All posts in Clothing

Clothing A Window into the Personality of a Person

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Dressmaking has always been a passion of mine. I have always been fascinated by fashion and clothing; how clothing can present a window into the personality of a person and how an outfit can completely alter how one feels. I find it so difficult to pack for trips for the reason that I never know how I am going to feel when I awake!

I blame my passion for all things clothes related on my Mother, for they say; like mother, like daughter.

I have many memories of being dragged around the clothing shops by my Mum and whilst my brothers and I would run through the rails of clothing chasing one another and stealing all the plastic size tags from the tops of the hangers, my Mum would be trying on garment after garment. She would drive us all into town by lunchtime and we would not leave until the last shop in the City Centre of Nottingham was officially closed.

You would think that so much shopping at such a young, tender age would be certain to put me off clothes for life but in fact I went the other direction, I was fascinated! I loved the way my Mum dressed and I could see how the way that she dressed represented her at that particular time, her mood and mindset.

Clothes are an expression to me, they communicate ones values, individualism (or conformity) and most importantly in my mind at least, they communicate how I feel and how I want to be perceived by others on the occasion, be it bright and breezy, professional and serious, relaxed and comfortable to effortless, rebellious etc… This relationship between clothing and our feelings has been researched by many theorists over the years and it is generally agreed that there is a cause and effect, that indeed, clothing can alter an emotion and state of mind and indeed vice-versa:

Emotional wellbeing occurs when people dress to either change existing mood or dress because of their existing mood
(Colls, 2004, Looking Alright, Feeling Alright)

Before I was able to have a paid job and hence money of my own to spend on clothes I actually wanted, My Mum was my stylist. Whilst I am eternally gratefully to my Mother for clothing me amongst many other things, I could not appreciate her decisions regarding my wardrobe and its content. There were many battles I would have with my Mum over the dreaded outfit that I would be forced to sport for the next venture out of doors.

Wearing those dreaded outfits made me feel awkward and uncomfortable. As soon as the dress, sailor collar and white knee socks could be stripped off they would be replaced by my favourite pair of jeans and I would return to being me again. This certainly made me realise very early on; the importance and the influence of clothing.

We all love to people watch, I am certain of it. Isnt this why the busiest cafes are usually the ones that are located in prime people watching locations? How many times have you discreetly looked at a person and imagined the type of life they might lead, what they might do, where they are going or where they are from?

When you consider the limited amount of information you have about the stranger you are viewing and the fact that 80% of that stranger is most likely to be covered by clothing, their choice of clothing surely plays the greatest, influence on your conclusions, be them right or wrong, then of course there is also their facial expression and features.

Sherlock Holmes, albeit an entirely fictional character, solved many a mystery by identifying clues in the clothing of his suspect. Holmes was most perceptive of a persons dress, he would always note the style and condition of a clients clothing. In the short story The Blue Carbuncle Holmes has only a battered old hat for a clue, yet he was able to make accurate deductions concerning its owner. He inferred from the hat that its missing and unknown owner must be intellectually inclined, well-to-do but that he had fallen upon evil times and had experienced a moral retrogression.

The text below is taken from the Blue Carbuncle and opens with Watsons amazement at his masters conjecture:

“This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world.”
Sherlock Holmes laughed. “Here is the foresight,” said he putting his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. “They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature.”

(The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 1859-1930)

For all the reasons above and many more, we can surely conclude that clothing has far bigger a role to play than the Oxford Dictionary would have us believe; things worn to cover the body. It is my belief that clothes are so much more than simply a covering for our bodies, they are a way we can communicate how we feel, how we want to be perceived and most important they provide confidence and this is why I love Fashion, it simply evokes this feeling in me.

Nautical Clothing – The Perfect Sailing Gear

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If you are planning to take your family out on a cruise or sailing vacation, make sure you pack some nautical clothes. The uniqueness of these clothes lies in their customized designs suitable for all types of occasions. Nautical clothing includes a collection of garments for men, women and kids. Let’s look at each of these categories in detail.

Nautical clothes for men include everything from duffle coats to pea coats, berets, Breton caps, sweaters, wool jackets, t-shirts, striped shirts, sailcloth trousers and many more. Besides clothing, you will also find other accessories like shoes, hats, belts, buckles, bags, duffles, totes, flashlights, and games. Whether you want to go out fishing on a boat or on a cruise, nautical clothes suit all occasions.

When it comes to women’s nautical clothes, they are designed so that you can mix and match them in such a way that they go well with all kinds of outfits. From casual wear to tops, denim jackets, western blouses, sweat shirts, three-quarter sleeve shirts and accessories, you have a wide range to choose from. And the best part is that all these can be bought at very competitive prices.

When you are gearing up to spend a few days on the water, nautical clothing and accessories are important to have. If you are under the conception that you will not find anything to pick up for your kids, you are thoroughly mistaken. Nautical clothes come in various attractive designs suitable for kids of all ages. From babies to teenagers you have a huge selection to choose from. By dressing themselves in the attire of a miniature captain your children are sure to carry away these memories for the rest of their lives.

The clothes available for children are very similar to that of adults. Kids collections range from shorts and tops to sandals, walking shoes, bathing suits, jackets, sweaters and nautical hats. Are you wondering where to buy this type of clothing? Besides visiting some of the local stores you can also check some of the websites and make online purchases. The key benefit of shopping online is that you can find clothes of your choice at the best prices.

Owing to the growing popularity and demand for nautical clothes, several established brands are offering a variety of clothes in their online stores. So shopping becomes all the more fun as you can now sit and pick clothes of your preference at the click of a button. So, what are you waiting for? Check out some of the popular stores operating online for buying your own wardrobe of nautical clothing.

Bears Denthe Eccentric Moon No Wolf In Sheeps Clothing

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Ahh, the Eccentric Moon. Thats what my Shawnee people call this lunar orb, and it can be strange. Traditional American Indians are a spiritual people, and each full tepekikiisthwa (moon) of the year is pretty special to us for this reason. The Creator sends all two-leggeds signs some consistent and some new and we need to know their true meaning if we are to know His true message. So while one Indian title for the January moon may be Wolf the reason for the naming may not be what you think. To be sure of the Great Mysterys meaning, a two-legged must look closer than first glance. First glances are what many of us do when we are harried and hurried. Yet, not paying close enough attention can cause us more harm than we know. This is why the Great Good Spirit wants us to meditate and pray each day, so that we see beyond the first glance.

Now, according to Merriam-Websters Dictionary, the definition of eccentric is a: deviating from an established or usual pattern or style b: deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways. Well, for me, thats January in spades. Its often this way, sometimes January dumps oodles and oodles of freezing conee (snow) on one day. Then, the Kiisthwa (Sun) busts out into a flat-out thaw the next, melting all of the snow. This is why we Shawnee call this Moon Eccentric see? But all 12 moons of the year have varying names given them by other Woodland Indian nations and that brings me to a question from an old buddy of mine.

Ed Kruska is recently retired from the Coast Guard. Hes my former military boss at the U.S. Coast Guards The Reservist Magazine, and hes a pretty savvy dude. He said that their local weather guy in Washington D.C. calls the full orb in this January sky the Wolf Moon. Yep, and not only that, but the weatherman said its called the Wolf Moon because when the snow piles up the wolves come down out of the mountains. This seemed odd to Ed, so he told his keewa (wife) that he would check with me on this, and so, well, here we go.

Since the lunar month is roughly 29.5 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year. From the beginning, American Indians have named Full Moons. All of the tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon, which was a Consistent Sign. This consistency alone, made them spiritual. Their names are applied to the entire month in which each occurred, and spiritually, these names hold great significance. Theres some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes of America. Now, European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. The geese-haab-ikizi (full moon) of January is known by them as the Full Snow Moon, Ice moon, Cold Moon, and Snow Moon, or the Old Moon, and even The After Yule Moon. How bout that, eh? But as noted, there is a reason for everything that the Creator does, and therefore, we must look closer than first glance.

The Farmers Almanac is an aged and favored tome for the explanation of many things American. Yeah, and I suspect that it was the Almanacs depiction that the D.C. weatherman alluded to in regard to the Wolf Moon. The encyclopedia says that January became known as the full Wolf Moon because amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, they reasoned that Wolf Moon became common in Native American culture. Ohhh-kay. I guess that I didnt know that. Good thing that the Almanac cleared it up for me, eh. See, after a little meditation and prayer, I wouldve thought that the reason that the January moon is called for the mweowa (wolf) is because wolves are vastly expressive and are therefore a sign sent from the Creator. See, their very manner is symbolic of the Creators mastery, and while their vocalizations are legendary, wolves also have a complex system of body language and a steady eye contact to convey intent and current state of being. Discipline in the pack is seldom physical it doesnt have to be. Rather, behavior is admonished or reinforced by intricate expressions. One look from the Alpha or lead male wolf can convey as much power as a physical blow. Theres big medicine in this, and therefore, a clear conveyance that even though the month of January is erratic its still being controlled by the Creator the greatest Alpha of all, and, as strange as it seems it is His will, so all will be well. Not only that but jeeze wolves bay all night long in every month not just January.

So, while I do like the Farmers Almanac, I always go deeper than first glance. As far as Im concerned, their reason for calling the January lunar orb the Wolf Moon is just a repeated old homesteaders story. See, the Indians wouldnt misunderstand what the mweowas were doing during Papoonwi (winter) because the Great Good Spirit wants us to meditate and pray each day, so that we see beyond first glance

Asian Fashion Clothing – Hot Styles For Every Occasion

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Fashion is ever changing. Trends change every year, every season. Therefore, what you see or wear may be popular today but it may not continue to be popular tomorrow. Today, in many designer stores around the world, Asian fashion clothing is evident. For both men and women, there are a variety of formal wear, casual wear and sportswear where you can buy cheap clothes online. Today, you will find Asian style clothing just about everywhere. You can see them in boutiques, local malls and online stores. This style of clothing not just liked by Asians, the fan following in US and Europe is huge too. When it comes to Asian fashion clothing, Korea and Japan are two most influential countries. That does not mean India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China are far behind. Through innovative and chic designs these countries slowly but surely, they have become popular.

Korean designers are striving to be known worldwide, although just several years ago, they only had the scope to show their designs within their country. With the emergence of internet, the scope to highlight their designs and fashion trends and this has made it possible for shoppers to buy cheap clothes online. Today they are able to compete head to head with well-known fashion brands from America and Europe. This has been possible because of the fact that Asian fashion clothing fabrics are perfect for clothes and make an excellent wear. The talent of these designers can be witnessed, when their designs is showcased by their models and local celebrities. Korean drama and K-pop have drawn much attention throughout the world and this has been the impetus when the Asian clothing style reached its peak. Buy cheap clothes online has now become popular in numerous parts of the world.

Moreover, more people will be able to afford beautiful Asian fashion clothing as most of the Korean designers have brought the prices of their clothes down. Japanese fashion has its own appeal and makes a unique impression. Japanese style shows culture through its clothing. You will notice that it has an international feel on it if you take a closer look at a Japanese top, skirt or blouse. Japanese fashion best known for its mixture of conservative, modern and trendy styles. Nonetheless, Japanese patterns and prints are very cute and chic to look at. Asian style really evolves and improves and you can buy cheap clothes online. Internet is the best place to go if you want to follow Japanese fashion. Just surf the Internet, look in online stores, and jut surf the internet. You do not have to look for Asian fashion clothing stores. You will easily spot the piece you like, as there are hundreds of online stores sell handmade and machine-made apparel. For teenagers, Asian fashion is extremely popular as they can buy cheap clothes online. Hence, these clothes also make great gifts.

Clothing Culture During The Renaissance

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A lot of information has been published about the medieval period, from the lifestyle of people, to their clothing. What has become apparent is that clothes played a very important role in the medieval lifestyle; this role can somewhat be described as the expression of status as people level in society was clearly visible in the type of clothing they wore. This was largely a matter of legislations which set the options when it came to the type of clothing that people wore. Medieval society was largely categorized through quality, color and cut of clothing.

Antiquity Clothing

In such a pyramidal society where the elite are few and the common masses many, most of the population dressed simply and unremarkably. The masses wore home-made clothes, which were very simply cut and from cloth made in their villages. The most common material from which medieval wardrobes were made of was undyed wool and leather or fur obtained from hunting animals. Since sumptuary laws that had existed since Roman times restricted expenditures on clothing and food according to social rank, the peasantry wore mostly unadorned clothing.

The elite and the rich, however, had free reign over the degree of luxury they desired in their clothing. They imported silk and cotton and could meet the expense of bleached linen and dyed and simply patterned wool. Royalty and nobility wrapped themselves in richly embroidered fabrics, and extended their ostentatiousness through jewelry, buckles, purses, weapon fittings, and metalwork accessories. Medieval dresses of highborn women were hemmed with colorful borders and fine needlework.

In style and elaborate

It was not long before elaborate became en vogue. Slashing emerged from Germany, a style of Renaissance clothing for sale at the time that revealed a different texture or color of clothing beneath the outer fabric. Perhaps the undying chicness of black became established during the Renaissance, when polite society began to wear it to formal events.

The mere ruffle at the neckline bloomed into the cartwheel-shaped ruff that marked Elizabethan fashion and into very grandiose designs made of Italian linen lace and wire-supported. As well, exquisite needle, lace with scrolling designs flowered from Italy and spread to the continent. The grandiosity in clothing peaked with the stylish Tudors’ clothes, which embraced rich, heavy brocades and gold-shot fabrics encrusted with jewels.
Renaissance Costumes

When the golden era set in, wool was still the most popular fabric, next of which were linen and hemp. By now wool was available in a variety of qualities, from rough undyed cloth to fine, dense, and velvety broadcloth. During the Renaissance, costumes made of wool could be dyed in rich colors, most commonly reds, blues, greens, and golds.

With the dawn that announced this idyllic time came silk-weaving. Figured silks like silk velvets with silver-gilt wefts were most often seen on the well-heeled Italians, gradually catching fire with the rest of wealthy Europe. The refined flamboyance of China eventually reached the Ottoman civilization in the form of stately floral designs in pomegranate or artichoke motifs. Through the Ottomans, the Western world embraced the trend.