Looks for 2015 Fall/Winter

2015 Fall/Winter Fashion Descriptions

Once again this is the time of year for me to share current fashion colors, styles, design details and fabrics you will find in the stores to create your individual style. For me, it is fun to add at least one fresh color or new garment or new accessory to my wardrobe each season.

There is something to be found for whatever style a person desires to put together using different color combo’s and different texture combinations with layers draped or soft tailored or roomy, slim or full, short or long, similar to last year. I am still seeing influences of classic styles, late 70’s, early 80’s and global folkloric influences using subtle differences in colors and textures from last year. Both men and women’s clothing and accessories have a similar color palette.

The bright electric colors of last year are not so prevalent. Familiar and unfamiliar combinations of colors can be found in small to large prints and heavy textured weaves of cool with cool colors or warm with warm colors or cool colors against warm colors. Think texture. Soft tailored or drapey pieces put with menswear slacks. A classic piece will look updated when including touches of gold, fur, suede or lots of texture.

Colors: The dominant colors found this season are marsala or burgundy (same as this past spring) to rust; charcoal blue-grey; caramel and a golden-mustard-yellow that is being called “oak bluff” (in my opinion this and the rust are colors not many people can wear without looking sick); a blue teal, mix into this teal some black for a deep-dark-spruce-green; olive/army-green and sage green. Then there are softer colors such as a deep orange sherbet called cadmium orange; a soft pink with a hint of amethyst being called “cashmere rose” along with what is being called “amethyst orchid”, similar to last falls orchid. Besides these dominant colors other colors are still around such as black, navy, white, blue-reds, emerald greens, purples and the indigos of this past year.

For Women

Silhourettes: Sleek, long and lean or slouchy with knits; hourglass, A-line, refined or relaxed with tonal or varied colors and textures in layering.

Color Schemes: Monochromatic/tonal dressing. Color blocking of several colors in pleat folds. Wearing two to six colors in color blocking such as White and charcoal grey or black, red and cobalt blue. Marsala used as a neutral or accent piece, for example teal blue as in peacock feathers + marsala or marsala + deep orchid; all white of varied textures + one pop of color, marsala, in an accessory. Other schemes are graphic prints of black and white; “Oak Buff” + charcoal blue grey; sage green + mustard + olive + teal; dark blue + black + rose or yellow gold; rose + black + black & white floral+ burgundy accessory.

Prints: bold or small graphic/geometric or abstract, very large to small florals, retro or dark florals, medium plaids, animal prints of leopard and snake used in small amounts as accents.

Fabrics: Layering different pieces of similar weight along with mixing in pieces with different texture continues; lace; brocade; shiny silks; tweeds, wool in boucle, woven, knit, flannel, felted or blanket weight; cashmere, fur; cottons, waxed cotton, flannel or corduroy; blends of natural fibers and with other man-made fibers of viscose or rayon (two names for the same fiber). Knits including chunky knits or jerseys; velveteen, lace, quilted fabric, leather or faux-leather and as last season, chiffon. The later is easier to layer with because of its lightweight and more wrinkle-free look once the top layer is removed. Laser cut fabrics in floral and geometric shapes.

Details: fur trim; embroidery; ruching/mini to medium-pleats; straight sheaths with ruffles added to hems and side seams; drop waist dresses with A-line or straight pleat skirts; crew, turtle and funnel neck lines; sleeveless/ 3/4-sleeve or long sleeve; oversized pockets; dresses and skirts in mini through maxi lengths with even or asymmetrical or handkerchief hems; high-low hems are less dramatic than last year.

Garment Pieces

The culotte and pantsuit stand out. Menswear suit trousers; for pants/slacks- above ankle in length and cuff details (gotta be tall for this one); fitted waist line near the natural waist line; a slightly wider boot cut pant leg “flair” (Balance with fitted waist, tucked in top and hem almost to the floor is best). Straight leg slacks still exist. The midi to tea length structured or pleated culottes; and the Palazzo pant with fitted waist and wide flowing legs.

Blouses/tops- Layer with turtlenecks and tunic sweaters. Try soft high or V-neck blouses with ties made into soft bows with full sleeves in 3/4-length to long or crisp shirts. Boxy tops with length at the hip or above in the back with the front shorter, made in soft knits to thick woven fabric with body. Wear the latter with flared slacks and simple stilettos or pumps. There is a slimmed down version of the peasant blouse with short or long full sleeves, with smocking or a yoke to control the fullness. The fabric print or embroidery details will dictate the prairie, rock or folk feel of the peasant blouse.

Dresses- with skirts that are full, soft pleat, straight, A-line or sculpt stand away from the body with defined waists in knee to mid-calf length. Sheath or shift dresses with modest necklines to V-necklines; shirtdress, T-shirt dress; long lean sheath or T-shirt style sweater dresses. The Bohemian dress in fluid fabric of dark floral from head to toe. Fabrics of subtle/chunky texture, large and small floral or geometric or abstract prints; day dresses with chiffon overlay.

Formal Wear- cut out details at the neck, back or midriff with no other embellishments.

Outer Wear- Capes, Aran sweaters or knit tunic or slouchy cardigan knits and blanket wraps. Short to below the knee vests, in fabrics of men’s suiting to quilted or fur with buttons, snaps or zippers depending on the look. Heavier fabrics to furry, wool felt, leather, suede, velvet or corduroy in solids, plaids or prints. Coats or jackets are without closures or with large buttons, toggles or buckles for closures. The trench coat and moto inspired jacket continue to be a trend. Jackets are found at natural waist to mid-hip length with zipper pockets, asymmetrical cuts with a menswear fit or short boxy fit. The tailored jackets and coats are a softer structure; the wrap coats with a tie belt. There are funnel or collarless necklines, rounded collar, notched lapels and shawl collars.

Accessories: ornamental tassels, skinny to wide belts, braided belts with fringe, fedora hats

Footwear- Leather and fabric mixed media; open toe, square toe or pointed toe; open toe heel for day or night; heels from stacked or spiked to flat; boots from ankle or “bootie” to over the knee; ankle wingtip boots; fur trimmed boots; slides or clog boots. Ankle booties are worn with every length of slack or skirt. Hiking and combat boots come in mixed textures. A new Mary Jane has oversized buckle or strap closer to the toes than ankle with stacked heels. Pumps have ankle straps or thin Mary Jane straps. Choose loafers and sneakers in slip-on or slides with or without platform soles in mixed textures. Find brogues or oxfords in color block or sling backs with flat to high heels. Textured or lace tights balance the menswear shoes; socks over fishnets with loafers.

Handbags- classic, soft structured or slouchy geometric or bucket shapes, over-sized to mini-sized, fringe or tassel additions, top-handle to cross-body strap in chain or leather; clutch with wristlet; leather backpack or pouch belt; combining fabric with leather or just leather with hardware accents; vintage feel.

Jewelry and Scarves- Scarves made of fur, cashmere, wool knitted or woven. Gold or silver jewelry, long multi-length different chain necklaces with statement pendants or the “Y” necklace; ear jacket (the backing is part of the design) or tassel earrings; statement rings; wide or narrow cuffs; heirloom or boyfriend watch worn with narrow cuffs on the same arm. Sunglasses focus on Aviator or round shapes.

Makeup and hair– red lipsticks and nail polish or pink to nude lipsticks and nail polish, smoky eyes, defined bold eye brow; side parted hair with behind the ear side ponytail; slightly off-center part with loose sections of waves; textured or not perfect French twists and chignons.

For Men

Add the colors mentioned above to what I shared in the Fall 2014 blog minus the electric colors.

Have fun being creative with textiles, texture, color and the layering for your own style.

Q & A: Finding Others Who Enjoy Needle Arts

Question: Where can I meet others who like Needle Arts/sewing/textiles?

There are numerous Needle Arts Guilds and Textile Museums one can join to find friends who share your passion or interests. Also, find local sewing schools or fabric and yarn stores with classes where one can meet others.

In the USA, one can participate in the American Sewing Guild, www.asg.org. They have conferences, chapters and neighborhood groups . In San Francisco, there is the Textile Arts Council at the De Young Fine Arts Museums. In Berkeley, Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles and their store with classes is another great place to meet others with a passion for needle arts.

There is The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) at www.tkga.com or the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) www.crochet.org. Or in the UK there is the Knitting and Crochet Guild www.kcguild.org.uk.

Those who enjoy embroidery can connect with the Embroiderers’ Guild of America’s regional groups, www.egausa.org. There are similar guilds in other countries. I find with my students silk ribbon embroidery is much easier to do than the traditional embroidery with thread. So play with the silk ribbon embroidery techniques with a free-form-pattern of flowers. Start with the wider ribbon going down to the 4mm width size.

Yes, most folk in these groups may not be familiar with adaptive techniques for the blind and visually impaired. This is why I wrote the books. You have something to share with someone who is experienced. They may be willing to learn the techniques to show you as a visually impaired person. You or they may contact me for a little coaching as well.

Keep on stitching with the joy of new found friendships and resources.

“How To Enjoy Machine Sewing Without Sight”

The machine sewing book is finished!

Bookcover image: White background plus top banner in purple with white font stating, “Needle Arts with Vision Loss”. Followed with “How to Enjoy” in black running stitches. “Machine Sewing” in black satin stitch. “Without Sight” in black running stitches.
Bottom banner in purple with white font stating, “Shireen Irvine Perry”.

Can be purchased at this link-
Needle Arts with Vision Loss: How to Enjoy Machine Sewing Without Sight: https://smashwords.com/books/view/530511

You can sew without sight! “How To Enjoy Machine Sewing Without Sight” is the third book in the “Needle Arts with Vision Loss” series. The focus is on safe adaptive blind techniques in machine sewing, including some hand sewing techniques and resources. With a good working knowledge of adaptive blind techniques, a visually impaired person can sew competently and safely while creating beautiful projects.

Shireen Irvine Perry’s Smashwords Author Profile: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/NeedleArts

Shireen Irvine Perry, a teacher of Needle Arts with adaptive blind techniques, has been teaching blind and visually impaired adults Needle Arts for more than 35 years. Many of her students from the greater San Francisco Bay Area and beyond have asked her to write a book. This is it.

The methods have proven successful for Shireen’s students over many years. She encourages her students to ask themselves, “How can I make this work safely?” instead of, “I can’t do this because I can’t see.”

Her hope is this book along with the rest of the Needle Arts with Vision Loss series, may add perspective with other needle arts books, to give both teachers and those with a visual impairment the means to tackle a project otherwise thought impossible. This book and the series may be used as a guide in teaching many of the adaptive needle arts techniques to those visually impaired or as a resource for newly blind experienced needle artists.

Keep stitching with safety, creativity and fun!

2014 Fall Fashion Descriptions

2014 Fall Fashion Descriptions

 

As I mentioned a year ago, I share current fashion colors, styles, designs and fabrics with my visually impaired students. This year I did let the Spring/Summer pass by without description on this website. I am not letting this Fall pass by since some of my favorite colors and fabrics are available. Men, I am including men’s fashion also in this blog.

For the women this Fall 2014 is much the same as last year. Again Classic styles are seen influenced by themes of past decades of mostly 80’s and 90’s, along with Bohemian or free-spirited and modern classic minimalism themes. In addition to a twist in color combinations and modern textile weaves. There is something to be found for whatever style one desires to put together from different texture combinations, simple lines or layers, draped or structured, tailored or roomy, slim or full, short or long, as last year.

Some differences from last year:

Colors – Neutral tones in more ranges of grey (charcoal, ash, dove, slate and more), dark navy, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, camel, pea green and loden green; “electric” or bright colors of caution yellow, blood orange or tangerine, lime green (not the emerald or malachite of last year), cobalt blue, blue turquoise, fuchsia, cherry red; Jewel tones of cranberry, hot pink, spruce green, teal, blue-purple orchid, honey mustard, burgundy wine, crimson blood red; the classic soft tones of nude beige, nude peach, ice blue, lilac and lavender.

 

Prints- Color blocking with brights plus grey or black; Black and white or bright colors in large bold classic prints or geometric prints or plaids in houndstooth, animal prints continue with leopard and snake dominating.

 

Details – textures or soft, hardware such as buckle or stud details, jewel embellishments, embroidery embellishments, rose gold, silver, gold, crochet, beading, and detachable collars for sweaters. Hem lengths are similar to last year from mid-thigh to the ankle, asymmetrical hem lengths for tops/tunics or jackets. Besides the classic winter necklines of the past add the boat neck or ballet neckline in sweaters more often seen in the spring fashion.

 

Fabrics- Layering different types and weights along with mixing textures continues; wool, cashmere, fur, cottons, waxed cotton, blends of natural fibers with each other and other man-made fibers, viscose or rayon (two names for the same thing), knits, jerseys, velveteen, lace, quilted fabric, leather or faux-leather and as last year neoprene.

 

Garment Pieces- are less over-sized than last year; Jump suits; coat dresses; sweater dresses; A-line dresses; shirt-dress/tunic; tunic tops; pleated fabric culottes; menswear suits with a modern twist in the jacket details and skirt with slits or asymmetrical hem along with ankle trousers; wider leg trousers; sweatshirt style trousers out of leather or other types of fabrics. Sweaters are longer and boxier than last year, Fair Isle and cable sweaters. If you choose to continue wearing the leggings or tights Please wear them with the longer sweaters and tunics not the shorter lengths! Shorter skirt lengths also look good with the leggings.

 

Outerwear- Down puffy jackets, coats or vests, along with fur or wool coating with similar details to last year without as big shoulders; and ponchos.

 

Accessories- Footwear: Fishnet stockings of medium to large pattern, tights, and cashmere blend socks.

Shoes- leather, calf-hair or textiles; pointed toes, t-straps, ankle straps, kitten heels, cone shaped heels, stacked heels, chunky heels, spike heels; added embellishments; booties or ankle boots, mid-calf boots, tall boots or over the knee boots in textured leather mixed with elastic for those thick calves; athletic shoes of custom colors, classic sneakers, buckle embellished flats join the ballet flat.

Handbags: classic, structured geometric shapes, over-sized to small or mini-sized, fringe, top-handle to cross-body strap (carried as a clutch with strap around wrist), vintage feel.

Jewelry: Silver, gold and rose gold

Scarves: large ones worn around the neck and over the shoulders as a shawl with ends hanging down past waist to be belted to stay in place; appearing in the front similar to a belted vest.

 

For the Men:

Colors- Neutrals in classic category: camel, grey, milk chocolate, taupe, ivory; other colors: olive green, steel blue, mustard, rust or copper, pine green, claret wine, navy, plum; Bright colors: orange, lime green, caution yellow, salmon, lapis blue, orange and cranberry red.

 

Color themes- Black and white combo, Monochromatic in the colors of the season, camouflage with a sophisticated urban twist, checks and plaids.

 

Details and Fabric- Fur trim-coat collars, coats, hats, boots; flannel fabric; patterns of plaid or intarsia in knits; tweeds; wools; tailored, quilted fabric, sweatshirt style in color blocking of more than one type textile.

 

Outerwear- down filled puffy quilted jackets, coats, vests paired with slim jeans and sneakers; shearling jacket or long coat; bomber jacket and black leather biker jackets.

 

Garments- longer knit sweaters, Turtle or rolled neck sweaters; overshirt (could be worn as a jacket or shirt), plaid shirts, jeans, sweatshirt style and sweatpants style in fabrics other than knit (not what one would wear to the gym though), slim slacks with hem at the ankle; blazers; dark chocolate brown in evening wear suits.

 

Accessories- Shoes: sneakers, boots; watches in rose gold,

Large duffel bag, felt fedora hat, handkerchiefs, leather belts

 

Use this info as a springboard to find whatever you want for your personal style and for asking questions as you shop. Have fun with continuing to be creative with textiles and color in spite of what you are able to visually see.

 

Looks to Catch for Fall 2013

This is the time of year I begin closely looking at the Fall Fashion regarding colors, textiles and designs/styles to share with my visually impaired friends and students. With this knowledge, they have an idea of what may be available in the stores to add to their wardrobes or what may be influencing the street scene fashion. I describe colors, and often show samples of garments highlighting a design feature or type of fabric.

Words to describe a design, print or idea do not always communicate well for a visually impaired person, especially with someone who has difficulty visualizing something they have never seen. Therefore, I also use the following adaptive techniques to draw or illustrate what I am trying to communicate:

• My finger to draw a shape or idea on the palm of the blind person’s hand.

• A Raised Line Drawing kit

• “Wikki Stixs”

• 3-D or puff fabric paint on the printed fabric to tactually show the print (after the paint has dried, of course)

While glancing through the Fall 2013 fashion magazines I have noticed the following:

Classic styles, 1940’s, 1960’s and 1980’s influences with a twist, created from different color combinations and multi-textured or printed fabrics. There is something to be found for whatever style one desires to put together from different texture combinations, simple lines or layers, draped or structured, tailored or roomy, slim or full, short or long.

Silhouettes are fuller on top with rounded shoulders, paired with slim bottoms. Slim fitting trousers in printed or solid colors are above ankle length with ankle boots to long hem length with high heels. Skirts are solid or mixed prints, with full dirndle to fitted to flared or fishtail hems. Hem lengths range from mid-thigh to below the knee, with the slim skirt to mid-calf. Another silhouette is the fuller bottom in the palazzos or a looser trouser worn with a slim top. Skirts and trousers start at one’s waistline.

Belts are used with trousers or dresses such as sleek sheaths or shirtdresses. Dresses are full of prints, color blocked, and textured. Blouses are lightweight or sheer with embroidered detailing or beaded texture and are paired with the relaxed trouser. Top/sweater necklines are funnel-mock-turtle neck and sweatshirt style. Silk T-shirts are worn under the over-sized sweaters, such as the traditional Aran knit (or “fisherman”) sweaters in cream.

Fitted jackets with retro details are seen in suits. Jackets also appear with full, rounded shoulders and ¾ length or long sleeves. For casual wear, layering is popular. For example, loose/oversized jackets are placed over a comfy sweater or new sweatshirt style. Outerwear coats in knee to calf length are rounded shoulders, belted princess line, or roomy wrap – trapeze to cocoon. Additionally, there are architecturally, origami-like pieces of solid color fabric for capes, poncho’s and caftans. Parkas are multifunctional for weather changes. Red, pastel pink, or pastel blue are unexpected colors for coats. Oversized motorcycle jackets also referred at as “Moto” jackets are in leather or a mixture of fabrics. These jackets are worn with everything from day to eveningwear. Leather is seen alone or mixed with other fabrics in leggings, slim slacks, dresses, sweatshirt style and vests.

Eveningwear is fitted with bustles or full skirts in flowing silk that allow for movement. They are embellished with beads or sequins or gems for sparkle. Fur is found in coats or accessories to complete the look. Fur is also for daywear.

Colors this season: Cobalt or Lapis blue, light/pastel blue, chambray blue, emerald or malachite greens, army or olive greens, cherry or Christmas red, light or pastel pink, camellia pink, wine/burgandy/bordeaux, oak brown, camel, tan, light blue grey, dove grey, white, black; mustard gold; metals – gold and silver.

Color combinations (including color blocking): cobalt with black and white; blues with brown or grey; red, black and silver; black and white with malachite accents; army green, black and silver; grey and navy; white and dove grey; camel and tan; pinks with black, white or grey; cobalt and burgandy.

Prints: Animal prints-snake, leopard, giraffe, zebra and tiger; polka dots, stripes, plaids, abstract/graphic/geometric, paisley, houndstooth, tweeds, windowpane plaids, pin-and-chalk stripes; embellishments of fabric flowers, embroidery or jewel accents on fabric.

Fabrics: Textured- jacquard, tapestry, brocade, mat, shiny, print, flat, 3-D effect, fluffy, quilted (including leather and light weight knits), embroidered, beaded; suiting, Boiled wool, silks, knits, calf hair, textured leather (woven or crocodile), suede, fur (long and short haired), lace, sheers, feathers, metallic, rubber, neoprene and a combination of several types/textures of fabric in one garment such as lace with a sheer overlay or wool with leather.

Accessories: Jewelry- large costume pieces for one bold statement; enamel, precious stones, gold, silver, and pearls.

Handbags- satchels with a top handle; clutches; crocodile texture.

Footwear- boots are spiked heel or stacked heels or flat, ankle boot, over the knee boot; pointed toes; flat skimmers/ballet.

Makeup: blue-red lipstick, black eyeliner

Hair: soft loose waves

Use this info as a springboard to find whatever you want for your personal style and for asking questions as you shop. Have fun with continuing to be creative with textiles and color in spite of what you are able to visually see.