Fashion

Silk is one of the best, if not the best, fabrics known to man. It is a natural fabric – made from cocoons of mulberry silkworms and caterpillar moths – so using anything made of silk will not make you feel guilty about using something that can be harmful to the environment. But before we wear silk pyjama sets or sleep in silk sheets and pillowcases, do we have an idea of how silk is made? The painstaking process, known as sericulture, is what makes it an expensive material. Here is a peek at how the process of silk-making takes place before manufacturers make it into various products.

Culture and growing of silkworms

Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves, and they produce protein from feeding on these leaves. Silkworms are the only producers of silk, and the cocoons they create are where silk is harvested. Silk producers culture and grow these silkworms so that they will produce more cocoons and, in turn, silk.

Thread extraction

The cocoons of the silkworms are where silk manufacturers harvest the silk from. Silkworms produce a lot of cocoons, but each of them is small, so it becomes an arduous process of extracting thread from each of the cocoons.

Dyeing

This is the process where the threads become different colours. Manufacturers use dye to create different-coloured silk threads.

Spinning

After dyeing the silk threads comes the spinning of the threads into spools. Silk manufacturers will then use these spools in weaving, so it becomes easier compared to weaving unspooled silk threads.

Weaving

This is the process where the threads become fabric. Weaving silk threads into whole pieces of the textile takes time. It is an intricate process that requires time and patience.

Why is silk expensive

Learning how to create silk helps us to understand why silk is costly. The time it takes to culture silkworms, harvest the cocoons, extract, dye, spin and weave the threads make it a valuable commodity. Plus, it is an all-natural material, so its value goes up tenfold compared to synthetic materials.

Distinguishing real silk from fake

There are so many fake silk sellers on the market, and with the value of silk, landing a fake product will be a waste of money. Knowing how to tell if silk is artificial or not is a crucial aspect of buying it. There are several things you can do to spot fake silk: do the burn test, feel the fabric, shine a light on it, and look at the price. If you think that a silk garment is too cheap, then it is probably fake.

While it is true that silk is more expensive than other types of fabrics, it brings many benefits to its users. One such benefit is to help people with respiratory illnesses such as asthma to reduce the number of attacks. Silk repels allergens and dust. It also prevents frizzy hair and split ends. If you are thinking of investing in a few silk pieces, you may start collecting them now.

 

 

Prices are not guarantee to the quality of the product. Most often, expensive products are expensive because of the brand and not the quality. With t-shirts, people would say cotton is best. Cotton is natural fiber and it is durable so that when the years go by, your cotton shirt ages better than those made of synthetic fibers. Cotton t-shirts are also good with prints; click here to learn more about textile printing.

There are now what high-ends and low-ends cotton. High-ends are those whose weaves are tighter and they are denser; it does not make the t-shirt heavier or look bulkier. Some people would say that if there are high-ends and low-ends, there are also good and bad textiles. Some brands choose synthetic fabrics because these are cheaper than the natural ones. When the material is cheaper, the product is also cheaper than those made of expensive raw materials like all-natural high-end cotton.

However, there are those manufacturers whose products are still expensive despite the cheap materials being used. Sometimes, manufacturers would opt to cut on the wages of their workers to save on labor so they can sell their products at a much cheaper price. But all these strategies comprise the quality of the products. That is why some t-shirts would be in bad forms after several washes. But still there are some (very rare) manufacturers that make t-shirts of the best quality and still dispose them at affordable prices.

Characteristics of a good t-shirt

• Color – for most people, people would buy clothes by their favorite color and what they know fit them.
• Print and design – there are a lot of print and designs to choose from. There are cartoons, superheroes, abstract, tie and dye, even life quotes and sayings, and others. An individual picks a print or design based on his personality – he might just know it but the character and personality of a person somehow influences his choice of print and design of t-shirts. It goes to say that the print and design reflects the character and personality of the wearer.
• Fit – the t-shirt must fit the wearer in a way that it clings to his body comfortable, not tightness in the chest or waist area; 1/3 of his biceps are covered by the sleeve, the hem must reach the waistband, and others.
• Touch – softness is a sign, but not all because this can be cheated, starch makes fabric soft; it must not be rough, it must be smooth and firm.
• Wrinkles – crumple the cloth if wrinkles remain after letting go of the crumpled cloth, this is of lesser quality.
• Stitches – if stitches in the inside are as good as the inside, it means this is well-stitched. Skipped stitch and loose threads would mean it was poorly manufactured. Check out stitching defects in sites like https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2019/04/148-garment-defects-found-in-readymade.html.

Taking care of your t-shirts

• Quality materials shed less when you wash them, less shedding means less microfiber pollution; so as much as possible buy t shirts of high quality.
• Frequent washing damages fabric quickly.
• Filter bags help in the care of your clothes.
• Make sure that before you run a cycle, the washing machine is full.
• Reading the labels correctly; sometimes, instead of written instructions, you will find symbols in the labels of your clothes. What are these symbols?
  • Basin – it is geometrically shaped with angled sides, the bottom is flat, and wavy lines below the flat bottom. This means you should wash it on its own. When there are numbers and other lines, it means differently. Numbers in a basin symbol denotes limit in the temperature (degrees Celsius). Sometimes dots are used instead of numbers, this still means temperature, but each dot denotes every ten degrees. A hand in the basin would mean hand wash only.
  • Triangle – this is in relation to the use of bleach when washing. A strikethrough or when the triangle is filled, this means do not use bleach, while a triangle with a diagonal line would mean bleach can be used but use the non-chlorine type.
  • Square – this symbolizes a dryer which means using the dryer is okay, but different lines on the symbol means differently also.
  • Iron – denotes ironing is okay; the dots mean temperature limits.
  • Circle – this denotes dry cleaning.

Printed t shirts should be turned inside out. Sometimes machine washing will damage the print on t-shirts, so if your prints include words such as sayings or inspirational quotes, you might end with an incomplete thought if some of the print will be damaged after washing. This goes with ironing because some prints get damaged when ironed, such as embossed prints.

 

 

Fashion designers have been around for a long time bring special branded clothing not only to the UK, but also to the entire world. One secret that many people don’t know is that most of the world’s top fashions, however, are actually from other countries than the U.S. Most of them actually start out as entrepreneurs themselves, and there are a number of designers that have various certifications and degrees, but what’s most important is that they have the design eye that brings fashion to life.

Today, we’re going to tell you all about one of the most renowned and fresh talents in the UK that is for hire as a fashion designer, but we’ll go into a little bit about what a freelance fashion designer actually does.

What Does a Fashion Designer Do?

Fashion designers design clothing in a special way that incorporates branding and style with visual and graphic design. That being said, you want your fashion designer to have extensible skills in numerous avenues, from fashion illustration, all the way down to the basic office environment software so you know that they know how to communicate. It’s also important that they have a variety of graphics design software experience that they utilize.

Software and application skills aren’t the only thing you want to look for in an award winning fashion designer. The best clothing designers will have the right experience. And while you may want to pay someone in an internal department for work, you’ll actually save more by hiring a freelancer. Think of it as outsourcing your fashion design to an individual department. You don’t have to worry about closing costs, workman’s compensation, insurance, and other things you’ll end up having to pay the designer.

Who’s Jon Mitchell?

This name has been brought up a lot lately, especially in the UK. He has won numerous awards, as well as worked for major men ‘swear companies like Puma to provide excellent designs for other big name brands like Adidas, Umbro, and many more. Over the course of just 19 years, this designer has worked for numerous companies, and has eventually led him to bringing forth his own label JMitchellDesign.

He has numerous software skills, and uses a plethora of design and office suite software that can make him versatile in any environment for communication and deliverability to make sure that the designs are cutting edge, and now he’s working to help other companies and fashion design agencies and corporations with getting their new designs and names out there as well.

Conclusion

When it comes to being an award winning fashion designer, having the proper education is definitely a must, and with that being said, you want to make sure your designer is available to give you the right outcomes and turnaround for your company. That’s exactly what JMitchellDesign can do with his contract-basis fashion design company by providing you the best designs of high quality for an excellent value. Artists like this are hard to find in the UK, and this man’s quickly rising to the top to be one of UK’s best designers.

 

Whether you still wear a G-Shock watch or it’s been years since you routinely wore as G-Shock watch, simply continue reading to discover everything that you need to know about the new Casio G-Shock watch. As you’ll quickly want to get your hands on your very own G-Shock watch.

You can purchase it with a durable carbon finish:

Whether you spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying adventurous activities such as hunting, fishing or sailing, if you’re looking for a strong, durable watch, you can purchase the new G-Shock in a heavy duty carbon finish. That will ensure that your new watch doesn’t get badly scratched up by taking part in adventurous activities. The Casio G-Shock, is definitely a durable watch that you won’t have to baby.

It’s shock resistant:

No matter how careful you are with your watch, it’s extremely difficult to avoid accidentally dropping your watch or knocking your precious watch against a hard surface such as a desk or table. That’s why you’ll be pleased to read that the new G-Shock has been specifically crafted with shock resistant materials. To ensure that your watch will be able to withstand life’s unavoidable accidents.

It can charge itself using solar power:

If you’re the type of person who can never be bothered to replace their digital watch’s battery, you can’t go wrong purchasing a G-Shock at the latest model can charge itself using solar power. So every time that you walk down the street or go for a walk, you’ll be effectively charing your digital watch on the go. Which is a key selling point.

Even if it’s cloudy and overcast or you have to spend all day indoors, you can also use a basic fluorescent lamp in order to quickly charge your solar powered G-Shock watch.

You won’t have any trouble finding a watch that expresses your personality:

The Casio G-Shock is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you won’t have any trouble finding a watch that suits and expresses your unique personality. As an example, if you’re not afraid to stand out, you can opt to purchase a black G-Shock which features a striking red watch face.

It offers an innovative hand shift feature:

You’ll be able to activate your G-Shock’s hand shift feature to view your watch’s screen without its watch hands blocking key information.

It boasts a handy stop watch:

You’ll be able to stop using your smartphone as a stop watch as the G-Shock watch still features a reliable in-built stop watch.

You can set alarms:

If you’re forever running late for various obligations or have a habit of sleeping in, you’re in luck as you’ll also be able to set multiple alarms. That will help keep you more accountable.

It features a power saving mode:

When you’re not using your digital watch, particularly when you’re sleeping, your watch face will automatically go dark to conserve its battery.

So if you’re looking for a sturdy, reliable, durable, feature packed digital watch to wear on a daily basis, you really can’t go wrong grabbing one of Casio’s new G-Shock watches.

Choosing the perfect Christmas gift for older teens can be tricky. A lot of the time it can seem like they would rather just have the money and choose something for themselves, but you still want them to have something exciting to open on Christmas morning that you’ve been able to put a lot of love and thought into. A lot of teens want electronics as gifts, but if your teen daughter doesn’t need a new phone, laptop or tablet, then getting something that has that ‘big present’ feel can be more difficult.

But this is why a designer bag can actually be the answer. If your teen is really into fashion, but you want to give them something a bit more lasting and useful than new clothes, a bag is the luxury item that your daughter will be thrilled to own! Here we look at why bags can be so special, and how to choose one as a gift.

The Best Designer Item to Own

Teens who love fashion tend to covet things from the big name designer brands, but of course, since they don’t earn their own money yet, they can’t really be stepping out in head to toe Prada or Versace! This makes any luxury stuff they own really special to them, and something they will want to show off all the time. A bag is the best example of this because it is something they can pair with all of their outfits to give them a designer lift! Unlike shoes which need to fit with what they’re doing, or other popular accessories like sunglasses, which you can’t wear all the time, a bag can go anywhere, so when it’s the first or only designer piece she has, it’s the best one to choose.

Lasting, Classic Style

Another great thing about designer bags is that they can last for years if they are well looked after, and if you choose a chic, classic style that won’t go out of fashion, like one of the beautiful Saint Laurent bags you can find at SSENSE, then she can be making use of this new bag right through college – and maybe even at her first job. It may not be quite as permanent a gift like jewelry, but it is definitely more practical and will be something she will want to keep for a long time. SSENSE has all of the latest collections from all of the most desirable high-end fashion brands, including Gucci, YSL, Givenchy, and many more, so you will definitely be able to find a beautiful bag there.

Choosing a Bag

If your daughter has already expressed an interest in a certain brand or admired the designer bag someone you know has (or one of your own), then that can be a good starting point. You can also think about her favorite colors to wear, or what will go nicely with some of the outfits she wears the most, such as her winter coats. Another important thing to consider is the size of the bag. You can really choose anything from a pretty clutch bag through to a day bag, but if you want her to be able to use it a lot, it is better to go for a day rather than evening style, which will have room for the things she usually keeps in her bag.

As you can see, a designer bag is a delightful thing to receive as a teen for Christmas, so why not consider shopping for one for your daughter this year?

 

There comes a time in your life when you feel sad and down. Sometimes life can be quite tough on you, and you need to do something to lift your broken spirit. To restore your confidence, you need to find an outlet and do something new and exciting for a change. For most women, going on a shopping spree can make them feel better.

Shopping at online stores like https://www.emilyheart.com for a few pieces of personalized jewelry can immediately transform their mood and personality. Being confident matters to many people because it says a lot about their character. Also, a significant number of individuals do believe that wearing high-quality accessories like jewelry has something to do with their self-esteem. Here are some of the common reasons that are worth sharing.

Wearing jewelry makes you more appealing

If you are working in a corporate setting, it matters to your bosses and clients that you look beautiful and presentable every day of the week. Paying much attention to your physical appearance and choice of clothing is essential However, you should wear jewelry to look more smart, sophisticated, and confident. If you are trying to apply for a job or you are vying for a promotion, you have to work hard to make a positive and lasting impression. It is not enough for you to have excellent credentials and outstanding performance. Your overall appearance and other people’s perception of you matters also.

It makes you stand out

If you are the type of person who loves attending parties and special gatherings, it is a must to look great at all times. Aside from having a lovely looking gown or a well-tailored suit, wearing a matching set of jewelry can make you look classy and elegant. If you want to become the center of attention, plan your outfit and accessories carefully. Be careful not to go overboard when wearing jewelry. Choose designs that are unique and yet sophisticated at the same time.

An excellent way to convey a message

You can express your personality towards other people through your fashion sense. The same thing goes with the kind of jewelry that you wear. You can make an impression on other people by the way you choose and wear jewelry in public. If your outfit looks dull and boring, you can choose to wear a few pieces of jewelry to compliment your overall look for the day. If you want your presence to command respect and attention from people around, choose to wear genuine pieces with simple yet elegant designs.

Lastly, wearing pieces of jewelry during parties and special occasions can help you meet new friends and acquaintances. Not all people are naturally friendly. Some are quite shy and nervous when they are around strangers. You can make use of jewelry as a topic if you wish to strike up a conversation with other people. Dish out a few compliments about the jewelry and ask more follow up questions and turn it into a meaningful discussion.

 

A wristwatch is a classic accessory which has withstood the test of time and for good reason. Wristwatches can be incredibly functional and practical, as they don’t just tell the time – they can perform a number of brilliant functions as well, depending on the type of wristwatch you choose. And speaking of type, there are plenty out there – there are diver’s watches, field watches, aviator watches, and so on. So, when you are thinking of buying a wristwatch, which type or kind should you go for, and which one should you select based on your need and preference? In other words, what kind of watch should you buy? Here’s a look at the different types of wristwatches available to help you narrow down your choice.

• A field watch

A field watch is an iconic timepiece, and it’s a practical wristwatch if there ever was one. In World War I, soldiers were still carrying watches in their pockets. But this was encumbering because conditions were muddy and cold, and soldiers were usually wrapped up in loads of clothing to protect them against inclement weather. But they still needed to tell time accurately. As a solution, soldiers began fitting straps onto their pocket watches so they could attach them to their wrists. And when they went home, they continued using their watches this way until watchmakers began to make watches with straps expressly for use by the military. During the Second World War, field watches became a standard. Today, field watches come with some varied features. They often have an analogue display, although their functionality doesn’t go much beyond timekeeping. They also come in small to medium sizes to prevent them from catching on a person’s cuffs, and they are known for their durability and simplicity, with easy-to-read dials as well. They also feature inexpensive straps made from nylon or cloth, such as the popular NATO strap available on certain Burberry watches for men which keeps the wristwatch from falling even if a particular lug gets loose or breaks. Field watches are also water-resistant, and they also feature luminous dials.

• A dive watch

A dive watch is also referred to as a diver’s watch or a diving watch, and it is an easily recognisable kind of watch as well. The first dive watch was developed to address a certain need, which was for the watch to be worn by scuba and deep-sea divers. A dive watch is distinguishable due to its durability and ability to withstand rough wear and tear, and it can also serve as a great timepiece even if you are underwater. Dive watches often have a heavy stainless-steel case, and the display is quite simple. The hands of a dive watch are usually designed so that you can easily distinguish the minutes, hours, and seconds, and the numerals or marks are also large and distinct. The bezel of the dive watch can also either be turned anti-clockwise or locked in. Dive watches are known for their easy adjustability, and they can come with cloth straps, rubber straps, or stainless-steel bracelets.

• A dress watch

A dress watch, just as its name implies, is ideal for more formal events and occasions. You can wear a dress watch to impress others with your status and style as well. Dress watches are usually sleek and thin, and they are also quite lightweight and elegant. A dress watch doesn’t have too many functions as it serves more as a fashion accessory, and most dress watches don’t even come with a second hand.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com

For more fashion tips from Vanilla Mist, click here to check them out!

 

It’s not only women that accessorise, but men too. Whether you are looking for accessories for yourself or you are looking for a gift to give to someone, there are men’s accessories that are must-haves that you may want to consider. Here are some of them.

Black and brown leather shoes

Men need leather shoes to wear in the office and on formal occasions. Black and brown are the best colours to have since they can work well with any style or shade of outfit. Instead of pairing them with the typical black or white socks, go for dress socks as they look better with these shoes. The thickness of socks varies, so you can go for thinner ones if the weather is hot or thicker ones if the weather is cold.

Black and navy-blue tie

Like leather shoes, ties are also must-haves for office work and formal gatherings. Go for black and navy-blue ties, especially if you want ties that you can use with all your suits. These shades will match well regardless of the suit colour or style, making them convenient and practical.

Black and brown leather belt

Black and brown are basic colours that are easy to match with any other shades, which make them also ideal for leather belts. Belts are not only used for formal wear, but for casual wear too. They will keep the trousers secure and also give that complete look to the outfit.

Watch

Another staple men’s accessory is a watch. Depending on the occasion, style, or activity, there are different types of watches to choose from. If you are a sports enthusiast, some watches are perfect for your activities like fitness watches that can track your progress. Leather watches can be used both for formal and casual events. There are also watches with replaceable straps that let you conveniently switch straps, like Omega. Choose from a wide range of Omega Nato strap colours that are made from leather and textile, and use the one that you like based on your mood or outfit for the day. They are amazing because you can have different styles using the same watch.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses give that cool vibe, and most of all, they protect the eyes from the sun. Heat and brightness will make you squint, which can create wrinkles. Purchase a classic pair to go with all your outfits. Be sure to choose those that will complement the shape of your face. If you have a rounded face, you will look best wearing angled sunglasses. Find rounded shapes if you have an angular or longer face.

White sneakers

Another must-have is a pair of white sneakers. If you want to make your formal attire look more casual, wear it with these shoes. They’re also versatile as you can wear them with jeans, shorts, and any other outfit regardless of the shade or style.

These are the things that you must have in your wardrobe. You will never go wrong with these pieces.

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