Italian Fashion Design Revolution

© Editorial - FOTOLIA

There has been a slow shift in power in the fashion world, and there is a whisper of a fashion coup d’etat as Italian moda refines what was once a certain flamboyant look into one of elegance and flawless chic. The reigning Paris has been the longstanding Mecca to which fashionistas flock hoping to determine the upcoming season’s hottest trends, and the French women’s innate sense of style and air of sophistication are world renowned. But like all trends, perhaps this one is coming to an end, and this year, the fashion capital has a more Mediterranean flair.

Beautiful, alluring, elegant. Whether she’s popping out to the grocery store, spending a day by the pool, or dancing the night away, the Italian woman is always polished to perfection, not a hair out of place, impeccable makeup, with a stylish outfit perfectly accessorized down to the last detail. And gone are the days of overdone outfits that, though one had to admire the confidence necessary to pull such looks off, always kept them just shy of the elegance quotient held by the Parisians. Today, walk down any street in Rome or Milan and you would swear each woman is on their own personal photo shoot.

It is no wonder that with women like these roaming the streets as constant inspiration the Italian designers have been gaining momentum and rivaling other major fashion houses. In just over half a century, brands like Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi have become household names, gracing red carpets around the world and establishing themselves as some of the forerunners of high end fashion. There’s a new must-have label on fashion and it’s “Made in Italy”!

© Zlatko Kostic - FOTOLIA

Italian Shoes for Women

The Power of Heels: Status. Sex Appeal. Power.

Women do not walk in heels.

We STRUT in heels

In heels we strut on our own catwalk, head high, chest out, with long confident strides. Heels emphasize the assets of a lady’s figure creating a slimmer, sexier silhouette. Something about a woman in heels seems powerful, sensual and graceful at the same time.

Heels create instant attitude. The elevation of the shoe elongates the leg by raising the arch of the foot, Barbie Doll style. By shifting the body’s posture, the legs are extended creating a lean line. Because the legs are lifted/flexed, the muscles raise your derriere. In other words, heels place your booty on a pedestal. Since the body’s center of gravity is shifted, the back adjusts balance by curving the back into a sexy “S” shape. The chest is arched forward while the stomach sucks inward creating the right curves. Last, but definitely not least, heals change the wearer’s walk. Amazingly, a shuffle becomes a saunter. Hips are pushed forward and sway to and fro like a sexual pendulum.

Take a peek into a woman’s closet.

The contents tell a lot about her tastes, personality and how she views herself. Is she traditional? Adventurous? Or does she have a pair of shoes for every occasion? Surprisingly, even the most conservative wardrobes may surprise your with a sexy, sleek pair of shoes waiting for a special occasion.

Perception is Reality.

A woman’s attire projects a statement of social and economic status. When women pass judgment on one another, one of the first things they note are shoes. The woman who saunters in a room wearing Manolos, without a doubt projects a certain persona. Fashion creates an image. Today, shoes have become a signature item. Personal style either flaunts or hides personality. Shoes illustrate personal taste and wealth. A woman’s confidence level is placed in public display.

Birthplace of the World’s Sexiest Shoe

In Venice a subdued elegance presides. Residents dress in classic, dark colors. Across the cobblestone streets, women glide effortlessly in sharply tailored outfits, paired with delicate heels. For these women, heels are a way of life. They do not stumble. Instead, they gracefully take each step, alluding incredible confidence. In sharp contrast, tourists awkwardly fumble around in khaki shorts and flip-flops.

Layered within the conservative dress, Venetians host an influential undercurrent of cutting-edge fashion. Lets not forget, Italy did invent the stiletto heel. Leonardo da Vinci was the mastermind behind the artistic design of heels. Elegant designs and elaborate materials contribute to the idea, that for serious shoe collectors, heels are perceived as wearable art.

Boutique windows showcase eye-catching shoes. Limited edition designs made of decadent fabric draw small crowds of admirers. Skilled craftsmen sew the shoes by hand from the finest Italian leather. Paired with flawless workmanship and superb quality materials, it’s no small wonder why Italy maintains its reputation for making the finest shoes in the world.

Shoe Love: Ingrained Since Childhood

Throughout our childhood pop culture has carefully guided our obsession and for some a fetish with shoes. Just think, where would Cinderella be without her glass slippers? Most likely, she’d be scraping corns of her creepy stepmother’s feet between sobbing into her sooty little hands. Or take Dorothy of the famed Wonderful Wizard of OZ. where would that little damsel in distress be without her magical ruby red slippers? The poor dear most likely would be stuck in OZ hanging out with random drifters on the yellow brick road.

© Ivana Korab - FOTOLIA

Fast-forward to Recent Pop Culture

Tom Hanks’ character, Forrest Gump said, “Mama always said you could tell an awful lot by person by the kind of shoes they wear.” His mama was a smart woman. Bottom line, your shoes tell a story. Second example, Imelda Marcos, former Philippine first lady was famed for possessing 1,200 pairs of shoes. For this woman of power, her way of illuminating wealth and prestige was through her footwear. And third, let’s not forget about loved protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), in Sex in the City. Carrie had an incredible collection and infatuation with designer shoes. So much, in fact that in one episode while trying to buy an apartment she realized she’d spent $40,000 on shoes. Yet, to Carrie, each pair told its own story. Each served as a time marker of her life.

• Stiletto
• Block
• Tapered
• Blade
• Wedge

With these styles in mind, designers have discovered there are two types of shoe shoppers.

1. Women who buy expensive shoes for purely functional reasons (e.g. to match the quality of other expensive clothes, like a nice suit)

2. Women who value their shoes like pieces of wearable art. They agonize over designers, and love special edition shoes.

No matter what shopper category you fit into, all shoe fanatics share common interests. Heels make us feel sexy, confident and poised. Ladies, we can all agree, shoe therapy is a wonderful thing.

Italian Shoes - Fashion and Style Tips courtesy of Italian Shoes for Women

Designer Jeans Fashion Tips courtesy of Designer Jeans for Women

The New Design Dress Jean Code

by Angelina Ogburn for Designer Jeans for Women

© dashek - FOTOLIA

Hip Huggers

These are the jeans responsible for random booty cleavage sightings and the dreaded ‘Muffin Tops.” Muffin Top, you say? Yes, for those still in the dark the ‘Muffin Top’ can be sighted across malls everywhere. Wearing too small of jeans pushes a stomach/love handles bulge (even on the skinniest girls) upward forming a muffin shape. Because this style’s rise is particularly low it should be approached with extreme caution. Long shirts or very tight abs are a must to avoid this catastrophe.

Despite the exposure risk women all over the world have taken kindly to this style. Worn correctly hip huggers can showcase toned abs and create an illusion of curves. The low rise of this style is especially flattering on those young ladies without a defined waistline. The annoying bulge (the one that creates new faux love handles) from the pant’s waistband disappears.

Straight Legs

This simple, classic style fits fairly consistently from the thigh to the hem. As a common choice for slender ladies because they accentuate the right curves straight legs offer multiple washes and rises.

Boot Cut

As the name implies, these jeans are geared to accommodate boots. Slim cut through the thigh to the knee they flare slightly downward. This style on almost every woman is flattering and much more forgiving than other styles. The flare of the bootcut gives the balances the hips and thighs, creating a slimmer silhouette.

Specifics

Classic Style:

Joe’s ‘Socialite’ has a classic cut and simple dark wash.

Citizens of Humanity “Faye” in Pacific

Paper Denim & Cloth jeans are loved by Kristin Dunst and was voted the ‘ideal’ jean of TeenPeople

Short/Petite:

Slim fit jeans keep you from drowning in material while giving enhancing your curves.

Joe’s ‘The Provacateur” comes in 30’’ inseams

True Religion Brand “Joe”

JET “Hannah”

Earnest Sewn ‘cigarette-leg jean)

Boy Figure:

The Kahns’ provides the right cushion pushin’.

SIWY Denim is mean to accentuate your backside.

KASIL “Evie’s” has front-pocket styles that add curves.

Pear-Shaped:

True Religion Brand Jeans- Jennifer Lopez is a loyal fan this brand because of their forward-side seams that slim thighs.

Paige Premium Denim “Hollywood Hills”

Apple-Shaped:

J Brand SlimFit in Ink

Tall:

Rock & Republic jeans 36” inseam (all styles run long)

Hudson “Supermodel” 36” inseam

Lee Authentics “Leola”

ANTIK Denim have unique, hand-crafted pockets that Julia Roberts loves.

Size 8+

Wide-leg jean are flattering on women with thicker thighs. Plus, they provide you with extra breathing room. No one likes to feel like they’re wearing sausage casings.

Men’s AG ‘Fillmore” jeans are slim cut and very flattering on women’s bodies

Men’s Earnest Sewn’s ‘Filson” are perfect for women 34-36

Long Torso:

Try a higher-rise waist to shorten your midsection. If you’re thick in the middle look for higher, wide waistband that will tuck and conceal.