Fashion Industry & History

Garment and textile production is the largest employer of workers world wide. Though ready-to-wear clothing was once a cottage industry, the Industrial Revolution changed the way we shop and dress.

The character of Phoebe Halliwell served up some major fashion statements throughout the series on Charmed. This is a list of my personal favorites, all of which were slayed by the stunning Alyssa Milano.

The history of the apron used as a protective garment, an indication of a particular trade, and a cultural icon. From vintage styles to Anthropologie's beautiful styles, the apron is back.

'Made in China' has a bad reputation of being cheap, fast, and poor quality. Is there truth to this notion?

Fashions of the 19970's brought us androgyny, polyester, mixed patterns, Punk, and Disco styles and an extension of 60's hippie chic. The self as art created an eclectic mix that is still with us.

Flappers were only part of the fashion trend of the 1920's. The female silhouette became slimmer and almost androgynous with drop waist dresses and loose, comfortable clothing.

Fast fashion is cheap, convenient, and helps the more frugal among us experiment with new fashions and clothes. But fast fashion comes with a price greater than the tags on the shelves

During the American Civil War, women of the South were limited by the availability of products due to the blockade. Fabric was needed for the military so women became creative with limited resources.

Caribbean's Next Top Model contestant Gabriella Bernard challenges industry standards of beauty.

The Aesthetic Movement, a counterculture of artists, writers, and designers in Victorian England opposed the dehumanization of the Industrial Age. Aesthetic fashion favored a natural look based on medieval styles

Victorian fashions reflect clothing worn between 1837 - 1901. Despite the prim and proper feminine ideal, Victorian clothing includes outrageous styles like hoop skirts and bustles.

Review of Rachel Zoe's Box of Style—a collection of seasonal items delivered to your door for a fraction of their retail price.

Mercari is a marketplace for used or new items. It can be a great alternative to Poshmark or eBay for buying used clothing. Read my Mercari review from a buyer's perspective.

Mr John was famous for elegant stylish and very expensive hats from the 1940's to the 1970's. Virtually forgotten for decades, his hats are making a comeback with Gen Y lovers of vintage.

Learn about Poshmark, a site for buying and selling used clothing. Take extra precautions when selling or buying used clothing to protect your payment information, privacy, and ensure an easy experience with Poshmark shopping.

Use these clues to date old photographs of women. Fashion changes over time can suggest the date a picture was taken and can help with genealogy research.