All in Trends

The Story of "Hot Pants"

Short shorts can be used inter-changeably with the term “hot pants", today many of us refer to this style of shorts as “booty shorts”. In recent trends, we have seen the "hot pants" return with a little less pants and more booty. Even though the term has changed, the style story remains. Designers such as Free People, Joie, BCBG, and French Connection have versions of "hot pants" on the market.

The Story of Acrylic (Fibers)

I know this might seem strange and many think the term "acrylic" is associated with paints or plastic. Acrylic is a great fiber that is often substituted for wool, cotton, or cashmere. It is so soft and is great if you have any allergies or aversions to wool. Science does play a part in the soft fibers that acrylic is made up of and well as the story behind it! Friends, here is the story of acrylic (fibers)!

The Christmas Stocking

In some Christmas traditions, gifts inside the stockings are the only toys the child receives from Santa Claus. In other traditions, presents are wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. Some people even put their Christmas stockings by their bedposts so Santa Claus can fill it while they sleep.

There are no written records of the Christmas Stocking's origin. However, there are popular legends that tell the history of this Christmas tradition known as Saint Nicholas.

Fossil Makes What?

Fossil has an amazing history that is backed by years of innovation and manufacturing. Their reputation feels hidden by a brand that seems so basic, but is far from it. Michelle watches are one of the most sought after women's watches and one of the first to have diamonds in or around the face. Yes, that's right made by Fossil. The majority of people do not believe me when I tell them about the watch manufacturingFossil is responsible for. I promise I am not making it up! I'm happy to share the Fossil story with you.

The "Witches Hat"

Happy Halloween my fellow style historians! I thought this would be the perfect time to share the story of the witches hat. Have you wondered where the witches hat originated from?

I think the most intriuging fact is that this hat was born from folklore. There are stories about witches keeping organs inside of their hats and using for magical spells. Old Stories claim witches were only meant for evil and the hat was used to intensify their scary appearance. Good thing it's all fiction.

Cashmere is King

Imagine walking into a department store at the turn of the fall season. You catch the eye of the most comfortable, soft, amazing sweater. You've instantly fallen in love and then you glance at the price tag. Yikes! "Seriously", you think to yourself "$200 for a sweater?" You then frantically search for the manufacturers tag and read '100% cashmere'. Suddenly you see lights flashing and quickly realize that it's the light bulbs in your head. You slowly understand why it is so expensive, and maybe you cry a little. I have always wondered how cashmere was discovered. Why does it feel so amazing?

Harem, History?

In the fifth grade I wanted a pair of harem pants and imagined myself dancing like MC Hammer. Don't judge, I was only nine years old and real life seemed to be what was playing on MTV during that time. I talked my mom into making a pair of harem pants out of bright purple paisley fabric and accessorized them with a gold chain that hung at the waist. I chose the fabric and thought they were on par with Hammer. I was so proud of those harem pants and wanted nothing more than to have a unique pair that no one else wore. Looking back, it was a moment that I will cherish forever and chuckle to myself, "what was I thinking?" The irony is that I find myself telling that story a lot lately. You know why? Harem pants are back, that's right, they are back! The modern day versions are a little different but very stylish none the less.

Coach or Cliche?

It was the holiday shopping season in 2004 and I fell in love with the most beautiful patchwork Coach tote. My mom wanted me to have the bag because it was so '"me."

We saved the money and I was very proud to carry that bag. It felt like I was walking around with a new baby, you know the feeling? I retired the bag after a short while because I saw a lot of people with my very same bag, it was everywhere. Why? Fast forward to today, that patchwork bag exploded all over the place. I would even spot "knock-offs", which is reassurance that everyone would own my tote or similar. I felt myself getting sick over Coach and hated looking at the 'Cs' all over the bag . Did people even know what those 'Cs' meant? When Guess came out with a similar version and put 'Gs' all over would they notice the difference? How did this trend get so out of control and did people know what they were really buying?

History of the Backpack

I was telling a colleague that I was thinking about purchasing a backpack. Mind you, I am very careful about my handbag purchases. It was well thought out and I wasn't drinking. Her response? You a backpack? I can't let you do it. I chuckled and responded yes a backpack, "clearly you missed that Valentino designed one recently". We had a fun debate over whether or not it was okay to jump on the "backpack" bandwagon. I had to remind her that I was in fact correct about my backpack claims. The ironic thing is that the next day I received an e-mail from Saks Fifth Avenue backing up my claims that backpacks were indeed okay to tote around. Thanks Saks!

The Story Behind Flip Flops

While it might be obvious as to why thong sandals are called "flip flops" or if you are like my two year old daughter she calls them "beep bops".

They earned their name by the sound they make as you walk, "flip" and "flops". My burning question though, is who thought of creating a thong sandal? How did they come about?

Honestly, I've gotten more blisters from flip-flops than any other shoe, but why do I keep wearing them? From college shower shoes, after a grueling workout, quickly grabbing the mail, or dressed up for work are a few of the many occasions. The answer is simple, flip-flops have a long and rich history. Yes, there is history and style in a thong sandal!