Posts tagged Fall Fashion

The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Six – METALLICS

We end our Fall Fashion Fabric Guide series with a bang… or shall we say with bling – metallics!  Let’s face it, women are always going to gravitate towards the shiny and pretty.  Sophisticated pieces of lamé, silks, brocades and jacquard were heavily represented on the runways this year, ranging in silhouettes from 60s-inspired to ethnic chic.  Even everyday items are fused with the trend, as seen with Tee and Cake’s silver metallic sweatshirt, Zara’s otherwise traditionally professional gold metallic pencil skirt, and metallic sheen jeans and leather pants by varying big name jean brands.

CARE CAUTIONS:

  • Metallic fibers are very delicate.  Most garments made from these materials are highly susceptible to damage from the repetitious rubbing associated with washing and drying machines and will need to be dry cleaned.
  • Perspiration and other moisture may cause the fabric to tarnish, therefore, should not be exposed to weather precipitation or heat conditions that may cause the wearer to perspire more than usual.
  • Brocade, jacquard and damask fabrics have raised patterns, so take care not to crush or warp the design by being seated for long periods and avoid jewelry that can catch and snag.

Well, that covers it.  If you need a refresher on what’s fashionable this season, and how to take excellent care of your favorite fabrics, please follow the links below.  We hope you found this guide useful, and remember that Sudsies specializes in intricate garments, including all the trends cited in our Guide.  Now, time to get shopping…Art Basel Miami is quickly approaching!

The Cloth Behind the Clothes:

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The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Four – FAUX FUR

We’re a warm-and-fuzzy kind of company, so our next pick for the Sudsies Fall Fashion Fabric Guide is faux fur.  A friendlier alternative to the real deal, many faux furs have a quality and texture that provide a soft feel and luxe look.  Northerners are strutting in oversized coats, shrugs and capes, but we South Floridians can pick up the trend with accent pieces, such as an infinity scarf, hat or lined items.

CARE CAUTIONS:

  • For minimal upkeep, select furs that are short in length.  Longer, shaggier options tend to knot and matt and require a higher level of professional cleaning.
  • With great caution, faux furs can be cleaned at home from time to time; however, never place in the dryer, as the fibers can melt and the damage is irreversible.
  • Hats need to be cleaned too, perhaps more so than other garments with all the oils, makeup and hair product residues accumulated from use.  Like coats, it is recommended that hats are professionally cleaned once or twice during the season and before storage.
  • Keep the fluff and sheen of the material with periodic brushing using a soft-bristled clothing brush.
  • Storage in a cool, dry place is especially important for faux fur since moisture can cause the fabrics to frizz.

Need to read up on previous parts of this blog series?  Click here Part One- KNITS, Part Two – LEATHER, Part Three – CAPES.

The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Three – CAPES

Ok, in South Florida we may be limited in picking up the cape trend, but it IS a more reasonable alternative to traditional coats with more air flow to the body.  No superheroes here, just super fashionable.  Coverlets have been modernized in a range of ways, from cropped, to short and feminine, to long and sweeping.  For those anomaly cold days, capes can be paired with long leather gloves for an uber chic look.

CARE CAUTIONS:

  • Though probably not often worn in South Florida, these garments should still be cleaned at least once during the “winter” season.  As outerwear, they are touching public spaces and coat checks, as well as accumulating makeup and hair product residues.
  • Before considering a cashmere option, understand that this fabric is very delicate and susceptible to microscopic abrasion.  Those with an on-the-go lifestyle may want to consider a wool/cashmere blend.
  • If opting for the wizard-style, bear in mind the longer hemline attracts debris from the floor and streets.  As such, buyers may want to go with a darker color to help camouflage this effect in between cleanings.
  • Before placing back in storage over the Spring/Summer months, be sure to professionally clean and store in a breathable garment bag of tissue to prevent mold build-up.

Need to catch up on the other parts of this series?  Check them out here!  Part One – KNITS and Part Two – LEATHER

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The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Two – LEATHER

In continuation of our Fall Fashion Fabric Guide series, we now bring our attention to leather.  A stand-alone statement piece or used in a hybrid form with other fabrics, leather was this year’s “it” material.  Leather is traditionally associated with a biker or rocker vibe, but this season, designers quilted it, used as trim or paneling, and fashioned into sleek silhouettes to present it in a more sophisticated light.

Care Cautions:

  • This material is an animal hide, not derived and woven from plant materials; therefore is prone to some imperfections.  A leather tanner will treat and color the materials to hide much of these imperfections, but over time, these treatments will wear away, re-exposing them, much in the same manner that makeup covers up blemishes but wears off over the course of the day.
  • Many professional cleaners recommend recoloring after cleaning to replace the finish that is naturally lost over time.
  • With leather and suede, it’s especially important to store in a cool place over the summer months.  Hides will stiffen from heat and humidity.  These materials are also more susceptible to moth damage.  That being said, never store in plastic, for this will only trap in heat and moisture.  A muslin cover stored indoors is the best alternative.

In case you missed it, check out the other Fall Fashion Fabrics in this Series by clicking here:  Part One – Knits.

The Cloth Behind The Clothes: Part One – KNITS

The Sudsies Fall Fashion Fabric Guide includes six of the 2013’s top fall trends.  Up first is knits! Slouchy, oversized, form-fitting, patterned, tightly woven, or intricately crocheted, knits are a classic fall go-to.  In his show, Marc Jacobs paired sweaters and pencil skirts for a new kind of “suit”, while Mara Hoffman showed large pullovers with skinny pants.

Care Cautions:

  • Before purchasing, keep in mind that knit fabrics are often stretched before even making it to stores during the processing process.  Knitted loops should be round.  Elongated or long loops are a sign that the garment had already been stretched.
  • Have extra drawer or shelf space available.  Ideally, knits should be stored flat with tissue.
  • If knits must be hung, use a properly-sized padded hanger for tops.  For bottoms, use a soft-clip hanger and clip so that the garment does not sag, stretch or droop.  Even if the article has hanging loops, do not use, as they will pull and distort the shape over time.
  • Networking is an important part of business, but try not to wear knits for functions that may require name tags, as the adhesive can create “fuzzy” damage when removed.
  • Avoid pushing up the sleeves.  Over time, the fabric will lose resiliency and hang shapelessly over the forearms. For South Floridians, save the knits for assuredly cool days to avoid the urge to hike up the sleeves.

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