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Stylish models stroll seamlessly

The ’60s hippie patterns, ’70s disco pants, the ’80s colorful palettes and the ’90s “Macarena”were some of the prevalent pop culture trends that guests introduced to SE April 1.

Five Decades of Fashion and Luncheonrevived the most popular music and fashion from the 1960s until the 2000s to celebrate TCC’s 50th anniversary. The models were SE students, staff and faculty.

One of the models, English instructor Arlandis Jones, said he was glad to do something for TCC.

“Modeling was not hard,” he said. “We just had to bring our personality on the stage.”

SE president’s assistant Michael Cinatl and hospitality management instructor Talia Dancer started organizing this event three months ago. To Cinatl, seeing everybody dancing happily in the end was the best part.

“Getting the fashions together had to be the most difficult part,” he said. “Seeing it all happen today is very rewarding.”

Eddna Adams, another staff model, is a SE academic advisor.

“I had a great time,” she said. “It’s always fun participating in school activities.”

Several were disappointed with the 2000s fashion. According to them, it wasn’t an accurate representation.

“I felt like the fashion of the 2000s didn’t fit right,” said Mohammad Zoubi, a SE finance student, “Other than that, everything was well put together. Overall, it was very nice.”

Raghad Appas, another SE student, said her main motive to come to the show was the 2000s.

“The fashion and the music to the 2000s are closer to what I know and like,” she said.

Another student who attended, Marilyn Bujang, liked the ’60s better.

“The ’60s were my favorite,” she said. “I like the outfits and the colors. They were more decent. The music was also more meaningful.”Read more here:Marie Australia

Jo Young has taken two different career paths — fashion stylist and educator — and turned

them into an Oro Valley business that counsels women on current clothing and accessory style trends, and advises them on what works best for their particular situation.

Through Fashion Fix, Young does what she calls “Closet Crashes,” which she said, “Is especially for he woman who doesn’t really know where to start with her wardrobe or someone in transition who needs a new wardrobe.”

Besides Closet Crashes, which are one-on-one consultations, Young also does personal shopping jaunts with clients.

“With personal shopping, the client gets individual attention so I can assure her a perfect fit and make sure she gets the stylish outcome that she’s looking for,” Young said.

Young also offers an exclusive La Petite Boutique, which is a preview for serious shoppers of clothing and accessories that will be featured in a Fashion Fix Pop Up Boutique held shortly thereafter.

“With La Petite Boutique, we treat the event like a designer showroom,” Young pointed out. “I give special attention about various items, how to use them, and offer ideas on how to use the clothes and accessories. La Petite Boutique is by appointment only, and we offer those attending wine and chocolate or tea and cookies, depending on their preference.”

The Pop Up Boutiques are held four times a year, Young said, at different locations around the Tucson metropolitan area. She noted that those who attend usually are included on her “invitation list,” to which she adds interested persons regularly.

“Sometimes I get referrals from clients who attend the boutiques, but anyone who would like to be on the invitation list should call my mobile number 979-1416 or email me at jo@fashionfixwithjo.com,” she said.

Young said the trend for this year leans toward lace, fringe and crochet.

“It’s all very up-market in the look,” she pointed out. “I found some overlay tops with a camisole look, and statement pieces that can be added to clothing, like pins, necklaces and scarves. I recently found a lace extender worn under a top to make the top look longer.”

Debbie Elver, a certified public accountant in midtown Tucson, has had Young as a business client for a number of years.

“After she started Fashion Fix and told me about the Closet Crash, I said to her, ‘I need that help,’” Elver said. “Jo came to my home and talked to me about the styles that are best for my body shape, and had me go through my closet and identify what I couldn’t live without, what I could, and the ‘maybe’ pieces of clothing.”

Elver said she doesn’t like to shop, so she has made random clothes purchases over the years.

“Jo goes into your closet with you and in my case, created brown and black sets of clothing for me,” Elver noted. “We weeded out what didn’t work for me and got rid of more than half the clothes in my closet. What’s left, I’ve worn in many combinations and have received many compliments on my clothes.”

Elver said her first Closet Crash worked so well, she had Young come back a second time for two hours worth of personalized styling advice.

“It was well worth it to maximize what I already had instead of going out and buying more clothes,” Elver said.

Deborah Ann Sweezy, a mural artist formerly of Oro Valley and now a Foothills resident, said that having Young consult on her clothes has been a creative influence for her work.

“I’ve been to all of Jo’s boutiques,” Sweezy said. “She has a very creative eye and gives her customers an individual personality with their clothing. With me, she tried for a casual sophisticated elegance. I found I can accessorize a plain black dress for the office, church, or with some other accessories for dinner.”

Sweezy added that Young’s offerings “are very comfortable with my pocketbook because she tries very hard to make the best possible purchase for the right amount of money.”

Young said that with a Closet Crash visit, she tries to find at least nine articles of clothing in the client’s closet that reflect their body and fashion personality.

“With those nine items, I show them how they can make 30 outfits out of them,” Young said. “Often, 30 to 50 outfits are the result of one Closet Crash.”

Sweezy intends on continuing to attend Fashion Fix boutiques.

“Jo can take care of you from head to toe,” Sweezy said. “She has the ability to set you apart.”Read more here:womens formal dresses

Assistant Minister for Health Veena Bhatnagar is urging the public to control the food they eat.

She raised the concern when the Health Unit conducted the survey showed increase in obesity.

”Fijian adults 25 to 64 years old have a 60:40 ratio meaning only 40 per cent of Fijian adults have normal weight while 60 per cent are overweight or obese,” she said.

She said Fijians preferred taking convenience food which affects them.

The National Advisor for Non Communicable Diseases, Dr Isimeli Tukana said Fijians should read labels of the food they bought.

“People should know what the food content show so they choose the right food and make better choices to stay healthy, “he said.

He said people must include fruits and vegetables in their diets because it had nutrients which healed the body faster of a person suffering from sickness.

“The diet rule is to include half plate of fruits in meals because it has all necessary nutrients to fight diseases and keeps you healthy all the time,” he said.

Dr Tukana said the increased reliance on technology had affected people’s diet.

“Nowadays people prefer sitting in office and they use lifts as no body movement takes place and people should know body movement is required to burn calories,” he said.

Obese people would accumulate diseases such as stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Dr Tukana said people should take regular 30 minutes walk to combat obesity.

“I suggest people to walk faster, brisk walking makes all the seven muscles moves and functions well,” he said.Read more here:white formal dresses | formal evening dresses

You can develop your own style, and look and feel amazing.

Here are some simple tips on how to stay stylish as a wheelchair user without going overboard.

1. Do the two shoe shuffle

Even if you are a full-time wheelchair user such as myself, making shoes largely decorative, don’t overlook them.

They are the ultimate accessory and a good shoe will make your outfit pop.

2. Don’t dismiss skirts

Although some precautions are advised, don’t think you have to give up on skirts.

Maxi skirts, especially with a nice pattern, are super flattering.

Shorter skirts are possible, but test drive with a friend before buying to check fit, and your modesty.

3. Make time for make-up

We all have those desert island make-up items that make us look great.

If you want a sleek brow or a slick lip, you may not be able to sneak in that extra snooze, but it’ll be worth it to leave the house feeling great.

4. Smile

No amount of make-up can cover up a lack of confidence.

A smile will light up your face and is contagious.

5. Accessorise

There is no one happier than me that statement necklaces are still on trend.

Fabulous jewellery, scarves and handbags will raise your outfit to another level, and always fit well.

6. Look at everything in the mirror while sat

If you’re not a full time wheelchair user, remember that a lot of outfits work great when you’re stood, but not so much when you’re sat, which you will be in your wheelchair.

Choose outfits that give you the flexibility to wear both ways.

7. Make it last

Whether it’s a sleek blowdry or a cute gel mani, go for the style option that’s going to keep you looking good for the longest.

8. Plan ahead

If like me your wardrobe could well have a door to Narnia that you are yet to discover, make sure you get your clothes out ahead of time.

That power suit for a key meeting, or the lavish dress for a decadent party should be selected, and accessorised in plenty of time.

9. Wear what’s comfortable

I know I might look 2-3lb lighter in Spanx, but if I have to wear them all day I know they’ll cut off my circulation.

Compromise and wear things that are flattering but not painful.

10. Ignore the rules

Okay, so the above are not rules, merely suggestions, but the thing that turns fashion into style is your own personal take on it.

Have a go at tearing up the rule book and going out in a onesie and Crocs, or whatever takes your fancy.

If you feel good in yourself, that’s all that matters.Read more at:formal dresses online australia

Fashion has changed. The trend is more about what you can create out of the fashion pieces that you have. With media moving so fast, the news hits its audiences instantly. In fact, you can ask, “What’s news?” You have already seen it. Just think about it!

At Laurence Bossion’s show, his hat design ideas were inspired by his work on the idea of transmission and emphasizing certain details from men’s suits.

“I create unique pieces by directly cutting into vintage suits and bringing forward such details as pockets, collar lapel, interior lining or tail canvas,” he explained. These select pieces often bear no emotions for the initiated eye. Anyone with a sensitivity to it knows his styles are built through a history of working these materials. In the collection, he shows the details in stitches that reveal all the workshop hours spent on his designs. He enjoys going into them, shedding light on those little nothings, which make everything. To him, designing becomes a game to choose from those little nothings that make everything.

From a direct cut into men’s suits, he starts to create the birth of a cap, a beret or a cloche. Of course, there are the designer’s little fabrication secrets that are unveiled along the runway so their initial role can be explained. They contribute to this unique piece, which keeps the original pocket. The secret opening of the pocket is part of its specific character. Some hat styles reflect the personality of the person who will wear the hat.

The apparent masculinity of a classical men’s fabric is now underlined with fine leather, soft feathers or a draped men’s tie. It’s all in the mixing of masculine and feminine codes. The shapes and materials are very important. In the same way, day, and evening and night fabrics find themselves intertwined.

To become spectacular headpieces or playful fascinators, Prince de Galles petals are accented with red and blend themselves with fantastic feathers. Here, materials interact with one another. For fall-winter 2015, there seems to be a dialogue born between a strict felt and frivolous tutu.

Metamorphosis has its importance. The hats divide and multiply themselves using zips, which can separate each piece or link the others together. A veil adorning a brim can become a necklace. Nothing is lost. Everything is created, transformed and transmitted. You, then, become the designer of your own look.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/princess-formal-dresses

Payal Singhal, whose designs have been flaunted by the best in Bollywood, including Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan and Sonakshi Sinha, says roping in a celebrity face as a showstopper on a ramp show boosts business.

The debate over whether film stars should be made showstoppers at fashion galas, or whether the creations should remain show stealers, has been going on for a while. But Singhal, who recently brought actress Tamannaah Bhatia to flaunt her creation on the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week summer-resort 2015, finds no harm in cashing in of Bollywood glamour.

"If you are selling food and if you market the food to the people who eat it, would that be wrong? The fact is that Bollywood sells, and so if actors wear our garment, we sell it 10 times more," Singhal told IANS.

Singhal, who established her fashion house in 1999, is known for offering contemporary Indian and Western clothing. Her market is the quality and design-conscious individuals, who value and appreciate the art of fashion.

Commercial success is prime for her.

"In our country, we think of commercial viability as a negative thing. The whole point of coming into fashion and getting into this business, is to get profits.

"To me, at the end of the day, it's the money that talks, and of course, commercial success. As a human being, as a creative person and as designer, I would strive to do better, but I don't do it for critics. My clients are my real stamp of approval and beyond that I do it for myself," she said.

Her customised prints and designs are a hit. In fact, pieces from her last collection 'Char Bagh' was flaunted by the likes of Neha Dhupia, Sonam Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Shraddha Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri; and Singhal managed to impress fashionistas with her summer-resort 2015 collection too.

Asked about her journey in the fashion world, Singhal was quick to point out at the seriousness in the business of fashion.

"I have grown up on the runway. I say that as a joke, but it's kind of true. I was 21 when I started, and I am 38 now. I think I was really serious about fashion from the day when I joined the business.

"Since I am from the fashion business background, so I'm really appreciative of the fact that now everyone else is also serious. It's no more just about models or fashion shows. To me, that's a major change and I love it," she told IANS.

Singhal also has plans to expand her offerings.

"We have a kids' line, a pret line and we have menswear coming in, and also home furnishing. We also have a bridesmaid line coming up. So yes, we are planning to expand firstly through online," she said.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/sexy-formal-dresses

While her attires depend a lot on her mood, actor Ileana D’Cruz is very particular about one thing – wearing the right size without trying to fit in something that is not meant for your body type. The 27-year-old, who was a showstopper for designer Anushree Reddy on Day 4 of the Lakme Fashion Week, talks to us about her personal style and what’s a complete no-no for her.

* What’s your personal style statement?

I wear what I feel like wearing on a particular day. I don’t care about what people would think. So, what I wear depends a lot on my mood - today it might be sweatpants with a T-shirt and tomorrow I might feel like wearing a gorgeous gown.

* What are you more comfortable in – Indian or western wear?

I’m a beach bum, so I’m more comfortable in western wear. Depending on how fit I am, I would rather pull up a pair of shorts or track pants. However, I do like wearing Indian outfits off and on. It’s got a beautiful charm to it which western outfits don’t offer. The elegance of a sari or the flirtiness of a lehenga is matchless.

* What is your style statement of the season?

I love wearing very simple colours. So, bright a red lip colour with a crisp white shirt is what’s my current favourite.

* What is a big fashion no-no for you?

Something unfitted and crass. It’s important to always wear your size because a lot of people try fitting into smaller sizes even if they don’t fit into it properly.

* Your fashion suggestions?

Workout like crazy, even after you feel you’ve gotten fit. As far as clothes are concerned, for the day wear something chic a good pair of jeans, crop and open hair with a bright lip colour. For an evening, a nice pair of high-waisted trousers and a nice blouse looks great.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/red-carpet-celebrity-dresses

“Fashion is not an art,” said Pierre Bergé, the co-founder of the Yves Saint Laurent couture house and life partner of Saint Laurent, once. “Fashion needs an artist to exist, but it’s no art. It’s just clothes. But Yves Saint Laurent was an artist.” Regardless of whether one believes in the validity of that statement, it would be remiss to say the pieces designed and created by artists such as Saint Laurent are nothing less than works of art.

Until July 19, San Francisco’s Legion of Honor will host “High Fashion: The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection,” which showcases more than 60 mannequins, dressed in the masterpieces of iconic couturiers such as Charles James, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Chanel and Saint Laurent. The ensembles were chosen by Jan Glier Reeder, the consulting curator of the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“High Style” catalogs the evolution of fashion from the early 1900s to the 1970s with representative pieces from the most influential designers of each era. The exhibit emphasizes the impact of female pioneers in the fashion industry of the 20th century, from surrealist designer Elsa Schiaparelli to fashion icon Rita de Acosta to American sportswear designer Vera Maxwell among many others.

Rita de Acosta, described as “the most picturesque woman in America,” was an American socialite whose daring style and societal influence created an indelible mark on the history of fashion. Her personal collection, donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcased her lifestyle of unbridled opulence and innovation. She was among the first women to foster an aesthetic that strayed from the high fashion corset gowns toward unorthodox bohemian lace vests, silk jumpsuits and backless gowns. De Acosta’s iconic style opened new doors in womenswear and paved the way for future generations to come.

Elsa Schiaparelli, a designer whose career coincided with the careers of Coco Chanel and Madeleine Vionnet, was best known for her whimsical and unusual works. The exhibit included many noteworthy pieces from her collection: a dress with fabric seed packets sewn arbitrarily on the piece, an evening dress and a matching parasol printed with small realistic butterflies — which are a common surrealist representation of metamorphosis — and her iconic necklace, made of clear cellulose acetate plastic with pressed tin bugs, which give the impression that the wearer has insects crawling on her neckline. Schiaparelli is a designer whose artistic wit creates awe-inspiring pieces that transcend the barriers of time with ease and grace.

The highlight of the exhibition, however, was the collection of Charles James’ sketches, gowns and muslins. Known as “America’s first couturier,” James considered himself as an artist and a sculptor rather than a dressmaker. He used mathematical and architectural concepts in order to manipulate the fabric and the structure in complicated ways that give his dresses a subtle elegance, which continues to inspire other contemporary designers. James’ mastery of a dress’ form, color and texture is best displayed in the pinnacle of the “High Style” exhibit, the Clover Leaf ball gown. The Clover Leaf ball gown combines different fabrics: Satin was used on the body of the dress, with black lace, sewn loosely on the edges and low luster faille supplementing the copper-toned raw silk hemline of the dress. James considered this dress the greatest accomplishment of his career, and it’s hard to disagree.

The world of fashion is a fickle industry. The story is all too familiar; designers deliver innovative collections that make headlines across the world, and when they inevitably retire or die, their legacy fades into obscurity as the new generation begin to make a name for themselves. Exhibitions detailing the history of fashion are not as readily available to the layman compared to that of other forms of visual art like paintings, sculptures, photography or architecture and subsequently the cultural worth of fashion is questioned. But “High Style”’s beautiful curation of couture’s colorful history proves that fashion indeed has a place in the world of art.See more at:MarieAustralia long formal dresses

Cross Stitch launched its first lawn collection, 2015, from the Cross Stitch design studio in Karachi.

The Cross Stitch lawn launch in Karachi was a chic affair with a Japanese-inspired theme; the decor of the event also revolved around Japanese lifestyle. A beautiful Japanese style wooden structure and interior was created by RAKA, which was used for the fashion presentation, sushi was served for as a refreshment. The models' make-over was done by Nabila's N-Pro, which was also inspired by the Japanese criteria of looking beautiful. The media and PR for the event was handled by done by TAKEII. The event was largely attended by media, socialites and celebrities.

Wispy as a summer breeze, or bold and bright, this collection of fine lawn prints with chiffon dupattas have a range that is stylish. If you aren't going to Japan, take this journey with Cross Stitch. Embrace the Japanese design ethic: delicate blooms, crinkly paper fans, pen and ink and fragile porcelain crafts all are brought to life on Cross Stitch's springtime wardrobe. And the fresh colours of spring are all there; saffron, dusky blue, peapod, blooming mauve, coral and much more.

For this Orient Express Collection, Cross Stitch has been inspired by their lanterns, vases, landscape paintings, sculpture, woodblock prints, origami and more. The range offers 16 designs to choose from, each design in one colour way, with some that have embroidery incorporated.Read more at:one shoulder formal dresses

If you love shoes, then chances are you have stumbled upon - no pun intended - a brand called Ash.

The Paris-based label founded by Leonello Calvani and Patrick Ithier in 2000 has built a cult following thanks to its urban yet glamorous silhouettes - metallic hi-tops, embellished sneakers and slouchy boots - at affordable prices.

Over the past few years the brand has branched out and expanded its offerings to include children's wear, menswear, outerwear, and this season it is charting new territory with the launch of its first ready-to-wear collection.

"The desire of the owners is to create a lifestyle and ready-to-wear is the perfect complement to that. Ash is different to other brands in the shoewear industry - it's not like Gianvito Rossi, or even Nike. Our look is connected to a lifestyle, so clothing makes sense," says designer Kevork Kiledjian, who was recently in Hong Kong to showcase the spring-summer 2015 collection.

Kiledjian, who was hired to bring the Ash look to life, is the ideal man for the job. Born and raised in Paris, he hails from a family of fashion lovers - his sister is a designer while his father was a couturier at Lanvin in the 1940s. His own entry into the industry came through music via his obsession with hip hop in the '90s. He first open a boutique in the south of France stocking niche street wear labels from New York and Los Angeles, before goint on to launch two successful lines, Triiad and Guilty Brotherhood.

In 2011, he entered the luxury world with a namesake collection that attracted fans such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss and Michelle Obama. Then the line took a back seat when he was approached by Ithier to launch Ash's first collection.

"The whole thing was a great challenge, but it's not necessarily about starting from scratch, because you have a world that already exists. I really related to Ash because it's about combining street and luxury. For me it is an opportunity to be super creative while also being able to see my clothes on women on the streets everywhere," he says.

The debut collection, which is available at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, offers women a complete wardrobe. There is something for everyone with 100-plus styles ranging from playful dresses, cropped tops and salvaged denim to mesh sweatshirts, printed leggings and trench coats.

Yet the pieces are far from basic thanks to intricate details and fabrics as seen in items such as the ruched leather pants, delicate sheer tops, quilted leather shorts and Kiledjian's favourite - an oversized neoprene perfecto (biker jacket) in a chic shade of pink.

"The look is edgy, cool, sophisticated and street. The street is a big reference for every luxury brand today and in turn the street is inspired by luxury. Ash ready-to-wear is testament to this meeting of cultures - it's modern in its outlook and it breaks the rules," he says.

The collection also references elements of Kiledjian's own style, as seen in the luxe leather dresses and sculptural silhouettes. And he hopes to build on this vision.

"Successful brands are all about building a DNA. In one year we will keep this rock'n'roll feel, but maybe develop more of a sporty vibe. It's all about feeling it out - you have to find your own way while knowing what's right for the brand," he says.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/pink-formal-dresses