CasualProClub.com is a state of mind celebrating the idea of living life to the fullest and pursuing our interests. The Club consists of casual pros from different walks of life, who share the same passion for exploring various domains and having fun while doing so.
Dirt. Remove any chunks of mud carefully. Place the garment in lukewarm water and move it around to loosen and remove as much dirt as possible. Apply detergent to the stain and re-soak for half an hour; rinse and repeat. Tomato. With a butter knife or spoon, carefully pick up any excess tomato sauce. Dab detergent onto the stain and, from the underside of the garment, rinse with cold water (to push the stain out of, instead of back into, the garment). Coffee. Flush the stain with cold water. Then apply a mild cleaning solution (6 ounces water, 2 ounces color-safe detergent) until the stain comes out. If that doesn’t work, try a tougher solution (2 ounces water, 2 ounces color-safe bleach).
Jewelry "The most important thing when you buy a piece of jewelry, is to ask the salesperson how to take care of it." —Rebecca Selva, creative director at Fred Leighton, a curator of vintage jewelry. Simply put, when it comes to jewelry, “Common sense is critical,” says Fred Leighton’s creative director, Rebecca Selva. She elaborates: Swimming or Exercising? Take It Off! “Diamonds, you know, are the hardest gemstone. They certainly can be worn and enjoyed every day. However, they are a gemstone that can chip." So take them off when you might knock the band into other metals, such as while lifting weights — or even packing up to move. And especially in the water. “A ring can loosen on your hand — and try finding it in the ocean." Ask for Advice When You Buy. “The most important thing when you buy a piece of jewelry, is to ask the salesperson how to take care of it." Don’t Fix It Yourself. Ditch the do-it-yourself mentality when it comes to jewelry. “You can actually damage it more by trying to repair something,” Selva says. But before taking it in to the professionals, put broken jewelry in a Ziploc bag — so that you don’t lose any gemstones, pearls or metal pieces en route to have the item repaired. “Or if a strand of pearl breaks, tape the ends or tie a knot if you can — make sure those ends are somehow sealed.”
Keep Things Organized … and Cool. “Diamonds can scratch other diamonds and diamonds can scratch other gemstones, so keep them separate.” Some stones are vulnerable to heat — like opals, turquoise and coral — so don’t keep them somewhere warm or in direct sunlight. It will affect their coloring. Don’t Scrub Too Hard. Selva recommends soaking most jewelry in lukewarm, sudsy water (or water with lemon), to loosen up the grime, and then very gently cleaning with a soft brush. Remember, a ring gets the least dirty on top of a stone. It’s the underside that gets the dirtiest because that’s the part that touches the natural oils and lotions on your skin. Avoid hot or cold water (radical temperature changes can affect gemstones) and soaking porous gemstones (turquoise, pearls, opals). And don’t forget to close the drain! Handbags Have you ever bought a new leather handbag or briefcase that came in a cotton drawstring pouch? That pouch is called a dust bag — it’s not just fancy packaging. “They help isolate your bag from dust and touching items that may discolor or damage your bag,” says Jed Winokur, Coach’s archive director. He says that regularly storing handbags inside them at home is one of two ways to prevent damage. Here are his other tips:
Keep handbags stuffed “to help retain their shape.” Acid-free tissue paper (preferably unbuffered) is best; newspaper can cause discoloration and damage over time. Winokur suggests wrapping metal hardware with tissue as well, to safeguard against marks on the leather.
"In order to keep them in premium condition, dress shoes should not be worn for consecutive days." —Paula Gerbase, artistic director of John Lobb, which specializes in luxurious men’s shoes. Because there are so many kinds of shoes, we polled four different experts on the proper care of your shoes: Paula Gerbase, artistic director, John Lobb (bespoke and luxurious men’s shoes) Tull Price, founder, Feit (handmade leather footwear) Percy Steinhart, president and creative director, Stubbs & Wootton (fashionable slippers) David Mesquita, vice president, Leather Spa (a repair service with high-end clientele) And they had shockingly similar advice: Use Shoe Horns. “They are indispensable for keeping the shape of the shoe,” Steinhart says. Gerbase adds that the simple little tool “ensures that the backs of the shoes are kept intact.”
Don’t Toss Shoes Into a Pile. To prevent shoes from being wrinkled or smushed, every single expert suggests storing them with shoe trees — the foot-shaped devices, available in wood or plastic, that help a pair keep its shape. “If not, clear space on the floor and keep them as neatly as possible,” Steinhart says.
Do Regular Maintenance. “Always check your shoes after wear before placing them in your closet,” Mesquita suggests. Wipe leather clean with a cloth or brush before putting away, and brush off suede of any dust collected during the day. Condition Regularly. “The biggest misconception I suppose is that leather shoes only need waxing,” Gerbase says, “whereas the conditioning cream is a vital step in maintaining the quality and softness of upper leather.” Here’s how Gerbase recommends you condition your shoes: Wrap a soft cotton cloth tightly around your index finger and dab in the cream. Apply to the shoe using small circular motions (no sweeping movements). Leave the cream to seep into the leather for around 15 minutes and then brush off excess with a soft brush.
Price suggests conditioning your shoes just once or twice a year, usually after the winter months. “With all the snow and salt in the streets, the leather will become dry and cracked and will need to be conditioned to prevent damage to the uppers.” Let Soggy Shoes Dry — Naturally. “If you get caught in a storm and your shoes become soaked, make sure to let them air dry in an open space laid flat before storing them away,” Price says. “If you store them damp, the uppers may become deformed and you may lose the shape of the shoes.”Gerbase adds that if the shoes are wet from rain or snow, you should immediately rinse them in clean water before allowing them to dry in order to avoid the white marks that appear on the upper leather. Insider Tip: Sole Repairs. “The tips of soles are what wear out the soonest and you can just get the tip portion of a sole replaced versus replacing the whole sole,” Mesquita suggests.
Invest in Cedar. “Cedar is good to absorb moisture and freshen shoe interiors,” Mesquita says. “I myself use them on my sneakers after I wear them!” Some cedar options include shoe trees and little sachets. Give Nice Shoes a Rest. “In order to keep them in premium condition, dress shoes should not be worn for consecutive days,” says Gerbase. Waiting “allows the leather to dry and breathe in between wears, and lets them rest with their shoe trees which in turn reduce creasing.” Price adds: “I leave them somewhere where a light breeze can hit them to ventilate.” Insider Tip: Heel Replacements. Don’t wait until you hear a clicking noise to replace the heel of your shoe. Mesquita says to bring the pair in as soon as the heels look worn down to avoid more costly repairs down the road. Knitwear, pleating, twill, denim—a significant portion of the clothes that we buy online or in stores are produced in an assembly line in textile factories around the world. This type of clothing is called “ready-to-wear.”
“Ready-to-wear” (known as prêt-à -porter in French) is a fashion industry term that signifies that an article of clothing was mass-manufactured in standardized sizes and sold in finished condition—rather than designed and sewn for one particular person. Most of the clothing that we will buy in our lifetime—from sweatshirts to denim, cardigans to handbags—is ready-to-wear, which means it was purchased “off the rack.” A Brief History of Ready-to-Wear Fashion Before the 1800s, almost all clothing in the world of fashion was bespoke or made to measure, meaning it was sewn by seamstresses and tailors for individuals. During the War of 1812, the US government began mass-producing military uniforms, making them one of the first ready-to-wear garments in history. The concept of ready-to-wear men’s clothing survived the war, and by the end of the century, most men had access to ready-to-wear clothing lines in department stores.
At the time, women’s fashion was much more complex and fitted than men’s clothing—including fitted waists, necklines, and sleeves—making ready-to-wear women’s clothing impractical during the era. However, the 1900s brought increased media attention surrounding ready-to-wear clothing in the US which, along with the economic hardship of the era, made ready-to-wear clothing more attractive and practical than bespoke clothing. By the late 1960s, the divide between ready-to-wear fashions and haute couture (the bespoke clothing made by major fashion houses like Chanel or Dior) closed when, in 1966, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent opened up his first store selling a ready-to-wear line. This paved the way for other designers to make ready-to-wear clothing in addition to their traditional haute couture lines. What Are the Differences Between Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture? Ready-to-wear clothing and haute couture are two different ways the fashion world approaches clothes making. Ready-to-wear is clothing sold “off the rack,” meaning that it is made in standardized sizes, is usually mass-produced, and is meant to be purchased and worn immediately, often without alteration. Haute couture refers to high-end, custom clothing made and tailored exclusively for the wearer. Almost all major fashion labels (like Gucci, Lacroix, Prada, or Dior) make and show prêt-à -porter or ready-to-wear collections, in addition to their haute couture lines. Other differences between ready-to-wear and haute couture include:
Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style spirit guide. Queer Eye’s fashion guru spills everything he knows about building a capsule collection, finding a signature look, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s important to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.
Fashion styles are constantly evolving, but there are certain trends that appear over and over again on runways and in street style. Learn more about the different types of fashion styles that influence popular fashion trends, and find your own personal style. Fashion may be all about finding unique ways of dressing, but sometimes it helps to have a blueprint. Below are some of the broadest categories of fashion to help get you started. 1. Sporty: Sporty style, also known as athleisure, takes elements of athletic wear, like leggings, bike shorts, and oversize sweatshirts, out of the gym and onto the streets. 2. Bohemian: Also known as “boho” or “boho chic,” bohemian style borrows from the 1960’s hippie aesthetic and festival culture. The style incorporates earth tones, natural fabrics and dyes, and prints and accessories from around the world. The hallmarks of boho style are flowing maxi dresses, long skirts, bell-bottom pants, large brimmed hats, fringe, suede, and slouchy handbags. 3. Grunge: Inspired by grunge music and the subculture that originated in the ’80s and ’90s Seattle, grunge fashion features thrift-store finds like plaid flannel shirts, oversize knits, and feminine dresses styled in a subversive, disheveled way. Grunge looks often include ripped jeans or tights, unkempt hairstyles, and black boots. 4. Preppy: Preppy style is inspired by the clothing and uniforms traditionally worn at private East Coast prep schools and Ivy League colleges. Preppy style often takes inspiration from upper-class sports like polo, sailing, tennis, and horseback riding. Preps are known for wearing polo shirts, Oxford shirts, argyle sweaters and socks, cloth-wrapped headbands, boat shoes, blazers, pearls, cardigans, and khaki pants.
Punk: Punk fashion is inspired by the subversive punk rocker styles of the ’70s and ’80s and comprises many subcultures, each with its own specific style codes. Some overarching elements of punk style include leather jackets, deconstructed blazers, ripped fishnet stockings, skinny jeans, and chunky black boots. Provocative messaging, band logos, and customization with safety pins and patches are common themes in punk clothing. Punk grooming includes heavy black eyeliner, mohawks, dyed hair, and spiked hair. 6. Streetwear: Streetwear is a casual fashion style that first became popular in the 1990s. It incorporates comfortable yet trendy clothing such as logo T-shirts and crop tops, hoodies, baggy pants, and expensive sneakers. Streetwear takes inspiration from both hip-hop and skater style, with the added element of intentional product scarcity. Followers of the latest trends in streetwear are known as hypebeasts, and many go to great lengths to procure limited-edition designer baseball caps, hoodies, sneakers, and more. 7. Classic: Classic style is an umbrella term for a polished everyday style that incorporates elements of workwear, such as blazers, pencil skirts, and khakis. This more professional look is appropriate for the office and other settings where you want to look your best. 8. Casual: Casual style is what you might wear on the weekend. Think jeans, comfortable T-shirts, and sneakers or flat boots. Both streetwear and sporty style might be considered types of casual styles, but casual style can also lean preppy or hip.
Decide on your niche Starting a clothing business is a very personal journey. You’re probably a creative person, with something different to offer in a fast-moving industry. It’s likely that you’ve spotted a gap in the market, or have a unique design in mind for a specific customer group. Whatever your inspiration for starting up, it’s important to define your niche from the out-set. Are you looking for information on how to start a fitness clothing brand or a sports clothing line, for example? Maybe you’re planning to build a fanbase for one specific item, like the world-famous Fred Perry shirt. Or it could be a particular style that you have in mind for your clothing line – like the pared back, design-focused children’s products sold by lifestyle brand Scandiborn, or menswear that nods to your own unique heritage? It could also be a clothing business that’s born out of a particular need or ethos, from cruelty-free clothing to premature baby accessories. Know your niche, and bear it in mind. Even if you branch out and introduce lots of other designs as time goes by, your original idea gives you heritage, a guiding principle, and a reason to be remembered. 2. Build your budget or business plan If this is really just a shoestring idea, and you’re testing your designs on a small scale, you might not need a full-on business plan to get started. Watch out though, if your idea takes off you’ll want to scale pretty quickly, so it makes sense to keep even a rough plan in the background.
A common question is 'how much does it cost to start a clothing line?', and while it may be possible to do it on just a few hundred pounds, it's far more likely to cost thousands. According to Make it British, 50 per cent of startups spent over £15,000 launching their UK-made brands. Bear in mind, the fashion industry is notoriously difficult to predict. Plans will need to be flexible and there are no guarantees, so you’ll need to be up for the challenge. Creating a budget… For the first few months at least, it pays to keep things simple. Starting with one design which you love, know how to manufacture (or buy) and have had great feedback on may be much easier than launching with a lengthy product catalogue. It helps to have a fixed figure in mind, and decide how you’re going to spend your funding, along with what you want to achieve. Try to allow room for flexibility – you may not know the price of specific materials yet, for example, or manufacturing costs – but having that original budget in mind will help you make the decisions that drive your first sales.
Your budget will also depend on whether you plan to design and make the clothes yourself (or with a manufacturer), or buy clothes from designers at wholesale price. Either way, start small. Invest in smaller designers and/or basic equipment to start off with and as demand grows, you can review your key outgoings. Read our guide on how to budget and download a free budget template. … and/or a clothing line business plan If you need a business plan – perhaps to secure funding or other support – start off by nailing the basics. You’ll need to give an overview of your business, including an executive summary, and a clear outline of how your clothing line is going to start, grow and prepare to scale. You’ll also need to include the analysis you’ve done, to understand your target market and any competitors. Remember, this does need to be data-oriented, concrete and preferably something you’ve done with external sources. It can’t just be your personal view of what’s wrong with the current market options (although there’s a place for this too!). Your plan should also outline who’s involved in your business and what they do, whether it’s just you, or you’re working with anyone else. You’ll need to leave room for the product(s), of course, and talk about any plans you have for branding, sales and marketing, as well as operations.
Finally, whoever’s reading your plan will be most concerned with one thing, and that’s the money. You’ll need to finish off with a solid section clearly outlining your business’ current financial position (even if this is very initial), priorities for growth, and how their investment will help things to fly. 3. Organise your business Even if you’re not writing a full-on business plan, the same principles apply when organising your startup. You may be planning just to buy a sewing machine and get straight to work, but even this is a time and resource commitment. If you’re investing effort and have goals for the future, put down in writing how your business will take shape, including plans and ideas for: Your location(s) Are you working from your bedroom but aiming to move into a small studio? Remember, certain rules apply for online businesses, or market stall traders.
How it works Is it going to be you selling pieces on a stall for now? Or are you going to be an online retailer? Could Facebook Marketplace or Instagram be a good place to start? If so, check out our guide on how to sell on Facebook Marketplace and how to sell on Instagram before you get started. Read more about online retailer insurance. Maybe you’re even planning to open a bricks and mortar shop. Whatever option you go for, most businesses will need to get set up with HMRC for tax purposes, and factor in time to sort out any licenses or permits (especially if you’re planning to trade on the street or at a market). You'll also need to research the rules you must follow before selling clothes online, buying from or selling abroad, or storing personal details from your customers, fanbase or even your suppliers.
Casual Pro ClubWho’s running things? Even if it’s just you managing the business, are there any other key people involved who you’re going to rely on? For example, a designer, accountant, people to help you with setting up a stall, storage etc? Your product catalogue This might just be one hero product, or you could have a long list of items. Be aware of your product list and think about how you plan to manufacture, stock and store pieces, along with particular packaging needs. Sales and marketing We’ll cover this in more detail below, but it’s a good idea to think through your marketing plans and how you’re going to create some buzz around your clothes and designs.
You’ll want to think about how you might use social media and whether you need a business website, blog, or to print marketing materials. And when it comes to sales, pricing your product properly is important. It’s not as simple as deciding how much profit you want to make. If you want to be a luxury fashion brand, then you need a price point that reflects that ambition. If you’re going for simplicity, then the price should show your no-frills attitude. Read our guide on how to price a product for more on pricing strategies. Insurance You might just be planning to sell items online, straight from your sewing machine, but if you’re investing time and funds, it’s worth protecting your small business from the outset, ideally with a tailored business insurance or clothing/fashion shop insurance policy.
This can include things like online retailer insurance, product liability insurance, and stock cover. Funding You’ll need some idea of what money you already have, to get your business up and running, and where you can look for additional support. From government-backed Start Up Loans to crowdfunding, our small business finance guide is a great place to start. When it comes to managing your finances, you might find it helpful to read our guide on the best business bank accounts and best accounting software for small businesses. 4. Create your designs For any clothing business, one of the most exciting stages is product development. Even if you only have a design concept for one product in these early days, start getting it on paper or screen, as a sketch. Once you’re ready, turn rough ideas into nailed down digital sketches. Programmes like Adobe Illustrator can do a lot of the hard work for you.
Sketches done, you’ll need to think about your ‘tech pack’, which is the essential information you’ll give to your manufacturer. It’ll need to include your product’s details and technical specifications, from design and measurements to materials and any extra accessories or features. From there, you’ll need to get started on pattern making and grading, ahead of sourcing your manufacturer. 5. Create your brand As a fashion or clothing pro, you’re likely to be creative. And this will stand you in good stead for developing a brand for your startup clothing company. Pick a brand name that appeals to your target audience. For instance, you might choose a brand name based on the age of your target audience, like Fish & Kids. And if your store features your own unique designs, you could always use your name as your brand's name (just like Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss). Your logo will be an important part of your brand. You might end up incorporating it into your designs, or featuring it prominently on your social media channels. For tips on making sure your logo is memorable, read our guide to developing a brand identity (from choosing colours to a typeface). 6. Start manufacturing Go back to your design work and get everything together. It’s time to take your product to the manufacturers. This is the point where you’ll be sourcing the person (or team) that’s going to take your designs and make them a reality.
Of course, if you’re intending to make everything yourself for now, or with your own hand-picked team, you can skip this step! This also applies if you’re simply looking to buy ready-made products wholesale, and sell them on. To start your search for the right manufacturer, ask around amongst any contacts you have and get a feel for your priorities. Is it artisan craftsmanship you’re looking to source, or a commercial supplier with an emphasis on speed and dependability? Manufacturing is a crucial part of any clothing business, no matter the size, so spend time finding, speaking to and vetting a good list of potentials. Once you’ve decided, it’s time to have a sample made. Get your chosen manufacturer to run a small batch of your designs and maybe test them against those from another manufacturer. Factor in time to discuss adjustments and improvements, before you pull the trigger on a full product run. Along with your own aims and reasons for starting a clothing line, think about your potential customer. Who are you looking to sell to? Are they likely to prefer a certain look and feel? Are you designing for people who care a lot about the overall experience of buying from your brand (from website or shop floor to label, packaging and email newsletter), or is there a risk of alienating people with fancy packaging or a millennial look and feel?
Whatever you decide, base your brand on your instincts and a bit of research. As far as your budget allows, factor in cash for packaging and your customer communications, and above all, try to be consistent. It’s no good using beautiful packaging one month and a battered jiffy bag the next. 7. Test your product Looking to use up those sample run designs? Taking them to market can be a great way to test your product without committing to the full product run. Market trading spaces, school fairs and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace can be great places to start, taking notes and asking your customers all the time for their feedback on the product, and anything else they’re looking for. You’ll find that the market research stage never quite ends, as you’ll forever be adding new products to your line, and working out what sells and what’s less popular. Feedback is an important form of business currency and a way to fast-track your growth, so take it on board and refine your fantastic products.
You’ve tested out your product, it’s selling and you’re ready to order your first full product run. It’s time to get serious about selling your product, and you’ll have a few decisions to make before you launch properly. Take the time to consider how you’ll: Will you join the boom in ecommerce fashion? With customers enjoying the convenience of having their items delivered (as well as hassle-free returns when something doesn’t fit), online clothing stores have grown rapidly over the last decade. Starting an ecommerce store can be lower-risk than opening a physical shop, with less investment needed upfront. It gives you the opportunity to experiment with different products and styles quickly. But you’ll also be joining a very competitive market, which means you’ll need digital know-how to stand out.
You’ve tested out your product, it’s selling and you’re ready to order your first full product run. It’s time to get serious about selling your product, and you’ll have a few decisions to make before you launch properly. Take the time to consider how you’ll: Will you join the boom in ecommerce fashion? With customers enjoying the convenience of having their items delivered (as well as hassle-free returns when something doesn’t fit), online clothing stores have grown rapidly over the last decade. Starting an ecommerce store can be lower-risk than opening a physical shop, with less investment needed upfront. It gives you the opportunity to experiment with different products and styles quickly. But you’ll also be joining a very competitive market, which means you’ll need digital know-how to stand out.
We all have been into styling our outfits in one way or the other. We all like having vibrant color outfits in our wardrobe. And the styling is not just about hues but also about different and unique prints and cuts. As kids, we all must have performed the dress-up recreation. The dress-up game was all about clothing our models or seldom even outfitting oneself and going to a tea reception or going purchasing. But as you group up, you come to know that adorning style concerns a lot. At Idalia, you would find all diverse kinds of designs and colors. The cuts are so novel that you won't find them someplace else. With us, you can give your clothes a folkloric makeover with a slight touch of modern. You can buy women dresses online from our online gateway.
The following tips and tricks shall help you with the styling game. Filter out your style and also your wardrobe and make space for the elite dressing style game. You can also add accessories and footwear according to your own style. Organizing your wardrobe is a must for all to do, as having clothes handy on weekdays is mandatory. And having your own style attires handy is like the cherry on a cake. The tips and tricks are: Assemble all your stuff collectively and comprehend out into two parts: What you want to keep? and What not to keep? Completely unload the cabinet, and plan on how to make the design revolution and also whether to add a chest or not. Create or purchase the dresser, place it in the corner, or anywhere you intended it to be. Figure out your own dressing habit and shop outfits according to your fashion. Organize your outfits, footwear, accomplices according to the segments that you have chosen for them. You can also accurately iron your garments and keep them available for your workdays. And here you go. All set to use the brand new closet that you will each day watch up to. With the precise apparatuses, it always becomes obvious for you to plan everything and not just the closet. You can also systematize things according to chests, on the racks, apparel bags, etc. The accomplices always need to resemble your outfits as it soothes your attire. Speaking about modernized ethnic wear, if your particular dressing style is bohemian or ethnic, Idalia is the absolute online gateway for you to buy from.
There's nothing like an ideal fashion sense but whatever suits you and the style you love, is the only ideal fashion style for one. One can always hire a designer that can help them find their own styling way. But, one should always dress according to the occasion and the celebration. You can also mix and match outfits. The outfits that are available at our online store has a range of Modernized ethnic wear that comes with a fusion of modern as well as ethnic designs. Having your own style also makes you stand out from others anywhere you go. You can also look for outfit inspirations from different sites on the internet. Decide what color scheme suits you and purchase outfits accordingly. Trims and cuts are always in trend and also is another factor that one needs to see while buying an outfit. Given below are a few outfit inspiration that you can take or even buy designer ethnic wear for women from our website: Turquoise Blue Printed Dress Our printed dresses are the best for your festivities and celebrations. This printed dress has a three-quarter sleeve, and comes with a waistband, and has a tassel, thread, and pleats detailing. Floral print kurta
Our floral print multicolor kurta comes with a shirt collar style neck. It has three-quarter sleeves and comes with piping & button detailing. Rose Gold Layered Kurta With Blue Upper The best for your outing with friends and also meeting your relatives. This layered kurta comes with a round neck and three-quarter sleeves. This flared kurta dress comes with a patch pocket. Pink Bandhani Print Flashed Dress Not too heavy or light, this flared hem dress can be worn for your Sunday brunch and also for your family gathering. It is a round neck dress with full sleeves and gota work detailing. Off White Floral Print Dress This is an ideal dress for you when it comes to going on picnics, or to a luncheon, or to just your friend's place. This dress comes with a V neck collar and a waistband detailing. Black And Maroon Anarkali Dress The best dress for your festivities and celebration is this Anarkali dress as it gives you a perfect festival feel. It comes in a round V neck having three-quarter sleeves. It has yoke and thread detailing with patched borders.
Sky Blu
0 Comments