FabHunter Blog

Women and men are different, we know that. We know too that their tastes and preferences are often at opposite sides of the coin. But when it comes to fashion, do men always like what women wear? A survey conducted by MSN saw some interesting differences of opinion between men and women on certain women’s fashions. Here’s a look.

Dungarees, Jumpsuits and Harem paints are considered a no-go area for men. Usually, men do not like baggy shapeless clothing and prefer women to have a shape of some kind. Dungarees and Jumpsuits are traditionally men’s work wear, and should be kept as such.

Leggings are also not top of the list on men’s preferred clothing – choosing rather stockings, preferably sheer and sexy and hopefully attached to a garter belt. And definitely no knee high socks!

Moving down the leg, Gladiator sandals and Ugg Boots sit at the bottom of the list of women’s fashions for men. In particular, furry Ugg boots are off putting and especially when worn with a little mini dress. These giant boots and overbearing sandals look too large for the legs, particularly on slender legs making the whole body seem bottom heavy.

Men are attracted to women a lot through their smiles and their eyes – and the large sunglasses have to go!  They conceal the eyes and the smile and become a distraction for men. Jewellery can also be a distraction with lots of jingling and jangling pieces, while me prefer simple adornments that accentuate rather than hide.

Being plus size does not mean having to resort to beige bras and unattractive panties. There is as much on offer for plus size ladies as there is for petite ones as the lingerie market for curvy women has undergone a revolution in recent years.

Brands like Panache, Freya and Wacoal, have started to make sexy, flattering lace and silk garments that are sexy and elegant while still providing support. Hips and Curves are a site dedicated to offering intimate apparel and plus size lingerie in the newest styles which allow plus size women to celebrate and enhance their curves.

Plus size lingerie is specifically designed to accentuate the curve and hide the bulges and selecting the right lingerie can be a daunting experience. It is always advisable to visit a lingerie store for your first time to enable to sales consultant to do a fitting. You want to know what pieces work for your body type to make you look sexy while still providing the support you want.
Once you feel you know the right garments and sizes to make you feel comfortable you can now take advantage of the large range of online stores offering sexy, fashionable intimate apparel for the plus size lady.

One of the key tips to looking sexy is to feel sexy. So don’t choose something you are going to feel awkward and uncomfortable in. Choose something that allows you to feel feminine and sultry without feeling exposed.

Every woman wants to feel sexy in lingerie, and Jada Michaels, one of the top international lingerie experts tells us how to be sexy without sending the wrong message, how to be sexy without worrying about your curves and how to be sexy while being comfortable with yourself.
There is a fine art to seduction and a hint of sexiness that sparks curiosity is key to being effortlessly sexy.

One of the easiest ways to look sexy in lingerie is to consider switching tights and panty hose for a garter belt and thigh high stockings. The glimpse of a garter belt is enough to pique any one’s interest and oozes sultriness. Choosing lacy items of any kind offer a little hint of femininity and mysteriousness. Lingerie does not have to be tiny little numbers that barely cover, but rather should focus on making you feel feminine and entice your partner’s curiosity.
The lingerie you choose should also be something that suits your body. You will feel awkward and uncomfortable rather than sexy in items that pull and squish.

An important part of being sexy is to be comfortable. This does not mean going to bed in an old T-shirt and track pants, but rather choosing lingerie that allows you to fell comfortable with yourself and your body. Small changes such as a sexy pair of panties paired with a tiny-tee can make all the difference to making comfortable sexy without having to go over the top. Another simple trick is to try a silk nightie to make you feel sexy and look sexy.

90’s Grunge is back in style and looks to have no plans of leaving soon with grunge elements popping up in local fashions, in the fashion pages and on the runways. But the Grunge of 2012 has grown up a little and is no longer simply ripped jeans and bed head hair, but has evolved into divisions such as neo-grunge and glam grunge.

Source: http://littlebambifoxx.tumblr.com/

The style of Grunge has some basic elements if you want to get the look right. And the first has to be colour choice. Dark colours have always been the colours of grunge, and although pieces today may include a choice of colours, the darker colours need to be incorporated.

Traditionally, Grunge required ripped, worn-out jeans, but leggings and tights have made their way into the style and are as important as the ripped jeans for the right Grunge look.

 

The flannel shirts from the 90’s are still a big part of the look as is 90’s band T-shirts, although today’s grunge does feature more tailored flannel shirts with three-quarter sleeves and designer T-shirts with trendy and funky branding and designer rips.

 

The hair is one of the crucial elements of getting the Grunge look right. The “just got out of bed” – “”haven’t slept in days” look is a large part of the style. Keeping the hairstyle as mussed up as possible, without looking like a homeless person is a part of finding the balance that is essentially Grunge.

Shopping for the right pair of jeans can be a bit of an expedition. Finding the perfect pair means going through countless designers, styles and sizes, not to mention colours and detailing. The task can be made more difficult if your body type is not the “norm”.

One of the simplest tips is to steer clear of jeans that are too tight. Tight jeans will accentuate the bits that we want to hide over and above being uncomfortable.
Stretch denim is a great option, as it offers a little “give” in the areas that need it as well as providing comfort.
Boot leg or flair cut jeans help to mask bigger thighs and bums. By creating a contrast between the upper area and the wide bottom of the jeans, they can offer the appearance of a slimmer figure and will help to elongate your legs.

When looking for the perfect pair of jeans – don’t just trust the label sizes. Make sure to try the jeans on in the shop to make sure they fit as sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and you don’t want to find this out when you get home. Make sure to shop at stores with a wide selection of designers and manufacturers, this will give you a better chance of finding a cut that suits you.

Keep an open mind when shopping for jeans. Not all styles suit all people and you may be surprised to find the type of jeans that looks good on you is not the one you would have chosen.

Gone are the days when having a notebook or laptop meant carrying a bag that had to be something inelegant, boring and conventional. With a choice of stylish and functional laptop bags to match your personal tastes and preferences as well as the latest trends, you can now choose a laptop bag that serves as a functional item as well as expresses your personal style and personality.
 
There is a wide choice of designs and styles to choose from that include messenger bags, totes, sleeves, wheelies and backpacks, to name a few. And no longer are we limited to basic colour choices, with everything from chic black to bright funky colours and detailing such as embroidery and trendy prints to offer stylish laptop and notebook bags while never sacrificing the functionality of the item.

Many of the latest laptop bag designs include features like protective padding, secure locks and compartments for your cell phone and other important items. One of the most popular bags at the moment is the Messenger bag which allows you to carry the bag anywhere, anytime and offers protection against bumps, a stylish and fashionable design and is comfortable to carry all day long.
 
Some of the top international brands making waves at the moment including Tucano for stylish briefcase designs, Targus for backpacks and LifePod, Omma Yoga and Pacific Design for the latest in trendy styles and colours. There are also a number of websites such as www.kolobags.com offering a one stop shop to source the best and latest trends in laptop bags.

Although there is much more out there for women on fashion, the men’s fashion trends are not being left behind with some of the top designers and fashion houses taking men’s fashion a step further and men are taking fashion far more seriously.

The military trend continues with military jackets and accessories showing up on the runways all over the world with designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Alexander McQueen showcasing some stylish military jackets and outerwear.
The preppy fashion is also a big trend at the moment with splashes of colour in a casual and comfortable style as seen in some of the designs from Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbane and Vivienne Westwood.

Image source: http://chanelaftercoco.blogspot.com/2011/05/celeb-couple-olivia-palermo-johannes.html#

As for colour, this year remains with neutrals and accents. Every shade of grey is acceptable. In combination with black and white and bold colours such as crimson and deep blue for either the casual look or business suit, designers such as Dior Homme and Michael Kors have used grey in their designs while Salvatore Ferragamo and Canali combined the bold hues with neutral tones in browns and greys.

Luxurious fabrics are all around, and not limited to women’s fashion this year with velvet, cashmere, leather and calfskin showing up on the runways with Versace and Etro using these touch beautiful fabrics in jacket, coats and outerwear.

If the runways are anything to go by, men’s fashion is not shying away from taking the stage with a strategic use of colour and some bold and beautiful garments.

 

Urban wear is a category of fashion that is fast becoming popular with local and international brands. This fashion category covers clothing, footwear, jewellery, handbags and accessories and refers to a style of dress originating with Afro-American and Latino youth in the United States and evolving over time.

Urban wear is a broad term that includes various types of clothing and is characterized by eye catching designs. This fashion trend has gained popularity over the years as people seek to express themselves as individuals.

Image source: http://coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/crooks-n-castles-clothing.jpg

Although essentially street wear, there are a large number of the larger designer houses and brand names producing Urban wear with the promotion of brand culture over the recent years replacing formal shirts and dresses with stylish hoods and jeans, trendy sneakers have taken the place of conventional shoes.

Some of the biggest brand names in Urban wear include, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY and Nike with many taking note of the commercialisation of sports such as skateboarding and motor-cross and cashing in with strictly Urban wear designs such as Crooks ‘n Castles, 10Deep, HUF and Supreme Clothing. 

There are also a lot of smaller, although no less popular Street Wear and Urban Wear brands taking advantage of this growing market including LRG – Lifted Research Group Clothing, WesC Clothing and Diamond Supply Company.

Shoes are an important part of any outfit and can help to finish the overall look, so choosing the right pair of shoes is important. There are a number of things to consider when choosing the shoes to go with your outfit, to ensure that they compliment and co-ordinate with the overall look.

Consider the occasion. If the occasion is formal, a pair of leather shoes with medium to high heels is suitable for meetings, conferences and other formal get-togethers for women, while a pair of elegant leather shoes is ideal. Consider how much standing and walking around you will be doing, as this will also become important as time wears on and you want to make sure you do not have aching feet half way through the occasion.

The style of the shoe must also compliment the outfit. If the outfit itself has lot’s of sparkle, choosing a plain shoe will balance the outfit and if the outfit is plain, the shoes and jewellery can be used to embellish the outfit. 

Coordinating the colour of the shoes with the outfit can be confusing. Try to take a minor colour from the clothing choice and incorporate shoes that have the same colour into that outfit. For example, choose shoes with a touch of red in for a red outfit or to compliment a red handbag.

Most importantly, the right pair of shoes can also affect how you enjoy the occasion. Rather choose a pair of shoes that you feel comfortable with in both wear and appearance over a pair of shoes that are the latest fashion but will make you feel uncomfortable and awkward.

2011 saw quite a saga involving the Brazilian Blowout range of hair straightening products and the safety of some of their ingredients. The saga and resulting investigation in the US has reached a settlement but is definitely not over. 

For those not in the know, many stylists complained about respiratory symptoms related to hair straightening treatments which resulted in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigating the Brazilian Blowout brand of salon hair straightening products.

Image source: http://www.haironthebrain.com/2010/06/brazilian-blowout-faqs/

The products were found to contain high levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogenic ingredient, which wasn’t disclosed in the packaging and as a result, many industry groups began lobbying for a complete ban on the products.

Brazilian Blowout was charged $600 000 in fees and penalties and was ordered by the California Attorney General to put hazard warnings on the packaging and change information on their website as well as provide cancer risk materials to salons.

However, safety watchdogs are not happy, believing that these violations have not been addressed and the company continues to sell products containing hazardous carcinogenic products and that the products should be banned completely.

Many salons are requiring customers to wear paper surgical masks while their stylists are wearing heavy duty filtered masks to prevent inhalation of the fumes. However, the debate continues as to whether these precautions are sufficient and whether these products should be in use in salons around the world.

The colour red has different meanings and connotations in different cultures, denoting both good and bad, associated with the upper echelons of society and sneaking it’s way into fashion for all seasons.

Red is a show stopping colour that has a substantial influence in fashion with the various hues of crimson, vermillion, scarlet and cherry being showcased on the runways throughout the decades and in the collections of designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Gucci.

This years fashions are no different with models covered in head to toe Crimson on the runways. Red is not a colour for the faint of heart, but is definitely one that can make any woman a siren. This passionate and exiting colour is being seed everywhere from hotels to store décor, from gadgets to accessories. Not limited to shades and hues, reds are a popular choice this season for everything fashionable from lipsticks to nail polish.

Red is also considered the primary colour for men’s fashion this season with designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo bringing this exiting colour to the runway with mahogany and maroon complimenting the elegant greys. Ferragamo’s women’s wear collection also includes the crimsons and scarlet in the form of stylish handbags, and dresses combining scarlet and maroons in elegant wearable items.

Fashion has always taken inspiration from the past and given it a new look and the fashion for 2012 is no different. The 80’s fashion trends, considered so un-cool a few years ago, are fast hitting the fashion stores, although with a few modifications and variations.

There is question whether fashion trends are innovative or just re-issuing the fashions from previous decades with Retro looks, and 80’s leggings coming back. There are noticeable changes that are visible, with office wear, casual wear and day dresses being separate segmentations.

Innovation is necessary today because the buying public are more interested in more than trends that are coming back into rotation and are looking for individual attention, exclusivity and customised items that suit their attitudes and personalities. Vintage clothing is also fast becoming popular with second hand boutique stores offering an eclectic mix of eras in combinations that experiment with fabrics, textures and colours in addition to the conflicting styles.

Image source: retrotogo.com

These contradicting combinations allow the wearer to express their individuality and personalities in a unique manner that is unavailable from the retailers. Revisiting old trends requires innovation from designers as much as the public to create unique combinations and designs that, although a replay of something from another era, has a distinctive element that sets is apart as specifically modern and trendy. The New look from Old Fashions is allowing the wearer to have fun with the trends for the season and to create an individual look with a choice of colours and textures.

Fashion makes use of influences from everyday, and the 2012 Spring trend’s focus is on fruit and flowers and even vegetables. Key fashion trends for 2012 indicates an obsession for fruit fashion for apparel and accessories.

Exotic tropical fruits, crimson cherries and strawberries and eye catching fruity colours filled the runways for the Spring 2012 collections from many of the top design houses. Oranges, grapefruits and cherries paced the runways in both colour and print and are making their way into the high streets and boutiques. Fruity prints in backless silk dresses accompany apple, cherry and lemon inspired jewellery, shoes, clips, earrings, handbags and scarves to give a flirty and girlish inspiration. 

Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2012 collection set the tone for fruity fashion with corseted dresses to accentuate the curves in a provocative and sensual collection. Including life-sized vegetable prints on summer dresses accompanied with glittering twinkling accessories.

Image source: http://fashionetc.com/images/stories/fashion/2011/09/20110926_dolce_gabbana_spring2012_600w.jpg

Not only are the fashion houses using the summer fruit bowl for their inspiration, but the vibrant fresh colours too with bright reds, oranges and yellows hitting the high streets in skirts, sandals and summer frocks. Bold colours and cheerful patterns are set to match the fun and sexy cuts of backless dresses and short skirts. Accessories are important in the 2012 trend, with fruit shaped earrings, belts and pendants to compliment the fresh fashion trends for the season.

Fashion trends change continuously taking it’s inspiration from the past but with a modern interpretation. There are usually two key factors that influence changes in trends: conventionality and novelty. The buying public likes to wear something new without losing their ethnicity.

Runways and catwalks are often the predictors of the upcoming trends and the fashion trends for 2012 are no different.

Vibrant and dynamic shades are a favourite on the catwalks as well as novel interpretations of the past. Colours of jewel tones and tinted neutrals are glittering their way into the trends for 2012 alongside natural fabrics such as cotton.

Women’s wear for the winter of 2012 sees neutrals and darker colours in daring combinations with eye popping tones. The androgynous culture of today, with men being more feminine and women being more masculine, is also evident in the men’s shirts, suits, boots and hats seen in the current 2012 fashion trends.

The best example of the latest in women’s fashion from the runways of 2012 can be seen in the Chanel 2012 spring range showcasing jean-like pockets in straight cut knee length dresses finished off with button down ankle length jackets alongside tweeds and ripped jeans.

Image source: http://fashionetc.com/images/stories/news/2012/01/20120126_chanel_spring_2012_couture_review_600by430.jpg

Alexander McQueen laid down the basics for Men’s wear for 2012 with classic cuts of stylish suits with some quirky additions including floral patterns and knee-breeches.

A stylish appearance is an important part of most people’s lives and the right choice of clothing for the right season can go a long way to creating a stylish look that compliments your profile and accentuates your uniqueness.

In today’s world, what you wear plays an essential role in creating a first impression, and the right clothes can make all the difference. Having stylish clothing in your wardrobe can set you apart from the crowd, and the choice today is wide and impressive, with a choice of fabrics and designs to give you the perfect, up to date, stylish look you want.

Handbags and jewellery are a great way to make a style statement. They do not need to be expensive, but paired with the right clothing can definitely lift an outfit from everyday to a stylish combination. Don’t be scared to go bold – with earrings and bracelets that stand out and accentuate the colours or design of the outfit.

Image source: http://www.fabhunter.com/profile/view/pic/7a24618eccbd53e8a4bae1ee610a8760

Mixing things up can also help to create some stylish outfits. By pairing an elegant blouse with a pair of fitted jeans and a great pair of heels, you immediately make the jeans more stylish. Adding some elegant jewellery and a trendy bag can bring the outfit out even more.
These clothing items need not be expensive designer labels, but choosing good quality and wearable items within your budget can be used to lift the outfit out of the doldrums.

With the focus on the environment, Eco-fashion is fast becoming one of the catch words in the fashion world today.

Eco-fashion is the concept of making clothes that take into consideration many environmental factors including the health of consumers, the working conditions of the people in manufacturing the clothes and the impact on the environment.
Eco-Fashion clothes are made without using synthetic fibres, preferring to use raw organic materials such as cotton, don’t make use of harmful chemicals in their manufacture and are often made using recycled textiles and are designed to produce products that last longer.

Image source: http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/fashion/453242/new-eco-fashion-brand-issi-launches-in-selfridges.html

Because the Eco-fashion industry is still in its infancy, the responsibilities lie with designers and manufacturers to choose sustainable materials and processes at the start to create an environmental-conscious trend in the fashion industry.

New eco-fashion brands, like Issi are waking up the fashion industry and being welcomed by the large retail stores such as Selfridges in London. In collaboration with renowned environmentalists such as Elvis & Kresse, Issi are making use of materials that include recycled parachute silk and reclaimed leather.

The eco-fashion industry is not limiting itself to certain products, venturing into accessories, jeans, clothing and shoes. Fashion labels such as Veja are producing uber cool trainers from wild Amazon rubber that are designed to look good while still flying the eco flag.

Wednesday 7th March to Saturday 10th March 2012 looks to be a buzz with models and designers for the 5th Joburg Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012 event in Sandton, Johannesburg. South Africa’s best designers will be showcased as they exhibit their creativity and the season’s latest fashion trends.

The Fashion Week sees media, fashion buyers, fashion icons and designers from around the world descending on Sandton to see what South African designers have to offer for this season. A wide group of designers will be on show including Rachel de Mardt, whose sexy, elegant and feminine collection is much anticipated.

Image source: http://sandton-life.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Joburg-Fashion-Week.jpg

If the international Winter Fashion Week’s are anything to go by, this seasons trends can be expected to include strong colour pallets and elegant lines such as those on display from Chanel, Dior and Salvatore Ferragamo. The colour choices for this season, although not avoiding the standard greys and charcoals from previous seasons, are combined with some deep and vibrant blues or vibrant mahogany and maroons.

Vibrant and dynamic shades are popular this season, with jewel tones and vibrant accessories giving the outfits some spectacular detail. Also noticeable, is the preference for natural fabrics this season including silks and cottons in elegant designs to compliment the figure.

Women’s wear looks to showcase androgynous culture of today, with the inclusion of men’s shirts, suits, boots and hats seen in the current 2012 fashion trends.