Off & On Air

Fashion isn't a mere hobby, interest or art.

It's also an education.

Just like any other field of study, fashion has its own terminology. We're always talking and writing about fashion, it's time we familiarise ourselves with the fashion thesaurus. ;)

We see these fashion trends everywhere. But what are they exactly called?

Here are some terms we ought to know:

A Line Skirts/ Dresses
(skirts & dresses in the shape of the letter A)

* * *

Bootleg Pants
(similar to those hippies bell-bottom pants)

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Bubble Skirts

* * *

Drainpipe Jeans
(skinny jeans)

* * *

Cowl Necks

* * *

Capris
(pants that don't reach your ankles)

* * *

Cap Sleeves

* * *

Hankerchief Outfits
(hem falls into several graceful points)

* * *

Commonly used, commonly worn. Above are the different terms. :)

* * *

Hipster Pants

* * *

Empire Lines
(A silhouette where the waistline is pulled up just below the bust)

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Fishtail Skirts

* * *

Tunic Outfits
(A straight cut dress without darts)

* * *

Platform Heels

Heels with thick soles, either made of wood, cork or plastic. It creates the illusion of height without the discomfort of regular heels.

* * *

Mary Janes

Sounds like a brand, but it's not. Its style is inspired by school children's shoes with its strap as the main feature.

* * *

Mules
(shoes without a back strap)

* * *

Kitten Heels
(Shoes with short heels that has a distinctive curve)

Fashion Class Dismissed. =)

~ Plain White T ~

It probably costs around RM15 to get one, or possibly cheaper. But it could work so many wonders.

* * *

Exhibit B:

You could wear it with a vest like this:

The good news about white is that it goes well with just about colour. The bad news: stains and stray marks are more visible to the eye.

In turn, the vest could be worn like this:

With any simple top underneath, wear it unbuttoned.

* * *

Exhibit C:

Or wear your white T with a scarf!


Scarf (b) is more appropriate for a cooler climate. My favourite is scarf (c) - thin and long; looks great clung around your neck like that.

In turn, these scarves could be used as fabulous headbands:


These headbands could also evolve into fabric belts like the one below, wrapped around your white T in any way you like!


* * *

Exhibit D:

Wear it with a cardigan as seen in photo (a) - which can also be worn with other tops and dresses as seen in photo (b).


You don't need to buy countless coloured tops just to finish an appearance. Try to start with a plain white T, it'll take you on a trip!

Ever get stressed out just by trying to think of what to wear for the day that's ahead of you?

There's

no special occasion,
it's just a normal day,
you're just going out to run some errands...

but you want to look just right.

Right?

So it's another ordinary day, but there are times where you find yourself squeezing and tweezing every muscle of your brain just trying to figure out a nice, decent and simple outfit.

You want to look simple, but you end up fancy.
You want to look mediocre, but you end up being bright.
You want to look decent, but you end up as a fashion-gone-wrong victim.

Don't you ever get those days? You don't want to get tensed up for such a small deal, but all you want is to

look good,
feel good,
and to boost some confidence.

You don't need a million different outfits just to accommodate those casual days. Try mixing and matching. Mixing and matching is wise, but can get pretty ugly. :s Stay sensible and just keep things simple.

Sometimes less is more:
(courtesy of Gossip Girl & Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants celebs)

Blake Lively wears a simple ensemble; appropriate for those casual, non-eventful days. :)
- Fav Piece: White Jacket -

* * *

Leighton Meester in a vintage yellow top; will look less formal with a denim skirt; the tie can stay. ;)
- Fav Piece: Yellow Top -

* * *

Alexis Bledel wears a perfect combination of black & white; will look good with black slacks/ jeans.
- Fav Piece: Black Vest -

* * *

Amber Tambly in a sleek grey jacket; will look more casual with t-shirt & jeans instead.
- Fav Piece: Grey Jacket -

* * *

A preppy look; the plain colours gives the effect of simplicity & elegance; still suitable for those easy-going days. :)
- Fav Piece: Navy Blue Buttoned Top -

* * *

Not to forget, here is America Farrera in the conventional methodology of casuality:
T-shirt & Jeans!
- Fav Piece: Any Cool T-Shirt that Fits Perfectly -

* * *

Other Celebs:

Don't be induced by the mysterious art of this skillfully taken photo, but Mandy Moore's top is definitely decent to the eyes and gorgeous at the same time.

Additional thoughts:

Compliment the top according to height. ;)
a) for taller individuals - bell bottom-ish jeans
b) for slightly less taller individuals - skinny jeans or dark leggings

* * *

1st Look : Playing it safe
2nd Look : Simple yet sophisticated
3rd Look : Young and different

-Fav Look: the 3rd one -

* * *

In a nutshell, just make sure that whatever you're wearing, you wear it with a smile and some style. :)

From the day I was born, I've been obsessed over charm bracelets!

There's something about the jingle they give everytime your hand moves.

Charm bracelets are uniquely special; each charm may symbolise different elements such as

love,
an event,
an interest,
a pet or
character.

- All to which are integral parts of our lives.

Charms often come in the representation of butterflies. Known as something beautiful, colourful and free.

Infamous brands include names like Thomas Sabo, Tiffany & Co., Links of London and Swarovski. For a brand like Thomas Sabo, one piece of charm could cost up to hundreds of Ringgit. They are meticulously designed and structured to the smallest detail.

Dangling & jiggling gracefully:



My lifetime goal:

To own each charm bracelet depicted above. ;)

I love 'em so much that I could design and sell my own!
*Hint Hint*

"I play it safe."

"I'm by the book."

"I do it the prim & proper way."

"I abide the rules."

* * * *

Tired of coming up with these excuses? These are the things we tell ourselves as an explanation for our hesitant reflexes when it comes to daring acts.

No, I don't mean dangerous stunts and such...

I mean - FASHION! :)

From my point of view, there are 2 types of fashion:

1) one for the runway
2) one for the streets

Disaster strikes when the two are mixed up and put in the wrong time and place. All those fashion we see in magazines are mainly meant to be shown on the runway. And they look absolutely stunning on a model doing the catwalk; and not on someone taking a morning stroll in the park, for instance.

Let's keep these on the runway...and on the runway alone:


Then there are those designed for the runway AND the streets:


When I mentioned to be daring, there's an extent to these daring acts - don't take it too far. Maintain moderation and try not to set a major contrast between you and the rest of the world. Unless if the party was made for you, that is. ;) Don't be afraid to get all dolled up for a special night out, a posh dinner or for some glam party!

Let these celebrity photos trigger some ideas:

~ Jennifer Love Hewitt ~

Beautiful evening gown

(R) A white dress suitable for day or night wear

~ Avril Lavigne ~

Punk rock look with a fashionable hat

~ Ashlee Simpson ~

Another punk rock look with the hat & sneakers

~ The Veronicas ~

Feminity with slots of punk rock

My Favourite:

~ Jennifer Lopez ~

GORGEOUS outfit with GORGEOUS matching heels

The next time you receive an invitation to the "coolest and hippest party of the year", get in the game and set the standards higher. Bring the fashionista out in you and transform your closet into a diva's haven!