your choice: to be

to be or not to be,
always the question which we are seeking for the answer
along our roads.
Google glass makes the creativity works between
fashion and technology.

sometimes,
I wish I could have a pair of great glasses
to look through the paths which I choose for.
The glasses will tell me what's the choices are the best for me,
and which one is not suitable.
I guess, this is only a part of imagination.

I still believe that;
a great pair of glasses depends on
the choice in your hands.
you are the one who could make a choice in your path,
and keep going, shining and smiling!

tank + lace top + skirt from Japan; glasses from Versace smartbuyglasses; 

wedges from Taiwan; accessories from Forever 21

remember the choice is yours!

prints rounding

When I look at the S/S12 collection by Eley Kishimoto,
I thought that prints are really fun to wear.

Like a motion, you actually do nothing with it,
but when you look at the prints,
they are actually turning round and round with each others.

I'm not the sexy-type,
but I think that when a woman wearing the pieces
with full of confidence and glad,
she must be a very attractive lady!

Eley Kishimoto's prints are
lively, easy and basic.
I like how they mixing the prints with layering style.
they are seems like telling us:
come on girls, wear the prints as you like it!

The Big Four Fashion Weeks: New York, London, Milan and Paris

The four major Fashion Weeks are held semi-annually and internationally. Each one of the Fashion Weeks has a unique style, all their own.

In 1943, New York held the first Fashion Week, and has been the quintessential idea of fashion week ever since. Now known as the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, it does seem to be the most commercialized of the big fashion shows, in that the clothes are created ready-for-market. Its styles and designs are arguably a lot 'safer' than the other three locations.

In 1984, London jumped on the fashion train and recently has been making a splash with its high-end couture. London Fashion Week has not yet reached the commercial level of New York and is less likely to follow fashion trends. Rather, each London fashion house showcases its unique take on fashion-forward concepts, and their collections are still market ready. The heavy hitters in London like Richard Nicholl, Christopher Kane and Giles Deacon are all amazing designers who produce commercially viable collections that would stand out at any of the fashion shows around the world.

Milan's version of the week was established in 1958 and is part of the Big Four internationally. It is owned by a nonprofit association which disciplines, coordinates and promotes the development of Italian Fashion and is responsible for hosting the fashion events and shows of Milan called Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. The original Italian Fashion Week was not held in Milan, instead it was held in Florence at the hands of Giovan Battista Giorgini. He held the first "fashion parade" in the living room of his house "Villa Torrigiani". Then the Italian week later moved to Rome, and then Milan where it is currently held in haute style today.

Paris is known as the fashion capital of the world, and holds the finale position in the fashion show tour. Paris Fashion Week brings each season's chaotic schedule of international fashion weeks to an end. High-end French designers include: Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and Louis Vuitton along with many more stunningly talented designers. Typically, Paris has some of the most extravagant shows, especially with Paris Couture Week.

No matter which of the Big Four is your favorite, each week is sure to dazzle its audience with new haute couture designs year after year. In addition to haute couture trends, innovative fashion designs have also been making a big impact, especially in New York, the only location that allows a fashion school to feature its students' designs, which are often very fresh and inspirational. It is definitely important to keep up with the latest runway styles from all four weeks to stay on top of upcoming trends for the next season.

How To Make A Pattern For Fashion Design

Have you designed some clothes or a collection you want to get made and can't go forward because you don't know how to make a pattern and you can't afford to hire a patternmaker? Many aspiring designers and home sewers run into a bit of problem brining their own fashion designs to life because they lack pattern cutting skills and the field of pattern cutting is rather daunting for many. However, there is a very cheap short cut you can take to easily learn how to make a pattern for your fashion designs.

In pattern cutting you always start with a basic bodice pattern or the phase 2 sloper made from it, for example the blouse sloper would be used for a blouse design and a torso block would be used for dress pattern cutting.

(click image to see a larger version)

While its ideal to learn how to draft these basic pattern slopers / blocks from scratch either from a book like Connie Amaden Crawford's Patternmaking Made Easy” or from an online video draping lesson or an actual fashion design course that teaches pattern drafting, you can purchase the basic bodice blocks from companies like Butterick or from patternmakers such as myself (click to see my basic bodice block service on Fiverr). Or, if you have an existing fitted blouse or dress pattern with a bust or shoulder dart as well as a waist dart or fisheye dart, you can tweak it to your own measurements if needed (ease elimination) and bust point location (if it's not already accurate).

(click image to see a larger version)

If you have a bodice pattern or blouse or dress pattern with a waist / fish eye and bust dart you'll need to pivot the art to the center shoulder seam to create a true basic bodice pattern block, particularly if the garment you've designed is a princess seam style.

There should be only 3/4" ease in the armscye / armhole depth and 1/2” ease at the the armscye side seam corner. Also, there should be no ease in the waist for your basic bodice sloper. The neckline should lie just above the central collar bone at the front and it should just hit the bottom of the neck at the back.

Once you've got your bodice pattern complete you're ready to start drafting the second block which usually involves adding a bit more ease (typically at the waist/hips or armholes) or pivoting the darts from the bust point into different locations (this is done by drawing and slashing a new dart placement line, then cutting out the original dart take up and closing it to allow the new dart to open so it can be filled in with paper and the new bodice or torso block can be made) or converting this dart ease to gathering or pleats. Note: This is called dart manipulation. Darts should always be pivoted from the bust point because if they aren't your resulting patterns and garments won't hang or sit correctly.

(click image to see a larger version)

(click image to see a larger version)

If ease was eliminated from the armscye seam the sleeve pattern may also need to be adjusted if there is more than 1 1/2" ease in the sleeve cap. Leaving at least 1" ease in the sleeve cap,  determine the amount of ease to be eliminated.  This amount will need to be divided into three equal portions. Then half the length of one portion is how much you'll overlap the sleeve sections once you have the sleeve pattern cut out and slashed correctly.

To correctly slash the sleeve, first cut away all the sleeve seam allowances then fold the sleeve in half, matching underarm seams. Then fold again matching the centre fold line to the underarm seams. Each of these fold lines should then then be slashed to just before the wrist then overlapped by the previously determined amount.

If the sleeve pattern is for a fitted sleeve, the alterations method is simple an you most likely won't need to adjust the wrist ease or just a bit.

However, if the sleeve has excess wrist ease and the pattern you want to make is more fitted, reduce the ease by measuring your elbow circumference (if you're a size 14 or over,  add 1 1/2" ease). Draw half the length of the the new elbow circumference line from the centre of the sleeve outward along the sleeve's original elbow line. Then draw a line from the the armscye / side seam point to the wrist and cut away the excess ease.

On a new sheet of paper draw a new sleeve cap line then measure it to make sure it matches the combined front an back armscye measurements plus at least 1" and no more then 1 1/2" and that the shoulder seam notch at the top of the sleeve is offset only 1/4" toward the front, past the true sleeve center.   Should your sleeve have inadequate ease (less then 1") then reverse the above ease reduction process,  to instead slash and spread to add ease. 

Correct all your front and back matching notch positions on your sleeve and bodice pattern blocks and you're done.

Now, if you happen to have a scanner and also use a vector program like Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw, you can scan your completed bodice patterns into the computer and re-create them as vector files and then actually conduct dart manipulations in these software applications (the technique I use in my pattern cutting work).

With these basics on how to make a pattern you can easily go from there and start developing your own clothing design patterns or you can conduct further research online or at your library for additional patternmaking tips on style elements such as collars, sleeve types and more as well as other learn other pattern cutting secrets.

If you are interested in my pattern cutting or digitization service however,  or you have any questions,  please email me for more information at stylistwithacause@gmail.com or visit my Facebook page to learn more.

How to Be a Fashion Designer

To be or not to be a fashion designer is a difficult choice. The designers are not people are being introduced all the time. And designers of success are usually too busy or too reticent to talk about how they got the job. So it can be a dilemma about whether to take the plunge and invest a small fortune for an unknown future.

No rewarding career in life is meant to be simple. Fashion design is no exception. Famous designers work very hard for their fame and money. But one thing is certain - if you're going to devote the beginning, half the battle is won.

Many professionals in the fashion industry readily agree that students of fashion nowadays I think they deserve a salary without "paying their debts." Shares that, you ask? Most of them might sound like modern-day slavery. This often includes working 18 hours a day, weekends spent at work, coffee recovery for the entire department, and to be criticized and picked on constantly by contributors.

Yes, the horror stories you see on TV are actually true. Some of them at least. In a creative field, anything can happen. So be prepared for it.

Still want to be a fashion designer come hell or rain?

Here are three mantras you need to store:

1) Your portfolio is your identity design

Just like the models celebrities appreciate their appearance and work on maintaining their charm, you must do the same for your portfolio. The future employers and the general public are going to judge on the basis of skills to design fabulous pieces. And your wallet is going to show them exactly what they are capable of.

No matter how hard you work, procrastination can be really hard to beat at times. So the best way to get the most versatile portfolio of fashion design would be to enroll in a course in fashion. Be in school will force you to leave your comfort zones. With the right training and dedication, the results are often impressive.

2) Understand why people dress in a certain way

The Japanese have their kimono, the Indians have their saris, and the Chinese have their cheongsams. Although the global fashion is now mainly influenced by the city of fashion like Paris, New York and London, people around the world still dress differently. A true stylist is the EQ to understand what customers want and need.

People are feeling the heat in tropical climates? Not others need to cover for religious reasons? What kind of jobs do they have? Your designs simple yet stylish enough to be worn every day?

When it comes to the psychology of fashion, the variables are endless. Yes, it can be argued that it is more fun to design for high fashion. But in reality, fashion is more than a work of art. Even the rich from higher degrees are still human beings. One of the best ways to grow as a fashion designer is to create clothes for the common people.

The exciting bit of fashion is that it changes every day. So, there are two days will never be exactly the same.

3) Find a good fashion school

You can make a difference in your life. Good schools have the necessary services. And they also hire teachers who are well connected within the industry. Are you going to be an international designer? Consider enrolling in an international school. This allows you to meet many types of people from all over the world. It can help you learn a bit 'more about how to understand the people mentioned above.

While in school, you will work on tasks necessary to build the best portfolio before graduating. You make your own collections, outline the best projects, and pay homage through the study of various designs and designers who have shaped the history of fashion. The life of a student of fashion design is nothing short of colorful and exciting.

If you believe that your country may be too conservative for full creative expression, a alternative is to study fashion abroad. Countries such as Australia and Singapore are ideal for English-speaking environment and career opportunities after graduation.

Feeling adventurous? Studying in developing can help you save money on craft materials. Not to mention, countries with strong manufacturing, you can create a contact list of reliable suppliers. This will be useful when you want to start his own label. Cost of living in a developing nation is also less expensive, so you spend less on your general education. Countries such as China, Thailand, Sri Lanka and are able to offer this experience.

iPhone picx

Omg...my favourite month of the year is coming!!!!

It's my favourite cus well it's the month I was born in! This year i hit the big 21! I cant believe i havent planned anything yet. Ive been looking forward to turning 21 since forever. God know why also! I guess i really like the number 21? Haha. Oh and A LOT of my friends' birthdays fall in October too. Not forgetting, my boyfriend too!! It is also the month we officially got together in 2010. Looking forward to a whole lot of exciting things!

Oh! I am doing the biggest OSF launch in OSF history on 1 Oct, will be working really hard this week with the preparations etc. Hope yall enjoy that big launch! :)

Abs Diet

The most effective way to slim down and have a nice body is to have a healthy diet and an exercise plan.

Have you read my "Be Inspired" post to help motivate you? 

In my last sentence i did say i will share with you some of my knowledge on Diets. So here i am, sharing The Abs Diet!

If you are planning to get a nice abs, you have to follow a SUPER STRICT diet!

For me, i cannot even do it because i am not disciplined. I kinda have abs from my many years of exercising but they are not defined at all. Most of the time it's not visible.

 Unless i just worked out. But i don't wear clothes baring my midriff all time time and if i choose to take a picture of myself exposing my midriff, i'd definitely take that pic on a day i think it looks good so you'd think i look like that everyday! :X But the sad truth is, it doesn't. I do have days i over eat and have a bulging tummy! I am considering to start training like mad in November and blogging about my progress cus I want defined abs at Zouk Out in Dec. Haha. But we'll see about that! I eat out too often and it's quite difficult to be strict when eating out. :(

THIS IS THE BODY I WANT FOR ZOUK OUT!

And if i reeeeally want to achieve it by December i will have to give up A LOT of my favorite food! :(

I know some people who work out A LOT but still don't see abs.

WHY?

You can crunch yourself into a coma and and still not have the body above.

Do you know that crunches are strengthening and toning exercises AND DO NOT DO ANYTHING TO REMOVE THE FATS. You can do 200 crunches everyday for a week and your abs will still not show if you do not lose the belly fat and follow a good diet. Look at the world record holder for the most number of crunches! He doesn't really have the most perfect abs! 

You can have a hard tummy that is full of muscles underneath but you will not see it because of the layer of fat above your muscles. To lose belly fats, you have to do cardio...like running, swimming or aerobics. Then when your fats are gone, training for abs will be easy peasy!

Getting abs is 70% dietary effort & 30% proper workout. Diet is SUPER important!

Here are some food you should BAN from your diet when training for abs...

Processed foods.

Canned soup, hot dogs, luncheon meat...etc.

Sugary Stuff

Sweets, cookies, ice cream. All that sugar will not help you at all.

Sweetened Canned Drinks

Coke, Sprite, 7-UP,...etc.

 (you should also avoid the Season's Ice Lemon Tea, Pokka Green Tea...etc cus even though it's not gassy it is super sweet and contains a lot of sugar)

Alcohol.

White bread and White rice. 

(It is said that polished white rice and sugar contain only carbs (starch) as all the necessary nutrients are removed while whitening and polishing it. Have whole-grain breads or brown rice instead.)

Food you SHOULD eat when training for abs...

Eggs (2 eggs a day without the yolk. if you like the yolk then have just one yolk)

Almonds & Nuts! Unsalted.

Soy (tofu!)

Fruits (apples are the best!)

Instant Oatmeal. 

Vegetables (have PLENTY! have it with every meal. in your sandwich, your soup, your pasta...etc.)

Yogurt (1-2 cups of fat-free or low-fat yogurt a day. add some berries in it to make it yummier)

Fish. Salmon is the best! (raw, pan-fried....up to you!)

Whole-Grain Breads And Cereals

Beans (chickpeas, kidney beans...etc)

Lean Meat. (Beef, Pork, Chicken Breast...etc)

Here's a sample menu you can follow for the Abs Diet.

Breakfast

3 eggs omelette (remove the yolks, just keep 1 yolk) with chopped broccoli

1 big apple

1 cup of yogurt

Lunch

Chicken Breast

Half a cup of brown rice

Salad

Dinner

3 ounces of Salmon

1 cup of mixed vegetables

Fruits

Keep a packet of almond in your bag in case you feel hungry! Drink PLENTY of water. Only drink water! Avoid the sweetened drinks.

If you follow the list of food to avoid and exercise regularly, i am very sure you will get your dream body in no time! :)

I may know quite a bit on how to get abs but i still am not disciplined enough to follow the super strict Abs Diet. Ever since i knew so much about the diet to follow for abs, everytime i look at someone with a fantastic bod, i REEEEALLY admire their determination and commitment! Actually it isn't THAT difficult what right? Haha. But i just really really enjoy eating and cannot give up most food like canned soup, and cheesy hot dogs. 

So if you have been exercising and still don't see your abs, i hope this post answers your question!

:)

If you just want to lose weight and not get abs, it's very simple! Just EAT LESSS and EXERCISE MORE. It's as simple as that! There's really no huge secret to losing weight!