First Toys

The next generation of leather alternatives

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:12:42 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Fast fashion is the mass production of cheap, poor quality, disposable clothing. To give you an idea of the scale of the problem, the fashion industry churns out a gargantuan 80 billion garments a year.

That's over 10 for every person on earth. And it's 400% more than it produced 20 years ago.

Clothes shopping used to be an occasional event—something that happened a few times a year when the seasons changed or when we outgrew what we had. But about 20 years ago, something changed. Clothes became cheaper, trend cycles sped up, and shopping became a hobby. Enter fast fashion and the global chains that now dominate our high streets and online shopping. But what is fast fashion? And how does it impact people, the planet, and animals?

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

It was all too good to be true. All these stores selling cool, trendy clothing you could buy with your loose change, wear a handful of times, and then throw away. Suddenly everyone could afford to dress like their favourite celebrity or wear the latest trends fresh from the catwalk.

Many people debate what came first: the desire for fresh looks at an alarming rate or the industry’s top players convincing us that we’re behind trends as soon as we see them being worn. It’s hard to say, but there is no doubt that we thirst for the “next best thing” every day of our consumer-driven lives.

These brands earn millions of dollars while selling pieces cheaply because of the sheer number of items they sell, no matter the cost or markup. And garment workers are undoubtedly being paid well below the minimum wage. In the documentary "The True Cost," author and journalist Lucy Siegle summed it up perfectly: ”Fast fashion isn’t free. Someone, somewhere is paying.”

As people move out of big cities, fashion retail follows

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:11:31 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

As someone who has dabbled in women’s jeans, I’d like to share my opinion on several pairs that will work for a man if he is willing to give it a try.

The characteristics I take into account when selecting a pair of women’s jeans include:

Am I comfortable with the way they fit on me?
Is the inseam long enough as the jeans’ leg must cover my ankle?
Is there a sufficiently long fly for obvious reasons?
Do they stay in place with minimal slippage and/or bunching?
Plus, are the size & placement of the back pockets ok? If too small or placed too high, they can look overtly feminine.

Skinny jeans are great for tucking into boots thanks to their skin-tight leg, but styling is key, to avoid skinnies looking dated. If you want to refresh your denim, pair them with more trend-led pieces such as puff sleeve blouses and oversized blazers. Don’t be afraid to play with the proportions and balance out snug skinnies with looser styles on top.

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

Awkwardness gives me great comfort. I’ve never been cool, but I’ve felt cool. I’ve been in the cool place, but I wasn’t really cool – I was trying to pass for hip or cool. Fashion never stops. There is always the new project, the new opportunity. I always say: To be well dressed you must be well naked.

If I fell in love with a woman for an artistic reason, or from the point of view of my work, I think it would rob her of something. We live in an era of globalization and the era of the woman. Never in the history of the world have women been more in control of their destiny.

The post-pandemic consumer is embracing secondhand clothes

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:10:46 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

The number of people open to selling their used clothes is on the rise as well. The study found there were 52.6 million total sellers last year – with 69% of those being first time sellers. And the total number of sellers is expected to more than double.

Fashion is no longer about having the trendiest styles. Instead of chasing the latest must-have brands and designs, consumers are now pricing in the environmental footprint of their clothing. Many are choosing secondhand upon the realisation that buying preloved items helps to extend the lifespan of products, reduce unsustainable new production and divert waste from landfills.

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

Not only are consumers buying secondhand items, which in itself is more eco-friendly as it helps to lengthen the lifespan of products, shoppers are looking to go that extra mile by buying preloved sustainable garments. Consumers are seeking sustainable bargains even though they’re stuck at home. Consignment marketplace Poshmark recently told Forbes that its user base has jumped to 60 million, with sellers from mid-March to mid-June in 2020 sharing an astonishing 60 million listings every day – double the numbers recorded prior to Covid-19.

The reasons vary, from environmental and sustainability factors to dramatically lower prices for name-brand items. There’s also a thrill of the hunt aspect to shopping in secondhand clothing stores. Buying used clothes is far from a new phenomenon. A certain segment of every new generation of teens and 20-somethings invariably gets drawn into spending time combing through the racks at thrift shops or flea markets. But in the last decade, the emergence of online, peer-to-peer fashion resale marketplaces has turned the act of purchasing and selling used clothes into a much more mainstream activity.

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The most vacation-worthy dresses to wear this summer

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:09:43 +0000

A summer getaway wardrobe is hard to beat; between fabulous vacation dresses, colorful jewelry, standout sun hats, and of course, a pair of really good sandals, the joyfulness of the season is as fun to wear as it is to look at.

There are so many fantastic places to choose from, but I narrowed down this list to five locations that consistently pop up on my Instagram feed. From Aimee Song to Lucy Williams, scroll down to see where well-dressed women are heading in 2021 and to shop vacation-worthy looks.

Summer is officially in full swing and you’ve got a big vacation on the calendar. Your flight and hotel are both arranged, so now your only real concern is justifying a week’s worth of adorable new summer clothes for the trip. Our simple solution? Invest in vacation-worthy dresses that can be worn again and again post-holiday to work.

We found the cutest out there, from easy breezy sundresses to crisp shirt dresses, that can easily transition from beach to boardroom once you are back to reality. Don’t blame us if you require a bigger suitcase to match. A summer getaway wardrobe is hard to beat; between fabulous vacation dresses, colorful jewelry, standout sun hats, and of course, a pair of really good sandals, the joyfulness of the season is as fun to wear as it is to look at. And if there’s one thing to get you in the vacation mood (besides actually booking your trip), it’s planning all of your on-holiday ensembles

Don’t Go On Holiday Without One of These Vacation Dresses

Maybe you’re planning to visit a museum or landmark on your vacation. If so, you need an outfit that’s cool and comfortable for all-day wear. In the summertime, cotton sundresses are a good option. They’re light and breezy, and you can wear them with a light summer sweater if you want more coverage. Mid-length skirts and short-sleeve tops are also good for sightseeing and/or shopping.

Sweeten your summer wardrobes

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:08:45 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

As influential as runways are, trends are not solely born on them. There was a clear direction coming from Gen Z and their social media platform of choice—TikTok—to be seen across the shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Thought the humble white shirt couldn’t be more boring? Think again. This season, the shirt gets a high fashion makeover, if the new collections are to be believed. At Valentino, it was thigh-length and pink, at Jacquemus, cropped and asymmetrical, and at The Row they were oversized to the max. Whatever your mood, there’s a shirt for it.

Weirdly foreshadowing our loungewear/lockdown fatigue, designers such as Molly Goddard, Rodarte, Christopher John Rogers, Simone Rocha and Jacquemus have served up some dreamy, extravagant summer dresses that scream escapism. Honestly, even the dress-averse won’t be able to stop that smile spreading on their faces. Think over-the-top tulle ballgowns, acid-hued florals, ribbon detailing, feel-good colours and puff sleeves galore.

Spring/summer fashion trends 2022: Denim

Ok, so denim never really goes away, but let’s just say it’s taking centre stage for summer. See Chloe and Paco Rabanne’s high-waisted flares for a 70s take, Chanel’s 80s neon jacket and Gabriella Hearst and Wales Bonner for polished denim gowns.

Get ready to bring sexy back, because the little black dress didn’t come to play this season. From Victoria Beckham’s keyhole detail dress to Khaite’s and Rosetta Getty’s lingerie-inspired frocks. The more skin on show, the better.

The colour-averse amongst you will rejoice in the fact that timeless black and white are the hues to be seen in this season. At Prada, models wore sporty shirt over tailored trousers, while at Alexander McQueen, the take was decidedly more feminine thanks to puff sleeves and full skirts. At Balmain, the power suit got an 90s makeover thanks to exaggerated shoulders and cycling shorts.

The art of dressing up

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:07:39 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

Fashion in relationships can be a funny thing. Maybe you love your significant other’s style, even though it doesn’t really line up with your own. Or perhaps you’ve fought tooth and nail to get them to get rid of that one piece of clothing you hate or have bought them a few new replacement pieces as gifts just to get the point across.

There is no shortage of chic, versatile, and on-trend tops to shop for on Amazon. Any style you have in mind, they more than likely have and for an affordable price! Some of my favorites from this year so far have been my Los Angeles shirt that looks like an Anine Bing, puff sleeve tops (duh), a few sweater tanks, and an effortless button up white shirt that’s been on heavy rotation this summer.

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous. I am convinced that there can be luxury in simplicity. I wanted to dress the woman who lives and works, not the woman in a painting. It’s hard to balance everything. It’s always challenging. My relationships with producers or photographers – these are relationships that took years. I can’t get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it’s just crass. My aim is to make the poor look rich and the rich look poor. Vanity is the healthiest thing in life. I believe that my clothes can give people a better image of themselves – that it can increase their feelings of confidence and happiness. You can hide so much behind theatrics, and I don’t need to do that any more. I don’t really know how to do casual clothes.

The art of dressing up

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about style; and more so the evolution of my own style over the last five years. Perhaps more specifically, how the my approach to dressing has changed since the start of 2020. There’s less emphasis on appearing sleek and polished; instead opting for easy basics which I know work well. A casual interpretation of my personal style. Naturally evolving as I move through each new “season” in my life.

I suppose this too is one of the things that drives us to be intentional with colour palettes. Insisting on a closet that is easily mixed and matched, because that cohesion often extends beyond the hues in our wardrobe. Representing a feeling, and in part, an outward reflection of sense of self. Which, to that end, is something that’s also pragmatic.

Clothing you can wear multiple ways – that fit a specific “vibe” – give you more mileage, more options, and ultimately end up feeling like a better buy than the special piece you inexplicably had to have. My style at this point in time has largely been dictated by comfort. I don’t want to be pulling or adjusting my clothes constantly.

Fully embrace the return of ’90s fashion

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:06:13 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

You can wear them with just about anything

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:05:44 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

Excited? So are we. Ahead, check out the ten products our editors will most certainly be adding to cart today, along with some additional details about how to shop each one. The Valentino Beauty collection is now available for pre-order through the Valentino site, with delivery expected by early July.

Yet much of the time choosing what to wear feels intimidating, uncomfortable, and awkward: we don't know what to wear or how to wear it, and we definitely worry whether what we're choosing is right for us. That's funny, if you think about it: in most aspects of our lives we have a really good sense of what we want and what suits us best.

But with clothing, somehow it's different. Where we get lost is when we think dressing well is more complicated than it really is. We think that looking good is an unattainable thing that only cool, skinny, tall people -- models essentially -- can really pull off...and the rest of us are left thinking, "Oh well." But that's not true -- at all. We just go to the store and choose. It's not such a big decision.

Think of the clothes you see at fashion shows as art.

What you see at fashion shows is designed to make an artistic statement. For the most part the clothes you wear should be used as a tool to increase your happiness and confidence and sense of well-being. Start by separating those two ideas: there's art, and there's your daily "uniform," the day-in, day-out clothes you wear that can sometimes be an expression of art if that is in your personality... but sometimes just is what it is: your daily uniform.

That's step one. Separate art from everyday, and separate trying (and probably failing) to make an artistic statement from wearing clothes that make you feel empowered and at your best. Remember a time when you wore something and felt great. Maybe it was in college, maybe it was years ago, maybe it was last week... but at some point you felt great in something you wore.

Never wear something just because other people are wearing it. Never wear something just because you think you should. Feeling hip will never outweigh feeling comfortable and confident -- in fact, if hip is not right for you, you'll actually feel insecure and self-conscious. Your clothes should always empower you.

Here’s the first look at Valentino’s new makeup collection

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:04:16 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

Officially available for pre-order in the U.S. today on the Valentino Beauty site, the opulent multi-piece collection draws inspiration from Valentino's storied 61-year history, imbuing each luxe piece with the "uniqueness, extravaganza, and experimentation" that defines its haute couture collections.

But don't let those couture connotations fool you. Rest assured, there's nothing stuffy, exclusive, or conventional about this cosmetic lineup.

Designed under the discerning eye of Pierpaolo Piccioli, Maison Valentino's Creative Director, and developed in partnership with L'Oreal Paris, each of the versatile, multi-finish products is designed to "speak to the freedom of expression and individuality that lies at the core of the brand," states the press release. As such, you can expect a wide array of products and shades that work across all genders, ages, and cultures, each one intended to evoke freedom, creativity, and the signature modern glamour that Valentino does oh so well.

The Inspiration Behind Valentino Beauty

To celebrate this expressive and inclusive initiative, Piccioli even ventured behind the camera, shooting 16 models from varied backgrounds, all united by the Rosso Valentino lipstick, forming what he describes as "a Valentino chorus."

"Beauty is a complexity resolved through love. Beauty is democratic. I look at the identity of each individual, the uniqueness that encloses diversity and inclusivity," he adds. "Beauty is about grace. Grace is something that you cannot describe; it is a perception. Beauty is something that gives me emotion. It is a connection."

Excited? So are we. Ahead, check out the ten products our editors will most certainly be adding to cart today, along with some additional details about how to shop each one.The Valentino Beauty collection is now available for pre-order through the Valentino site, with delivery expected by early July.

See every makeup and skin-care product from Uoma

Adm1n — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:03:15 +0000

Gucci’s Men’s Cruise Collection 2018

Lookbook Has Arrived

Building an expertly curated makeup collection in the modern beauty age can leave you feeling like you need a carry-on to haul everything around with you. We reached out to professional makeup artists Brittany Whitfield and Tim Mackay for help identifying the must-haves in anyone's collection, and the good news is that you can leave your wheeled luggage at home for this one.

Priming your face for whatever is going on top is a great way to create the perfect canvas for your makeup. There are several types of primer that you can choose depending on your skin, but we're here to let you in on a little secret: good skincare is just as effective at priming the skin as some primers are. "Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream tones down redness, plumps skin, and improves skin texture for makeup application/wear," says Mackay, "and for non-wearers, too" Whether you're concerned about pores, redness, or anti-aging, there's a primer option for everybody.

The great thing about foundation is the variety of formulas it comes in to fit every need. One common misconception about foundations is that it also needs to be heavy on the skin to look good.

They give such a good payoff with a fine point.

Your eyebrows are one of the most important features on your face, but many over time have over-plucked, waxed, or have experienced thinning hair, all causes that create a less fuller looking eyebrow. With a pencil, you can easily shape the arch and fill in with light strokes to create a hair-like appearance. Whitfield swears by British brand Eyebrow Queen. "These are a holy grail. They give such a good payoff with a fine point. The spoolie is precise and thin."

Whether you prefer powder or cream textured eyeshadow, it's necessary to create beautiful eye makeup looks. Eyeshadow doesn't need to be overwhelming; start with something geared toward everyday wear, like the Too Faced Natural Lust Palette, says Mackay.

Leonardo da Vinci didn't paint the Mona Lisa with his fingers, and good tools for your face canvas are also a must. Especially for eye products, brushes provide precision that your fingers cannot. The basics include a flat, stiff brush for packing on the product; a fluffy brush for blending and soft washes of color; and a smaller, more detailed brush, like an angled or pencil style, for precision work..

First Toys

The next generation of leather alternatives

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

As people move out of big cities, fashion retail follows

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

The post-pandemic consumer is embracing secondhand clothes

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

Cherry Pillow Cotton

Cherry Pillow Cotton

Alpaca Dream Ring

Alpaca Dream Ring

Giraffe Doll

Giraffe Doll

Cotton Fruit

Cotton Fruit

Twin Party Bear

Twin Party Bear

The most vacation-worthy dresses to wear this summer

Don’t Go On Holiday Without One of These Vacation Dresses

Sweeten your summer wardrobes

Spring/summer fashion trends 2022: Denim

The art of dressing up

The art of dressing up

Fully embrace the return of ’90s fashion

Breaking Up With Fast Fashion Has Been Easier

You can wear them with just about anything

Think of the clothes you see at fashion shows as art.

Here’s the first look at Valentino’s new makeup collection

The Inspiration Behind Valentino Beauty

See every makeup and skin-care product from Uoma

They give such a good payoff with a fine point.