A Not-So Fabricated History

Historical Origin of Brocade/Jacquard

Overtime, both brocade and jacquard have become extremely popular, as it is common to find them in forms of dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. Designers like Dolce & Gabanna design pieces that are inspired by brocade and jacquard. Despite the fact that people use the words brocade and jacquard interchangeably, they do have minute differences. To be completely honest, I still do not fully comprehend that exact differences, even after looking at over ten sources. The historical timeline of brocade was much more intriguing and comprehensive than jacquard, so here is a historical focus on brocade!


Brocade: Byzantine Empire
Brocade is a rich fabric that is primarily woven from silk and often embroidered with silver and gold metallic threads-a prime reason why I love brocade. Historically, brocade was woven by the Byzantines, and typically worn by the wealthiest of society. The Byzantine Empire was the central producer of brocade, and traded with China, who envied the Byzantines' secrets of silk making. Brocade became most notably important during the Italian Renaissance and Middle Ages; silk was a primary fabric produced by Italy. Nobles and royalty paid presumptuous amounts to wear the Italian fabric.

     

Dress: Abercrombie // Cardigan: Hollister // Crossbody Bag: Kate Spade

I mainly love this dress because of the gold and silver metallic fabric. It is a traditional floral-patterned brocade/jacquard dress. I personally think it is fun to wear for any semi-formal event or for a night out. I have also worn this dress to a wedding and a MUN Conference, so I have been able to incorporate it into all different types of events. 

 
My ever-beloved black crossbody! A black crossbody is a staple that can be worn with nearly everything. I love this bag because it is just small enough to carry around without hassle, but just big enough to fit in all my essentials-keys, phone, money, chapstick, etc.

HISTORICAL ORIGIN of TWEED and CORDUROY 

Tweed: Scotland// Corduroy (fustian): Egypt

Tweed is often referred to as an icon of traditional British clothing because of the moisture-resistant and durable fabric. However, tweed first originated from Scotland in the 18th century. Initially, tweed was primarily worn as outwear for outdoor activities, such as shooting and hunting. The material was rough, dull-colored, and hand-woven. Tweed has been worn by the entire social ladder, from nobles to farmers, which makes the fabric a rustic heritage. Corduroy, on the other hand, goes an even greater number of centuries back. Corduroy evolves from the cotton weave known as 'fustian.' Used in 200 AD in Egypt, fustian became more popular in the cotton trade by the 12th century. Fustian was a velvety textile that was sought after by royal Europeans. By the 18th century, fustian became especially popular among schoolmasters, and became adopted into ladies' dresses. It was then that fustian became known as 'corduroy' in England. In French translation, corduroy means the 'cloth of a King' (corde du roi). Even kids began wearing corduroy in the 20th century. Since then, corduroy has gone in and out of style. Luckily, it is in right now! (i love my corduroy pants too)

I actually took this photoshoot directly after my MUN conference on Saturday, so I thought I'd just stay in my clothes and show what I wore. It is definitely western-business attire, so you could possibly find it interesting to wear if you participate in Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, MUN, etc. Tweed and corduroy are great fabrics for business-styles. However, I also own normal corduroy pants and normal tweed jackets, so I have these same fabrics for casual clothing.

    

Bow Flats: Halogen (Nordstrom)

I LOVE pointed-toe flats. So classy. The leather base of this flat is what makes it so unique, and I love them. I've had them for several years, and I intend on wearing them for years to come!

                       

Saturday's Story:

 

  

I'll end it off with a little story about what went down when Diana and I were taking these pictures. We first went to the colleges to shoot the first outfit. After, we went to the parking lot near the Packing House, and it took over 15 minutes to find a parking spot-there were absolutely no parking spots. We ate at the Junction, a Korean-Mexican Fusion food restaurant, for dinner. I won't thoroughly explain what we ate, but to keep it simple. it was palatable. The waiter handed us the beer and wine menu, and you can guess the rest. Their food is decently priced, but our check turned out a little over $40...Why? Let me just say...broke students should skip appetizers- I'll leave it at that and keep that in mind next time. *chuckles*

P.S. But... but... the truffle fries were so good. T.T I say it was worth it.  -Diana

Thanks for reading!

Love Me a Latte, Write?

What is that I hear? It's Falling-in-love February? I'd say it applies to me only in the context that I'm in love with...my puppy. Duh. I also heard Valentine's Day called Galentine's Day for all the girls without a valentine. I've just been calling it Single Awareness Day. They all work. Sorry, no boyfriend-never did, never will. I'm kidding about the latter. With or without a person to share it with, Valentine's Day is still a lovable day. It makes me happy to see others happy-for the most part hehe. My best friend's birthday is on Valentine's Day, so there's always a reason for me to celebrate. Just because I don't have a boyfriend, doesn't mean I don't have a valentine. Diana and I constantly read each others' minds and we have similar life morals so...I'd say we're meant for each other. She definitely agrees. Thanks for asking me to be your valentine, Diana! You're the real MVP.

Anyways, why do we celebrate Valentine's Day? Where did Valentine's Day even come from? Who is St. Valentine? The answers to these questions are pretty intriguing-you'd be surprised.

The Origins of Valentine's Day

St. Valentine was a Roman priest for the Catholic Church, while Emperor Claudius II ruled in the 3rd century AD. Emperor Claudius banned marriage between men and women because he believed unmarried men were better warriors than married men. Because the Roman Empire was falling apart, he needed a strong army that would protect the empire from its fall. Valentine disregarded the ban of marriage, and instead did the opposite: officiated marriages; Valentine believed marriage was a God-given right. Unfortunately, Valentine became convicted of treason, and was decapitated. He is recognized as a martyr and and saint because he sacrificed his life for the sacrament of marriage. Valentine's Day is on February 14th because that is the day St. Valentine was beheaded.

Valentine's Day became an official holiday in the 5th century under Pope Gelasius of the Catholic Church. Prior to that, it was an annual Roman festival on February 15th called Lupercalia. During the celebration, naked men would sacrifice a goat and dog for fertility and purification. Men would then whip women with the hide of their sacrificed animals because they believed it would increase a woman's fertility. To make matters worse, young men would then partake in a lottery, in which they would draw the name of a woman they would be paired with. Those matches often led to marriages. It was a messed up celebration to say the least. Luckily, Pope Gelasius came to the rescue and abolished the pagan rituals of Lupercalia. It was replaced with Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day has come a long long way. I never realized that it was one of the oldest holidays on the calendar. It has what I'd consider a macabre history, which makes it all the more perplexing and paradoxical.

Styles to LOVE:

Fabulously Feminine

To go along with the theme, I chose a few of my favorite articles of clothing that I love. The easiest way to look subtly Valentine's Day themed, without screaming pink and hearts, is to add a small touch of pink. For example, a pink cardigan instead of a pink shirt or skirt. I also layered a denim jacket on top so that you would only see the bottom of the pink popping out with it on.

'Fabulous' Embellished Top: Abercrombie // Pleated Skirt: Abercrombie // Pink Cardigan: Nordstrom // Denim Jacket: American Eagle

This is an in-between casual and girly outfit. The denim jacket and cotton material of the top are more on the casual end. However, the pleated skirt and beading embellishment on the top is what makes the entire look more fun and feminine!

I stacked my "LOVE" bead bracelet with my chained "Juicy" bracelet with my Seiko watch. 

lookin' sharp

Blazer: Nordstrom BP (Frenchi) // Lace Top: IDK // Pink Denim: Nordstrom (Sanctuary Clothing)

Blazers automatically make an outfit look spiffy and sophisticated. It's that simple.

Can't go wrong with lace. Can't go wrong with colored denim.

What is Valentine's Day without chocolate? Gotta have it!

FREE&FLOWING

Crochet Top: Forever 21 // Tie-Dye Dress: Saks Off Fifth

This outfit isn't red or pink, but it's just a style I thought I'd share. I wore a crochet crop top over a tie-dye dress. I was able to put the two separate pieces together because they were the same color. This is an easy way to create new outfits with the same clothes in your closet!

Flower Crown: Handmade from Etsy 

Have a lovely Valentine's Day/Galentine's Day/Single Awareness Day, everyone!