Trying to define what fashionista means is the wrong way to learn about its definition. Learning what people’s perception of the phrase is more beneficial. It at least gives a starting point. Samples of this I have captured, not to categorize but to be more informative of what some people think of the term fashionista.

“A person devoted to fashion clothing particularly unique or high fashion”
“A person not to be called a fashionista would be someone who obsessively follows trends”

“REAL fashionistas do not believe in trends, that type of person would be more correctly labelled a fashion whore or a shallow bitch”

What is your definition of a fashionista? I know there will be a dictionary definition but what is your interpretation?

“To me it is someone who makes her or his own style from the fashion available without just buying what is hot”
It’s actually the one who cares about style, doesn't matter if he/she is in fashion or not, but he/she is working mostly on that like even for her/his style. Or I can call her/him stylish/smart.

This list goes on and on, and to cap it all you even have a dictionary, aka urban dictionary, which also translates to something but means something else. Then there is a dictionary word break down and meaning. [<fashion + Spanish -ista< Latin -ista

 

Fashion Terms

Fashion terms of the 60’s at its height

 

Way out – Something so far out there, it’s almost unbelievable

Far out - Cool

Groovy – very pleasing, wonderful

Hip / with it - Aware of what's going on Knowledgeable.” I’m hip to what's happening."  Something cool or groovy, "Those are the hippest love beads I've ever seen!"

Before that what Granny would have called it “the very latest thing my deer”

 

Fashion Terms

Modern Day

 

Fashion - the currently accepted, prevailing style. (Vogue is defined the same way.)

Fad - a fashion that suddenly bursts into popularity

Style - a characteristic or distinctive form of dress that exists independent of fashion (hippie, gothic, cowboy)

Classic - a fashion that retains general acceptance over an extended period of time

Design - a specific version of a style

Avant-garde - ahead of its time, comes straight off the runway

 

So where is this taking us? I have tried countless paths and felt I was travelling on a roundabout, finishing right back where I started. I did find another definition which gave a better clue as to what fashionista means.

 

A fashionista is a complimentary term used to describe an avid follower of fashion one working in or deeply involved with the high-fashion industry ( haute-couture – the creation of exclusive fashions), such as a fashion designer, fashion model, photographer, buyer, fashion writer, or wearer; a devotee to clothing trends and fashion.

So where is this taking us you might ask? Taking a trip back in time, the sixties was baptised as the period of Popular Arts (Pop Arts), which encapsulated great change in society due to the aftermath of the second world war, depravation, shortage of material, textiles, housing shortages, the start of another war Vietnam and all the upheavals  that transcended the events of this period.

Such a great change, whether induced by war or natural change in society, there is always a visual record of this change, depicted perfectly by abstract expression artists such as Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol. Both these artists revealed their images of breaking away from conformist classical ideals in a time when great change was upon us.

Change is always the title for wondrous things to happen in a period of great happenings. The sixties brought to us the evolution of change, Pop arts were the conduit, and the result of recording this was through Art, Music and Fashion. Inspirational people sparked great change as seen in the music industry of the sixties, youthful, energetic and cult like. 

Changes in fashion also sent out  a message of self expression, signalling an innovative representative, who broke the shackles of proper and prim attitudes of the 50’s and brought forth the concept of thinking “out of the box” to the shock & horror of the traditionalists. 

Unfortunately though alongside these changes, you will always have consumerism fitting such individualistic attitudes and ideas into a pigeon slot and re-market it as a fashion style, a trend, a fad, and so on, until it’s watered down to non-existence. The most powerful thing a fashionista does, is to drop an innovative idea like a bomb exploding its concept into the arena of the fashion world and to watch its rippling reaction spread with great cause and effect into the world of fashion.

Seeing people rushing around like, “leaves blowing in the wind” trying to encapsulate the latest fad, surprised by the reaction and the full force of something new being unfolded before their very eyes. The late seventies, eighties and nineties all had the same effect on people from the many ingenious innovators of the world of fashion. New music genres created by vocalist and bands. Paint artists taking the level of expression to new heights, with every passing year.

In its essence being a libertine in an already conforming society, needs one to change, to show what an eye for fashion is, to show the finer intricate designed detail, created in one’s own image. To see what no other person can seen, to create an idea out of what is already available. But most of all to keep alive counter-culture fashion and idealism of self expression alive, because in the end it’s all about attraction!

But most of all if you do conform, one day you are in, the next day you’re out in the world of fashion.

Children regardless girls or boys are dominated by consumerism? TV is a big part of the family, whether we like it or not, and more to that the games console is just as bad. Many years ago, this was not the case, well not altogether true? The only time parents would cringe was at Christmas time? It was a period known as us against them, consumer against retailer, well retailer + children against parents? You might describe in depth of you disapproval, your "taut" stance, and your governance? But all this is just a token gesture in the eyes of the warrior child? because in the end, you gave a good account of yourself, but in vain? because the onset is; Children will  always be the victors?

Back to the future and the size of the war retail machine has increased so much aided by the spider web of the media, no use trying to wriggle your way out of it because we are swamped in it’s consumer quick sand and the echoing voices from afar in your ears forever ringing and repeating the deafening screeching noise of “I want that”, “can I have that, can I, can I”My best friend Mike has got Nike boots, can I have them? Janine has got the full set of Barbie house and friends, can I have it?
At one time you were safe in the knowledge that power belonged to you, you can choose you can dictate for a while.

Not anymore those good days have gone? to be replaced by a 3yr old sizing themselves up in a mirror or walking in those brand new expensive shoes you have just bought from the shoe shop; Trying to emulate you? Whether they are 3yrs old or 5yrs old, these kids self awareness has evolved much earlier than you think and the "dawning" of consumer madness already in them and flourishing?

Family Tips & Advice

Buy socks all the same colour. It will be less aggravating when your washing machine eats one, and you can't find a mate.

*Buy solid colour clothing items that can be layered and worn with a variety of other pieces. They can be worn more frequently without people thinking you are wearing the same item again.

*Avoid trims and other decorative elements that make the piece of clothing harder to blend with other pieces, and again, more noticeable when worn.

*When buying knitted items, look for strength and durability. The fabric should be more dense than loose, and the stretch should be limited.

*Keep away from trendy items if you want the piece of clothing to last several years and be passed down to another child.

*Look for clothes that can be enlarged as your child grows. Generous hems can be let down. Creases in the hemline can be removed with a little vinegar and a warm iron. The same is true for sleeve lengths with simple sleeves.

*Elastic in the waistband is easily adjusted and fits longer. It is also more comfortable. That is why you see most toddler clothes in this style. Use this when you can on casual clothes for older children. The same is true for adjustable straps for jumpers, overalls, play suits, etc.

*If you can, buy clothes slightly larger than your child. They will quickly grow into them and last longer.

*Don't go shopping without a list. Go through your children's clothes and see what they need. Write it down, and keep to it!
Your children have colours that they like, and look good with just as you do. Look through some catalogues with your child and talk about clothes. It may not be your favourite subject, but a little knowledge may help you avoid "buying mistakes" that sit in the wardrobe unworn.

Starting School

Whether your child is returning to school to start a new year or whether they are going for the first time, there are plenty of things to get organised

and prepare for. Even children who love school may feel just a little anxious before going back so reduce any possible stress by being completely

sorted and not leaving everything until the last minute.

Are you ready?
Have you thought of and bought or booked the following?
• Uniform
• Sports kit
• Shoes
• School bag and games bag
• Booked school lunches
• Lunch box and flask
• Snack box
• Waterproof coat
• Allergy details for the teacher
• Pens, rulers, pencil case etc
• Haircuts
• Getting together with another child in the same year before the start of term

 

Preparation

In the first few days your child will face new places, people, rules and relationships. This can be both exciting and frightening.
You can help by familiarising your child with their new environment before school starts:
• Make at least one visit to the school before your child's first day. If possible, arrange to show your child around their new classroom and

meet their teacher. Take a look at where they'll leave their coat and lunchbox and show them the toilets, playground and hall.
• Talk about each place as you visit it. For some children just looking will be enough. But others, who learn more rapidly through hearing, will

benefit from your descriptions.
• Find out about the daily routine from the teacher and let your child know what to expect. For example, many schools start with reading on the mat, the daily register and so on. Knowing what's coming next will help your child make sense of their day.
• Lastly, for your own reassurance you could ask the teacher what strategies he or she uses to settle the children.

 

Plan ahead

If the school has an evening for new parents go along and take note of all the items your child will need on their first day.
Shop for uniform and other equipment early - you're more likely to find things in the right sizes and you'll avoid the crowding of the last week before term starts.

Make the shopping trip into a special event for you and your child and emphasise they're choosing their grown-up school clothes.

The countdown
If your child's in holiday routine - staying up late and rising late - then one week before term begins change their schedule. Gradually bring their bedtime back to a time suitable for school nights and introduce more regular eating habits with meals at set times.

You may need to get into the term-time habit too. Write a list of all the things you'll need to organise, such as dinner money, snacks and lunches, gym clothes, reading folder and painting coverall. Stick the list to the fridge and tick each item off as you sort it out.
Involve your child in getting ready for their first day. The evening before term starts you and your child can work together to lay out their uniform, bag and snacks.

Last of all set your alarm early for the first day - even the most organised parents and children need extra time to get ready for the big event.

Your emotions
Your feelings will guide your child's emotions. If you approach your child's first day with confidence that they'll be fine, using positive words about school and loving attention, their anxieties will be reduced.
Saying goodbye at school may be very emotional for you. But try to send your child off with a smile and a wave along with the reassurance that you'll be there to collect them later. Remember even distressed children settle very quickly once you're gone, so make your leave loving but brief. If you're particularly worried, most schools will be receptive if you want to phone in later to check your child is ok.

The end of the day
Do make sure you're a little early to collect your child (This goes without saying?) at the end of the first few days - even a few minutes late can seem an eternity to a waiting child. Your child will probably be tired and hungry so a healthy snack and some quiet time, with or without you, will be just

what they need after school.
Listen to your child. They'll probably talk about their day in their own time so avoid pressing your child, but do give them opportunities to talk to you.

Confidence building

By the time they reach school age, children develop an established sense of self-esteem. A child with high self-esteem has the confidence to try new things and make friends. A child with low self-esteem has a tougher time in all these areas, and needs extra help from you.

Maintaining your child's confidence

It's still vitally important for you to keep working at building your child's confidence throughout these years, especially as school life and friends may give it a sideways knock.

Suggestions
• Believe in your child and show it - let her know she's a worthwhile, lovable individual.
• Give praise and positive feedback - your child measures her worth and achievements by what you think of her. "Well done, that was hard, and you managed it" is music to young ears. Reassure your child that it's OK to make mistakes and that it's all part of growing up.
• Practise active, reflective listening - listen carefully, repeat what you've heard to make sure you understand and give positive prompts to encourage your child to continue.
• Acknowledge your child's feelings - and help her express them verbally.
• Criticise behaviour, not your child - it's very easy to fall into this trap, but too much criticism tells your child she's a bad person and is causing things to happen because of her own stupidity. This is very damaging if it goes on for a long time. Be clear that it's an action you're angry about or behaviour you don't like.
• Respect your child's interests, even if they seem boring to you - take a genuine interest in your child's friends, and what's happening at school, and comment to show you're listening.
• Accept any fears or insecurities your child expresses as genuine - even if they seem trivial to you, don't just brush them aside. If your child says "I'm useless at maths" say "You're obviously finding maths a struggle, how can I help you?”
• Encourage independence - encourage your child to take chances and try new things. Succeeding gives a huge boost to confidence, and sometimes your child will need to learn by her mistakes.
• Laugh with your child - never at her.
• Focus on your child's successes - swimming, music, whatever she can succeed at.

Are you helping or hindering?

"I told you so" You've warned your child she shouldn't walk across the carpet carrying a cup full of milk and her dinner. She does it anyway, but trips and spills it. It's tempting to say: "Now looks what you've done. I told you that you couldn't do it." Comments such as this make your child feel even worse than she does already for failing at something. Instead, try to give support by saying something like: "Oh no, you tried, but it didn't work.

Never mind. Next time you could carry them one at a time."
Talking about your child It's not only the critical things said directly to your children that can undermine confidence. If your child overhears you tell someone that "she's got two left feet" or "she's so clumsy" they might think you really believe this and feel it can't be changed.

Putting yourself down Things you say about yourself can damage your child's self-esteem. Children learn a great deal from copying adults close to them. If you overreact to situations or pressure, your child may worry that you really can't handle life's challenges. This won't set your child an example of a positive, optimistic attitude to life and how to handle problems.

Thoughtless remarks Think before you speak and choose your words with care - it's very easy to say something without thinking, then wish you hadn't. "You're so clumsy" or "Don't be stupid" can be said in an irritated moment when the cereal is spilled or an innocent question is asked. Too many negative remarks like this can result in children believing they're useless or stupid.

All the following can damage a child's confidence:
• saying you don't love them
• saying you wish they'd never been born
• insults or unkind remarks
• deliberately ridiculing things your child does or feels
• cruel teasing and sarcasm
• endless nagging
• aggressive shouting and swearing

Say "sorry" if you get it wrong
None of us are saints and we all sometimes say something and immediately regret it. If this happens, it's best to admit this to your child. Say: "I should never have said that. It was an unkind thing to say and I don't mean it. I'm just tired." Then have a cuddle and make up.

Bullying

Teasing, some fighting and falling out with friends is a normal part of school-age relationships. But if one child is constantly dominating another, this

creates a bully-victim relationship. Bullies and victims may be unconsciously drawn to each other. Bullying is a big problem for many children.

Parents need to be alert to signs their children are involved in bullying.
Bullies and bullied are both victims
A bully may:
• Tease or hit other children
• Demonstrate a lot of angry behaviour or displays of temper
• Defy parents or teachers

A victim may:
• Find it hard to join in with friends
• Be taken advantage of or teased by other children
• Show some helplessness or be easily upset
• Be timid, shy or different in some way

If you think your child may be a bully
• Teach him or her about respecting other people's rights - don't just assume your child will know this. Constantly stress how others feel, and

how important it is not to do things that make other people feel bad. Try to teach your child to treat others as he or she would like to be treated.
• Have firm rules that don't accept mean or nasty behaviour towards others.
• Teach your child to negotiate. Use role play to teach him how to ask for things he wants rather than forcing his will on others.
• Keep a record of bullying incidents. This will help to identify whether anything in particular is causing your child stress and setting him off.
• Don't use bullying tactics at home to make your child do what you want.
• Make sure you're positive about your entire child's good, cooperative behaviour.

If you think your child may be a victim of bullying
• Explain that bullies are children who may be upset or sad, perhaps because of unhappy events at home.
• Tell your child it's not his fault and explain that no one deserves mean treatment.
• Use role play to teach him how to handle incidents, examples include not showing you're bothered or upset by teasing, saying firmly you

don't like it and walking away.
• Explain there's no shame in just keeping out of the bully's way.
• Listen and talk, take the time to listen to your child's worries about the events in his day.
• Be alert to when things seem to get worse - you may need to intervene.
• Build self-esteem by finding activities your child can be good at.
• Always praise your child, especially for acts of courage.
• Don't overprotect your child; it may only make him feel more vulnerable and helpless.
• Is your child dominated at home by siblings, for example? If so, maybe he's used to being treated like a doormat.

What forms does bullying take?
• Verbal - calling names, sarcastic remarks and put-downs
• Physical - hitting, pushing
• Psychological - deliberately excluding from a group, spreading malicious stories
• Threatening - demands for money or toys

Summary
Most bullying takes place in or near schools. If the bullying is serious, you may need to report it to the school. Most schools have a bullying policy andshould take clear steps to do something about your complaint. If you're not satisfied, go to the school governors or to your local education authority. If the bullying is very serious, some parents opt to move their child to a different school for a fresh start, or decide to educate at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People say "variety is the spice of life", then the choices dominated by the high street stores is almost certainately not? Hence the army of children pigeon slotted into certain featured look. Which to me breeds a lacklustre fashion; that instead of inspiring young kids to look, and feel good and to accept the choice lay down before them, they should be spoilt for choice, with the likes of the companies such as GrupoInfantil from Spain. They take this choice and style very seriously, and children being number one in fashion, “Moda Ropa Infantil” (Fashion clothing for Children). I love the beautiful colours and varying styles of the European children’s clothing - http://www.enkshows.com/childrensclub/ 

They have the look and feel of style and fashion that is lacking in the UK market. The clothes look flexible and roomy for those hyper active "tikes" that can’t keep still, but yet retain a vision of stunning style and colour. The colours I have seen on the market exude a boring dark drab feel about it, whereas kids are inspirational, bright, lively, which should be balanced with a mood of complimentary colours that brings out the mood, calmness and serene angelic look of kids. Whilst other colours should bring out the cool controlled look of an over hyped boy. What ever the style, just the choice to mix and match is so important in giving the feel of individual but cool looks.

Children vary from differing height and size. Parents often adopt different preferances to the clothing of their children. Some use the age label method to size their children. whether their children are taller than normal or not, they will stick to that method of buying clothes for their children. Some parents adopt using the height measurement they know of their children in buying clothes for their children, and not the age tag as some other parents.

Most parents prefer to se their children looking fitted in clothing that suits and fits them properly than to see them looking like "norman wisdom" in trousers that are far too short.or girls tops that show the arm length riding half way back up the arm. Most children are fashion concious and what the cool funky look, because their school friends do.

Fashion clothes are fun for children too, especially when they are un-complicated.

Children's fashion should be casual yet trendy

Kids like practical clothes that are ready for anything yet also smart and cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanity sizing is a retailer or designer’s way of making   you feel better about yourself by putting a smaller size on the label than you actually are. So no, it’s not you who has shrunk, it’s the label that is lying. Vanity sizing is a device used by shops to sell more clothes, and to create loyalty so you keep coming back to them.

It is a practice so widespread throughout the fashion industry that most shoppers accept that negotiating size inconsistencies between stores is built in to the shopping experience. Just over 60 per cent of women admit they are unsure of their dress size, such is the variation from store to store, according to results from a three-year survey conducted by SizeUK, a collaboration between the government, 17 major British retailers and leading academics and technology companies.

Over the past few years the practice of vanity sizing has sparked a raging debate in this country over women dieting to fit certain dress sizes – think zero, and double zero. “Vanity sizing is all about making women feel thinner than they are. We want to wear brands that flatter us. We have stocked size zero, or UK size 4 clothes at Browns,” says the store’s fashion director Yasmin Sewell, “and we sell them to petite women. We also work with several celebrity stylists who practice vanity sizing to keep their A-list clients happy. They will cut out a size 14 label and sew in a size ten label. It’s the same thing.”

Designer labels vanity-size too, for different reasons: their own vanity. Have you ever wondered why designer labels do not offer clothes above a size 14? “Designers size their clothes meanly because they want to keep big people out of them. Having fat people wear your clothes is not good for a brand’s image. It’s a fact of life,” says Brix Smith-Start, former guitarist with the Fall and owner/buyer of Shoreditch designer boutique Start. “Miu Miu, for example, is very mean on its sizing. Its size 10 is smaller than Chloe’s size 10. Miu Miu doesn’t want heavier people wearing its stuff because beautiful people perpetuate the myth that only beautiful people wear the clothes. If you are curvy and have a large bottom – forget it.” Even outsize retailer Evans practices a form of vanity labeling. Look inside the clothes and you won’t find the word Evans on the label, just an anonymous logo. Even big women don’t want their clothes to tell them they are big.

According to the designers spoken to for this story, labeling clothes as smaller than its actual measurement is intentional. “Most high street stores vanity-size,” says one high-street designer. “It’s endemic, but we do it to make customers feel good about them.” In the case of designer jeans, on a visit to Selfridges’ denim department, one woman looking for the perfect pair found that every single brand tried was, when tape-measured, incorrectly sized. The worst offender was a pair of 26in-waist Rock & Republic jeans that actually measured up as a 33.5in waist – a difference of 7.5in. Nonetheless, our tester was ecstatic to have a pair of 26in waist jeans on, even if she in fact has a 31in waist. Every other jean label measured, from Cavalli to Diesel, had some discrepancy from size to true measurement.

If you’re wondering how stores can get away with this, the answer is easy. Put simply, clothing sizes in this country are not and never have been standardized – so, strictly speaking, definitive dress sizes don’t actually exist. This may change next year if the European Union succeeds in introducing a universal sizing system which will state measurements in centimetres – but right now retailers can put pretty much any size they think is relevant on the label of their clothes.
So, sizes don’t exist as such. But herein lies the problem. Size does exist – in our minds. We base our perceived dress size on the only official data readily available on women’s clothes sizing , which is so out of date – a mass measure in 1952 – as to be risible. Yet it is the results from this survey relating a bust, waist and hip measurement to a specific dress size – a 12 was decreed to be a 34-26-36 (my size today, incidentally) in 1952 – that most British women have locked into their heads as the “truth”.
The upshot of this is that sizes 8, 10 and 12 are seen as inspirational and 14 and above as “bad”. Rationally (but who is rational about weight?) this is rubbish. What we should be aiming for are clothes that look good on the body. Damn the size.
But it doesn’t work like that. The most up-to-date data on the real size of the nation is available from Size UK. In 2004 Size UK delivered the results of the first national survey on the shape of the British nation since the Fifties. The data from this survey conducted using the Body metrics 3D body scanner (the same device that helped our tester to find jeans that fitted at Selfridges) took 130 individual measurements from 11,000 people. The data is, of course, available only to those who can afford it – indeed those who funded it – namely mass-market retailers.

The survey revealed that body shapes and proportions have changed dramatically since the Fifties – and guess what? We’ve all gained weight, with British women adding on average 2.5in around the hips and 6.5in on the waist, and gaining 7lb. The average British woman now measures 39-34-41. There’s no measurement for a definitive size 12 though, or any other size. Questions which city in the UK is fittest? Are northern women fatter than southern? Where are the skinniest women?) These were met with a wall of silence from the SizeUK people.

What Size UK did was to provide measurements of the population according to age and where they live, which could then be tailored by individual stores to suit their customer base. This demography-style sizing provided just the right ammunition to retailers so they could update their size charts and create clothes that satisfy the size and shape of their target customers.
In Europe Spain authorities are now set to abolish their Standard European sizes and move instead to a system whereby garments will list the height, hip, waist and breast measurements. this is an idea floating around in Spain for sometime, but we'd like to know who the worst offenders are when it comes to vanity sizing and who gets it right? Look what store closet to true sizes, and which fall short off the mark? Take a look into the list below?

Vanity Sizing in the Fashion Industry

Stores True to size
Top Shop
Zara
Mango (although leg lengths are ridiculously long in both of the Spanish chains)
Miss Selfridge
River Island

Cut Large
Next
French Connection
Premark
Marks & Spencer
New Look
Oasis
Gap
Jigsaw
Dorothy Perkins
Matalan

Cut Small
Small sizes tend to be found in the stores aimed at the teenagers, at the lower end if the price scale. These would include places like:
Pilot
Mango

Vanity sizing in the USA
American waistlines have been growing for decades. Bulging bellies now seem as if they're the rule, not the exception. But, reports CBS News correspondent Kelly Wallace, that doesn't necessarily show in the sizes of clothing, particularly women's wear. Amid all the controversy surrounding models and whether they're too thin, celebrities are showing up on red carpets wearing size zeroes, even double-zeroes. "Double-zero works for James Bond, but seems insane for us as females!" chuckled Kate White, Cosmopolitan magazine's editor in chief.

Why are the numbers we see on clothes tags shrinking, while Americans are expanding? Wallace compared two pair of Gap khakis, one from 1996, the other from this year. Both are a size two. But the waistline on the more recent pair was two inches wider. A CBS News producer still wears a size four Jill Stuart skirt from 10 years ago, but when she shops today, she's a zero. It's called "vanity sizing," and White says retailers are doing it because it works. "As a woman," White said, "if you feel like you can shimmy into a size four with one designer, you're not necessarily going to want the size eight with somebody else, so it forces everybody to play the game."

Pam Klein of Parsons the New School for Design showed us two skirts sold now in different stores, both with the same size on the tag. But one's an inch-and-a-half larger. The vanity sizing, she said, enables women to lie to themselves: "You can say, 'I can eat that chocolate and I can be a size six.' “Klein suggested that things might be changing, pointing, for instance, to the Dove ads showcasing women in all different shapes and sizes. But, she says, until women get more comfortable with the size they actually are, retailers will embrace vanity sizing. "It feels good," Klein observed. "I'd rather be a size 10 then a size 14, and I know that it's the same thing, but when I open the closet in the morning, I'm getting ready and I look at that tag and I'm like, 'Yes. I'm a size 10!' “Designer Stephanie Hirsch, founder of "Inca," said she hasn't down-sized any of her products. A small is still a small. But her customers demanded an extra-small, and she complied.

"And that's become a really big seller for us," Hirsch said, "as opposed to a medium, (which) was always the biggest seller, and now it's extra-small and small." Wallace wondered whether we'll ever get back to reality, the day when, in most stores, the tag matches the actual size of the dress. "I think," White said, "it's going to be a long time." Wallace suggested that to find the right fit women should "suspend your vanity if you can. Try on several different sizes, and objectively decide what looks best."

 

Melanin is the pigment that makes skin brown. People with more melanin have darker skin. Melanin absorbs UV and is thus a natural sunscreen, and is probably the reason that dark skinned people have a tenth of the skin cancer rate of fairer folks. When fair skinned people are exposed to the sun, this stimulates melanin production in their skin, thus giving them a 'tan', but along the way causes lots of skin damage. The two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are found largely in fair skinned people.

Tanning and burning are caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun. These rays cannot be seen or felt, but penetrate the skin and stimulate cells containing a brownish pigment called melanin. Melanin tries to protect the skin by absorbing and scattering ultraviolet rays. People with dark skins have high amounts of melanin and have greater natural protection from ultraviolet rays. Blondes, redheads, and people with fair skins have less melanin and, therefore, burn more quickly.

As melanin is stimulated by ultraviolet rays, it rises to the skin’s surface as a tan. A tan is damage to the skin but may provide some protection against future sun exposure. Individuals with dark skins such as olive, brown, or black are not immune to burning and skin damage caused by careless exposure to the sun. Darker skin does offer more protection than light skin against sunburn and skin cancer.

Sunscreen Made Simple

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and lets you know how effective the sunscreen is at blocking out the sun’s rays – called UVB and UVA rays. The higher the SPF, the more rays are blocked out. contrary to popular belief,  it has nothing to do with long you  can stay in the sun without re-applying – in fact, no matter what SPF you’re using, you need to put more on at least every two hours.

Pale
You have very pale skin, burn easily and find it difficult to tan. You probably also have fair or red hair, and possibly freckles. If this is your skin type, then unfortunately you’re most at risk of developing skin cancer! You shouldn’t head to the beach without applying a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, and skin experts say you shouldn’t leave the house without factor 15 on your face, even in winter. There’s no point in even attempting t tan – the only safe option for you is a fake one.

Fair
You also have fair skin and burn with too much sun, but you do gradually tan. You most likely have fair to medium hair and blue or brown eyes. Unfortunately, you’re more likely to develop skin cancer than almost any of the other skin types. You need to choose SPF 30 sunscreen if you’re planning to spend time in the sun, and at least SPF 15 for everyday use. If you absolutely have to tan, opt for somewhere between there.

Medium
You have light olive skin and tan reasonably easily, although you do burn if you spend too long in the sun. You probably have brown or green eyes. Even though you can tan, you’re still risking skin cancer every time your skin burns. Prevent this by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 for everyday use.

Olive
You tan easily and only burn if you spend hours in the sun without protection. You probably have brown eyes and dark hair. You may think your tanned skin makes you exempt from skin cancer, but be warned – you’re still at risk. Use SPF 15 sunscreen if you’re planning to spend the day at the beach.

Brown
Your skin is naturally brown, and you have dark hair and brown eyes. In the sun, your skin darkens further, and you only burn if you spend absolutely ages in the sun. It’s unlikely you’ll develop skin cancer caused by the sun, but you could still face major wrinkling if you don’t use sunscreen. You can afford to go for SPF 15 or lower.

Dark
You have black skin, black hair and dark brown eyes. Your skin gets darker in the sun, but only burns after extreme exposure. People with your skin type rarely develop skin cancer caused by the sun, but it’s worth using sunscreen anyway to protect you from premature ageing. Sunscreen with SPF 15 if you intend to spend the day in the sun, or even lower for everyday use, will work best for you.

Tips for Avoiding Skin Cancer

• Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm – if you have to be outdoors, head for the shade
• Wear at least SPF 15 sunscreen and reapply every two hours – understand that a higher SPF indicates that it provides stronger protection, but not for a greater length of time, so no matter what SPF you use, you’ll still need to reapply at least every two hours
• The higher the SPF, the better the sunscreen is at protecting you from skin cancer and ageing. Make sure you’re using one that safeguards you against not only UVB rays, but also UVA – an often-overlooked type of ultraviolet light that scientist say does just as much damage
• Apply sunscreen everywhere – don’t miss your ears! And apply generously as you would a moisturiser – research shows that most people only put on half as much as they should
• Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your face, neck and ears – sunscreen alone may not be enough to safeguard these delicate areas. Realise that sunscreen does not protect you completely on its own, so if you’re spending hours in the sun, throw on a loose, light-coloured t-shirt too
• Avoid sun beds, and resist the urge to sunbathe
• Remember that self-tanning products, tanning moisturisers and tanning oil do not contain any UV protection at all
• Whatever your skin type, don’t let your skin burn
• Don’t forget that harmful UVA and UVB rays can still get through the atmosphere and burn you even on a cloudy day
• The sun’s rays are especially damaging to children, so make sure kids are protected with sunscreen, hats and clothes at all times and keep babies out of the sun altogether
Some people argue that a high SPF will cut out too much Vitamin D, which the body needs. However, for fairer skinned people the skin cancer risk outweighs the benefits, especially since you can also get Vitamin D through your diet, according to the British Skin Foundation. They recommend sunscreen with a lower SPF to darker skinned people, who are more likely to develop Vitamin D deficiencies.
If you notice any worrying changes in your skin, or if a mole changes colour or shape, contact a doctor, who will refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.

Annexe

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin caner It can be destructive and disfiguring. The risk of developing BCC is increased for individuals with a family history of the disease and with a high cumulative exposure to uv light via sunlight or, in the past, were exposed to carcinogenic chemicals, especially arsenic. Treatment is with surgery, topical chemotherapy, X-ray, cryosurgery, or photo dynamic theory. It is rarely life-threatening but, if left untreated, can be disfiguring, cause bleeding, and produce local destruction (e.g., eye, ear, nose, lip). Basal cell skin cancer almost never spreads; but, if untreated, it may grow into surrounding areas and nearby tissues and bone.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common caner of the skin (after basal cell carcinoma but more common than melanoma). It usually occurs in areas exposed to the sun, and can generally be treated by exision only. Sunlight exposure and immunosuppression are risk factors for SCC of the skin. The risk of metastasis is larger than with basal cell carcinoma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we think of the Fashion Clothing Industry in the present tense, we think of the many sweat shops and depraved, underpaid and exploited people from Asia. The very same method of media domination is given to third world countries that are depleted of such basic amenities, as running water? The very thought that other countries are suffering and not highlighted by the powerful press.

It makes one wonder if there is some kind of consumerism happening here. The fact of the matter is that right on our very door steps we have the same suffering happening amongst our neighbours? Maybe not in a politically sense of the word (Not being a part of the member state), but all the same as a humanitarian these people from Eastern Europe are suffering, in many case in silence? This article is not meant to draw upon any political issues; it’s to open up your eyes to a wider world of people, with talent, and living next door to you.

 

 

 

 

Moldova is one such country that encompasses the workforce needed to fuel companies such as Multitexlondon. Who are providing Fashion clothes throughout Europe? This company has its headquarters in London and as such has its own quality control (QC) company in Moldova which enables them to QC and control every delivery at each stage of production at all times. The London office is manned by highly efficient Russian speaking team ensuring complete communication and control of the factories at all times.

 

Remembering, this country is deemed as the poorest country in Eastern Europe. So for a company like this to invest in this country, does advocate that there is a raw talent in the Clothing industry. First seeing the potential and establishing a relationship in a regenerating area of the world in need and receptive to change and the advantage of new technologies, we have become a well established manufacturer of garments , on a CMT basis, utilising our own high-tech and highly flexible factories situated in the Republic of Moldova. Moldova is a ex Soviet country situated east of Romania and between Ukraine.

It was traditionally an important sewing centre for the Old Soviet Union and began to suffer enormously from a lack of work and support since its break up. We have been working there over the past four years, and that time I have to invested heavily and succeeded in ironing out the obvious problems associated with Eastern European production, as well as the political and logistical pit falls - which, as I am sure you know, are numerous when sourcing from any off-shore source.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facts & Figures

 

Full country name: Republic of Moldova
Area: 33,700 sq km (13,008 sq mi)
Population: 4,460,000
Capital city: Chisinau (pop. over 735,000
People: Moldavian-Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Gagauz 3.5%, Belarusian 3%, Jewish 1.5%, Bulgarian 2% Language: Moldovan (virtually the same as Romanian), Russian, Gagauzi (a Turkish dialect) Religion: Eastern Orthodox 98.5%, Jewish 1.5%
Government: Republic President: Vladimir Voronini
Prime Minister: Vasile Tarlev
GDP: US$10 billion GDP per head: US$2200

Annual growth: -8% Inflation: 18% Major industries: agriculture, viniculture, food processing Major trading partners: Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania, Germany

Member of EU: NO

Country Profile

 

 

 

Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova emerged as an independent republic following the collapse of the USSR in 1991.

The bulk of it, between the rivers Dniester and Prut, is made up of an area formerly known as Bessarabia. This territory was annexed by the USSR in 1940 following the carve-up of Romania in the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact between Hitler's Germany and Stalin's USSR. Two-thirds of Moldovans are of Romanian descent, the languages are virtually identical and the two countries share a common cultural heritage. Moldova's main industries are agriculture and wine production. It has faced severe economic hardship since it became independent. State-run institutions already poorly equipped; by Western standards, face additional problems at a time when the government cannot meet its financial obligations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Trade Show 2008 Chisnau

 

Exhibition Name – Black Sea Latex

http://www.eventseye.com/fairs/trade_fair_event_9597.html

 

Other future events by Moldexpo

http://www.eventseye.com/fairs-organizers/moldexpo-692-1.html

 

 

 

 

Moldova – Poverty wages on the door step of Europe

Stefan Cel Mare, formely known as Lenin Boulevard, is in the very centre of Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova. Between government buildings in the north and hotels at the southern end of the street huddle all the important institutions and agencies as well as the boutiques of well-known brands like Hugo Boss, adidas or Puma.whoever wants to be successful or wants to participate in the meagre fruit of the Moldovan economy has an address here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monument of Stephan Cel Mare

Female employees, students, women who moments earlier were crammed together in one of the mini buses bringing them from the districts of Botanica or nearby the city centre, surprise by there elegance. Most popular are jackets made of soft, black leather with a business-like blouse worn with formelly but generously cut trousers.people in Moldova spend an average of 7% of their income on clothes (against 6% in Germany).

With the collapse of the East European COMECON market at the beginning of the transformation period ( 1989 -1991), the sewing machines came to a grinding halt. Times have changed since this bleak period and now pockets of business are appearing all over the place, two blocks from Boulevard Stefan Cel Mare toward the east, there can be heard once more the sounds of the machines from the factories of lonel and Steau Reds, former textile conglomerates which have since been privatised and divided into smaller companies.Today, there are about 50 comapnies in the whole country producing mostly garments and some textiles. They rae Italian, Turkish or German owned and financed.

The Republic of Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. The average income is €300 per year. Survival on such a low income is impossible even in the Republic of Moldova. In 1999 already, the cost of a basket of basic commodities, was three times higher than the average income. Many Moldovans only manage to survive because they have relatives in the countryside who help them out with food grown on their own small farms. Furthermore, 800,000 people left Moldova in the past 10 years to go to the West and contribute remittences which are a vital for the famillies they have left behind at home.

Like all other states of the former Soviet Union, Moldova has experienced a dramatic economic declie.1993 and 1994 were marked as being the “black years” as in any other former socialist country; in 1993 alone, the GDP declined by more than 30%. Production broke down and inflation soared – to 116% in 1994. Most of the former state companies had to close. This was only the beginning, another crisis came in 1998 when the Russian market collapsed – the only market of importance that remained for Moldovans products after the break down of the COMEDON. The countries GDP declined even further and Moldova was on the edge of bankruptcy.

The country was bailed out by the usual International creditors. This enatiled a high level of dependance on, the likes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which imposed sanctions such as “an unprecedented fiscal adjustment and tight monetary policy” to contain the external market shock effect. This meant a severe cutback in social spending in order to reduce inefficieny in the social sectors. Fifty hospitals were closed, education and health next to be imposed of cuts by a third and school fees were brought back.ten percent of public employees were dismissed. Although there has been a slight recovery in the economy since 2000, the Moldovan economy has still not reached its 1990 level.

Annexe

Comecon - Economic organization from 1949 to 1991, linking the USSR with Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, East Germany (1950–90), Mongolia (from 1962), Cuba (from 1972), and Vietnam (from 1978), with Yugoslavia as an associated member. Albania also belonged between 1949 and 1961. Its establishment was prompted by the Marshall plan. Comecon was formally disbanded in June 1991. It was agreed in 1987 that official relations should be established with the European comunitty, and a free-market approach to trading was adopted in 1990. In January 1991 it was agreed that Comecon should be effectively disbanded.

 

Moldova’s Garment Industry

Moldova’s garment industry is the countries second most important industry after wine. Its main customer is Italy, which buys 32% of Moldova’s exports, followed by Germany with 32% and the USA with 16%.compared to neighbouring Romania, Moldova has a small but increasing share of the European Union’s market in garments. Until recently, the advice to source from Moldova as a tip given only to adventurous entrepreneurs. Close to the Black sea, the country was, historically speaking, a kind of plaything between East & West – at least until it became part of the Soviet Union.

 

When the socialist system collapsed, Moldova again oscillated back and forth between Europe and the old Soviet structures. The fact that one of the borders remains unrecognised by its neighbours and that teh country has been let since 2001 by Vladmir Voronin, a communist president, at least in theory, this of course is perceived to be as an instability. In foreign policy terms, this makes Moldova an almost no-go area for foreign direct investment. But foreign direct investment is not needed for production under the OPT system. Though Moldova is still seen as a difficult country, buyers are increasingly sourcing from there. Of course cheap labour costs pay there part, according to the IMF, labour costs in Moldova are lower than in China.

 

Exploiting Poverty

Contrary to other country studies, there has been no systematic research carried out. If you were to ask garment workers in Moldova about their woking conditions, they spontaneously decry the very low wages:the legal minimum wage in Moldova in Feb 2004 was €26 a month. This figure has not changed although it’s 2008.

For Vsevolod Barbaneagra, vice – president of the Trade Union Confederatia Sindicatelor din Republika Moldava (CSRM) affiliated to the ICFTU, the wage situation has been dramatic since 1997:”we need living wages! At the moment wages are 60% below the subsistence level in Moldova”.

 

In the countryside, sewing  in a factory is a kind if seasonal work which wo