Python controversy: banned in California

Python is one of the most favored exotic skins used by designers around the world for luxury goods such as handbags, shoes, belts and garment embellishments. While python is a mainstay in the fashion world, the fabrication is wildly popular for fall 2011 and gracing store shelves everywhere except the sunny state of California. What is it about Python that Fashionistas should be concerned about and need to know? Here goes:

First off, California has the right to ban Python in the state. The ban does not conflict with federal law. This means the state of California has the right to regulate Python within state lines. According to California law, Python products may not be sold or shipped to the state and they may not be manufactured in the Golden State either. According to findlaw.com, Python has been banned in the state of California since 1971. The penalties can cost more than a highly coveted designer handbag, with fines ranging from $1000 to $5000 and up to six months in jail. That is a high price to pay for fashion!

Python is controversial and therefore banned in California because Indian Python is on the endangered species list. While other forms of python are not considered endangered, the state decided to protect all forms of python in order to protect them from becoming endangered as well.

Python is the common name for “Pythonidae” which is a family of non-venomous snakes. Pythons can mainly be found in parts of Africa, Asia and down under in Australia. There are eight genera and twenty-six species of Pythons which are currently recognized by humans. The Indian Python became endangered due the aggressive hunting of the species which took place in the mid and early 1900’s. In present day there are more Pythons owned as pets than can be found in the wild.

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Python shoes and handbag. Photo: Getty Images

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Return of Ladylike Fashion and Leg Coverings

When Louis Vuitton created a Depression-era train station vibe for their fall 2011 runway show, onlookers were instantly taken back to a time of glamour, gloves and satchels. Although Marc Jacobs left legs bare on the runway, a strange trend has started to creep back onto the legs of women everywhere; the dreaded leg covering.

Ladylike fashion is currently dominating store shelves as we speak. While shoppers seek out delicate suiting, satchels and such; nylons and tights are starting to appear as a trend for fall. Gasp!

Ten years ago nylons and tights finally saw the end of their life. As corporate casual took over in the height of the dot-boom, women celebrated and flaunted bare legs as much as possible. Now, as a more formal way of dressing returns to runways and store shelves, the pendulum is swinging back to covered up legs.

While nylons and tights make for a finished look, they are incredibly annoying to wear! Let’s face it, when you rub up against a table, or lean on a chair, a snag can appear and ruin the whole thing. To make matters worse, we have to carry a back up pair, or two, just in case the afore mentioned event actually occurs! In addition to accidental snags during the day, nails are getting longer this fall which means putting on nylons in the morning can be a dangerous activity.

It should be interesting to see if leg coverings return to the fashionable legs of women everywhere, or if they remain on store shelves, unpurchased, as a continued stand against covered up legs. What is your take on leg coverings? Is this a trend you might follow or will you continue to “just say no” to leg coverings and bare those fabulous legs? Feel free to leave a comment below or weigh in on our Facebook page.

 

leg coverings by bayareafashionista featuring distressed picture frames

The Lace Trend Continues into Fall with a Vengeance

Lace was one of the dominant embellishments or fabrics on the runways for spring 2011 and the trend continued on the fall 2011 runways in Paris, New York, Milan and London. Lace popped up as both the main fabric on a garment as well as edging, detailing and overlays. There were also lace inspired leathers, metals and prints on everything from handbags to jewelry to the garments themselves.

Lace is an intricate fabric that is being shown for all types of looks this fall. Casual attire is showing lace fabric as well as lace details while more formal wear is featuring fine lace overlays and embellishments. Lace is adding texture, femininity and sex appeal to fall fashion, making it one of the must-have trends for fall. Love it!

One reason lace is continuing in popularity for the fall season is that is can easily fit into the varying style trends that appeared on the runways including the vintage trend, ladylike trend and continuing boho-chic trend.

We have a few fabulous tips from Tucker by Gaby Basora to help you style your lace pieces this fall. Special thank you to Tucker by Gaby Basora for providing these amazing tips for us!

“Take a hint from trendsetter Selita Ebanks and pair a sophisticated and subtle colored lace top with a bold printed skirt, like this Pleated Skirt from Tucker by Gaby Basora. Top the look off with simple accessories and a sleek hairdo.

(Second Photo) Revamp a classic lace, like this Short Sleeve Yoke Blouse from Tucker by Gaby Basora. We suggest pairing it with a bright colored cami or for an edgier look, a colorful bra adds a pop of color. Dress this look up by pairing with a solid skirt, or for a more casual look, a pair of jeans works just as well.”

Special Thank You to Tucker by Gaby Basora for providing these fabulous styling tips!

For shopping for these lace looks and more, please visit tuckerbygabybasora.com

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