Housing Crisis!

Our economy keeps getting worse and worse by, it seems, the minute! Companies are worried about how they are going to manage because they are loosing business. People are loosing jobs left and right and are being forced to re-evaluate how they spend their money. Therefore, the likelihood of that newly wed couple looking for a new house to live in is becoming more and more unlikely. It's a known fact that people buy things for their houses around the Holidays; so it will look nice for their visitors. However, the fact that people are having to be tight about their money and how they spend it, families are staying home more than usual. People are not going to spend as much money as they used to on their homes and making them look good. Simply because other things are more important. If someone has the choice of spending $300 dollars on a purse vs. some new curtains and matching pillows what will be the pick? Ofcourse they are going to pick the purse. Afterall, everyone will see the purse. But everyone doesn't go back home with you. If it comes to that dicision for most people they would pick the other luxury item over trying to make their houses look nice. That's the bottom line.

The Guest Speaker

So, today we had a guest speaker who really made me think about things I never have before. I completely changed my perspective on the way i felt and the thoughts that I had about "quilts". It wasn't that I thought they were old fashioned or anything. I simply never imagined them being cute or stylish. It was always looked at as something that represented a family as the years progressed, or having some other meaning that would cause them to be..shall we say "fashionably late." She also put me into perspective about starting early when it comes to having connections and knowing people. Considering that I am a freshman, it hasn't yet hit me that EVERYTHING I do now should prepare me for my future. It was a rude awakening that made me realize that I am an adult and I have to make things happen for myself. It's not up to my Mom and/or Dad to find me a job or internship; it's me. So, I guess in a way it was an inspiration to get my mind right and to be focused about what I want to do with the rest of my life.

Sweatshops

Who is pro and who's against? Is it justified or is it wrong? Yes, ofcourse it's
wrong! Children are being subjected to horrible working conditions and surroundings. They are being paid by the penny just so that knockoff Marc Jacob's dress can be marked down to 25 bucks. We are living comfortably, particularly the youth and young adults of America, while people are working endless hours to supply them with cheap but "hott" clothing. Is this really worth it? Would it kill us to simply pay twenty instead of ten dollars for that shirt, so that their working conditions can improve? More and more people are beginning to become aware of hyow and where their clothes are being made. Thankfully, there are some designers who only do business with companies who do not break any working laws and even are using green fabrics.

It's not just clothes and accesories that are being made in sweatshops. There are pens, pencils, book bags, radios, knock off iPods, and several other items that are being produced. Even Nike does business with sweatshops. Even though it is hard to see, I am sure that sweatshops do provide a means of living for the employees. However, better conditions and pay should be enforced. Most people who work at sweatshops don't have that much of a choice. It's either work or don't eat, which in a way may make the owners of sweatshops look as if they are some type of god. I am completely against sweatshops, but I am for changing the conditions so that it will be comfortable and more manageable for the workers. I would much rather pay an extra 10 dollars for a shirt so that the workers in China could have a good nights rest. :)

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_48/b4011001.htm

Art or Usability

Art is the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to princicples of what is beautiful, appealing, etc,. While viewing the shows it became aparent to me that art can be interpreted into so many different things. There were so many different elements of the designs and collections that were presented. So yes, fashion is deffinately art. It is a way of expressing how you feel and how you are inspired. Previously we did blogs about our inspirations, and I think this only made it more evident of how fashion is a part of art. Taking your own situations and circumstances and being able to simply "loose yourself" in your own work is what I consider to be art. This includes paintings, writing, fashion, drawing and anything else that you can do to express yourself. It has no boundaries or rules. It's whatever you feel is neccesary; no rules!

My Unfortunate Inspiration!

When I create sketches I always think back to a particular time or event that I like. I may create something that is flowy and boheimic that can be traced back from a vacation that I have gone on. I may create a long tench coat that can be worn as a coat or dress taking me back to my visit to New York City. However, when I created this sketch I was focused on my surroundings and the different events that are going on. For instance, it is a well known fact that in society there is almost a battle between the older generation and the young generation. The older generation tend to look at us as if we close ourselves out from the world. Parents always blame the music and the media for their children secluding themselves from the rest of the family, and hiding behind oversized sunglasses and hats and skarfs. It's almost like they forget where exactly fashion comes from. It is simply a cycle that we all go through.

I went home over the weekend and I had on something similar to this outfit. Ofcourse my mom thought it was adorable, however, my grandmother couldn't say the same. She went on and on about how some parts of my outfit were unnecessary. Including my belt, and my shades. Clearly, I decided I would post this on my blog because it is something that inspired me and made me want to share this with others. My outfit, although a bit more emphasized, reflects upon another event that occured in my life. Not only do good events and location inspire me, but also upseting and uncomfortable things inspire me as well. Hope you enjoy!

Fashion Week

While preparing for this post I have viewed NY's Fashion Week's videos, pictures, and comments on different sites and TV shows. I wanted to make sure I got a clear understanding of all the events that happened and of all the different styles that were presented. I also listened to what interviewers, fashion consultants, and people who attended the shows thought about the clothes that were presented. I found that I agreed with alot of what they had to say and what they considered to be "hott".

The most popular collection that was presented was Marc Jacobs. I heard several times that his show was the most anticipated and that he always comes up with a new way to present his collections. After viewing his show, I deffinately understood what they meant. His show kept me on my toes and kept me constantly wondering what was going to happen next. He showed in his own fabulous way how high fashion can be worn for the average person. His collection had alot of plaids and and apron-like fabrics that were pieced together. It was almost like he was saying "here is a skirt, a shirt, a jacket, and some leggings, now put it together"! Which is what made me so crazy about his collection, because it included RTW outfits AND ideas. He really wanted to have an impact on not only the celebrities that atended, but also the viewers from home like me!

Another line that drew my attention was Rodarte. I liked their collection because it was extremely anamated and innovative. It included leggings that looked like they were ripped, and heels that looked like they were made in a metal factory to their feet! They stated in several interviews that they got their inspiration from star wars, and they nailed it! It also liked the make-up that was on the models. It was a like a golden/silver mist around their eyes and put the emphasis on their stare with the crowd. Their collection was deffinately more on the high end of fashion. Meaning these outfits wont be sold in Old Navy or Macy's. However, it was a great show and I can't wait to see what they come up with next year!