Great Work Dresses

At some point, we all have to get down to business, but that doesn’t mean that all fun is lost. Spice up the hum-drum of the workweek with one of these fashion-forward frocks; classy enough for work, but kick-ass enough for that fierce fashionista inside. These dresses will take you through the 9-5 with something to look forward to every morning, after all -- all work and no play definitely makes Jane a dull girl.

Every so often, we must get back to the basics. But don’t be fooled, there’s nothing basic about Diane Von Furstenberg’s ruffled neck wrap dress with its’ perfectly tailored waist. We prefer to call it, ‘the perfect little black dress’ – for work, of course.

net-a-porter.com $365

Casual Fridays at the office should never mean torn jeans and rock tees. Dress it down a notch with this lightweight cotton frock; exude an air of authority with a crisp collar, but still scream casual with fun pockets on top and bottom.

forever21.com $30

Every gal – especially the working gal – needs some variety in her life, but variety takes time. To get the coordinated look of the perfect skirt and shirt combination, with the unparalleled ease of throwing on a simple dress in your morning rush, try Forever 21’s pleated bodice dress -- the best of both worlds.

forever21.com $35

The ultimate power dress would be boldly-colored, flatteringly cut, and would naturally help to exude an air of confidence and effortless chic. Case and point – Milly’s navy & white shift dress.

net-a-porter.com $274

Sure, a conservative cut is more office appropriate, but that still leaves you with exotic fabrics and bold prints to play with. Paul & Joe’s Principe Tunic dress combine the best of both, in this eye-catching piece.

net-a-porter.com $525

Things are bound to get stressful at work, but try to keep cool in this sleeveless cotton dress. No matter how awry things go, you'll always look smart in this belted black & white number.

forever21.com $23

Show them you mean business, in this seriously-pleated but uber-stylish khaki dress by Celine. Business never looked so good.
net-a-porter.com




What better look for the modern day working-girl, than a mod-look dress? This flattering silhouette needs few accessories to make it pop, leaving you time to tend to more important details.
net-a-porter.com $430



~ Nadeska Alexis

Summer Date Dresses

Its date night and you’re stressing. Is that a pimple? Is your hair too flat? Too much perfume…not enough perfume? Few things can wreak havoc on the nerves of a confident woman like the pressure of getting perfectly dolled up for a magical night out with a new guy. And though there are some things that may be impossible to avoid – hello awkward dinner conversations – your outfit, at least, should be the one thing you can remain totally cool about. Wow him with one of these fabulous dresses; sometimes speechless can be a good thing.





If all else fails, at least you’ll look mercilessly chic in this drop-waist mini dress. Dating can be miserable, but sometimes fashion really can conquer all.
net-a-porter.com $140.






Slip into this sexy, ruffled, satin number for a swanky night out on the town. You’ll make heads turn wherever you go, but he’ll be sure to keep his eyes on you.
Forever21.com $30






There’s something to be said about being demure, and much more to be said about letting loose sometimes. Pull out all the stops in this mini, curve-hugging dress.
net-a-porter.com $150







Feeling a little blue before the big date? That can only mean excitement in this ruffled rosette bubble dress.
forever21.com $23.







Purple is the color of royalty, so what better way to boost your confidence before a date than sporting this regal color?
net-a-porter.com $192








You’ll be his sweetheart, no matter what, in this pink candy-colored chiffon dress. Don this for a romantic dinner, he won’t be able to resist your charms.
forever21.com $30.





Last minute plans for a straight-from-work kind of shindig? No need to fuss, this smart little number will take you right from the office to an impromptu date, without having to break a sweat.
delia's.com $45.







For a low-key, anything-goes kind of date, Marc Jacob’s cotton halter will provide just the right amount of calculated style and free spirited fun you need.
net-a-porter.com $185.


~ Nadeska Alexis

Sexy Gladiator Sandals

Channel your inner goddess in the season's sexy gladiator sandals. A favorite of fashion icons from Aphrodite to Jane Birkin, the classic sandal returns for summer, this time in luxe finishes and with bejewelled accents.



Shopping Info: Modern Vintage $225, Urban Outfitters $48, Sam Edelman $98, Jeffrey Campbell $70, Mystique , Stuart Weitzman $265 , Alexander McQueen $595, Juicy Couture $235

Growth of Textile Industry in Pakistan

Trade has always been an essential part of the human existence. Ever since time immemorial, with the start of communication; men and women of different color, creed and ethnicity have indulged themselves in the economics of the world and have earned their livelihood from it. Be it the barter system, the Silk Route or even the Great Depression, our existence has been linked with trade. In short this act of voluntary exchange of goods and services has been going on for centuries. The commerce of fabric is no stranger to the Indian subcontinent. Ever since partition, officials have sought a higher rate of economic growth in order to lift the population out of poverty. Rapid industrialization was viewed as a basic necessity and as a vehicle for economic growth. For more than two decades, economic expansion was substantial and the-growth of industrial output was striking. Recent years have seen a drastic change/in the industry; especially the textile sector. At the time of independence, present-day Pakistan had only two textile mills. These units were self contained, having all the departments such as ginning, spinning, weaving, dyeing and bleaching as well as processing and printing. Although the printing of textiles was not as developed in those days as it is now, after independence, the process of developing the textile industry started to pick up gradually. By mid-sixties there were about 180 units of textile bleaching, printing and processing units, mostly situated in Karachi and a small number in the Punjab. In 1968, in consequence of change in the basis of collection of excise duty from capacity to production, most of the mills closed down their weaving sections. The looms which were removed from the mills, were installed outside the mills' premises in units of four, which have been exempted from excise duty. About 31, 000 looms since 1969-70, continued to operate in the mill sector even after a general segregation of weaving. This number decreased to only 9,000 looms in the mill sector by the end of June, 2006. In the non-mill sector, a big majority of the units operate at a very low level, having little automatic machinery. In some factories, the printing of textile, is done by spreading the cloth on the top of tables, while pressing design screens on them - a method which is primitive as compared to the process in use by modern and automated factories. According to estimates, textile finishing industry consists of nearly 731 units, the majority of which are independent and complementary to the weaving industry. About 650 independent processing units are working in and around Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Karachi, in which about 50 integrated units have complete finishing facilities. Textiles and clothing trade is a vital part of the world economy with many nations heavily dependent on this sector for foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. Today, textiles and clothing trade accounts for nearly 6% of total world exports. Many of the least developed-and small developing countries have built a huge dependency on the sector which often accounts for more than 90% of industrial exports and more than 50% of total employment. With increased global competition, many sectors within the textile industry are increasing production efficiency. Research, innovations and development in technical textiles, yarn quality, clothing products, process performance, fabric finishing, coloration technology and marketing can bring significant advancements in the textile sector in order to develop market supremacy. :. Fabric processing is the most critical stage of value addition in the entire value chain. Woven or knit fabric can either be dyed or printed, depending upon the requirement of the customer who is the garment manufacturer. The use of colored cotton being unique and attractive has the potential to become a part of cotton fabric and apparel market. After the abolition of quota regime, Asia has become a hub of textile trade as one of the major exporting countries of the region. Instead of importing yarn from Pakistan as the developed nations did, Asian countries have invested heavily in their spinning industries to produce yarn. Pakistani spinners were caught on the wrong foot as they invested heavily in spinning during the last eight years while their market in countries like Japan, the US, European Union and Hong Kong weakened after the textile trade was made quota-free at the start of 2005. According to recent figures, the Pakistan's textile industry contributes more than 60% to the country's total exports, which amounts to around US $ 5.2 billion. The industry contributes around 46% to the total output produced and exported by Pakistan. The contribution of this industry to the total GDP is 8.5%. It provides employment to 38% of the work force in the country, which amounts to 15 million people.

Look at Costume Jewelry

Costume-Jewellery

As per the law of nature, women are more beautiful creatures than men and have always tried to enhance their beauty with various remedies irrespective of the remedies being natural or artificial. Since time immemorial women are known to have constantly created or re-created different ways to look more beautiful. They used to design, stitch and create their own clothes just to stand out from others. When clothes became mundane, they invented ornaments. They adorned themselves with these fineries and added a dash of glamour with these ornaments to even the simplest of clothes they wore. Right from the stone-age women have indulged themselves in jewelry. Even in that era, the bond between a woman and jewelry became obvious.

Flash Back

Way before the discovery of precious metals like gold, silver, copper or bronze etc. women knew how to adorn themselves. They used sea-shells, conches and other fine stones and materials to create their jewelery. The necessity of looking prettier than others paved the way for costume jewellery and it is nothing less than its evolution that these are here now for all to admire. Armed with creativity and imagination jewelers have come up with innumerable designs and countless new types of metals and stones to give variety. The variety in jewelry leaves people astounded as they walk past any jewelry shop. Millions of people admire jewels but because of their high value only very few can actually possess these extravagant ornaments. Ordinary middle class women being deprived of the very expensive jewellery delved into a solution for this problem and thus the concept of costume-jewellery was born.

Old Is Gold

Earlier costume jewelry was all about semi-precious stones, artificial metals coated with gold and silver polish and other chunks of mirror, stone or patch-works, shells or colorful threads, etc. these jewelleries were designed keeping in mind the middle class and poor women and girls who could not afford to spend much on jewelleries and those women who liked to wear jewelleries properly coordinated with their clothes. Gradually costume jewellery became very popular among women of all walks of life. The designs of costume-jewelleries outdid the traditional jewelleries so much so that people has started preferring costume-jewelleries to the traditional jewelleries. Seeing the popularity of jewelleries, the jewelers decided to merge the two distinct styles. Thus costume jewelleries that we now come across are the amalgamation of traditional stones, precious metals etc. in a modern form. The generation next version of costume jewellery is a perfect modernized blend of fashion, glamour and tradition with of course a tint of diamonds, a generous plating of gold and silver or the more coveted platinum with a dash of dazzling brilliance due to the brand name.

Jewelery Genext

People are now more and more fashion conscious and with the desire to leave an impact in the social circuit are ruling out the repetitive designs. This new breed of fashion conscious people are increasing exponentially; thus creating a huge market not only for costume jewelleries but also for jewellery designing. Costume jewellery is not only design in accordance with fashion trends but also according to the taste and preferences of the buyers. As for example during weddings, extravagant affairs in many countries and where a great emphasis is put on jewellery. The bride's jewellery is selected very carefully ensuring that the social status and financial soundness of the bride's family is reflected conspicuously. Needless to say, that the jewelleries are very carefully co-coordinated with the bride's trousseau.

Costume jewellery is just the right the thing for every woman for any occasion. It saves money also and gives reason to flaunt the attire as well as adding radiant confidence to the wearer.

Models 2010

The (oft over-used) term supermodel gets tossed around a lot. But whether or not these catwalk queens have been officially coined with that status, they’re all super in our eyes. Somewhere between strutting down the catwalk in New York and Paris, and shooting high-fashion spreads at some exotic locale in the South Pacific, these beauties have also found time to become social activists, authors, and aspiring actresses–proving that they're much more than just a pretty face.


The Philanthropist: Gisele Bündchen




Her wavy tresses, curvaceous limbs, and bronzed skin aren't the only assets that exude a glistening radiance, Gisele Bündchen also has a heart made of gold. The Brazilian bombshell dedicates her time to a bevy of philanthropic endeavors that are near and dear to her heart: the I Am African and American Express Red Card campaigns (both aim to address the HIV epidemic in Africa), St. Jude Children's Hospital and Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. Her most recent undertaking has been directed towards protecting the Amazon Rainforest and its water sources. By fusing the power of fashion and activism, Bündchen has created a line of sandals named Ipanema Gisele Bündchen, which donates a percentage of its profits to various projects including: Nascentes do Brasil, ISA, Y Ikatu Xingu and De Olho nos Mananciais.

The Designer: Kate Moss


Spurring such trends as the waif look, Kate Moss is a style icon in her own right. When clad in skinny jeans–fashion followed, when she sported the Balenciaga bag, we all coveted one. So what’s a fashionable supermodel to do? Design a clothing brand, of course! Moss released her highly anticipated collection in 2007, which is sold exclusively at Topshop stores. Noted as a muse for many designers, Moss is causing a stir with her own influential style.

The Entrepreneur: Heidi Klum



This gorgeous German-born busy body has the world schwitzing over her blonde tresses, exuberant smile, and well endowed bank account. Ranked as the second highest paid supermodel (Forbes 2008), Heidi Klum has dipped her heels in everything from designing to producing. The long-legged entrepreneur is best known for her role as host and executive producer of the highly watched reality show, Project Runway and Germany’s Next Top Model. Also designing collections for Birkenstock, Jordache, and Victoria’s Secret, and guest starring in several films and television shows, Klum has no plans of slowing down. Move over, Donald Trump–you’re out!

The Student: Lily Cole



Armed in 5-inch heels, Lily Cole is stomping all over industry stereotypes. A dim-witted model? Not this fiery red head. Sought out by fashion hierarchs and magazine editors alike, she is also making an impression on the academic circle, gaining a spot at King’s College of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most academically renowned institutions. She was awarded the Mikdadi Prize for Politics in 2006 and is an adamant environmental ally for Western Shoshone, an organization that seeks to end gold and diamond mining. This doll-faced model has definitely earned an A in our book.

The Actress: Gemma Ward



Keep an eye on fashion’s reining beauty, Gemma Ward. But if you can’t find her strutting down the runway, look no further than the silver screen. Her baby blues have been cast in The Black Balloon (2008), which won a Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for best feature-length film, and in the suspense thriller, The Strangers (2007). This Aussie’s talents are sure to keep her far from down under, Ward is a rising star.

The Writer: Alek Wek


Discovered at an outdoor market in London, Alek Wek’s strikingly unconventional look can be found grazing the catwalks of leading designers across the globe. But what has remained undiscovered, is her unconventional upbringing in the south of Sudan. Published in 2007, Wek released the autobiography, Alek, which probes into those youthful years: the bold escape from a home torn by civil-war and ultimate climb to stardom.


The Singer: Agyness Deyn


Part of this generation’s crop of supermodels, Agyness Deyn has become the new face of fashion. While popping up on every runway, cover and ad campaign, she's also been busy making lyrical strides in the music world. Recently releasing a single titled “Who” with rockers Five O'Clock Heroes and playing in her own punk band, Lucky Knitwear, the adorable Brit seems to have melody teeming in her blood.

The Dancer: Karlie Kloss


Karlie Kloss is no stranger to prancing around on her toes. During New York’s Fall Fashion Week 2008, she rocked a total of 64 shows with her signature down cast walk and deathly stare. But the 15-year old beauty looks far from menacing when gracing a different stage–she spends her off time practicing with the Caston Chamber Ballet. This young and fearless newcomer has got the moves!

Denim Fashion Trends

any spring-summer 2010 fashion shows were carried out under the motto "militarism and craziness" and customized denim fashion revealed these tendencies as well. The most stylish jeans of the season spring-summer 2010 are skinny, torn, of dirty khaki, gray, blue or black colors. They are best of all combined with long sweaters or tops in military style. Other trends are the 1990s and a sexy look.

Dyed jeans are still in, this spring they come in skinny, straight, torn, short and long variants. Another reminder of the 1990s' fashion are custom jeans in grunge style which look as if they have been worn for several seasons. Boyfriend jeans are still popular too. For example, such jeans can be found in the latest collections of Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier, Getwear or Versace. The latter fashion house presented its variation of boyfriend jeans wide on the thighs and tight on the ankles. Unique brand presented their vision of boyfriend style grunge jeans fitting women's figure, however they are also very relaxed and extremely worn.

Extraordinarily embellished subculture jeans will also be fashionable in the coming season. Trussardi presents its extravagant jeans model 1911 with pockets worn and torn. Just Cavalli denim collection is built on the combination of denim fabric with flower ornaments. Jeans decorated with zippers, rivets, chains and prints are also a trend of spring-summer 2010.

Classical jeans are timeless and in the new season they are certainly worn as well. Worn straight-cut classical jeans can be found in the newest collections of D&G, Getwear, William Rast and Alexander McQueen.

Elegant skinny black jeans are a hit of the coming season, as well as cuts, jeggings and gray jeans. Banana Republic brand also presents denim trench coats and worn denim shirts combined with cotton cardigans and linen dresses. Another novelty of spring-summer 2010 is the use of denim patch pockets.

Denim shorts are of immediate interest during hot summer days. They are comfortable and practical. Spring-summer 2010 season presents ultrashort denim shorts of black and red colors. Torn shorts and shorts with cuts are also in. The best shoes to combine them with are ballerinas and shoes with high heels. The best accessories are massive colliers and bracelets, belt-bracelets and massive sunglasses as well as aviator sunglasses.

Jeans with corsage popular during the season autumn-winter 2009/2010 stay for spring and summer, too. Made to measure jeans with corsage are embellished with buttons and lacing and look exquisite especially in dark colors. Such jeans make your waist look slimmer and your legs visually longer, their importance can not be overstated. The best way is to combine jeans with corsage with a white blouse, short bolero or a jeans jacket. All the more so, double denim stays popular during the coming season, too. And don't forget about high heels! Stay tuned!

Perfect Handbag

The handbag is an essential item for most women, helping carry around the day and night's necessitates. Yet despite its importance in functionality, the handbag is also one of the most essential-and stylistically telling-pieces in fashion. Thus, it's important to consider various features when choosing a handbag, to ensure you get the most out of both its functionality and style.

Many women own at least one or two "staple" handbags, which they use everyday and pair with most outfits. What's more, most of these handbags end up being neutral in colour-for example, browns, nudes, or plain black. However, choosing a handbag to mesh with most "looks" doesn't mean it has to be boring. Opt for a unique style, while sticking with a neutral colour and you'll still be able to spice up any outfit. Alternatively, kick it up a notch by choosing a handbag with metallic or subtle print detailing.

However, no one ever said your "staple" handbag can't be colourful. If you're not afraid to stand out, opt for bright hues likered, yellow, orange, green. And don't always worry about your handbag matching with every outfit. A lot of bright coloured handbags -especially those that are solid coloured-will compliment many different outfits. Just remember not to let your handbag-outfit combination get too busy with prints and bright colours.

When it comes to specific "looks", certain styles of handbags are definitely more appropriate. For instance, if you normally dress up for the office, odds are you'll want a handbag to match. Opt for a structured bag with two top handles for a chic, ladylike look.

On the other hand, if you're trying to achieve a more casual look, pick up a messenger bag (which you can find in everything from canvas to leather). Worn across the body, these bags leave your arms free; but they're certainly more stylish than backpacks. Looking for something hip? Sling a slouchy "hobo" style bag over your shoulder. And if your style is a bit edgier, pick up a clutch bag adorned with metal hardware or studs.

Size is another important feature when it comes to choosing a handbag. Ever see anyone walking around with an overstuffed purse? It's not a pretty sight-and it's one purse pitfall that should be avoided at all costs. Sure, we all have days when we carry around more than usual. But if you typically tote a ton around, you're better off sizing up on your handbag.

That being said, however, you should also consider your own size when choosing a handbag. If you're petite, don't carry around a massive bag that overpowers your frame. Instead, opt for something relative to your size. If you tend to carry around a lot in your purse, size up (at most) to a medium bag. On the other hand, if you're tall or broad, a tiny bag will seem too small. Try one that's on the larger side for a look that's better suited to your frame.

Last but not least, learn to let go when it's time for a new handbag. Many women tend to get attached to their handbags-which is not surprising, considering it accompanies them everywhere. But when holes, worn leather, tears, or frayed stitching start to show, it's time to move on to a new bag. Keeping these few tips in mind when shopping for handbags will ensure you get one that suits not only your functional needs, but also your unique style.

Women Fashion Trends 2010

It has rightly been said by fashion gurus that year 2010 is and will continue to be an interesting and exciting year for fashion. With the end of the global financial crisis and recession trend, an upheaval in the fashion world was seen in the beginning of the year and this is continuing. In all the fashion shows that have taken place so far, a new standard of fashion rise up is seen. The latest trends in women fashion 2010 have been inspired by yesteryear's classic styles with a dash of sex, skin, colors, and embellishments and of course attitude and glamour. Let us see some of the latest women fashion trends 2010.

2010 Fashion Colors, Prints and Patterns

There is a mix of soft, delicate styles with sporty look in the Spring/Summer 2010. No doubt, you could trace a touch of past fashion but mixed with modern outlook in this season. The popular colors for the year are neutral shades, sober colors and also other colors like the blues, pinks, browns and surprisingly a color like neon green. An important aspect of women fashion trends in 2010 is that heavy patterns and prints, earthly tones teamed up with bold and outrageous designs are in this year.  So there is nothing wrong or embarrassing to experiment with neutral attire, team up with bright colored footwear like pumps and jewelries to bring some color to your look. Or get yourself a gorgeous dress with huge floral or other prints all over, and team it up with patterned hand bags and stockings and hooped jewelry.

Fashion Trends 2010 in Women Fashion Wear

While the last decade saw the fashion circuit being dominated by tight jeans, the women fashion wear trends in 2010 has seen the emergence of loose pants. So go for a baggy jeans and throw on a loose kurti or tunic this year. Wearing sporting attire is also a trend in 2010. So you can see in the fashion stores, designer jogging suits and fashionable sweat pants. These two trends have clearly shown that fashion 2010 is more focused on comfort, rather than looks.

Hot ladies shorts in bright and vibrant colors have made their way in 2010. Colorful chunky jewelry and accessories and big glasses play a major role in adding glamour to your ensemble. Do not wear too short shorts so as to make yourself a fashion disaster. A sultry and sexy high dress is in for those who do not prefer to wear shorts. This particularly looks good on those who have well toned legs and skin.

Full skirts are out in 2010 and this trend has been replaced bandage skirts. In fact, the fashion designers have concluded that the bandage skirt is the "it" piece of fashionable clothing for women for work or a night out. A fitted top gives the perfect slim figure look, accentuating the waistline. Mini skirts in neutral tones are also in this year.

Women fashion trend 2010 has also seen the casual fitted t-shirts paired with denim jeans looking good on women for that cool look. Denim jeans will never be going out of fashion. There is a comeback of torn jeans teamed with white t-shirt.

Business suits in the form of blazers and formal trousers are still in, giving importance to masculine gender dresses. This has now been extended to long length blazers with leggings or shorts, with beads and bangles for that feminine look. The knee length capri, showing off a toned calf, is also seen among the younger lot in 2010. It is decent, cool and still looks hot.

Another fashion trend that is seen in 2010 is to be bold and beautiful with some revealing styles. Long, floor length dresses are gone. In fact women are willing to go sleeveless with strong lines to look sexy just by displaying enough cleavage, and a cut at the waist defining the curves rather than being covered by wearing a long dress.  The revealing fabric is in fashion.