April 13, 2010

Streetwear Fan Sites

The best way to check out the latest fashion wear or the must have look of the season, is to surf the Internet. Which other source of ready to read information can give you such up to date material on whatever topic you choose? There are many websites which cover streetwear from the graffiti filled streets of New York to the flea markets in Japan. Many of them offer compiled collections of the best urban wear labels, and even have great discounts or bulk offers on their websites. The beauty of the Internet is that there are no boundaries and the choices available for you are limitless. So if you really don’t have the time to shop around in the mall next door, or indulge in some window shopping; just have a chilled glass of your favorite beverage next to you, relax and enjoy visiting these websites.



1. www.asiajam.com- Whoever thinks that streetwear is strictly American or European, probably doesn’t know that streetwear has adapted to local culture and trends throughout many Asian countries. If you want to know what streetwear in Korea, Japan or even Hong Kong looks like; then this is the best website to visit. Great apparel, beanie caps, accessories, bags, shoes and plenty of great deals make this site hugely popular with Asian streetwear fans. There are even different sub sections like ‘ classic streetwear’ or ‘ sleek and chic’ so that you go directly to the collection you want.


2. www.formatmag.com- This website covers the latest and the must know information relating to urban wear and other topics. Art, the best sneakers, latest urban wear designs, street art, tattoo designs and even menswear are just a few of the topics that are worth a read on the site. Catalog collections of various brands and pictures of photography exhibitions can also be viewed. The site does not believe in staying restricted to just one country and features stories from all over the world.


3. www.yukka.co.uk- Find the latest and the best happening brands in urban wear here. Besides fantastic offers, clearance deals and separate collections for men and women, this site has something for everyone. Whether you’re just getting into the groove of urban wear or if you’re a seasoned streetwear fan, this site will certainly have a few surprises for you. While you’re there, check out the blog which talks about latest launches, music and movies. It’s a good way to connect with other yukka fans too.


4. www.highsnobeity.com- This is a must read for die hard streetwear fans. The website is run independently and features streetwear fashion as well as lifestyle and other culture news. If you want to know what’s going to be the next big thing in style, you’re likely to read about it here first. Readers can get the latest news, new product and store launches as well as plenty of other information. Indepth interviews and plenty of other reviews can also be found here. There’s even a newsletter which arrives in your mailbox that fans can subscribe to.

April 7, 2010

Who Loves Bandanas

You don’t have to spend a lot of money just to look cool or hep. Sometimes, the right accessories can help to accentuate your look and add a dash of appeal as well. One such accessory that can be worn by both men and women is a bandana. A bandana is just a piece of cloth, which is usually square or triangular in shape and worn on the head. Sometimes it can be worn around the neck as a casual scarf as well.


Bandanas were not always considered to be a fashion item, and for many years they were worn to keep the hair in place by farm girls and farmers. Soon, engineers who worked on railroads and men working in construction sites began to wear bandanas as well. It served as an ideal cloth to wipe away sweat and project a neat look. Bandanas actually became a youth accessory when they began to feature in western movies, where dashing young cowboys wore them.

With time, a bandana became more than just a scarf to wear on the head- it began to symbolize one’s identity. Just like the hoodie, bandanas began to be worn by local neighborhood gangs and youngsters sporting one were often thought to be anti social elements. Soon, the bandana became a must have for music artists and rap artists as well. Musicians like 50 cent, Eminem and even Axel Rose have all sported a bandana during their concerts and stage shows.



Bandanas for guys usually come in plain colors or abstract patterns whereas those for girls come in brighter shades. Although bandanas can be bought almost everywhere, if you really want to buy bandanas that are unique, then the best place to begin is the Internet itself. You can either buy a single piece or order a dozen pieces of the same design. www.wholesaleforeveryone.com is a wonderful site to surf if you are looking for bandanas that are out of the ordinary. Various biker, pirate, skulls & crossbones, military and automotive designs are great for those with a flair for adventure.

For the girls, there are various designs available such as nature, paisley, tie& dye as well as religious symbols. There are even cute designs for kids such as bandanas with stars and other kiddy designs guaranteed to match whatever they are wearing. www.coveryourhair.com is another site which is very popular with the girls. They have a good range of pre tied bandanas, which simply need to be worn on the head without tying. Designs in plaid and floral patterns in velvet and lycra can be bought. They also have other bandanas which can make your outfit much more colorful such as bandanas with polka dots, stripes, paisley designs, multi colored stripes, tie and dye as well as camouflage patterns. Their range of triangle shaped bandanas come in plain colors as well as abstract patterns which are ideal for guys to wear. A bandana can also be used to wrap up a gift for a friend or even as a bow on a gift.

March 30, 2010

Is Preppy Back?

The word ‘ preppie’ conjures up images of fashionable students who pay a lot of attention to the way they look, dress and behave in general society. The term itself originated somewhere in the early fifties, and was meant to refer to students who had distinct mannerisms and who were in many ways easily distinguishable from the rest of the crowd.

Besides being popular and the most envied, they were easily the best dressed and perhaps snobbish as well. Since there were many similarities in the way preppies would dress such as in clean cut and classy ensembles; it wasn’t long before the ‘preppie look’ became a fashion trend in itself. Many brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and J Press are a few of the well known stores which carry styles that are associated with preppies.



Exactly what is the definition of preppie style? Although there is no hard and fast definition as such, it generally refers to clothes that can stand the test of time, which are non fussy in appearance and which have an air of expensive elegance. The clean, tidy look of a preppie also comes from wearing sober colors which match and make the wearer look neat. Wool, cashmere and expensive fabrics in sober shades like navy blue, light blue, white or patterns such as plaid, stripes, paisley and floral are old time favorites. The preppie clean look is not merely meant for class, and can be worn anywhere, no matter what the occasion. Guys usually prefer polo shirts, long sleeved shirts, knitted vests or sweaters in traditional colors for a casual look. Chinos, Bermuda shorts or khaki pants are great for a game or a party.

 For a more formal look, a shirt can be teemed up with a jacket or a blazer in a dark shade such as navy blue. For the girls, the trick is to wear conventional clothing in different patterns or summery shades for a perky look. A line skirts or skirts with a small flare in khaki, plaid, linen or with a light pattern are ideal for wearing all year round. They can be worn with simple shirts or blouses and a scarf or a bright colored stole will add the right touch of color. Dresses with patterns of flowers, paisley designs or in light shades, are also an accepted preppie look.


The right accessories can help accentuate the desired look and there are a few accessories that both men and women can wear with their ensemble. Hats, ties, suspenders, pith helmets and winter hats are a must have for men, whereas jewelry should be limited to cufflinks, signet rings, studs and watches. Belts, handbags, head bands, straw hats and scarves are the perfect accessories for women. Jewelry is usually limited to a strand of pearls, small studs as well as thin chains and bracelets. The footwear is also carefully coordinated with whatever the person wears such as slippers with a dress or flip flops for a casual look.

March 22, 2010

Tie Dye is In

Although the hippie era is usually spoken about as the era of free love, drugs and rock n roll; it was also a time when fashion began to break away from the usual norms. A rather unusual style of creating patterns called the tie and dye method, became popular. Designs which are usually abstract or nature inspired were made by folding the material such as a dress or a t-shirt and then binding it tightly with bands to hold the material in place.

Different colored dyes depending on the intended look and style are then applied, to various sections of the material. The material is later rinsed and in some cases, left in a freezer overnight so that the dye does not run out when the material is washed next. These kinds of designs make the fabric appear very colorful and bright.



It is argued that tie and dye as a creative artistic process itself is actually quite old. Various materials which had tie and dye designs, dating back to 500-800 AD, showed patterns of small circles and lines in colors ¬like red, yellow and blue. Tie dye techniques were also in use in West Africa, where the clothing itself was richly embroidered in traditional designs before undergoing the tie and dye process.

Similarly, Indonesia and India too had their own tie and dye techniques as well as various words for the unique process. There is no end to one’s imagination as well as the different possibilities, when it comes to the tie and dye process. However, some patterns such as the spiral which is usually done in two colors, the V shape and random circles are quite popular.

The tie and dye design is quite unisex in nature and has a casual yet chic appeal when paired with jeans or with cargoes. It makes the wearer appear quite colorful too, as these designs are usually done in bright colors and black is rarely used.


Tie and dye is a relatively simple technique that can even be done safely at home, if you are keen on having a unique garment. Surprisingly, after a long hiatus, the tie and dye trend featured on the runaway in 2009 where design houses like Balmain showcased such garments with ripped bleach washed jeans and other trousers which were quite commonplace in the late seventies and early eighties. The tie and dye technique is no longer used on just fabric- it is also used on bags, shoes, scarves and even jewelry. This year too, when the Spring 2010 collection was unveiled, the tie and dye trend just could not be overlooked. The focus remained on creating fashion that was affordable and which incorporated the colors normally associated with spring. The impression given was that tie and dye designs were light, refreshing and flirty to wear. It doesn’t matter if you feel this technique is just not your thing. Something as small as a tie and dye scarf or a bag alone can jazz up the look of your ensemble.



March 8, 2010

It All About The Jeans

If there is one garment that is truly universal, then it is undoubtedly the humble jeans. Denim itself evolved from humble beginnings, with coal miners often wearing them at work, because the material was tough and did not tear easily. Moreover it could be washed time and again, without the color fading or the material itself coming apart. Jeans slowly made their way into retail shops and truly hit the mark, after celebrities made on screen appearances wearing them.


For a long time, jeans were associated with rebels and especially the youth. A guy in a pair of denims and a leather jacket, was thought to be the epitome of cool. Today jeans have come a long way with comfortable pairs being made even for infants. Plenty of designers and labels have all jumped in, to tap the potential that this huge market offers. After all, nothing spells comfort better than a pair of jeans with a t-shirt to match. Jeans are looked as a unisex garment which can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. A pair of jeans is no longer about just the color- it’s also about the style, fit, wash, rise, length, cut and the label.



One of the best selling trends doing the rounds these days is the focus on the vintage look. To achieve the vintage look, a decent pair of jeans may actually go through a process of being ripped and torn at strategic places. Vintage jeans on the whole are meant to look like the pair of denim itself is past its prime and is not looked after properly.




Faded jeans for one are very popular as they have an old feel about them, and have been washed that way to achieve the intended look. When worn, the jeans themselves stand out. Distressed or destroyed jeans on the other hand, look as if the denim has been to hell and back, and are usually accompanied by holes, rips, tears and frayed hems as well. Sometimes the threads of the jeans may hang out in a ragged manner, but that is supposed to enhance the overall look.

 Many denim fans may actually choose not to purchase such jeans for themselves, and instead prefer to hang on to their favorite pair of jeans for years to come. Eventually, the jeans will take on a natural vintage look on their own. Fashionistas on the other hand may think otherwise.

 The more distressed the jeans, the higher its fashion quotient. To a large extent we have celebrities who made wearing torn jeans fashionable, to thank for. Jeans with a whisker wash are also quite trendy to be seen in and can make the person look very fashionable. Usually the jeans will have a few cat like scratch marks or whisker marks on the leg or just below the front pockets on the thigh. This kind of style is very popular among women.

Probably no other garment has been experimented upon so much as the humble denim. No matter what the wash, cut or label, it is one garment that sits differently on everybody.

February 25, 2010

Footwear - Urban Wear

A classic urban wear or streetwear look is not just about the clothes- it’s about the whole ensemble from the cap worn right down to the footwear. In the early eighties, many hip hop artists started to promote a new trend in style. They teamed up a t-shirt or a track suit along with a jacket and for the final touch, wore sneakers with oversized laces or ‘ phat’ laces as they were fashionably called.

The trend was a huge success and hit a chord with many youngsters who were looking for a new fashion statement to set them apart. Since hip hop traditionally grew on the streets, sneakers were the ideal footwear for performing freestyle hip hop and other street dance forms.



Today, there are many brands which have branched out into designing streetwear shoes for youngsters. Sneakers are a hot favorite and are available in many designs and colors for both boys and girls. Names like Nike, Adidas and Reebok which were associated with manufacturing sports shoes for many years, were actually among the first to latch on to the streetwear shoe trend. Their designs which are very popular even today were a huge leap in style and a class apart from their usual plain white sneakers which were associated with sports.

Artists and designers were actually encouraged to get creative and use colors that were not common in footwear like gold, purple or silver. The idea was to make urban wear footwear unique and stylish on its own to the extent that it could be worn with other fashion styles and still add a clear hip hop touch to the wearer.


In addition to the most popular sports brands, there are plenty of other urban wear footwear brands which carry their own distinctive styles. In fact many of them not only sell footwear but are also known for their range of apparels and accessories. Etnies is one such brand which has a very colorful range of sneakers, guaranteed to blend in well with whatever you’re wearing. Two tone color patterns, tweed, graffiti prints and even loud colors such as blood red or gold are some of their popular designs. They have more than twenty designer ranges with at least five color options each. They even let customers design their own unique sneakers.

Besides footwear, the brand also sells apparels for boys, girls and kids. DC is another popular brand with a footwear collection for men, women, boys and kids which are another favorite. Footwear is available in four options- shoes, sandals, LX and water resistant footwear. The men’s collection comprises of footwear which are mostly in sober shades like black, brown and white whereas footwear for women is much more vibrant.

 Shades like blue, pink and patterns like tweed are also common. DC also has an interesting apparel and accessory range for both men and women. If you are unsure about which brand to buy, then check out websites like DrJays, Karmaloop and UrbanIndustry which offer a wider selection and feature top selling urban wear footwear brands.

February 15, 2010

Ragewear Hoodies Urban Wear Latest Fashion

Today, when you see a hoodie on display at a shop window with graffiti prints or witty one liners on it, it’s difficult to imagine that this piece of streetwear actually dates back to the 1930’s. In the Middle Ages, Catholic monks often wore long cowls with hoods in addition to their regular garments to set them apart from other people, much like the monk in the movie Robin Hood. With regard to hoodies being used by regular people, the practice began when labourers wore them as a measure to beat the cold in frozen warehouses.

The hoodie actually became popular only by the mid seventies, and was more commonly used by thieves and criminals because of the anonymity that the hood offered. The image has more or less stuck. Even today in fact, youngsters wearing hoodies are more often seen as trouble makers or rebels than people looking to add a dash of style to their clothing.


 The world of fashion took to this new clothing and soon designers like Norma Kamali and other well known designers attempted to play around with this piece of clothing by adding a very stylish touch to it. Movies like Rocky and other action packed flicks which revolved around wrestling; cage fighting and boxing spearheaded the popularity of hoodie as a garment for the youth. Within no time, it became a staple must have in the hip hop world, was seen on many athletes at sporting events and even entered campus life across America.


Hoodies today are available everywhere and sold by many brands in different shapes, colors, styles and patterns. RAGEWEAR has all the essentials that a streetwear fan looks for. Their range of t-shirts available as separate collections for both men and women are simply out of this world. Grunge prints, images of Fydo and other eye catching designs are a few of their hallmarks. If you like to keep it simple, then pick up one of their multi colored t-shirts with just the word RAGE on them. It’s an effective way to say a lot in just one word. Jazz up your attire with one of the RAGEWEAR caps available in three shades guaranteed to amp up your cool quotient. Ladies will adore the eye popping colored t-shirts in six bright summer shades with just the word RAGE written across the front.

It’s perfect to wear to classes and sexy enough for your Saturday date too. RAGEWEAR hoodies are a big hit with youngsters all across America because of their cool appeal with a distinctive hip hop street touch. These hoodies are available as both zipped and unzipped and have a unique style. The images and prints themselves are slightly faded to give an old look to the hoodies and carry the right mix of grunge and color. The prints either cover the whole back or are small enough to still get you noticed.

Log on to http://ragewear-clothing.com/ to buy the best in urban wear hoodie.