100 Ideas That Changed Fashion

I've recently had my birthday and I got loads of lovely presents but I thought I'd tell you about one of my favourite ones. My friend Nina bought me this amazing book called '100 Ideas That Changed Fashion' and I literally haven't been able to put it down! If you're interested in fashion (which I'm guessing you are because you're reading a fashion blog!) I would definitely recommend it. It's almost a guide to how fashion has developed since 1000's of years ago but its condensed into just 100 ideas. It's so interesting and it really shows us how fashion has evolved and what has shaped fashion to be what it is today.

I decided that for this post I would open the book on a few random pages and maybe write a bit or post some pictures about that idea...

1. TRAINERS

The first trainer brands were Keds and Converse in the early 1900's. It's funny because I literally live in Converse but until now I never realised how much history they had. And if I'm not wearing a pair of battered, vintage converse then my second choice is usually a pair of Nike high tops. Trainers have always been fashionable but recently there have been a lot of designers bringing out trainers and plimpsoles. To be honest I'm not the biggest fan of the designer trainers, I prefer the classics: Nike, Adidas and Converse. I think when it comes to trainers simple is usually best.

Here are some of my favourite trainers I own...

2. HOTPANTS

For some reason I've now opened the page again on a fashion item I wear constantly. I am a BIG fan of really short shorts. My favourites are the vintage denim ones made from cut off Levi's that you can buy in practically any vintage shop. I love the retro vibe they can give an outfit without relating to a specific period or looking too outdated.

3. UNDERWEAR AS OUTERWEAR

This trend began in 1916 when Chanel used beige knit jersey, which was traditionally used to make men's underwear, for fashionable women's dresses. This trend has really developed since then mainly by Madonna who embraced it and now recently by Lady Gaga who takes inspiration from her. I think often people don't realise they are wearing this trend nowadays because everyday clothing is quickly becoming much more experimental and also revealing. Here are some examples on the high street...

Free People

Silence and Noise

Miss Selfridge