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Brands. Clothes. Marketing. Food. City.
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Friday, 5 April 2013

City Profile: Los Angeles


The City of Los Angeles holds many distinctions. LA is the entertainment capital of the world, a cultural mecca boasting more than 300 museums, and a paradise of good weather. From tourist attractions like the Walk of Fame’s collection of stars. Southern California’s climate has often been described as “perfect” and with good reason. Most days are sunny and warm, with gentle ocean breezes in the summer.The Film industry really helped define this city in so many ways that it is only natural that a lot of the local attractions are somehow media inspired. Los Angeles also attracts millions of tourists each year.

Having gone to Los Angeles last April, I fell in love with how lively and entertaining everything was. With the amazing sites to see and endless things to do it felt like a dream come true. With only a couple days, there are certain places that everyone should make sure to visit to get the full experience!


Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is a famous, up scale shopping area that is small, but its reputation is big. The Beverly Hills image was shaped in many girls minds, by Vivian’s shopping spree in the film Pretty Woman featuring Julia Roberts. Most visitors walk up and down, window-shopping. On this short street, you will see all the top-named shops, including Bijan and a few super-shoppers loaded down with bags from Gucci, Prada or Versace. I like the surrounding streets more. Beverly and Canon Dr. have some great shops too.

Hollywood
Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most famous sights in Los Angeles. Stroll down block after block of your favourite stars of today and yesterday on The Walk of Fame. Most of the real action is centred near Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. There you can get your picture taken with your favourite superhero or
put your hands in the cement that immortalized the likes of Marilyn Monroe and other Hollywood stars. Also check out the famous HOLLYWOOD sign for a picture.

Universal Studios Theme Park

There are many Theme Parks in Los Angeles area including famous Disneyland, Knotsberry Farms and
Magic Mountain. Universal Studios Theme Park is best among them, and is closest to the centre of the city. For visitors who want a mix of exciting rides, characters, games and shops, is very unforgettable. The Universal Studios Theme Park also has a great ‘behind the scenes of film making tour, with performances focusing on visual effects and pyrotechnics. The tour is not to be missed. Also the Universal City walk is also fun for a bite and a stroll at night.

Malibu
The California coastline is beautiful from top-to-toe and the local beaches don’t disappoint. Malibu has sandy beaches that are suitable for volleyball, sunbathing, long walks, and movie sets. You will also find Malibu’s rocky beaches, which are suitable for surfing and diving. Malibu offers some of my favourite beaches ever. Zuma and Paradise Cove are two of my favourites in Malibu. Some beaches are just small tide pools, while others feature giant waves that crash against huge boulders and rocky cliffs.In short, Malibu has everything.

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Fashion Store Profile: Forever 21 ♥

Forever 21 shoppers are young, grabby and fast, zooming through the Beverly Hills store on heels, their fingers ripping clothes from racks like birds swooping for fish. This is the American fashion chain run as a family business, the chain that, thanks to its "pile very high, sell very cheap" operation, has been a phenomenal success, with profits (in 2008) of $135m despite the fact that nothing it sells costs more than $65. This is the chain whose founder, Do Won "Don" Chang, is worth $1bn; the chain that, having conquered America and the Far East.
The company got started by a Don Chang a number of years ago. Don Chang and his wife Jin Sook immigrated to California from South Korea in 1981. At the age of 18 Chang, who worked at an LA gas station, took notice of the fact that the most expensive cars were driven by owners of fashion retailers. Three years later, on April 21, 1984, he decided to open a 900 square ft. shop on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles. The store was called Fashion 21. By the end of the first year, sales had risen from $35,000 to $700,000. The Founder reinvested his success by opening new stores every six months eventually changing the name to Forever 21.  He had 11 stores opening within five years and a further 440 opening across the world to date.
Forever 21 is so well known worldwide and is known by almost everyone. Forever 21 is one of the fastest growing retail chains in the world. In seven years, Forever 21 has grown from 1 million square feet of space to 10 million, from one brand of its own to six, offering clothes for kids, men, and plus-size and pregnant women. This year it plans to open at least 75 more stores in five countries. Forever 21 had a profit of $135 million in 2008, the last time it made figures public. And it did all this without selling any item for more than $60.
The reason for the stores success is partly due to its innovation. While Chang’s interest was more economic than clothing, he was unknowingly at the forefront of a new trend (along with places like Wal-Mart) in retail- the bridging of the Gap between high fashion and the American mass market consumer. During this time period, the rise of networked computers and retail technologies reduced the “supply chain”, which meant the time and cost it took for a piece of apparel to go from production to the store was significantly reduced. So, that shirt on scene during New York’s Fall 1984 fashion week could go from concept to reality in a significantly faster time. Fashion became faster, allowing chains like Forever21 to deliver high fashion (at least in concept, if not in quality) to consumers in a matter of days.
Forever 21 is one of the only stores where high fashion dupes are accessible at low prices. It is handy for people on a budget yet sells classy and fashionable pieces. They have clothing stores all over the world and are still growing. Consumers would much rather shop at Forever 21 and get a bargain than splurge on high end stores. It has become part of many people’s everyday wardrobe. It is especially popular among the female youth he even upload YouTube videos on their forever 21 hauls. It captured the attention of the fashion world and started off with humble roots.

Sunday, 17 March 2013

♥ Spring into Prom 2013: Trend Guide ♥

 Prom Season  is in full spring with March half gone it's time to look into what is in for prom to make sure you're trendy for your picture perfect night. Most girls spend hours flipping through magazines, watching celebrities on television and finding dresses online to find the perfect dress. Once you begin to do this, you realize how many style options there are, from elegant beaded or printed gowns to short dresses, long dress or something in between like the high low hemline dresses.

Five things to look for when shopping for prom dresses and evening gowns:
♥ Trends. Prom is an event that you look forward to for so long. You want to look your best. Celebrity and designer trends are constantly changing, so it is important to stay current on the latest styles. In 2013, you will see some of the same trends that began in 2012 emerging in full force. Bold colours long and short, high-low hemlines, strapless dresses, one-shoulder dresses, empire or A-line cuts, chunky beading, ombre, pleats, ruffles and layers, and so much more. No matter what it is, everyone wants to buy the dress that is perfect for them.

Most popular trends for prom dresses 2013:

    ♥ Bright and vivid colours and accessories
 Grab the attention of the crowd with bold and vibrant colours since they’re a major trend. Imagine a neon coral, electric blue or bright fuchsia. These types of colours work well as solids or you can wear exciting prints and patterns, such as a floral dress or an animal print style. Complement your bold colours with chunky beading, like a statement-making necklace or bracelet. Alternatively, if you’re looking for colours in romantic and softer hues, pink blush tones and nudes reflect a calm feminity.
   ♥ One-shoulder dresses
 One of the top prom dress trends is definitely the one shoulder dress. They’re very prevalent amongst celebrities and are a favourite on the red carpet because it creates a flattering silhouette that flatters your curves. Opt for short prom dresses if you're looking to showcase your long and leggy stems while creating an interesting assymetrical look at the top, or slip on and try long prom dresses for a more dramatic and floor-sweeping look that's equally just as red-carpet ready.
   ♥ Strapless dresses
 A few special neckline trends are emerging this season. Strapless dresses and even ones with a pretty sweetheart neckline will showcase your beautiful features and are very popular this season. If you're looking for a sweet and demure style that highlights lovely, feminine qualities such as your collarbone and shoulders, strapless prom dresses are a highly recommended option. And with the variety of fits, shapes and lengths, the fashion dress selections are seemingly endless. Try a strapless empire long dress for a Grecian goddess look, a short bodycon strapless short dress to amplify your sultry, sassy side or perhaps a strapless A-line long prom dress for a more classic and timeless style vibe.
   

♥ High-Low prom dresses
 Get the best of both worlds with this hemline style (short at the front and long at the back). It’s a dress length that’s very reminiscent of those seen on designer runway shows. It also allows you to showcase a killer pair of heels. And if you're looking for a hot dress style that's very much on-trend for this year's prom, high-low dresses are certainly the way to go! It's versatility allows you to wear this style for virtually all occasions both day and evening. You can combine your fun and sassy side while combining a more dramatic aura at the back if you're in the mood to wear something reminiscent of a sweeping dress with slight train.

 ♥ Frilly short dresses
 Another gorgeous trend is a prom dress with a shorter length that shows off a bit more leg. You can try a demure A-line style with perhaps some mesh wire hemlines or go for a fierce bodycon dress. If you're looking a dress shape that's more flared, strapless short dresses with a mirrored corset bodice are a highly popular fashion option. It combines a fitted and structured shape around your torso and wispy A-line skirt hemline comprised of tulle. And if sleek and body-skimming is what you're after, strapless short dresses and strapless short dresses are great options to accentuate your curves and showcase your legs.


♥ Uniqueness One of the most disappointing experiences that can happen at prom is to encounter one of your classmates wearing the same dress that you are. In order to avoid this scenario, you may want to shop for the unique dresses. Try shopping in a different city, to the States or go on prom websites. 
♥ Material The material used reflects the quality of the dress. Avoid cheap materials if you want to avoid a cheap look. You can find quality designer prom dresses and evening gowns at an affordable prices.
♥ Stitching You probably don't check the stitching when shopping for clothes normally. However, when making a more substantial purchase, such as a prom dresses, it is a good idea to check the stitching on the dress you are considering prior to purchasing it. If you see loose threads or any unravelling,  this is an indication of poor quality.
♥ Service and Expertise Whether you are shopping online or in stores, the associates should be knowledgeable, offering help and advice when you need it. They should know their products well and be able to help you select the best dress for your body type and complexion. 


Being a savvy shopper and knowing a few things to look for when shopping for unique designer prom dresses and evening gowns can help you narrow your selection and make the best choice. Price is also important here are some tips to do prom season debt free. Happy Shopping! ◕‿◕

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Canadian Fashion Designer

Kimberley Newport- Mimran: PINK TARTAN
My favourite Canadian designer is Kimberley Newport- Mimran, CEO of PINK TARTAN a Toronto based clothing company. She also takes the role of being the head designer for her company. She was a regular girl growing up in Niagara Falls, and was captivated by her grandmother Aubrey. Newport- Mimran describes, “She served tea sandwiches in pearls and a polished shoe. Always topped off with a perfect coat." Kimberley was intrigued by her grandmothers elegant and chic style, she sums it up: "Simplicity is the secret to elegance."
By the age of 14 Newport-Mimran worked selling retail at a clothing store and that was where she found a passion for clothes and working with customers. She then went on and studied fashion merchandising and manufacturing management at George Brown College. She began her full time career in the buying office at The Hudson's Bay Company. She went on to product development and merchandising and specialized in Denim and Menswear at Club Monaco. She later moved to Caban (extension of Club Monaco), where she met and married the CEO of Club Monaco, Joe Mimran. Her husband had many connections himself, he launched Joe Fresh after he sold Club Monaco to Ralph Lauren.
After a brief break to start a family, Newport-Mimran and her husband, former Club Monaco CEO Joseph Mimran, launched Pink Tartan in 2002. By the time 2004 came around, Newport-Mimran expanded with sales offices in New York where she reconnected and strengthened relationships with buyers and retailers from her years of experience within the industry. In addition to producing her ready-to-wear line, the designer has also created uniforms for several leading firms, including Porter Airlines (2006), 60 Thompson in New York, Roosevelt Hotel's Tropicana bar in Hollywood, and the concierge team at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada (2010). In late 2010, Pink Tartan opened its first flagship store in Toronto's affluent Yorkville neighbourhood. The renovated 3200-square-foot Scottish-Georgian converted townhouse, built in 1837, was titled "Seventy Seven," based on its address. The lifestyle concept shop, designed by BurdiFilek, focuses on enriching the brand's ready-to-wear line with a mix of lifestyle goods selected by the designer.Today, Pink Tartan can be found at Canadian luxury retailers Holt Renfrew and
The Bay, as well as at leading US department stores: Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. The line also retails in over 170 specialty stores across North America and internationally in Dubai, Korea, Japan, Greece and England. In addition to dressing the everyday woman, Pink Tartan has also been worn by top celebrities including Kim Cattrall, Jenny McCarthy, Vanessa Williams, Kate Hudson, and Charlize Theron. Pink Tartan makes statement pieces such as fitted clothes for women with a hint of pizazz. She tweaks the modern classic every season, adding a ruffle or a fresh new colour. When I grow up I want to work in a big city, as a fashion marketer or brand manager. I like the outfits in this line because it is what I would want to wear in the future as a working woman. She is my favourite designer because she had humble beginnings and was just a regular girl who followed her dreams and reached her goal. Her clothes are worn internationally and are sold at prestigious retailers around the world. I like that her brand is elegant yet can be worn all day which is what everyone needs.
Cool Pink Pointer Glitter