Monday, December 13, 2010

Final Project



This trend is a result of the very fast pace environment most women of the modern world finds itself in. There is an overload of new technologies, the cultural habits are changing and evolving into different world. This trend allows the wearer to say “enough”. It holds to memories of the past and brings the great feelings that are comforting and familiar.

I pretend to merchandize my boutique with antique and romantic props that will add to the collection’s concept. I do plan on selling a few non-apparel items on my store. For this collection I could make a table with scented soaps with vintage wrappings and another table with scented candles. I would not light a candle but a air mist would give the store a soft feminine smell.
Antique furniture and props would be arranged around the store and window. The windows would also have soft drapes framing it.
The dresses would be put together with sandals and socks, panty hose or stockings.
Hats, gloves and umbrellas would be placed on the mannequins. The accessories would be gold pendants and chains, small earring, brooches and bracelets.
I would design a few hats to

This trend uses fabrics like cotton, velvet, silk organza, silk charmeuse, lace, organza and satin.





Sunday, November 21, 2010

11th Moon



This is the store front of 11th moon a boutique in Laguna Beach. Both windows were displaying black outfits that did not catch my attention when I was driving by. There's a sale sign that is slightly hidden by a flower pot. 
The front window displayed black cropped pants and a black off shoulder knit shirt. A tie dye silk scarf and black boots.    I did not like this window and I don't it represented the store well. Besides the boots I don't think this window is up to date with the current fashion trends.
This window displayed a more trendy outfit. The black leather skirt with this woven black structured shirt had the vibe of the rock and the military concepts together. Black flat boots, an on going trend added character to the look.  





This is the view from the front door. When I asked the lady about what has been popular and selling well she had no idea what to answer but than she said she sold two sweaters that was at this table the day before. They were both grey, chunky sweaters. One of them had very thick yarns and a very  large knit loops and a big shawl collar and the other had a large asymmetrical lapel.
 
Inside the store there was a lot of products overcrowding the shelves, which gives me a little anxiety. There was no enfasis on a special trendy color and the staple winter hues dominated the displays.

I started looking at the clothing and I was pleasantly surprised with the selection. I found a lot of structured and asymmetrical jackets, silk blouses, wool wraps and many other items with interesting textiles like leather, suede, organza and woolens. 

There was a wall where they hang scarves. I thought they were very pretty, but most of them were grey.  there was this grey and burgundy boots that I think was one of my favorite items of the store. Right next to them there was a sandal displayed with socks. I liked that and I thought it was fresh and trendy.
This are some of the handbags they carry.  I noticed that many of them had a native american print and fringe detail.  Some were made out of suede leather.

 On my opinion there was too many accessories for sale and most of them were not beautiful. A lot of beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets.  Large pendants and rings with beads and stones looked very hippy and hand-made to me.  
This is the back room shelf. Lots of navy blue and some burgundy red.  I felt this was their casual rack  because they had more knits in it. Lots of lofty and roomy tops that looked comfortable and chick.


There was this leather wristlets that I thought was very cute.  The only color besides the greys,  browns and blacks was this salmon/copper shade. This was the only display with the color but i noticed it in another garments too.




Friday, November 5, 2010

Elie Saab Couture Collection or Spring 2011

Elie Saab couture collection for spring 2011 did not receive a very good review from Style.com. They thought the collection "felt heavy and slightly old fashion". A disagree with their review. I thought the gowns were beautiful and even tough they were slightly heavy, I could see myself in most of them. I though the girls looked sexy without showing mush of their body and the attention to detail was impeccable. Here are some trends I notice :
Bat sleeves, beading and sequins, see through, velvet details, one shoulder and strong shoulders, lame, silk tulle and flowy sheer fabrics, draping and ruffles. The colors were red, till green, taupe and yellow gold.

 


Biology Class

Here's a look I created at Polyvore. I named it Biology Class.

Biology Class

Biology Class by carolguarino featuring cap shoes

Monday, November 1, 2010

Cotton Inc.

Cotton Inc. is a great website that offers information on everything related to the cotton industry.
The company works closely with textile mills and their customers, assisting them to understand their challenges and come up with good solutions that facilitate the development of high quality, innovative products. Cotton, Inc. also connects companies around the world interested in sourcing products and raw materials. This service is especially valuable for start-up companies.


Here are some of the things you can find on Cotton Inc.’s website:
·      - They offer important information about cotton crops around the world, such as the effects of environmental and weather conditions influencing the production yields and quality of cotton crops.
·      - This is a good website to get informed about new products that are in the market now. You can see that Cotton Inc. is definitely making an effort to promote their green side and to create environmental friendly products.
·      - Their site contains press releases, news about companies that work with cotton, and information about upcoming seminars (for companies only).
·      - A calendar where you can find events related to cotton fiber (ranging from crops management seminars to textile shows)
·      - The cotton work library allows you to find out who is producing that fabric, where they are located, if they do dying, etc… This is a great tool for designers that are looking for different fabrics and how to source that particular material
·      - Last but not least, they have a great forecasting service. This service aims to help companies around the world to stay on top of key trends. They offer a color pallet, finishes, treatments and fabric suggestions that they think will be the “most wanted” products of the seasons to come.

Cotton inc. is a great website and a great tool for aspiring designers.