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Etsy-The Consumer Craze for Handcrafted Goods!

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:19:00 GMT

Have you heard of Etsy??

Votive Candle Hello Gorgeous by 5dollarfrenchmarket

If you are a craft lover of anything handmade and unique, then you've probably heard of it. It is a craftsman's paradise. Etsy has tapped into the consumer craze of all things local, artisanal and authentic since it was founded six years ago. It is an online crafts fair where anyone can set up shop and sell handmade or vintage goods and has grown to 15 million members, according to Etsy.

Cuff by Doloris Petunia

Etsy's mission has always been to bring the "human" element back to selling products. Since Etsy began in 2005, handmade has specifically meant handmade by the seller. Esty prides itself on this. They have inside detectives working to police its web site. The Marketplace Integrity and Trust and Safety Teams spend their days scouring Etsy's site to uphold its rules: No factory-made goods, items that violate copyright, or offensive material. They shut down sellers' shops that break their rules.

Fruitflypie Ceramic Pig Planter

Shoppers say it's a really good feeling to support someone who may just be starting out with crafting and jewelry making. When you correspond with a seller a lot of times you are talking directly to an artist. That's pretty cool because you can develop a relationship with the artist.

Laptop Sleeve by janinekingdesigns

About 230 employees work at Etsy's headquarters in Brooklyn, NY. The building features a 10 ft tall cardboard owl in it's entryway, a huge bicycle parking area and colorful murals on the walls. A small section of the exposed ductwork is wrapped with a sort of decorative duct tea cozy knit by an artist who sells on the site.

Pom Pom Hat by DeuxdesAmis

With online sales of "handicrafts" like sewing, woodworking and making jewelry are expected to reach $2.2 billion in 2016, up from 1.4 billion in 2011, Esty will continue to grow and offer fabulous hand crafted items with something for everyone. If you haven't checked out the site yet, give it a try. You won't be disappointed. www.etsy.com

Happy Mothers Day !! Great Mom's Day Gift Ideas!

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:57:00 GMT

First off, this post is in honor of my mother Winnette, whom I adore!

I don't know if any of you are lucky enough to have a mother that you can say you adore, but I am so lucky because not only do I adore my mom, but I think she is such a great person of character, too. She's been such a source of inspiration for me, especially now that I'm an adult because I look back on the way she and my father raised me and my five brothers and sisters. I honestly do not know how on earth they did it! Such patience she had! And tolerance!

We (I am the youngest with a twin brother) were relatively good kids and didn't get into a lot of trouble at least as far as I can remember, but 6 kids is crazy hard to manage and she did it with such ease. Well, not the way she probably sees it but from my point of view it looked like she always handled everything with such patience. I for one, did not inherit that trait! And I have only two kids, teenagers at the moment no less, but good kids.

Mom, you will forever have the highest place in my heart. I love you so much!

Happy Mother's Day!

Ok, on to the gift ideas! For Mommy Dearest, these are delightful gifts even the most demanding of women will love.

Jewels: Every mom I know would love a piece of jewelry for Momma's Day. There are so many choices now with the wonderful high quality costume jewelry that won't break the bank. Check out these pretties!

Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace Gold Swirl Earrings

Very Special Chocolates: Supply Mom with a sweet reminder of you! Chocolate from Maison Bouche. For Mother's Day they are decorated with images of mother and child. www.maisonbouche.com.

A Great Travel Pouch: The ML Traveler by Stephanie Johnson will surely be a hit with Mom this year. It has snap-out mesh pouches, a removable toiletry pouch and mirror to keep Mom organized while on the go.

A Story To Get Lost In: Take her back in time with Penguin's "Three Novels Of New York" released in honor of the authors 150th birthday. www.us.penguingroup.com.

An Impressionist Scarf: This pretty and colorful scarf will take Mom from spring and into the summer months with style. It comes in three luscious colors sure to please any Mom.

Mothers Day is a great time to tell Mom you love her. Don't just show her. Tell her. You never know if you'll get another chance!

Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms out there!

Top 6 Timeless Accessories We Love

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:21:00 GMT

As much as we love being ahead of the trends and keeping up to date on all the newest fashion must-haves, we also love the classics. Having a few timeless, well-made accessories in your wardrobe is essential and we came up with a list of our favorites.

Stock up on classic accessories

Tortoiseshell sunglasses

Sunglasses are a multi-season must not only as a fashion staple, but as a health precaution, too. We only have one pair of eyes, and in addition to wanting them to look great, we also want to protect them, which means sunglasses never go out of style. Choose tortoiseshell for its ability to enhance any skin tone and flatter most faces. We love these Dries Van Noten retro style tortoiseshell shades (mytheresa.com, $259).

Oversized scarf

Whether you wrap it around your shoulders on a chilly afternoon, tie your hair up with it on a bad hair day or simply use it to add some depth to a one-note outfit, a well-made scarf will always look on-trend. Opt for something lightweight and soft like this two-tone Tory Burch square scarf in fuchsia and crimson (Bloomingdales.com, $225).

Large go-anywhere bag

For those days where you have countless places to be and have no idea when you'll be home, a large, carryall bag in a neutral color is a timeless option for carting around everything but the kitchen sink. We've fallen for this slouchy leather purse in an on-trend shade of bright tangerine (anthropologie.com, $398).

Ballet flats

Simple, elegant and classic, ballet flats can be dressed up or down and go with anything from jeans and an oversized cardigan to a pencil skirt and blouse. We love the Gap city flat (gap.com, $40) for its go-anywhere comfort and perfect fit. The slip-on shoes come in several shades including gray, bright pink, red and black.

Statement necklace or earrings

Like the cocktail ring, a statement piece of jewelry can make an outfit shine. A brooch on a plain sweater or necklace paired with a black strapless dress can take a simple look to new heights. A multi-strand necklace is delicate, while still offering a dramatic look. Turn heads in this elegant multi-strand necklace (macys.com, $74).

Cocktail ring

No matter the season or occasion, a cocktail ring can really make a style statement. Forgo other jewelry and instead, let a bold, eye-catching ring do all the talking – it's often all you need. We're currently coveting this chic but understated Roberta Chiarella coral resin ring (maxandchloe.com, $38).

Exerpt taken from She Knows Beauty and Style by Jessica Padykula

Will It Fit?? Yes Say Online Retailers!

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:27:00 GMT

I was perusing the Wall Street Journal a few weeks back and came across an article about online retailer's that sell clothing (large ones that can afford to do this) using a new process called "True Fit".

What every shopper wants and no one can seem to deliver, though, is the guarantee of a perfect fit with clothing. A group of Boston mathematicians think they can help. They have developed a computer program that relies partly on the clothes already in your closet to predict how the next garment will fit.

The technology, called True Fit, is being rolled out on the web site of retailers including Macy's and Nordstrom. True Fit will predict customers size in some 350 fashion brands, and the number of brands is set to double by years end.

Achieving a great fit first time is a holy grail in online retailing. Many retailers say that 30-40% of their online sales are returned, and fit is the number one reason. Many fit technologies have been tried and flopped. The tape measure is inaccurate because people often measure wrong. A naughty secret: Even when shopping for themselves, people lie about their measurements.

Unlike most other fit technologies, True Fit avoids the tape measure, relying instead on crunching large amounts of data. It has access to a large number of fashion label's garment specifications for both men and women. True Fits algorithms calculate a customers size and shape based on information he or she has given and compare that to the specs of the garments the customer is shopping for. It can then recommend a size in each garment, describing hoe it expects it to fit in tricky areas like the bust and hips. It also suggests other garments that would fit well. At the systems core is the information it gleans from the favorites in a shoppers closet.

The technology seems to work better the more you use it and it gets to know your sizes in certain labels. An interesting concept, but will it catch on and make ill-fitting clothing from an online retailer a thing of the past?

Excerpts taken from The Wall Street Journal March 22, 2012

Louboutin's 20th Anniversary!!

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:11:00 GMT

To All The Shoe Lovers Out There:

It's Christian Louboutin's 20th Anniversary!

To celebrate, let's feast on the eye candy that is his iconic style.

For two decades Parisian designer Christian Louboutin has been revolutionizing footwear, offering gorgeous and fun-loving shoes that make women everywhere swoon. Now he has a limited edition 20 piece collection and the man behind the world's most sought after shoe, recalls the highs - the extreme - highs of his illustrious career.

Are these just the ultimate diva shoe or what??

InStyle magazine sat with the King of Sole for a Q & A:

How have your designs evolved over the past 20 years? The heel itself has really evolved. What was considered very high when I first started is now like a medium heel.

Why has that changed? I had always wanted to do a very thin and spiky stiletto. If you look at my earliest drawings, the proportions were extreme. Now women are wearing higher heels, so i can make these extreme elements from my sketches a reality.

How do you respond to the women who say a 5-inch platform is impossible to walk in? Don't wear my shoes to walk 25 city blocks. These heels are candy for the feet; they're for pleasure, not practicality.

What's the story behind the red sole? It was a happy accident, really. Many years ago I was in my studio looking at a prototype, and there was something off. The sole was this big, distracting mass of black. I grabbed a bottle of red nail polish from my assistant, who was nearby and painting her nails, and .......

The rest is history? Yes! With that flash of color, I'm giving women the green light to be adventurous, seductive, and above all, passionate.

Christian Louboutin

"My goal is to create shoes that add music and movement to the way a woman walks."

~Christian Louboutin

Celestial Season via The WSJ

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:08:00 GMT

It's Sunday morning and I am perusing the Wall Street Journal along with a good cup of coffee. I come upon this article on opals and moonstones. I don't know if you've ever seen opals but they are heavenly. They remind me of looking down to earth from above and seeing water, land, and rock. They are in blues, greens, yellows and all shades in between. They are luminous and iridescent - just lovely!

Monique Paen Peruvian Opal and White Diamond Necklace. available at Barney's New York

Surrounded by superstition and adoration, opals and moonstones have always been a lees-than-conventional choice of adornment. sharing an otherworldly shimmering quality known as adularescence-the effect created when light hits the stones at certain angles- these iridescent sparklers have been considered signs of wealth and amulets of good fortune for centuries.

Opal Earrings by Irene Neuwirth

Opals and moonstones have not always been favored - opals in particular have long been followed by tales of bad luck. Still, thrill-seekers throughout history have been drawn to the ethereal sparklers. Moonstones also possess a kind of supernatural quality - the ancient Romans believed they even contained traces of the moon.

Moonstone Ring with Diamonds

Why are these enchanting bijoux making a comeback? "With the economy, people feel uncomfortable wearing big diamonds", said Irene Neuwirth, who now names opals and moonstones as best sellers among her famous clients.

Judy Geib Branch Bracelet

This spring, why not defy the norm - and tempt fate - by putting on a celestial motif opal necklace or a pair of moonstone earrings ? According to Ms. Neuwirth, these gemstones are just as versatile as diamonds and can be worn with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a formal gown. As for the opal's bad rap? "It's ridiculous," said Ms. Neuwirth. "They've been nothing but lucky for me."

Top Fashion Accessories Tips

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:53:00 GMT

Top Fashion Accessories Tips :

1. Pick a good vintage

The second of the three R's, "reuse," is there for a good reason--granting an existing item a second lease on life, instead of purchasing brand new, means no new manufacturing resources had to be tapped into. As a bonus, we're spared from any additional pollution and carbon emissions.

2. Make it a fair trade

Shelling out for fairly traded gear supports fair labor conditions and workers' rights, especially in developing countries. Helping producers get a fair price for their labors and promoting self-reliance also empowers them to break the cycle of poverty they're often caught in. Just keep in mind that trade, not aid, is the answer to improving livelihoods everywhere.

3. Re-purpose for a purpose

Because the mining of precious gems and metals from the earth is an environmentally ravaging process, some jewelry designers have been taking a different, more eco-friendly tack. Recycled metals have been making their rounds of late, including a form of silver that is reclaimed from used photographic film. For your green wedding: engagement and wedding rings made from recycled gold and set with re-purposed or lab-grown gems.

4. Suss out sustainable

Accessories made from sustainably produced or recycled materials are lovely to behold and kind to the planet. On the fabric front, choose textiles such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and even soy silk.

5. Beg or borrow

Plunder the contents of someone else's closet with permission, instead of shopping for your own. One company, Bag Borrow or Steal, even lets you rent as many as five designer handbags, belts, or pieces of jewelry at a time for a flat monthly membership fee (plus an additional fee per borrowed item). You can sate your desire for straight-off-the-runway ensembles without overtaxing the planet's resources.

6. Take care of your wares

Repair a torn purse strap or restring a broken necklace instead of consigning slightly damaged goods to the rubbish heap. Treating your accessories with a little TLC will also go a long way to extending their longevity, which is kinder to the environment than running through a series of semi-disposable replacements.

7. Don't go with the flow

Pilot your own fashion destiny and unchain your heart from the vagaries of fashion trends. Being a follower instead of a leader will only bring you to a dark place filled with tears and the gnashing of teeth, plus a closet and dresser full of dated gewgaws and doodads that have long fallen out of favor with the fashion gods.

Text courtesy : accessories-fashion-guide.blogspot.in via Fashion Accessories https://www.facebook.com/emilykateaccessories#!/FashionAccessories

Image courtesy : petproducts5.com

My PINTEREST Craze!!!

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:23:00 GMT

Have you caught on to "The Craze"?? The Pinterest craze is what I'm talking about. I am literally obsessed! Pinterest takes me from boredom to heaven in two seconds flat. The site, which is a little over two years old, already garners an impressive 11.7 million hits a week and counting making it the fastest site in history to break through the 10 million unique visitor mark. The site also entered the Top 10 social networks and, according to Time magazine, was in it's 50 Best Web sites of 2011. Those stats are staggering.

The brainchild of Paul Sciarra, Ben Silberman, and Evan Sharp of Cold Brew Labs in Palo Alto, California, Pinterest lets users "pin" digital photos to virtual bulletin boards, then share their vision with the rest of the online community. They can create theme based image collections and connect to everyone in the world through "the things they find interesting". Themes range from prosaic (bathroom decorating ideas) to the esoteric ( a summer breeze) and everything in between.

Pins are uploaded from your computer via a "pin it" button. Each item is known as a pin and can be a picture, video, discussion or product. Pins can then be grouped into boards which are sets of pins focused on a specific topic.

While pins can come directly from the user, one of Pinterest's main features is the ability to see what others have pinned, and in turn, users can "re-pin" photos to their own boards. It also allows users to follow the activity of other Pinterest users.

Either way, the results are a heckuva lot more stimulating than the oversharing that passes for conversation on Facebook these days.

If you don't know what I'm talking about then you owe it to yourself to get on over there and check it out! Truly, the only way to understand Pinterest is to explore it for yourself. Check it out at www.pinterest.com. You can browse and not be a member to see if you like it....If you want to pin things from the web, then you need to sign up. It is so easy to do. There may be a waiting list unless you are invited by a friend. If you are interested in checking it out, email me or comment in this blog post and I will invite you.

It is so much fun, you don't know what you are missing!

Join me on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/joeller.

It is delicious eye candy!!

Happy Pinning!

Fashion Trend Finders For Spring & Summer 2012 Part 3

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:16:00 GMT

This is the last in our 3 part series from Accessories Magazine's Trend Finders for Spring and Summer 2012. There are so many trends that you can easily integrate into your wardrobe from these fashion runway finds. Starting with one of my favorites:

Hoop Earrings: The earring of the season is definitely the hoop earring. This 80's and 90's staple earring is back and better than ever. Whether oversized and bold or embellished with stones and metal adornments, these are not your basic hoops. I love the casual carefree look they give to most any outfit yet they also look stunning with an evening dress when studded with tiny diamonds giving off a beautiful sparkle.

Brushed Silver Snake Hoops Gold Hoops With Turquoise Stones

Orange: With tangerine getting so much attention as color of the year, it's time to get into the groove with orange accessories. Whether it's a small gemstone or an entire clutch or even tangerine lips, this vibrant hue brightens up everything from jewelry to handbags and even hats. It's a fun tropical and summery color that looks great on all skin-tones.

Rope: Jump aboard and grab a rope because it's time to set sail in style. Rope details in both raw and refined form make waves this season in belts, jewelry and handbags. A great nautical look, just more refined.

Via Spiga Cuff Noir Jewelry Cuff

Rain Boots: Never dread another rainy day again with this summer's revamped rain boot looks. The rainbow of colors, the lace-up and buckle details, and fabric lining provide a combination of function and fashion that will keep any rainy day from being a washout. And how easy is that to be splashing around in the puddles while looking extra cute?

Friendship Bracelets: Designer's have proven that friendship bracelets aren't just for kids anymore. This summer they make a comeback in a stylish way with leather, string and metals used. Braided details and beading make this trend extra adult friendly. Wear them boho style and stack many on one wrist or go for a few in vibrant colors on each wrist.

Rubber Watches: Apparently rubber watches can stand the test of time. With bright colors, prints and slap bracelet wristbands, rubber watches make a practical and playful addition to any wardrobe.

Geometric Prints: fashion gets funky this summer as geometric prints take over in the accessory realm. Designers use geometric shapes in both basic and bright colors to add texture to summer staples.

Whipstitch Details: It's the little things that matter this summer as designer's emphasize details. Originally used for binding sturdy materials, whipstitch details serve a new fashionable purpose adding unique elements and texture to handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

Nicole Lee Bag Strenesse Shoe

Now you must consider yourself a fashion insider from all your new found knowledge of this season's trends. Get out there and put some outfits together, accessorize and enjoy the fun that fashion is right now!

Fashion Trend Finders for Spring and Summer 2012 Part 2

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:10:00 GMT

Accessories Magazine follows all the Spring and Summer trends for 2012 and I'm bringing them to you via my blog! Lucky you!

If you haven't seen Part 1 of this trend, click here to see my blog post from February 27th for a great list of spring and summer trends you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe and here get set for a bunch more trends you can use now!

Enamel: Add colorful shine and pop to metals with enamel. It is an ancient technique of fusing glass to metal, is centuries old, and is painting the scene in jewelry this spring. I love the look of it, the shiny reflective quality, and the colorful playful feel it gives!

Turquoise Enamel Flower Ring

Floral Motifs and Prints: Spring has sprung, literally, with floral prints and motifs popping up everywhere. They range from delicate and feminine to bold and bright. I am a lover of all things floral. I guess it's the girly girl in me. I love floral clothing for it's ability to make every wearer look sweet and fresh. I love floral accessories especially handbags...more please!

Stella McCartney Floral Bag Blue Swarovski Flower Earrings

Fringe: This season, fringe is hot! From long draped leather and sueded fringe details on handbags and belts to metal tassels on jewelry, you wont want to miss this free spirited trend. It's the bohemian in me that loves the pure casual carefree look of this trend. From fringe on moccasins to the bottom of a bag, this is a trend that will be around for awhile.

Polka Dots: Polka Dots are seen on all kinds of accessories from scarves to watches to bags and clothing. The polka dot rage is here for spring! It's a fun flirty way to show then you're not a wallflower and the dots come in all sizes.

Shoes by Miu Miu

Burnished Metal: This seasons metals are not dull! These distressed metals are seen throughout jewelry and hardware this spring and definitely stand out on their own. They often give off a vintage feel with their finish which is fine by this girl!

Drawstring Bags: Handbags are getting a facelift this spring, no need to go under the knife though. This lift comes in the version of a drawstring bag. Keep an eye out for this season's bucket style silhouettes, cinched to perfection.

Canvas: Durable canvas is seen throughout the season's accessories, from headwear to totes to shoes. This crisp material looks new when combined with colors, patterns, coated finishes and mixed with other materials. I love the casual, beach vibe that canvas gives, especially in colorful patterns and chunky hardware.

Forever 21 Canvas Bag Marc Jacobs Polka Dot Shoes

Turquoise (color/material): Cool off with this seasonal favorite hue. A classic spring color, turquoise stone takes center stage in favorite jewelry trends but also a brilliant hue all over the accessory world. This is a color that looks great on most people, goes well with many other colors, and is timeless for spring and summer.

Bangle Bracelets: It's all about wrist love this spring and summer. The more the better with bangle bracelets in an assortment of materials, colors and sizes. They rattle their way up the wrist in stacked perfection. One of my very favorite ways to make an outfit special. I love mixing colors and shapes, materials and sizes. Fun for the wrist!

Rupal Spring Bangle Set Amrita Singh

Tie-Dye: This is not your 60's tie-dye. The hippie loving print technique is back and gets a groovy update. Tie-dye swirls are popping up all over accessories this spring and summer. Far out!!

Tie-Dye Scarf Mary Frances Bag

Well we've got a lot going on for spring and summer in the fashion industry for up and coming trends. Next week I will share more of springs fashion trends from Accessories Magazine. Stay tuned!

Fashion Trend Finders for Spring & Summer 2012 Part 1

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:38:00 GMT

According to the "Voice of the Industry" Accessories Magazine who finds the trends for the upcoming year, we have lots of fun and exciting fashion trends that have been seen on the runway. What will be your favorites to try this spring?

Resin Jewelry: Resin jewelry takes center stage this spring in the form of an assortment of designs incorporating this durable and colorful material. From bangles to baubles, resin is a key element in jewelry this season. A fun, chunky way to wear jewelry this spring! This fun Leopard bangle bracelet from Emily Kate is just the thing.

Tote Bag: There isn't much that beats the functionality and ease of a tote bag. It's roomy and spacious for carrying all your essentials yet it still makes a statement when carried around town. I love this trend as the tote is such a great way to carry your stuff and look stylish as well. I'm loving this one. I think it will be around for awhile. Check out the Alisha Denim Bag and Pink Snakeskin Tote from Emily Kate.

Fedora Hat: This all season headwear staple is back in the spotlight for spring. A classic silhouette seen in many fabrics and finishes is one of the most versatile as well. This is such a cute style for most people and really finishes off an outfit with a little spunk. This Black Woven Fedora from Emily Kate is quite cute!

Color Block: Bold bright colors in assorted geometric patterns are a fresh take on the mod movement of the 60's. Seen all over, these accessories are a chip off the old (color) block. This trend is such a modern look and a great way to incorporate mixed colors.

Straw: This is our trusted annual staple done with a twist, in different colors, shapes trims and embellishments. I feel the ocean resort calling when I wear my straw hat. Where does yours take you?

Yellow: This pop of brightness adds a whole new dimension to a happy day! It's cheerful, brilliant hue gives the ultimate pop to all accessories. Nothing like a ray of sunshine to make a girl feel good!

Stripes: Once strictly a nautical vibe, stripes are showing up in unexpected places this spring. From bold colors to geometric prints, stripes are making a fun statement. I love them for their slimming qualities as well. It's such a fresh, clean look!

Oversized Links: From statement jewelry to handbags, the large link is seen as designers update this design element. It is also seen in a variety of materials from plastic to , metal and glass. I like the large overstated look of a chunky necklace. Sometimes that is all you need to make an outfit stand out. Check out the chain link soft cuff bracelet below. I love it!

Bows: Nothing says sweet and feminine like a bow. Seen all over the fashion runways, from the tiny tied ribbon on jewelry to the oversized bow on shoes and clothing. The bow can officially take a bow as it has become one of springs favorite embellishments. I just love them. They're cute, flirty and downright sexy at times.

Neon Brights: Want to stand out in the crowd? This spring you'll get noticed in neon. This is not the neon from years past. Paired with neutrals, it is an unexpected combo. I love the fun carefree attitude neon can give. This is a fashion trend I can embrace (in small doses)!

This spring has so many fun new and re-occurring trends to watch and wear. Many are do-able for most of us fashionistas out there who just want to be in style and look fun and chic as well! Which of spring 2012's fashion trends will you look to try?

Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend, Right?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:45:00 GMT

Love is definitely in the air this month! February is the month of "Love". Everywhere around us we see advertisements in magazines, on billboards, television touting the best diamonds for this or that occasion.

I don't know about you, but I love them! Shocker, I know, but what girl doesn't love a little (or big ) sparkle adorning the wrist, finger, or ear perhaps?

I'm a little accessory obsessed anyway. I love them. Anything that adds pizazz or a special touch to an outfit is good in my book. We all need a little help in that direction anyway, I think.

I am really loving jewelry lately, especially diamonds, because they're a girls best friend. Marilyn Monroe thought so in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". I digress!

Swoon over these lovelies. Diamond studs are so classic and versatile. They can be worn with your favorite pair of jeans or the lovely dress you bought last week for dinner out with your honey. These have an extra row of dazzle around the perimeter. Love them!!

There are many vintage diamond pieces that are just stunning and give you the feeling from a time gone by when ladies dressed for dinner, wore gloves and fur stoles and their men "retired" to the drawing room for a brandy and cigar. I love to look at a vintage piece and dream of where it came from, who wore it and for what occasion. An added advantage of a vintage piece is that you won't see it on anyone else (for the most part) so it's just like it was given to you on that night long ago....again, I digress!

Diamonds pair beautifully with any other precious stones as well. These stunning earrings by Harry Winston represent the aristocratic elegance of luxury living. They shine brightly and beautifully with diamonds alongside sapphires and turquoise. Who wouldn't want to wear these to the next ball?

The most popular way for a man to show his love and commitment to his sweetheart is with an engagement ring to let the world know she is his and no one elses. A tradition many years in the making, a solitaire diamond ring is just the thing any girl dreams of.

How about some eye candy for the neck. The perfect spot to always get noticed by the idle passersby (or maybe just by an envious friend) the neck is meant to be adorned. Why not let it drip with a diamond necklace? I love this necklace because it reminds me of a beautiful necklace my father gave my Mother many years ago. It was from a jeweler who specialized in vintage pieces from all over the world. It had gorgeous rubies and diamonds on a drop pendant like this one. I love the chain link. Just classic and stunning all rolled into one awesome piece!!

Now I know you can tell I just love diamonds and who doesn't, but there are many great "faux" diamonds out there as well. Who can really tell the difference anyway? They're dazzling, classic, chic, luxurious, beautiful......need I say more?

Blush Pink Ensemble - Your New Feminine Hue!

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:35:00 GMT

Blush Pink Ensemble - Your new feminine hue!

Soft shades of blush pink ensemble are the clear favorites this season from the autumn color palette.

It is a romantic and soft color yet modern as well. These days, you can see plenty of fashion trends and women's spring dresses being sold in this particular color.

This is a great alternative to those who want to tone down from the usual bubble or fuchsia pink.

Blush is a great combination for low contrast colors like cream and ivory. This neutral and classic color accentuates a women’s feminine and sweet side.

I especially love the idea of pairing a blush top with a pair of denim jeans and nude colored pumps – extremely earthy and very sophisticated!

Quoting from Andrea Kee, a reknowned fashion writer from Malaysia, “Consider this girlie hue your new natural.” It goes with just about everything. This color is by far, my absolute favorite from the autumn color palette.

Here are a few gorgeous blush colored items I have put together for you. It's time to bring out your feminine side!

Blush Pink Collection by cindyelizavaz

This collection is made up of:

Blush Ruched Tube Dress from Dorothy Perkins

Fossil Stella Boyfriend Aluminum Watch - Blush

Blush Turn Cuff Shirt from Dorothy Perkins

Beverly Feldman Women's Luckycharm High Heel Open-toe Sandal

Rampage Women's Rhetta Sandal

Nude Chiffon Petal Clutch Bag from Dorothy Perkins

Blush Feather Hoops Earring from Dorothy Perkins

The next time you go shopping for gorgeous fashion trends or women's spring dresses, remember to look out for one of them in this lovely color!

Here's a little secret: I think this is the best choice of color for those who are going out on a special date! Want to dress to make a great first impression? Choose a simple dress in this color and complete the entire ensemble with nude accessories! It's so soft and feminine.

Remember our golden rule: Simplicity is beautiful! :)

Excerpt borrowed from our friends at "Fashion Trends and Tips for All".

Let's Talk About LOVE!!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:19:00 GMT

With Valentines Day fast approaching, what a better subject to talk about than love? We all have a love of our life don't we?

Even if it's not in human form (think puppy, Hermes Birkin Bag, your favorite oversized sweater here), we all have or want something that makes us feel good and look good too.

Whether it's a beau on our arm or a faux around our shoulders, we all "need" love!

Here are a few of my favorite things to wear for this holiday we love to call

VALENTINES DAY! SWEETHEARTS DAY! LOVERS DAY!

These gorgeous and romantic earrings are on one of my favorite sites for unique one of a kind items, Etsy! They are lampwork beads and crystals on wire. Just lovely.

If you are less into the vintage style and more va va voom, these sparklers are certain to get you noticed. They are from Kaboodle and made of pave style red rhinestones.

What to wear on the biggest date night of the year? A sexy red dress, of course! This silky origami dress is perfect for a night out on the town with your sweetie. You'll thank me later!

This black burnout velvet and silk shawl is a knockout. It adds a perfect elegant touch to the red dress and added warmth as well.

I am head over "heels" in love with these beautiful stilettos by Gianmarco Lorenzi. Now if only I could walk in them! They go beautifully with the red dress, have a beautiful ankle strap, are sexy, of course, and oh how they elongated the leg!

I love the look of clutches! They fit nicely in the hand, are not bulky and you can fit lots of them in your closet. This one by Fendi is versatile and timeless. Love it!!

Shall we go with an updo and red lips or a sexy softly tousled look with a pale pink lip? Decisions, decisions.

Whatever you do for Valentines Day whether with someone or something you love, make it a good one!

Vogue's Accessories for Spring 2012 -Take 2

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:56:00 GMT

Vogue magazine has come out with this seasons Spring Accessories. In last week's post, I touched on a few lovelies. Take a look at the the rest to round out the list.

THE SKIN OF THE SEASON. "While one cannot ignore the price tag that comes with crocodile, the exotic, classic skin is everywhere for spring, from evening clutches to day bags to iPad covers. What does make it feel new this season, however, is that it no longer needs to be fashioned in a such a ladylike manner." There are also many faux croc bags out there that are stunning and well priced. Just be fun and creative with your choices.

THE RETURN OF THE EARRING. "Call them what you will—chandeliers, shoulder-dusters—but oversize earrings were, as far as jewelry is concerned, the piece of the season. From the sixties-inspired swing at Marni to the fruit-and-vegetable variety at Dolce & Gabbana, if you want to invest in one look-changing accessory for spring, this is it." I totally agree! Girls of all shapes and colors can appreciate a fun piece of jewelry. These earrings rock the 'big' look and anyone can wear them.

THE HAT RETURNS. "This year, hats and headwear felt like a natural (and crucial) extension to a look as opposed to a stylist’s last-minute addition—and to great effect. The shapes were wonderfully all over the map, from modern angles to historical silhouettes, but the result was polished and highly original." A hat can surely make an outfit but sometimes at the cost of fashion. What was the House of Alexander McQueen thinking with this creation in the center??

BELT IT OUT. "Feminine shapes, rejoice! The belt is back, and it is better than ever. You can wear it high on your waist or slung low on your hips, but remember that this simple addition can go a long way when it comes to refreshing even the most standard of wardrobe staples." I have always loved how belts accentuate an outfit and give it that punch it needs. And, of course, how it cinches the waist. What a plus!

NOVELTY HEELS. "Finally, when it comes to picking a statement shoe for spring, a few creative designers offered up optimistic, upbeat options that were simply made to reflect the overall positive mood that was put forth during the collections this time around. After all, isn't fashion meant to be fun?" Oh yes it is! And what better way than with a fun pair of shoes?

We've seen some pretty off-the-wall accessory ideas for spring and definitely a few fun ones as well. Embrace the trend and have a little fun with your spring accessories...you never know what fall will bring!