FabSugar

Style Glossary: Bias Cut

FabSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:30:22 PDT

Bias Cut

A garment is said to be cut on the bias when the fabric's warp and weft threads are at 45 degrees to its major seam lines; essentially, the diagonal cut of a fabric. This technique utilizes a greater stretch in the bias, thereby causing it to accentuate body lines and curves and drape softly. Non-woven fabrics such as felt do not have a bias. Bias-cut garments were made popular by French designer Madeleine Vionnet in the '20s and '30s.

To see some cute bias-cut items,

Style Glossary: Shrug

FabSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:30:22 PDT

Shrug

A cropped, cardigan-like garment with short or long sleeves, typically knitted. It usually covers less of the body than a vest would, but it is more tailored than a shawl. Some shrugs are tied together just below the bustline, while some are cut off at the sides, making them nothing more than a pair of sleeves joined at the back. More recently, shrugs have taken a new direction, coming in all sorts of prints, drapes, and fabrics. They're the perfect Summer cover-up (and oh-so Buffy Summers).

To see some more stylish shrugs,

Source

Style Glossary: Crêpe de Chine

FabSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:50:22 PDT

Crêpe de Chine

Literally means "crepe of China" in French. A soft, lightweight, plainwoven fabric with a crinkled effect. It's produced either with all-silk warp and weft or with a silk warp and hard-spun worsted weft. Crêpe de chine textures of artificial silk are common these days and are often difficult to distinguish from true silk. French designer Madeleine Vionnet used crêpe de chine, a fabric that was unusual in women's fashion of the '20s and '30s.

This Mike & Chris Vinny Tank ($202) is made of 100 percent crêpe de chine silk. Doesn't it look super soft?

To see more pieces of crêpe de chine,

Style Glossary: Mackintosh

FabSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:00:22 PDT

Mackintosh

Not to be confused with a Macintosh computer, a Mackintosh is a form of waterproof raincoat, first sold in 1824, made out of rubberized fabric. It is named after its Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh, though a letter k is commonly added. In the present day, the Mackintosh style of coat has become generic, but a genuine Mackintosh coat should be made from rubberized or rubber laminated material.

Intrigued? See more original Mackintosh raincoats.

Style Glossary: Ripstop

FabSugar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:23:25 PDT

Ripstop

Woven fabrics, often made out of nylon, that use a special reinforcing technique that make them very resistant against tearing and ripping. During weaving, reinforcement threads are interwoven at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern in the fabric. The main advantage of ripstop fabrics is that smaller tears and rips can't easily spread further in the fabric.

These Free People Ripstop Shorts ($98) are made using the ripstop technique and thus are highly durable.

Style Glossary: Liberty Print

FabSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:00:22 PST

Liberty

A feminine print of small garden-party florals. First popularized by London's Liberty & Co. department store. Often gives off a sweet, country vibe. Can be found on dresses, skirts, scarves, and even lingerie. The print is so popular, it made its way onto Nike sneakers. The Spring catwalks - specifically Marc by Marc Jacobs (left) and Cacharel - were filled with liberty prints.

To see cute liberty print pieces,

Source

Style Glossary: Filigree

FabSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:00:22 PST

Filigree

Sometimes spelled filagree. A fine thread of metal, usually gold or silver, applied to jewelry for ornamental, openwork designs. Can be found mainly on brooches, crosses, earrings, and bracelets. Modern filigree is generally surrounded by bands of square or flat metal so that it can keep its proper shape.

These Janna Conner Beni Earrings ($53) are a sweet way to sport filigree.

To see more examples of filigree jewelry,

Style Glossary Roundup!

FabSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:00:22 PST

I hope our Style Glossaries are helping expand your fashion vocabulary. In case you've forgotten, here are six savvy definitions to jog your memory.

Doorknocker	Paperbag Pants	d'Orsay
Rive Gauche	Teddy	Shantung

Style Glossary: Lurex

FabSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:00:22 PST

Lurex

Decorative yarn with a metallic appearance, made of a layer of aluminum between two layers of polyester film, protected by a clear or colored resin coating. I predict it's going to be a huge trend for Spring. If you dig shine, lurex is for you.

Marc Jacob's Spring '09 collection (left) featured countless lurex ensembles.

Source

Style Glossary: Intarsia

FabSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:00:22 PST

Intarsia

A knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colors. Also the retail term for sweaters with geometric designs. Fields of different colors and materials appear to be inlaid in one another, but are in fact all separate pieces that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Argyle socks and sweaters are normally done in Intarsia.

This Free People Snowdrift Cowl Neck Sweater ($108) is a subtle way to go Intarsia.