Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Monday, September 08, 2014

Made in Romania

Made in Romania : You May Be Surprised! Many designer brands are Made in Romania! Yes, there are many well-known designer labels that are "made in Romania."

made in romania flag colors
Romanian flag-inspired image by JaguarJulie
I was actually "blown away" when I started to assemble my list of designer brands bearing the label of "made in Romania" or "made in Rumania!"

As you progress through this page, I'm betting you too will be pretty amazed about all that is Made in Romania. For men reading this lens, I've found some excellent shirts, slacks, and shoes. You'll find that Eastern European clothing is well-made and nicely-tailored--you may even see something that interests you so much that you have to buy it!

By the way, the significance of this page to Squidoo lensmasters? Oh, simple! This was one of my first instances of writing in a series of related topics!

In March 2006 I initiated the "Made in" series of lenses to celebrate all that is Eastern European. To celebrate my heritage. Made in Romania -- Dolce and Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Armani, BCBG and Valentino? Yes, you would not believe ALL of the many recognizable designer brands that are made in Romania!

By the way, YOU may be surprised. Check out my "Made in" series of pages. Made in Bulgaria, Made in Czech Republic, Made in Hungary, Made in Poland, and Made in Romania.

A little background info:  In May 2004, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of traveling to Hungary and Romania to "trace my roots." My curiousity about these two countries has been my inspiration to publish a series of lenses discussing Hungary and Romania.

"Made in Romania / Rumania" Name Brands
Found on eBay! When I was doing my research for my other page about Hungarian-made items, I was totally amazed at the number of different recognizable name brands that have been manufactured in Hungary and similarly made in Romania!

Romania produces some of the same brands as those produced in Hungary. Searching for "Made in Romania" and "Made in Rumania" on eBay I found nearly 300 items in auctions listings with some 730 in eBay stores, but not as many as for "Made in Hungary."

Some of the MANY designer brands manufactured in Romania or Rumania include Abro, Aldo, Alfani, Andrew St. John, Aquatalia, Arden B., Armani, Banana Republic, Bass, BCBG Maxazria, Beaufort Riding Apparel, Bronx, Bullboxer, Burberry, Camina, Carole Hochman, Casual Corner, Cerruti, Chaus, Chloe, Clarks, Conspicuous, Dansk, Debenhams, Dialogue, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Donny Brook, Dries Van Noten, Emily, Escada, Express, Fornarina, Fox Fire, Gantos, GBX, Generation 1, Georgetown, Geox, Giorgio Brutini, Giorgio Saint Angelo, H&M, I.D Sarrieri, Incotex, J Riggings, J. Undeberg, Jessica Holbrook, John Meyer, Johnston & Murphy, Josef Seibel, Joseph Abboud, Kate Moss Topshop, Kathie Lee, Kenneth Cole, Knilling Bucharest, Lamarthe, Levi's, Londonberry by Peabody, Marina Rinaldi, Marks & Spencer, Mary McFadden Studio II, Miss Sixty, Morton Bernard, Moschino, Nana, Napapijri, Nina Leonard Knitwear, NY SAKE, Oilily, Oscar de la Renta, Paola by PDL Firenze, Peabody House International, Petite Collection, Pilpel, Prada Sport, Principles, Raoul, Roberto Cavalli, Rosner, Sag Harbor, Skechers, Steve Madden, Thalian, Thomas Pink, Tommy Hilfiger, Toscany, Tyrol, Ulla Popken, Utex Designs, Valentino, Victoria Secret Moda International, and Zegna.

Aldo "made in Romania"
The ALDO Group is a privately-held company which operates over 840 retail stores across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom & Ireland as well as in 30 franchisee countries (35 by the end of 2007) around the world.

ALDO specializes in the creation of high-quality fashion footwear, leather goods and accessories. This sought-after brand pays close attention to detail and to fine craftsmanship.

Armani "made in Romania"
From 1961 to 1970, Armani worked as a designer in well-known fashion house Nino Cerruti, after which he left to pursue freelance work. In 1974, with his partner Sergio Galeotti, he established Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with a menswear label, introducing a womenswear line in 1975.

In 2001, Forbes named Giorgio Armani the most successful Italian designer, estimating his net worth at $1.7 billion. In February 2007, Giorgio Armani said that he was prepared to sell his trademarks.

Banana Republic "made in Romania"
When Gap Inc. acquired Banana Republic in 1983, the brand had two stores and a safari motif. Banana Republic is now an accessible luxury brand, offering high-quality apparel and accessories collections for men and women.

Delivering elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices, Banana Republic has been credited with helping make fashion more accessible. The brand offers elevated essentials and sophisticated seasonal collections of accessories, shoes, personal care products and intimate apparel.

BCBG "made in Romania"
Named for the French phrase bon chic, bon genre, a Parisian slang meaning: good style, good attitude, the company is a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit. since its inception in 1989, BCBG Max Azria has been known for its signature collection of women's apparel from designer Max Azria.

The BCBG high-fashion collection ranges from evening dresses and swimwear to footwear, eyewear and handbags. Azria, whose celebrity clients include actresses Keira Knightley and Sarah Michelle Gellar. BCBG Max Azria acquired the French sportswear company Alain Manoukian for more than $70.8 million in 2005.

Bronx "made in Romania"
Bronx shoes are designed in Holland by a design team led by world-famous designer Mr. Frits Dijkmans, whose family has been in the shoe business for over 100 years. Bronx is a known fashion leader in the shoe industry, having been recognized in London as the #1 footwear brand in 2004, the #1 footwear brand for brand loyalty in 2005, and again in April 2006 as the #1 best selling brand for women (Drapers Report).

Bronx footwear for women is known for European flair, unique styling, and especially stunning high-heeled boots. Unique and beautiful sandals, shoes, and boots that match the fashion clothing of today have been our specialty. Production is in Portugal, Romania, Brazil, and China. Bronx shoes are sold in over 40 countries around the world to fashion-conscious consumers. Diba Imports is the Bronx Shoes distributor for North America.

Burberry "made in Romania"
Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21-year-old Thomas Burberry (1835 - 1926), a former draper's apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Burberry was an independent company until 1955, when it was bought by Great Universal Stores (GUS), owners of UK High street retailers Argos and Homebase. In December 2005, when Burberry was spun-off as the Burberry Group.

To complement the Burberry USA Shop Online, the UK in October 2006 launched their transactional store, and in March 2007, extended order fulfilment across selected European counrties at Burberry UK & Europe Shop Online, both sites offer the latest new arrivals and classic pieces across rainwear, outerwear, apparell across womenswear and menswear. The latest bags from ad campaigns and classics in house and nova checks and accessories including shoes, sunglasses, watches & fragrance.

Chloe "made in Romania"
Chloe is a French luxury fashion design house headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1952 by Jacques Lenoir and French-Egyptian creator Gaby Aghion, the house produces women's pret-a-porter, accessories, and fragrances.

From 1971 to 1983, Karl Lagerfeld forged a feminine image for Chloe that perseveres today. His 1972 Deco collection won him wide acclaim and elevated the house, as well as the designer, to international fame. He departed for Chanel in 1983 but returned in 1992 to replace outgoing designer Martine Sitbon.
In 1997, replacing Lagerfeld, young British designer Stella McCartney took the helm of the fashion house. in early 2001, she left after naming 27-year-old Phoebe Philo as her successor. In October 2006, Paulo Melim Andersson, a Swede, took over as creative director.

Clarks "made in Romania"
C&J Clark International Ltd. (Clarks) is a world-leading manufacturer and retailer of footwear. The company produces shoes, boots, and other footwear under the renowned Clarks brand name, as well as K Shoes in England and Bostonian in the United States.

The Clarks business has come a long way from humble beginnings in 1825 as a small Somerset sheepskin business it has entered the 21st century as one of the world's leading shoe brands and the UK's number 1 shoe retailer.

Formerly committed to manufacturing in the United Kingdom, Clarks has trimmed its manufacturing base in that country from a high of nearly 30 factories in the 1980s to just four remaining sites at the end of the century. As the company has switched its emphasis from manufacturing to design-oriented branded consumer goods, production has shifted to Brazil, China, India, and Portugal.

Dolce & Gabbana "made in Romania"
Dolce & Gabbana is a high-end fashion house started by the Italian designers Domenico Dolce, born near Palermo, Sicily, and Stefano Gabbana, born in Milan, Italy. Dolce & Gabbana are very popular for their designs in the Hollywood industry; they have designed clothes for Madonna, Monica Bellucci, Ayumi Hamasaki, Isabella Rossellini and Kylie Minogue amongst others.

The company is based near Milan (Legnano). The private life of Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce became public in 2005, when they officially announced their separation. The business has remained unchanged and both continue to design together.

Gantos "Made in Romania"
Gantos was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1932 by Theodore (Ted) and Haseebie Gantos. In the mid 1960s, a broader line of business-oriented suits and formal dresses were introduced. After opening a still more successful outlet at Eastbrook Mall in Grand Rapids, Douglas Gantos felt that the now established Gantos image of elegantly designed stores and mid-priced, fashionable, yet not extreme, women's fashions would sell in other cities.

During the early 1970s Gantos developed the concept of the "Bargain Boutique," whereby marginally profitable Gantos branches were turned into clearance outlets for slow-selling merchandise from the successful stores.

Hugo Boss "made in Romania"
Hugo Boss is a fashion house based in Germany, which specializes in high-end and casual menswear and womenswear. It is named after its founder, Hugo Boss.

The company's products, divided over three brands, are available throughout the world in 103 countries and more than 5,002 retail stores. These brands are Boss, Hugo, and since 2004, Baldessarini.

I.D. Sarrieri "made in Romania"

I think this is a WOW and definitely unexpected in that I wouldn't think Romania would produce such fine lingerie.

I.D. Sarrieri is highly sophisticated fashion lingerie. It is made in Romania with the finest fabrics from France and Italy. I.D. Sarrieri is sold worldwide in the finest lingerie stores. They were featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazzar, Millionaire and more.

Johnston & Murphy "made in Romania"
Italian calf uppers, leather quarter and tongue linings. Rubber sole and heel. Leather covered cushion insole, flexible insole and outsole. Johnston & Murphy continues to be a pillar of classic workmanship and a beacon of American style with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation.

Joseph Seibel "made in Romania"
This family held Shoe Company is today run by a fourth generation under Carl-August Seibel. The same basic philosophies are followed. Premium quality in materials, the best workmanship, and comfort. These main principals have helped Josef Seibel become known worldwide as "The European Comfort Shoe."

Kate Moss Topshop "made in Romania"
Kate Moss: Topshop's new muse*. It's a marriage made in heaven and one that has been on the cards, or at least on the rumour mill for much of the past year. Kate Moss, supermodel, celebrity and, according to many, the most stylish woman in the world, has teamed up with Topshop, the country's coolest high street store.

Philip Green, who owns Topshop's parent group Arcadia, struck the deal personally after meeting Moss and deciding they should work together. "We want to build this into a global brand," he told WWD. "She is a fashion icon in terms of the UK and this is what Topshop is all about in terms of fashion. Our customers identify with her."

Kenneth Cole "made in Romania"
Fashion Designer KENNETH COLE founded his company, Kenneth Cole Productions, with the debut of a ladies' footwear collection in December of 1982.

Today, the company manufactures internationally and distributes men's and women's footwear, accessories and clothing under the Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole, and Unlisted labels, as well as offering over 30 product categories such as hosiery, luggage, watches, and eyewear.

Lamarthe "made in Rumania"
From my personal collection ... I recently found this petite black leather handbag on eBay and just had to have it; primarily because of it's uniqueness and the fact that it is "made in Rumania."

The purse bears the embossing of Lamarthe, which is a designer name of handbags that usually are made in Paris. This baguette quite possibly was from a sample run. It's black with white piping with two tags inside; one is "claim #47," and the other reads "Made in Rumania." The size is compact, 9" x 5-1/2" and appears to be new. The zipper pull is also marked Lamarthe.

Miss Sixty "made in Romania"
Sixty S.p.A . the parent of Miss Sixty was born in 1989 they have since achieved great success in the past 15 years, with a portfolio of 10 different brands known worldwide. In 1991, Rossi and Hassan created Miss Sixty, a women's wear line with creative designs.

The company has focused on such principles as originality, quality and experimentation for their designs. Since 2001 Sixty S.p.A. has been in control of designs, development and manufacturing of Miss Sixty, Killah footwear, Energie as well as other brands marketed across the world.

Nina Leonard "made in Romania"
Leonard Feinberg - the "Leonard " behind the "Nina Leonard " design team - has been a force in the fashion industry for over 20 years. Lenny (as he prefers to be called) is unique in today's ever-changing world of fashion. He owns many different hats - design director, spokesperson, marketing guru - and Lenny wears them all with great style!

The Nina Leonard Company was created just four years ago when Lenny and his wife Nina began their own design house. In spite of a challenging economy and the competitive nature of the industry, this husband and wife team currently sits at the helm of one of the industry's leading apparel brands.

Paola by PDL Firenze "made in Rumania"
Paola Del Lungo [PDL] was born and raised by an aristocratic family in the Tuscany of Florence, Italy. She stills lives in her estate there.

Paola opened her first PDL retail store at the famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence in 1983, a second and larger freestanding store was opened in Florence on the Via Porta Rosa in 1986. There are PDL boutiques in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. Many higher brand stores in the United States regularly buy from her.

Roberto Cavalli "made in Romania"
Roberto Cavalli is a well-known Italian fashion designer of modern luxury clothing.
Cavalli is known for using wild animal prints and sexualized cuts in his design, leading to comparisons with designer Gianni Versace and his popularity with many young celebrities, such as Victoria Beckham, with whom he famously signed an exclusive dressing contract. He is also known for his lavish lifestyle.

Steve Madden "made in Romania"
Steve Madden, the footwear fashion mogul of the 21st century, has immersed his company into virtually every aspect of the fashion industry. With his primary success and initial endeavor as a shoe designer, Mr. Madden has maintained the direct day-to-day responsibility for the design and marketing of the company's trend setting shoes for the past two decades.

Expanding now into other accessories such as handbags, belts, socks, watches, as well as the apparel segment with dresses and outerwear, Steve Madden is evolving into a lifestyle brand.
With over $500 million in sales to date, Steve Madden, Ltd. is one of the most successful brands in the fashion footwear market. Consistently featured in the media, the brand maintains global recognition and appeal.

Zegna "made in Romania"
The high-fashion clothing company Ermenegildo Zegna was founded in 1910 in Trivero, Italy by tailor and entrepreneur Ermenegildo Zegna. The company is often referred to simply as Zegna. Zegna quickly gained a reputation for producing fine quality wool suits, and by the end of the 1930s, the outfitter employed 1,000 workers.

Zegna suits, long popular in Italy, were first sold in the United States in 1938, although due to high prices, they were sold in limited numbers during the Depression and war years.

Aldo and Angelo Zegna took control of the company in 1966 when their father died at the age of 74. All Zegna suits were made-to-measure until 1968 when the brothers launched a line of ready-made suits for commercial sale. The new line was produced in Zegna's factory in Novara, Italy.

Romania Facts
Read more about the facts on Romania from the CIA World Factbook.
  • Area: total: 237,500 sq km, land: 230,340 sq km, water: 7,160 sq km
  • Area Comparative: slightly smaller than Oregon
  • Population: 22,303,552 (July 2006 est.)
  • Age Structure: 0-14 years: 15.7%, 15-64 years: 69.6%, 65 years and over: 14.7%
  • Median Age: total: 36.6 years: male: 35.3, female: 37.9 years
  • Population Growth Rate: -0.12%
  • Ethnic Groups: Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)
  • Languages: Romanian (official), Hungarian, German
  • Terrain: central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Plain of Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps
  • Natural Resources: petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Thanks for visiting!
I hope that you enjoyed this lens as much as I enjoyed writing it! Hopefully you learned something new. Do you own any brand that was made in Romania or Rumania?

History: Made in Romania: You May Be Surprised was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on April 13, 2006. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #384 overall. Lens #10 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Now you see it - now you don't and I want it - Casual Couture by Green Envelope

Undoubtedly you are familiar with the expression that "now you see it; now you don't!" Gosh, I've been told for years that I live on the cutting-edge, that I am the superlative of trendy and stylish. Some have called me trend-setting, style-conscious, or even a trend spotting, style guru. I have just finished a fifteen minute customer service chat with a friendly rep at Bluefly. You know I've followed Bluefly for some 8+ years; since my Stylehive days. That was before I got engaged to Squidoo ... and then got transported to HubPages!!

So it was the holidays and I was shopping online. I spotted something that I thought I had to have, but I didn't purchase it because $83 seemed a tad bit high for a top. I was debating using a 30% off coupon code should I want to purchase $125 of merchandise from Bluefly. I didn't jump at the 30% off, but waited until today. Upon my return to Bluefly, I did not spot that item in the new arrivals. I went back to my saved email to click through only to find that the item was no longer available.

Drat, I surely hate when that happens. Bluefly tempted me; I waited; it was too late. What's that they say, "you snooze, you lose?" Ah, indeed. So, I asked, "What about me adding that item to a wishlist? You got a wishlist function?" Hmmm, customer service informed me that Bluefly gets in LIMITED inventory of items and they usually sell out fast. Furthermore, the items do not get reordered??? No fair I say!

casual couture by green envelope bustier

So, this is a bit of an unusual post for me. It is a wishlist, want ad of sorts. What do I want? I want this: Casual Couture by Green Envelope black double knit bustier top. This cute bustier is ivory and black, made of a soft jersey knit on the neck and sleeves, with a double knit bustier and bodice. It was advertised with a retail value of $138.00, marked down 40% to $83.00. That still seems high. I would pay $30 for it. You got it? I want it. So, if you bought it and are thinking of returning it to Bluefly, HEY!!!!! Let me know.

UPDATE: September 13, 2014. Oh my, I sincerely can't believe it. Today I was going back through all my blog posts to do some updates and revisions. To check content and to check links. Coming to this blog post, I did a Google search on Casual Couture by Green Envelope and found the brand at Bluefly. Gosh, either I am living right or the world has stopped. You see, I think I found that bustier top I wanted! Take a look at this picture!

Casual Couture by Green Envelope black and white bustier top

Well, I surely wasn't looking to go shopping today, but when I saw the bustier top available at BlueFly, I had to buy it. It was showing an original retail price of $138.00 and was marked down to $24.50. Not too bad a price, only the shipping was a bit more than it should have been at $7.95. This black and white stretch jersey sweetheart bustier long sleeve top has a scoop neck with the black contrast bustier at the bust. It has a pleated styling along the empire waist with dual on-seam pockets. I can't see the pockets, but that's a nice feature. It measures 28-1/2 inches from the shoulder seam to the hem. It says contemporary fit; gosh I sure hope it fits me as I had to order a medium since large was not available. The fabric content is 65% Polyester, 27% Rayon, with 8% Spandex. I like polyester and spandex in my tops. Hand washing is recommended and I am pleased to know that it states made in the U.S.A.

Since I previously cautioned myself with "you snooze, you lose," I had to commit and make the purchase today!

google ads bluefly casual couture by green envelope
UPDATE TAKE TWO: Don't you just love how you can be searching for something online, then you commit to actually buying it, and THEN you get to see it being advertised to YOU ... just in case you didn't already buy it?

That's called being spot-on and relevant with advertisement!

So, as I continue my online session today, to get through hundreds of blog posts that I need to update, I continue to see that Casual Couture by Green Envelope top that I just purchased from Bluefly.

Thank you ... but, "Yes I am happy I made that purchase." And, "No, I don't want to change my mind ... yet!"

Kind of wild that you will visit a site and then see that same thing advertised to you over and over again.


Thursday, April 13, 2006

Seeing Spots? It's actually Polka Dots the latest fashion trend

Seeing Spots? It's actually Polka Dots, the latest fashion trend! Are you ready for Spring? Want to be in style and have a little fun while you're at it? Why not try some polka dots! Yes, polka dots are back in style again this season. I personally have always favored polka dots and have variety of my own dresses, shoes, and handbags. You can also find a variety of polka dot items that I've got listed for sale.

How about this cute little handbag? This has been one of the most popular styles that I've carried. It's a petite bucket tote that comes in various patterns--genuine leather + moc croc detailing, suede + leather, hearts + dragonflies + butterflies screenprinted, and now polka dots! What sets this pretty tote off from other similarly-sized handbags is the pretty antique-style, heart-shaped silvertone handles. These handles are such unique carrying handles that are like jewelry accents. Everytime I carry my handbag, I set it on the table in front of me. You can't believe all the compliments I get on my bag.

Say, did you ever wonder about the origin of polka dots? Well, according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the history of polka dots reveal an ancient origin.

"They first became common on clothing in the mid to late nineteenth century in Britain, at the same time as polka music. The music, and its corresponding dance, became the height of fashion in Prague in 1835, arriving in London in 1842. The first recorded instance of "polka dot" was in 1884.

It was named after the dance, probably because the clothes became fashionable at the same time. The word derives from the Czech word for a polish woman, although it may also owe its origin the the Czech word "pulka", meaning half, as in the half-steps in Bohemian peasant dances."

I wrote a very special article on polka dots - a spotted trend. Are YOU seeing spots??

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Must Haves Stylish Spring 2006 Handbags

Ladies it's time to spring into action. Yes, that's right! Spring is just around the corner. If you're looking to be in style with the hottest trends, then check out these recommendations.

According to Melissa Kagan, "freelance accessories guru and fashion writer" who contributes to iVillage, "You don't have to spend a million dollars to look like a million dollars.

It's all about how you put yourself together." I took a look at her style suggestions for Spring 2006 handbags and have summarized some of them for you, with my personal recommendations.
  • "Smallville ... Whether slung across your body or dangling from your wrist, these palm-sized prizes are little more than wallets with straps."
  • "Add Some Structure ... Slouch is out and structured is in." -- The Structured Handbag
  • "The Black and White ... this season they are breaking out as outfit enhancers."
  • "Neutral Territory ... Earthy extras are resurging this season. Linen, raffia, straw and other natural fibers are all making appearances in the form of must-have handbags."
  • "Living Large ... The theme for this season's 'It' bags seems to be the bigger the better. Offered in exotic skins, bold colors and a multitude of different shapes."

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Latest Trends - Fashion News From Alexis and Gianni

Here is the latest "scoop" from Alexis and Gianni . . . I just found this website this morning and will definitely be a customer when I'm in the market for new, hot, fashionable furs!! Why don't you check them out and see for yourself.

What’s the color? Earth tones, black and pastels. That’s what’s hot for fall 2004. Call it back to nature, perhaps it’s because animal prints remain strong, but calm, soothing rusts, beiges and browns are “in” this year. Black still holds a monopoly, but pastels are the other colors to talk about. Women who gravitate toward color are going to find baby blue, pale pink, light apricot and winter white strong in the selection to choose from.

What’s everyone showing? A touch of fur is a must this season. Whether on a vest or jacket, a handbag or hat, a shoe or boot, this little accent will give everything is adorns the post treatment. Fur trims are being shown in every design and ready to wear collection affording all a little luxury.

What’s new? Laser cutting and carving ran the gamut, appearing on mink, sheared beaver, rabbit and shearlings. The use of laser carving gives the ability to add patterns resembling floral and crocodile, while cutting through the skin adds a perforated, lacey, feminine quality to already lightweight fashions. The use of
lightweight and reversible skins, both with and without laser enhancements, still prevail for the season.

What’s hot? Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles, that will be the must have to complete your outerwear wardrobe this fall. Whether on the hem, fronts or sleeves, or on all, ruffles are shown adorning shearlings, sheared and long hair minks, knits and leathers. Feminine and flowing, these flounces of fur and fabric are a winner!

What’s in? Call it a shrug, a stole or a capelet; the shoulder wrap is the hottest item on everyone’s shopping list this year. Having become younger and more artistic and unique, this small accessory is shown in fur and fabric combinations and knitted and crocheted designs. These little pieces are anything but ordinary.

What’s for him? Fur and shearling in the men’s collections have hit an all time high for fall 2004. Men, having finally realized the warmth of fur, will be seen in the latest looks from coast to coast and continent to continent. Cool and conservative, hot and urban, stylish and sleek, all looks in men’s fur and shearling outerwear.

Check out FOXY BROWN collection! It's hot. Go shopping and see what HOT furs you can find here.

Saturday, January 01, 2005

Fashion Trend Talk - Faux-Fur Accents

Fur ruled the runways this season, showing up on everything from jackets to sweaters to accessories. And while real fur is out of the question, faux fur taps into the luxe trend in an affordable, humane way. To help you take advantage of this fuzzy look, check out our favorite faux-fur-adorned items for winter and our tips on how to wear them:

Sweaters: The tailored, classic '50s-feel cardigan gets an update when its collar is wrapped in fuzzy faux fur. Look for a cardigan that's fitted, with a faux-fur collar in a color that complements the sweater's weave. For an ultra-feminine look, pair your faux-fur-collared sweater with a pencil skirt, patterned hose and heels. Avoid cardigans that are boxy or shapeless.

Ponchos: The poncho is still hot for winter, and does double-fashion duty when it's trimmed in fake fur. One great bet: a poncho with faux-fur trim along the hem, or with faux-fur pom-pom ties. Ponchos look great when worn over classic, casual clothes, like a sleek turtleneck and slim boot-cut jeans. Add cowboy or stacked-heel boots for a finishing touch.

Jackets: What's way better than a real fur coat? A fun, faux-fur jacket! This season, many toppers combine two trends: animal prints and fake fur. Look for a jacket that's shaped by princess seams to accentuate the waist, and that falls to mid-thigh. Also be sure the faux fur is thin and sleek, not shaggy (otherwise, the silhouette will be too big). A faux-fur jacket in an animal print can work for lots of occasions: over a suit on the way to work, or topping an evening dress at night. Another option: Try a parka with faux-fur trim around the hood.

Handbags:
Even totes and purses take on the fur trend this season! Sporting a faux-fur bag is an easy, risk-free way to wear this fun look. To keep it chic, look for a bag that's structured, to contrast the relaxed feel of the material. Satchels, structured totes and bucket bags look great in faux fur. Stick to neutral shades of black, brown and cream, and pair with sleek clothes to put the focus on your bag.

Source: Lisa Kovalovich