'It' Fashion Then and Now - Part Two_387

Fashion is constantly changing, and often reflects the economic climate. The 1940s saw an austere era of rationing and limited availability of materials. The 1950s and 60s were decadent periods of prosperity while the 1980s was a materialistic, image conscious and flashy era of ostentatious shoulder pads and power dressing women in pin stripes. The worst styles have their day and disappear but good fashion ideas return and remain wearable throughout the ages, and so investing in these pieces may be a sound investment for the future. Platform shoes have appeared in the glamorous 1930s, discoing 1970s and are back yet again in the struggling 21st century. Their designs have not changed drastically. Another style of shoe that never dates is the classic stiletto of the 1950s, simply styled with kitten heel and pointed toe.
Over the years many fashion styles have continued to re-emerge. The stylish 1930s brought us tailored jackets and simple matching skirts, amazing hats with single feather for every day wear and chunky court shoes. Evening wear from this era was created in silk or satin, revealing the back and often accentuated with a striking bow at the lower back. Calf length coats had box shoulders and fur coats were a real sign of decadence. Hats were perky and flirtatious, like the high crowned tilted hats worn with bright bows. The 1940s saw utility fashion arrive. Uniformed young people influenced fashion trends and boxed shoulders and straight skirts appeared. 1960s fashion turned slightly outrageous as bold black and white squares, brash and clashing swirls of color, white handbags and knee boots and mini skirts hit the high streets. Biba and Mary Quant were at the fore of 60s design. Dr. Scholl's sandals adorned the feet of women and young girls.
If you are planning to invest in fashion items that will last into the distant future you need to look at classic lines that have re-emerged over the years. Duster coats,Michael Jackson T-shirts, flat soled riding boots, tailored jackets in subdued colors, A-line skirts and simple silk shirts have made their presence felt many times. Classic designs and quality products make good investments and are less likely to date than cheaper on trend fashion that will have had its day by the end of this year. Colors such as black, cream and neutral browns and earth tones can be combined easily with coordinates, bags, jewelery and other accessories. Simple textured but patternless fabrics in wools, silks or cottons have a timeless quality. Lycra is hardly going to be coveted in 30 years time. A classic leather handbag in a standard size and without embellishments such as buckles, buttons or pleating will still be used in years to come. The simpler the design, the more likely it will continue to look good in the future.
Designer fashion that is around now is generally based on previous eras. Black patent bags and shoes are a great investment as long as you keep it simple. Black stiletto patent knee boots will always be around, provided you care for them well. The little black dress hardly changes its image from one year to the next. Buy a plain style to knee or floor, and embellish and update it with necklace and earrings according to the current fashion. Buying clothes that will last means paying a little extra and keeping the design simple and timeless.
5th Step Put the list in an order of priority. Which area of your life needs action most urgently? When would you like to have this achieved by? Set dates for the other areas, being realistic - but being true to you.6th Step What is the first step to achieving your goals? Who can help you? What resources do you need? Where can you get these? What additional learning do you need? Where can you find out about this? When are you going to begin? How important is this goal?7th Step Why are you doing this? What is motivating you? If you do not have a big enough reason 'why,' you will find yourself falling off the wagon. Like many new year resolutions people make, it will be overlooked and your life will be left to chance once more. How do you want to feel when you look back in 10 years and remember the dreams you once had, that you didn't 'bother' to achieve?
Decide how important this is to you, your family. Choose to make it a priority in your life. Many of my clients come to me because they have goals, but they know unless they are accountable or spend time each month focusing on their goals with me, their coach - they will give up on them. And they are serious about changing their lives, using goal setting strategies to get what they want.8th Step Who will you share your goal with? Be careful here. I have found that if we are too free with our excitement about how we're designing our lives - others do not always support us and try to prick our bubble. Sometimes, friends and family like life to be the way it is and that's that. They do not want anything to change. It can be that they do not want to see us start something and then fail.