Fur is Faux Real

Every year as winter rolls around, fur starts showing up everywhere. Fur pieces are classics that every consumer should experiment with at least once! Here's some things you should know about fur before you buy it:
1. Fur is the skin or hide of an animal with the fur still attached.
2. Most fur comes from ranch-raised animals rather than from feral animals.
3. Nearly 80% of animals used to make fur are raised on fur-factory farms. These farms provide horrible living conditions for the animals--they are fed bad meat and packed so closely together that they almost always have diseases.
4. These animals are murdered in gruesome ways in order to skin them and use their fur.
5. Some of these murder methods include suffocation, poison, electrocution, and neck-breaking.

So what can you do to help these innocent animals but still stay in style with the latest fur trends???

BUY FAUX FUR!

Here's some cool facts about faux fur:

• Faux fur looks extremely similar to real fur. The hand and feel of faux fur is a lot different from real fur, but as far as appearance there's not much of a difference.
• Faux fur can be made from nylon, acrylic or polyester. In order to conserve energy, some designers are now making faux fur from cotton.
• Faux fur is a lot cheaper than real fur.
• Neither animals nor the environment are harmed during the production of faux fur. 
• An increase in the popularity of faux fur will help reduce illegal production in fur factories.

Big name designers like Emilio Pucci, Marni, Fendi, Gucci and
Stella McCartney all use faux fur in their RTW collections.

What do you think about this issue? Do you think you will save some money this season and try faux fur over real fur?

If you want more information about how to help stop animal abuse visit www.peta.org

Expose Your Zippers

There are many different types of zippers: conventional, separating, invisible, slot, fly, lapped and exposed, which has become extremely popular in recent fashion trends.

Different types of zippers.

Exposed zippers are a type of slot application. They are usually centered on a garment and the zipper chains can be seen as two visible rows. They are usually applied to the garment using top stitching. They can either be plastic or metal zippers. Exposed zippers are very decorative and add to the aesthetic appearance of the garment. Exposed zippers are typically used in garments where the zipper needs to be inserted in a slash in the fabric because the edges are turned under and sewn onto the zipper, leaving the chain visible.

The exposed zipper look has become extrememly popular in high fashion lines recently. Alber Elbaz recently did an entire line utilizing the exposed zipper look. The exposed zipper can take a simple and classy look and add a sense of edge and sex appeal. The zipper can also serve as an accessory piece, which can simplify outfits in an non-obvious way. They also add diversity to many wardrobes by heightening the level of drama and allowing consumers to make a statement with very simple pieces.

Jessica Alba in Elber Albaz dress. 

Designers haven't just been adding zippers to apparel either. Lately the exposed zipper look has appeared on bags, shoes, belts and even jewelry! Consumers have really responded to this modern type of detailing. Adding exposed zippers into ones wardrobe is a great way to experiment with styles that may be a little edgier than normal. This style is really easy and anyone can pull it off! If you're looking to spice things up this winter, lay off the jewelry and give zippers a try!

Zippers on shoes, bags, apparel and jewelry!

Exposed zippers are dominating the runway!

Let's Talk Labels

We've all seen labels--the small pieces of fabric that are sewn into every garment. But how often do consumers actually take the time to read these labels? When was the last time you really read the label on something you bought? Labels list the country of origin, the manufacturer, care instructions, fiber content and the size of the garment. For the most part, there are 4 different types of labels that can be found regularly in apparel.
1. Cut and fold labels

• These labels are always located on the back center of the garment. They are folded in half and both ends are sewn directly onto the garment. They usually list the manufacturer and size on the front and list the care instructions and other information on the back. A cut and fold label machine is used to attach these labels.

2. Loop and single labels

• These labels are used on both tops and bottoms alike. They are sewn into the seam of the garment as the garment is constructed. Loop labels are folded in half and the two top edges are sewn into the garment. Single labels are not folded, but rather just sewn into the garment. 

3. Mitered labels

• Mitered labels are used mostly on tops and outerwear. They are sewn directly into the seam. They are a long strip and both ends are folded in with a mitered corner. The two ends of the folds are sewn into the seam. Mitered labels usually only list the manufacturer and the size and another label will be attached elsewhere in the garment that lists the care instructions, etc.

4. Four side sew

• In my opinion, these are the prettiest types of labels. They are typically used on shirts and outerwear. They are simply placed on the garment and sewn on all four sides. Four side sew labels add decorative detail and can make a garment look nicer and higher quality. Like garments with mitered label, garments with four side sew labels usually have another tag elsewhere that lists care instructions, etc. 

Being able to identify different types of labels is not as important as acknowledging how important it is to consider the information these labels list. It is important to read labels before purchasing in order to know how to take care of the garment and to know how the garment is going to react to daily wear and tear. For example, if a garment's label states that it is 100% cotton, it is safe to assume that it will shrink when being washed and that it might pill and/or be inclined to stretch out. Some labels even use symbols to indicate how a garment should be cared for. Once a garment has been purchased, one should absolutely follow the care instructions listed on the garment before washing or doing anything to it. Paying attention to labels is essential for maintaing garments and helping them look their best. Next time you go shopping, try reading the labels BEFORE you purchase anything and see if it changes your initial desire to run to the register. 

Four different types of labels. 

Typical care instructions listed on the back of a label.

Some common symbols that are used to describe appropriate care instructions.

How To Find High Quality in Your Clothes

Apparel quality is defined as a degree of excellence, a conformance to the requirements, and the extent to which a garment meets expectations. In other words, apparel quality is how well a garment meets the wants and needs of the consumer/wearer. No manufacturers are against quality, but some give quality more of a priority than others. Maintaining a level of quality is essential because low quality can result in a great loss of business for many companies. A successful business knows that they need to offer consumers higher quality, lower prices and different styles. The quality of a garment can be reflected in its physical features and its performance features. A garments physical features are the same is its intrinsic attributes; features that cannot be changed without changing the garment. This includes material, silhouette, etc. A garments performance features determine how the garment will benefit the consumer. This includes its functionality and overall attractiveness.
With all that under consideration, it's time to focus on price in relation to quality. Have you ever let your perception of a garment's quality be contingent on its price? In some cases, certain brands hold a reputation for a specific level of quality. Often times, when this happens, quality is reflected through price. Consumers shouldn't rely on this rarity. Instead, one should be educated on how to affectively acknowledge quality in garments before they purchase them.
There are 5 things a consumer should look for in apparel when shopping:
1. Color
2. Style
3. Fit
4. Price
5. Functionality
Each of these 5 things can help a consumer conclude whether or not the garment is high or low quality. Other items to consider include country of origin, fabric, general appearance, shrinkage, and comfort. A final aspect to consider before buying a garment is the cost per wear. Cost per wear is essential in determining quality. To find the cost per wear of a garment, simply take the purchase price and divide that number by the number of times the garment can/will be worn. The resulting number indicates how much it will cost the consumer each time they wear the garment.
I hope this helps you guys find quality in your clothes! Stay tuned for more apparel quality tips from Always Ready-to-Wear Fashion.

Clothes that rip along the seams after wear and wash indicates low quality.

Clothes should not shrink when washed, this is another indicator of low quality.

Got My Vans On, But They Look Like Sneakers

You may not have heard of James Van Doren, but you’ve definitely heard of the shoes he created that have been the mainstay of the California skateboard culture for decades.

These rubber-soled canvas leisure shoes have been known as Vans since the 1970s.

When the company started, only one style was available--the classic slip-on checkerboard boat shoe. Since then, the company has expanded to include a multitude of athletic shoe styles. Vans are a style that anyone can pull off--especially in the fall/winter season. This season a new celebrity favorite look is sporting these deck shoes with skirts and even cocktail dresses. An important marketing strategy in the fashion industry is incorporating celebrities into new styles that are not excessively popular yet. This is because most consumers are very likely to experiment with styles that they see their favorite celebrities wearing in every day life. This season, try wearing your Vans to formal events, class, the mall, etc. I guarantee you'll keep seeing this style on all the celebs you love. 

The classic slip-on checkered Vans that Van Doren first designed.

Kristen Stewart sporting the classic slip-on checkered Vans on the red carpet.

Kristen Cavaliri wearing navy Vans while shopping in Los Angeles.

I Heart Fake Stuff

Counterfeit merchandise has been plaguing the fashion industry for years. These goods include any fake designer handbags, sunglasses, clothes, jewelry, etc. While they are much cheaper and allow consumers to keep up with high fashion styles on a small budget, they greatly effect the success of many designers in the fashion industry. Not only does this knock-off merchandise have negative repercussions on the fashion industry, it is 100% ILLEGAL--an aspect many consumers fail to realize. Counterfeit products cause the global economy to lose around $400 billion! Also, counterfeit goods are mainly produced China and then imported and sold in the US. As consumers, we all know how tempting counterfeit goods can be. Why would you bust your wallet and buy the real thing when you can buy something that looks identical for half the price? For fashion lovers, it is important to recognize what these goods are doing to the industry. While they may be tempting, it is definitely better to save and purchase the real thing.

Tony Duquette Lives On!

Tony Duquette, and American who specialized in designs for stage and film, was amazingly talented and highly inspirational to all that knew him. He was famous for his personal belief that "more is more" and was "known for his flair for exotic excess" (Iredale, 6). The California native sadly passed away in 1999 at the age of 85.

However, he is hardly gone. Proceeding his death, his design company was taken over by his business partner, Hutton Wilkinson. Duquette left behind a visual legacy that offers great opportunities for many people. One of these opportunities is occurring within the design house currently. Coach has partnered with the Duquette estate to create a limited edition jewelry collection, which will debut in February.

The collection is extremely flamboyant and over-the-top, two qualities that Duquette himself would be very proud. The most attractive aspect of the collection is that none of the prices exceed $500. This collection is bound to be a big hit. Keep your eyes open in February when you'll start seeing these gorgeous pieces in retail everywhere!

This gorgeous clutch is polyester satin and embossed leather with Swarovski crystals and hand-cut glass.

These dainty coiled snake charm necklaces are a must-have for the winter season!

These Coach bangles are enamel and gold-plated brass with Swarovski crystal starbursts.

Information on Tony Duquette acquired from Wikipedia and Women's Wear Daily 202:80, article by Jessica Iredale, page 6.