Take a look around at the audience present at a football match, and you are likely to spot many of them wearing their favorite team’s jerseys or other forms of Urban Wear clothing.


Reputed sports brands like Nike, Adidas and Reebok are famous for their funky, clean and sporty Street Wear lines. Customers willingly purchase them because they combine the best in design and are after all branded. Besides football gear which feature a team’s logo or face of a player on them, these brands actually invest in creating different moods of Street Wear. In fact, just last month in May alone, Nike launched its Summer 2010 collection in Bangkok which was in collaboration with Carrie Mundane, a reputed British fashion designer. The various designs that were showcased were a blend of fashionable detailing with football as its theme. Critics lauded it as classic Nike innovations with plenty of artistic expression, which gave Street Wear itself a new twist. Some other brands are synonymous with football like One True Saxon. Contrary to other brands, One True Saxon isn’t cheap but carries great designs on the best Japanese denim. Their hallmark buttons on the fly, brass rivets which enhance the fit, rivets and herringbone pocket bags are some touches that fans love. Their linen shirts and great looking t-shirts are too good to pass up. Football fans in particular have been spotted wearing this brand at various matches and rumor has it that people wearing One True Saxon aren’t permitted in some towns when there’s a match. Street Wear wouldn’t be the same without the hoodie, and that’s probably why the hooded football jacket, with a more fashionable twist was created. Cuffs, a knit collar and the logo of a football team on the breast or side are often spotted. Carhartt Streetwear has plenty of designs and sizes to suit different tastes. Gator Athletics allows customers to customize their own designs on the website, and caters to clothing wear which is related to different sports. In their football section alone, they offer choices in Game Jerseys, Streetwear and Practice Wear with customizable patterns in both t-shirts and shorts. Mentalita Ultras Streetwear is another Italian based brand which was born from a passion for football and has been wooing the world since 1995. Their range of stylish clothes is available in a range of fits and sizes, and is very popular especially in Europe. Their clothes are sold online and only at a few dealerships.

May 26, 2010

Mens Fashion 2010

Gone are the days when fashion for men was mundane and traditional. Today’s men are open to experimenting with colors, cuts, patterns and designs in a way like never before. That also explains why many fashion designers have designer labels exclusively for men. No wonder then that this new trend of staying fashionable at all times has given rise to terms like ‘metrosexual’. If you are a fashion conscious person who likes to stay tuned to the hottest looks, styles and designs; then we have listed a few tips on the must have style predictions of the year.




1. There’s no better time than now to show some military style fashion. If you have any authentic vintage pieces in your wardrobe, now’s the time to wear them proudly. Go for a single or double breasted coat in the colors of Army Green or in the colors of the Navy and Air Force. A few antique buttons and a belt to match completes the look. If you are comfortable with the look, try on a pair of aviator boots with fur or shearling. For a more dramatic effect, they can also be worn on the collar or sleeves of your coat as well. To top off the look, don’t forget a dashing pair of military styles sung glasses or aviator shades.

2. Every man should have a good suit which takes him from casual to cool and classy. This year however, choose a suit with a cut that highlights broad shoulders, a slim waist and slim trousers. The double breasted suit which was popular in the eighties has made a comeback and is ideal for men who have a plump figure as it camouflages any weak spots. Since these classic styles are back, so are classic fabric, patterns and cuts. Choose patterns such as Harris Tweed, Herringbone, pinstripes or rope stripes which can be used for trousers, blazers and coats as well. Fabrics such as wool, cotton and linen are still the preferred fabrics for suits.

3. Jeans are a must have in every guy’s wardrobe. This year how about wearing your jeans differently? Go for slim fit denim without any rips in a darker shade of blue. That way you can wear them with a trench coat and leather shoes for a classy look or just a t-shirt for a chilled out look. If you can’t do without rips in your jeans, choose a brand that pays attention to producing tears and rips with precision. The overall effect should look authentic and not like you went at your jeans with scissors in hand. A pair of jeans that sits low on the waist and has a slim fit, shows off a toned body as well. This year go for darker shades and tones like steel colored gray.

4. If you love your casuals, choose sleeved shirts with designs on them, or full sleeved cotton shirts in pastel shades which can be teemed with cargoes, shorts and jeans. The key is to look stylish without making a big effort. Don’t forget to wear a pair of shades which highlight your facial features and a watch which stands out on your wrist.

May 19, 2010

Women's Fashioin Trend 2010

Fashion has many interpretations. While some believe that true fashion lies in setting new trends, others believe that it never hurts to pick up an existing style and make it your own. You may not be a Naomi Campbell or Madonna, but there’s no reason why you can’t wear a stylish look and be a fashionista at the same time. Every year, the fashion world makes a few predictions on what the latest styles and hot must haves will be. Here are a few tips about the hottest styles and what to wear so that you stay fashionable all through the year.


1. If you love your hot pants and boys shorts, then this is the time to show them off with pride. A pair of shorts matched with a streetwear t-shirt or shirt creates a stylish look.

2. The focus is on creating layers with socks the right way. One way to create layers is to wear a pair of knee length socks over tights or even leggings. This helps create a certain degree of volume to the entire look as well.

3. If you love wearing dresses and gowns, go for one with a sexy slit on the side. A slit plays a big part in keeping the dress sexy, without making the look gaudy and shows off a toned figure wonderfully. However, make sure that you are comfortable with the length of the slit and can carry it off without feeling uncomfortable.

4. Although they were often associated with the early eighties and even Archie comics, playsuits, jumpers and rompers are now a fashion must have. Besides keeping you comfy, there are many new patterns, designs and fabrics to choose from which ensure you don’t look dull.

5. The focus isn’t on a flashy or patterned top anymore. Instead, it’s what’s on the lower half that’s important. Its time to take to take out your pants that have prints, designs, patterns and other abstracts on them. It doesn’t matter if they look too flashy on their own. Just pair them with a white or pastel colored t-shirt and you can still look hot.

6. Sheer fabric continues to be a top rated fashion must have. However, you don’t have to wear clothing made completely of just sheer fabric if you’re not comfy with the thought; even hints of it on your attire can make a difference.

7. To complete a casual look, go for an oversized blazer or jacket, where you can roll up the sleeves. It creates a completely different look and yet looks cool.

8. Chuck out your pair of jeans, and invest in denim that is ripped, torn or patched. It’s a big hit with celebs as well and makes for a really sexy ensemble.

9. Leather clothing may not rate high in terms of comfort, but leather leggings, skirts and dresses are back.

10. Instead of choosing traditional winter wear, go for a stylish cape which can be styled and worn in different ways.

11. Go for fabric that has been manufactured using greener alternatives. Not only are they stylishly different but environmentally friendly too!