Ever flip through a magazine and come across a term that confuses you? Ever try to go shopping and get overwhelmed by the various types of products and different stores? Then check out this list of popular fashion and shopping terms to help you be your fabulous self regardless of the country you're in!
DIY (Do it yourself): A form of crafting in which you take a project on yourself. These are usually easy tasks ranging from cooking to decorating. This phrase is all over magazines and websites including pinterest. How to use it:"I found a great way to DIY tie-dye!"
Faux pas: You will frequently hear about a "fashion faux pas." This means making a fashion mistake or clothing error that renders you unfashionable. For example, "socks and sandals are a major faux-pas!"
Fashionista: This is a popular slang term for somebody who loves fashion, follows fashion trends religiously and is therefore regarded as a stylish or fashionable person.
Accessories: This is a broad category which encompasses jewelry, hats, scarves, belts, shoes and more. Basically anything you add to your outfit that is not clothing.
Fitting Room (Changing Room): This is a room in which you try on clothes in a store. Most stores have a garment limit. This means you can't take more than a certain number of clothing items in the room to try on at a time.
Glam: Slag term for a particular style; short form from the word "Glamour." This refers to a person who takes extra time to get ready and dresses up. You might hear this phrase in reference to film premieres, celebrities and red carpets.
Boho: Slang term for a particular style; short form for the word "Bohemian." This refers to a person who has an edgy, unique fashion sense that includes free, flowy garments, 'hippie' wear that doesn't always conform to the latest trends.
Chic: It refers to a style, person, object or garment that is timelessly elegant, classy and fashionable. This is frequently used to describe fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn.
Trendsetter: A person who is always fashionable. This is often a person who doesn't necessarily follow the latest trends but rather, sets them and begins fashion-crazes.
Mall: An indoor marketplace which includes individual stores and restaurants. Since it is indoors it is always a comfortable temperature regardless of the outside. Many major malls often also have movie theatres attached.
Department Store: A large store which sells a variety of products to suit the majority of your needs. They often carry clothes, accessories, luggage, home-ware, electronics, kitchen and bath and sometimes food.
Vintage Store/ Thrift Store: These stores tend to be cheaper as they sell used, previously worn or vintage clothes and accessories. You can often get very good bargains and find interesting and unique items.
Popular stores based on region: Most stores are global so you can easily find what you are looking for in any region. Don't forget about online shopping as well!
UK: Primark/Penny's, Topshop, H&M, Debenhams, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, Next, Marks & Spencer, Zara
North America: H&M, Zara, Aritzia, Victoria's Secret, Forever 21, Marshalls, Winners, TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target
Australia/NZ: Country Road, Glassons, Supre, Dotti, Myer, Farmers, Portsmans, Cotton On, City Beach
