Understanding Plus Size Fashion Segments

As fashion and plus size evolve into a recognized and (soon-to-be) respected segment in fashion, so do the idiosyncrasies and nuances of fashion itself, as it pertains to plus size.

You see, ten years ago, plus size only belonged in one lump segment, leaving us fashionistas with very little or if any options for shopping and discerning which pieces were of a "fashionable" standard. However, now, with the amalgamation (yes, I had to use this word) and plethora of fashions within plus size clothing, one could easily find herself lost, frustrated, confused, irritated, or flustered when shopping for an ideal outfit or piece of clothing.
Why?
We no longer have "one type" of fashion option for the plus size woman- we have many. However, to better understand and sort through the madness of them all, a budding fashionista must first understand what these newer segments are and learn the identifiers of these to shop smarter, not harder.
No really... WHY?
See, as in the straight- sized market, you will find certain segments within fashion that are grouped together, and for the most part, you know what to expect when shopping from that retailer or specific set of retailers. With the evolution of Plus Size Ready-to-Wear Fashion, the same now holds true. For sake of argument, we will group these segments for plus size fashion as straight sized fashion does to help explain the price discrepancies, size differences, in relation to the integrity and quality of a retailers' or designers' garment. The fashion industry is divided into five segments: haute couture, luxury, contemporary, fast fashion, and discount.

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Bubble-Up Effects of Subculture Fashion

The notion that trends in fashion take part in a phenomenon known as the trickle down effect has long been recognised by fashion pundits. A process of social emulation of society's upper echelons by the subordinates provides myriad incentives for perpetual and incessant changes in fashion through a sequence of novelty and imitation. Dior's 'New Look' of 1947 consisted of creations that were only affordable to a minority of affluent women of the time. Fashion was governed by haute-couture designers and presented to the masses to aspire toward. However, this traditional prospective has been vigorously challenged by many throughout the fashion world. Revisionist observations have introduced a paradoxical argument that fashion trends have, on numerous occasions, inadvertently emerged from the more obscure spheres of society onto the glamorous catwalks of high-fashion designers.

These styles can originate from a range of unorthodox sources, from leather-jacketed punks and dramatic Goths, the teddy boys of the 1950s, to ethnic minority cultures from all edges of the globe. Styles that emerge from the bottom of the social hierarchy are increasingly bubbling up to become the status of high fashion. There has been significant concern over the implications of this so-called bubble-up effect, such as the ambiguity between the notions of flattering imitation and outright exploitation of subcultures and minority groups. Democratization and globalisation of fashion has contributed to the abrasion of the authenticity and original identity of street-style culture. The inadvertent massification of maverick ideas undermines the 'street value' of the fashions for the very people who originally created them.
The underlying definition of subculture, with regards to anthropology and sociology, is a group of people who differentiates from the larger prevailing culture surrounding them. Members of a subculture have their own shared values and conventions, tending to oppose mainstream culture, for example in fashion and music tastes. Gelder proposed several principal characteristics that subcultures portrayed in general: negative relations to work and class, association with their own territory, living in non-domestic habitats, profligate sense of stylistic exaggeration, and stubborn refusal of massification. Hebdige emphasised that the opposition by subcultures to conform to standard societal values has been slated as a negative trait, where in fact the misunderstood groups are only attempting to find their own identity and meaning. The divergence away from social normalcy has unsurprisingly proliferated new ideas and styles, and this can be distinctly observed through the existence of fashion diversity. Ethnicity, race, class and gender can be physical distinctions of subcultures. Furthermore, qualities which determine a subculture may be aesthetic, linguistic, sexual, political, religious, or a mixture of these factors.

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Essential Tips to Buying Shoes Online

 

1. You know your size don't you?

Finding them perfect shoes that fit snug against your feet is the goal when buying shoes, look down at your feet and examine their shape. If you're like me, and have weird feet then consider buying shoes with a larger width.
Finding shoes that fit flush against your feet is a common problem, majority of shoes are too tight against the side of the foot, but in some cases there are large gaps. The obvious solution is to buy narrow shoes to accommodate slim feet.
2. Look at your own shoes.
Everyone has their favourite pair that fit perfectly like Cinderella's at the ball. They are comfy, supportive and rub free, Take a moment and examine them. Are they at a certain width or shape? What is the material made from?
Knowing your most comfortable pair and why they are so comfortable is the best step for buying in the future.
3. What Brands do you own?
The majority of shoe companies tend to have similarities in shape and design in their models. This can benefit the users as your feet can tend fit well with a line of certain brands. Make a list of all the brands that your feet tend to fit well with. This will be beneficial knowing that when a new model arrives your feet will fit snug.

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Top 5 Places to Buy Perfumes and Cosmetics in Singapore

Major international brands are readily available here, carried by the beauty halls of most department stores. So this Top 5 list will instead focus on popular stores in Singapore and what makes them special.

1. Sephora - A Luxury Candy Store For Upmarket Beauty Addicts
The glossy and glamorous Sephora is the upmarket French chain (owned by LVMH) that has devoted fans across the globe. This huge make up store has a devoted following for stocking cult cosmetic brands like Urban Decay, Bare Escentuals and Benefit.
While prices here are high, browsing in the store is like visiting a candy store, and roaming staff are all too eager to give you a makeover on the spot.
Tip: If you buy anything, make sure to ask for freebies. This store has plenty of samples and they're not afraid to dish them out.
Directions: Sephora can be found in ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City shopping malls on Orchard Road. Nearest train station is Orchard MRT.
2. Sasa - For The Treasure Seeking Make-Up Lover
Sasa is the haunt where local make-up-holics go for treasure hunting. This is Asia's leading chain of beauty boutiques filled with eclectic beauty products ranging from the simple facial blotter to zany bling-encrusted false eyelashes.
While it's not easy to find specific products here, it is a very popular place to get great deals on items like SKII skincare and perfume.
Tip: You can pick up interesting Asian beauty products not commonly found in other stores.
Directions: Sasa can be found in malls like Bugis Junction (Bugis MRT) and VivoCity (Harbourfront MRT).
3. Watsons - For International Drugstore Cosmetics
Singapore has two duelling drugstore chains, Watsons and Guardian. While Guardian is the better pharmacy, Watsons trumps it in terms of cosmetics.

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White Corsets for Your Big Day

White corsets are mainly categorized as bridal and have made it possible for brides to look their best on their wedding days. The best thing about corsets is that they give women that figure that is to die for and you will also manage to show all your natural curves and goodies. You will not only look fabulous in a white corset but also feel as fabulous as you wish to be on your wedding day.

The white corsets have shaping capabilities which are unmatched especially because the color does not cause any distraction to the eyes. What most people will therefore manage to see beyond the color will be the figure of your natural body. With a corset in place, your wedding dress does not even have to be structured to fit since the corset will do the magic for you. It is an easy way to have that figure on your biggest day.
The white bridal corsets will in most cases contain steel bones making it possible for them to cinch your waist in the most attractive way. The fabrics are however made to be sensuous and soft and hence you won't end up feeling like a mess. The best thing that you can do to have the best result with your white corset is by ensuring that you settle for high quality and always try out the corset to ensure that it is as comfortable as it should be besides achieving the desired overall look.
The corsets are mostly laced to make them more attractive and appealing and they also easily suit every body shape. When choosing however, always take the time to go through the different styles and designs so that you are in a position to choose the one you feel will bring out the best in you. You can have the experts help in choosing a corset that will make your wedding dress stand out making you the most attractive bride of the month or year.

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Make Your Winter Dresses Trendy With Cashmere Cardigans and Jumpers

A change in weather always makes people to think over the changes in their dresses and wardrobe. And especially during the winter and summer they need a definite change over in their dresses. No more they can use the same colorful and inventive summer dresses.

The winter dresses mostly don't look very trendy and innovative as the summer dresses. But the winter dresses can be still given a better look with the use of the cashmere dresses, cardigans and the jumpers.
Choosing the best cardigan
For the past five years since the beginning of the cardigan dresses, people have started to like them a lot and assume this to be the best outfit in the biting cold. Just wearing a simple cardigan over the t-shirt will give you the best look in your winter wardrobe. There are many and different types of cardigans and everything have some specific purpose of usage. A plain button down cardigan with a simple trouser and a white shirt will do the best for a formal office dress. Some delicate fabrics like the merino wool will also give the best warmth in the winter and thus you can also avoid the bulk silhouette suit.
Some chunkier dresses like the cable dress cardigans are also said to be one of the best casual wears. You can also wear this cardigan over to t-shirt for any casual occasion. The hooded cardigans also look the best over jeans and a t-shirt or may be it can also be worn under a blazer and this will make you to look great.
Selecting the best jumper that suits you
There are different types of jumpers to suit people with different look and physical structure. You can wear a crew neck jumper over a t-shirt whereas v-neck over a collared shirt. But the wool jumpers mostly make you look bulky by adding some unnecessary padding to your dress. But the merino jumpers are the thin jumpers that will give the best appearance and also the best warmth to protect you from the cold winter. The merino jumpers will also be the best office wear when worn over a shirt and a tie or under any suit jacket.

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