Today’s guest blog post is our second from our latest twitter and Facebook competition, our lucky winner is going to discuss 'So you think You're wearing Couture , we hope you enjoy this as much as we did. The word ‘Couture’ in today’s fashion is slapped onto a label and automatically makes it designer does it? Images of Juicy Couture tracksuits hideously overpriced spring to mind. Let me tell you there is a huge difference between expensive ready to wear and Haute Couture. The term is french and literally means “sewing at a high level”. These garments are the kind we see on the catwalk. Hand sewn and seriously priced averaging around the price of the family car.  These garments are quite simply the finest made garments in the world so “Juicy” you have a hell of a claim for velour tracksuit bottoms. In a nutshell the difference is the exclusive fabrics used, the flawless design, cut and finish and the time required to make such exquisite garments. I try to achieve Couture at home. I buy a quality pattern, quality fabric (not quite exclusive but the best I can afford) and apply techniques making my garment more couture and less high street. Firstly my garment will be individual as I can choose to make it in whatever fabric I like, and I can adjust it to fit me perfectly rather than an off the peg size which is bound to nip me somewhere. My garment will be tailor tacked by hand then machined together when I’m certain it fits perfectly. I can assure you that non of this time has been spent on ready-to -wear clothing. My hems will be hand finished using Hong Kong binding. I could finish the garment off with and over-lock machine and give myself a nice factory made finish, but what would be the point?  My dresses are lined and my Zips are hand sewn and well hidden. The dress pictured is a simple New Look summer dress pattern with a better finish. I feel this dress is worth about £50-60. Not quite Couture but if I’d finished it as instructed it would have been worth £20. Around what I paid to make it.  Enough said! To read more from this blog author ‘vintageclobber’ please click here                     I hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and it has given you an insight into Haute Couture Fabrics , if you have any comments please feel free to leave them in the comments box below. You can also follow us on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Until next time, Calico Laine