#Linen vs. cotton for travel
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#fabric linen#painted fabric#ahimsa silk#clothe store#Sustainable travel clothing#Best fabrics for travel#Breathable fabrics for hot weather#Ethical clothing manufacturing#Eco-friendly fabrics for fashion#Custom fabric printing#Bulk fabric suppliers#Organic cotton fabric suppliers#Sustainable fashion brands#Travel-friendly clothing tips#Secondary Keywords (Supporting SEO)#Best clothing for India travel#Linen vs. cotton for travel#Khadi fabric for travel#Hemp textiles for fashion#Private label clothing production#Ethical garment production#Cultural clothing tips for India#Comfortable travel outfits#Best fabric for humid weather#Organic cotton fabric#Natural dyed fabrics#Fabrics wholesale#Tussar silk fabric#Woolen fabrics (US) / Woollen fabrics (India)#Canvas fabric
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☀️ Caccioppoli Napoli: Light Elegance for Spring & Summer


Discover the new spring/summer fabrics from Caccioppoli Napoli—crafted in Naples for effortless style on warm days.
🌱 Wool–Linen–Silk:
Natural blends for breathability, lightness, and Mediterranean elegance. Wool gives structure, linen adds freshness, silk brings a soft sheen. Perfect for both sporty jackets and summer wedding looks.
👔 Why these fabrics?
• Light (270–290g/m), yet structured
• Versatile for unlined/half-lined jackets
• Great with cotton or linen trousers
• For relaxed, stylish outfits—ideal for grooms, events, or daily wear
🔹 Rich textures & patterns:
From airy hopsacks to glen checks and herringbone—subtle colour nuances and unique weaves bring every piece to life.
🧵 Bespoke tailoring, summer-ready:
A custom jacket in these fabrics means breathability, movement, and a perfect fit. Optional unlined, half-lined, or extra features for comfort and travel.
Jacketing vs. Suiting:
Jacketing: lively, textured fabrics for separate blazers & travel jackets.


youtube
Suiting:
smoother, coordinated fabrics for complete suits—also available in lightweight summer blends.


youtube
Examples of garments made from a wool-linen-silk fabric:



Click on the images to visit their respective pages!
👉 Read more & see the full story at www.deoost.com
#woollinensilk#summerweddingsuit#weddingstyle#groomsuit#summerfabrics#italianfabric#caccioppoli#bespoketailoring#menswear#luxuryfabric#Youtube
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Suit Tailoring Services in Dubai
Dubai is known for its luxury, innovation, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, and that extends to fashion—especially when it comes to men’s and women’s tailored suits. Whether you're preparing for a business meeting, a wedding, or simply want to upgrade your wardrobe, suit tailoring services in Dubai offer the perfect blend of craftsmanship, quality, and style. With countless tailoring shops and luxury ateliers spread across the city, Dubai has become a hub for bespoke tailoring, attracting both residents and tourists who seek perfectly fitted garments.
Why Tailored Suits Are Popular in Dubai
Tailored suits provide a level of sophistication and personal expression that off-the-rack options simply can’t match. In Dubai, where fashion meets culture, a sharp suit is often a symbol of professionalism and prestige. Whether you're a corporate executive, an entrepreneur, or a groom preparing for your big day, tailored suits are an essential part of formal and business attire in the region.
Some reasons for the rising demand for tailored suits in Dubai include:
The diverse expatriate population with varied tastes and styles
A growing number of corporate professionals who require formal business wear
Frequent luxury events, galas, and weddings requiring custom attire
A local culture that values presentation and personal grooming

What to Expect from Suit Tailoring Services in Dubai
1. Bespoke vs. Made-to-Measure
In Dubai, tailors typically offer bespoke and made-to-measure suit services.
Bespoke tailoring involves crafting a suit entirely from scratch based on your body measurements, fabric choices, and design preferences. It includes multiple fittings and personalized detailing.
Made-to-measure suits are created from pre-existing templates that are adjusted to fit your measurements. It’s faster and more affordable than bespoke but still offers customization.
2. Fabric Selection
One of the key attractions of tailoring in Dubai is the wide range of premium fabrics available—from Italian wool and Egyptian cotton to silk, cashmere, and linen blends. Tailors typically offer:
Super 100s to Super 180s wool
Summer-friendly lightweight fabrics
Luxurious lining materials
Seasonal and trendy colors
3. Personalized Styling
Dubai tailors are known for their attention to detail. You can customize:
Jacket lapel style (notch, peak, shawl)
Pocket design
Button placement and count
Inner lining color
Stitching details
Embroidery (such as initials)
Trouser fit and length
Top Areas for Suit Tailoring in Dubai
1. Bur Dubai and Karama
These areas are home to some of Dubai’s most affordable and skilled tailors. Shops here cater to both locals and expats looking for budget-friendly yet well-fitted suits.
2. Al Barsha and Al Qouz
Mid-range tailoring shops are located in these areas, offering a balance between price and craftsmanship. Many provide fast turnaround services, perfect for travelers or busy professionals.
3. Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai
If you’re looking for luxury bespoke tailoring, head to Jumeirah or Downtown. Many international and local designers have flagship stores and ateliers in these upscale neighborhoods.
Leading Tailors and Boutiques in Dubai
Here are some of the most popular tailoring services for suits:
1. Ascot & Chapels
A premium British tailoring brand in DIFC offering bespoke suits with a touch of heritage. They cater to professionals and high-net-worth individuals.
2. Collars & Cuffs
Located in JLT, they are known for affordable custom-made suits with a wide range of fabric options and same-day alterations.
3. Knights & Lords
A luxury bespoke tailoring house in Jumeirah, Knights & Lords is popular among CEOs, grooms, and fashion-savvy clients.
4. Kachins Couture
Operating for over four decades, Kachins is a household name in Dubai tailoring, especially known for wedding and formal wear.
5. Stitch In Time
Conveniently located in multiple malls, this chain offers quick alterations and made-to-measure suits with a modern aesthetic.
Wedding Suit Tailoring Services
Dubai tailors also specialize in custom wedding suits for grooms, groomsmen, and even fathers of the bride/groom. These suits can be styled in:
Classic black-tie
Tuxedos with shawl lapels
Traditional Sherwanis or Indo-western outfits
Custom three-piece suits with matching accessories
Tailors usually offer trial fittings and advice on color coordination with the bride’s dress or wedding theme.
Turnaround Time and Pricing
Basic made-to-measure suits: 3 to 5 working days
Bespoke suits: 2 to 4 weeks, depending on complexity
Urgent orders: Express services are available with extra fees
Pricing Estimate:
Made-to-measure: AED 800 to AED 2,000
Bespoke: AED 2,500 to AED 8,000+
Luxury designer suits: AED 10,000 and above
Tips for Choosing the Right Tailor in Dubai
Read reviews – Google, Instagram, and local forums provide helpful customer feedback.
Ask for samples – View previous works or try on sample suits.
Be clear about your requirements – Provide pictures, measurements, or design references.
Check fabric authenticity – High-quality tailors will guide you on genuine fabrics and offer certification.
Schedule fittings – Always go for at least two fittings to ensure the perfect fit.
Why Dubai is a Suit Tailoring Destination
Dubai’s suit tailoring industry is unique because it combines:
Cultural diversity – Tailors can cater to global fashion tastes, from European to Asian styles.
Innovation – Many tailors use digital measurement tools and 3D modeling.
Luxury and convenience – Tailoring shops in malls, hotels, and business hubs make the service accessible to everyone.
Excellent customer service – Most offer door-to-door services, mobile fittings, and home delivery.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a perfectly fitted suit that blends elegance, comfort, and personal style, suit tailoring services in Dubai are your go-to solution. From budget-friendly tailors in Bur Dubai to luxury ateliers in Jumeirah, there’s a wide spectrum of choices for every occasion and price point.
With the right tailor, a great suit can do more than fit well—it can elevate your confidence, enhance your presence, and leave a lasting impression.
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Effortless Style: A Deep Dive into Plus Size Casual Dresses
When it comes to fashion, comfort and confidence should always go hand in hand. For many plus-size individuals, finding the perfect balance between style and ease can feel like a challenge. That’s where plus size casual dresses come into play—offering the ideal combination of relaxed fit, flattering silhouettes, and fashion-forward designs.
But what exactly makes a casual dress perfect for a plus-size body? And how can you build a wardrobe that embraces your curves while keeping things effortlessly stylish? Let’s break it down.
Rethinking Casual Fashion: It’s More Than Just Basic
Casual fashion isn’t just about throwing on the first thing in your closet. It’s about curating pieces that fit your personality, lifestyle, and body shape.
The era when plus-size fashion was limited to baggy, unstructured clothing is long gone. Today, plus size casual dresses come in a variety of styles, cuts, and fabrics designed to enhance your shape while keeping you comfortable. Whether you’re heading to brunch, running errands, or simply lounging at home, there’s a dress that fits every occasion.
Breaking Down the Essentials of Plus Size Casual Dresses
Let’s explore the key elements that make a casual dress perfect for plus-size women:
1. The Right Fit: Tailored vs. Oversized
Structured silhouettes (like A-line or wrap dresses) define the waist and create an elongated effect.
Relaxed-fit styles (like shift or T-shirt dresses) offer comfort without feeling shapeless.
Adjustable elements (like tie-waists, elastic bands, and ruching) provide flexibility for different body types.
💡 Tip: When shopping, avoid dresses that are too tight or too loose—aim for a balance that flatters your figure without sacrificing comfort.
2. Fabric Choices That Flatter and Flow
Cotton & Jersey: Breathable, soft, and perfect for all-day wear.
Linen & Rayon: Light, airy, and great for warm weather.
Knit & Sweater Dresses: Cozy options for cooler months.
💡 Tip: Stretchy fabrics can provide ease of movement, but structured materials offer a more polished look.
3. Dress Length: Mini, Midi, or Maxi?
Mini Dresses: Fun and flirty but can be paired with leggings for a casual-chic vibe.
Midi Dresses: The most versatile length, ideal for everyday wear.
Maxi Dresses: Effortlessly stylish, elongates the frame, and works well for all body types.
💡 Tip: Midi and maxi lengths are universally flattering and can be dressed up or down with accessories.
4. Sleeve Styles That Make a Difference
Cap Sleeves & Short Sleeves: Great for warm weather without feeling too bare.
Three-Quarter Sleeves: A perfect in-between option that offers slight coverage.
Long Sleeves & Bell Sleeves: Ideal for a boho or elegant casual look.
💡 Tip: If you prefer sleeveless dresses but want coverage, layering with a light cardigan or denim jacket can complete the look.
Styling Plus Size Casual Dresses for Different Occasions
Dresses aren’t just for special events. Here’s how you can make plus size casual dresses work for different everyday moments:
1. Weekend Errands & Coffee Runs ☕
Go for a simple T-shirt dress paired with white sneakers.
Add a denim jacket for a touch of cool.
Opt for a crossbody bag to keep things hands-free.
2. Casual Workdays & Zoom Calls 💻
A midi wrap dress with subtle prints makes a great balance between comfort and professionalism.
Pair with flats or ankle boots for an office-ready feel.
Add minimal jewelry to elevate the look.
3. Brunch Dates & Outings with Friends 🥂
A flowy floral maxi dress screams effortless chic.
Layer with a light shrug or cropped cardigan.
Choose wedge sandals for added height without discomfort.
4. Travel & Vacation Looks ✈️
A breezy A-line dress with pockets is a travel must-have.
Pair with comfortable slip-ons or espadrilles.
Don’t forget a wide-brim hat for extra sun protection.
Confidence Comes First: Embracing Your Body in Every Outfit
No matter what dress you choose, confidence is the most important accessory. Society has long dictated unrealistic beauty standards, but fashion is evolving, and body positivity is taking center stage.
Here’s how you can embrace plus size casual dresses with confidence:
✅ Own Your Style – Wear what makes you feel beautiful, not just what trends dictate. ✅ Experiment with Colors & Prints – Don’t shy away from bold hues and fun patterns. ✅ Find Your Signature Look – Whether it’s a favorite silhouette or a go-to accessory, make it yours. ✅ Comfort is Key – If you feel good, you’ll look good.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Plus-Size Wardrobe Needs Casual Dresses
Dresses are one of the easiest and most versatile pieces to style. Investing in plus size casual dresses means you’ll always have a go-to outfit that’s comfortable, stylish, and effortlessly chic.
Remember, fashion is all about expressing yourself. Whether you prefer minimalist designs, bold prints, or timeless classics, there’s a casual dress out there that’s perfect for you.
So, embrace your curves, step out in confidence, and make everyday dressing a celebration of your personal style!
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Artisan clothing is one of those buzzwords, that everyone uses, but no one seems to know exactly what it is. It is often pigeonholed as “handmade.” But, in reality, everything in fashion is hand made – because, there is no automatic t-shirt machine. All clothes are sewn at a sewing machine by real people by hand. So, what exactly is artisan fashion? And does it really create more ethical and sustainable supply chains? I am going to explain all of that in this artisan fashion article. BUT BEFORE WE GET STARTED... I love helping startup brand founders succeed, so I created a bunch of free guides that will help you with your business. They won’t be free forever, so make sure to grab them while you can. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN NO TIME TO READ? CHECK OUT THIS 60 SECOND SLIDE SHOW! WHAT IS ARTISAN CLOTHING? Image from Studio Tia Artisan clothing is basically the complete opposite of fast fashion. And, it is often confused with fair trade. But, they are not the same. That is because, fair trade is an actual certification, while artisan is a loser term. There technically is not official definition of artisan fashion. But, for me, for something to be artisan, it needs to check three boxes. 1: IS IT HANDMADE? I know I said that all fashion is technically handcrafted. But, today, thanks to technology, a lot of practices and jobs have been automated by machines. For something to be artisan, it must be handmade clothing, with limited development from machines. Here’s an example, remember how I mentioned that all clothes are made on sewing machines by hand? For a garment to be artisan, it would need to be made without the sewing machine and just a person stitching by hand. See the difference? Now stitching a garment by hand, without a sewing machine, is a very difficult and labor intensive process. For that reason, many brands will pick and choose different artisan components in their designs. It gets a little confusing, but, here's and example. So, on a machine sewn shirt, they might add some artisan hand embroidery. For me, for something to be artisan fashion, the whole thing does not have to be fully artisinal, but it should incorporate some handmade artisan techniques. 2: IS IT LOCAL? Artisan clothing is the opposite of global modern supply chain. All components should be local. Here is another example. For that same shirt we were just talking about to be truly artisan-made, the fabric should be woven or knit locally, and it should be dyed locally as well. So for this shirt example, if were making it in India. I would probably opt for organic cotton, which is local to the country, instead of linen which suppliers need to import from China or Belgium. Basically, the components (or ingredients) that make up the garment should not be traveling from all over the world; they should come from what is available regionally. 3: DOES IT HAVE A HISTORY? Artisan fashion should tell a story about culture. The craftsmanship should have roots. So, let's talk about that same artisan shirt. Yea, technically, a bright rainbow tie dye shirt is made by hand (think like The Grateful Dead kind) – but tie dye techniques like this have nothing to do with the region. If we really wanted to make an artisan shirt with a tie-dye effect, we would use Bandhani (I’ll share more about this technique soon), which is a traditional Indian tie-dye technique. DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE? Artisan clothing is so much more than crafts. It’s a local, cultural movement. ARTISAN VS COUTURE Now that you understand what artisan fashion is, let’s talk about couture fashion. In contrast, couture fashion is luxury fashion that’s custom-made for a client using high-quality materials and design techniques. The word itself—Couture--comes from the French word for sewing; couture designers often create custom gowns for well-known clients such as actors and models.Oftentimes in the world of couture fashion, specific measurements are taken of the person who will wear the gown, to be sure the custom-made garment is tailored to perfectly fit their body. Generally, artisan clothing is not made for an individual, and it can be mass-produced. But, here's the thing, many of the handmade, high attention-to-detail components we see in couture are also in artisan clothes. And, while all artisans are highly skilled, they are not all at the level of skill that a couture person is. PROS OF ARTISAN CLOTHING Image from Muzungusi Sisters You know I love it. Here’s why you should too. ONE OF A KIND (Without the price tag.) Think about your favorite article of clothing. I’ll give you a minute. I bet whatever you just envisioned has some sort of an emotional connection to you. Maybe it was the outfit you met your significant other in, maybe it’s your lucky jersey, or maybe it’s a hand me down from your grandmother. While I have no idea what you thought of, I am willing to bet it made you feel something.Items that cannot be purchased just “anywhere” make you feel pretty darn good when you wear them. They’re unique. Artisan clothing is similar. With artisan fashion, you are wearing something few people own. It’s special. While artisanal clothing can technically be mass-produced, (I’ll get more into that later) because each piece is really being made by hand, they are all a little bit different. PRESERVES CULTURES AND CREATES JOBS I already mentioned that to be artisanal fashion, the techniques, and materials must have strong roots in the local culture. The sad thing is that in many places, these traditions are dying. Younger generations no longer want to do the jobs their parents have done for generations and want new opportunities. They want to get jobs in cities and work in office buildings. They aspire to be working that 9-5 corporate grind, or to become TikTok famous. I have met with artisans from India to Italy. And the story is always the same. They are desperate for young hands to take over the traditions. One of the biggest reasons why younger people do not want these jobs is because they don’t believe there is a future in them. For decades machines have been taking over the fashion industry, and artisans have found it hard and harder to find new brands to take on as clients. Thankfully with the rising popularity of sustainable and ethical fashion, more brands are becoming interested in reviving these techniques, so in recent years business has actually been quite good for many artisans, including female artisans. But, if the trend of conscious fashion dies, so will these craftspeople's livelihoods. JOB CREATION A lot of artisan work is done in remote villages. And, this is important. Because in many countries, it is difficult, if not impossible, to find work. It is not uncommon for husbands and adult children to leave their home, go to larger cities, find work, and send money back to their families in the villages. It’s a hard and lonely life. With artisan-made fashion, we are seeing jobs return to villages. People are able to work and stay at home with their families. And, IMO, this is of the most important benefits of artisanal work - improving people's quality of life. HIGHLY SKILLED WORKERS Artisans begin training when they are children. And, no - it’s not child labor. Think of it this way. Famous authors started learning how to read and write when they were five. Doctors started learning about biology in middle school. Just like a white color job, training for artisan skills starts at a young age. Because many of these crafts use complex techniques it can take years to learn, and decades to perfect. And, let me be clear. Starting to learn a technical skill from a young age is not the same as working in a factory. Because of their lifelong training, artisans tend to have extremely high skill sets and can work with almost machine-like procession. Now, like anything of course, there are people who aren’t so great at their jobs. But, in general, when you work with artisans, they are going to be able to produce a very high-quality product because of all of their years of practice. ARTISAN CLOTHING AND SUSTAINABILITY Image from Caravana Generally, artisan made products help to reduce manufacturing carbon footprints. Artisans usually do not use machinery that gobbles up electricity, and they tend to stay away from processes that emit dangerous toxins into the air, opting for more natural techniques. One of my favorite examples of this is khadi fabric. And, if you know me, you know I love it. Khadi is a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric from India. It has been estimated that the fashion industry uses over 132 tons of coal for fabric weaving alone. Khadi manufacturing uses none, because everything in the supply chain is done by hand. Even the cotton picking uses people instead of machines. MASS PRODUCTION IS POSSIBLE Image from Caravana Yes, you can scale while still working with artisans. And, hear me out, this is a good thing. There are currently more artisans than orders. Meaning, a lot of artisans are hoping for work. The bigger orders brands can provide, the more people they can help employ. What brands usually do is they will start with one artisan group (also called clusters). And, when that group has reached its max and can’t take on any new orders because they are too busy, they will then find other communities to start working with. One of the best examples of artisan craft at scale is Build A Nest. Build A Nest works to connect big brands like West Elm, Patagonia, and even Tory Burch to help them meet and work with artisans from all over the world. They even help small startup brands too! A FEW OF MY FAVORITE ARTISAN TECHNIQUES Image from Lemlem BLOCK PRINTING Block printing involves printing on textiles using carved wooden blocks. The block is dipped in ink, and stamped directly onto the fabric or paper to create a design. You can check out the block print process here. And, watch me doing my own block printing in Jaipur here! TIE DYE SHABORI: This is a traditional, Japanese dyeing technique in which patterns are created on fabric via binding, compressing, and twisting the material before the dye is applied. The dye then seeps into the fabric in different areas, creating unique designs. Traditionally indigo dye is used, but today shibori techniques are used for other types of dyes as well. BANDHANI: Is the Indian version of Shibori. But, instead of binding with blocks and other tools, the fabric is twisted and tied with small pieces of string. EMBROIDERY AND BEADING This is an intricate art form in which designs are hand stitched into the fabric, using a needle and thread. The process is extremely time-consuming. Beads can also be added to the technique to create more elaborate and textured designs. LACE MAKING This dates back to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries; it’s an art form greatly appreciated for its intricacy. Did you know that lace-making is basically embroidery? Threads are stitched into a special fabric, the fabric backing is then dissolved, and you are left with only the stitches - this is lace. KNITTING AND WEAVING As I mentioned earlier, weaving can be done by hand, like in the case of khadi fabric. And, also knitting can be artisan as well. Today most sweaters are made by machines that are programmed and literally spit a full sweater out (it’s kind of like the Jetsons). But there are many artisan groups who are still knitting sweaters with two needles and a ball of yarn. IT’S ALL IN THE YARN Machines will never be able to replicate hand woven and knit textiles, and that is because they literally can’t. Hand knitting and weaving yarns are actually different than machine yarns. So, try as technology might - it will never be the same. And, by the way, hand-made textiles tend to have a much softer, and cozy feeling. SOME OF MY FAVORITE ARTISAN CLOTHING BRANDS Image from Symbology Here are a few artisan brands you should definitely check out for artisan inspiration, or shop. They are great to look at because, in my opinion, they are taking old manufacturing techniques, and mixing them with modern designs. Caravana - this brand is serious Tulum vibes, and uses local Mexican artisans for their textiles Studio Tia - partners with Indian artisans to create ethical boho pieces at affordable prices. Symbology - Inclusive easy to style pieces, with an emphasis on working with women artisans Mezungu Sisters - an independent, women owned brand that uses artisan groups from all over the world to create modern luxury clothes that tell a story Lemlem - hand woven Ethiopian textiles, with garments sewn all over Africa WHERE TO FIND ARTISAN CLOTHING SUPPLIERS Image from Studio Tia This can be tricky, because a lot of artisan groups are remote, and they aren’t very internet savvy. But, that’s ok - here are a few places to get a head start LOCAL NGO - I would start here with a simple Google search. Just type in the country you want to manufacture in + the technique you want + NGO. So, your search might look something like this Mexico fabric weaving NGO. Or, Indian embroidery NGO. You can even get specific with cities or regions. So instead of Mexico, you could search Oaxaca fabric weaving NGO. BUILD A NEST - I mentioned them earlier in this article, but they are worth mentioning again, to date they have access to the largest network of global artisans, and, get this, even though they work with huge brands, they are willing to help small startups partner with the perfect artisan community! WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you look at artisan-made clothes differently now? Are you going to use artisan manufacturing techniques in your collection? Would you consider using artisans for other types of products, like accessories, jewelry, or bags? Source link
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Artisan clothing is one of those buzzwords, that everyone uses, but no one seems to know exactly what it is. It is often pigeonholed as “handmade.” But, in reality, everything in fashion is hand made – because, there is no automatic t-shirt machine. All clothes are sewn at a sewing machine by real people by hand. So, what exactly is artisan fashion? And does it really create more ethical and sustainable supply chains? I am going to explain all of that in this artisan fashion article. BUT BEFORE WE GET STARTED... I love helping startup brand founders succeed, so I created a bunch of free guides that will help you with your business. They won’t be free forever, so make sure to grab them while you can. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN NO TIME TO READ? CHECK OUT THIS 60 SECOND SLIDE SHOW! WHAT IS ARTISAN CLOTHING? Image from Studio Tia Artisan clothing is basically the complete opposite of fast fashion. And, it is often confused with fair trade. But, they are not the same. That is because, fair trade is an actual certification, while artisan is a loser term. There technically is not official definition of artisan fashion. But, for me, for something to be artisan, it needs to check three boxes. 1: IS IT HANDMADE? I know I said that all fashion is technically handcrafted. But, today, thanks to technology, a lot of practices and jobs have been automated by machines. For something to be artisan, it must be handmade clothing, with limited development from machines. Here’s an example, remember how I mentioned that all clothes are made on sewing machines by hand? For a garment to be artisan, it would need to be made without the sewing machine and just a person stitching by hand. See the difference? Now stitching a garment by hand, without a sewing machine, is a very difficult and labor intensive process. For that reason, many brands will pick and choose different artisan components in their designs. It gets a little confusing, but, here's and example. So, on a machine sewn shirt, they might add some artisan hand embroidery. For me, for something to be artisan fashion, the whole thing does not have to be fully artisinal, but it should incorporate some handmade artisan techniques. 2: IS IT LOCAL? Artisan clothing is the opposite of global modern supply chain. All components should be local. Here is another example. For that same shirt we were just talking about to be truly artisan-made, the fabric should be woven or knit locally, and it should be dyed locally as well. So for this shirt example, if were making it in India. I would probably opt for organic cotton, which is local to the country, instead of linen which suppliers need to import from China or Belgium. Basically, the components (or ingredients) that make up the garment should not be traveling from all over the world; they should come from what is available regionally. 3: DOES IT HAVE A HISTORY? Artisan fashion should tell a story about culture. The craftsmanship should have roots. So, let's talk about that same artisan shirt. Yea, technically, a bright rainbow tie dye shirt is made by hand (think like The Grateful Dead kind) – but tie dye techniques like this have nothing to do with the region. If we really wanted to make an artisan shirt with a tie-dye effect, we would use Bandhani (I’ll share more about this technique soon), which is a traditional Indian tie-dye technique. DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE? Artisan clothing is so much more than crafts. It’s a local, cultural movement. ARTISAN VS COUTURE Now that you understand what artisan fashion is, let’s talk about couture fashion. In contrast, couture fashion is luxury fashion that’s custom-made for a client using high-quality materials and design techniques. The word itself—Couture--comes from the French word for sewing; couture designers often create custom gowns for well-known clients such as actors and models.Oftentimes in the world of couture fashion, specific measurements are taken of the person who will wear the gown, to be sure the custom-made garment is tailored to perfectly fit their body. Generally, artisan clothing is not made for an individual, and it can be mass-produced. But, here's the thing, many of the handmade, high attention-to-detail components we see in couture are also in artisan clothes. And, while all artisans are highly skilled, they are not all at the level of skill that a couture person is. PROS OF ARTISAN CLOTHING Image from Muzungusi Sisters You know I love it. Here’s why you should too. ONE OF A KIND (Without the price tag.) Think about your favorite article of clothing. I’ll give you a minute. I bet whatever you just envisioned has some sort of an emotional connection to you. Maybe it was the outfit you met your significant other in, maybe it’s your lucky jersey, or maybe it’s a hand me down from your grandmother. While I have no idea what you thought of, I am willing to bet it made you feel something.Items that cannot be purchased just “anywhere” make you feel pretty darn good when you wear them. They’re unique. Artisan clothing is similar. With artisan fashion, you are wearing something few people own. It’s special. While artisanal clothing can technically be mass-produced, (I’ll get more into that later) because each piece is really being made by hand, they are all a little bit different. PRESERVES CULTURES AND CREATES JOBS I already mentioned that to be artisanal fashion, the techniques, and materials must have strong roots in the local culture. The sad thing is that in many places, these traditions are dying. Younger generations no longer want to do the jobs their parents have done for generations and want new opportunities. They want to get jobs in cities and work in office buildings. They aspire to be working that 9-5 corporate grind, or to become TikTok famous. I have met with artisans from India to Italy. And the story is always the same. They are desperate for young hands to take over the traditions. One of the biggest reasons why younger people do not want these jobs is because they don’t believe there is a future in them. For decades machines have been taking over the fashion industry, and artisans have found it hard and harder to find new brands to take on as clients. Thankfully with the rising popularity of sustainable and ethical fashion, more brands are becoming interested in reviving these techniques, so in recent years business has actually been quite good for many artisans, including female artisans. But, if the trend of conscious fashion dies, so will these craftspeople's livelihoods. JOB CREATION A lot of artisan work is done in remote villages. And, this is important. Because in many countries, it is difficult, if not impossible, to find work. It is not uncommon for husbands and adult children to leave their home, go to larger cities, find work, and send money back to their families in the villages. It’s a hard and lonely life. With artisan-made fashion, we are seeing jobs return to villages. People are able to work and stay at home with their families. And, IMO, this is of the most important benefits of artisanal work - improving people's quality of life. HIGHLY SKILLED WORKERS Artisans begin training when they are children. And, no - it’s not child labor. Think of it this way. Famous authors started learning how to read and write when they were five. Doctors started learning about biology in middle school. Just like a white color job, training for artisan skills starts at a young age. Because many of these crafts use complex techniques it can take years to learn, and decades to perfect. And, let me be clear. Starting to learn a technical skill from a young age is not the same as working in a factory. Because of their lifelong training, artisans tend to have extremely high skill sets and can work with almost machine-like procession. Now, like anything of course, there are people who aren’t so great at their jobs. But, in general, when you work with artisans, they are going to be able to produce a very high-quality product because of all of their years of practice. ARTISAN CLOTHING AND SUSTAINABILITY Image from Caravana Generally, artisan made products help to reduce manufacturing carbon footprints. Artisans usually do not use machinery that gobbles up electricity, and they tend to stay away from processes that emit dangerous toxins into the air, opting for more natural techniques. One of my favorite examples of this is khadi fabric. And, if you know me, you know I love it. Khadi is a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric from India. It has been estimated that the fashion industry uses over 132 tons of coal for fabric weaving alone. Khadi manufacturing uses none, because everything in the supply chain is done by hand. Even the cotton picking uses people instead of machines. MASS PRODUCTION IS POSSIBLE Image from Caravana Yes, you can scale while still working with artisans. And, hear me out, this is a good thing. There are currently more artisans than orders. Meaning, a lot of artisans are hoping for work. The bigger orders brands can provide, the more people they can help employ. What brands usually do is they will start with one artisan group (also called clusters). And, when that group has reached its max and can’t take on any new orders because they are too busy, they will then find other communities to start working with. One of the best examples of artisan craft at scale is Build A Nest. Build A Nest works to connect big brands like West Elm, Patagonia, and even Tory Burch to help them meet and work with artisans from all over the world. They even help small startup brands too! A FEW OF MY FAVORITE ARTISAN TECHNIQUES Image from Lemlem BLOCK PRINTING Block printing involves printing on textiles using carved wooden blocks. The block is dipped in ink, and stamped directly onto the fabric or paper to create a design. You can check out the block print process here. And, watch me doing my own block printing in Jaipur here! TIE DYE SHABORI: This is a traditional, Japanese dyeing technique in which patterns are created on fabric via binding, compressing, and twisting the material before the dye is applied. The dye then seeps into the fabric in different areas, creating unique designs. Traditionally indigo dye is used, but today shibori techniques are used for other types of dyes as well. BANDHANI: Is the Indian version of Shibori. But, instead of binding with blocks and other tools, the fabric is twisted and tied with small pieces of string. EMBROIDERY AND BEADING This is an intricate art form in which designs are hand stitched into the fabric, using a needle and thread. The process is extremely time-consuming. Beads can also be added to the technique to create more elaborate and textured designs. LACE MAKING This dates back to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries; it’s an art form greatly appreciated for its intricacy. Did you know that lace-making is basically embroidery? Threads are stitched into a special fabric, the fabric backing is then dissolved, and you are left with only the stitches - this is lace. KNITTING AND WEAVING As I mentioned earlier, weaving can be done by hand, like in the case of khadi fabric. And, also knitting can be artisan as well. Today most sweaters are made by machines that are programmed and literally spit a full sweater out (it’s kind of like the Jetsons). But there are many artisan groups who are still knitting sweaters with two needles and a ball of yarn. IT’S ALL IN THE YARN Machines will never be able to replicate hand woven and knit textiles, and that is because they literally can’t. Hand knitting and weaving yarns are actually different than machine yarns. So, try as technology might - it will never be the same. And, by the way, hand-made textiles tend to have a much softer, and cozy feeling. SOME OF MY FAVORITE ARTISAN CLOTHING BRANDS Image from Symbology Here are a few artisan brands you should definitely check out for artisan inspiration, or shop. They are great to look at because, in my opinion, they are taking old manufacturing techniques, and mixing them with modern designs. Caravana - this brand is serious Tulum vibes, and uses local Mexican artisans for their textiles Studio Tia - partners with Indian artisans to create ethical boho pieces at affordable prices. Symbology - Inclusive easy to style pieces, with an emphasis on working with women artisans Mezungu Sisters - an independent, women owned brand that uses artisan groups from all over the world to create modern luxury clothes that tell a story Lemlem - hand woven Ethiopian textiles, with garments sewn all over Africa WHERE TO FIND ARTISAN CLOTHING SUPPLIERS Image from Studio Tia This can be tricky, because a lot of artisan groups are remote, and they aren’t very internet savvy. But, that’s ok - here are a few places to get a head start LOCAL NGO - I would start here with a simple Google search. Just type in the country you want to manufacture in + the technique you want + NGO. So, your search might look something like this Mexico fabric weaving NGO. Or, Indian embroidery NGO. You can even get specific with cities or regions. So instead of Mexico, you could search Oaxaca fabric weaving NGO. BUILD A NEST - I mentioned them earlier in this article, but they are worth mentioning again, to date they have access to the largest network of global artisans, and, get this, even though they work with huge brands, they are willing to help small startups partner with the perfect artisan community! WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you look at artisan-made clothes differently now? Are you going to use artisan manufacturing techniques in your collection? Would you consider using artisans for other types of products, like accessories, jewelry, or bags? Source link
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Artisan clothing is one of those buzzwords, that everyone uses, but no one seems to know exactly what it is. It is often pigeonholed as “handmade.” But, in reality, everything in fashion is hand made – because, there is no automatic t-shirt machine. All clothes are sewn at a sewing machine by real people by hand. So, what exactly is artisan fashion? And does it really create more ethical and sustainable supply chains? I am going to explain all of that in this artisan fashion article. BUT BEFORE WE GET STARTED... I love helping startup brand founders succeed, so I created a bunch of free guides that will help you with your business. They won’t be free forever, so make sure to grab them while you can. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN NO TIME TO READ? CHECK OUT THIS 60 SECOND SLIDE SHOW! WHAT IS ARTISAN CLOTHING? Image from Studio Tia Artisan clothing is basically the complete opposite of fast fashion. And, it is often confused with fair trade. But, they are not the same. That is because, fair trade is an actual certification, while artisan is a loser term. There technically is not official definition of artisan fashion. But, for me, for something to be artisan, it needs to check three boxes. 1: IS IT HANDMADE? I know I said that all fashion is technically handcrafted. But, today, thanks to technology, a lot of practices and jobs have been automated by machines. For something to be artisan, it must be handmade clothing, with limited development from machines. Here’s an example, remember how I mentioned that all clothes are made on sewing machines by hand? For a garment to be artisan, it would need to be made without the sewing machine and just a person stitching by hand. See the difference? Now stitching a garment by hand, without a sewing machine, is a very difficult and labor intensive process. For that reason, many brands will pick and choose different artisan components in their designs. It gets a little confusing, but, here's and example. So, on a machine sewn shirt, they might add some artisan hand embroidery. For me, for something to be artisan fashion, the whole thing does not have to be fully artisinal, but it should incorporate some handmade artisan techniques. 2: IS IT LOCAL? Artisan clothing is the opposite of global modern supply chain. All components should be local. Here is another example. For that same shirt we were just talking about to be truly artisan-made, the fabric should be woven or knit locally, and it should be dyed locally as well. So for this shirt example, if were making it in India. I would probably opt for organic cotton, which is local to the country, instead of linen which suppliers need to import from China or Belgium. Basically, the components (or ingredients) that make up the garment should not be traveling from all over the world; they should come from what is available regionally. 3: DOES IT HAVE A HISTORY? Artisan fashion should tell a story about culture. The craftsmanship should have roots. So, let's talk about that same artisan shirt. Yea, technically, a bright rainbow tie dye shirt is made by hand (think like The Grateful Dead kind) – but tie dye techniques like this have nothing to do with the region. If we really wanted to make an artisan shirt with a tie-dye effect, we would use Bandhani (I’ll share more about this technique soon), which is a traditional Indian tie-dye technique. DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE? Artisan clothing is so much more than crafts. It’s a local, cultural movement. ARTISAN VS COUTURE Now that you understand what artisan fashion is, let’s talk about couture fashion. In contrast, couture fashion is luxury fashion that’s custom-made for a client using high-quality materials and design techniques. The word itself—Couture--comes from the French word for sewing; couture designers often create custom gowns for well-known clients such as actors and models.Oftentimes in the world of couture fashion, specific measurements are taken of the person who will wear the gown, to be sure the custom-made garment is tailored to perfectly fit their body. Generally, artisan clothing is not made for an individual, and it can be mass-produced. But, here's the thing, many of the handmade, high attention-to-detail components we see in couture are also in artisan clothes. And, while all artisans are highly skilled, they are not all at the level of skill that a couture person is. PROS OF ARTISAN CLOTHING Image from Muzungusi Sisters You know I love it. Here’s why you should too. ONE OF A KIND (Without the price tag.) Think about your favorite article of clothing. I’ll give you a minute. I bet whatever you just envisioned has some sort of an emotional connection to you. Maybe it was the outfit you met your significant other in, maybe it’s your lucky jersey, or maybe it’s a hand me down from your grandmother. While I have no idea what you thought of, I am willing to bet it made you feel something.Items that cannot be purchased just “anywhere” make you feel pretty darn good when you wear them. They’re unique. Artisan clothing is similar. With artisan fashion, you are wearing something few people own. It’s special. While artisanal clothing can technically be mass-produced, (I’ll get more into that later) because each piece is really being made by hand, they are all a little bit different. PRESERVES CULTURES AND CREATES JOBS I already mentioned that to be artisanal fashion, the techniques, and materials must have strong roots in the local culture. The sad thing is that in many places, these traditions are dying. Younger generations no longer want to do the jobs their parents have done for generations and want new opportunities. They want to get jobs in cities and work in office buildings. They aspire to be working that 9-5 corporate grind, or to become TikTok famous. I have met with artisans from India to Italy. And the story is always the same. They are desperate for young hands to take over the traditions. One of the biggest reasons why younger people do not want these jobs is because they don’t believe there is a future in them. For decades machines have been taking over the fashion industry, and artisans have found it hard and harder to find new brands to take on as clients. Thankfully with the rising popularity of sustainable and ethical fashion, more brands are becoming interested in reviving these techniques, so in recent years business has actually been quite good for many artisans, including female artisans. But, if the trend of conscious fashion dies, so will these craftspeople's livelihoods. JOB CREATION A lot of artisan work is done in remote villages. And, this is important. Because in many countries, it is difficult, if not impossible, to find work. It is not uncommon for husbands and adult children to leave their home, go to larger cities, find work, and send money back to their families in the villages. It’s a hard and lonely life. With artisan-made fashion, we are seeing jobs return to villages. People are able to work and stay at home with their families. And, IMO, this is of the most important benefits of artisanal work - improving people's quality of life. HIGHLY SKILLED WORKERS Artisans begin training when they are children. And, no - it’s not child labor. Think of it this way. Famous authors started learning how to read and write when they were five. Doctors started learning about biology in middle school. Just like a white color job, training for artisan skills starts at a young age. Because many of these crafts use complex techniques it can take years to learn, and decades to perfect. And, let me be clear. Starting to learn a technical skill from a young age is not the same as working in a factory. Because of their lifelong training, artisans tend to have extremely high skill sets and can work with almost machine-like procession. Now, like anything of course, there are people who aren’t so great at their jobs. But, in general, when you work with artisans, they are going to be able to produce a very high-quality product because of all of their years of practice. ARTISAN CLOTHING AND SUSTAINABILITY Image from Caravana Generally, artisan made products help to reduce manufacturing carbon footprints. Artisans usually do not use machinery that gobbles up electricity, and they tend to stay away from processes that emit dangerous toxins into the air, opting for more natural techniques. One of my favorite examples of this is khadi fabric. And, if you know me, you know I love it. Khadi is a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric from India. It has been estimated that the fashion industry uses over 132 tons of coal for fabric weaving alone. Khadi manufacturing uses none, because everything in the supply chain is done by hand. Even the cotton picking uses people instead of machines. MASS PRODUCTION IS POSSIBLE Image from Caravana Yes, you can scale while still working with artisans. And, hear me out, this is a good thing. There are currently more artisans than orders. Meaning, a lot of artisans are hoping for work. The bigger orders brands can provide, the more people they can help employ. What brands usually do is they will start with one artisan group (also called clusters). And, when that group has reached its max and can’t take on any new orders because they are too busy, they will then find other communities to start working with. One of the best examples of artisan craft at scale is Build A Nest. Build A Nest works to connect big brands like West Elm, Patagonia, and even Tory Burch to help them meet and work with artisans from all over the world. They even help small startup brands too! A FEW OF MY FAVORITE ARTISAN TECHNIQUES Image from Lemlem BLOCK PRINTING Block printing involves printing on textiles using carved wooden blocks. The block is dipped in ink, and stamped directly onto the fabric or paper to create a design. You can check out the block print process here. And, watch me doing my own block printing in Jaipur here! TIE DYE SHABORI: This is a traditional, Japanese dyeing technique in which patterns are created on fabric via binding, compressing, and twisting the material before the dye is applied. The dye then seeps into the fabric in different areas, creating unique designs. Traditionally indigo dye is used, but today shibori techniques are used for other types of dyes as well. BANDHANI: Is the Indian version of Shibori. But, instead of binding with blocks and other tools, the fabric is twisted and tied with small pieces of string. EMBROIDERY AND BEADING This is an intricate art form in which designs are hand stitched into the fabric, using a needle and thread. The process is extremely time-consuming. Beads can also be added to the technique to create more elaborate and textured designs. LACE MAKING This dates back to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries; it’s an art form greatly appreciated for its intricacy. Did you know that lace-making is basically embroidery? Threads are stitched into a special fabric, the fabric backing is then dissolved, and you are left with only the stitches - this is lace. KNITTING AND WEAVING As I mentioned earlier, weaving can be done by hand, like in the case of khadi fabric. And, also knitting can be artisan as well. Today most sweaters are made by machines that are programmed and literally spit a full sweater out (it’s kind of like the Jetsons). But there are many artisan groups who are still knitting sweaters with two needles and a ball of yarn. IT’S ALL IN THE YARN Machines will never be able to replicate hand woven and knit textiles, and that is because they literally can’t. Hand knitting and weaving yarns are actually different than machine yarns. So, try as technology might - it will never be the same. And, by the way, hand-made textiles tend to have a much softer, and cozy feeling. SOME OF MY FAVORITE ARTISAN CLOTHING BRANDS Image from Symbology Here are a few artisan brands you should definitely check out for artisan inspiration, or shop. They are great to look at because, in my opinion, they are taking old manufacturing techniques, and mixing them with modern designs. Caravana - this brand is serious Tulum vibes, and uses local Mexican artisans for their textiles Studio Tia - partners with Indian artisans to create ethical boho pieces at affordable prices. Symbology - Inclusive easy to style pieces, with an emphasis on working with women artisans Mezungu Sisters - an independent, women owned brand that uses artisan groups from all over the world to create modern luxury clothes that tell a story Lemlem - hand woven Ethiopian textiles, with garments sewn all over Africa WHERE TO FIND ARTISAN CLOTHING SUPPLIERS Image from Studio Tia This can be tricky, because a lot of artisan groups are remote, and they aren’t very internet savvy. But, that’s ok - here are a few places to get a head start LOCAL NGO - I would start here with a simple Google search. Just type in the country you want to manufacture in + the technique you want + NGO. So, your search might look something like this Mexico fabric weaving NGO. Or, Indian embroidery NGO. You can even get specific with cities or regions. So instead of Mexico, you could search Oaxaca fabric weaving NGO. BUILD A NEST - I mentioned them earlier in this article, but they are worth mentioning again, to date they have access to the largest network of global artisans, and, get this, even though they work with huge brands, they are willing to help small startups partner with the perfect artisan community! WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you look at artisan-made clothes differently now? Are you going to use artisan manufacturing techniques in your collection? Would you consider using artisans for other types of products, like accessories, jewelry, or bags? Source link
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Hello again! My previously mentioned travels have indeed been long and hard. I'm quite glad they're over, and that I'm healing. A fresh loaf of bread sounds lovely- I don't believe I've ever actually had fresh bread. Though, your face and company would be much lovelier, of course.
Ice cream and walks are always fun. I've been meaning to visit a custard shop in my post of town. My high school friend and carpool ride would take me there often, so it's quite nostalgic. On top of just having good food, hah.
Hoorah for a college deposit! I hope your major will be just as interesting and passion-sparking as you dream. Hoorah, as well, for knitting progress! Sometimes a shift in projects is what we need to see the old one with fresh eyes and motivation.
For armor, I do wish I actually had any, but alas. Instead, I alternate gender neutral dressed-up looks and incredibly camp outfits. Think Ashes vs Marius; those are about my two moods, when I'm not just in a t-shirt and jeans around the house.
For your next question.. If you were a candle, what would your fragrance be? Bonus points if you can give it a flashy name, or assign yourself a color as well.
- Mysterious Knight
to have never had fresh bread. . .this is a tragedy on the grandest of scales, and i wish dearly i could actually remedy it. fresh bread is to packaged bread as a warm, solid hug is to a high five. put a little butter and honey on it and ough. . .top ten snacks that connect you to humanity throughout history. my face and company pale in comparison (though i'm happy to provide the latter, even if the former is a tad more exclusive)
i adore both ice cream and walking, and am intrigued by this custard. some ice creams are made from a base of stirred custard, is it like that? or is it denser custards served not frozen, like puddings or flan or creme brulee?
thank you for both your hoorahs! i would like to give you two in return, to be used whenever you need a boost of good cheer
those fashions both sound lovely! ashes and marius are certainly fantastic and, perhaps, eclectic when compared to the usual style, choices (but if you aren't a little eclectic then you aren't really living life). and a t-shirt and jeans is classic, certainly what i default to some days.
see, there's a conundrum here. i would go for some classic baked good (apple pie maybe, or fresh bread) scent, but those always end up seeming over powering and saccharine. i tend to prefer lighter scents, like "fresh cotton" or "spruce forest" and the like, but those don't quite seem to capture my essence as i see it.
additionally, i have a hard time narrowing myself down to any one thing. though theoretically i would know myself best, i'm hardly at an objective distance to declare my own signature candle. can i be trusted to accurately judge the ratio of smells? unlikely
that said, i do deeply enjoy the smell i get in my room when i've opened the windows for the first time each spring. it's similar to sheets that have been dried on a clothesline, which is similar to sheets that have been sitting in a clean linen closet for a while. very light, and it reminds me of a breath of fresh air and the feeling of settling into bed knowing the sun will rise bright tomorrow.
For your question (one i've asked the cowboy before, but i think it's important enough to bear the shame of repetition): what's your favorite baked good?
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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Indigo Swimwear Eco-friendly Polka Dot Wrap Cover Up NWT.
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Alyona vs Adramelech & Anamelech or, That Time I Stopped a Cult From Child Sacrifice
Setting: Melville Island, Arctic Archipelago, Canada. 2012.
It had only been a short time since she saved the little girl from the volkodlak. Only a few days, in fact. And yet she was already on her next mission: Sneaking into a small isolated community. A community where everyone was a member of a cult that planned on sacrificing their children to the demons Adramelech and Anamelech. The community was located on Melville Island in Canada --- an island that as far as the rest of the world knew was uninhabited. They had kept their existence a secret for the past several centuries; though through what methods she wasn’t sure.
The only reason she knew about it was because Sallos had mentioned that Adramelech and Anamelech were going there to accept sacrifices; he hadn’t wanted to get involved --- he didn’t want to risk ruining his relationships with the two royal demons --- despite being against child sacrifice himself. (He’d said killing children for any reason was “cowardly and pathetic” and that the adults should have sacrificed themselves instead. Sallos might have been a demon from hell but at least he had standards.)
Alyona had traveled here by use of ley lines --- a skill she had picked up a few years ago since she couldn’t teleport on her own. She had no special powers --- anyone could learn how to travel by ley lines; she thought of her soul-sight and telepathy the same way she thought of her physical sight and hearing, it was just another sense and not anything special or unique to her specifically.
She stood on the beach, watching the waves lap at the shoreline, feeling the cold wind against her skin. Snow fell in a light shower from a dark cloud-covered sky. It was a calm, peaceful day. Perfect for taking a walk. But she had a job to do and couldn’t waste her time wandering around. She watched the dark clouds as the sun slowly set; she had to wait until nightfall before she went sneaking off. It would take a while to reach the community but she still couldn’t go just yet --- she didn’t want to risk anyone seeing her approach.
She wore a simple outfit made of cotton and linen: a black tunic with black culottes and a deep dark blue half-cloak with a silver clasp. As always, she wore a pair of black boots and fingerless gloves as well. Her usual outfit was perfect for blending into the night. Her braided hair was coiled into a tight bun. Her hellforged sword was safe in the scabbard strapped to her back.
She was ready, she was prepared, she wanted to go now but she had to wait. Damn it all to hell. She was very bad at waiting. Patience wasn’t one of her virtues. Bravery and courage, sure. She had plenty of that. Compassion and resilience and a strong sense of justice, sure. She had a lot of that too. But not patience.
She let out a long sigh, sat down, and crossed her legs. Might as well meditate while she waited. Was she good at it? No, not really. Meditating required being calm and patient and clearing the mind and, obviously, sitting still. She wasn’t good at any of those things.
She might as well start practicing now.
************
She moved silently and swiftly through the night. She saw perfectly well in the dark, even with no stars or moon to light the way. Snow fell in a heavy shower now. Good. She would be harder to see with the snow obscuring everything.
The settlement slowly came into view. There were no lights, of course. But she still saw the houses --- she counted one hundred of them, all arranged in two concurrent circles around a bell tower and a large building.
Exactly 600 people lived in the community. Sallos had said it only happened once every 100 years, during which 200 children were sacrificed --- 100 each for Adramelech and Anamelech. That meant at least 200 members were children. They wouldn’t kidnap children from outside the community; after all, they didn’t want to risk exposing themselves to the outside world. And it wouldn’t have been a true sacrifice anyway. For them to kill their own children counted as a real sacrifice because it would hurt them to give up their children’s lives.
She slowed her pace to a jog. She crossed several hundred more yards before stopping. She stared at the tall wall up ahead. The wall was there to protect the settlement from the bears that roamed the island, not other people. As far as she knew, no one else lived on this island.
She crossed the remaining distance and reached the wall. Without letting herself think it over anymore, she began to climb. Her fingers dug into the stone as she pulled herself up. She had a strong, healthy, moderately muscled body with very good strength in both her lower and upper body. She had a very active lifestyle, made sure to work out and exercise a lot, and had frequently climbed various tall structures for years since she wasn’t capable flying.
She soon pulled herself up onto the wall, where she stood balanced atop of for a brief moment before dropping down to the ground below. She landed lightly on her feet. She kept away from the paths and stayed close to the houses as she made her way to the large central building where the children were being kept.
She made it without anyone noticing her. She silently moved around the large dome-shaped building until she found the door. Locked, of course.
She sliced the tips of two fingers open on a sharp canine tooth before drawing a sigil in blood on the door. She pressed her hand against the door and forced all her willpower, intention, and belief into forcing the door to open. Opening a lock was a minor thing and so required a minor sacrifice in return; her blood and pain and sheer force of will was enough to make the door unlock. It wasn’t anything unique to her. Absolutely anyone else could do it too.
She may have lacked any inherent special power but she would force the world to bend to her will anyway. Even if it required spilling her own blood. Even if she had to give the universe her own pain in exchange.
She took a deep breath, drew her sword, then opened the door. She stood in the doorway, her eyes quickly taking in everyone in the large room. The youngest child was only two years old and the oldest was only ten. No adults were in the room. It was only the 200 children. They were all huddled together in the corner. Some were crying, others were praying, a few were staring ahead in shocked silence.
Multiple children spoke at once: “Who are you? How’d you get in here?” and “What’s going on?” and “Are you going to eat us?” and “Are you a demon?” and “Please don’t kill us.”
“I’m here to save you from Adrammelech and Anammelech.” She raised her sword and stepped inside. “When are they coming?”
As if on cue, two figures suddenly appeared on the center of the room. They weren’t fallen angels. They were old pagan gods who had joined Hell after their worshipers dwindled. She knew gods and demons could chose their physical appearance and that it didn’t truly matter but right now they resembled twins. They were tall and lithe and androgynous. They resembled people in their early 30s. They had light-brown skin, large black eyes, and long black hair that hung down their backs. They wore robes of red and gold. They were beautiful, or at least their false physical forms were; their spiritual states were hideous and horrible, terribly damaged and corrupted.
Many of the children screamed and cowered. Andrammelech and Anammelech didn’t even glance at them. Instead, they looked directly at her.
“You should not be here,” Andrammelech said. He stepped closer to her. “Who are you? What are you?” He had a clear, smooth voice that made her think of honey mixed with black tea. It was a little unnerving. The sound of his voice and his physical appearance contrasted harshly with his horribly ugly spiritual appearance.
“Where did you get that?” Anammelech asked, frowning at Alyona’s sword. “I thought humanity has moved past using swords centuries ago. Your sword wasn’t even forged here. How did you ever get a hold of a hellforged sword? Did you steal it?”
“Steal it? No. How would I even do that?” She frowned. “The Great Duke Sallos gave it to me on my 12th birthday. And now I will use it to stop you from killing any more kids. You won’t have your sacrifices anymore.” She knew she couldn’t kill them. She didn’t even want to kill them. She just wanted to make them stop.
“That sword won’t kill us,” Anammelech said. “Leave us. Now, or I will burn you to ash.”
Fire wouldn’t hurt her. She had only recently learned that little fact. And as long as she held onto her sword, the fire couldn’t spread anywhere else either. The sword would simply absorb it into itself.
She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t fight them; she definitely couldn’t kill them. She didn’t have any leverage she could use against them. But. . .maybe. . .maybe she could try making a deal with them. It was stupid and desperate but she had to try something.
“I want to make a deal with you. Let them all go, and in exchange I will do anything you want. I will give you anything you want.” They were royal demons but. . . She stupidly hoped there was something she could get them they couldn’t get themselves.
They both stared at her for a long moment. She was starting to think they’d simply laugh in her face and kill her.
Then Andrammelech said: “There are 600 people here. I will allow my half of the sacrifices to live. But in exchange, you must choose 100 others to take their place.”
Anammelech nodded. “I offer the same deal. You must choose 100 people to take their place.”
She frowned. “Is that all I have to do? I don’t have to give you anything? You don’t want me to go on some quest or mission?”
“Whatever for? Not at all. You only have to choose who will live and die. That is what we want,” Andrammelech said.
“Be the judge and jury,” Anammelech said. “My brother and I will be the executioners.”
She felt like she was talking to some fairy tale villains. But at least they seemed reasonable enough, if they were willing to at least talk with her and make deals. Choosing who would live and die. . . It was a cult. A cult that practiced child sacrifice. Finding 200 ugly souls here surely wouldn’t be too difficult. . .
She nodded. “I accept.”
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It turned out that there was another hidden and secret settlement on this island. All the children were first relocated to another community on the island. A little village that was home to various supernatural creatures or humans who were “in the know” about the real world. She went with them too, just to make sure.
It was a normal village, all things considered. People lived just like anyone else, except they were isolated from human society. They lacked electricity and modern technology but none of the kids had a problem with that since they also lacked those things. People had outhouses and bathhouses and masonry heaters instead.
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She had to gather everyone together first if she was going to start judging them. She climbed the bell tower in the center of the village. Her heart hammered in her chest and her body trembled from fear. Sweat covered her skin. She didn’t want to decide who lived and died but she didn’t have a choice if she wanted to save 200 children. If she suddenly backed out, the demons might kill everyone here.
She rang the giant bell, wincing as the loud sound hurt her ears, and only stopped once everyone had gathered together. All 400 people in all. She looked out the tower, her eyes quickly skimming over everyone.
Exactly 200 people had ugly souls. The cult’s two leaders and their inner circle were the ugliest. The remaining 200 people did not have ugly souls, and so would be relocated to the hidden village the children went.
Andrammelech and Anammelech told everyone that she would chose who lived and died. She was given a bowl of ashes, and everyone she marked with ash would be dragged to Hell --- everyone marked with ash had an ugly soul. The marked and unmarked people were separated into two groups.
The unmarked people were taken to the hidden village. The demons tore open a dimensional rift for them and kept it open long enough for 200 people to step through. The rift sealed shut instantly after the last person had passed through it.
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It was a lot harder to get an ugly soul than many people seemed to think. The surviving 200 people had bruised and dusty souls but they weren’t ugly; everyone in the world was bruised and dusty to some extent.
She had saved the lives of 400 people. Even if she was technically responsible for the deaths of 200 others, those people were going to hell anyway. If she hadn’t picked who lived and died the demons would have killed everyone on the island.
Being more or less forced to choose who lived and died still made her somewhat uncomfortable. But those people were already damned anyway, so she didn’t feel guilty. Why should she feel guilt and regret for the deaths of people with ugly souls?
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godhood is just like girlhood: a begging to be believed. -- kristin hang
Basic Information;
Full name | Juliana Rosetta Capulet Pronunciation | jOO-lee-AH-nuh roh-zET-uh kap-yuh-lit Meaning | Juliana; [Latin] Youthful. Rosetta; [Italian] Rose, [Persian] Splendid. Capulet; Caplewood, which is the place-name for the wooded area that stood beside the chapel. Nickname(s) | Jules every so often. Her father calls her Tink when he is feeling affectionate or in a good mood, a habit that started at Juliana’s own request during her childhood and has stuck through her young adulthood. Alice. Birthdate | July 30th Age | 22 Zodiac | Leo Gender | Female Pronouns | She/her Romantic orientation | Panromantic Sexual orientation | Pansexual Nationality | Italian Ethnicity | Anglo-Indian. Maternal side of the family is from Goa, with a little bit of Chinese descent. Fathers side is white. Current location | Verona, Italy Living conditions | She currently lives in the same bedroom she has lived in her entire life and has few intentions of leaving–not that she’d be allowed to if she did. She still lives in her rather large bedroom in her father’s home and lives a quite comfortable lifestyle.
Background;
Birthplace | Verona, Italy Hometown | Verona, Italy Social Class | Upper class Education level | Completed scuola secondaria di secondo grado (Upper Secondary School). She currently studies part-time at the University of Verona–she originally wished to go to the university in Naples, but was not permitted to go. Father | Cosimo Capulet Mother | Chiara Capulet (neé Conti) – deceased. Sibling(s) | Siena Capulet – deceased. Other Important Relatives | Tiberius Capulet (cousin), Rafaella Capulet (cousin). Birth order | Eldest Pets | They have a gray Pitbull that Juliana named Tino when she was 15, and two black cats–one she named Nero and another named Luna, who has a small patch of white just between her eyes. Previous relationships | She has had very few formal relationships. There were a few here and there during scuola secondaria, both the lower and upper levels, but since she wasn’t allowed out of the house much to hang out with her sophomoric loves, they rarely developed the way her peers might have. There was a single boy that she still thinks about sometimes, one who she thought was worth sneaking into her bedroom, one that she thought about crawling out her window to go and see, but that too did not last. Arrests | None. Prison time | None.
Occupation & Income;
Primary source of income | She lives off of family money first and foremost. Secondary source of income | Being beautiful and having the sort of personality that she does, every so often a brand reaches out to her and asks her to make an instagram post. Most of the time she turns these down, but when she is bored, or particularly enjoys a product or location she’ll take the money. It’s more difficult though since many brands ask her to travel, and her leash is still limited. Content With Their Job (or lack thereof)? | Every so often, she wishes that she had a more standard job, perhaps one working in the Library or teaching or something that did not involve… what her current one does. But then she thinks of the men and women willing to die for her, the ones willing to survive for her, and she thinks maybe she’s in the right place. Past Job(s) | None. Spending habits | She tends to shop frequently, but favors brands like Anthropologie or other boutique brands that feed her favoritism of linens over other more expensive fabrics. She has no qualms about buying clothing that she finds appealing, and even fewer qualms about spending money on food or wine or anything of that nature. If she had more friends, she would constantly take them for nights out and foot the bill without much of a second thought. She loves to treat others, and her bank account usually reflects it. Most valuable possession | It’s not the most valuable in euro amount, but she has a golden locket that used to belong to her mother and it’s certainly what Juliana would consider her most valuable possession.
Skills & Abilities;
Physical strength | Moderate to weak, she could easily be overpowered. Offense | When she is trailing her father she tends to keep her balisong on her person, which she’s spent a fair number of hours practicing–she likes it for the beauty of the weapon, but that does not make the blades any less sharp. Defense | She possesses basic self-defense, but is in training to improve this. Speed | Above average–she has always enjoyed running, and so while she is not combat oriented she choose to up her running ability soon after she starting standing at her father’s side. Intelligence | She is fairly book-smart, having spent a great deal of time focusing on school and reading, but she’s not overly street smart quite yet. She has a natural inclination to cleverness, but hasn’t learned to apply it yet. Accuracy | Still learning, moderate to poor hand-eye coordination. Agility | Average. Stamina | Above average. Teamwork | She works very well with others and is a skilled communicator. Enjoyed being in charge during group projects for school, and finds herself enjoying being in charge of the Capulets, much to her frequent dismay. Talents | She has an exceptional memory and a tenacity for learning. Very good balisong skills from hours spent watching videos and practicing the dance in her palms. She is a fast reader and a fairly skilled artist when it comes to painting and drawing. Shortcomings | Cannot cook to save her life. Not skilled in combat of any variety. Possesses a naive and unshakeable desire for peace above all else. Languages spoken | She is fluent in Italian, English, Hindi, though the latter she does not tend to speak very often as it reminds her of her mother, memories of whom make her quite sad. She has also taught herself Spanish, Russian, and French, the latter two of which she is not fluent but can converse in comfortably enough to do business if the need should arise. She knows some Latin, most of which she learned in church. Drive? | No Jump-start a car? | No Change a flat tyre? | No Ride a bicycle? | Yes Swim? | Yes Play an instrument? | Piano Play chess? | Yes, though she doesn’t enjoy it much. Braid hair? | Yes Tie a tie? | Yes Pick a lock? | No, though she desperately wants to learn, thinking it’d be a fun skill.
Physical Appearance & Characteristics
Faceclaim | Zoë Barnard. Eye colour | Hazel--mostly light brown, but with big flecks of green and gold. Hair colour | Very dark brown to black. Hair type/style | Definitely on the longer side, reaching somewhere mid-back. Naturally quite wavy, she often styles it into much looser waves. Glasses/contacts | No. Dominant hand | Right. Height | 5'9’’ (175cm). Build | Slim. Exercise habits | She runs every morning after she’s had her first cup of espresso. She has combat training with anyone and everyone who will teach her quite often, though she enjoys working with and tends to schedule sessions with Regina most often. Skin tone | Type 4, light brown/olive. Tans quite easily but occasionally burns. Tattoos | She has roman numerals on each of her triceps, one of which is her mother’s birthday and the other being Siena’s. She got them both on her 16th birthday. (ex.) Piercings | Double lobe piercing on both sides. Left nipple piercing. Marks/scars | She has a small collection of small white lines on her palms and the backs of her hands, left over marks from her dancing knife when she hadn’t quite mastered it yet. A scar on her right knee when she’d fallen off her bike while riding to the lake just outside the city and scraped herself on the rocky road. A line on her left elbow when she fell off her horse at age 10 and nearly broke her arm. Notable Features | Very full lips and a large smattering of freckles across her cheeks. Clothing style | She lives her life in linens and denim and cotton, favoring very simple, loose, classic clothing to some of the more intricate and high fashion ensembles of others in her social strata. She loves to wear ribbons and kerchiefs in her hair, tying them around the base of her ponytail or pulling back the front pieces into scarves. If she is going to wear a pattern in her day to day life, it’s often either plaid, polka dots, or florals. When she is dressing up, she favors bold colors and sharp prints. Jewellery | She loves to wear delicate chain necklaces, but hates wearing bracelets and often chooses not to wear rings. She has a very large collection of earrings, though favors a pair of gold hoops her father gave her for her 18th birthday. Her favorite piece is her mother’s locket, which sits on a very long gold chain that she often layers other necklaces over and then tucks into her shirt. Allergies | None. Diet | Vegetarian. She is quite fond of fruits and eats them constantly, though has a sweet tooth and if any are in the vicinity they soon won’t be with her greedy fingers nearby. Physical ailments | None.
Psychology;
Jung Type | ENFP, The Campaigner. Enneagram type | I’m torn between Type 7 wing 6 vs Type 6 wing 7. So. Moral Alignment | Chaotic Good trying to be a Lawful Good. Temperament | Sanguine. Element | Water. Emotional stability | Juliana can tend towards emotional volatility, her mood highly changeable and easily influenced by her surroundings. Obsession(s) | Overly concerned about the opinions of others and how other perceive her. Compulsion(s) | Touching others to feel connected, pressing her thumb nail into her pointer finger to divert her attention from something else uncomfortable. Phobia(s) | Trypophobia (fear of irregular patterns or clusters of small holes), mild fear of horses after falling from one at age 10. Addiction(s) | None. Drug use | Very, very rarely. Alcohol use | Often drinks wine with her meals. Prone to violence? | No.
Mannerisms;
Speech style | She has a somewhat formal way of speaking that was coached into her during childhood and has lasted through to young adulthood. She uses clear diction and grace and proper sentence structure without even thinking about it. Accent | Italian. Quirks | In her head will often relate modern events to fairy tales or books that she’s read as a way to process and understand. Constantly runs her hands through her hair. Can fall asleep just about anywhere. Hobbies | Reading and writing, painting and drawing, playing piano. Nervous ticks | Biting the side of her tongue, fidgeting, running hands through hair. Drives/motivations | Affection, approval of others. Fears | Not living up to her family name, disappointing her family, never finding true love. Positive traits | Compassionate, Warm, Curious, Determined. Negative traits | Prideful but prone to insecurities based on other’s opinions, Reactive, Dependent, Naive, Innocent. Sense of humour | Juliana finds herself highly amusing and enjoys all manners of humor. Do they curse often? | Not frequently.
Favourites;
Activity | Walking through Twelfth Night with Rafaella while she tells her things about the paintings and other works of art they stroll by. Animal | Deer. Beverage | Amaretto or Limoncello. Book | Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Colour | Peach. Designer | Dolce and Gabbana. Food | Tomato with Basil and Mozzarella or Tiramisu. Flower | Peach Tree Fowers. Gem | Moonstone. Holiday | Summer Solstice, which she has made into a holiday even if it’s not one. Mode of transportation | Bike, though her father prefers she use a chauffeured car. Quote/saying | “What are men to rocks and mountains?” Scent | She wears Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, which has notes of Black Coffee, White Flowers, and Vanilla. She uses a rose-scented body wash and shampoo. Weather | She adores dry heat and a blazing sun, but will take any degree of warmth the universe will give her. Vacation destination | Amalfi coast is her current favorite place she’s vacationed, but she’d love to go to South Africa and travel there while doing business with her family’s connections.
Attitudes;
Greatest dream | If anyone asked her she would say that it’s for there to be peace and prosperity, and for the Capulets to have the command they deserve over Verona--to be living without tension. I think in reality her greatest dream would be for the mobs to somehow come together under one ruling so that she might have more souls to commit the highest of crimes in her honor. Greatest fear | That she will stumble and fall and fail her people, though there’s a number of different ways she fears this will happen; that she will be too fragile, incapable of doing what her soldiers need of her, or too fragile to withstand the darkness and fall prey to it’s addictive nature. Most at ease when | She is standing near the helm but not in charge. Least as ease when | She is left alone in the Cathedral to make decisions, not that this happens often quite yet. Worst possible thing that could happen | Her father being killed and her not being ready to take the helm.
#this took me 12 years#and i skipped some of the questions#but here we are#i think its finished#diveronatask#inspo.#about.#mirror.
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The Importance of Good Makeup Brushes
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, WWD may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
An artist is only as good as their tools, and we’re not just talking about painters. The same rule applies in the realm of cosmetics: Your makeup can only be as good as your applicators, which is why you should upgrade your collection to include the best makeup brush sets — to ensure that your every beauty need is met.
Expertly curated makeup brush sets come stocked with high-quality options that cater to the face, cheeks, eyes, brows, and more, but if you’ve yet to master the art of contouring, defining, shading, highlighting, no worries; you don’t have to be a professional to operate this fine equipment. According to celebrity makeup artist and brow expert, Danielle Kimiko Vincent, founder of KIMIKO, everyone from beginner makeup moguls to celebrity artists can benefit from investing in a complete set.
“I love a good brush set because it can encourage you to start experimenting with new techniques that you might not have otherwise considered,” Vincent tells WWD over email. “For example, an angled eyeshadow brush can be used in many more ways than a standard flat brush. You might learn to create a color wash with the wide section of the brush, and then use the narrow side to create an accent with a darker color.”
It also helps that there’s “usually a price break,” when you opt to purchase an entire set versus individual brushes, Vincent adds. “Even if one of the brushes doesn’t become a favorite, you’ll likely make use of most of them, so the value is there.”
How To Shop for the Best Makeup Brush Sets
While makeup brush sets are an excellent investment, like anything else, not all sets are created equally. Ergo, when shopping for the best Makeup Brush Set, there are some key details to consider.
Synthetic vs. Natural Hair
In an exclusive interview with WWD, global makeup artist for Jane Iredale, Nechelle Turner explains that bristles on silicone mask brush are either natural (sourced from animals like squirrels, goats, and ponies) or synthetically made from nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fibers. Natural hair brushes, Turner says, have cuticles, making them porous, therefore, they attract and keep the product in the brush, which ultimately results in a more sheer application. “Their porous nature can also make them a breeding ground for bacteria,” Turner says, adding that natural hair brushes also tend to be a higher price point and their longevity is questionable.
Synthetic brushes feel more like natural hair brushes and are nonporous, therefore they “pick up and distribute more product on the skin for a more defined and more precise application,” Turner tells WWD. That being said, because synthetic brushes pick up and distribute more product, Turner advises using a lighter hand. It’s also worth noting that synthetic brushes that are stiff or have a shiny coating can result in a streaky makeup application, so you want to look for fluffy, softer bristles.
“In either case look for shedding,” Turner warns. “Shedding or lack of shedding bristles is a good indication of the quality of the fibers in both cases.”
Brush Count
Be realistic about how many brushes you need and how many brushes you’ll actually use. “If you’re advanced and like to try new techniques and looks, then a larger set with a wide range of variety will suit you best,” Vincent tells WWD. “If you’re relatively simple with your makeup, then an edited set will be great for you.”
Vincent tells WWD that as far as length goes, for a personal makeup bag, medium or shorter handles work well overall, but for a professional makeup artist, longer handles are ideal for powder and blush application. “This allows me to view my client from slightly further back, giving me a fuller picture of what I’m creating,” she says.
As for handle material, there are two options: wooden or plastic. “This may not be important for everyone,” Vincent prefaces, “but specifically for natural brushes, I prefer a beautiful wooden handle and brush hairs that have been hand cut and tied. This usually means high attention to detail has been taken with the taper and placement of the brush hairs, which I find translates to a more refined lay-down of powdered products.”
With sets geared towards beginners, pros, and every mastery level in between, the best makeup brush sets accommodate a wide range of beauty abilities with their basic, essential, and expert brush pairings. Below, find the best makeup brush sets that will satisfy every beauty buff’s skillset and budget.
1. BS-Mall Premium 14-Piece Brush Set
The BS-Mall Premium 14-piece brush set is one of the best makeup brush sets on amazon. With over 79,000 reviews (the majority of which are 5-star) to date, customers rave BS-Mall synthetic hair brushes are “soft,” “high quality,” and “comparable to high end brushes.” The 14-pc collection includes nine precise beard brush for shaving, as well as five chunky kabuki brushes for blush, bronzer, foundation, and other face product application. A travel case is also included with every purchase for easy storage.
One of the best affordable makeup brush sets on the market, EcoTools brushes are also (as its name would suggest) eco-friendly. Each tool is constructed from 100% recycled, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free materials and the collection comes packaged in tree-free paper made from cotton and bamboo fibers. The Day Beautifully Brush Set consists of the brands core collection of five brushes (including an angled foundation brush, blurring brush, defining crease brush, angled liner brush, and full blush brush), as well as three how-to beauty look cards to help simplify your routine.
Vincent tells WWD her brand’s essential brush collection is particularly excellent for “stepping up your brush game while keeping your makeup bag curated.” Each brush included in the set is hand cut, constructed with cruelty-free materials, and is designed to be multifunctional, ensuring you can create more looks with limited tools: “Three of the four brushes are dual-ended (with caps), so you’re actually getting seven brushes; a do-it-all brush for face, two essentials for eyes, a synthetic concealer and lip brush, and a brow and lash brush.”
Bridal and celebrity makeup artist, Cara Lovello tells WWD this set from EIGSHOW is one of the best makeup brush sets for beginners available on Amazon. “The brushes are affordable and good quality,” Lovello says, adding, “they don’t shed or fall apart.” The brand’s 15-piece Jade Series kit includes all the tools needed to create precise, flawless looks, from a foundation brush to various eye makeup tools. The brushes are made with vegan-friendly bristles sourced from corn silk fibers and birch wood handles, and come packaged (and separated) in a cosmetic bag made from recycled clothing and linen fibers.
The Tarte Cosmetics Goal Getters Contour Brush Set features five complexion brushes the brand guarantees will “sculpt, strobe, and perfect” your complexion. Inside, you’ll find the Bronzer Brush, Contour Brush, Foundation Brush, Concealer Brush and the Highlighter Brush, all decked out in rose gold sequins and topped with baby pink bristles. Reviewers give the set just shy of a 5-star rating, and love the set for its quality, as well as its overall aesthetic.
A number-one bestseller on Amazon, the Bestope Makeup Brush Set is stocked with 16 brushes that cater to the face, lips and eyes. Available in five colors and featuring soft and dense synthetic fiber-made brushes, this versatile set ensures that you have everything you need to contour, highlight, blend and shade.
Perfect for beginners, the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials makeup brush set covers all of the basics with its pro-curated pairings. Featuring brushes for the face, cheeks and eyes, the set includes the brand’s RT 400 Blush, RT 300 Deluxe Crease, RT 402 Setting and RT 200 Expert Face brushes, plus the Miracle Complexion Sponge.
Created with the eyes in mind, the Sigma Beauty Basic Eye Brush Set features seven brushes designed for eyeliner, eyeshadow and brows. Made with the brand’s exclusive synthetic antimicrobial fibers, securing them as one of the best vegan makeup brush sets on the market, these quality brushes are engineered to better hold, apply and blend products. The set includes the E40 Tapered Blending Brush, the E55 Eye Shading Brush, the E60 Large Shader Brush, the E70 Medium Angled Shading Brush, the E30 Pencil Brush, the E65 Small Angle Brush and the E05 Liner Brush.
Renowned for their exceptional blending, innovative Cosmefibre technology and ergonomic construction, the Artis Elite Makeup Brush Set is easily one of the best professional makeup brush sets available. It features the brand’s best-selling brushes for seamless, expert-level application. Inside, you’ll find the Oval 10, Oval 8, Oval 6, Oval 4, Oval 3, Linear 6, Linear 3, Linear 1, Circle 1 and Circle 1R brushes.
Jenny Patinkin’s Luxury Six-Piece Vegan Cosmetic Brush Set includes a curated collection of multipurpose, multiuse makeup brushes that can be used with cream, liquid gel and powder products. According to the brand, the brushes features synthetic fibers that are finer than natural hair alternatives and packed with 2.5 times more bristles than conventional brushes for a soft feel and seamless application. The set also comes with a stylish vegan croc-embossed case for travel.
A travel-sized makeup brush collection that is available in five colorways, the Spectrum Collections Jet Setter set ensures that you’ve got all of your makeup tools in one convenient place. The eight-piece kit includes the B01 Buffing Foundation Brush, the C03 Tulip Power Brush, the A05 Angled Blush Brush, the B08 Magic Wand Powder Brush, the B06 Tapered Blender Brush, the B04 Angled Shader Brush, the A16 Precision Crease Brush and A24 Double Ended Brow Styler Brush.
If you’re new to the makeup scene or you’re not a regular makeup user, you need to understand the importance of quality makeup brushes. A lot of makeup newbies and amateurs do not realize the importance of quality tools and brushes, and this should not be so. Most of them do not even know which tools and brushes to buy, and this article will help them through a number of issues, including identifying the right tools to buy, and the importance of these tools.
Many people need makeup for a number of reasons, and no matter your reason for using makeup, you need the right tools, and you need tools of the best quality. When starting out, you need original and high-quality brushes, including (the basics) a liquid foundation brush, a powder brush, a concealer brush, a number of eyeshadow brushes, false eyelashes some lip brushes, eyeshadow brushes, and a buffing brush.
Why are quality brushes actually important? Why are they better than cheap brushes? A lot of people ask these questions, and there are many reasons why quality brushes are important. These reasons include:
Quality brushes are better for your skin: Your skin deserves the best, and quality brushes will give your skin the very best. Quality brushes should feel soft and gentle against your skin. If a brush feels rough and scratchy, then it is of low quality and should not be used on your skin. If it’s also a brush with bristles that fall out all the time, it is not of good quality. When you use these low-quality brushes, it will lead to skin irritation and visibly faster aging.
Buying quality brushes saves you money: While it might seem expensive at first, making the decision to buy quality brushes will actually save you money in the long run. If you decide to buy cheap brushes of low quality, you will have to keep replacing them, and this will cost you a lot more money than if you had just gotten the slightly more expensive ones at first. Also, quality brushes have the ability to last for years.
Your makeup turns out better when you use quality brushes: Quality brushes improve the final look of your makeup. They make application and blending easier, and you end up having a smoother, well-done, and more attractive look. If, for instance, you use bad eyeshadow brushes, your eyeshadow will come out looking tacky and totally unattractive. Once you make use of quality brushes, however, your eyeshadow will look as great as possible.
Even though it is expensive, you have to invest in great brushes. You get to save money, quality brushes have longevity, quality brushes are good for our skin, and they’re better for your makeup in general. For these reasons, you need to make the decision to get quality brushes today.
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The coolest fabric in summer?
Shades of Romeo — Women Clothing
The 4 Best Fabrics for Hot Weather
Cotton. Cotton is one of the best fabrics for hot weather. …
Linen. Linen is another top choice for a breathable fabric to wear in hot weather conditions. …
Rayon. Rayon is a man-made fabric blended from cotton, wood pulp, and other natural or synthetic fibers. …
Denim/Chambray. mulberryscleaners.com
Is it OK to wear jeans in summer?

Jeans go with most things that aren’t more denim. In the summer, plain old jeans and a T-shirt works fine. It’s about as casual a look as you can get, so don’t expect to start any new fashion trends, but it serves its purpose. businessinsider.com
Is French terry too hot for summer?
Sweatshirt fleece may be the most common fabric found in sweat shorts. But french terry is a close second. French terry’s unique trait is that it is lighter than sweatshirt fleece. This means on really warm summer days french terry fabric is probably the better option. sweatshorts.co
Is polyester good for hot weather?
Another summer fabric that’s best avoided is polyester. This common fabric is travel-friendly and wrinkle-resistant, but it also resists moisture, making it less than ideal for hot summer weather. whowhatwear.co.uk
Is Silk good for summer?
Silk is the lightest fabric though, and it tends to adjust to your body temperature, which is also why silk can be worn to keep you warm in the wintertime.” So while silk is still a popular fabric to wear for the summer due to its weightlessness, be mindful of sweat stains on a super-sticky day. refinery29.com
Is satin good for summer?
The silky, opulent looking fabric, satin is a strict no during the clammy weather. Like silk, satin is prone to show water spots, hence it would show the sweat stains and won’t absorb the sweat even. looksgud.in
Is satin good for hot weather?

The perfect way to go from daytime drinks to a night on the town, a satin top will elevate your denim from lazy weekend wear to evening shindigs in a second. That being said, you can still dress it down for daytime or cooler days by layering a simple white T-shirt underneath. independent.co.uk
How breathable is Satin?
The satin finish is normally applied to fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and rayon which are man-made. These man-made fabrics are non-breathable and will suck out any moisture that it comes into contact with. silkup.com
What should you not wear in summer?
Women clothing — Shades of Romeo
11 Summer Outfits That Taught Us What NOT To Wear
Make sure your accessories match your look. …
Wear appropriate colors. …
Velvet does not work in the summer. …
Sweatsuits are still not cool — even in the summer. …
Keep your neon looks classy. …
Make sure your dress fits. …
Heavy coats are to be worn only during the fall and winter. …
The same rule applies for fur. consent.yahoo.com
Is Nylon good for summer?
As a fully synthetic material, nylon is the opposite of breathable. Because it’s designed to repel water and has a low level of absorption, clothing made from nylon tends to trap heat and sweat against the skin. Much like nylon, acrylic is not a natural fabric. whowhatwear.co.uk
Why is polyester so hot?
Polyester is uncomfortable and hot. Because it’s essentially plastic, wearing it on a hot day means your sweat gets trapped between the fabric and your skin, making you hotter. Unlike natural fabrics like cotton or wool that wick moisture away from the skin and keep you try, polyester will leave you damp. moneyaftergraduation.com
Is Silk hotter than cotton?
Insulation and temperature regulation is an important consideration in the issue of silk vs. cotton bedding. Under normal circumstances, silk provides better insulation, meaning that it helps users keep warmer in winter as well as cooler in summer. manitosilk.com
#women fashion#Women clothing#clothes#clothing brand#clothing#women cloth#womens clothing online#fashion womens clothing#fashion brand
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Clothing and Pelvic Floor Pain
Clothing - What to wear when it hurts down there.
Comfortable and loose clothing is essential, particularly during flare periods. Pain patients often struggle with varying levels of skin sensitivity that comes and goes during flare periods. Jeans are frequently uncomfortable for women with vulvodynia. Tight jeans can become very uncomfortable for those with IC as well. Rough textured fabrics may also provoke skin sensitivity and discomfort. Try to purchase clothing made from 100% natural fibers, such as cotton, silk or linen. NOTE: All new clothing should be washed before wearing to reduce any incidental chemical exposures from dyes, sizing and pesticides often sprayed on clothing coming from overseas.
Women usually prefer wearing skirts, dresses, stretchy jeans, yoga pants and/or anything else that doesn’t put pressure on the belly and crotch. I especially like wearing Harem Pants such as these ones from Forever21. Cotton leggings and thigh high stockings are good alternatives to tight pantyhose. If you really need to wear jeans, try experimenting with low rise vs. natural waist jeans to see which is the most comfortable. I find stretching jeans work okay for a couple of hours, but would never want to travel with them.
As far as underwear goes, simple is best, including white, cotton bikinis, boy shorts, briefs and boxers! It seems that coloured fabrics may contain some irritating dyes; specifically blue.
Jockey and Hanes make cotton knit string bikinis or boy shorts. Nylon and polyester should be avoided because they don’t allow skin to breathe. No thongs please! These have been shown to increase the risk of bacterial exposure.
Dermasilk was found to help improve the symptoms of vulvar burning, skin irritation and pain in a 2011 study conducted at the University of Bologna, Italy. They studied 42 women, divided into two groups (Dermasilk vs. Cotton) and the group that used Dermasilk showed a much better improvement in their symptoms. A further study showed that women that used this material had a decrease in itching from re-occurent vulvo-vaginitis. You can find their products in these stores located throughout Canada.
Wearing pants can aggravate pelvic pain so "going commando" might be even more painful than wearing underwear in this scenario. There is a product available to solve this problem. Go Commandos are little cotton liners with adhesive that you can paste on the inside of your pants to catch anything that might come out and create a barrier from your vaginal area.
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Bed linen guide: Everything you need to know
Today 90% of travellers consider a comfortable bed as “the most important factor” for an enjoyable and comfortable stay in a hotel room, it’s important to ensure the hotel bedding, mattress and bed linen you offer is carefully thought out and made.
Though choosing the best bed linen for your hotel is an essential process, it can also be a difficult one when you have to choose the contrasting colours and make the ambience soft for the customers to like.
From poly cotton vs cotton to choosing the right thread count, this extensive bed linen guide contains everything you need to know about choosing the right hotel linen, so you can get that essential great sleep environment.
In this Blog, we will learn about:
1. Cotton and polycotton
2. Plain, patterned or colour
3. Hotel Bed linen measurements
4. Instructions for Wash and care
Cotton and Polycotton
When it comes to the fabric material, both polycotton and cotton remain among the top two choices amongst hotels.
Polycotton, a mixture of durable polyester and luxurious cotton, is a preferable choice due to relatively easy-care, means little to no ironing is necessary and can still maintain a crisp finish. The fabric is known for its long-lasting, withstanding the repeated and rigorous usage, washing and drying, serving as the first choice within hotel linen. This fabric is cheaper and mostly used in Hotels.
Cotton, on the other hand, is a popular choice due to the element of luxury it adds and the benefits that follow. 100% cotton linen utilises a naturally occurring material, making it the best choice for guests with a sensitive skin. It is also given more importance due to its ability to retain the softness and durability after every wash because of the exceptional natural properties of the fabric.
Plain, patterned or colour
Bed linen is a practical necessity in every bedroom, It’s important to assess what fits best with your décor and, most importantly, what your guests will like.
Crisp, Plain white bed linen is a timeless favourite amongst most hosts and guests alike, as it gives a sense of minimalism that’s sure to please everyone. Though it is plain in looks, often more with bedroom décor, but white bed linen can be livened up with pops of colour by adding soft furnishings such as runners, cushions and curtains, colorful duvets and others.
If you want a change from traditional plain bed linen, patterned bed linen can serve as a great statement piece. When done right, geometric patterned bed linen can really add a modern touch to your hotels, or if you are opting for a floral print, subtle patterns can be an alternative to plain bedding without being too fancy.
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