Embellishing fashion

Rising fashion star Alle Fister has a thing for bling and she wants to share it with the world. ““Embellishments are one of my favorite subjects. I am such a glam girl; I love them!” enthuses the style force behind ShopBop.com, an online shopping destination offering everything from the hottest denim brands to the latest in tees and tops.

Fister has turned her passion for flashy fashion into both a personal and professional pursuit; she confesses to ordering small crystals to enhance some of the retail site’s already on-trend selections, which will be available shortly. “Added bling is so big right now and there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon,” she adds. In fact, even the term ‘bling’ has become so mainstream and ubiquitous, it now garners a coveted spot in The Oxford English Dictionary. Officially defined as diamonds, jewelry and other forms of showy style, the term’s origins from ‘bling bling’ have been shortened to just one word, also lending credence to its general acceptance in pop culture.

What hasn’t been abbreviated or compromised, however, is the use of bling in every category of apparel and accessories available today. “This season, we are seeing embellishments on everything from jeans and tee shirts, to handbags and shoes,” states Fister. A visitor to ShopBop.com doesn’t have to look any farther than its ‘must haves’ section to sprinkle a little sparkle throughout her wardrobe. Last time sequins and rhinestones were this big they were taking a turn on the dance floor in the Disco Era. This go round, they’re more likely to be seen on women lunching at a sidewalk cafe. “I think this trend for embellishment is endless; it tells women, “If you can dream it, you can have it,” observes designer Tracy Reese, who sells her eponymous collection and a more fanciful line, Plenty, at upscale retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.

“Embellishments in special placements are a beautiful thing, especially when you consider the hand craftsmanship. We are so lucky to have access to people doing this unique work today,” she continues. And for many women, what they want access to is great apparel, according to the Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor. When asked to name the item that they most like to shop for, one in two female respondents indicated clothing, far surpassing any other category choice. An increasing number of women stated that they will be adding new items to their wardrobes in the coming months.

“What is great about this trend is that you can wear it no matter what your personal style is,” says Fister. “There’s truly something for everyone.” And that’s a statement that needs no embellishing!

Source: Cotton Incorporated