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Estate Jewelry International - Where Looking Good Doesn't Cost You A Fortune!>
Spring Fashion Tips & Tricks!
February 25, 2009
Spring is just around the corner and it's time time get ready for this refreshing season. Time to do some wardrobe updates, make some additions to our jewelry accessories & "Make Your Fashion Statement." Here's hoping you find the three articles below helpful and enlightening. Grab a coffee and drop by our website http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/home.html We've added plenty of wonderful resources - lots of articles to keep you current on fashion trends. Treat Your Wardrobe Like Your RRSP We are bombarded with information and marketing that scream "Attention Shoppers" "buy this" buy that" "you must have this" you must have that". So how do we determine what we actually "must have" to get through a fashion season. My answer is this - Treat your wardrobe like your retirement plan. Spend your money on items that will continue to deliver for years after you've purchased them. The times they are a changing. Not so long ago all you needed is two or three suits and everything to go with them and you'd be set. Today life is more complicated - now we seem to have a closet full of clothes yet nothing to wear. Roland Mouret a top designer says "Plan your long term wardrobe especially if your budget is limited." "Buy pieces you can live with and don't be tempted to spend a lot on disposable trends." Yes that about sums it up very nicely! So where to start - well lets start with the basics. Basics are about fit and functionality - lets start with a pair of well cut black pants. They are the cornerstone of any good wardrobe. If you attend fancy events quite often then you should make sure your wardrobe has one good evening skirt. A cashmiere sweater is a must have. It can be mixed and matched and provides great versatility. Your basic wardrobe should have one comfortable quality pair of heels. Now we've got the basics - but wait theres more to it than that - a wardrobe full of basics and nothing else simply has no soul. Now we need to add "you" Versatile wardrobe items - here's where you pick items that are unique to "you" This is where your creativity and personality gets to shine. This is where you "Make Your Fashion Statement." Your versatile items should go from day to night or night to day. Your versatile items should be items you can dress up or down. How about that embroidered coat you've been eye balling - add a chiffon dress and you've got the makings for a summer wedding outfit. Add a pair of pants and your ready for a casual party. So have fun choosing your versatile items but choose them with the expectation that they will serve you well. Now every wardrobe also needs to have the classics. These are the items you don't wear every day but you know they are in your closet when you need or want them. These are timeless wardrobe pieces that never go out of style and only get better with age. Every wardrobe should have a tuxedo evening jacket. Elegant enough for the most formal outfit and perfect to dress up a simple denim piece. You also need to have a trenchcoat that will serve you season after season - pick a favorite - leather, suede, wool - whatever your favourite is. Your wardrobe must have a couple of belts and a couple of purses. Now you found that piece that you believe is a true classic but the price is making you run. Stop! Apply the dollar test per wear to determine if its worth the money. Then decide if you can afford a big ticket purchase and will it go the distance. That will determine whether you run or buy. Signature pieces are the "key" to your own personal style. They are "you." What's important here is that you have the will power to purchase a couple of "prime time pieces" and then stop. So perhaps a signature dress or pair of heels. Signature longevity can be determined by how effortless the piece is to wear and how easily it is incorporated into your wardrobe. Then of course we have to invest some into current trends. We don't want to look frumpy or out of date. Set your budget and stick to it. Remember these are disposable items - usually one season is all you get out of them. Watch for sales and reduced pricing. Each spring do a wardrobe clean out - ditch the items you haven't worn or no longer wear. Determine your maintenance level - low, medium, high? This will determine to a large extent what type of items you'll need in your wardrobe. It's also important to know your body - do you have long legs, fair complexion, large hips? Knowing your body will help you determine what will or will not look good on you. What are your favorite colors - what colors make you happy or sad, what colors uplift you? What makes you feel sexy or good about yourself? What kind of jewelry do you like - dainty unnoticeable? bold and colorful? If you know "you" and you know your "fashion statement" then you will have no trouble investing in a wardrobe that will go the distance. Spend some time checking out boutiques, catelogues, and online stores to find the best pricing for the items you seek. And don't forget to add the accesories and jewelry - they are like the icing on the cake - your finishing touch! How To Choose Jewelry Choosing your jewelry is no different than choosing your wardrobe. Most important is to stick within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style. That said it never hurts to step out of the box once in awhile. What's most important is that your jewelry matches up with your outfit. Your jewelry is the finishing touch on your total look. Make your fashion statement count! You need to determine what you want your jewelry to do. Do you want it front and center stage? Do you want it to compliment? Do you want it subtle? The occasion or event you'll be wearing your jewelry to is also important - make certain it is fitting. A sexy oversized choker might be perfect for a night on the town but may not be fitting for the boardroom. Although you may have a favorite designer. There's really no need to stick with just one designer. In fact there's no need for the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizzaz! Costume Jewelry, both signed and unsigned, is an affordable way to complete your look. Costume Jewelry can be bought for a low price and has plenty of life. Heck we see costume jewelry back to the 1920s still in excellent condition. What's great with costume jewelry is you can use it, get tired of it, put it away or give it away and have still gotten good value for your money. Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a little longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons. Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have to any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion. We always recommend have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 10-14k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold like silver can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look. When purchasing rings you can have great fun - again the choices are endless from large and overwhelming to dainty and feminine. The length and size of your fingers plays an important role in what will look good. For example long skinny fingers don't look good with huge oversized rings, yet a woman that has long thicker fingers they look exquisite. Long nails? Short nails? it all makes a difference. Play and see what you like what looks good. Also determine where you will be wearing these rings. For example if your working around fine fabrics you'll not want any rins that have sharp edges that could snag. Your rings are also part of your total statement. When purchasing necklaces be certain you know your neck size so that you get a good fit. This is very important when purchasing on line as you don't get a chance to try. If your neck is average in size then a 16" necklace will look great, however if you have a somewhat larger than average neck then a 16" necklace could be too tight. Measure the length of some of your favourite necklaces you already own. This will give you a good indication of what length you prefer. Opera necklaces which are over 30" are terrific. They can be double wrapped, knotted, or whatever else your imagination comes up with. When choosing colored necklaces make sure its a color that compliments your skin tone. It may match your outfit fabulously but if it doesn't match or compliment your skin tone your look could be lost. When purchasing bracelets you'll need to decide where you're going to wear them, and how noticeable you want them to be. The availability of size and shape is endless - you can go from large bangle bracelets to dainy gem bracelets. If it is a slip on bracelet be sure that it will fit over your hand. Make certain to measure your wrist as the fit of a bracelet is very important. To large and it will look sloppy and may even slide off. Too small can constrict your wrist movement. When purchasing earrings - the shapes and styles are endless - from dangles to chandeliers to hoops to studs to buttons. From enamel to beads to gems to metal to wood. Size of the earrings is very important to the statement your making. The larger the earring the more noticeable and the more incorporated they become into your total look. Large earrings aren't for everyone - depending on your face size and shape they may actually detract rather than attract. Experiment and find what looks best on you. Your jewelry choices are endless - no matter what your tastes, your likes, your dislikes. You'll be able to complete your look just the way you want it with little effort. So be sure to make your fashion statement! There are so so many great products on the market and each of us has our favorites. Here are a few of the ones I personally liked. Yves Saint Laurent Paris Eau de Printemps Roses Enchantees - launching as a limited edition in March in a beautiful decanter in graduated shades of pink, mauve and orange with a pale rose stopper. The color on the glass are to depict the colors of the roses in the fragrance. There are three roses present - the garden rose, apricot rose and lilac rose. A romantic feminine scent that lingers like spring! Prescriptive has just introduced the Moonbeam Reflective Eyecolor - Bold color combined with pearlescence light reflecting pigments - its fabulous! It is a silky liquid shadow slips that is availble in eight dreamy tints. Try it - you'll know how it earned the name Moonbeam! Dior Capture Sculpt 10 Lifting Firming Creme - This anti aging cream is definately worth trying. It restores firmness to the entire face, especially around the jawline. It is based on a new collagen discover which allows the skin to regain its young-looking elasticity, strengthening and toning the skin. A rich nourishing cream that is truly refreshing! Wet'n'Wild Glossy Gloss Lip Gloss - You'll definately get your money worth from this product. Inexpensive, big selection of colors and its available almost anywhere. If I had one complaint its that its that application can be a bit tricky. Lancome Limited Edition Sea Sand, Sun Palette For Eyes & Lips - Dazzle your eyes with a provocative palette of contrasting color. Comes with four eye colors - green, chocolate, soft blue and metallic night grey and a Juicy shine lip color. Cocoa Therapy line from Origins - They've harvested every good part of the cocoa plant to treat your skin. Delicious scent; creamy, rich and decadent texture; highly moisturizing without greasiness. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and mood boosters. Chocolates not just for eating. Kielhl's Facial Fuel - Energizing Moisture Treatment For Men - I had the guys try this and all of them gave it the thumbs up. It has soy extracts that smooth the complexion with a cooling effect when applied. Goldwell Color Glow Stay Red Treatment - Fantastic! It preserves and protects between salon visits. Keeps your color looking like it was just done with plenty of shine. I tried the Red Treatment but it is also available in Blonde and Copper. Complete hair care from shampoo to finishing product. Neutrogena Skin Soothing Eye Tints - These play double duty. Form eye shadow to base. Worn alone they soothe and brighten the eye are with cool shimmer. As a base they prevent creasing and fading. Loreal Glam Shine Liquid Lipcolor - Dazling! 18 shades and 4 new holographic shade. The holographic shades are a plumping lip gloss that contains a lot of shimmering particles. Non sticky but it does wear off so you do have to reapply throughout the day.
Make Your Fashion Statement!
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