All in Fashion history
The Business of Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit consumer goods are products manufactured using inferior methods, made or sold under another's brand name without the brand owner's authorization. Sellers of such goods intentionally infringe on the trademark, patent or copyright of the brand owner by passing off its goods as made by the brand owner.
The Tape Measure Story
Chesterman was in the Fashion Industry and designed the wire in crinoline hoop skirts that held the shape of the dress by loops sewn into the hem. After many versions of the tape measure, Fellows added the click to the final version and filed the patent.
The Story of the Romper
The romper was founded in the early 1900s and began as playwear for young children because of it's freedom of movement. Rompers varied in materials and styles but held true as the first modern casual clothing for children (mostly babies).
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 Chantilly Lace
Chantilly lace is a handmade "bobbin lace" named after the city of Chantilly, France. The lace is a tradition dating back to the 17th century. The lace bearing the Chantilly name was actually made in Bayeux in France and Geraardsbergen.
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 Tag Tutorial
Once upon a time, not so long ago, my husband mumbled a question to me in the wee hours of an early in the morning. I am a night owl, so I did not remember anything he was asking me. Although, a few words I vaguely heard, something about his new suits and its tags. Fast forward a few weeks and he was trying suits on at a store I worked at. I hear him ask the men's sales associate I worked with, "Jen told me to leave these manufacturers tags on right?", an innocent question from a rookie suit guy. There were a few moments of silence and some chuckles and then all eyes were on me.
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.
What Size Leather Gloves Do I Buy?
Looking to buy leather gloves this holiday season? One common question I often receive is, what size leather gloves do I buy? There are a lot of theories but I hope you give you enough information to make you look like a pro. There are so many options out there, but which to choose? The first thing to know is that leather gloves are an investment and can range from $400 to $50 in price. Designer gloves will be on the higher end and your most basic can be under $100. You truly get what you pay for and know that the lining is usually the price culprit.
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.
The Longchamp Travels
You know those lightweight bags with the leather handles that collapse into pocket sized mini amazingness? For those of you visual learners, I am referring to this beauty right here...
Long champ is French and pronounced Long-shamp. People go crazy over Longchamp bags and I would like to take a moment to tell you why they deserve the popularity. The history behind Longchamp is as fascinating as their bags.
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?
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!