Traditional Mexican Clothing

Chances are you’re on one side of the fence: you love the Boho style that ruled 2005 or are sick of wearing fashions that make you feel like a newly-eighteen Olsen. The good news is everyone will love what fall and winter fashion has to offer. Fans of the look that made Sienna Miller a fashion icon will definitely love the over-the-top detail that will continue from Boho Chic into fall. Others that never felt comfortable in heavy jewelry, metal-adorned belts and shoes and flowy, diaphanous skirts, the new crop of fashion offers a different approach to rich detail that may make you feel more pulled together than looking like a gypsy.

Bold accessories will remain a staple in every fashion-forward woman’s wardrobe. Sorry Boho Chic haters, belts and boots look like they have staying power along with pendants, over-sized earrings, long chains and drop earrings. They may be staying on the shelves, but stones, feathers and shells that decorated the ears of spring and summer’s hottest fashionistas will be replaced by rhinestone-encrusted chandeliers and delicate drops. The long necklaces paired with the over-stated earrings will morph slightly from heavy, multi-layered, multi-stone piece to a simpler, chic, one-strand accessory. While the length and materials remain the same (gold still the winner), the detail will shift from Boho’s accessories to fall and winter’s fabrics.

Ultra-rich fabrics like lace and brocade are the hottest additions to fall and winter lines. Back-again-black along with gray and purple are the most popular for jaw-dropping dresses, frilly tops and tweed trousers that will line racks and closets everywhere in upcoming months. The feminine, flowy look will still be desirable, but it will be achieved with blouson skirts and culottes instead of sheer, floor-length numbers. If you’re concerned newer more regal fabrics like velvet, lace and tweed will still look make you look more thirties than twenties, you can still look eclectic-chic by matching new pieces with your favorite over-stated Boho belts and jewelry. If you’re still worried about shifting from fun and flirty to dark and serious, mix fabrics to achieve an even more eclectic look: there are NO rules this season about mixing tweeds and velvet or brocades with lace. More than anything, have fun mixing your existing styles with a totally new style to find your personal fit—fall and winter will bring plenty of opportunity to get away with experimenting.

Weddings are joyous occasions around the world. Each country will have its own unique customs and traditions. Some of the most festive weddings anywhere take place in Spain.

Like the United States, Spain is a country that has regional differences. This means that although some customs are universal, each area will have its own unique traditions as well. You will see regional specialties reflected in wedding cuisine, flowers, and attire.

It was customary for a Spanish bride to wear a black silk gown with a black lace veil, which represented the "til death do us part" section of the vows. Many brides these days, though, may choose to wear the white gown that Americans are used to seeing. In Andalusia, some brides choose to wear a ruffled Flamenco style dress, in honor of that beloved dance. It is traditional for the bride to embroider a shirt for the groom to wear to the wedding.

If you were to walk into a bridal shop in Spain, one thing that you would notice is that the gowns there are all designed to have special and interesting details. You will not find too many of the plainer gowns that many American brides favor. Spanish brides are not afraid to dress up! That means gowns with ruffles, lace, or beadwork will a full set of bridal jewelry to match. Earrings with pizazz are an especially popular type of bridal jewelry. And no Spanish bridal ensemble would be complete without a gorgeous lace mantilla veil.

Flowers are an important part of any wedding. In Spain, you will tend to find that different types of flowers are used in the different regions of the country. For instance, in Seville, brides favor orange blossoms, which are known both for their wonderful scent and associations with fertility. Brides in Andalusia often carry pink and white roses, and all white bouquets are usually chosen by Castillian brides.

In many European countries, a wedding is a celebration that lasts well into the wee hours of the morning, and Spain is no exception. Ceremonies there often start much later than in the United States; a 7pm ceremony would not be uncommon. This makes sense when you remember that the Spanish are accustomed to eating a very late evening meal. Speaking of the wedding dinner, it will tend to feature local specialities, such as paella near the seashore. Red sangria is popular nationwide, as is a rich sponge cake with fruit and almonds for dessert.

One of the more unique wedding customs in Spain involves the exchange of a special box containing thirteen gold coins. These coins, which are blessed by the priest, symbolize Jesus and the twelve Apostles. In addition, the gold coins, which are given to the bride by the groom, represent that he will take care of her financially. The couple will also exchange wedding bands, which are worn on the right hand instead of the left.

Spanish weddings are very fun parties. Guest lists are usually large, and the dancing to the mariachi band will last into the next morning. The bride and groom dance a traditional wedding dance called the sequidillas manchegas. Favors usually include cigars for the gentlemen and something scented for the ladies. You can also expect firecrackers in celebration of the new marriage.

Whether you are looking for a way to honor your Spanish heritage or are just looking for some ways to make your wedding more fun, the wedding customs of Spain are a great place to start. There are many similarities between weddings in the United States and Spain, but there are also some things that are wonderfully unique to a Spanish marriage celebration. One thing is for sure: the people of Spain know how to throw a great party!

Many people go about the whole process of wedding planning with the misconception that only Mexicans should deal with Mexican wedding dresses. They miss the unique touch that such a garment brings to a simple ceremony. As the Mexican culture is rich, their selection of wedding dresses is also very rich. History is responsible for this. There are traits similar to western dresses but the differences are fascinating.

Mexican wedding dresses proudly express the Spanish influence on Mexican fashion. There is still plenty of room for innovation. The traditional white, full-length wedding gown may not adequately fit in to contemporary wedding styles. The huipil is an excellent dress choice. It has bold, elaborate designs and patterns that add color and drama to any wedding theme. The decorative stitching adds a touch of sophistication. If a wedding is thematic upon the beach, the planner should consider this dress. Its seamless design complements the sun, sand and surf.

The traditional mexican wedding dress in such a setting might end up being restrictive; gather dirt and dust as well as clash with the theme of the day. A guayabera, a typical Mexican Wedding shirt won by the bridegroom has similar bold expression to the dress.

Mexican Wedding Gowns for the Conservative

Ceremonies planned for the more conservative couples also have options under the 'Mexican gowns' title. Such gowns fall straight to the floor; have long sleeves and veins to bring out a feeling of innocence and purity. These Mexican wedding gowns make use of choice materials. The most famous is silk. It is a natural fabric and offers comfort to its wearer. It is sleek and subtly expresses style.

Mexican wedding dress styles

For the Flamenco look, a combination of a fitting dress and bolero jacket effortlessly does it. In the arm of a groom in a matador jacket, the look gets even better. If he is ready to wear a matching pair of skintight trousers, 'perfect' describes the final look.

The bridesmaids and flower girls outfits may have ruffles to add dynamism to the entire setup. There are many accessories available, besides the ubiquitous fan. If a wedding is slated for the wintry months, a quechquémitl adequately deals with the problem. It is a relatively thick cape draped off the shoulders and falls smoothly to the floor.

The enredo is not a bad idea either. This full, wrap-around skirt guarantees protection from cold, simultaneously providing style. The option to mix and match is open to the adventurous kind. Nevertheless, the aspects of color-coding apply.

The final verdict

The world is a global village. Varieties of cultures have great wedding ideas. Wedding days are very special and require the input of creative planners. The role of a wedding dress is to confer beauty on the wearer. As far as style and color go, Mexican gowns have said their piece. They are easy to make, widely available in stores and kills the monotony that characterizes contemporary weddings. Its unique style will have everybody in attendance agape in awe and will carry wonderful memories for years to come.

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Until I came upon an article written by Debra Lo Guercio entitled "Giving the kiss of death to low-rise jeans", I thought low-risers were exclusively a Mexican fashion. After doing some research on the internet, I discovered this U.S. fashion trend began in the 1970's. The latest revival began in 1995.

Where was I? My husband and I did not move to Mexico until 2003. How could I have possibly missed noticing all those bared bellies and hips in the USA?

One reason could be that I don't have children. Children, especially teenagers, want to wear the latest styles they see their favorite movie and music stars wearing. Another reason is that I've always dressed for comfort, not for the sake of fashion. Finally, shopping has never been my favorite pastime, so I didn't spend much time at the malls. Since malls are the preferred hangout of teenagers and young adults, I missed seeing many of the fashion trends.

The city where we live in central Mexico does not have a mall (thank goodness!) so the teenagers, kids, and adults hang out in the parks, on sidewalks, and in the streets. Here, we are exposed to clothing fashions in a way we were not in the USA.

Most children here wear conservative and not-overly attractive uniforms to school. Even then, the girls strive to express their individuality with hair ribbons and jewelry. The boys, unfortunately, can't do much to look different from the other boys. Outside school, though, the "uniform" is anything but conservative.

Low-risers are the style of choice for teenagers and young adults, at least in central Mexico. The young men have adopted the hip-hop or rap style of very baggy pants. The young women favor very snug low-risers paired with very tight tops.

As the style dictates, the young men wear their pants belted at mid-hip (or lower!), crotch hanging between the knees, and several inches of material covering the shoes and dragging the ground. The other day, I saw a young man whose jeans were belted below his rear end! I cannot see how these pants can be comfortable when they threaten to fall down with every hip swivel and threaten to trip the wearer with every step. I guess style is more important than comfort. At least the fashion dictates that boxer shorts are worn underneath the pants with the waistband pulled all the way up to the waist. No exposed flesh there.

Not so for the young women. Since Mexico is still rather conservative, the tops here are not as brief as, say, Britney Spears wore hers before her pregnancy. The tops, though so tight it's difficult to imagine the wearers being able to breathe, end just above the belly button. A wide expanse of flesh is exposed between where the top ends and the low-risers begin.

Some women look OK in this style, though even the thin ones look as if they have to buy their pants three sizes too small so they will stay up (sort of). This style is not attractive on the too-thin, though. Who wants to look at jutting hipbones? And forget about the women who carry a few extra pounds. Just how attractive is an inner tube of flab jiggling above and over the waistband?

I laughed at Ms. Lo Guercio's descriptions of US women in their low-risers. She could have been describing what I see here in central Mexico every day. I guess women everywhere want to follow the latest fashion trends even if the clothes aren't comfortable or attractive.

Low-risers are still the fashion today in the USA even though Vogue declared the trend over in May 2002 (http://slate.msn.com/id/2089623/). Since young Mexicans like to copy the fashions of their peers north of the border, I imagine low-risers will be in style here as long as they are in style in the USA, unfortunately.

I'm going out now to see if I can find a pair of pants with more than 2 inches between waist and crotch. Wish me luck! I'm not optimistic!

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