tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28755288496039620752024-03-05T00:30:28.812-05:00i`ve lost my muchness, have i?fashion y design, & all they have to offer.jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-19409045263707346322010-03-23T15:20:00.013-04:002010-03-24T01:11:02.702-04:00COLOR: 15-5519 TX turquoise.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU_2_HVnaQoEPHokLie6wwYXlaCsM4E2roTyVUuNuBm8cXshdLxT8-xMKIsX2nVbaildQzUC2GZ8B8IZsAk8OAq1hjT3Jv98qXx42qiswYYqJyLp-P3pxWL1SSO2MTDHUr8ny7ZBrvX7a/s1600-h/Turqcolorhero.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU_2_HVnaQoEPHokLie6wwYXlaCsM4E2roTyVUuNuBm8cXshdLxT8-xMKIsX2nVbaildQzUC2GZ8B8IZsAk8OAq1hjT3Jv98qXx42qiswYYqJyLp-P3pxWL1SSO2MTDHUr8ny7ZBrvX7a/s400/Turqcolorhero.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451915599862894082" /></a><br /><br />Turquoise was voted 2k10's "color of the year" by Pantone (the global authority of color) and provider of professional color standards for the design industry. "Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8xsdrZLQtDJPeUgmRmwPxu0xFQHf-A3x_wbRw3wBZgT-37CEJHXqVW9q3Jn6kdwo1YmTYasBeU-68SRj8o7PrQzbH03mrMkTGKRDPwG6EBxEZI3nwqeT26WCs7EwRGyDOEA59_3PTedE/s1600-h/turquoise-4-blue-collage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8xsdrZLQtDJPeUgmRmwPxu0xFQHf-A3x_wbRw3wBZgT-37CEJHXqVW9q3Jn6kdwo1YmTYasBeU-68SRj8o7PrQzbH03mrMkTGKRDPwG6EBxEZI3nwqeT26WCs7EwRGyDOEA59_3PTedE/s400/turquoise-4-blue-collage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451912505460201346" /></a><br /><br />Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in furniture, wall paint, tile, cell phones and even nail polish for women.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKichgYAaW-ZATA2yeOJFJlDTK-bw1bg_j7Z0sFjhE7pXw5yEhTV5Q1exsgv-UfHO9xt14nMyBO1Wk-MRxtcCFV-DPmgD0PZtN1EcAaLDTsior5nT4-LgB8cQ0yIcqoLcWI4ZJGuI0pba/s1600-h/turq+app.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKichgYAaW-ZATA2yeOJFJlDTK-bw1bg_j7Z0sFjhE7pXw5yEhTV5Q1exsgv-UfHO9xt14nMyBO1Wk-MRxtcCFV-DPmgD0PZtN1EcAaLDTsior5nT4-LgB8cQ0yIcqoLcWI4ZJGuI0pba/s400/turq+app.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451911886889354930" /></a><br /><br />"In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in silks and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. For men, chinos and ties, shirts and sportswear also look great in turquoise."<br /><br />ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:<br />http://www.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/g-shock-01.jpg<br />http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230/Tripp-Turquoise-Double-Zipper_CB8B6175.jpg<br />http://thekickshop.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/air-max-1-metallic-silver-turquoise-01a.jpg<br />https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI7Uay876afcZqpm-Qtw7ZkJAuoBpbzko5l1LuGLuYipW2IF9OWr28pdfuvtdn7BdHgHue3lMIoxhWdeBW1brpZcen3Rm-v73me-r2jsIjsTju-HLvjo5WTCStoXQDRV0MnyeByCVRJY/s320/turq+sofa+bikini.jpg<br />http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/sa/savile-row-turquoise-pure-silk-tie.jpg<br />http://shadesdaddy.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/ashley-tisdale-660.jpg<br />http://www.ralphlauren.com/frontdoor/index.jsp<br />http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/191490/turquoise-4-blue-collage.jpg<br />http://static.thefrisky.com/images/uploads/blake_lively_052109_splash_m.jpgjEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-83118030223857481572009-03-19T22:32:00.000-04:002009-03-19T22:47:38.133-04:00Location & it's Advantages<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Location, Location, Location!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><a href="http://www.wimcocorp.com/images/Harris-Teeter.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 356px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.wimcocorp.com/images/Harris-Teeter.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">For this assignment I visited the Harris Teeter in Fuquay-Varina, Nc. I conducted this experiment when I went home for spring break which is why my location is not in Greensboro.</div><p align="center">Harris Teeter is located in a shopping center that also contains an Italian restaraunt, an AT&T store, a nail salon, and an Urgent Care. This particular Harris Teeter location is at an advantage because since it is not freestanding people are coming to the shopping center for other reasons. When adults are out running errands they often remember various groceries they are in need of, and because of this Harris Teeter benefits considering the proximity.</p><p align="center">This particular Harris Teeter is also at an advantage because it is the only grocery store of its kind within a ten mile radius. Harris Teeter tends to be more expensive because it carries specialty products and quality meats, and for this reason people plan their grocery trips around going to Harris Teeter because they do carry these speciality products. </p><p align="center">The Harris Teeter in Fuquay-Varina is located of the main street in town. This is another reason why it is a successful location, it is clearly visible from the street and contains adequate and accesible parking. Pedestrain traffic is limited only because there are numerous shops in this one center that an individual is going to need to visit.</p>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-61642296360078172009-03-08T11:18:00.000-04:002009-03-08T12:32:33.162-04:00Why have businesses failed?<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">FAIL</span><br />Our economy has been in a downward spiral for the last eight years, and because of that their are stores, companies, and franchises that just havent been tough enough to weather the storm. Businesses in all categories have continuously failed over the past eight years and will continue to fail for the next year or so as we near the end of America's economic downfall.<br /><br />One such retailer is Circuit City. Circuit City was founded in Richmond by Samuel Wurtzel in 1949 as a TV store. This retailer began losing money when competing retailers started offering televisions and computers at lower prices because of the recession. On November 10 2008 Circuit City filed for bankrupt protection, and on January 17 2009 they began there closing sale which consists of 567 stores. (money.aol.com)<br /><br />Circuit City has failed at all attempts to sell their company. There stocks are worthless and they have left 30,000 employess jobless. (bloomberg.com) Circuit City is estimated to have $1.3 billion in inventory which will go to the various companies that won liquidation rights. Best Buy is Circuit City's main competetor and is said to benefit the most from their going out of business. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">sources:<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aoXcWLaVIkTs&refer=home">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aoXcWLaVIkTs&refer=home</a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/circuit-city-to-go-out-of-business/309313">http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/circuit-city-to-go-out-of-business/309313</a></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-73445044312174470492009-02-13T15:13:00.000-05:002009-02-20T01:50:03.588-05:00VALS: Target Audiences<div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;">How'd They Know?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Before taking the VALS survey I thought to myself "why are we having to do this dumb survey thats only going to steroetype me into a few random categories," but after taking it a reviewing my results I realized that there is much truth involved in this survey. VALS is suprisingly accurate and extremely realistic.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">VALS categorized me first as an "experiencer" who are said to "seek variety and excitement, savoring the new, the offbeat, and the risky. Their energy finds an outlet in exercise, sports, outdoor recreation, and social activities. Experiencers are avid consumers and spend a comparatively high proportion of their income on fashion, entertainment, and socializing. Their purchases reflect the emphasis they place on looking good and having "cool" stuff." This is not only an accurate description of me, but of many young people. Generation X is consumed with entertainment, and through entertainment we socialize and decide what is "fashionable."</span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">VALS categorized me secondarily as an "innovator" who are said to "Innovators are very active consumers, and their purchases reflect cultivated tastes for upscale, niche products and services.Image is important to Innovators, not as evidence of status or power but as an expression of their taste, independence, and personality. Innovators are among the established and emerging leaders in business and government, yet they continue to seek challenges. Their lives are characterized by variety. Their possessions and recreation reflect a cultivated taste for the finer things in life." This is correct in that this is not my primary focus in life, but I do like being first, being the best, and looking good doing it. I dont feel complete with out the newest, highest quality products</span>. </div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-35049696348201432672009-02-08T17:33:00.000-05:002009-02-08T18:17:04.849-05:00Favorite Retailer: History<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:48px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Nordstrom & it's Beginning.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Nordstrom was founded by John W. Nordstrom and Carl Wallin. Wallin and Nordstrom shoe store first opened in downtown Seattle in 1901. The pair opened their second store in 1923, and in 1928 Nordstrom sold his share in the company to his two sons. A year later Wallin sold his share to the Nordstrom sons, and in 1933 the third Nordstrom son joined his brothers.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">"From the beginning, John's business philosophy was based on exceptional service, selection, quality and value</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">." (Nordstrom.com) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Nordstrom was strictly a shoe store until 1963 when they expanded into clothing . Mens and children's clothing were added in 1966, and in 1968 the three brothers retired and passed the business along to five family members.<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Nordstrom is a public company, with stores all over the country. Nordstrom carries </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">selections of the finest apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family. Nordstrom's philosophy on customer service and product quality remains unchanged since 1901, attributes which helped them earne 8.27 billion dollars in 2008.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:24px;"><br /></span></div></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-18053950228302211072009-01-28T15:37:00.000-05:002009-01-29T16:40:35.357-05:00My Favorite Retailer<p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Why Nordstrom?</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><img src="webkit-fake-url://0ED73768-B3CA-4F2E-ADC9-173EE37A6A82/nordstrom.jpg" alt="nordstrom.jpg" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">There are many places that I enjoy shopping and that most certainly enjoy taking my money, but if I had to choose my favorite retailer it would be Nordstrom. My mother used to talk about Nordtrom and rave about all the beautiful things they had, but because we live in rural North Carolina the closest Nordstrom was two hours away. I think I was thirteen the first time I went inside a Nordstrom, South Point mall in Durham had just been built and my mom took my sisters and I to go shopping.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I like Nordstrom because they have a vast assortment of awesome jeans. I wear Seven jeans because I like the way my butt looks. I wear True Religion jeans because they are very durable, they do not fade, and they fit me quite nicely. I wear James jeans because they are just amazing. James jeans are my favorite jeans because they fit me absolutely perfectly.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Another reason I like Nordstrom is because of the make-up lines they carry. I love MAC make-up, and appreciate the talent of the women and men who do make-up at the MAC booths. MAC's foundation covers the best, they have the boldest eyeshadow and the employees at MAC do a great job applying bold make-up. I like the bold look and utter glamour of MAC.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I shop at Nordstrom because of the beautiful shoes they carry. Nordstrom carries the classiest, most fabulous brands and styles of shoes. If I ever need a great pair of shoes and Im not quite sure what the shoe needs to look like, I can always go to Nordstrom and find something.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Although there are things at Nordstrom that are very expensive, I like Nordstrom because they do carry cheaper brands. Even though the not so well-known brands are cheaper, they are just as chic, and make wonderful pieces that are easily combined with various outfits.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The ultimate reason that Nordstrom is my favorite retailer is the fact that I can go to Nordstrom and find everything I need. Nordstrom is a one stop shop in that when I shop there I can find great clothes, shoes, make-up, and jewelry.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></p>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-58796085907017973802008-11-20T15:20:00.000-05:002008-11-20T15:50:55.668-05:00How has the housing crisis affected home fashion retail?<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Quality vs. Quanity</span></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The two main things that have been affected by the diminishing housing market are quality and quantity. Not only has home quality gone down, because every contractor is trying to build the cheapest home and still make money, but they quantity of homes being built and the contractors building them has gone down significantly. If homes are not selling and homes are not being built then people are losing money and they are losing jobs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><img src="webkit-fake-url://C729A446-232F-4BEB-9F89-91B2035056E1/home-house2.jpg" alt="home-house2.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In regards to home furnishings it's the battle of the Q's. Again quality vs. quantity comes into play again when people are buying furnishings for their newly purchased homes.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The first group of people are buying quality homes and either buying cheaper furniture to compromise with their expensive home, or just not buying as much furniture as the usually might. These people have adopted a mentality along the lines of not caring so much about the quality of the inside of their home, so long as the outside looks nice. Some people might do a combination of the two. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://hotbeanbags.com/photos/kids-super-chair.gif" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 266px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The second group of people are buying less expensive homes in hopes to lavishly furnish them. Whether the home is smaller or just of lesser quality I do not know, but their are people spending less on homes in hopes of decorating them the way they wish on the inside.<br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bedzine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/desede_ds-152_couch_feb_04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 332px;" src="http://bedzine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/desede_ds-152_couch_feb_04.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My personal thoughts would be to have a combination of quality and quantity. No one wants an ugly house on the outside, or a tacky house on the inside. So, to solve this problem with the modern economy in mind, one must opt for the smaller home in hopes to furnish it elegantly. <br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:24px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:24px;"><br /></span></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-30305847040149110412008-11-13T21:42:00.000-05:002008-11-13T22:12:55.647-05:00Challenges of Apparel Retailing<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" >A Hard Concept</span><br /></div><br />Apparel retailing is a difficult process because of the work required to make any line successful. Design is hard because on one hand you want to be innovative and unique, but on the other hand you want your merchandise to sell. It’s hard to be original, but be on the same wave of originality as designers coming out with lines at the same time. As a designer you don’t want to miss the trends for each year because it could be detrimental to your business.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_174/11869719201fcKx0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 350px;" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_174/11869719201fcKx0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(dreamstime.com)<br /></div> Another hard aspect of retailing is the marketing of a line and its presentation. In the modern world a manager needs to have their products in malls, online, and in catalogs to be successful. Managers also need to hire the correct people to accurately market their line. The line needs to be presented to the target market in an approachable way. Consumers need to be attracted to displays and showrooms, and advertisements need to catch their eye.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bagsnob.com/images2008/showroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 287px;" src="http://www.bagsnob.com/images2008/showroom.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(bagsnob.com)<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Color forecasting and color story are challenges for apparel retailing. The right color is an important issue in regards to retailing. When the economy is bad some designers want to use bright fun colors in hopes that they will lighten consumers mood and make them happy, hopefully if their happy they might ignore their economic troubles and by something for the heck of it. Other designers choose dark colors when the economy is bad to symbolize the "darkness" the country might be experiencing.<br /></div></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-38302766321591201322008-11-03T14:04:00.000-05:002008-11-03T14:31:45.490-05:00Sweatshops<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Exploitation & Greed</span><br /></div><br />Sweatshops are defined as having: difficult and dangerous working conditions, along with limited rights for their workers and few ways for their voices to be heard. Sweatshops can expose an employee to harmful or hazardous materials while already working at excruciating temperatures. In my opinion the employers inflict this type of abuse.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 396px; height: 263px;" alt="http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/clipart/jpeg/IndiaLarge/sweatshop_mumbai.jpeg" src="http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/clipart/jpeg/IndiaLarge/sweatshop_mumbai.jpeg" /><br /></div><br />I understand that most people working in these third world sweatshops are doing it because they have chosen to. This doesn’t mean it is right. Employers are exploiting these citizens because they know that the employees will continue to work under the current conditions because the money is there. This brings me to an even worse situation, one regarding wages. It is sick how meager the employees wages are. It doesn’t matter to me that these people are making “enough” to survive. It is inhumane to exploit them in this way when we can afford to pay them more for their efforts.<br /><br />Child labor in completely inhumane and the laws prohibiting this act should be intensified. Their is absolutely no excuse for child labor and the people continuing it should be jailed. Regardless of whether the child's parents allow it for their own selfishness or employers are forcing them it should all be the same in the eyes of the law.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.coopamerica.org/images/sweatshops_lg.jpg" src="http://www.coopamerica.org/images/sweatshops_lg.jpg" /><br />(www.coopamerica.org)<br /></div><br />Through the continuation of sweatshops these countries will continue to live in poverty because they allow companies to make their wages so low. Companies pay the bare minimum because they are greed driven, and provide only enough so their employees can survive. The only way to stop sweatshop labor is to boycott the buying of the products they produce. This is much easier said than done, especially considering the United States imports a significant amount more than it exports.jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-83550779110030655752008-10-26T16:30:00.000-04:002008-10-26T18:00:08.989-04:00Fashion: Art or Usability?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">A Wearable Art form </span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I see fashion as an art form first and meant for usability second. Clothing design as well as the art of dressing are such great ways to express oneself, J.Lo said "Fashion is art that you wear everyday, it makes you feel a certain way, and you can tell how someone feels about themselves by how they dress." Her words sum up my thoughts of fashion as an art form so perfectly. </span><br /><br />I consider fashion an art form because the amount of time that goes into making these clothes. The prints of chosen fabrics combined with the detailed embellishments and structure of each and every garment. The best example of this caliber of clothing is Marc Jacobs' latest line for Louis Vuitton. It is absolutely incredible. After viewing something as amazing as this line no one can argue that fashion is not an art. Jacobs detail and emphasis on every part of the outfit is absolutely heavenly. The layering of pieces, the vibrant jewelry, the handbags being apart of the outfit rather than just an accessory, and most of all the detail regarding SHOES! Shoes seem to make an outfit these days, something I am in love with.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl1/12/129120/41_2008/83141857_10.jpg" target="_new" title="Click to see orignal image"><img style="width: 271px; height: 419px;" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl1/12/129120/41_2008/83141857_10.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(content.coutorture.com)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl1/12/129120/41_2008/83141835_10.jpg" target="_new" title="Click to see orignal image"><img style="width: 280px; height: 370px;" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl1/12/129120/41_2008/83141835_10.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" /></a><br />(content.coutorture.com)<br /><br /><a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl1/12/129120/41_2008/83141828_10.jpg" target="_new" title="Click to see orignal image"><img style="width: 287px; height: 379px;" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/upl1/12/129120/41_2008/83141828_10.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(content.coutorture.com)<br /></div><br />There are those who believe than dressing yourself is purely based on modesty and modern theories of appropriate dress, but i believe it is to express oneself. The clothes wear you, and can stand alone as an art form by themselves.<br /></div></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-3582869013453487972008-10-03T15:47:00.000-04:002008-10-06T22:51:12.953-04:00If you had a clothing line what would it be like? Who would you design for?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:180%;" >Nobody wants a Stick!</span><br /></div><br />If I were to design a clothing line, it would be amazing. I have curves, and because of that it's my inspiration for design. I am not sure when the fashion industry confused curvy with plus size, but I don’t appreciate it. When I say curvy, I am not speaking of larger women, I am referring to women with: hourglass figures, most having average to large breasts, and women with wider hips than the average, and having a larger than average butt. My line would cater to curvy women, and clothes shaping well with their bodies.<br /><br />My line would consist of very feminine garments. I would use lots of silks and airy fabrics, but also have structured garments than flatter the silhouette of a curvy woman. I would use a lot of high-waisted belts, and pleats than accentuate the waist. My Structured garments would mostly me high wasted skirts and pants that would: accentuate the waist, and flatter the booty. A lot of my shirts would be three quarter sleeves because I don’t like short sleeves or sleeveless shirts, and some would have synching along the sides giving the illusion of curve to women with big boobs, but not necessarily an hourglass figure.<br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/jacquistubbs/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Some examples of the body type I would target are:<br />(in no particular order)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >1. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">Kim Kardashian</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.openentrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/kim-kardashian-020508.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://www.openentrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/kim-kardashian-020508.jpg" border="0" /></a>(openentrance.com)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Beyonce Knowles</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cosmetic-makeovers.com/files/posts/beyonce_liposuction.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 322px; display: block; height: 229px; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://cosmetic-makeovers.com/files/posts/beyonce_liposuction.jpg" border="0" /></a>(images.google.com)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >3. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Toccara</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cosmetic-makeovers.com/files/posts/beyonce_liposuction.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://z.about.com/d/rap/1/0/y/6/-/-/Toccara1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://z.about.com/d/rap/1/0/y/6/-/-/Toccara1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">(z.about.com)<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4.</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shakira</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/02/06/shakira_narrowweb__300x376,0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/02/06/shakira_narrowweb__300x376,0.jpg" border="0" /></a>(smh.com)<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5.</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jennifer Lopez</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.j-lofan.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/jennifer_lopez_bordertown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://www.j-lofan.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/jennifer_lopez_bordertown.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />(j-lofan.com)<br /></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-65360659384715002972008-09-26T15:31:00.000-04:002008-09-26T23:15:55.078-04:00Ethnic influences on design<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Adaptation</span><br /></div><br />The most basic reasons for dressing oneself include: protection, decoration, modesty, and status. In different cultures one’s dress can be affected by gender, age, or social status. Dress can also hold ceremonial uses or be used to enhance sexual attractiveness. (The Visible Self, 2000. Eicher, Evenson, Lutz.) These factors combine to form the thought behind the everyday dress of different cultures around the world, and because of this designers are able to pull ideas from various trends and adapt them to an acceptable western form.<br /><br />Something that is ethnic is something that has come from the past, and has not changed. Dress is used as a mark of ethnicity that communicates group identity. Ethnicity embraces this group cohesion, which also includes shared language, similar dress, manners, and lifestyle. This sense of ethnicity is not immediate, it is established over time. Some examples of particular garments that have impacted western dress are: the kimono, the dashiki, the hijab.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The hijab, meaning to veil or to cover, originated in the Islamic and Muslim worlds. Both require women to cover everything except their face and hands. The hijab has become a symbol of “Islamic consciousness and has emerged as an affirmation of Islamic identity and morality.” (Wikipedia, 2003.)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.arhama.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/jlo-wearing-hijab.jpg"><img style="width: 248px; height: 254px;" alt="http://www.indypendent.org/wp-content/photos/DownUnder.jpg" src="http://www.indypendent.org/wp-content/photos/DownUnder.jpg" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.arhama.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/jlo-wearing-hijab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 303px;" src="http://www.arhama.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/jlo-wearing-hijab.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The hijab has been adapted to western dress and is see through many variations. Without knowing, women and sometimes men, are wearing their scarves, or wrapping their headdresses based on the hijab’s influence.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://issmatblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/hijab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://issmatblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/hijab.jpg" alt="" border="0" />(issmatblog)</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The dashiki, which originated in Africa, is another garment that has influenced the west. is a colorful men's garment that covers the top half of the body. Traditional female attire is called a caftan. A common form of these two garments is a loose-fitting pullover, with an detailed V-shaped collar, and an embroidered neck and sleeve line.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wilsdom.com/store/media/unisex-dashiki2006p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 290px;" src="http://www.wilsdom.com/store/media/unisex-dashiki2006p.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img style="width: 235px; height: 356px;" alt="http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20070711/293.swank.hilary2.071107.jpg" src="http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20070711/293.swank.hilary2.071107.jpg" /><br /><br />The dashiki has been modified to western dress by almost every designer. When making the garments designers typically make the western style tunic somewhat form fitting, with patterns a little more tame than that of the dashiki and the embroidery not being as detailed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Asia influences western dress more than we realize. The kimono is possibly the most recognizable garment originating in Asia. Kimono's are long t-shaped garments that brush the floor. Kimonos are wrapped, left side over right, and are held in place by a belt. Designers have adapted the printed flowers of kimonos to western dresses, along with the structured shape of the garment. The high-waisted belt could have also been taken from Asian dress.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/japan/japan/kimono2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 324px;" src="http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/japan/japan/kimono2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><img style="width: 319px; height: 270px;" alt="http://www.lasplash.com/uploads/1/deborah_linquist_3_002.jpg" src="http://www.lasplash.com/uploads/1/deborah_linquist_3_002.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Media has influenced people around the world, in that through media people that may never travel from their home country are influenced by international dress. Designers now travel all over the world, see styles they love, and adapt them to western dress.</div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-26759021114958209882008-09-18T20:14:00.000-04:002008-09-18T20:47:48.395-04:00Trends for Spring 2009<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pagesperso-orange.fr/collections-auto/Frames/Logo-MercedesBenz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 173px;" src="http://pagesperso-orange.fr/collections-auto/Frames/Logo-MercedesBenz.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Exclusively New York!</span><br /></div><br />Because Mer<span style="font-size:100%;">cedes-Benz fashion week hosts so many designers I decided to pick three, completely at random, to </span>write overviews on. In order to describe the trends for Spring 2009 RTW I reviewed as many lines as I could without feeling overwhelmed.<br /><br />The first designer I chose was Anna Sui. In this collection I noticed a combination of textures on every piece. Sui combined lace with silk, and criss-cross patterns with vertical stripes and bold colors. She had plaid throughout her line, combining minor plaid attributes to many of the pieces. On every piece there was either a fringe or lace lining around the hem of the dress, but incorporated barely any shorts or capris. “The work was very colorful, optimistic and happy, which is what I’m pushing for these days.” Sui stated of her line.<br /> <a href="http://www.style.com/" id="logo_link" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="http://www.style.com/" id="logo_link" target="_blank"><span><br /></span></a> <div style="text-align: center;" id="slide_img_outer"><div id="slide_img_middle"><div id="slide_img_inner"> <a href="http://www.style.com/" id="logo_link" target="_blank"><span>Style.com</span></a> <div id="slide_img_outer"><div id="slide_img_middle"><div id="slide_img_inner"><img style="width: 220px; height: 326px;" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/S2009RTW/ANNASUI/RUNWAY/00190m.jpg" alt="Anna Sui Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The second designer I chose was Diane Von Furstenberg. Furstenberg described her line as “rock goddess” which included layered dresses, and many outfits with silk capris. There were a few form fitting pieces that I would have though did not match, but when put together looked great! She had a lot of bold patterns, for example combining flowers with stripes. Style magazine described her line as having “boldly colored, lush prints!” “The overall effect was one of complete optimism. We could all use a hefty dose of that…” (Style.com. (2008). Diane Von Furstenberg. Retrieved September 7, 2008, from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2009RTWDVFURSTE.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/" id="logo_link" target="_blank"><span>Style.com</span></a></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 227px; height: 341px;" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/S2009RTW/DVFURSTE/RUNWAY/00270m.jpg" alt="Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear" /><br /></div><br />The last designer I chose was Reem Acra. Meenal Mistry, the author of the review, described that this line “wove a tale that began in the attic of a royal castle, the kind of magically cobwebbed place where one might chance upon a forgotten stash of silks and gems.” Almost every piece in this entire collection had a collar, whether it tied or buttoned. Acra used sheer and delicate fabrics that were, as Mistry described them, “electric in color.” It seemed to me that some of the patterns (the types of floral chosen) and architecture of the tops were oriental inspired.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.style.com/" id="logo_link" target="_blank"><span>Style.com</span></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;" id="slide_img_outer"><div id="slide_img_middle"><div id="slide_img_inner"><img style="width: 230px; height: 345px;" src="http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/S2009RTW/RACRA/RUNWAY/00230m.jpg" alt="Reem Acra Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear" /></div></div></div><br />With so many different designers showcasing their work it is hard to tell what styles will be copied so that we, the middle class, can afford them. There are some definite trends to be on the look out for. Color is a huge trend to follow. Bright colors will be very popular, along with eye-catching prints. Flowy tops with a tunic styling to them seemed to be a part of every designer’s collection along with a number of silk pieces. Above all I think designer wanted to make their pieces fresh, airy, and extremely feminine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="width: 399px; height: 266px;" alt="http://www.glamboulevard.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/benzfashweek.jpg" src="http://www.glamboulevard.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/benzfashweek.jpg" /><br /></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-80163709616466349942008-09-12T09:55:00.000-04:002008-09-18T20:47:07.845-04:00Organic and Environmentally Friendly Clothing<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">All That is Friendly<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://agreenfootprint.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/bloghead3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 642px; height: 177px;" src="http://agreenfootprint.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/bloghead3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.coochicoos.com/images/organic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 218px;" src="http://www.coochicoos.com/images/organic.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >“Organic clothing is clothing that is made from materials that are raised or grown without the use of chemicals in the form of pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals.” (Wikipedia 2008) Garments that are unquestionably organic share factors that benefit the environment. One factor, stresses not harming humans or animals, another focuses on preventing chemical leakage. </span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > After doing some research I’ve realized that different “organic” or “environmentally friendly” retailers specialize in different products. Some focus on lifestyle and beauty products. Others in products made from organic, recycled or alternative natural materials, or made by fair trade producer groups. A few combine fashio</span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >n and eco-friendly clothing and donate to charitable organizations.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Cotton is harvested in a few ways that are eco-friendly. One way to reduce the need for chemicals and dyes involved in the finishing process is for manufacturers to bye naturally colored cotton. Natural colors include: brown, rust, red, beige and green. The colors enhance over time, and are produced in Arizona and Texas.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"> When organic cotton is produced it must follow certain state mandated regulations. For a tag so say organic, the cotton that was used to produce the shirt has to have been grown in a field where organic farming techniques have been repeated for at least three years. On this land no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers may be used. Transitional cotton me</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">ets the same standards as organic cotton, but the required three-year minimum has not yet been fulfilled. Green cotton is another alternative for consumers. This describes cotton that has been washed with a mild natural-based soap but has not been bleached or treated with other chemicals.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hemptraders.com/images/img_fiber_f_l1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 167px;" src="http://www.hemptraders.com/images/img_fiber_f_l1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> I think it would pay off for producers if they focused on hemp. Hemp can be cottonized</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> and processed to feel just like cotton. Hemp can be white or come in other natural colors, and can be mac</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">hine-washed and dried. Hemp is absorbent, and does not require pesticides during production. More hemp can be produced per acre than cotton, and hemp can be used to rid </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">farmland from mercury and zinc.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I do think that organic clothing is a fantastic idea, and no one can argue the aid it gives to our environment, but these pieces are so expensive. Naturally colored cotton sells for twice the price of white cotton.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bmia.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/celebrity-green-logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://bmia.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/celebrity-green-logo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now that it is “cool” to wear organic clothing and bye eco-friendly wardrobes, celebrities have begun doing it. Everyone knows that when something becomes popular in Hollywood, the price is going to rise. The freshest new designers are going cater to the wants and needs of Hollywood’s hottest in hopes of becoming the next big thing. For environmentally and organic clothing to flourish there needs to be an incentive for producers, and a demand from consumers which would come naturally if the product were affordable. </span><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2875528849603962075.post-71443877126456917132008-09-05T13:20:00.000-04:002008-09-05T18:26:49.234-04:00Favorite Designer<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> Why Isaac?</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/images/unmk_03_img0106.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 199px;" src="http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/images/unmk_03_img0106.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“They’re not trendy clothes, they’re chic.”</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">Whenever I began to think about this assignment I was completely confused as to what designer might be my favorite. Of course as a CARS major one would think I’d be able to rattle off designers and reasons for liking their lines, but I was stumped. To me high fashion designers seemed to be the obvious choice, but that’s a little mundane. Although the average person does not think Isaac Mizrahi when they think of runway, I beg to differ and wish to shed a bit of light on his brilliance. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/2237562270_aa10b08516_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 268px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/2237562270_aa10b08516_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> It is not in the mind of most designers to create pieces that won’t be seen on the runways of Milan or New York, so to master ready-to-wear for everyday women is genius. “Known as much for custom-made ball gowns as tweed jackets” Isaac brings high fashion to the suburbs, through a convenient retailer and at an affordable price. I love Isaac’s designs because they’re fresh as </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">well as stylish because he adapts the runway to everyday. He creates the illusion that we, as middle class Americans, have become the new “it girls” of New York and his newest designs have been catered specifically to us. Isaac has been described as designing “cheap-chic” and his talents don’t end there, he also designs shoes, bags, bedding, various accessories, etc., and although Mizrahi’s pieces are not one-of-a-kind, buyers cannot get enough. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/main/archives/flame%20towels.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 139px;" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/main/archives/flame%20towels.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> Stick thin models are commonly used due to the appeal they create for the modeled clothes. Although I believe this to be impractical as well as untrue the situation remains as such. Just because a garment is offered in various sizes does not mean that it was designed for bigger women or that it will flatter them, and with a broad range of sizes existing in modern women I think it’s vital to a designers success to cater to all of them. Through personal observation I have seen Isaac’s line look great of all body types. My sisters and I vary drastically in shape and size and are able to fit, and feel comfortable wearing his clothes. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> In essence Isaac Mizrahi is my favorite designer because of his ability to reinvent the runway and produce a ready-to-wear line that is within price, and is extremely fashionable. I respect Mizrahi for establishing himself with Target, and hope that he can produce the same results in revitalizing Claiborne’s line.</span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>jEllYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06078213359689355268noreply@blogger.com0