Although we’ve featured bits and pieces of Ruche here before, I wanted to do a full post on some of their lovely women’s fashion trends today.  Have you spent time looking through ShopRuche.com?  It’s one of the greatest things since sliced bread (not even exaggerating).  I love their indie/vintage looks.  My fashion dreams now consist of filling my entire closet with Ruche items… and their JEWELRY is so dreamy, too.  But, alas… I need to quit typing and start showing you why I’m so crazy about them!

Sprouting Up – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-sprouting-up-c-24_114.html

Even though this shirt has sold out, I had to feature it.  Isn’t it lovely?  And I think it could work beautifully to be made modest with a pretty v-neck/scoop-neck shirt underneath, especially with sleeves that end at the elbow.  It would also look gorgeous with a simple cardigan on top.  You’d want to leave it open, though, so the lovely embellishing could shine through.  I think the thing that draws me most to this outfit is the simple colors (tan/khaki with white linen pants) with the bright pop of blues in the embellishing.  This top would also be fabulous for people like me that need some proportion-compensating for not being as well-endowed in the chest region (a.k.a. members of the “flat like a wall” club).

Picture Frames – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-picture-frames-c-24_116.html

This is a really great outfit, combo.  I especially am crazy about the belted look in the final picture.  The top is quite loose fitting, but it’s well-balanced by the form-fitting leggings.  This looks like such a comfortable outfit that wouldn’t look sloppy.  It could work well for a day running errands with the kiddos or even a get-together with friends.  Since I’m a food photographer by profession, I have this vision of things that work well as a “photographer outfit” and this would definitely classify as something I’d wear to a shoot.  It would look professional, but still casual enough for my clients to feel comfortable (even though I’d be so drop-dead sexy they’d have a hard time focusing on the food – always a problem… ha, ha).  Just fabulous.

Orange Sherbet – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-orange-sherbet-c-24_100.html

I also have a BIG thing for orange… oddly enough my high school’s colors were green and orange (lucky, right?).  This orange top is just gorgeous.  I love the pin tucks along the bottom, as well as the vintage embroidery across the bodice.  They’ve paired it perfectly with the chocolate-colored cardigan and sailor pants (aren’t sailor pants AWESOME?!!).  Yes, I’ll take this whole outfit right away please.

Here’s some of my favorite tops: Celestial Embroidery Tank, Poplin Zipper Top, Daisy Wings Cap Sleeve Top and the Bella Embroidered Striped Tunic

And a few fun shoes: Pink Studio Leisa gray platform wedge sandals, Gray Studded Pointy Heels and Rocket Dog “Dart” frayed canvas ballet flats (I love Rocket Dog shoes!!)

Here’s some of their sexy earrings: Up Up and Away Dangling Earrings, Coral Moondrop Swarovski Earrings, Mini Mesh Rose Earrings in Silver, Golden Flower Drop Earrings, Jaded Dangling Hoop Earrings by Ollipop and Golden Daisy Sparrow Drop Earrings

A few rad bags: Box Pockets Purse in Chestnut, Leaf Bag in Avocado and Take Me With You Clutch

I love these necklaces: Not So Typical Diamond Locket Necklace by Thursday Island, Cream Rose Indie Necklace, Cherokee Feather Necklace by Thursday Island and All in a Dream Sparrow Necklace

To-die-for accessories: Chenin Grape Scarf in Chocolate, Sweet Sage Flower Headband, A Straw Hat for Huck’s Girl, Grey Berriflower Headband, Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf and Astrantia Melody Headband

And now, the grand finale… yummy rings: Flower Child Oval Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Purple Quartz Daisy Ring by Ollipop, Baby’s Breath Ring by Ollipop, Lost in Time Capsule Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Lorelei Pearl Ring and Green Leaf Flower Ring

So…. are you loving Ruche like I am?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

To understand what will happen in fashion, especially the 2010 fashion trends, we need to understand what has happened in the past, what cycles take place, and what determines “fashion”. In the next few Friday posts I will be breaking these concepts down. These are concepts that not everyone in fashion knows, but give us the ability to see and predict future trends.

Here is a little fashion history for you. About two hundred years ago fashion had been repeating itself every 50-100 yrs! As technology and communication expanded throughout the 20th century, fashion began to repeat itself in 20 yr cycles, of course always with a new twist on the old concept. In the past decade, because of the expansion of the internet and communication, fashion has become a hodgepodge of previous time periods and modern culture. But there are still patterns and cycles to be found. Mentally, it is a bit difficult for us to repeat a fashion that we followed 5-10 yrs ago, because it is still too fresh in our memories for us to consider it “new” or “in”. So, 20 yrs is still the general rule of how often fashion repeats itself. This is one of the first cycles of fashion.

But think back 20 yrs to 1990; are we really following that theme? Not really. Why? The next major factor in fashion cycles comes from cycles in the economy: during 1990 we were still in an economic boom. * Fashion is the projection of shared values and experiences of a population. What major events that affect large populations of cultures, countries, and the world will set the tone for shared values to be projected into fashion. The economy is hitting every country, everyone. So, therefore, it is a major player in fashion. So, looking back at the economy, let’s look back 20 more years to the 1970’s. Do we see any similarities? Yes!

Vintage Womens Soft Brown Leather Heeled Durango Boots from Pigeon Recycled – $18.00

Stuart Weitzman boots spotted on FashionTribes.typepad.com

The 1970’s was a low decade for our economy – similar to ours today. Now if the 1970’s took some fashion ideas from 20 yrs earlier, let’s look at the 1950’s. Not as much similarity. Again, it was a good economic period, keeping up with the Jones’ was the mentality, so we can’t compare it to our economy now. (But take a moment to think of what values we might share with the people of the 1950’s and you will probably find a fashion that would suit you today).

Custom 1950s inspired dress by Michelle Tan – $85.00

Let’s continue our look back 20 more years in the timeline. The 1930’s. BINGO! We find lots and lots of examples of things that are “in” today, and that will likely grab our attention in this upcoming year of economic struggles.

We will go into more depth on the 1930’s in future articles. But for now, trust me that the headbands and slouchy tops that we adore now are all from the 1930’s.

Giant Dwarf // Rosette Fascinator // Elastic Headband // The Swan by Giant Dwarf – $30.00

Vanilla Bean Blouse by Anthropologie – $128.00

Build Your Own Candy Thief SPARKLE BAND by The Candy Thief – $39.00

The Aristocrat Off White Felt Flower Elastic Headwrap or Headband Hair Accessory by Jennifer Birge – $31.00

What about the decade of 1910’s? Another great year for us to take ideas from, because of the similar shared experiences.

Next week we will be discussing other major factors that determine what is considered fashionable.  Be sure to subscribe to CreatedByChicks.com to not miss any of the 2010 fashion trend updates, along with the psychology behind them.  We’d also love you to Google Friend us!

p.s. Check out our past post “Bridal Hair Accessories and Headbands” to see even more examples of 2010 fashion trends, inspired by the 1930′s.

Fashion is not as unpredictable as the “authorities” we rely on to dictate fashion try to make us think it is. So before you read any further I will give you a warning, you will learn about fashion and how to make your own decisions here, I don’t believe in dictating fashion just predicting which can be done with extreme accuracy.

Montana Sky cowl and winter white rose brooch by Felted – $68.00

The first principle you must learn before picking out what to wear this Christmas is what is the basic mindset most people are in, then you can figure out what will appeal to them. Considering this we can say that right now the economy is the main point on most Americans minds. Many are tight with money, lost a job, or are just grateful they have a job. This cuts out excess in just about everyone’s minds. We are making more intelligent consumer decisions and making sure things will last. Consumers are in the middle of an intellectual revolution. We value the resourceful, the durable, long lasting, economical, eco-friendly and reliable items. We also look back to those who have already experienced this kind of economy and learn from them- our grandparents and those who lived in the 1930’s.

Teal Satin Flower Hair Pins by Nomsa – $11.00

Having said this, we can now predict what is going to be a hit at your Christmas party. This Christmas is not about how expensive or perfect your dress. This Christmas is about Classics, simple, handcrafted- SENTIMENT. So what does a sentimental Holiday dress look like? Think long term, a dress you can wear for the next 10 years, a dress you daughter will ask if she can get out of your closet and wear in 20 years. Look for long, sleek feminine lines and fabrics.

Simple solid colors for dresses. Your basic dress should be a neutral or basic color specifically antiqued white, gray or of course red, are always tasteful. If that doesn’t sound spicy enough accessorize with a broach from your grandmother and a headband or scarf from your favorite boutique and you will be the talk of the evening. Indigo is the hottest holiday color this season one indigo accessory or blouse will go very far. If you can’t find indigo royal blue or somewhere close to that will do. Try white or copper color accessories with the blue. For Jewelry go for pearls or semi-precious stones.

Gray felt flower brooches (set of 3) by podgehodge – $30.00

Fabrics should be natural fiber or a close imitation. They last longer if you care for them properly and have a classier look to them. Evening dresses and blouses will really look classy in a soothing classic satin and will stand out for a long time to come. Business or work parties should be woven wool for dresses and suits and accented with a soothing creamy satin.

Red Felt Flower Sampler (set of 6) by Crafty D’s Creations – $4.50

If you are really trying to figure out what to wear for that classy casual daytime event try my old favorite- Felt! Look into it. It is not expensive, get a felt flower and it can improve any daytime ensemble. You can wear it in your hair, on a headband, as a broach, or even on your purse, but whatever you do be creative and classy. Knitted, felted, ruffled, fabric accessories.

Since the old American way of ingenuity and resourcefulness is prized right now, try and make something yourself, or if you are not so good with your hands but can pick something out with your eyes, buy it from a boutique in your neighborhood. Don’t forget to support all those great chicks around here when times are tough and a lot of people are trying to make extra money from what can be made with their hands.

Felted Rose Flower with Long Crocheted Lariat/Scarf/Necklace/Bracelet/Belt by Big Frozen Melon – $48.00

Though we are buying locally we know that the economy is hard all around the world and we value all peoples and cultures for being humans, so find an international print to add some flair and culture. Like I said before, Sentiment and concern for those around you is at a high, fashion isn’t without a heart.

Today I’m getting so excited for my sister-in-law who is getting married tomorrow.  However, I’m also heartbroken that I won’t be able to attend the wedding since it is too far to take all 3 or our toddlers.  Luckily, my husband & brother-in-law will be in attendance, however.  Maybe some miracle will happen within the next 24 hours & I’ll be able to be there, but regardless, I thought it would be fun to highlight a creative chick that specializes in creating bridal hair accessories.  If I were to do my wedding all over again, I would be choosing something fabulous from these favorites, created by Jill of BE Something New. (click on the pic to be redirected to the images original site)

Pink Silk Rose Headband – $50.00

Messy Bow & Rhinestone Headband – $36.00

Romantic Feather Headband – $32.00 (can you tell I have a thing for feathers in fashion right now?)

Rolled Rose & Vintage Lace Fanticy Headband – $45.00

Honestly, if you had the right occasion & outfit, these hair accessories wouldn’t necessarily be exclusive to bridal.  I bet they’d look gorgeous even with a chunky cream-colored sweater & some skinny jeans (of course with some ballet flats, also).  Or you could wear them for a night on the town with a foxy dress & heels.  I’m completely in love with these hair accessories/headbands.

What would you wear them with (if not for your wedding day)?