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Labor Day: fashion then and now

September 7, 2020

Labor Day — always celebrated on the first Monday in September — is an important public holiday in the US. Honoring how industrious American workers have brought prosperity to the nation, the first Labor Day was held in 1882 when how we worked, lived and dressed was very different.

But how different were clothing styles in 1882 compared to today? To celebrate Labor Day 2018, we’re exploring the top fashion trends of both eras to see what similarities and differences exist…

Skirts

Although skirts became narrower as the 1800s wore on, skirts from 1882 onwards started to widen again. Around this time, the biggest skirt trend was for the design with the accentuated ‘bustle’ — padding worn under a skirt at the top to puff the fabric out.

Using deeply folded pleats, this style accentuated the hips and became one of the era’s most attractive and sought-after looks — something we’ve seen brought back in style today by Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Amber Rose. The trend for emphasizing the hip area didn’t last too long, but it was long enough to show that even prior to Instagram and hip-boosting, ‘body contouring’ surgery; there was a fascination for volumizing this part of the female body.

Fine silks were used to create formal going out tops and tailored skirts were made using linen or wool — fabrics that are still widely used today. There was a noticeable difference in the materials used by older and younger women too, as more mature women were often seen wearing thick velvet fabrics as opposed to thinner materials. Cotton wasn’t as commonly used as it is today either, this material was reserved for royalty or wealthy families as it was imported from abroad.

Tops

During the late 1800s, puff sleeves were very popular and this style is roaring back into trend according to Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, with Gigi Hadid, Margot Robbie and Emily Ratajkowski all rocking the look.

If you look at old photos, you’re sure to notice ladies wearing tight bodices and high-neck corsets. This was a leading trend for stylish women around 1882, partly due to a need for ladies to appear ‘covered up’ and respectable, yet still flaunting a feminine silhouette. High-collar shirts — especially with cut-out sleeves or completely bare arms — are popular today and bring the same air of sophistication to a modern-day style.

 

When it comes to patterns, tartan and plaid were popular largely due to the influx of Scottish immigrants to America who brought the fabric with them. We still see these prints today, largely around the autumn and winter months due to the warm color palettes.

Coats and jackets

Keeping in line with the covered-up approach to style, women were often seen in long-sleeved jackets that complemented their skirts.

Nipped in at the waist, jackets during this era were like dresses at the time, as their cinched waists showed off the female silhouette. We have similar styling today in tailored suit jackets and belted jackets; women often pair these with slim-leg trousers to show off their curves and extenuate their legs.

Bright colors were commonly used in the late 1800s, peacock blue and bold red are two hues that were especially popular. In addition to these, the 1890s are known by some as the “mauve decade” due to the invention of this color dye around this time. Nowadays, we have a wider range of clothing to choose from, but we still take inspiration from the bright hues of the 19th century if we’re looking to add a pop of color to our look.

Accessories

Women still accessorized in the 1800s, bonnets in particular were popular which were secured around the chin with ribbon or lace. Although this style of headwear is long gone, hats and head pieces, such as fascinators, are still widely worn to weddings and formal events to complement an outfit.

Tight-fitting necklaces were also worn in the late 1800s, made popular by Queen Alexandra of England who wore one to hide a scar on her neck. Although they’ve changed in appearance, chokers are still a popular accessory today. As noticed by Hello magazine, this style has been spotted on the likes of Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian.

Of course, fashion trends have changed since the first Labor Day, but we still take a lot of our inspiration from the ladies of the 1800s. Could lace bonnets and knee-length swimsuits make a comeback…?

Sources:

https://www.uvm.edu/landscape/dating/clothing_and_hair/1880s_clothing_women.php

 

Business

Business And Charity, Sharing A Symbiotic Relationship

August 26, 2020

Human beings are, in general, charitable creatures. This is reflected by key statistics; according to Charity Navigator, $410bn in charity was given in 2017, up 5.2% on the year before. Your typical charity-giver is a private citizen; however, those statistics show that businesses are taking a greater role than ever before, accounting now for 20% of all giving.

The fact is that businesses stand to gain a lot from charity, and charity can receive a boost in tandem. Taking the basic principles of charity and applying them to a business model is a challenge, but well worth completing. Doing so will of benefit to everyone.

Bottom line: the beneficiaries, and how they benefit business

While many businesses will conduct charity for many reasons, the most important and main benefactor is, of course, the target of said charity. Benefiting those disadvantaged people and the community is the primary aim of charity and that must be remembered. Even this is full of benefits for business, however. As The Balance outline in their report on charity, developing the local community through charity will help to develop connections in the future and upskill the local workforce.

Direct monetary benefits to charity

Aside from the feel-good factor of charity and the corporate responsibility it delivers, there are actual cash benefits to be had from charity. This should be of interest to any entrepreneur, especially those chasing percentage changes. Companies including Hersheys have shown how philanthropy has boosted sales significantly and, in the process, cut costs; the IRS have provided comprehensive guidance to the tax status of charitable deductions and for many businesses this provides a net revenue increase.

Can small business do it?

A common misconception is that only large corporations can afford to invest in philanthropy. In truth, even donating a small amount – within your means – is helpful. This could be a product with low production time, or even just giving the facility to host a fundraiser. The benefit is twofold; you will start making important impacts that enhance your reputation, and, as Forbes contributor Camilo Maldonado outlines, improves your own wellbeing. Even donating small amounts has been shown to enhance your feelings of health.

The benefits of business philanthropy are numerous. It benefits the community, the company bottom line, and the owner, and all of these effects work in reverse. A perfect pairing, if your small business doesn’t yet engage in charity, why not start now?

Food

The importance of food

June 29, 2018

For the body to be said that it functions properly, it needs nutrients. That is why food is essential to people and animals. Access to food is generally every human being’s right, vital to health and ultimately to life. The right amount of food will result in a good and healthy body with an immune system.

The difference in food requirements

How people consume food varies depending on different factors which include sex, culture, age, occupation and race. People from different age groups take in or require different nutrients. This is because as one grows so does the nutritional value required change. Did you know that there food related casino games at online casino blackjack and by playing those games you can be lucky and stand a chance to win great prizes

People are often recognised by the type of food they eat. Different cultures have different foods that make them known world over. In other words, food connects people and places as it is significant to culture and national heritage. Food is also regarded as a cultural biological process and has symbolic meanings attached to it.

Significance of food

Food is a means of bringing people together, family ethnic groups. Christmas day, for Christians, is a festive celebration that is symbolised by food. Hanukkah is a Jewish festive season that brings the people together in celebration with food.

Food is a source of income for those who grow it for example farmers and also those who sell it. Not only does it bring in money for individuals but also for a nation as a whole. Some nations actually depend on these food crops to boost their countries’ economy and encourage interlink between nations.

So grab some grub and once you are all fired up reach for your smartphone, tablet, computer and play some online casino games and you might earn yourself some income if you are lucky enough to hit the jackpot.

Other roles of food

For many centuries food has always been the mark that distinguishes people in society. For example in Britain cake was a symbol of wealth whilst bread was a symbol of poverty and those who are less privileged.

Often a lot of diseases are cured by foods, this is why food is essential in our well being. Heat can also be generated in the body by certain nutrients in food namely fats.

Around The World, Food

How to save money dining in London

April 20, 2018

As any London resident will quickly testify, the amount of food temptation in the capital is bordering on the staggering. Whether it’s your typical national, or international, chain, or even an independent establishment, the variety is up there with the best in the world.

As you’ve probably gathered, this poses problems for the Average Joe.

Target the areas with a high concentration of restaurants

One of the biggest favours you can do to your wallet is at least offer yourself variety. The more restaurants on offer, the more choice you have and the less likely you are to spend money. Suffice to say, if you just have one expensive deli in the area you happen to be, you’ll be spending plenty regardless. If you have numerous restaurants in one place, it doesn’t have to be like that.

This is where areas such as Covent Garden really come into their own for eating. The choice here is aplenty and you can find some real gems that allow you to dine out without spending your week’s budget on one meal.

The power of social media

Love it or hate it, for those of you who are searching for food bargains on the streets of London, social media can be absolutely invaluable. This is the medium in which companies can quickly announce their special deals and if you’re not following them, you’ll be sure to miss out.

The big chains tend to advertise their discounts weeks in advance, but smaller, independent ones usually do it on the fly. They’ll usually do it in the middle of a slow day so if you are following them, you can quickly reap the rewards.

Sure, it’s probably not a tactic that is going to work every day, but with so many restaurants in London you will be able to obtain a lot of savings via the approach.

Vouchers are now completely portable

We all know about voucher websites – they’ve been at the centre of our online shopping habits for a number of years now.

However, many of these websites have spanned right the way across to apps and this means that you can quickly use them on-the-go. Gone are the days where you have to use the office printer to print your coupon; by simply carrying one of the many voucher code apps on your phone you can obtain your discount instantaneously.

Most discounts of this ilk aren’t available during peak times, so forget it if you’re looking for savings across the weekend. However, for those of you who like nipping out on your lunch hour to one of the main London eateries, this can save you considerable pennies through the course of a month.

Around The World, Food

Macau: A culinary City awaits!

April 13, 2018

Macau represents the exciting, energetic and entertaining side of China, and luckily for those who are visiting ‘the Las Vegas of Asia’, there are plenty of dining options, too.

Grab a bite, Macau style

This autonomous region on China’s South Coast has a unique cuisine all of its own, in part owing to the Portuguese influence of the colonial era. Minchi can be considered to be Macau’s national dish and contains ground pork or beef in a sumptuous sauce, often topped by a fried egg. It is filling and nutritious, so ensure you give it a try. Then there is the Portuguese soup known as Caldo Verde, which is another hearty affair containing potatoes, kale, olive oil, and sometimes a meat such as ham. And don’t forget about Bacalhau, which is the salted cod popular with those of Chinese and Portuguese origin alike. They are often fashioned into balls and grilled in the cooking style favoured by the Portuguese.

Out and about

There are plenty of restaurants worth your attention in Macau if you can tempt yourself away from the casinos! In the case of Mizumi, situated in the Wynn Macau, you don’t have to leave the casino complex’s many baccarat tables at all. This Japanese is noted for its Australian wagyu beef shabu-shabu and 32 varieties of sake. You should also consider a trip to Zi Yat Heen at the Four Seasons Hotel, where you can try the best in Cantonese cuisine, including sautéed lobster with egg white and a good selection of vegetable dishes. The stunning Vida Rica restaurant takes centre stage at the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where you can find a good mix of both Cantonese and Portuguese cuisine, and marvel at the ornate interior.

All in all, Macau makes a compelling stop for foodies in South East Asia, as well as those who have come predominantly for the nightlife options which make the city famous. It offers an interesting mix of cuisines, and if you want to fall back on some comfort food, it is also not short of a good Italian and burger spot.