Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Handmade Biz Blog has moved to Blogger for now

I had started this blog on WordPess, but they suspended it due my affiliation with Amazon.com which so far hasn't even made me any money at all.

So I decided to move to Blogger. I hope to make this my blog's home until I'm generating a profit from my shop. Eventually I'd like to have my own website and blog for both of my shops LizsWares and The Handmade Biz. I'm looking into my options for hosting etc.

I'll work on transfering my old posts here to blogger over the course of the next month.



Monday, August 19, 2013

2013 Fall-Winter Trend Report

Fall fashions are coming out in stores now in the northern hemisphere. Here's a list of the trends seen on the runways.

---Colors
pastels
grays- dove, smoke, charcoal

Green Movement- If New York is any indication, the green movement has found its way to the catwalk. The hue is having its moment in deep, rich shades that embody the autumnal season.

50 Shades of Blue- The Fall 2013 runways showcased a wide range of cool blue hues. From Valentino's cobalt jumpsuit to Prada's ladylike sky-blue gingham sheath, there should be enough shades of blue to keep you content all season long.

Winter White- There was no shortage of Winter-white looks on the Fall 2013 runways. From Giambattista Valli's ethereal gown to Proenza Schouler's modern white suit, nothing says "chic" like this classic and unapologetically simple hue.

---Shapes + Patterns
polka dots

florals- no longer just for spring

Block Party- Colors are made to be mixed, and for the coming season that means layers of hues that are just a touch off or black, white, camel and navy styled graphically for a welcome, pared-down take on the trend.

Step and Repeat- The story on pattern for the season is distinctive and repetitive, a Warholian screen print idea that's graphic and striking.

----Textures
all or nothing Fur- oversize, ultra shaggy; unexpected fur- unnatural colors
velvet

Furry finishes, feathered detailing, shearling, and studded leather were just a handful of the trends that pointed to a textural takeover on the Fall '13 runways. Some are more typical of Fall and Winter, like the begs-to-be-touched detail in the coziest finishes at Altuzarra, Tom Ford and beyond. But there was more in the way of drama-inducing texture, too, thanks to Gucci's high-wattage, plumage-like pencil skirts and Chanel's grungier distressed denim.

High Shine: Designers like Balmain, Moschino Cheap & Chic, and Naeem Khan sent out an array of gowns, slick pantsuits, and statement tops that will keep you shimmering from dusk till dawn.

----Styles
Punk- tartan 'plaid', vinyl, chain, studs, attitude
His IS Hers: suiting materials normaly used for mens suits {think herringbone}, men's shaped coats

Military-inspired: camoflauge and more with a girly twist
nineties grunge
jungle look

R is for rapper's delight. The season's fur-trimmed bags, chunky chain necklaces, and personality T-shirts have the swagger of a hip-hop star.

The Grunge Movement- The grunge spirit of the '90s fit right into the mold of Fall's tough-girl approach to layered styling. By channeling some of Seattle's iconic plaid, calling upon the rocker vibe of Kurt Cobain, and injecting some irreverent prints (see Rodarte's psychedelic tie-dyes) into the mix, we were treated to a nostalgic lineup of updated grunge wares.

High-Impact Details: It's easy to say, "It's all in the details," but the Fall '13 collections took a bolder (than ever) stance on standout embellishments and finishes. Whether it be Lanvin's bejeweled tiaras and insect appliqués, Gucci's dark-hued feather gowns, Alexander McQueen's Elizabethan takeover, or Julien Macdonald's bright orange mirrored effects, the details were not just an outfit perk — they were the main event.

----Specific Pieces
baby doll dresses
embellished sweatshirts
thigh high boots
heirloom- old style jewelry
midi- calf length skirts
queenly- jeweled haedpieces, crowns
nautical

Leather has become a staple of the runways, no matter the season. For autumn, the new way with hide has an urban sensibility that's a little bit tough, a little bit punk — rebellion never looked so chic.

Supersize Coat- Fall 2013 was all about the supersize coat. Whether structured, baggy, or draped, designers like Carven and Stella McCartney filled their runways with covetable larger-than-life outerwear to snag next season.

You're Grounded: For Fall '13, footwear is getting a reality check — shoes are grounded with lug soles and platforms; rounded toes; heavier soles; and thick, stacked heels.