During fashion week this past fall, the showcase of colors for the spring was diverse. The artistic taste-makers of the fashion design world gave us something to escape into, as usual. This year, corals, pinks, reds, and warmer colors seemed to be only accents to the true trends of blues and greens. Shades of aqua, sky, deep and gray navy set the background for all other color choices this year.
Tracy Reese showed blue dresses, pants, and jackets. Accent colors were bright mustard yellow and coral orange. Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons showcased similar combinations, but the blues were brighter and more delightful, more alive and vibrant. The orange, peach, and pink pieces were also on the warmer side, catering especially well to her ethnically diverse audience. And, of course, Tommy Hilfiger came out with his signature, patriotic palette of red, white, and blue, with bright and navy shades being the base for items in red and neutral khaki.
A muted navy base anchored much of Louis Vuitton’s collection, which was very 70s-inspired (and complete with whimsical, giant afros). Alexander McQueen, with his futuristic or alien-esque, talked-about show, also chose a palette with an overarching theme of blue, showcased in a sheer, voluminous, and almost ‘magical’ way, with purple and white also into many looks.
An Alexander McQueen design at the 2010 Spring Paris Fashion Week
Tomato red, and shades of green and yellow also popped up across runways this season. For example, Badgley Mischka showcased hues of scarlet (a bright, red version) and bright pink, with a sophisticated background of black and white. And the always feminine Diane von Furstenburg showed some lovely green and turquoise, warm orange and burgundy, and long yellow dresses. Again, the seventies influence was detectable.
However, for Jason Wu, the young name put on the map around this time last year by Michelle Obama, the use of color was a bit more intense. Much more purple, use of contrasting dark and neon bright blue, plus yellow and red stood out among other muted navy and gray shades. He was a little more bold - like Kimora Lee Simmons - and so a bit more upbeat.
President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama (wearing a Jason Wu gown) at Inauguration Ball
The majority of color this season was, however, set within neutrals like beige, gray, black, white, and dull navy - and much of it was muted. A sophisticated bout of stormy weather seemed to have struck many designers - the palettes were altogether on the darker side. But there were nice pops of orange and pink in there, and of course, waves of oceanic tones. Either way, the verdict for Spring 2010 is pretty blue - and as fabulous as you make it.
And on that, we’ll be with you! Find flattering blues, jewel-tone purples, pinks, reds, and more for your spring wardrobe, in well-draped dresses, fitted tops, flowing skirts, comfortable pants, and chic accessories at www.ekclothing.com. We offer a variety of colors to suit your needs, so you can look fabulous every season.
We’ve done it. We celebrated. We closed the door on an enormous year of happenings (a new President among them) in pop culture, politics, the economy, and more. At this time, perhaps rather than looking back at the magnitude of 2009 in terms of change and density, the best thing we can do - in the spirit of looking forward to 2010 - is consider and reflect on the things that bring us joy, and how we plan to nurture the presence of those things in our lives.
Dance is indeed one of those things - an activity that embodies self-expression, and brings countless smiles and moments of joy. The question is, where is dance in your life? Is it where you would like it to be? If so, fantastic. If not, take the steps to increase the amount of dance you do and experience, and bring more of that into your life.
You know the feeling - the literal “joy of dance.” It’s impossible to put into words, and virtually impossible for a non-dancer to imagine - you can only really know it if you’ve felt it. Maybe the great thing you’ll do in the next year is introduce that to a friend by encouraging and inviting them to dance. (What a gift that is! It lasts a lifetime and goes with them anywhere, does wonders for their social life, confidence, and body, decreases their stress level… in some cases, it can even lead them to love… it brings them happiness and fun… the list goes on!) Sharing your love of dance with others is a wonderful thing to do.
But for you, as with anything - if you love it, you have to do it. If dance is a way that you nurture your body, mind, and spirit, if it’s something that bring you fun and happiness - don’t stop dancing. It’s obviously loved by many - just look at the spread Dancing with the Stars, which has become hugely popular in over 30 countries (essentially the number one show in the world in all genres in 2006 and 2007). I have this theory that if more people in the world danced, it would be a happier place.
So, how much happiness are you enjoying as a result of dance (and, for that matter, music!) right now? We hope that it’s a great deal. And of course, we at e.K. Clothing are with you every step of the way for your dance apparel and accessory needs, and informative and entertaining blog posts - support for your dancing lifestyle.
Welcome to 2010 - a year that we hope will be filled with not only the joy of dance, but also with good health, progress, learning, dreaming, and dreams happening. So we’ll say it one more time: Happy New Year! We are wishing you a year of much music, much movement, and of much joy.
At this time of year, so many of us spend our time catering to others. We are running around, entertaining, giving time and attention to, focusing on and thinking about others. But don’t forget - it’s how you care for yourself that keeps you happy and healthy and able to care for others. That’s why it’s so important that you carve out time to de-stress during the holidays.
It doesn’t matter if it’s listening to music you love, doing yoga, exercise, light reading, watching TV, stretching the tightness out of your body (or getting a great massage), engaging in a fun hobby, or even leisurely cleaning (you know, the kind that needs to get done anyway but isn’t too labor intensive, the kind that can even be relaxing). It could be the time you spend with the fun friends and family that keep you grounded, dancing (of course), a good book, taking a walk, or a good movie. What matters is that you get your mind off of your responsibilities and obligations, and nurture yourself.
In the hustle and bustle of shopping, cleaning, cooking and preparing meals, standing and walking, planning, getting ready to go out, winding down after going out - etc., etc. - you can neglect the really basic attention that you normally pay to yourself at other times. And in the cold weather that your body has to adjust to, with the added stress, plus the not-so-healthy or inconsistent nutritional and hydration choices made in hurrying or partying modes, and the lack of sleep that can sometimes accompany all this - it’s easy to see how it can start to wear on the body. You will get sick if you don’t take care of yourself.
So, drink plenty of water - studies have shown that people feel less dehydrated in cold weather but actually tend to drink less and have the same risk of dehydration - and every single function in your body depends on the flow of water. Try to continue eating healthfully, with plenty of organic, green and otherwise-colorful, lightly cooked and raw food nutrition.
Take a good deal of extra vitamin C or echinacea (preferably with goldenseal; this herb you can take via supplements or tea) if you feel yourself coming down with anything, so that you can strengthen your immune system quickly and beat it. It’s hard to overdose on those two substances, and they work wonders at this time of year. Your body can’t store vitamin C, and the worst side effect might be a mild stomach ache after 2000 mg. And since echinacea with goldenseal is so gentle, you can usually take two to four times the recommended dose once you feel a little something to knock out a cold before it sets in. Use your best judgement, but don’t be afraid of natural immune support.
So, take care of your basic physical needs in terms of nourishment and sleep, and keep your immune system strong (note that the immune system also can be weakened by stress). And then of course, find the de-stressing activities that nurture your body, mind, and spirit.
Remember to honor yourself, so that you can best honor others, and honor the traditions and comforts of this time of the year. You and everyone around you will be better for it.
Dress up your house plants. This is a very simple idea, especially because it involves using something you already have. If you already have plenty of house plants - which many do - you can turn them into “holiday” plants easily. At a holiday decor store or in your boxes of decorative items, find the glittering branches and buds. Metallic flowering stems can be slipped in between plain leaves and branches of houseplants, to liven up those spaces of leafy greenery.
Shining window treatments. We typically hang garlands from the tree and the mantle. But consider using a shiny garland like a curtain valance. You can hang it once across, or you can let it come up once, twice, or more in the middle to create dips in the shape. You can layer them or add lights, as well. This works especially well in a pinch - you have guests coming and you need to make large spaces look a bit more festive and grand. Here you take Christmas metallics, which are timeless, and use them to your advantage in an easy, simple, elegant but also glamorous way.
Natural Table Settings. The approaching dinner party needs place settings. Elle Decor suggests that you get crafty to satisfy your need for quick, simple, yet fabulous table trimmings, again making use of what you already have for a low-to-no-budget option. Simply top ribbons with a sprig of pine, “and you have an instant hit,” they say.
Giving “Goody Bags.” Another party tip we take from Elle Decor - you can easily make send-offs for dinner party guests with brown paper bags. Decorate them with a bit of ribbon and to/from stickers, cutting and shaping the edges with scissors if you want. Throw in a handful of candy canes or other candy treats, and seal with ribbon, staples, or a stick-on bow. Write (in your loveliest script of course) a seasonal saying on each bag such as “Merry Christmas,” “Happy New Year,” “God Jul” (”Merry Christmas” in Swedish), or whatever else you’d like to say. Serve with dessert or hand out (from a large basket complete with a big red bow for extra presentation points) at the end of your get-together. Your guests will notice this simple but thoughtful gesture.
Remember - people remember the way things begin and the way things end. If things go a bit wrong in the middle of, say, a dance performance, or at a party, they’ll tend to forget - but it’s that first experience, and then the last thing they see, hear, or experience will leave an impression. Leave them smiling with this idea (or with other, similarly thoughtful touches).
For more holiday decorating tips - many of which can be translated into style ideas for the home year-round - check out www.elledecor.com. As 2009 comes to a close, here’s hoping everything goes smoothly and sweetly when you enjoy those holiday plans and gatherings.
It’s that time of year and as you decorate up the tree and start to see more glitter, lights, and wintery-wonderland-esque decor everywhere, you’re probably looking to give your home a bit of a holiday mood as well. Keep it affordable and simple with these four easy tips and tricks.
Throw pillows. This is one of the easiest and most often used decorating changes - cheap and easy, but it can really shift the mood of a room. Change throw pillows to reds, or some in metallics or with gold or silver trim. White or beige with metallic trim can be a subtle, classy change, while a bright red creates more “heat” or “up” energy in a room. Dark forest greens can offer a “grounding” effect. Choose some colors you like, and then don’t go crazy trying to fit in every holiday color you can think of. Instead, pick a general color scheme and stick with it (at least mostly), decorating from there.
Ornaments-in-a-bowl. This is super-easy, and quite festive. Find a nice bowl, and fill it with pretty, shining tree ornaments, to the point where they are a little over the top. You can even get a little crafty with this one - maybe you paint the rim of the bowl with gold, or you paint dots, ribbons, or thin stripes all around, or words (etc.). Maybe you hang a pretty holiday necklace around it, maybe you line the bowl with garlands (using tape or a hot glue gun), or circle it with some. Make it pretty and place it strategically.
Presents, presents, everywhere! Wrap some pretty [empty - hey, or full, your call really] presents nicely and place them around the house, with wreaths or garlands, or other Christmas decor items. Put them on shelves, on kitchen counters, the mantle, etc. Make the bows pretty - get a little artistic. Focus on the kinds of gift-looks you want to create, and since you’ve probably seen some imaginative-looking gift-wrappings before, emulate what you’ve seen or done before. Be meticulous, creative, and thoughtful here, remembering that you can place ribbons, bows, two at a time, etc., where ever and however you want! Fake ribbon shapes when you’re not sure how to place or tie a bow by using hidden tape, staples - whatever you need to make it work. Keep things festive by adding these lovely touches of gift-giving around the house.
Center-pieces. Create table centerpieces using your creativity and things you have on hand. For instance, glue ornaments (the stronger or unbreakable ones) together to create a layered “wreath,” and place your fruit bowl - with real, delicious fruit! - on top - perfect for the kitchen. Or glue pine cones together prettily, and top with glitter. Or create a mini tree with a flowerpot or something, hang earrings on it as ornaments, surround with mini presents, and circle with garland. Put a big ribbon bow on a nice platter, and surround with a path of glitter. Gather candles on the platter and circle with garlands or leave as-is. Again, have fun with this!
Those are your holiday home decorating tips this week - embrace the creativity of the season, and possibly involve the kids and/or the man for extra fun and bonding. Either way, begin to infuse your home with holiday spirit.
Next week: More holiday decorating tips and tricks, including simple ideas you can use at your dinner party!
For those on your list who love to dance - tis the season to give them a collection of beautiful images that they can use and see year-round. In these photographs, we captured those intimate and unexpected moments dancers so often share while social dancing. Over about 10 hours of shooting at our store in Lomita, CA, our four couples (some friends, instructors and performers) expressed their creativity, dancing mostly Salsa and Tango, and having fun. We captured their connection and movement at different angles, showcasing the rich colors and free-flowing fabrics of e.K. clothing.
Each month offers a new moment of dance to reflect upon, relate to, and gaze at happily. Even non-dancers can see the loveliness here, making your calendar part-art, and part-dance-artifact. This new product would be fitting as a gift for a young dancer, a ballroom competitor, an avid social dancer, a dance teacher, or - of course - for a studio owner (to hang on the studio wall, of course!) Write dance lessons and hours on their appropriate days, beneath a colorful image of dancers - one that’s artfully shot from a unique perspective and focused to reflect the colorful vibrancy and sense of closeness only found on the dance floor.
It’s the spontaneity, and the creation of memories (some of the last we created at our Lomita location, now our old home since we’ve moved!). And it’s the idea that a still image communicates so much more than its dimensions, colors, subjects, and other elements ever could alone. Where else do you find that passion, the social environment of camaraderie and friendship, that music, the fun, excitement, joy and endorphin-rush of moving your body to it, and a jolt of spontaneous, unexpected creativity all in one place? It’s on the floor - looking gorgeous, feeling that sense of freedom - feeling the rhythm, and living in the moment - and so many of those “moments” are freeze-framed - captured here, in e.K.’s beautiful, new 2010 calendar.
Buy one today as a gift for a friend, or another dancer - or, treat yourself! We hope you’ll enjoy our new gift to you this holiday season, and of course for the rest of your “Happy New Year.”
It’s time to consider the question: What looks are looking good for the upcoming parties and festivities of the 2009 holiday season? Here are five worth considering - perhaps you can add them to your mental fashion library as you prepare to hit the town (with a chic “1, 2” punch, of course).
Pearls. Sophisticated, elegant, shining, simple, graceful… need one say more? Pearl necklaces are timeless accessories. Make it modern this year by layering, keeping the length short like a loose choker, or by wearing a boho-chic and unique knot style with hanging long ties. Simple elegance is in – as is the color pearl in general, so take note.
Ruffles. Such feminine details are truly never out, but they are exceptionally everywhere this season. You see them particularly on collar lines and blouses, and those holiday dresses of course. They are even on coats and shoes if you look around. Maybe you can even find them in a nice feminine wrap dress (like this one!). Tap into the flirty, girly-girl within.
Scarves. Whether it’s with your actual look or with your outerwear, scarves are a very popular accessory right now. When you wear them with your coat, matching scarf-and-hat ensembles are the key. When you wear them with your outfit, it’s that sense of loose, casual layering – and usually more streamlined materials than fuzzy ones – that you’re going for. With this one, it’s “effortless chic” that you’re going for.
Metallics. Timeless for the holidays. Perhaps a fab dress (like this, or maybe this or this) with black tights and heels – boots if your heart desires – would be the best way to do it. Or you can choose a waist belt, or simply choose silver, gold, pewter, brass or bronze jewelry. If you don’t usually do it, now’s the time to add some in. (The tree will be glimmering – so you should too. Have fun with it!)
Sparkling hair accessories. Adorning your do will make you stand out this season. Find a shimmering headband, glittering clip, or jeweled pin for the hair. Consider a piece that’s asymmetrical for a bit of added visual interest. It will be a little unexpected glamour – a crowing glory indeed.
Don’t forget the usual holiday style picks either – the color red, sexy and powerful, retro red lips, satin, basic black, fabulous pumps, (a good-looking man?)… etc., etc. Step out in style for those fun seasonal get-togethers, reminding yourself as you take in the joys of the season, that taking care of yourself, looking great, and feeling confident are joys that you are free to indulge in every season.
Find more fabulous holiday dresses, accessories, and more at www.ekclothing.com.
We’ve recently added the Convertible Dress at e.K. Clothing. It’s “convertible” because it’s really six looks in one - a wonderfully multifunctional dress. It’s a serious dollar value, and it’s fun. And, of course, it makes you feel good when you find the shape or style that works with your body, accentuating what you want it to accentuate, and creating the silhouette that you find the most attractive.
For example, the first look of this dress has flattering ruching and gathering, a deep v-neck to show off a bit of the feminine décolleté, and a tie at the waist to brings things in visually, slimming the body. The interesting criss-cross back adds even more sophistication and style.
From there, Style B is a one-shouldered, halter silhouette, to show off the shoulders and balance the hips and overall body frame. Style C adds a neck ribbon to that look, for an extra, already built-in accessory. Both looks have a beautiful draping of fabric at the back, for an elegant appearance - on arrival as well as on departure.
Style D creates a neckline that is slightly more shaped than Style A. It’s almost a retro, sweetheart shape. The open criss-cross back is a sexy addition, as well. This style will honestly looks great with or without a necklace, but it arguably asks for one (or two, or three - layering can work well when the neck line is deep). As an added bonus, it will keep you cool through long nights of dancing.
Style E is a sexy tube-dress version, for a showing of the décolleté and shoulders. Style F is the same neck line, with a different front - a lovely draping of ribbon down the center of the body adds a sense of movement and playfulness.
You get more for your money buying versatile looks like this. For the price of one dress, you actually receive six. Add accessories like belts, hip wraps, shawls, jewelry, bags, shoes, and jackets, and the possibilities are endless. You can experience that tangible value right away, by wearing it often once you get it. Just change it up every time (and be receptive to the compliments you’ll receive), and see the real benefits of buying multifunctional clothing.
You are a canvas for your own creativity - and this new piece is one more new way to express yourself, multiple ways, multiple times, for the price of one, and with half the effort already done for you. Fabulous, right? (We think so too.)
So have fun with it! Pick up a multi-use look, take good care of it, and revel in the versatility. Each time you bring it out, wear whichever dress suits your fancy “this time” - next time, and every time.
Check out the Convertible Dress - and other fabulous looks - at www.ekclothing.com.
Dancers need fuel that supports beauty and well-being. A smoothie can be a great way to combine multiple forms of nutrition in an easy-to-absorb delivery system. So, taking a page from plant-based nutrition and the uber-health-conscious raw-food world, we bring you a smoothie recipe that supports beautiful skin, hair, and nails, and muscle recovery.
Here’s a quick breakdown of which ingredients are included and why:
Almond milk: Made from ground almonds, this dairy alternative contains no cholesterol or lactose, and it’s also a raw food if bought organic. (”Natural raw” almonds are actually flash-pasteurized, which changes the structure of the fats and makes them less healthy for you.) Because of this, almond milk is higher in enzymes and easier to digest, is often fortified with extra vitamins and minerals, and is significantly lower in calories than regular milk (available regular and low-fat, and without the threat of stomach upset).
Hempseed protein powder: A plant protein is typically easier to digest, and hempseed is said to contain the most easily digestible and bio-available protein per serving. In addition to being low-calorie for its nutritional density, it contains all 21 amino acids, including the 9 essentials that the body cannot produce, plus omega 3 and 6 healthy fats, which are good for metabolism, skin, hair, and nails, and positive mood regulation. Hempseed has vitamins, minerals and fiber, for easy digestion and weight maintenance, plus chlorophyll, a “green food” compound that is purifying for the blood and good for skin. As a raw food, it contains enzymes that aid in digestion as well. (And the vanilla flavor tastes delicious. Honestly, all this raw plant nutrition for the taste makes hempseed protein powder a serious value!)
MSM: Methylsulfonmethane is a sulfur compound that can be bought as a supplement. It is said to be an anti-inflammatory that aids muscle recovery, the healing of scars, and the regeneration of skin and other cell tissue.
Cacao: Also known as “raw chocolate,” cacao’s scientific name “Theobroma” means “food of the gods.” It’s most noted active compound is theobromine, which is a natural stimulant similar to caffeine (hint: because of its stimulating effects, don’t take too much of it). It’s a carbohydrate source, and is also said to contain vitamin C, plus plenty of antioxidants. The Mayans believed that Cacao was discovered by the Gods, and celebrated it as a sacred food.
Maca: Like cacao, Maca is called a “superfood” - probably in large part because it contains over 55 beneficial phytochemicals. It contains valuable minerals, is known to strengthen the immune system, hormonal balance, sexual function and circulation. But it’s especially known to be good for muscle recovery, and increasing energy and endurance - key to its surging popularity among athletes.
Note: The most rare, expensive, and valued form of cacao is Criollo, a type that was used by the Mayans. For a combination of organic antioxidant-rich Criollo cacao and organic, well-sourced maca conveniently and economically blended together, try TerrAmazon “Organic Cacao Powder with Maca,” available at Whole Foods and online.
If you’re ready to take advantage of these fabulous ingredients via a delicious, gently chocolate-flavored smoothie, try this recipe!
8 - 12 ounces of organic almond milk
1 - 2 scoops of organic hempseed protein powder (vanilla flavor)
1 MSM tablet (open and pour in)
1 to 2 tablespoons TerrAmazon Organic Cacao w/ Maca
Stevia (liquid or raw green leaves/powder, to sweeten naturally)
Optional additions:
-1/2 banana - for extra carbohydrates and potassium, both needed by muscles, especially post-workout
-Cinnamon, to taste - a natural blood sugar regulator
-1/2 - 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil, for extra omega fatty acids
Simply blend together, and enjoy! Cheers to your beauty, health, and a body that continues to dance like no one’s watching.
Here at e.K. Clothing, especially in our retail store in Southern California, we get asked this question A LOT. Prospective-first-time-dance-shoe-buyers always wonder exactly what the differences are between actual dance shoes and their regular shoes. Here is what we tell them:
There Are 3 Main Differences:
1.) Dance shoes have a sueded bottom which give great traction for spins on a wooden dance floor. The sueded bottom is an ideal material that is not too slippery-like some dress shoes- or sticky-like some sneakers or flip flop soles.
2.) For womens’ styles, there are usually straps around the ankles. This prevents the heels from slipping out of the shoes and generally keep the foot in place inside the shoe nicely while dancing.
3.) Dance shoes are light weight (with the exception of leather bottom shoes that are popular with Swing dancers) and sometimes even have malleable soles. Many dancers actually prefer to be able to ‘feel’ the floor in their dance shoes, so a thin sole is ideal for some dancers. Not all dance shoe brands have very thin soles or are even malleable - but nearly all dance shoes are lighter in weight than street shoes.
