The Trench Coat

The Classic Trench Coat or Mackintosh, continues to keep it's place in fashion year after year...

This versatile trench coat is a wardrobe must have. It's a true classic, that defy's time. The trench coat can be worn with sportswear or it can be worn well for that special evening out.
The trench coat is an over garment, a coat. It is meant to be very roomy to provide for comfort and ease of wear...The trench coat as a rule is double-breasted , although some tailors cut them single-breasted with five holes, and buttons down the front. There are as a rule two pockets, hemmed cuffs, which have wrist straps just above the hem, and the classic trench coat will provide a belt at the waist, the classical length the hem falls just below the knee. Over the years, the trench coat has kept its military elements.

The Origin Of The Trench Coat

The first trench coats were waterproof and usually calf-length. They were called Macintosh's. Named after Charles Macintosh.

What Was Next For The Trench Coat?
The trench coat needed to be made comfortable, lighter in weight, not so hot...

Along Came "Thomas Burberry" and created the trench coat we now love.

Each year "designer's" strive to make the trench coat fresh, and trendy. By adding their own personal touch's to the trench coat, designers keep the fashionista coming back year after year, to buy the newest trends.

The Turtleneck

In fashion today one associate's the term turtleneck with a knit top or sweater.

The turtleneck has a close-fitting, round high collar that folds over on itself and fits closely to the neck. Actually, the term turtleneck refesr to a type of neckline.

At the turn of the century, the turtleneck was adopted by menial works such as seamen. The turtleneck provided good protection from the elements at sea. Over the years, the turtleneck was adapted to first men's casual wear. In the 1920's the turtleneck was accepted by the middle and upper class as a big fashion trend. Soon famous feminists took up wearing turtlenecks, and made it attractive to all women to add the look to their wardrobe.

The turtleneck became a main stream fashion trend in America by the mid 20 century. For many men that disliked wearing a tie, the turtleneck became a substitute. 

In the early 1960's the turtleneck became a huge fad with the most fashionable women. More than not you could see stars like "Audrey Hepburn" in a well chosen turtleneck. "Jackie Kennedy" also was a devotee to the turtleneck, in fact, it seemed to become somewhat of a uniform look for "Jackie". Young collage aged girls ("preppie") seem to gravitate toward wearing the turtleneck, and it soon became part of every well dressed preppie's wardrobe.

The turtleneck has well earned its place on the list of the top ten fashion styles that defy time, and remain a fashion wardrobe must have from year to year...

The Pump Shoe

Pumps' are a style of shoe that totally defies time

Pump styles can be found in spiky stilettos', flat ballerina slippers', and just about everything in between. 

'Pump' is a term used to describe a style or type of shoe. A pump shoe can have a high heel or a flat heel, a rounded toe or pointed toe, they can even have a squared off toe. The classic pump shoe is made of leather, the toes, sides and back cover the foot, and are rounded at the top, and come to cover the toes.

Through the years, the pump shoe has evolved greatly, and the materials used now vary from the most typical leather of yesterday. Today's pump shoe is produced in many different materials', such as canvas, silk, and a wide variety of synthetic materials'. The original pump shoe was most often a solid color, but as years have passed the pump morphed in many directions. The pump went from being a plain coloured leather shoe, to you name it ... Pumps now can be found in multi colours, metallic, prints, and decorated with straps and bows.

The pump shoe is a true fashion classic, having been around for centuries. The name itself was first used in the 1500's, when strapless shoes without heels were worn by men and referred to as "Pompes'." Today's fashion pump is firmly established as a woman's shoe.
Centuries ago in the mid 1500's the woman's pump was worn on the feet of servants'. Why did servants' prefer the pump shoe? First of all, the pump shoe was inexpensive, and easy to put on, as well as comfortable. Servants' didn't have the time or money for the fussy button and lace up shoe's of the upper middle class, and the well to do folk...

It wasn't until the twentieth century that things turned around for the classic pump shoe. Time had brought dramatic changes in footwear, and the classic style pump shoe took its rightful place in fashion, and quickly became the shoe style that was associated with style and glamour.

Style icon's such as Jacqueline Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn were big fans of the pump, and they frequently wore a pump style shoe to complete their fashion look. Mrs. Kennedy was known to order twelve new pairs at a time. Audrey Hepburn loved pumps' - perhaps for their understated elegance. The pumps' sensible yet sophisticated style has also been a favorite of many other first ladies and celebrities.

Today's pumps' are similar to the styles of the past. The well-known designers' today have added their own individual twists to the pump shoe, making sure to design pump shoes that come in a wide range of different materials', and a good selection of heel heights.

The Little Black Dress

A little black dress (LBD) is a simple black cocktail or evening dress.

The cut of the dress is kept very simple, and length can vary depending on the current designer trend. Originally, the little black dress was made popular in the 1920's, by the well known fashion designer "Coco Chanel. " This was one of the "Coco Chanel's " designs that were intended to be long-lasting, very versatile, and yet to be kept somewhat affordable. It soon became accessible to the widest market possible, and continues to be a staple in most women's wardrobe.

It continues today to be at the top of the top ten list of fashions that defy time, and have become a steadfast "rule of fashion" that every woman should own at least one or two seasonal elegant black dresses.

The wonderful thing about the "little black dress" is it can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Example, if worn with a jacket and simple pump, the look is perfect for business wear. Come evening that same little black wonder can be dressed up with jewelry , a great evening bag along with a strapy little shoe, and the look can take you to the most formal of events....

It was the year 1926, and "Vouge Magazine published "CoCo Chanel's " little black dress. The dress was calf length, with a straight line, and decorated with a few diagonal lines. Vogue called it " Chanel's Ford.... Naturally it was named after Fords Model T automobile. Chanel's little black dress took off like gang-busters, it became a staple for not only the wealthy woman, but copies were soon produced, which made it affordable for all women to have at least one little black dress in their closet.

The "New Look" The rise of "The House Of Dior'" in the post-war era and the sexual conservatism of the 1950s returned the little black dress to its roots, as a classical and stylish couture look. Hollywood starlets took the little black dress to new heights, the "little black halter-style dress". This was in big contrast to the more conservative little black dresses of your typical housewives . The newer synthetic fabrics of the 1940s and 1950s made the little black dresses more affordable than ever before.

In the 1960's versions of the little black dress gave way to the "miniskirt" the little black dresses were created as never before in very short length, with cut outs, slits, and bodices were being updated with lace, and tulle. The little black dress now demanded one have really good legs to pull off the shorter length...Many other women of the 1960's chose to wear tamed down versions, such as the simple black sheath, as worn by "Audrey Hepburn" in "Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The 1970's brought on the "jet set". The little black dress became a bit more feminine, But there were designers such as "Bill Blass" that kept the dress simple and elegant. Other designers were hell bent on making it skimpier, sexier... Made especially for women that frequented the disco's.
The popularity of the little black dress has not in the least suffered over the last 20 plus years... The casual fabrics, especially knits, have made the little black dress perfect for business, travel, and not to mention evening wear. The new fabrics and designs make it an attractive choice for fashion wise women today.

The Sheath Dress

The sheath dresses' versatility has earned it a place on the top ten list of fashions that truly defy the 'hands' of time...

The Sheath Dress is a type of dress that is designed to tightly fit the body. It is often made of fabrics that is light weight, such as cotton jersey or silk. Unlike the shorter cocktail dress or the longer ballroom styled dress, a sheath length will most typically fall around the knees or mid calf, keeping the design sleek looking. The sheath dresses top can widely vary, the sheath dress can have a high neckline, with a three quarter length sleeve or a long fitted sleeve, it can also have a plunging neckline with a cap sleeve.

Many sheath dresses are strapless or just a spaghetti strap. The design of a sheath dress can vary, depending on its design purpose and fabric it is made of. Ultimately, fabric dictates the purpose of the dress. If a sheath dress is made of silk and strapless, one should know it is to be worn on a formal occasion, but if the same design sheath is produced in a cotton print, one would more likely wear it to a fun casual event.

The sheath dress is one of the most versatile dresses around, it is elegant, feminine and can be very practical. Although the sheath dress is figure-hugging it gives a slimming silhouette and definitely flatters the waistline, providing an hour-glass figure. The long lines skim over the figure, and can be worn comfortably by most figure types. While designers' year after year put out wonderful formal sheaths, they also produce the basic sheath dress that can be worn more casual or for business.

The biggest plus with a sheath dress is its well-defined waistline. Therefore, girls take this into consideration when accessorizing, try cinching in the waist with a great belt, try several widths from a thick belt to a thin - go with what you feel looks best with your figure type. Another great way to wear a sheath dress, think layering!

Layering can be fun with a sheath, add a crop sweater vest, and top it off with a jacket or great little cardigan - or why not a wonderful shawl.
The neat, minimal look of the sheath dress makes it very easy to accessorize. Try to Chose tasteful yet eye-catching accessories: a colorful scarf , a well chosen brooch or necklace, pearls are always a good choice to add just a bit of class to a sheath dress. Love chunky jewelry, wear a thick ornate cuff bracelet at your wrist.

Sheath dress trivia
It appears that the new first lady of the United States "Michelle Obama" loves sheath dresses, and wears the style frequently. It also appears that "First lady Michelle Obama" is an up and coming style icon...,and I am sure will take her place such as a fashion icon in history.

The sheath dress came to style in the mid 1950's, many Starlet's as well as fashion icon's seem to choose the sheath dress as their signatures look. Fashion forward women such as "CoCo Chanel", "Audrey Hepburn ", and let's not forget "Jacqueline Kennedy "were responsible for making the sheath a classic fashion that continues to defy time.

Boot Cut Jeans 

The cut can aid in hiding a multitude of figure flaws...

Style of blue jeans range from a straight leg, bell bottom, low rise, high rise, you name it. The jean style that appears to have become the most popular is. The "boot cut". It is the top selling jean year after year. This most likely is due to the slimming appearance it offers to most figure types. Not to mention the comfort it provides. The boot cut fits well over the hip, and continues to fit close to the leg to just below the knee, taking on a bit of wideness from just below the knee to the hem. Mind you the boot cut is not terribly wide at the hem. Just enough to cover a boot, with a little room to spare. The boot cut styled jean is as a rule the most flattering fit on most figures. The cut can aid in hiding a multitude of figure flaws.

Ladies - when you next find yourself shopping for jeans, please try on several brands of jeans in a boot cut style. I think if you do, you will see why the "Boot cut styled jeans has made the top ten list of "fashions that defy time"....

A bit of history on Blue Jeans
In fashion history, jeans and the history of denim continue to be a mystery. No one knows the perfect answer to where jeans actually began. It appears jeans came about and emerge in various parts of the world at the same time... As the result of the sudden availability of a new fabric, and dye technique.

Jean's history would be nothing without "Levi Strauss." Here in the United States Strauss is credited with the invention of the blue jean. Levi Strauss emigrated with his family to New York in 1847. His father sold dry goods, such as canvas tenting, and Manchester drapery goods. Levi moved to San Francisco in the early 1850's thinking, he could make a living selling dry goods to minors. The California gold rush was on, and there was money to be made.

Some 20 years later, a wealthy Levi Strauss, and a Nevada tailor joined forces to patent , and produce overall's for men that labored for a living. The overall's were sturdy, and well wearing, rivets were added on stress points of the overalls, to make the pants almost non- destructible. It is thought that at this time the workers began to call the overalls," Jean". Levi Strauss chose to use the stronger denim fabric and cotton duck, adding his own name to the products back pocket. Later the duck fabric was dropped, due to the consumers finding denim more comfortable, and easier to launder. Although washing did make the fabric fade, the jeans were faster drying. Little did the first men to wear blue jeans know, that the fading process would become a trait of blue jeans, that we all so love today.

The humble origins of the work jeans produced by Levi Strauss have come a long way. Status seems to now drive purchasing of jeans. There are so many brands of jeans being produced today, I would have a hard go of it to list them. The market place offers a wide variety of jeans, all coming at different prices. You can find designer jeans, which can be costly, but you will also find brands such as "Levi" that is remaining economical.

Classic Cut Trousers

Throughout Western history, female's clothing has been decidedly different from men's clothing. In the western culture society have set forth clear cut rules requiring individuals to dress according to their gender.

Early history shows, for the most part, the trouser was meant to be worn by men only. For centuries society's showed great disapproval of women wearing trousers, this most likely is what prevented most women from wearing trousers for so long. All though in some Eastern cultures, such as China or Malaysia, both women and men have long worn trousers. Although trousers for women in western countries did not become a fashionable until the later 20th century, women began wearing trousers for outdoor sports or outdoor type work some hundred years earlier.

Furthermore, the 1900's brought many European cultures to be more accepting of women wearing pants...the wearing of trousers became widespread during the 1920's and 1930's, and continued to grow at leaps and bounds - until today, where most women would not be without their trust trousers.

A well known French designer Paul Poiret (1879-1944) was to become one of the first to design well fitted trousers for women. In 1913 Poiret created loose-fitting, wide-leg trousers for women, calling them harem pants, "Poiret's" trouser design would later inspire costumes for the popular opera Sheherazade. The opera Sheherazade was based on a famous collection of legends from the Middle East - "1001 Arabian Nights."

The arrival of World War I (1914-18) took many women into the work force, this due to men going off to fight the war. Many women who worked with the public continued to wear skirts, and dresses, but women that worked in the factories wore trousers or overalls. After the war ended women were reluctant to give up the freedom of movement their trousers had provided them.

Along came French designer, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971), Chanel was known to wear trousers frequently, often dressing in her boyfriend's suits. She began designing pants for women to wear for sports such as horseback riding, as well as other activities. Previously, the female would wear a heavy skirt to ride, which restricted them from riding straddle the horse. With the new fashioned trousers, a woman need not ride sidesaddle anymore.

During the 1930's the tailored trouser continued to be fashionable. Glamorous actresses of the time, such as Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow, and Katharine Hepburn wore trousers regularly, and greatly added to their popularity. Though many well known designers created tailored "slack suits" for women, wearing trousers was still not widely accepted by all. Some controversy brewed, and some considered women that wore trousers as being masculine, and controlling. By 1939 Vogue Magazine , which was well respected as one of the leading fashion magazines in the world, pictured models in trousers for the first time, the models posed in pants playing golf, tennis and riding bikes.

The 1940's women again found themselves in wartime jobs as World War II (1939-45) began, and trousers once again got found popularity. When the war ended fashions took on a much more feminine look. This sort of put a damper on the women's trousers. Women had tired of the work, and all that went with it...

Oh the wonderful 1960's and 1970's - women's fashion was quickly becoming extremely casual. By the late 1960's trousers had become a staple in every woman's wardrobe, not to mention completely accepted by most women. The trouser suits were now being worn by Along came French designer, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971), Chanel was known to wear trousers frequently, often dressing in her boyfriend's suits. She began designing pants for women to wear for sports such as horseback riding, as well as other activities. Previously, the female would wear a heavy skirt to ride, which restricted them from riding straddle the horse. With the new fashioned trousers, a woman need not ride sidesaddle anymore.

The Cashmere Shawl

The word shawl is derived from the Persian word "shal". Shawls from ancient times have been used as a protective garment to keep one warm against the cold weather.

The exact origin of the shawl is sketchy. Art depicts persons in various forms of shawls throughout history.

Shawls are often seen as a part of folk dress in various country's such as Germany, the Near East, and Latin America. In the mid 19 century Western Europe adopted the shawl as a fashionable garment, not just to be worn for a utilitarian garment against the cold. The Persian shawl being the most popular to European ladies of fashion. The Persian shawls were well preferred by the well dressed lady, due to their intricate designs and patterns.

Persian shawls were primarily made from the wool of Kirman goats, hence the word "Cashmere". The softest and most exquisite shawls were the cashmere shawls, which were produced in Kirman and in Mashhad in northeastern Persia.

History shows that shawls were popular among the women of India, and were worn in a variety of ways since ancient times. The history of shawl weaving is closely linked to the history of woolen textiles in India. The Kashmir valley of India is known for weaving shawls from Pashmina wool. Among all other shawls produced in India, Kashmiri shawls are known for their softness, warmth and wonderful traditional designs, and the intricately of the embroidery.

The Pashmina wool is considered to be the finest and softest wool in the world today. Its continues to be the warmest and most luxurious of all the animal wool, the wool basically comes from of a Central Asian Species of mountain goat, the Capra hircus goat, also known as a shawl goat.

The Indian shawl industry got international recognition during the British rule in India. Apart from Kashmir, today Cashmere shawls are being made in Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and some other north eastern states in India.

Designers' have come to love cashmere for its pure luxury and classic elegance. The cashmere keeps you warmer than probably any other form of wool. Cashmeres natural colors make a wonderful pallet for the cashmere shawls of today. Cashmere shawls are luxurious, tasteful, elegant, not to mention timeless.....

If well taken care of a cashmere shawl will last a life time.
There is nothing more elegant than a cashmere shawl, whether being worn over a dress or layered over a blazer with jeans - the cashmere shawl can add a touch of class to any outfit .
The cashmere shawl is a soft bit of elegance that truly belongs on the top ten fashions that defy the hands of time....

The Tote Handbag

A hard working fashion handbag that defies's the hands of time...

The tote bag is a hard worker....a real multitasking handbag. It is a handbag that stands as a symbol denoting the complexity of roles women play today. They are true American Classic handbag. Millions of self-sufficient mobile women, own and carry tote bags, it aids the busy woman in concealing all the messes necessary things needed for everyday life.

Of all the purses available on the market today, the tote bag continues to offer a pretty much classic basic design. Tote bags are somewhat fashioned after a paper grocery bag. Fashion designers' have transformed this paper grocery bag concept into a hard working handbag design, using a wide variety of fabric's to add appeal to the tote bag.

The tote bag is known as the "Everything bag", and has great design versatility...

Of all the handbag designs' available on the market today, the tote offers the most basic design. The standard tote bag as a rule of thumb will include one large pocket, occasionally with dividers or small inset pockets for credit cards. The closure typically will be a snap or zipper, you can also find totes with a magnet at the top opening, this is a great option. The magnet is great , because it closes quickly and tightly. The handle can be is short and simple, or an over the shoulder length strap, which frees up one's hands, and distributes the weight of the bag. The Ease of the handle on a tote is important, and designers' have made sure to provide multiple options in not only the length of tote bags'' but options on construction, and material used to construct versatile and comfortable handle's.

Speaking of preference - we must consider fabrics. Fabrics used in making totes can vary greatly, but most totes tend to be rather informal. A well constructed tote can be made of canvas, leather, plastic, straw, just to cover a few material's used in making totes. In regard to size, totes are large, with sides that expand to make the bag roomy, a handbag that can accommodate tons of stuff. In fact, a particular advantage of the totes' structure is the large expandable sides, enabling the bag to carry a multitude of items,and have room to spare if needed.

Tote bags are perfect for travel, especially the stash-and-go to types. The tote can serve a variety of functions, as mentioned for travel, shopping or a fun day at the beach. Not to mention a diaper bag for the busy mom or briefcase for the busy business woman.

Where and when did the tote evolve? The first signature tote bags were designed and sold by "LL Bean". The first being the"Boat Bag" which was produced and sold back in 1944. A bag for the woman with responsibilities and the casual weekend getaway, tote bags can function as your sole carry all. Avoid becoming the "bag lady," and simply store all your essentials inside one 'basic' container. With, its simple structure, a tote can be comfortably loaded without looking unfashionably stuffed.

Diamond Stud Earrings 

What is the significance of diamond stud earrings in today's world? The diamond stud earring is a fashion jewellery accessory that has made a lasting impact over time. Defying all other jewellery fashion earring trends, year after year. They definitely are not only the choicest accessories of this generation, but actually have been around for centuries. In fact, they happen to be one of the earliest pieces of jewellery designed for the ear. 

Today the diamond stud is not only worn by the well dressed woman, but a large number of men enjoy the statue of wearing diamond studs in their ear/ears... Regardless of age or cultures, diamonds are loved by the majority of women and regarded as one of the finest precious gems on earth. This may account for the popularity of the diamond stud. Most women today have a least one pair of diamond or simulated diamond stud earrings. Actually, the diamond stud earring has become a true fashion basic, like a little black dress.

Although there are endless design options of diamond studs to choose from, the classic round set in prongs or bezels all done up in gold or platinum remains the most popular. With the settings kept simple so that the diamond remains the center of attention. There are various shapes and styles including the pear shape, square cut, princes cut - you name it. The preference of most women and men seem to be that wonderful classic round. Preferably, one or two carats per ear.

Jewelers recognize the consumers desire for diamond stud earrings, and continue to produce this wonderful sparkling stud earring year after year.

The diamond stud earring has earned its popularity most likely due to the fact it is so easily worn, and appropriate for every outfit and all occasions. They can turn any outfit into an instant winner. So to sum it all up - The diamond stud earring is a fashion must have....

Source:Squidoo