Trend Alert: Indie Designer Styles

Often, when people think about clothing designers, the big names come up, such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren and other mainstream designer labels. These designers are the bedrock and foundation of the fashion industry and should never be overlooked or dismissed. However, there is a whole other fashion world — that of the indie designer.

These designers are considered trendy, cool and hip. You’ll often see popular celebrities wearing their fashions and designs. These designers are usually independent of any large business or label. They are supported by people looking to purchase unique and often handmade designs rather than those produced en masse.

In addition, these indie fashions allow people to explore styles that they may not be accustomed to seeing on the racks of their favorite clothing retailer.

Fashions that these designers create include not only clothing but also jewelry and accessories, as well as other artwork. Many of these designers offer their lines on sites such as the Republic online shop, and other such popular sites.

Currently, the indie designer trend is embracing the popularity of the 70s and 80s independent culture. This is driving a nostalgic feeling that people want to remember and embrace.

It is important to remember that indie design is not just retro or vintage clothing. This popular design trend is allowing people to explore their own individuality — thinking outside the box, so to speak. From cool jeans to hats, accessories and more, indie design lets each individual create his or her own unique style.

Creating Fashionable Womens Costumes

A costume party is a place where women can be anyone they choose to. Traditional costumes like zombies and vampires are great, but if you want something a little more fashionable, a little more unique, the options are endless. To obtain that one-of-a-kind look, consider any of the following options.

Go With Past Decades

Flappers in tasseled or fringed dresses, stockings, and heels were hot in the 20s and are still so today. Complete this look with a sequined or feathered hat with an up-do or pin-curled, shorthair. Finding a fashionable costume is as easy as shopping online at sites like costumeexpress.com or your local store.

Pin-up models from the 40s and 50 were sexy without showing too much. To create a pin-up look, start with a pencil skirt or short, slim-fitting capri pants. Choose button-down cotton shirt and roll the sleeves and tie the waist. Finish with bright lips and matching nails. Classic icons from this era like Audrey Hepburn can be easily mimicked for your costume party with a little black dress, an up-do, and big sunglasses.

Hippie chicks dominated the fashion scene in the 60s and 70s. Purchase a long, wavy or afro wig and tame it with a bandanna or leather band. Any bright, patterned shirt will do and should be worn over bell-bottom jeans. Platform shoes and beaded necklaces are perfect accessories.

The 1980s were a decade of large hair, torn jeans, and neon colors. Tousle your hair as high as it can go and wear bright blue eye shadow. Hole-ridden blue jeans paired with a neon tee accented with safety pins round out 80s punk.

Making the Case for Mixed Patterns

Many of us can remember going to school in the 1960′s, when kids thought wearing mixed patterns was dorky. Today it is a new way to show off your unique style and it is making a comeback.

No longer is it a fashion no-no to wear a striped shirt with plaid pants, or a lumberjack-patterned flannel shirt with a flowery-patterned turtleneck. Thanks to one of the fashion designers on the last season of Project Runway, Mondo Guerra, mixing patterns has become a style that exudes chic and classiness.

Finding the right patterns to mix is easy, if you know how to express yourself in stylish ways. If you are a fan of art deco-style clothing, matching garments with different geometric shapes to colorful patterns that reflect your mood, can be an exciting venture.

Black and White

A black and white striped top and pants with an allover print pattern of black and white shapes, says you are ready for anything. Throw a jacket, vest, or sweater of bright colors over top, and your outfit becomes a showstopper.

Pastels and Fluorescents

If you are in a playful mood, whether going out with friends or on a date to your favorite club or restaurant, mix and match hot colored-flowers with pastel paisley prints to show off your confidence as well as your unique style.

The Gray Areas

Separates with predominately gray mixed with other colors in unique patterns, go great with matching color pieces tinged with a little gray, dominated by other colors.