miércoles, 14 de septiembre de 2011

Earrings as Art

We like to decorate our ears. Try to forget that you had your ears pierced in a mall just as soon as you could talk your mother into letting you do it. Try to forget that you have given away as gifts more earrings than there are margaritas in Cabo. Consider from the perspective of an alien visiting our planet for the first time:

"They decorate their auditory recepticals with small bits of shiny metal and colorful rocks."

In our fast-paced modern cultures our ears provide one of the easiest and most prominent body parts to adorn. We express ourselves, our moods, our attitudes through the jewelry we afix to our ears.

Earrings have been around forever. Well, ok, as near as we can tell, a really really long time. The oldest known earrings are the Lunate earrings. The Lunate earrings were excavated in Ur in Mesopotamia, what is now Iraq (of all places). These gold crescent hoops are approximately 4,500 years old. The earliest designs of earrings were hoops and pendants made of precious metals, most commonly gold, and sometimes bone.

The popularity of earrings rose and fell throughout the ages in direct relation to hairstyles. For example, the adornment of our ears fell out of favor during the Middle Ages. It was considered immoral for respectable married women to be seen in public with their heads uncovered. Then in the mid-1500's women began wearing their hair up, exposing their ears. Earrings resurged.

Today earrings thrive with as many different variations as there are people wearing them. We wear danglies of all sorts, hoops and posts and spirals and swirlies, made from all kinds of materials including silver and gold and sea shells, pearls and gems and glass beads. We wear earrings as art.

jueves, 23 de junio de 2011

Designing Beaded Jewelry for Friends and Relatives

The most meaningful gifts that I have received in my life are those that my close friends and relatives have made for me.  There is something very special about opening a present and knowing that not only did that person spend their time searching for just the right things to go into it but they also crafted it with their very own hands!  It’s something like the difference between a home cooked meal and a restaurant one: subtle but undeniable.

One of the important things to keep in mind when you are designing jewelry for someone is their personal taste.  I know it may sound obvious but how many times have you received a gift and thought, “Well, it’s nice enough but isn’t this more like something they would wear, eat, listen to, watch, etc,”  It’s very easy to get carried away when you are designing something and think, “Oh, these delicate diamond beads look gorgeous with these elegant sapphire briolettes!  I ‘ll use them together.”  However, when you are designing for someone who would prefer chunky amethyst nuggets beads and huge keishi pearls even though the piece you design with the diamond beads and sapphire briolettes might be stunning they might not appreciate it quite as much as you do.  Therefore the first thing to consider when you are designing jewelry is, “What do they like?”

If you know them well you will be able to recall their favorite colors.  Do they go for anything dramtic and really wild?  Or are they more into subtle and delicate?  Or is absolutely everything they own neutral?  Or do they follow every new fashion?  If they love drama and color you might think of some of the more colorful gemstones that come in larger sizes like blue chalcedony, fluorite, lapis, kunzite, turquoise or ruby zoisite.  If they really love delicate and elegant then precious stones will win their hearts.  Try ruby, emerald, sapphires or for the more adventurous: spinel, tsavorite garnet, tanzanite, apatite, tourmaline (one of my personal favorites!) or diamond beads if you really want to wow them.  Don’t be deterred by the expense of precious stones.  You can always go for a few briolettes and make a nice necklace by hanging them from an open link chain or you could get a pair for earrings.  If you’re designing for someone who loves neutrals you can go with classic pearls or any of the many varieties of agate, mother of pearl, quartz or moonstone.  Fossilized coral is also a lovely neutral with interesting patterns: perfect for pendants!  If they follow the latest fashion it’s really fun to get them something that few people have ever heard of like hypersthene, chiasolite, bronzite, kunzite, fuschite, or hemimorphite stone beads. 

There are so many stones to choose from that the most challenging part is narrowing it down.  I find that once you have chosen the stones you think they will like best the designing part takes care of itself.  You’ve already thought about their personal style so it’s easy to come up with something that will work for them.  After you’ve picked out your beads and designed your piece the really fun part begins: giving the gift and if you’ve done your job right watching their eyes light up when they open it.  By designing something yourself for your friend or relative you get something really special.  Not only do you get to give a wonderfully personal gift to someone you love; you get the enjoyment of watching them wear it and cherish it for the rest of their lives.  What could be more wonderful?

lunes, 20 de junio de 2011

Designer Purse

Fashion has been an integral part of mankind ever since the first civilizations started dressing in their traditional attire. Over the years, fashion accessories have developed to add the extra bit of glamour and style to our lives. Of these, purses have been the most popular ones.

A purse is a small bag usually used to carry money, keys, makeup and other essential items. The concept of a purse has evolved over the years. The first purses were restricted to being utility oriented carrying pouches. As the years progressed, these handy bags combined fashion with utility. With a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and designs, purses became a standard part of a lady’s attire, whether casual, workday wear or a formal, elegant evening gown.

Today designer purses are in vogue. These items are some of the most sought after accessories by fashion conscious women around the world. These bags add that extra zing to ones wardrobe as against a common handbag. Purses come in a wide variety and tend to compliment almost every type of attire. Designer purses are primarily characterized by a famous brand name. DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Burberry are some famous brands that make designer purses. Apart from an upscale brand name, these purses are noted for their quality and design. Designer purses are durable and long lasting in nature. Their designs can feature anything from different colors and hues to sequins, beads, embroidery or even jewelry. Regardless of the selection of design, these purses offer elegant styles that fit every occasion.

Unarguably, the most distinctive feature of all designer purses is their price. The style and glamour comes at a price, hence most of these purses are beyond the reach of a common woman. Moreover, many would consider spending such huge amounts on a purse as impractical. When picking a designer purse, one should also consider the functionality aspect. Despite their high price, designer purses attract thousands of buyers each year, making it a very lucrative industry.

Designer Handbags for the Rich and Famous

For as long as I can recall, I have been completely obsessed with designer handbags.  I spent the majority of my youth dreaming of the day when I could afford to buy my favorite designer handbags.  Here I am, some ten years later, still looking forward to that day.  While I have been known to skip out on my bills to buy the latest trendy handbag, I have yet to spend more than $1000.00 on an individual bag.  A girl can still dream, can't she?

I was leafing through some catalogs over the weekend, and I was amazed at how incredibly expensive some of the high-end designer handbags really are.  I knew they were expensive, but I had no clue how very expensive.  Oh…the innocence of youth!  I decided that it would be useful for our legion of faithful readers to have a handy reference of the most expensive designer handbags on the planet.  So here goes…

It has been written about countless times in the press and in the blogosphere, but I simply cannot resist this little gem!  If I had to name an all-time favorite design house, Fendi would be the one.  I don't know how they manage to do it, but they are consistently able to strike an incredible balance between innovation and classic design in all of their creations.  Fendi designs some of the most exciting handbags in the fashion industry, and the "B.Bag" is one of the most sought-after handbags in the world.  One might think that the $30,000 price tag might be a deterrent, but not for those with the means to support their addiction!

Another bag that has given me far too many sleepless nights is the Hermes "Birkin" bag!  These bags were named after Jane Birkin, the oh-so-fabulous British actress and fashion icon.  These bags are often duplicated, but never truly replicated.  With a price tag of over $20,000, it is easy to understand why they are a favorite of vendors of cheap, imitation handbags.  As you are likely aware, these bags are available by special order only.  Furthermore, the final costs will very much be dependent on the materials and hardware used in their construction.  Wow!  Do I need a Sugar Daddy, or what?

If there was one other bag that creeps into my dreams with any regularity, it would be the "Muse" from Yves Saint Laurent.  It is very much like a traditional bowling bag in shape and design.  The first time I saw her was at Saks on Fifth Ave in NYC, and from that moment I knew one day she would be mine.  If I had my way, I would choose the oh-so-supple white crocodile version.  I cannot think of anything I would rather spend $20,000 on…aside from the "Birkin" bag mentioned above.  Wouldn't I make the perfect girlfriend?  Wanna go shopping sometime?

Designer Handbags are all the rage

Without a doubt, designer handbags are all the rage!  Women seem to collect them the way young boys collect comic books.  Without a doubt, there is a handbag to suit your many styles and moods, from sophisticated and chic to adventurous and playful.  Designer handbags all have unique traits that distinguish one brand from another.  Designers purposely create unique symbols or details to accentuate the differences between themselves and other designers.

Louis Vuitton is one of the most popular and best-selling handbag designers.  These bags are known for the high standards of quality and state-of-the-art craftsmanship put into each and every design.  Elegant, but astonishingly innovative, Louis Vuitton guarantees perfection in his multitude of high quality products.  Uniquely branded with a patterned design, Louis Vuitton handbags tower above the competition.

Chanel handbags are well known for their clean lines and top quality materials.  The polished chain and bold brand symbol on every bag sets them apart from their peers. The clean lines and simple femininity of these designs makes them both accessible and functional for everyday use or a night out on the town.  Chanel handbags are known for their classy designs, neutral colors, and their oh-so-popular brand power.  A girl cannot go wrong with Chanel.

Coach handbags are known for their soft, supple, glove-tanned leather.  In recent years, Coach designers have evolved to explore various shapes, styles, and materials without sacrificing the principles of classic design.  At the same time, there is something uniquely American about these wonderful purses.  Coach has developed into an easily-recognizable brand of superior quality handbags.

Burberry handbags are known for their distinctive plaid pattern.  Their handbags come in various sizes and shapes, and there is sure to be one to please even the most distinguishing shopper.  These purses are designed for a woman that is both strong and sophisticated.  Burberry purses have become extremely popular in recent times, especially with younger girls looking to explore more traditional designs.

These are but a few of the designers producing quality merchandise for the masses.  There are as many designers as there are purse styles, but you are sure to be pleased with anything produced by the designers mentioned above.  They are the giants of the fashion industry right now.  With the recent release of their latest designs, you can be the first of your friends to own one.  Happy shopping, ladies!

Cufflinks Won't Break The Bank And Add The Finishing Touch To Your Outfit.

Cufflinks can be acquired in different materials and designs, ranging from silver to platinum to wood to fabric.
The jewels on cufflinks make them even more desirable and these fancy types of cufflinks have become increasingly popular. People of a particular trade often provide cufflinks with emblems relating to the same, for example T-squares for architectures, and so on. Cufflinks come in a wide variety of size, color, shape and design. There are wide ranges of materials of which the cufflinks are made. 

Materials used in fabricating cufflinks might include silver, Platinum, Crystal wood, fibre optic, simple fabric Knots or more diamonds etc. 

Silver cufflinks:  
Wide ranges of cufflinks these days are made up of sterling silver.
The silver cufflinks carry a stunning look which exhibits a great sensation of pride. Silver cufflinks can be made either by silver or also combined with other materials such as crystals, enamels, diamonds etc. They also come with great attractive designs such as square, round, oval, or diamond shaped etc.
The classic round shaped cufflinks made of sterling silver, may cost you around £60, approximately. Sometimes there may be carvings in the cufflinks with diamond, and other metals also. One of the finest silver cufflinks, we would like to talk about is the oval cufflink made of solid silver. It is heavy in weight and polished to perfection and costs you only around £80. You can also have your initial or symbol hand engraved on your cufflinks which might give you an extra special look
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Exotic metal cufflinks: 
Exotic metal cufflinks are luxurious and they do have a grand royal look. These cufflinks can be made entirely of an exotic metal but can also be combined with a variety of other materials like diamonds, crystals, or gem set combinations, which makes a perfect blend. The white exotic sapphire combination cufflinks costs up to £199.407 GBP approximately. The 18ct cufflinks embedded with diamonds and onyx can cost around £2,278.94 GBP. 

Enamel cufflinks: 
These enamel cufflinks are combined with precious metals or silver to give you that stunning look and shape. If you want your a symbol or personalised emblem in your cufflink, then this can be done also. The value of the enamel cufflink corresponds to the material in which it is engraved. The enamel used is hard wearing vitreous enamel which is the finest of its type.

Cufflinks with diamonds: 
Do you need a grandeur look? Not bothered about prices, then go for diamond cufflinks. A pair of round black onyx and diamond cufflinks with around 144 diamonds costs around £1,424.34 GBP approximately. Diamonds combined with Ruby gives a marvelous look and can cost around £2,278.94GBP approximately. A pair of blue sapphires surrounded by a diamond band may cost you around £4,557.88 GBP approximately.

Other cufflink materials: 
Some of the other materials from which the finest cufflinks can be made might include platinum, wood, crystal, fibre optic and simple fabric knots. Cufflinks made from fibre optic, crystal and fabric knots may be simple and gives you a tremendous feel. Cufflinks made of platinum exhibit a professional look. 
The cufflinks may be hand crafted or machine made, but it looks great with any smart attire.

Complement Your Mother's Personality With The Perfect Scent

Each spring, Americans strive to find the perfect Mother's Day gift to celebrate the person who nurtures them and makes life more beautiful. Showing your love and appreciation may come in the form of a family brunch or a relaxing spa treatment, but what personalized gift would she cherish all year long?
Here's a hint. "On our Web site, we asked Shop Etc. readers which type of beauty product, from fragrance to skin care to manicure and hair tools, she'd most like to receive for Mother's Day, and perfume topped the list," says Amy Keller, Beauty Director, Shop Etc. "Plus, choosing a scent that you know will 'fit' your mom shows her how much you cherish her."

Fragrance preferences are intensely personal and selecting the best one can present a daunting task. According to Karyn Khoury, Senior Vice President for Corporate Fragrance Development Worldwide of the Estée Lauder Corporations, giving someone a fragrance she will truly love is not as difficult as it may seem. "Taking into account your mother's personality, her style, her favorite foods and flowers, can give you a pretty accurate picture of what fragrance she'll want to wear over and over again," she said.

Which best describes your mother:

The Sophisticate
Her elegant sense of style has always been inspiring. If exotic food and excursions to European cities are high on her list of must-haves, consider presenting your mom with a sensual scent that signifies refined glamour. Youth Dew Amber Nude Eau de Parfum by Estée Lauder blends intoxicating flowers including gentian flowers and radiant magnolia, ylang ylang, jasmine, black rose, plus a special sensual skin accord with spicy accents of ginger and fresh tea. The lasting impression is deep and sexy yet never comes on too strong thanks to a combination of amber balms, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli heart and dark chocolate.

Romantically Inclined
Everything she touches somehow seems more beautiful. A graceful enchanting floral should suit her personality. Beautiful by Estée Lauder is a lovely, intensely feminine bouquet of vibrant roses, lilies, tuberose, marigold, jasmine, ylang ylang and carnation that creates a flirty twist thanks to fresh mandarin and bright fruity notes. A warm background of sandalwood, moss, amber and vetiver will linger on her skin.
Simple Modernity

For the woman whose sense of style expresses her individuality and incredibly good taste, an airy modern floral fragrance with a hint of femininity and playfulness is destined to become her signature scent. Pure White Linen by Estée Lauder exudes a feeling of sunlit freshness thanks to its infusion of incandescent grapefruit and mandarin notes that mingle with crisp fruits such as pear and Granny Smith apple and velvety florals. Since her classic inclinations don't mean that she is completely predictable, Pure White Linen finishes with an alluring and mysterious dry down that is comprised of white heliotrope, seductive cedarwood and patchouli.
"The beauty of fragrance is that women can express different moods and the different sides of themselves," says Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation. "And who knows, by buying her a new scent, you may help her to channel an aspect of her personality even she never knew existed."

The luminous actress Gwyneth Paltrow is an example of a young mother who would appreciate a special scent.