Fashion Trends

Fashion is full of trends. From platforms to ponchos, most of us can admit to falling into the pitfalls of a mindless trend now and again. In the past, looking fashionable meant following a set of rules and definitions. In order to fit in, one was required to dress within the parameters of a certain style, or abide by the rules of fashion set forth by the media. However, I believe that the styles and designs of the future will not hold to these rigid standards. In the past, these standards have set aside something that today’s style hungry can no longer live without: Personality. I believe that contemporary design is headed into a period of unpredictable originality.


Contemporary designs are beginning to reflect the public’s desire to look original. Rather than have clones upon clones of a handful of well known styles, the clothing and accessory options available in stores has grown dramatically over the years. In the past, the most popular styles were limited to a few ‘personalities’ as far as schools of dress. Emo, preppy and skater are different terms that come to mind when I think of old designs. While the stores that cater to these various tastes still exist, they have grown and no longer cater to the very specific crowds they used to. Consumers that would limit themselves to one store or another are breaking out of their shells and trying something new. The kids with closets full of polo shirts are trying on a pair of skate shoes or a studded black tank top. As the rainbow streaks of last season fade, wardrobes look less like single store catalogues and more like a fantastic hodgepodge of fashion.

In terms of clothing itself, the demand for unique pieces can be seen in the success of stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. With designs like no other, consumers save their hard earned cash to look like no one else, owning that one-of-a-kind piece they covet. Online shopping, away from the crowds of style following shoppers, has also changed contemporary fashion. From the comfort of your own home, there is no salesperson telling you to go for one style or another. Shoppers are no longer required to bring along a friend for moral support as they navigate shelves and racks of clothing. No approval is necessary as one browses online. Browsing turns into buying and, after a few weeks shipping time, there is a new design piece waiting on the doorstep. By taking the judgmental looks of others out of the equation, modern design with a unique twist has been able to flourish.

Design of other things, such as house wares and home décor, has also taken a turn for the more unique. More than that, consumers are worried about the conditions under which their house wares and appliances have been made. Gone are the days when one could purchase goods made with devotion to domestic labor. We have gotten over the shock of a ‘Made in China’ sticker, but what chemicals could that label harbor? With lead paint being found in things like children’s toys and food, among other alleged toxins, more and more people are opting for products made in natural environments. The green movement sparked by modern day hippie Al Gore’s documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ is going strong some years later. Somewhat branched off from the initial worries of global conservation, consumers are clamoring for products bearing labels like ‘organic’. Fabric is made from recycled materials, as well as design pieces like cell phone cases and mixing bowls. If it can be reused, it is being reused by today’s generation.

Another issue influencing contemporary design is the economy. The effects of the recent economic turmoil are far reaching, with a hand in the pocket of every nation. Not a single household is unaffected by the harsh economic times. Due to the fact that more and more people are losing their expendable income, once used to buy the latest, greatest design pieces, companies have to be smart with their marketing and products. Luxury has no place in this new world of frugality. Anything more than necessary is viewed as wasteful rather than special. Instead of creating a new line of luxury items, designers are rethinking their collections and making them more affordable for Jane Doe. Gone are the days of bling and Hummers. The gas conserving Prius is king of the road, for as many miles as it can squeeze out of that gallon of expensive gas. Those expensive diamonds and other gems are being swapped, or tragically sold, for inexpensive costume pieces. Business is booming for low-end stores like Forever 21. Initially trying to bring expensive contemporary design to the masses, commercially available designs in these stores are the new dictators of fashion in the best possible way. Culture is no longer fixated on the exclusive but the original.

Contemporary design has gone through many transformations over the years. From finding its appeal to more sensual tastes, shortening skirts in the 20s to preparing for years of economic difficulty, contemporary design reflects the personalities of the times. In a world of unique individuals, style is more one-of-a-kind than ever before.

Cat collections

Cat Collection

Cat counseling for career in fashion

Fashion designers help create the billions of dresses, suits, shoes, and other clothing and accessories purchased every year by consumers. Designers study fashion trends, sketch designs of clothing and accessories, select colors and fabrics, and oversee the final production of their designs. Clothing designers create and help produce men's, women's, and children's apparel, including casual wear, suits, sportswear, formalwear, outerwear, maternity, and intimate apparel. Footwear designers help create and produce different styles of shoes and boots. Accessory designers help create and produce items such as handbags, belts, scarves, hats, hosiery, and eyewear, which add the finishing touches to an outfit. Some fashion designers specialize in clothing, footwear, or accessory design, but others create designs in all three fashion categories.

The design process from initial design concept to final production takes between 18 and 24 months. The first step in creating a design is researching current fashion and making predictions of future trends. Some designers conduct their own research, while others rely on trend reports published by fashion industry trade groups. Trend reports indicate what styles, colors, and fabrics will be popular for a particular season in the future. Textile manufacturers use these trend reports to begin designing fabrics and patterns while fashion designers begin to sketch preliminary designs. Designers then visit manufacturers or trade shows to procure samples of fabrics and decide which fabrics to use with which designs.

Once designs and fabrics are chosen, a prototype of the article using cheaper materials is created and then tried on a model to see what adjustments to the design need to be made. This also helps designers to narrow their choices of designs to offer for sale. After the final adjustments and selections have been made, samples of the article using the actual materials are sewn and then marketed to clothing retailers. Many designs are shown at fashion and trade shows a few times a year. Retailers at the shows place orders for certain items, which are then manufactured and distributed to stores.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is increasingly being used in the fashion design industry. Although most designers initially sketch designs by hand, a growing number also translate these hand sketches to the computer. CAD allows designers to view designs of clothing on virtual models and in various colors and shapes, thus saving time by requiring fewer adjustments of prototypes and samples later.

Depending on the size of their design firm and their experience, fashion designers may have varying levels of involvement in different aspects of design and production. In large design firms, fashion designers often are the lead designers who are responsible for creating the designs, choosing the colors and fabrics, and overseeing technical designers who turn the designs into a final product. They are responsible for creating the prototypes and patterns and work with the manufacturers and suppliers during the production stages. Large design houses also employ their own patternmakers, tailors, and sewers who create the master patterns for the design and sew the prototypes and samples. Designers working in small firms, or those new to the job, usually perform most of the technical, patternmaking, and sewing tasks, in addition to designing the clothing.

Fashion designers working for apparel wholesalers or manufacturers create designs for the mass market. These designs are manufactured in various sizes and colors. A small number of high-fashion (haute couture) designers are self-employed and create custom designs for individual clients, usually at very high prices. Other high-fashion designers sell their designs in their own retail stores or cater to specialty stores or high-fashion department stores. These designers create a mixture of original garments and those that follow established fashion trends.

Some fashion designers specialize in costume design for performing arts, motion picture, and television productions. The work of costume designers is similar to other fashion designers. Costume designers, however, perform extensive research on the styles worn during the period in which the performance takes place, or they work with directors to select and create appropriate attire. They make sketches of designs, select fabric and other materials, and oversee the production of the costumes. They also must stay within the costume budget for the particular production item.

Work environment. Fashion designers employed by manufacturing establishments, wholesalers, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers who freelance generally work on a contract, or by the job. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients' schedules and deadlines, meeting with the clients during evenings or weekends when necessary. Freelance designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments, and are under pressure to please clients and to find new ones in order to maintain a steady income. Regardless of their work setting, all fashion designers occasionally work long hours to meet production deadlines or prepare for fashion shows.

The global nature of the fashion business requires constant communication with suppliers, manufacturers, and customers all over the United States and the world. Most fashion designers travel several times a year to trade and fashion shows to learn about the latest fashion trends. Designers also may travel frequently to meet with fabric and materials suppliers and with manufacturers who produce the final apparel products.

Training, Qualifications, and Advancement

In fashion design, employers usually seek individuals with a 2-year or 4-year degree who are knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, and fashion trends.

Education and training. Fashion designers typically need an associate or a bachelor's degree in fashion design. Some fashion designers also combine a fashion design degree with a business, marketing, or fashion merchandising degree, especially those who want to run their own business or retail store. Basic coursework includes color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design (CAD), and design of different types of clothing such as menswear or footwear. Coursework in human anatomy, mathematics, and psychology also is useful.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately 300 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Most of these schools award degrees in fashion design. Many schools do not allow formal entry into a program until a student has successfully completed basic art and design courses. Applicants usually have to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Aspiring fashion designers can learn these necessary skills through internships with design or manufacturing firms. Some designers also gain valuable experience working in retail stores, as personal stylists, or as custom tailors. Such experience can help designers gain sales and marketing skills while learning what styles and fabrics look good on different people.

Designers also can gain exposure to potential employers by entering their designs in student or amateur contests. Because of the global nature of the fashion industry, experience in one of the international fashion centers, such as Milan or Paris, can be useful.

Other qualifications. Designers must have a strong sense of the esthetic—an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty. Fashion designers also need excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Despite the advancement of computer-aided design, sketching ability remains an important advantage in fashion design. A good portfolio—a collection of a person's best work—often is the deciding factor in getting a job.

In addition to creativity, fashion designers also need to have sewing and patternmaking skills, even if they do not perform these tasks themselves. Designers need to be able to understand these skills so they can give proper instruction in how the garment should be constructed. Fashion designers also need strong sales and presentation skills to persuade clients to purchase their designs. Good teamwork and communication skills also are necessary because increasingly the business requires constant contact with suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers around the world.

Advancement. Beginning fashion designers usually start out as pattern makers or sketching assistants for more experienced designers before advancing to higher level positions. Experienced designers may advance to chief designer, design department head, or another supervisory position. Some designers may start their own design company, or sell their designs in their own retail stores. A few of the most successful designers can work for high-fashion design houses that offer personalized design services to wealthy clients.

Employment

Fashion designers held about 22,700 jobs in 2008. About 31 percent of fashion designers worked for apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers; and 13 percent worked for apparel manufacturers. Many others were self employed.

Employment of fashion designers tends to be concentrated in regional fashion centers. In 2008, the highest numbers of fashion designers were employed in New York and California.

Job Outlook

Little or no change in employment is projected. Competition for jobs is expected to be keen as many applicants are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation.

Employment change. Employment of fashion designers is projected to grow by 1 percent between 2008 and 2018. Some new jobs will arise from an increasing population demanding more clothing, footwear, and accessories. Demand is increasing for stylish clothing that is affordable, especially among middle-income consumers which will increase the need for fashion designers among apparel wholesalers. However, job opportunities in cut and sew manufacturing will continue to decline as apparel is increasingly manufactured overseas. Employment of fashion designers in this industry will not decline as fast as other occupations because firms are more likely to keep design work in house.

Job prospects. Job competition is expected be keen as many applicants are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation. The best job opportunities will be in design firms that design mass-market clothing sold in department stores and retail chain stores, such as apparel wholesale firms. Few employment opportunities are expected in design firms that cater to high-end department stores and specialty boutiques as demand for expensive, high-fashion design declines relative to other luxury goods and services.

Earnings

  

Earnings in fashion design can vary widely based on the employer and years of experience. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until designers are established in this occupation. Salaried fashion designers usually earn higher and more stable incomes than self-employed or freelance designers. However, a few of the most successful self-employed fashion designers may earn many times the salary of the highest paid salaried designers. Self-employed fashion designers must provide their own benefits and retirement.

Fashion and Health

Food and your Skin

It is said that your skin is a mirror to your health on the inside, that what you put into your body is reflected in the wellbeing and youthfulness of your skin. As a model, it is especially important to watch exactly what goes into your body, because it directly affects your earning potential!

An important function of your skin is to sweat out your body's waste products. If you're sweating out toxic chemicals, this will affect not only the color of your skin, but your complexion too. So its important not just to eat foods that can improve your skin, but also to avoid those toxic foods that can cause a break-out


Foods to Improve your Skin

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are very smart chemicals that protect our cells from both external threats, such as the sun, wind and temperature, and internal threats, such as excess oxygen and hormonal imbalances.

So what are antioxidants? They include Vitamins A, C and E and beta carotene. Their specific role is to combat free radicals, unstable cells that become loose and wreak havoc with your skin and cellular structure.

Good sources of antioxidants include cereals, fruits and vegetables. There are, however, certain foods that are particularly rich in these life-saving chemicals. These include berries (blueberry, blackcurrant, cherry), walnuts, sunflower seeds, pomegranate and ginger.

Protein
Protein is a hugely important substance for the body, but not one that we are usually short of. Today's diets, heavy on meat, tend to provide all that we need. One group who have to be careful though is vegetarians, who should supplement their diet with nuts, beans and other sources of protein.

A protein deficiency can reduce the elasticity of your skin. An important protein named Collagen plays a key role in cellular structure, giving it its strength and elasticity. Without it, our skin becomes saggy, wrinkled and aged.

Probiotics
As so often happens, what goes on inside your body is reflected on the outside. Probiotics are a great way to correct the chemical imbalances that can sometimes occur in your gut after events like stress or a course of antibiotics.

One source of antibiotics, a cultured milk named Kefir, has been in the news recently as a 'superfood'. It contains more probiotics than yogurt, as well as having a healthy dose of calcium. Its a great option for those of you who may be lactose-intolerant, as it contains lactase, the enzyme that you are missing.

That's not all though. The latest word is that probiotics applied directly to your skin can reduce sun damage and slow the effects of aging. Although this would certainly not be harmful, we think probiotics are far for effective taken internally.

Omega 3
You may have heard of "good fats" and "bad fats" - well Omega 3 fatty acids are the "good fats". As well as a host of other health benefits, Omega 3 oils strengthen the cell membrane and enable the healthy passage of nutrients and waste products through your skin. It also influences the skin's ability to hold water.

There are some great supplements containing Omega 3 fish oil, you can find them in any health store. The best natural sources include walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.

Water

 Water is a natural body cleanser and can do wonders for your complexion, but it is also an important element in keeping your skin young and beautiful. Be one of the few people to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water per day and you will notice your skin looking rejuvenated and younger.

When your skin dries out it becomes less elastic and more prone to wrinkles. It also makes it more susceptible to damage from the sun or from smoke. All this means that it is extremely important to keep your skin hydrated all the time, so that it can protect itself against the world.

The best way is to drink lots of water but, failing that, moisturisers are very helpful too. The night moisturisers are an excellent choice as they can work for hours without being rubbed or sweated off.

Foods that can Harm your Skin

Free Radicals

 So what exactly are Free Radicals? They are unstable cells that become loose and wreak havoc with your skin and cellular structure, aging you and causing wrinkles in the long term.

These free radicals become loose due to a number of reasons - external threats, such as the sun, wind and pollution, and internal threats, such as the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Foods to be be wary of are those that are high in fat and sugar.

Alcohol

 We all know that alcohol can dehydrate your skin, leaving it red or blotchy both during drinking and in the morning. But drinking also has longer term effects on your skin.

Drinking alcohol tends to permanently enlarge the blood vessels near the skin's surface, causing itchiness, uneven tone and red spots. If you've ever seen the skin of a long-term alcoholic, you'll recognise exactly this redness.

Top 10 Beauty Tips

1. Coconut Oil

Whenever I put on coconut oil, it reminds me of holidays in Thailand, but this is definitely not the only reason I use it!

This sweet-smelling, natural oil has antioxidant properties to combats premature aging, absorbs well into the skin and it doesn't leave any residue.

Coconut oil is also a great tool to keep your hair healthy, shiny and strong. The oil increases circulation on the scalp, supplying nutrients to the hair follicles. Just apply it, starting from the scalp and working it out through to the ends. Massage the head for a few minutes to work the oil well into the follicles. Leave it for 1 hour, then shampoo well and condition.

Yet another great use for coconut oil is as a delicious, gentle exfoliant - just mix it with a little sugar and rub into your body and face.

2. Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting

Here are two tips that are great for days swimming and at the beach. No more running mascara and panda eyes when you step out of the pool!

Firstly, to really make your eyes pop, dye the lashes blue-black. Most people's eyelashes are naturally much lighter at the roots and tips, but this way you can leave the house looking like you are wearing mascara when you are not.

This procedure is a must for blondes, and its completely safe and pain free. Most beauty salons can help you with this - it takes around 20 minutes and lasts as long as 6 weeks.

Secondly, using eye brow pencil on your eyebrows will make them look thicker and more defined. Even if you're not wearing makeup, this will stop you getting that washed out look. It should only take you 5 minutes, and it lasts up to 6 weeks.

3. Blush

 This beauty trick takes less than a minute and can really give you a vibrant, healthy look.

 A quick dab of light cream blush with your fingers applied to where your cheeks naturally flush really adds some life to your face and gives a dewy, fresh look. 

4. Evian Water Spray

Here's a great pick-me-up for your skin. Its especially good when travelling by airplane in dehydrating and stagnant air, but its always a great last minute beauty tip to give you that extra edge.

A quick spray of Evian mist is very hydrating for the outer layers of your skin, and will give it an instantly youthful texture.

There are other brands of spray too so it doesn't have to be Evian. If you fly business class you'll often get a free one in your complimentary travel bag, so keep hold of it!

5. Dry Shampoo

If you want to get rid of greasy hair, but you don't have time to wash it, give dry shampoo a go. The ingredients in this product soak up the oil quickly and freshen up your hair.

Try Aveda Pure Abundance hair potion or Oscar Blandi Pronto dry shampoo. Or you can use baby powder as a cheap and easy alternative. Just sprinkle it on your roots, rub your head with a towel, and brush off.

6. De-Stress Yourself

Stress impacts your body in many negative ways, not least of which is your complexion. A few simple changes to your diet though, can do wonders for your stress levels.

Firstly, stay off the coffee as much as possible, as it can cause jitters and anxiety. Try relaxing drinks like Chamomile or Kava Kava instead.

Your lifestyle can also contribute to stress levels, so here are a few ideas to calm down when you get home. Meditation, Tai Chi and Yoga are excellent.

A hot bath, to soothing music and candlelight, will also reduce your stress levels no end. And if that doesn't work, try convincing your partner to give you a relaxing massage!

7. Neck, Chest, Hands!

Do you even notice someone with very youthful skin on their face, but then you see the aging signs on the neck, chest and hands? Most people spend lots of time on their complexion, but forget the rest of their body.

Your neck and shoulders can get almost the same amount of sun as your face, so you should give them the same protective treatment. Its particularly important to take care of your hands. When you drive they get exposed to the sun through your car windows, and activities like washing dishes can damage them too.

Make sure you pay lots of attention to these areas and you'll be thankful later. Try to apply a daily moisturizer of at least SPF 15.

8. Waxing

Waxing can be a bit uncomfortable - but it gets rid of unwanted hair. What many people don't realize is that it can be a great exfoliant too.

Waxing not only rips the hair out from the root, but also removes the very top layer of your skin, along with all the impurities that lie on the surface.

This is great before applying any self-tanning products as they will go on evenly without streaking. However, to avoid any irritation it’s best to wait 24 hours before applying these products.

9. Anti-Wrinkle Pillow

Try to sleep on your back as much as possible - sleeping on your side and stomach can cause wrinkles. Either way, think about getting yourself an anti-wrinkle pillow.

Silk and Satin are better than cotton. They are smoother and cause fewer of the sleep-lines that will eventually turn into wrinkles.

10. Lip Plumping Products

Instead of paying for expensive lip injections, why not try some lip plumping products first? Ingredients in these products cause the lips to swell, as well as decreasing the appearance of fine lines around the mouth.

The plumping effect is immediate, lasts up to 48 hours and doesn’t cause any irritation. The LipFusion, Maxolip, and Celebrity Pout brands are excellent.

Guide to fashion

Fashion is a term, which is referred to as a state of mind. This word comes from Latin word, which means, "to make." Fashion is most commonly associated with clothing, but it even applies to anything from interior architecture, to models of toys. It is a spirit, where an individual is comfortable with his mode of clothing and converts this comfort into a personal style. It is a way of measuring a mood that can be useful in many aspects, culturally, socially even psychologically. Perhaps the most distinctive quality about the fashion since the early times is that it is increasing in simplicity.                                                                

However, fashion is commonly used to describe a style of clothing worn by most people of a country. Thus, as the word goes, fashion is generally associated with, textile, garments and trends. The word textile refers to woven cloths. It is a way of celebrating the diversity and variety of the world in which we live. A fashion remains popular for the period of time that a large segment of society accepts it; that could be for a few months or years. However, it is normal for the fashion trends to change according to the seasons. For instance, during summers the common colors worn are the pastel shades and lighter fabric. Come winter and the preferred color ranges are the darker and brighter ones and the fabric is heavier.

Each season does bring into fashion a particular color and style. The trend of the sixties and seventies are in, with the gypsy style being a preference. Fashion is not just limited to female fraternity even men have been taken over by the fashion world. They have become more conscious of what is in and what is not. They pay more attention to their appearance than hey did earlier. Children are also aware and prefer to wear what is in fashion. While seasons are a major contributory factor, the glamour world of modeling and acting are the actual fashion leaders. Fashion houses endorse the latest trends through the media. So to know what`s happening and what`s not, you need to keep a keen watch on what models and actors are wearing, what kind of make up do they have on and even their hair-do depends on the present fashion trend. So who said that keeping in times is difficult? Expensive maybe, but yet not beyond one`s reach!

For centuries individuals or societies have used clothes and other body decoration as a form of nonverbal communication to indicate occupation, rank, gender, sexual availability, locality, class, wealth and group affiliation. Fashion not only embraces clothing, but also hairstyles, body art, shoes, bags, jewellery and beauty products all constitute today`s fashion trends. Fashion in all its forms from a tattooed and pierced navel, to the newest hairstyle, is the best form of iconography we have to express individual identity. As far as clothes are concerned, fashion is based on fabric, color and cuts.

Fashion is something we deal with everyday. And one thing certain in the fashion world is change. The collections in Paris, New York and Milan, and now London, typically set the stage for the industry one-year in advance. Fashion stylists too get new fashion ideas from music, videos, books, television and even movies. Even the street is the real barometer of style. More and more designers are drawing their inspiration from life on the street. Indian fashion has some prominent names to boast off, like Ritu Kumar, Suneet Varma, JJ Vallaya, Ashish Soni. If a particular clothing or accessory is depicted by famous personalities, it definitely becomes a trend for the people to follow the same. Films have become catalogues and people are copying from the particular style of actors and icons. Actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, to name a few are considered as the trendsetters for the youth.

However, Indian consumers are the ones, which give the Indian fashion a distinctive quality and a mark of its own, here in India and in the international market as well. Thus, from various surveys one can say that India has about three categories of buyers.

The hi-class, people who are fashion conscious and who go for labels and name. Instead of the budget, they are more interested in designer clothing. The upper middle class people who are fashion conscious and who make it a point to stay up to date with the ongoing fashion trends. The last and final category consists of the youth, corporate group, who look out for regular wear clothesline and are budget conscious. What we wear and how and when we wear it, depicts our personality for changing situations. It is from the clothes a person wears that we get our first impression of personality. They provide mental clues to a person`s status and occupational role, as well as being a means of conforming to peer group expectations. Fashion is important to us because it`s a means of self-expression. It helps to identify ourselves with a group of others like us--whether it`s a lifestyle, a religion, a profession, or an attitude. Thus, there are many reasons we wear what we wear. Protection From cold, rain and snow: mountain climbers wear high-tech outerwear to avoid frostbite and over-exposure. Personality Identification Those with high status occupations will wear the clothes they think others expect them to wear They also act as an aid to modesty or immodesty as the wearer so desires. Physical Attraction Many styles are worn to inspire "chemistry." Emotions We dress "up" when we`re happy and "down" when we`re upset. Religious Expression Orthodox Jewish men wear long black suits and Islamic women cover every part of their body except their eyes. Clothing and Posture Many models spend so long worrying about their makeup that they forget that presentation is one of the most important aspects of beauty. You don't always have to be the most beautiful girl in the crowd, but if you carry yourself well and dress to suit your body type, chances are you'll be the one that everyone notices. Clothing and posture are two more ways in which you can make the most of what you have. Take a good look at the actresses in the entertainment pages of your magazines. Not all of them are classically beautiful, but they all have a presence about them, a quality that comes from the way they dress and the way they hold themselves tall, upright and elegant. Dress for your Body Type Here's a list of typical body complaints, together with the clothing tips that can hide them from view. Sometimes you should make the most of your assets, sometimes you should hide them away, but you should always have the confidence to step outside and feel beautiful! Larger Bodies Always bet on black. Darker clothing reduces the appearance of folds and bumps in the fabric, and has a wonderfully slimming effect on your body. Those of you with larger physiques should avoid tight clothing and definitely steer clear of loud prints. Try to always wear properly fitted clothing. Loose, baggy tops and pants just draw attention to your worst angles. Wear fitted shirts with vertical stripes to show off your curves the right way! Small Bust A padded bra is not the only way to give yourself a fuller bust. Try wearing fitted shirts with features like pockets or other details at the bustline. Make sure the neckline is not too low though. Another good tip? Layer up. By wearing a tanktop under your shirt you will make your bust appear much fuller. Large Bust Again, your bra is very important. By wearing one that is too small, you bring attention to your large breasts, rather than making them appear smaller. As for clothing, steer clear of tight-fitting tops and shirts with loud prints. Longer sleeves and a high neckline will take attention away from your chest and on to your arms and face. Large Hips If you're a little wide around the middle then don't worry, there are plenty of things you can do too. Wearing tight fitting trousers will only accentuate the difference in width between your hips and your legs, so use a bootcut leg that drops straight down from your hips. Buy pants without pockets or details around the hipline. Pleats are your absolute worst enemy. As for colors, make sure never to buy patterns - instead stick to dark, solid colors on the bottom, with perhaps some lighter colors or small patterns on your shirt. Short Bodies A short shirt can make your legs appear longer, while wearing similar colors across your outfit will eliminate the color boundaries that can make you appear shorter. Avoid overly detailed patterns and be sure to buy well fitted clothes. If you're drowning in your outfit it just makes you look smaller. Tall Bodies Exactly opposite to shorter women! If you're tall then you should use horizontal stripes, plus sharp color boundaries between your top and bottom to make you appear more petite. Long shirts and knee-high boots will shrink your legs too. Improve your Posture Posture is something we don't really think about that much, but subconsciously we judge others on how they carry themselves. A person who carries themselves tall and confident commands so much more attention and respect - just look at the elegant posture of your favorite celebrities. Slouching does not just just affect the impression that others have of you though, it can also have an impact on your health. Many back problems source from your back, and often this is the trigger for finally sorting out posture problems. Now's your chance to prevent those problems before they even start! Practicing Yoga and Pilates will create a self awareness of your posture - you will actually feel yourself standing upright more and it will help you to develop flexibility and a strong core. There are also many posture belts and underwear devices that can help, if you find it difficult to fit Yoga into your schedule. Outside of the gym classes, make sure you have a good chair at home and at work. Slouching is your worst enemy. Also, when you sit down be sure to always plant your butt right in the back of the chair. This simple action forces you to sit elegantly and is a great tip for interviews too! So stand tall, it's an instant beauty tip! Health and beauty tips If you want to look like a model, you need to do more than just look after your complexion. To really make it in the modeling world, your body has to look the part too. Listed on this page are some exercise tips that I've picked up throughout my years as a model. Remember, staying shape is not just something you do for two hours a week at the gym, its a decision that impacts on your whole life. If you do it right, making healthy changes to your lifestyle can actually reduce your gym time. Yoga/Pilates Yoga and Pilates are great for losing weight - they don't just burn calories, they also improve your muscle tone and increase your metabolism in the long term! I have used Yoga and Pilates for years, as I like the way it tones my body and keeps me slim. It also feels like less of a workout that other exercises! Yoga and Pilates are actually used regularly by many models, who love the increased muscle tone and better posture they can bring to their photo shoots. Lifestyle It doesn't need to be much - just a few small lifestyle changes and you'll be doing more exercise without even knowing it! During my career I have burned hundreds of calories each day crossing town to go to castings and jobs. Here are some other ideas: - Walk up the stairs at work rather than catch the elevator.  - Walk to the local shops rather than drive.  - Park your car further away from your workplace.  - Take the dog for a walk, rather than leaving him in the yard. Another great idea is to increase your water intake. As well as prolonging your life and keeping your internal organs (liver, kidney etc) clean and healthy, water also speeds up your metabolism and aids weight loss! Lastly, every model knows the importance of a good night's sleep. Muscle is regenerated during the final hours of sleep. The longer that you sleep, the easier you will find it to add muscle mass and increase your metabolism. Those extra hours are the most crucial ones. Those who sleep more produce less of a hormone named Cortisone, a nasty substance that contributes to belly fat.   - Aerobic Dance    - Boxercise    - Body Sculpt Other exercises that are great for weight loss, but low-impact on your joints, are rollerblading, the elliptical machine, skiing and biking. Try to exercise with a friend if you can, make it a social event rather than a chore. Weights An often-neglected part of weight-loss programs is weight training. Its a great way to build your body's metabolism so you can stay slim long after you finish your diet! An intensive weight training session also elevates your metabolism in the immediate aftermath of the session - sometimes for as long as 36 hours afterwards! Cardio You can't stay in model shape without putting in those hours in the gym or pounding the pavement. Nothing will keep your body toned and fit like proper cardio exercise, so it should be a part of any weight loss plan you undertake. For more content related to this item please visit: http://www.catfashionhouse.com