What Is Fairtrade And What Makes Food/clothing Qualify?
Not that long ago, a small handful of products carried a sign which marked them out as Fairtrade. There weren?t many of them, they were hard to find, and even if you did manage to find them it was more than likely wouldn?t know what Fairtrade meant.
How things have changed in a short space of time. Word has spread about the Fairtrade mark and now an estimated 4,500 items in the UK carry it – but what is the history of the Fairtrade mark, and what effect has its spread had?
Established in 1992 by organisations including CAFOD, Oxfam and Traidcraft, the Fairtrade Foundation is a labelling initiative which approves products to carry a special mark, allowing them to be classed as ethically-sourced goods.
Any company that wants to attach a Fairtrade label to one of its products must meet a set of internationally recognised standards, decided on by a group made up of the four international fair trade networks.
The idea behind fair trade is a simple one – to guarantee a fair deal for everyone involved in the supply chain, right down to the lowest paid worker and their community. Fair trade is about being honest and ethical and not taking advantage of people, especially those in third world countries who are the most open to exploitation.
But the idea behind fair trade does not just mean better wages for normally disadvantaged workers in developing countries, it is about improving people?s lives through ethical trade. The Fairtrade Foundation aims to build trading relationships based on trust and transparency, justice and fairness.
Fair trade is about improving working conditions, banishing exploitation and reducing the effect the production of certain goods has on the environment.
Major UK-based brands now have products which adhere to Fairtrade standards, such as Nestle?s Fairtrade KitKats, a company which for a long time has faced international criticism over its business practices. As demand for ethical goods increases, along with pressure from consumers, the shelves will continue to fill. As the word spreads about fair trade clothing, so the range available will increase.…
Spring/summer 2009 Fashion Trend: Depression Chic
Do you know that fashion trends this season highlight ?depression chic?? How to describe it exactly? As far as I concerned, it is the fashion world?s straight stab at bringing back the glamorous dresses. Yes, in Spring/Summer 2009, great depression has suddenly become one of the hottest topic in fashion industry. Then, how to create such a depression chic? Finishing a broken in replica handbag, ripped jeans or wrinkled suits?
In fact, the recent economic downturn equaled an unexpected turn for the better for fashion design this season. The economy has had obvious negative effects on the fashion industry, but an unpredicted positive result comes in the form of one of the most popular trends, cleverly referred to as ?depression chic.? Here fashion is devided into two group, the one is practical wear, the other is the comparatively high-sounding vintage style. I cannot compare much more toward them since both of them are determined by special sense of worth. While, from the point of fashion?s encouragement, we need wear more beautiful and gorgeous in the econimic downturn period.
See the practical wear first. Of course, in the special period, we have to keep more cash in hand, thus we control our shopping desire towards luxury designer items, and begin to select the approachable warm texture, like textile, cotton, stretch-fabrics even the hard-wearing jean. You could consider it as a common civilian fashion, just taste fashion in affordable prices. Then take a good look at the super realism group. It gives high praise to a brand new idea ? the more depressive, the more stylish. Seems a little bolshy. I guess that people should shift their disappointment from the great economic downturn, therefore they mustn?t stop going for fashion. Maybe that will help us to forget annoyance for the moment.
Nevertheless, no matter what the fashion changes, you should remember one big fashion, that?s you need always keep the style of yourselves.…
All You Should Know About Formal Dresses For Women
The women nowadays can look beautiful in a variety of different ways. The use of formal dressing is one of these ways to look admirable. Formal dresses for women are most of the times designed by the known and famous dress designers which consequently are very much costly as compared to the other normal items in the market. These pieces comes in a very high range of costs and have the variety in terms of color schemes, themes, styles, cuts and designs. Going to choose the formal designer’s robe is a good idea especially when we talk about the aspect of uniqueness and of course to look different. Besides, it also enables you to design the dress according to your desire so that it best fits your needs.
The length of a costume that is to be designed is the prime factor of consideration. A variety of lengths are available for the formal dresses for women in common, but when it specifically comes to a designer’s formals, this variety limits to only two lengths that are either the tea length or that of floor one. Earlier the tea lengths were not considered normal to wear with formals, but in the current scenario it has become a common phenomenon to be used this way. Therefore one can easily use these cloths with the lengths that are either long or short, sometimes with the combination of both at the same time. When you observe that your robe is a bit shorter than the tae length, don’t use it formally rather save it for some other day time party or function, in which it is to be carried as informal clothing.
Besides, the cuts and the flows of the formal dresses for women are equally important when these costumes are concerned. For example, you may probably have a lengthy and loose stuff of an evening dress, or let’s suppose it might be the other way around, no matter what in both cases the costumes can be considered as formal because of the cuts and falls that are efficiently done in the robe you wear.
Then the fit and the bodice are also very important in formal dresses for women. As similar as mentioned above both in tight and loose fit, a robe can be formal. Because it depends upon the way the robe falls, and it is mandatory to observe the fall of your robe in this case because only then you will be able to make sure that the dress looks as formal as you desired.…
Ecommerce Software With ‘Related Products’ Feature
It’s a feature that’s been on the ecommerce scene for a while, but not many online shop owners are using it to its full potential. When we shop online and buy a product, more often that not we’ll be encouraged to look at similar products – usually from the same seller.
Amazon is a particularly good example of this. Next time you add a book or item of stationary to your shopping basket as a for instance, scroll down the page and you will find a row of ‘related product’ boxes. This feature has a dual function: it lets you know about goods that are likely to be of interest whilst subtly persuading you into the buy-it-now domain.
No matter what trade you’re in, anyone and everyone should be using the related products feature wherever possible to maximise their online sales. Check that your ecommerce software package has this function, and enable it or edit the settings in the control panel next time you log in. It gives your customers the chance to explore other complimentary items as well as operating as an essential up-sell technique.
Let’s say you’re in the sportswear industry selling swimwear and other accessories for use in swimming sessions. You would advertise products like goggles, hats, and water bottles (related products) alongside your swimsuits in order to drive more transactions through your online shop. It makes sense to offer your customers more scope for finding items of interest, after all, the idea is to gain as much custom as you can from you customer base.
Of course, there is more likelihood of this working that not generating any extra income from it at all. The main reason being that customers are in the ‘buying domain’ when the related products feature is activated. There’s always that chance that one of your clients will opt for an item that comes as a recommended purchase – especially if you set up special offers and promotions on your products.
There are ecommerce software platforms that are starting to incorporate this element to give your online shop added features and functionality. Make sure you get the most out of your online shop by choosing a system that supports related products. Don’t forget to ask about your ecommerce software provider for help if you have any difficulty using this feature with products from your online store, they should be more than happy to help.…
What You Need to Know About Buying Wholesale Clothes For Profit
We are all looking for a way to make a little extra cash in today’s difficult economy. One area of industry that rarely suffers from recession, is clothing. After all, we all need clothes; no matter how bad things become economically clothing will always be a necessity. However, if you want to make a profit from selling clothes, then you need to ensure that you have adequate margins. Buying clothes in bulk is the best way to ensure that you are able to put a margin on your clothing. However, there are a few things that you need to know, and we will discuss these below.
Buy Quality ItemsYou may be starting out, but you need to ensure that you buy the highest quality products that your margins can afford you. This may mean that you make less of a profit than you anticipate initially, but it also means that you are more likely to benefit from return custom.
Once a customer has bought products from you, and they realize that they are of a good quality, they will often return to buy more. In business, it is well known that it is far easier to retain customers, than it is to find new customers. Up to 90% of any business, revenue is derived from return custom, and so it is vital to make a good first do this by purchasing good quality and attractive clothing.
Buy Fashionable ItemsThe majority of your customers will be concerned with fashion. This is true regardless of the particular demographic to which you are tailoring: although, depending on the demographic, what is considered fashionable will vary. Therefore, it is important that you understand your audience and that you buy clothes tailored to the people whom you wish to attract. For example, if you want to attract a young, female, audience, make sure that you stock up on pretty ladies dresses wholesale. Be sure to read the fashion magazines so that you can choose clothes and dresses that are on trend. It is ok to go back a couple of seasons, because although high-end fashions change each season, high street fashions tend to stick around for a few years. For example, maxi dresses made a big comeback in summer 2012, and they are still popular in summer 2013.
Buying accessories that go with the clothes that you have in stock is also a good idea. This will add to your source of revenue, as people will often want to buy something that matches their clothing. For instance, if you buy in ladies dresses wholesale, it is worthy you also buying in necklaces, handbags, sandals, etc. anything that will go with the dresses you have in stock. For men’s clothing, it may be a little harder, but buying hats, satchels, wallets and scarves (depending on your stock – you do not want to buy a scarf to go with jogging bottoms) will usually do the trick.…
Express Yourself With Fashion Designer Games
Fashion design is one of the hottest and most exciting careers, and fashion designer games are a great way to learn the trade. Even if you don’t plan to make a living outfitting runway models or stocking the shelves of upscale boutiques, these games can be a great way to have some fun and relieve stress.
Fashion designer games are usually made for younger tween and teenage girls, but anyone can join in the fun. There is usually little skill or learning required. In the world of fashion, it is all about the looks. You won’t find points to earn or missions to complete in most of these games. In the end, what matters is designing what you think looks best.
These games are generally pretty simple and straightforward. You may be presented a character or may have the option to choose from multiple characters. From there, let your imagination run wild and create your own unique style. The most basic fashion designer games will give you the ability to outfit your character with a selection of various hair styles and colors, jewelry, clothing and accessories. Some games may give you even more advanced options for designing your own custom clothes or other items.
In a way, this is a lot like building a character in a role playing game. For example, many RPGs give users the chance to customize their character’s on-screen image or avatar in a number of ways. Whereas this is usually just the first step in an adventure game, these games take the same basic idea and make that the focus of the entire game itself.
Depending on the game you choose, you may have options to save a picture and even share your creation with friends on sites like Facebook. This is a great way to show off your creativity and inspire your friends who may also be interested in fashion design.
These games make it easy to try out new outfits, colors and styles. You can experiment with all kinds of things which would take lots of time and money to do at the mall. You can have fun dressing up your electronic character, and may be even get some ideas for new things you would like to try out. This is a great way to get new ideas before you go shopping.
Whether you are serious about a career as a fashion designer or just want to have some fun, online games give anyone the chance to play dress up like never before.…
Information You Must Have When Shopping For Shoes
Information You Must Have When Shopping For Shoes
There are so many different kinds of shoes out there that it can make shoe shopping really overwhelming. Making a decision about shoes can be difficult, dependent on the look you want. Fear not, this article is full of great ways to make buying shoes easier. Read on to learn some tips.
To get good deals on shoes, you should go online and sign up with your favorite shoe stores. By signing up to their newsletters, you will receive information about any upcoming sales. You will also receive coupons or possibly earn points toward future discounts. This can really make a difference in the amount of your purchase.
You can find great deals for shoes online. There are many online retailers that are competing for your business. When shopping online, make sure that you check several coupon websites to see if you can find a coupon code for a certain percent off or free shipping and handling to maximize your savings.
You should not go barefoot inside your sneakers. When your feet rub, you’ll find that you injure your skin. Additionally, it can cause foot fungus. It is better to don a pair of cotton socks and use a bit of foot powder to maintain dryness.
Pay attention to your budget. Stick to the amount you’ve set aside for shoes. Sales and discounts could tempt you to buy more than you truly need and make it difficult for you to maintain the budget. Think about what is really necessary, and stay true to your budget.
It is best to have both feet measured if you are not sure what your size is. Many people have one foot that is a bit bigger than the other. Find shoes that fit your biggest foot perfectly, so you know they will both be comfortable.
When buying shoes for a specific sport, purchase ones made specifically for it. For instance, in basketball, general sneakers will never give you the support that a good pair of basketball high tops will. The same goes for sports like soccer and football. Choose shoes that have been built exactly for the stresses you’ll face.
Always try on shoes with the same kind of sock or stocking that you will be wearing when you wear the shoes. If you try shoes on with the small disposable peds at the store, they may not match the socks you usually wear. You shoes may not fit correctly when you get them home.
Fashion Trends
If keeping in style is important to you, take the time to search out some fashion blogs. There are many out there that talk about all the popular fashion trends, including shoes. By keeping on top of this you will learn what is in and out, and will know what to get.
Latest Trends
Don’t think about trends when you shop for shoes. When you love what you’re wearing, you exude confidence. You’ll use them and enjoy them more if you do that.
A lot of people enjoy getting some great shoes, but this can be a hard chore to take on. Some shoe shopping advice can go a long way. Use the advice here as a shopping guide in finding the perfect shoes.…