Kimono Fashion

The kimono in fashion is an Asian-inspired trend in hot designer fashions. I first started talking about the kimono some seven plus years ago. Oh gosh, can you believe that. And even today, the kimono as you may know it has become uber-trendy in its influence on Western style clothing. The most popular is the kimono dress with a wrap-style and roomy kimono sleeves.

A recognizable designer today who's gotten a lot of buzz is Kara Janx from Project Runway. Her famous flirty and sexy kimono dresses are pictured here. What's great about Kara's kimona dresses is they are excellent travelware!

The kimono in fashion today has transitioned into some pretty cool designer fashions! Do you know that a recent eBay search for "kimono dress" revealed over 1,400 auction listings with nearly 600 store items? Read on to learn more.

It's an Asian-inspired trend in designer fashions that's really hot! It's Kimono Fashion! Uber-TRENDY!

Kimono Fashion Photo Credit: Kara Janx Kimono Long Sleeve.

What do you think of Kimono Fashion?
How many stars would you give it? Would YOU give it a thumbs up or a thumbs down? For me, I think it is a commanding five stars.

Kimono top by Roberto Cavalli

Yummy! Did you catch Vanessa Williams wearing this Kimono top on Ugly Betty -- when she prepared the large Thanksgiving meal?

I personally adore the Roberto Cavalli kimono top with the leopard trim. Yummy!

This is my pick for the IT Kimono Top! It is too cool.

Cream with brown/black/gold leopard-print satin trim. Surplice V neckline; tie waist. Wide three-quarter sleeves. 50% silk, 50% cashmere.

I spotted it at Neiman Marcus and eLuxury.

Kimono sleeve dress by Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli got into the craze with his Tiger Print Kimono Sleeve Dress.
This 100% silk, tiger print semi-sheer dress with deep v-neck was made in Italy. It has extra-long kimono sleeves.

It was available for $1,575.00 from eLuxury and a couple of other websites.

Kimono-style sleeves have been extremely popular in women's dresses, tops, and casual wear.

 Kimono Fashion Show

Kimono dress by Geren Ford

An in demand designer is Geren Ford who has been extremely popular.

This is a kimono dress that is styled with a contrasting sash and fabric that is reminiscent of the 40s.

So, this is a bit of a vintage-inspired kimono dress! Find a Geren Ford Kimono Dress on Amazon.

Kimono dress from Lord and Taylor

I am a fan of black and white so you've got to know that I'm loving this dress!

This is the Ruth Kimono Dress that was spotted and Lord and Taylor! Gosh this is gorgeous.

What makes this great travelware is its composition -- 96% Rayon and 4% Spandex, plus it's American made! Check out the Koh Koh Kimono Dresses at Amazon.

Kimono dress from Target

Would you believe??? This kimono dress was actually spotted at Target! It was designed by Sophie Albou for the Paul & Joe Beaubourg Chic Collection. Wow! If Target has it, the item has gone mainstream.

This dress is made of cotton and silky modal rayon. It has cool bat-wing sleeves that are accentuated by the fitted empire bodice trimmed with ruching. It has an a-line skirt that I love!
It's very cool -- it's a kimono dress that's affordable!

Kimono dress by Rachel Pally

Oo la la! I love this -- it transitions from the typical kimono dress into something quite alluring and versatile. It's a mini; no, it's a top!

It's the Tie Kimono Dress by Rachel Pally!

An on-trend shape with an impeccable drape. Very soft, jersey dress with V at neck and back. 1/4" banding at neckline and tie at cuffs. Unfinished edges at bottom hem and ties. Long, dolman sleeves. 92% modal/8% spandex. Dry clean. Made in the U.S.A. I spotted this at Shopbop for $198.00 in yellow and violet.

Kimono tunic top by Paul & Joe

This is the Anagra Tunic Top by Paul & Joe. For a kimono-style top, this is quite what you'd expect, particularly for the styling, and fabric design.

Kimono-style top with a beautiful combination of creams, peaches, greens, and purples, creating a gorgeous japanese floral design. A blue/green trim on the v-neck and under the bust creates a wonderful contrast. 100% Silk. This was spotted at Pink Moon Boutique.

Kimono jacket by Matthew Williamson

Wow! This jacket has a lot going on! It's a bit of handcrafted wearable art. It's Matthew Williamson's Kimono Sleeved Embroidered Jacket.

The wide open neckline leads into an invisible button-fastening front. Miniature pom poms in fuchsia and green trim all edges. The jacket is covered in entwining and blossoming flowers that come in colours such as green, fuchsia, purple, turquoise and brown all on a cream stitching background.

Long wide kimono sleeves. The hemline falls to the hips. A tie front belt sits high on the waist. Cream chiffon lining. Fantastically detailed, this is a stunning jacket, wear casual with jeans over a skinny t-shirt and flats or smart with wide legged trousers and some stomping platforms. Be embroidered. 100% Silk. This was spotted at Browns Fashion.

Kimono coat from Teski

Yes, this indeed is a kimono coat! It's the Saki Kimono Coat and it's Italian leather! Wow--it's sexy too.

Straight cut Kimono coat. Soft, supple leather with fire-red embossed waist blocking. Hidden eye-and-hook closure. Satin lining in golden-yellow with floral jacquard pattern.

East meets west. Imported Italian skin. Black with fire band. I spotted this at Teski, based out of San Francisco.

Kimono coat by Andrew Gn

This beautiful coat has an authentic styling about it! It's the Andrew Gn 'Antique Gold' Lame and Lace Kimono Coat.

Three-quarter sleeves. 'Antique Gold' lame detail on sleeves and bottom hem. Viscose lining. Virgin wool/linen/polyester; dry clean. Made in France. Collectors.

I spotted this at Nordstrom for $2,075.00!


Find a Kimono Coat

Looking for a variety of Kimono Tops from jackets to coats? You'll want to check out the varied selection of kimono coats at Amazon. You will be amazed at the variety!

Thanks for visiting!
Have you gotten into the kimono craze? Do you own a kimono-style dress? What's your favorite kimono dress designer?

History: Kimono Fashion : Uber-Trendy Chic was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on August 10, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #425 overall. Lens #61 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.

Givenchy the Designer

Givenchy : Audrey Hepburn Style! When I think of Givenchy, I think of Audrey Hepburn! I feel passionate about the Givenchy designer brand as it is my favorite designer line and I am a collector of Givenchy signature logo accessories. Naturally, I was compelled to publish this particular article. It is my prediction that this is a designer to watch and that there will be a resurgence in the brand.

Welcome to the Gallery of Givenchy, my designer profile. This is my personal tribute to the fabulous Givenchy brand name.

You'll find coveted items from my personal Givenchy collection that I am presenting for sale as listed in my eCrater store. By the way, I still have that awesome polka dot Givenchy designer skirt suit to sell. So, if you want a one-of-a-kind, vintage Givenchy design, let me know and I'll get some photos published.

I simply adore the ever-appealing style of Givenchy! It's Audrey Hepburn style that is so fashionable and in demand today!

Photo Credit: Audrey Hepburn with a Tabby Cat. Ah, style!

Do you love this luxury fashion brand?

1. Yes, without a doubt
2. Just learning more about this brand
3. No, don't care for it

Givenchy, a Fashion Statement
For half a century, Hubert de Givenchy has been the perfect gentleman of couture; i.e. haute couture. His elegant and lady-like fashion enchanted the aristocratic Parisians who became addicted to his sharp vision of femininity. Ladies dressed by him include Jacqueline Kennedy and the Dutchess of Windsor.

However, the woman most associated with Givenchy was by far Audrey Hepburn whom he dressed. His style was known as elegant, pure, sculptural, and refreshing. His clients were women for whom elegance meant everything.

It was a shock to the fashion world when Givenchy decided to retire in 1995. Ten years after Hubert de Givenchy retired, Riccardo Tischi joined the design house. He has studied the archives carefully and is determined to maintain the high standards of Givenchy.

Givenchy Facts

• In 1988, Givenchy sold his business to Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH) for financial reasons.
• Hubert de Givenchy (like Dior) is a division of Europe's largest luxury products manufacturer, Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH), which is owned and operated by Bernand Arnault through the investment company Financiere Agache.
• LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the world's largest luxury goods company, with brands that are bywords for the good life.
• In 1993, this brand achieved total sales worth of $176 million (up 25%), making it the second largest apparel division of LVMH.
• The House of Givenchy is a member of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Pret-a-Porter.
• This luxury brand had only two boutiques in 1993.

Givenchy IT Bag: Nightingale Satchel
Have you seen this brand's IT bag? A number of celebrities had been spotted sporting the Nightingale bag. It was available in a black, white, ivory and other colors plus in a few different sizes. I've seen variations of metallic and patent leather. The authentic bag is made in Italy. The medium is 12" x 19" x 6" and retails for ~$1,295.00. The large is 23" x 16" x 8" and retails for ~$1,695.00. Something to know! I have seen many non-authentic Nightingale handbags for sale on eBay.

Black Patent Leather Pumpkin Bag!
They did it again with a desirable IT bag known as the Pumpkin Backpack-style Bag. This bag had been seen on the runway! What makes it even more stylish this season is that it's a black patent leather ... patent leather is the rage. The bag is embellished with tassels - one of my favorite design elements for accessories. It's also loaded with pockets - nearly one dozen. All hardware is of course engraved with the brand name. This bag is rare and hard to find. However, I do happen to have a chocolate brown leather pumpkin bag available to purchase!

Givenchy on Audrey

• Audrey had a big personality. In the choice of her dresses, in wearing them with such elegance, chic, and simplicity. In a very personal way, she created her own look : 'The Hepburn Style.'
• She knew exactly how to shape her strong, independent image. This naturally extended to the way she dressed. And she always took the clothes created for her one step further by adding something of her own, some small personal detail which enhanced the whole.
• One thing that struck me about her, apart from her charm and elegance, was her ability to make herself loved and admired by women as well as men.
• She was capable of enhancing alI my creations. And often ideas would come to me when I had her on my mind. She always knew what she wanted and what she was aiming for. It was like that from the very start.

Audrey Hepburn
The most ambitious and personal account ever written about Hollywood's most gracious star.

Audrey Hepburn by Barry Paris is a "moving portrayal" that truly captures the woman who captured our hearts.

With the insights of family and friends who never before spoke to a Hepburn biographer-and never-before-published photographs-Paris has created an in-depth portrait of the actress, from her childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, through her legendary career, and into her UN ambassadorship.

Some of the most fascinating material in this delightfully readable volume concerns the impact the ever-elegant Audrey Hepburn had on women's style and self-conception.

I am a Givenchy Collector

Givenchy Pumpkin Bag with Tassels

I've been collecting Givenchy fashion and accessories for a few years. I am showcasing the variety of designer items bearing the brand that are in my personal collection.

I'm particularly fond of the signature logo handbags. I don't think I can bare to ever part with those ... but if the price is right, I will.

Over the past few years, I acquired a polka dot skirt suit from a seller on eBay. Funny, I must be a collector, because I had the suit cleaned and put away in my closet - waiting for that special occasion to wear it.

Any time I can acquire something that satisfies two of my passions -- polka dots AND Givenchy -- well that makes me a happy camper!

By the way, that is a photo of my Givenchy Chocolate Brown Leather Pumpkin Bag with Tassels. It is quite amazing and quite a large pumpkin bag too.

My Personal Collection

Givenchy Signature G Tote

This signature G logo tassel tote with leather trim was a recent acquisition of mine. I am partial to the canvas print with the pretty contrasting colors of tan and brown. In my opinion, this designer line is much preferred over that other "tan and brown" French line!

Givenchy Signature G Baguette

This signature G logo petite handbag with leather trim was purchased by me at the Paris International Airport in a boutique store. By far, this is the priciest handbag that I ever purchased while on a vacation costing about $250.00. It was previously featured in the 2006 Top Ten in my Best Bags review.

I also happen to own another Givenchy Signature G baguette in black and gray. The baguette shape and size is a great little special occasion bag.

I also have an amazing Givenchy Signature G Black and Chocolate makeup bag that is available in my eCrater store.

This coin purse is overflowing with style and personality. I don't believe I've ever owned a coin purse that I've liked better than this one. It has the recognizable designer canvas with the sweet leather tassels and gold tone hardware. I've not added to beautiful item to my eCrater store. If you are interested in acquiring it, please let me know.

Givenchy Beauty Items
There are literally thousands of items with the brand name of Givenchy available on Amazon. You can smell good and look good if you are a man or a woman. Check out the incredible array of Givenchy Beauty items on Amazon!

Thanks for visiting!
Are you a designing man or woman who might be fond of Givenchy? Or, do you have a personal favorite designer? I'd love to hear from you.

History: Givenchy : Audrey Hepburn Style was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on April 19, 2006. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #426 overall. Lens #20 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.

Raincoats in History and Fashion

Ah, Raincoats. Fashionable Raincoats : Let it Rain! Raincoats are a necessary fashion for keeping dry when showers come your way! I am humming a popular, wet tune ... Let It Rain! Let It Rain! Let It Rain!

Have you wondered about how raincoats came into existence? I will share the history of the raincoat and a bit of fashion too.

I have Fashionable Raincoats! I really LOVE raincoats, how about you? Growing up in Cleveland in Northeastern Ohio meant it was overcast probably 88.5% of the time ... that meant a good deal of rain. I sure do remember that bright yellow hooded raincoat I wore as a child. Later I progressed to a slicker and then a trench coat.

I'm thrilled to see the raincoat has come into its own as a fashion accessory ... I have a few fashionable raincoats as it tends to rain a lot in Northeastern Florida too!

Look for me in a new type of raincoat ... pastel. Pretty sharp raincoats; you know?

Welcome to the showcase of fashionable raincoats. Everyone needs at least one good raincoat; come rain or come shine. Raincoats are a necessary fashion for keeping dry when showers come your way!

Let It Rain! Let It Rain! Let It Rain! I have Fashionable Raincoats!

Photo Credit: Couple in Pastel Raincoats Hugging under Umbrella.

Do you actually own a raincoat?

1. Yes, I have more than one actually
2. Yes, but just one
3. Nope -- don't need it

The History of the Raincoat

People have been trying to make items of clothing waterproof for hundreds of years. As early as the thirteenth century, Amazonian Indians used a milky substance (rubber) extracted from rubber trees for this purpose. When European explorers came to the Americas in the sixteenth century, they observed the indigenous people using a crude procedure and rubber to waterproof items like footwear and capes.

By the eighteenth century, Europeans were experimenting with waterproofing fabric for clothing. Francois Fresneau devised an early idea for waterproofing fabric in 1748. Scotland's John Syme made further waterproofing advances in 1815. In 1821, the first raincoat was manufactured. Made by G. Fox of London, it was called the Fox's Aquatic. The raincoat was made of Gambroon, a twill-type fabric with mohair.

While these early attempts at waterproofing fabrics sometimes involved rubber, they were not particularly successful. When rubber was used in clothing, the articles involved were not easy to wear. If the weather was hot, the clothing became supple and tacky; if cold, the clothing was hard and inflexible. This problem was solved in the early nineteenth century by Macintosh.

The native of Scotland was a chemist and chemical manufacturer. Through experiments, Macintosh discovered a better way to use rubber in clothing. At the time, the gas industry was new. Coal-tar naphtha was one byproduct of the fractional distillation of petroleum, which was used in gasworks. This volatile oily liquid was a hydrocarbon mixture. Macintosh dissolved rubber in naphtha, making a liquid. This liquid was brushed on fabric making it waterproof.

In 1823, Macintosh patented his process for making waterproof fabric. This process involved sandwiching a layer of molded rubber between two layers of fabric treated with the rubber-naphtha liquid. It took some time to develop the industrial process for spreading the rubber-naphtha mixture on the cloth. The patented waterproof fabric was produced in factories beginning in 1824. The first customer was the British military. Macintosh's findings led to other innovative uses of rubber, including tires.

The process for vulcanizing rubber was developed by Charles Goodyear, a hardware merchant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1839. Vulcanization means to heat rubber with sulfur, which made rubber more elastic and easier to meld. Four years later, Thomas Hancock took the waterproof fabric invented by Charles Macintosh and made it better using vulcanized rubber.

Americans continued to improve on Macintosh's process with the advent of the calendering process in 1849. Macintosh's cloth was passed between heated rollers to make it more pliable and waterproof. Another innovation involved the combination of only one layer of cloth with a layer of rubber.

While such improvements made the cloth lighter than Macintosh's original, these raincoats were still rather hot even into the early twentieth century. Many raincoats were designed with slits to make them cooler for their wearer.

Macintosh's fabric was not the only kind of waterproof fabric invented in the nineteenth century. In 1851, Bax & Company introduced Aquascutum. This was a woolen fabric that was chemically treated to shed water. This raincoat became popular at the end of the Crimean War (c. 1856).

Chemically treated fabrics gradually began to predominate by the early twentieth century. For World War I, Thomas Burberry created the all-weather trench coat. The coat was made of a yarn-dyed fine twill cotton gabardine.

The gabardine was chemically processed to repel rain. Though these trench coats were first made for soldiers, after the war ended in 1918, they spread in popularity. They were also much cooler than those made of Macintosh's fabric.

By 1920, raincoat design moved beyond the trenchcoat, though that coat remained a classic. Oil-treated fabrics, usually cotton and silk, became popular in the 1920s. Oil-skin was made by brushing linseed oil on fabric, which made it shed water. Car coats were introduced in the 1930s. These raincoats were shorter than trenchcoats and made for riding in automobiles. Rubber-covered and-backed raincoats, made of all kinds of fabrics, resurged in popularity between the wars as well.

After 1940, raincoats made of lightweight fabric became more popular. Military research lead to the creation of raincoat fabrics that could be dry-cleaned. Vinyl was a preferred fabric in the 1950s for its impressive waterproofness, as was plastic (through the 1970s), though such raincoats retained heat.

Innovations in fabrics continued to affect raincoats. Wool blends and synthetic blends were regularly used to make raincoats beginning in the 1950s. Such blends could be machine washed. There were also improved chemical treatments of cloth. Heat-welded seams were introduced as well, increasing how waterproof the fabric was.

In the 1960s, nylon was used to make raincoats, and in the 1970s, double-knit became a preferred fabric. Double-knit raincoats were not as water repellent as those made with other fabrics, but were designed differently to compensate. Still such raincoats were not as comfortable, and double-knit faded throughout the decade. Vinyl raincoats briefly had a renewed popularity, especially among women.

Modern day raincoats come in many fabrics, styles and colors. The gabardine trenchcoat remains a favorite. While natural and artificial blends, rubber and plastic are still used, plastic-coated artificial fibers used for Gore-Tex are very popular. Microfibers and other high-tech fabrics are taking over more of the raincoat material market.

I LOVE Patent Leather!

Oh my, but I think there is nothing more fashionable than color block mixed with classic, contrasting colors of black and white, plus a hint of hot pink fuchsia. When patent leather was used in a trenchcoat styled raincoat, that was the rage! I've always thought of patent leather as perfect for raincoats as they are inherently waterproof. And, these type of raincoats are not only fashionable, but can protect from the wind and cold. Heck, I still wear mine. But, can you still find any of these? Yep! eBay.

Flower Power Raincoat

Oh boy, but you have to be brave to wear such a brightly colored raincoat as this flower power one. It's a bit of a vintage or retro style that you might have seen in the 1960s or 1970s more often. Personally, I love this floral print and probably would wear it here in Florida when it wasn't raining. But, that's just me!

Slickers? I actually remember when a 'slicker' was a shiny raincoat! Did you own one?

Poncho Raincoat
Now you're talking! I happen to adore this poncho raincoat because of the styling and colors!

It's the Charles River Apparel Unisex- Adult Pacific Poncho (Jade)

I love THIS color because it looks like a teal or turquoise color that is perfect to match with the colors of the Jacksonville Jaguars. And, great to wear to the football game. It's made of high quality, waterproof New Englander Polyurethane!

Raincoats Today

We are so blessed today that we can find THE right raincoat for our needs. I think many people have a variety of such coats that they can wear in the rain for a variety of occasions, from casual to formal to sports-related; you name it!


Thanks for dropping by!

Ah, thanks for dropping by today to check out all the fashionable raincoats! Rain is a good thing, well in moderation. And, raincoats can be an even better thing, especially when they are fashionable! I am so glad you took a moment to check out my take on the raincoat, along with a bit of history! I've been spotting fashions online for more than a decade. And, I've written a lot about fashion and trendy fashions. It's been rumored by many that I am a style fashionista! Yes indeed. I have a passion for fashion and it shows. Hope to see you again!

Do you love raincoats and have a favorite one? Did you actually own a slicker way back when? I'd love to hear from you today!

History: Fashionable Raincoats : Let It Rain! was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on February 17, 2008. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #2,321 overall. Lens #287 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Cache Luxe Luxury Fashions

A luxurious concept from Cache, that is the line of Cache Luxe fashions. Cache has long been known for luxurious line featuring an assortment of better sportswear and evening wear in rich fabrics, patterns and textures.

I've been an unofficial Brand Ambassador for the Cache brand for a lot of years. Some of the finest evening gowns that I've worn, over the years, were Cache!

If you've ever had the opportunity to wear Cache fashion, you're going to LOVE the Cache Luxe brand. It was launched in 2006 when Cache closed its Lillie Rubin stores. Keep your eyes peeled for more from Cache and Cache Luxe.

is in! It's a luxurious concept from Cache ... Say hello to luxury and say hello to Cache Luxe!

Image Credit: Graphic of Cache Luxe statement prepared by JaguarJulie.

More about the company behind the brand!

Hoover Profile:

Caché, Inc., 1440 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
NY Tel. 212-575-3200 | Toll Free 800-788-2224 | Fax 212-944-2842

Type: Public
On the web: http://www.cache.com
Employees: 2,860 | Employee growth: 5.9%

Caché sells fashions that bring cachet to the soirée. The upscale women’s apparel retailer owns and operates nearly 300 specialty stores in malls in 44 US states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands under the Caché and Caché Luxe banners, as well as an online shopping site. Sportswear, including casual wear, collections, and separates, accounts for nearly two-thirds of apparel sales.

It closed all of its Lillie Rubin shops in 2006 and launched a new format — Caché Luxe.

The firm buys its merchandise primarily from domestic suppliers, but it has begun to source more overseas. Director Andrew Saul and his family own nearly 19% of the company. Caché acquired Adrienne Victoria Designs in July 2007.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2006:
Sales: $279.0M | One year growth: 4.7% | Net income: $8.3M | Income growth: (38.3%)

Officers: Chairman and CEO: Brian P. Woolf; President and COO: Thomas E. Reinckens; EVP Finance and CFO: Margaret Feeney

Competitors: Ann Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus

Dow Jones MarketWatch

Cache, Inc. is a retailer of social occasion sportswear and dresses targeting style-conscious women. The Company owns and operates two separate store concepts, Cache and Lillie Rubin, each of which carries its own branded merchandise. Cache targets women between the ages of 25 and 45 while Lillie Rubin stores offer a line of social occasion apparel targeting women between the ages of 35 and 55. Both store concepts focus on social occasion dressing designed for contemporary women.

The Company’s Cache and Lillie Rubin lines extend from elegant eveningwear to its day-into-evening sportswear, which encompasses a variety of tops, bottoms and dresses versatile enough to be worn during the day or evening.

The Company operates 267 Cache and 39 Lillie Rubin stores primarily situated in central locations in high traffic, upscale malls throughout the United States. The Company’s merchandising focuses on providing a selection of sportswear and dresses extending from eveningwear to day-into-evening sportswear.

The Company also maintains a key item strategy, providing some popular and core items for longer periods to meet ongoing customer demand. The Company designs and markets three general categories of merchandise:

• Sportswear consists of related tops and bottoms, versatile enough to be worn during the day or out for evening affairs.

• Dresses range from special occasion long dresses to shorter lengths for cocktail and day-into-evening wear.
• Accessories consist of jewelry, belts and handbags intended to complement its sportswear and dress selections. The Company’s apparel design and merchandising are organized around the spring and fall seasons.

SPOTLIGHT ON LUXURY!

They say that luxury is relative in society at many levels. Learn more about the nuances in The Lure of Luxe: Climbing the Luxury Consumption Pyramid.

Upgrading socioeconomic status is commonplace, mostly in emerging markets.

In the nineteenth century, self-appointed tastemaker of New York society Ward McAllister claimed that four generations were necessary to breed a gentleman.

Today, due to rapid wealth creation and accumulation, the digital revolution, and the relative ease and affordability of travel, the process of developing a level of taste that is deemed acceptable by high society has been sped up dramatically.

Do you love the brand of Cache?
Heard about Cache Luxe yet? Own any? If you are looking for some really fabulous evening dresses, consider the Cache brand. I'd recommend searching on eBay as I've found many of my Cache dresses there.

History: Cache Luxe : Luxury Fashions was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on December 14, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #3,792 overall. Lens #202 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Lillie Rubin Fashion

Welcome to Lillie Rubin Sophisticated Fashion. It is sophisticated social-occasion apparel for women. Lillie Rubin has targeted women between the ages of 35 and 55, offering a sophisticated line of social-occasion apparel that appeals to women seeking more mature designs and classic styles.

Photo Credit: Lillie Rubin strapless designer dress
Photographed and owned by JaguarJulie

This fashionable brand may be rather difficult to find as it's parent company Caché, Inc. closed all of its Lillie Rubin shops in 2006 and launched a new format -- Caché Luxe! But, rely on good old eBay for finding such fabulous fashion.

In the spotlight is a Lillie Rubin designer dress from my inventory.

Why this page? Gosh, I’ve been loving the line of Lillie Rubin since I was a young gal in my twenties. I competed in a few beauty contests back then and learned of this brand of women’s stylish fashions. Many gals in the pageants would pick their runway apparel from this brand. And, the other brand that they often selected was Cache.

Over the years, when I needed a classy dress, I would turn to either Lillie Rubin or Cache.

My place to go for such timeless and classy fashions? Well, eBay of course.

I am so thankful that we have eBay because you can find so many vintage designer brand fashions there for affordable prices.

Are you really into FASHION as I am? Then, you need to get this book.

The Fashion Book has a lot of great photographs coupled with information on the fashion designers and the fashion industry.

More about the company behind the brand!

Hoover Profile:

Caché, Inc., 1440 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
NY Tel. 212-575-3200 | Toll Free 800-788-2224 | Fax 212-944-2842

Type: Public
On the web: http://www.cache.com
Employees: 2,860 | Employee growth: 5.9%

Caché sells fashions that bring cachet to the soirée. The upscale women’s apparel retailer owns and operates nearly 300 specialty stores in malls in 44 US states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands under the Caché and Caché Luxe banners, as well as an online shopping site. Sportswear, including casual wear, collections, and separates, accounts for nearly two-thirds of apparel sales.

It closed all of its Lillie Rubin shops in 2006 and launched a new format — Caché Luxe.

The firm buys its merchandise primarily from domestic suppliers, but it has begun to source more overseas. Director Andrew Saul and his family own nearly 19% of the company. Caché acquired Adrienne Victoria Designs in July 2007.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2006:
Sales: $279.0M | One year growth: 4.7% | Net income: $8.3M | Income growth: (38.3%)

Officers: Chairman and CEO: Brian P. Woolf; President and COO: Thomas E. Reinckens; EVP Finance and CFO: Margaret Feeney

Competitors: Ann Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus

Dow Jones MarketWatch

Cache, Inc. is a retailer of social occasion sportswear and dresses targeting style-conscious women. The Company owns and operates two separate store concepts, Cache and Lillie Rubin, each of which carries its own branded merchandise. Cache targets women between the ages of 25 and 45 while Lillie Rubin stores offer a line of social occasion apparel targeting women between the ages of 35 and 55. Both store concepts focus on social occasion dressing designed for contemporary women.

The Company’s Cache and Lillie Rubin lines extend from elegant eveningwear to its day-into-evening sportswear, which encompasses a variety of tops, bottoms and dresses versatile enough to be worn during the day or evening.

The Company operates 267 Cache and 39 Lillie Rubin stores primarily situated in central locations in high traffic, upscale malls throughout the United States. The Company’s merchandising focuses on providing a selection of sportswear and dresses extending from eveningwear to day-into-evening sportswear.

The Company also maintains a key item strategy, providing some popular and core items for longer periods to meet ongoing customer demand. The Company designs and markets three general categories of merchandise:

• Sportswear consists of related tops and bottoms, versatile enough to be worn during the day or out for evening affairs.
• Dresses range from special occasion long dresses to shorter lengths for cocktail and day-into-evening wear.
• Accessories consist of jewelry, belts and handbags intended to complement its sportswear and dress selections. The Company’s apparel design and merchandising are organized around the spring and fall seasons.

SPOTLIGHT ON LUXURY!

When I have a special occasion coming up, I like to browse the brand of Lillie Rubin on eBay to see what treasures I can find. It's amazing what designer dresses you can find at great prices. You'll find more of Lillie Rubin vintage on eBay than probably any place else on the internet.

When you want a special designer gown, the brand of Lillie Rubin won't disappoint. You might have to look for vintage or older dresses, but this brand holds up and can be that something old that is new again.

Oh wow! I'm not sure if this item is still available, but I saw a tailored jacket with fur trim on eBay. It doesn't get any better than this! The tailoring in Lillie Rubin fashion is impeccable.

History: Lillie Rubin Sophisticated Fashion was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on December 14, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #5,466 overall. Lens #201 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Lace Designs

Originally Popularized by Grandmothers! Lace designs are not just for your grandmother any more as they have become a fashion statement!

Lace designs, much like crochet, are widely used today in clothing, fashion accessories, jewelry, decor, home furnishings, furniture, and other designs.

If you've seen my other lens on crochet, you'll have a bit of an idea about the uses of lace as it's similar to crochet applications.

Lace is a lightweight, openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand. The holes can be formed via removal of threads or cloth from a previously woven fabric, but more often open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric. Lace-making is an ancient craft.

Welcome to lace designs. Lace designs are not just for your grandmother any more as they have become a fashion statement!

Image Pictorial Archive of Lace Designs: 325 Historic Examples (Dover Pictorial Archive).

As in the many different design applications of "lace," there are many different types of lace as summarized below.

• Needle lace: made using a needle and thread. This is the most flexible of the lace-making arts. While some types can be made more quickly than the finest of bobbin laces, others are very time-consuming. Some purists regard Needle lace as the height of lace-making. The finest antique needle laces were made from a very fine thread that is not manufactured today.
• Cutwork, or whitework: lace constructed by removing threads from a woven background, and the remaining threads wrapped or filled with embroidery.
• Bobbin Lace: as the name suggests, made with bobbins and a pillow. The bobbins, turned from wood, bone or plastic, hold threads which are woven together and held in place with pins stuck in the pattern on the pillow. The pillow contains straw, preferably oat straw or other materials such as sawdust, insulation styrofoam or ethafoam. Also known as Bone-lace.
• Tape lace: makes the tape in the lace as it is worked, or uses a machine- or hand-made textile strip formed into a design, then joined and embellished with needle or bobbin lace.
• Knotted lace: including Macramé and Tatting. Tatted lace is made with a shuttle or a tatting needle.
• Crocheted lace: including Irish crochet, pineapple crochet, and filet crochet.
• Knitted lace: including Shetland lace, such as the "wedding ring shawl", a lace shawl so fine that it can be pulled through a wedding ring.
• Machine-made: any style of lace created or replicated using mechanical means.

Lace Designs in Fashion!

When you first think of lace, you undoubtedly think of lace trim on lingerie such as on a pretty silk camisole. This fashion article can be worn to dazzle your bedtime wardrobe, or can be paired with jeans and heels for a sexy evening look.

There was this sweet little dress I originally spotted at Nordstrom.

It’s the Tracy Reese ‘Sweet’ Seersucker Frock.

It has lacy fabric throughout with rigid nylon netting at high neckline and back with a back tie.

Silk lining. Cotton/silk/elastane; dry clean.

Lace parasol by Chris Kabel - This parasol is called Shadylace! It’s designed by Chris Kabel and manufactured by Droog. It’s made of wood, metal and polyester. It’s an alternative to the standard outdoor umbella, it’s as if you’re sitting under the canopy of the rain forest while dappled light filters through the trees. I love the bird perched atop the parasol!

Lace effect pillows by Lauren Moriarty. Take a close look at these “Noodle Block” cushions by Lauren Moriarty. They’re are inspired by the theme of ‘modern lace’, laser cut neoprene is moulded to form the ‘airflow’ cushion structure. Her Noodle Block range of lighting, cushions and interior cubes came from a fascination for the effects that can be created when a pattern is put into repeat. Her Rubber Lace Panels reference the structure and patterns found in traditional lace and combine these with the use of laser cutting and industrial materials to create new textile forms.

Lace laser-cut lamp by Contraforma - This cool lamp from Contraforma is an unmistakably modern lamp with a neo-romantic twist with it’s lace-like cut-out patterns. The stark durability of laser-cut, powder-coated steel is offset by fragile perforation, which gives way to the light from within and acts as a playground for illumination and shadows.

Lace laser-cut table by Contraforma - Contraforma has a full range of lamps and tables that have interesting lace-like, cut-out patterns. Each table is a work of art!

Lace flower drop earrings - Wow … are these not too cool? They actually look like crochet lace. I spotted these at Pink Flakes. Love ‘em!

Lace jewelry by Zundt Design - This is the real thing, it’s lace fabric jewelry. You’ll find a variety of handcrafted lace jewelry and laces at Zundt Design.

Lace combo bowl by Zundt Design. This takes me back to grandma! I remember lots of lace doilies, lace tablecloths, and lace bowls that adorned her tabletops. I spotted this at Zundt Design along with many more to pick from.

Are you into lace or lace-making? Own any special lace designs? I’d love to hear about it.

History: Lace Designs : Lace Fashion was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on August 4, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #7,923 overall. Lens #48 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.