What's hot on the streets??

Street trends and high fashion have seemed to go hand in hand.  One gets inspiration from the other creating amazing new styles.  Currently I am noticing a lot of different street trends featured in Spring 2011 collections.

For instance, blazers.  They started to regain popularity over the past two seasons or so but they are really going strong for spring.  You can get them in so many different fabrics and colors.  There are trendy military looks or softer, lace, feminine pieces.

Also leggings have really gone mainstream again.  I remember when my mom would wear leggings while I was growing up, even leggings with stirrups, and I always thought they were ugly and now I find myself buying them in many different colors and fabrics.  They can be dressed up and dressed down and are seen just about everywhere.

And finally thigh high boots, my fav!  At some point they were thought to be a little trashy, but in todays trends it is super sexy.  There is such a variety of choices with them also.  You can get flats, or sky high, leather or suede and multiple colors and embellishments to choose from. 

Put all of these street trends together and you can create a very chic look, ala Kim Kardashian!

Ah, the 1970's.

From disco, to hippies, to Saturday Night Fever. 
We all know and recognize 70's fashion. 

The trends and styles have come back into fashion in different ways throughout the years, but to me the biggest contribution to fashion that came out of the 70's was that of the designer Halston.

Halston began his career in the 50's but gained immense popularity in the 70's when he designed and shmoozed with the stars in none other than Studio 54. He created body forming garmets using the bias cut technique, with little use for closures or embellishments. 

Today his designs can be seen on the red carpet on such celebrities as Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker and are just as stunning as they were in the 70's. 

Here are some images of gowns from the 70's and today. 

 

The Geneology of Heels

Heels, as we know them today, come in many forms.  You can get a chunky heel, stiletto heel, a classic pump, strappy, peep toe, open toe, pointed toe or round and varying heights (although sky high heels seem to be the trend currently).

Let us take a look back starting in the present and going back to the 50's to see how heels have evolved.

2010
Alexander McQueen ten inch heels.

The 90's - This is when the chunky heel was wildly popular.  You can actually start to see a bit of a comeback of this style now.

Example: daniblack strappy sandal

The 80's - In the 80's the classic power pump was the heel of choice.  With a mid height heel, closed, slightly rounded toe and a huge selection of colors to choose from.

Example: Charles Jourdan beige leather pumps.

The 70's - The classic platform as we know it today.  Sky high and often in other textiles such as cork or pvc.

Example: Vintage platforms, unknown designer.

The 60's - Pre-platform we had metallic heels at a mid and low heel height.


Example: Silver metallic buckle platform heels, After Five by Sophia.

The 50's - The basic pumps with a low to mid heel length was popular at this time.  Mostly closed toe with bow detailing.

Example: Babydoll heels with studded bow, designer unknown. 

Hot Trend Alert: Military Style

Maybe it's due to the media attention on our military and their efforts in the war or maybe it's because of the heavily structured looks that we are seeing this year, but military style is being seen in high fashion and even places like Target or local stores.  Jackets, shirts, and plenty of embellishments are just a few things you will see on these clothes.  Here are a few examples:

John Galliano


Marc Jacobs




Balmain

The single most influential item of 1950's fashion...

... the pencil skirt!
Yes, you heard it right. The pencil skirt was introduced in the 1950's and has survived to be a staple piece in any woman's wardrobe.  The straight style but sophisticated look can be paired with heels or flats, a crisp white shirt or a sassy one shouldered top.  In basic jersey, cotton, or tweed and in many different colors, the pencil skirt will never go out of fashion. 

Jeans

Jeans became wildly popular in the 1950's mostly by young adults and the newly termed "teenagers" of that time.  It became more fashionable to wear out and not just while working in the yard or something.  Over the years jeans have taken on many forms.  The cut, leg size, higher and lower waist, etc.  Currently I think the most popular style has to be a dark wash and the skinny leg fit.  Although this look may not be flattering on all body types, it is the hottest trend today and honestly, I don't see that changing anytime soon.  The fact that leggings are now very popular again and the two have formed creating "jeggings" (jean leggings), goes to show the trend is only evolving.  I think that because skinny jeans are very restricting on some people, the jeggings are a nice, more comfortable alternative.
                                                             Marilyn Monroe 1950's

                                                                  
                                                                  Wranger's 1960's

                                                               Wide Leg Jeans 1970's

                                                             Calvin Klein Jeans 1980's

                                                                 Guess Jeans 1990's

                                                    Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake
                                                                            2000's 

                                                       The Skinny Jeans of the Present

As for the future, well I think that the overall style of jeans will stay the same as far as the current trend of stretch in jeans and what not.  What may change is the embellishments.  I see an increase in different embellishments on jeans for the future.  The fact that "do-it-yourself" jean projects are popular again may bring a new look for jeans all together.  So, all you jean lovers, let your creativity run free!!

Historical Draped and Tailored Garments

Historical Draping

 

Ancient Greek Goddess image.  The draping done in these times were very similar to the ideals of 1930's designer Alix Grex who often would not cut fabric in order to create a seamless garment.  The ancient women of Greece would wear dress similar to this image that would be draped across the body and tied or tucked in to keep together. 

Traditional 19th century Indian Saree's are a prime example of draping and has is still extremely popular and worn by most women in India.  Above is an image of a contemporary Saree look.

 

In the summer of 2008 draping became hot again.  As seen in this image.  

Historical Tailoring

Traditional Spanish Bullfighters where a garment called the "Suit of Light".  It is made of silk and damask  and/or velvet and is significantly tailored for ease of movement. Because of the great use of color and embroidered design it also allows for the fighter to represent their individuality.





In the 1950's/1960's Jackie Kennedy Onasis was well known for her fashions and she had an abudance of well tailored women's suits and dresses.  Everything she wore fit her like a glove and was impeccably designed.

                                                                                         George Washington in the Continental Army in 1775. This was the first "official" American uniform.  It was designed by George Washington himself and included a waistcoat, breeches (overalls), and red, white and blue coloring with the undergarments being a buff color.