Not Your Typical New Years Eve Dress

Okay so every New Years starts off with a promising evening a great party or cool event. But then at the moment that I arrive at the party I realize it was not all it was built up to be. By this moment I would have already spent the earlier part of the evening getting ready making sure my hair and makeup was done up enough for the New Years eve extravaganza. I would have also spent a bit of time picking out my outfit for the evening maybe even buying a new one. When reaching the event for the evening I would have realized that my hair, my make-up, and my outfit was possibly just bit over done. That is why I love love love this Hilfiger dress for a new years party. It's sweet, sexy, but most certainly not over done. Not what you would normally expect from a New Years dress it carries you in elegance. Wearing this dress with a glammed up necklace would be perfect. When you reach the party and it's not a fancy as you thought just slip the necklace off and into your bag. Perfect.

Older Then Retro Wednesday: Tartan

 

Tartans began in Scotland as a way to distinguish people from different regions. It wasn't till the mid 1700's that clans began to wear the same tartan. This eventually led to what we have today where particular tartans are associated with specific family names.

Have a Cozy Christmas

 

The coziest print of all, the tartan. 

If we look back into tartan history we see tartans were originally made of wool. Luckily for us today we now have soft flannels and cottons to curl up in on Christmas Eve. So get your tartans out and cuddle up for Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone.

Fresh Modern Tartans

Although these prints are more modern and fresh then the tartans of Scotland there is no denying the infusion of tartan print in the design concepts used by Tommy Hilfiger. These photos are from just last springs collection by Hilfiger. And it's no wonder tartans are a reacquiring print for Tommy Hilfiger. With the Scottish immigrating to the New World aka America in the seventeen hundreds their traditions and heritage became deeply rooted in American customs and culture as well.  It is said that today over 28.9 million Americans claim Scottish heritage.

The Family Name

When looking back on my family heritage my mom's side is easy. My grandparents immigrated to America from the Netherlands. So 100% Dutch from my mom's side. But when I looking into my dad's line it is not so clean cut. It turns out my dad is part German, a big mix of some other European stuff and SCOTTISH! I don't even have to look back that far to find my family tartan. My grandmothers maiden name is Stewart. Above is the Stewart family clan tartan.

So I looked into a bit of the history of the Stewart family clan tartan.  It is the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. It is also traditional that the subjects of Queen Elizabeth II wear the same tartan.  In the 1960's the Stewart tartan became known by the motor racing community through three-time Formula One World Champion Jackie Stewart. He always wore his band of Royal Stewart tartan around his crash helmet. The Stewart tartan was brought to life again with the 1970's punk rock scene. There is not just one version of the Stewart tartan either. Tuns of individual families all underneath the Stewart name have created an altered version of this tartan. There is even a mourning version of the Stewart tartan for those who have lost a loved one. So much history and tradition behind a print it's amazing.

Scottish Tradition

I am in Scotland for the holidays this year. The country is vibrant. The culture here is so rich. The people cherish their history and there is such a value in the traditions of the Scottish people. I am so impressed by this I want to spent the entire month on the history and influence the Scottish tartans (or plaid) on fashion and particular the styles the Hilfiger brand has embraced.

Another Hilfiger Outing

 

We join the Hilfiger's on yet another family outing. They are off on their annual family ski trip. Sporting the classic Tommy red, with a sharp navy blue, and gray tones the family looks just as stylish as ever. 

Retro Wednesday- Ski Sweater

The ski sweater or as some call it the Christmas sweater is now a part of our every day winter wardrobe. We wear it to work, around the house, and running around town. They are now made of cotton, cashmere, wool, and even silk and rayon blends. The ski/Christmas sweater has even become the theme of some winter parties. It's cozy, it's warm, and to be honest I don't know how I could make it through the Dutch winters without my winter ski sweater.

Friday Night Movie- Coolest Exhibition Ever

 

This year Tommy Hilfiger presented the coolest exhibition at the Berlin Bread and Butter trade show complete with skating rink and 101 penguin sculptures. With stair case leading up to a roof deck, DJ,  denim, and a cozy cabin like showroom what more could you ask for. 

The Quilted Jacket

Fall in love with the fall Denim

This years fall denim campaign is out. The essence of rugged Americana is captured in the styling choices of Karl Templer. Using the backdrop of the North Wales Farm in Virginia Craig McDean captures the iconic image of the Tommy Hilfiger brand in his photographs.

Retro Wednesday: Halloween Costumes

 

Happy Halloween everyone.

Retro Wednesday: Hunting Excursion

In light of the fall Hilfiger campaign I would like to take a look back at some old hunting photos.  Not quite as chic as the Hilfiger campaign.

The Hilfigers go Hunting

 

The Hilfiger's are on yet another outing. This time they are off to the Virginia country side. Photographed by Craig McDean and styled by Karl Templer the Hilfiger family is seen in the fall leaves with hunting dogs and horses.  Tweed jackets and pants, warm sweaters,  rich fall colors,  and lots of layers are all part of the fall campaign. 

Layers

Bundle up. There is no better way to stay warm outside with the ever growing colder weather then layers. They add another dimension and more color to your style.

Retro Wednesday- Plaid

Beginning with the tartans of Scotland, evolving to the punk rock scene of the 1980's, and continuing through to today plaid has been through it's fair share of re-inventing itself. With its many looks plaid is a print that will never be out of style. We are looking at a future full of further plaid evolution. So lets take a look back at a few of the looks plaid has given us from the past.