Spreading Knowledge

Spreading knowledge amongst the women of the world.




Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Candle-holders How-To

It's getting so close to that merry, cheery time where families all over the world bask in the warmth of loved ones, open gifts, feast on a delicious meal, or share stories of past Christmas's. And some people may be out today, getting that last minute Christmas shopping in.

Today, I have a cute gift idea that's quick, easy, and inexpensive. Spending about seven dollars, I created a Christmas Candle-holder.
 These candle-holders are simple to make and perfect for your mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, or best friend!
 Materials needed:
  • Glue
  • Glitter (I choose red and silver, but you can do as many colors as you wish)
  • Tea candles
  • Tea candle holders
  • Paint brush
  • Small plate (or a small mirror would work)
  • Glass stones
  • Hot glue gun
Step 1: Using the paint brush, coat glue around the rim of the plate. Be sure to not use too much or too little.
 Step 2: After you have coated the rim, take the glitter and lightly sprinkle it on the glue. Once you have covered the glue completely, dump the excess glitter off. Repeat this step as many times as you wish with the other colors.
 Step 3: Take one of the candle-holders, and using the glue, create a design along the rim of the candle-holder.
 Step 4: Using the glitter, coat the glue completely. After you have finished, dump the excess glitter off the candle-holder. You may repeat this step with more than one color of glitter.
 Step 5: Take the plate and using the hot glue gun, put a dime-size amount of glue in the middle of the plate.
 Step 6: Afterwards, take the candle-holder and firmly press it on top of the glue.
 Step 7: Using the stones, create a simple design around the candle-holder. Then using the hot glue gun, glue the stones into place using a pea-size amount of glue. Firmly press the stones down.
 Step 8: Allow the product to dry. Place the candle inside the holder, and you have a cute Christmas Present to give to the family.
~~ReneA P.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Dressing to the Theme: Holiday Party

It's that time of the year again where people are out shopping for gifts, baking delicious treats, caroling to their favorite songs, decorating the house, lighting candles, and simply being merry! Another upside to this Holiday Season are the parties you get to go to with family or friends.

I have put together some simple outfits to help inspire those in need of fashion advice! No need to thank me!

Sparkle

Attending a formal holiday party? Shine like a snowflake in a glitter dress paired with glitter heels and a silver headband. Add to the festive look with a mistletoe necklace.


Crazy Sweater

Take that crazy sweater and doll it up in skinny jeans, black boots with fur, and a Santa hat. Finish the look with silver jewelry, such as these adorable reindeer earrings and crystal, Christmas tree pendant necklace.

Santa's Helper

Don't own an elf costume? No worries! Take a long sleeve, evergreen sweater and pair it with a red skirt (perhaps Peplum....). Then add to the festive look with glitter, black ankle boots, a Charter Club Watch from Macy's, a Baroque waist belt, and an elf hat...that comes with ears!

That's all for now dolls! Happy Holidays!
~~ReneA P.



Friday, November 30, 2012

Fashion Lesson: Gothic Fashion

Recently, my friend and I were discussing a previous conversation from months ago. She told me that a girl she knew, who clearly dislikes her, had asked where my friend got her Gothic clothing from. What upset me the most was the girl had mistaken my friend's style as Gothic! Clearly this is wrong. Just because my friend wears dark colors and corsets does not make her goth. Thus, I decided to research a little on the history of Gothic Fashion, a time period starting in 1200 AD to present day.

My friend's heritage is Celtic, so her dress is more of a modern-day Celtic look. Although it's true, she loves wearing corsets, laced boots, long skirts, and dark colors, such as black, red, brown, and dark blue, her style is far from being goth.

The Early Gothic time period began in 1200, where the dress was elegant and sophisticated. There were simple cuts, lower necklines, and shorter tunics being worn. Men would typically wear their hair as bobs reaching the jawline with bangs across the forehead, while women allowed their hair to flow pass their shoulders. Married women, however, wore buns at the nape which they covered with wimples or gorgets.

Photo Credit|| One example of the styles worn during this time period.
The Later Gothic period began around 1350. Men continued to wear bobs, though during this time, the ends were slightly curled. Exposing the neck was common amongst many of the women during this time, and their hair was covered in either netting or round cages.

As time changed throughout the course of history, fabrics became more stiff, and the styles were greatly shifting to exaggerate the upper silhouette, which made use of crisp pleats, tight belts, padded doublets, and leg-o-mutton sleeves.
Photo: Sir Walter Raleigh and his son, wearing a Padded Doublet|| Photo: Leg-o-mutton sleeve

The color palette composed of jewel-toned shades, such as reds, greens, golds, and blues. Mixed with browns and tans, the fashions produced humble, soft, and intense looks. As time progressed, we see a shift in the color scheme. Goth fashions are borrowed styles from Elizabethan, Victorian, or Medieval time periods, and may also be compose of black clothing, black fingernails, black (typically dyed) hair, and religious imaginary with the use of pentacles or medieval crosses.
Photo Credit|| Lady Amaranth
Photo Credit|| Taylor Momsen

Gothic Fashion emerged during the same time as the Punk music explosion. Though first shown in the 1970's-early 80's through underground music scene, Gothic Fashion showcases the body. Though considered morbid and gruesome to most, Gothic Fashions produce a blend of styles and textures to create a sophisticated and sexy look. Gothic culture and fashion has a great influence on society today. Some notable fashion designers that incorporate goth style into their designs are John Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano. This style is called Haute Goth, where the themes and imagery  of Macabre, darkness, and sex appeal are blended and interrupted to create an interesting and eccentric look.
Photo Credit|| Haute Goth Couture
Photo Credit|| Haute Goth Couture


Photo Credit|| Haute Goth Couture

Photo Credit|| Haute Goth Couture

Photo Credit|| Haute Goth Couture

Well, that's all for now dolls! Here's just a little history on Gothic Fashion. Lata!
~~ReneA P.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Ways to Wear It: Houndstooth Peplum Skirt

Hey loves! Hope everyone enjoyed their wondrous Thanksgiving meal! I love getting to see my family, and just watch my cousins grow (some grow more than I expect!) Recently, I went shopping with my mother and sister, and found the cutest skirt: a houndstooth peplum skirt! I got it for $15 at my local "It's Fashion." So I put together this post on different ways to dress this skirt!

The Skirt- Peplum Houndstooth Skirt


"Rock Me"



 Get at rocker look by pairing the skirt with a long sleeve, crop top and a leather jacket. Complete the look with studded combat boots and bangles.

 

 "Pretty Kitty"

 Pair the skirt with a cute, kitty top. Then finish the look with flats and bow earrings for a sweet finish.

 

"Working Overtime"

Have a presentation in class soon? Pair the skirt with a blouse and blazer. Then strut to school in gorgeous pumps and slouchy bag. Embellish your hairdo with a simple headband.

That's all for now dolls! Love!

~~ReneA P.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Fall Styles

It's fall time, meaning we get to bundle up in our gorgeous sweaters and slip on boots.Keep warm and look stylish in these styles!


Fall Styles
Pullover Shirt, Leggings, Boots, Beret, Bag, Scarf

Keep warm in a pullover shirt and grey leggings. Complete the look with a knit beret, scarf, and slouch boots.








Pull out a gorgeous high-low skirt in oxblood and pair it with a black sweater and black flats. Complete your look with feather earrings, bangles, an owl pendant necklace, and leather satchel.




The weather's changing, so incorporate earth tones in tweed shorts, a tan, knit top, faux leather jacket, patterned tights, and laced-up boots!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

This Girl is on Fire

Hey dolls! Whew, so sorry for my long absent. I've been caught up in school work, college applications, and my fashion designs. However, I have been brainstorming new topics for the blog, and I plan to work more on the blog! Lately I have been on the website, Polyvore, and I thought, "I should create outfits and feature them on TheFashion..?!" So by using Polyvore (and my styling skills!), I am here today to talk about Alicia Keys' new music video, "Girl on Fire."

Have you all seen it? The video is cute and empowering for women, especially mothers! So I took a few lyrics and interrupted them into fashion outfits!

"This Girl is on Fire!"

This Girl is on Fire
Photo Credit|| Top, Skirt, Sports Bra, Bangle, Bracelet Set, Lipstick
In the video, Alicia portrays a hardworking housemother who works to feed her family, care for her mother, clean the house, and I believe she pays bills. I consider Alicia as an influential woman, who has the determination and drive to influence the youth, work hard on her career, and care for her husband and little Egypt.

Be that girl on fire in a tangerine pencil skirt matched with a bow back top and a sports bra underneath. Wear bangles for a powerful and stylish look, then coat your lips in a deep red color for the finish touch.




"They can see the flame that's in her eyes"



Aren't Alicia's kids just adorable? She played mom to these little angels in the video, and looked good cleaning and cooking! Like Alicia, channel your inner caretaker in a lemonade tank top paired with a sequin miniskirt, tan pumps, and a gold watch. Sophisticated yet über-stylish!










"She's a flame"



Whoever was in charge of the wardrobe, I seriously need to get in contact with them! This dress--simple, sophisticated, and absolutely lovely has gotten my attention the moment I saw it. In the outfit I created, I have a turquoise, satin dress paired with lemon heels and a matching bangle. Paint your nails in a lovely red for a fiery look.







And of course, if you haven't seen the video: you need to! I give it a 5-star rating!

That's all for now dolls! Until next time ;)
~~ReneA P.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Fashions Inspired by the VMAs

Hey dolls! So the upcoming research project is coming along great! I'm finding some really cool information from many different sites and other blogs. However, I'm here today to talk about the VMAs on last Thursday! Many of my fave stars were presented, and the fashions were just lovely! Kevin Hart made jokes, One Direction won three awards awards! And Alicia Keys (plus Egypt attended the night with her! AWWWW!) preformed with Nicki Minaj and Gabby Douglas! So it was one fun night for sure! And here are some fashions inspired from the night!

Kevin Hart: Leap of Faith

Photo Credit
Kevin Hart was the host, and he had the best time doing so. Cracking jokes on many of the attendees (including Drake and Chris Brown) and of course making a fool of himself (remember his "Three-Chain" skit and welcoming The Wanted skit), Kevin kept us all laughing...or mad (hmmm, seem a bit upset RiRi)?

One of Kevin Hart's highlights of the night was his crowd surf as he leaped into the crowd after his opening monologue about Hollywood Celeberties' mistakes.

In the outfit I created, I have a blazer matched with a white top and denim pants. I also have a pair of white converse and a swirl cuff. Like Kevin Hart in his Business Casual outfit, you too can crowd surf!

Blazer, Top, Pants, Shoes, Bracelet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P!nk: Blow Me (One Last Kiss)

Photo Credit
P!nk preformed her new single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" for the first time on the VMA stage. Her signature stunt is being lifted in the air (Shelley Rome even commented on her performances being like Cirque du Soleil). Of course like P!nk's powerhouse vocals, her style is impeccable and edgy.

In the look I created, I have a white top matched with high-waist shorts. To get that P!nk rocker look, add pink, fingerless gloves, suspenders, and black heels. And don't forget that last kiss...and a lips pendant necklace!

Top, Shorts, Shoes, Gloves, Necklace, Tights, Suspenders





 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicki Minaj: I Am Your Leader

Photo Credit
Nicki was presented at the VMAs, supporting Drake and Lil' Wayne, collecting her award for "Best Female Video," and preforming alongside Alicia Keys in "Girl on Fire." And of course, Nicki must command attention as she was dressed in a black lace jumpsuit with red detail.

In the outfit I created, I found a black lace, one-shoulder dress and paired it with glittery pumps. To get the red detail on Nicki Minaj's jumpsuit, wear red drop earrings with a red beaded, layered necklace, and rings. Pucker up with this red lipgloss and show em who's boss!
Dress, Shoes, Necklace, Ring set, Ring, Lip gloss, Earrings





 

 

 

 

 

 

Alicia Keys: Girl on Fire

Photo Credit
Alicia Keys is back and preforming her new single, "Girl on Fire" with Nicki Minaj and guest appearance by Gabby Douglas! While Alicia was preforming, her husband, Swizz Beatz, and baby boy, Egypt, rooted for her in the audience. Alicia was most definitely sparkling and glowing in her ensemble!

In the outfit I created, I have a gold, knit sweatshirt (perfect for the changing weather) matched with wide-leg, black trousers. To match Alicia's accessories, I found these sophisticated heels, hoop earrings, a swirl ring, and a simple bangle. Like Alicia's belt, I found this adjustable chair belt, fit for any waist-size.


Top, Pants, Belt, Bangle, Ring, Earrings, Shoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wanted: I'll just take you all home, and then everyone wins!

Photo Credit
Okay, I most definitely agree with Rebel Wilson about choosing between the boys (though I wasn't feeling that...um, T-shirt of hers). But of course, it's no joke that we all would rather have each of the handsome British-Irish band mates (no fighting dolls!) The boys looked spiffy in their suits, making hearts swoon!

To get a sophisticated, yet edgy look, I have this simple blouse matched with edgy faux, leather pants and a polka-dot blazer. Also added are black, buckle boots, a brown watch, and a mustache necklace (super cute!)

Blazer, Blouse, Pants, Boots, Necklace, Watch


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Direction: We've had this award for two seconds and already we broke it so there's a good start!

Photo Credit
First, congratz to the boys for wining not one, but three awards Thursday night! That was simply amazing, and I'm so proud! Now, it's been two years the boys have been together, and their journey has been a twisted rollorcoaster with breaking records, rumors, crazed fans...and new hairdos!

Let's celebrate the boys' win, yet still keep it stylish, in these simple, grey wash jeans and a plaid shirt. Expose your 1D T-shirt and sport out some Pastry sneakers!

Plaid Shirt, 1D T-shirt, Jeans, Sneakers






Taylor Swift: Like...Ever!

Photo Credit
Taylor changed her hair, her look, and her attitude. Why? Because she's, like, never ever getting back together with him...like ever!

Taylor closed the show with her spectacular performance of "We are Never Ever Getting Back Together"--the song that every girl should listen to when stuck in that crazy, twisted, confusing relationship. And I'm guessing leaping into the crowd is a new trend (Lil' Wayne attempted to crowd-surf when on stage with 2 Chainz).

As for the outfit I've created, I have some gorgeous shorts matched with this lovely, striped sweater (like Taylor's). Also included are these red pumps, dark shades, and red lipstick because you have a new attitude, and you're like never getting back together...like ever!
Sweater, Shorts, Heels, Shades, Lipstick



















Well the VMAs was a glorious night! Talk to ya lata dolls!
~~ReneA P.