June 3, 2008

Fashion Tips on What to Wear in a Wedding

Dressing up for a wedding day can be very tedious job especially when you are in jeopardy in selecting the dress. Well here are some tips that might help you to get your style sense in right direction on that most important wedding.

There are many types of weddings and in accordance to those you can select a dress from your wardrobe. For an informal Daytime a women can wear a short dress or a suit and for an informal evening, cocktail dress can be your right choice. Similar dressing up for a semi-formal daytime and semi-formal evening would do. But for a formal daytime you should consider accompanying gloves and hat with short dress or suit and for formal evening or black tie long dress or dressy short cocktail dress, even beaded would look just perfect. For an ultra-formal or white tie, a long gown, with a fur scarf, diamonds and accessories is perfect.

There are other few things that you should take care about while selecting a dress beside above and those are, while going for a wedding don’t ever wear a white, because it competes with the bride, there are plenty of other colors around you just need to search them. Don’t wear black or sequins during daytime looks very inauspicious. Once I told about the bride that doesn’t mean you even need to bother about bridesmaids or mothers, you can’t coordinate with everyone in the wedding party. Wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respects for your hosts. Overtly sexy clothing, club wear doesn’t belong at a wedding.

There few more things that I feel like addressing as if not considered may put all your efforts in vain, like don’t wear top of arm gloves with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns. Do take off gloves to eat or drink. Use good judgment if the invitation does not specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening will take you almost anywhere.

You can get your choice of daytime dress or cocktail dresses here.

June 2, 2008

Sexy Biker Jewelry — Born to Be Wild

At one point or another, we all have to admit to ourselves that bikers - with their gritty leather jackets, imposing motorbikes and gothic biker jewelry - represent everything our repressed hearts secretly desire. The appeal of running loose, going anywhere you wish is universal, transcending age, race and gender.

What makes good, law-abiding, peace-loving boys and girls suddenly get the burning desire to jump on their Harley Davidsons and hit the road? Bikers are all about the S&M image, the leather and studs. Images of tough guys or Harley babes come with the territory. Perhaps it is because being a biker represents the ultimate release, the act of running wild and running free, able to flaunt your own style and live on your own time. Who wouldn’t want to imagine themselves as kings and queens of the road, the visions of complete independence that would otherwise terrify many of us?

The imagery adopted by most bikers reflects their attitude. When they ride together, on a biker rally or biker week, they identify themselves and their group affiliations by the things they wear. Some of the larger groups fashion their insignia and wear them as logos on their clothing, or as pins and other forms of jewelry to place upon their person and belongings.

In general, bikers know each other by the “look” they project. And biker jewelry is a vital part of this “look.” Reject convention, change for no one, never compromise - these are important mottos to bear in mind when you want to achieve the perfect biker image.

Most of the time the appropriate jewelry takes on gothic themes, like skulls, crossbones, snakes, roses with bloodied thorns… and many of us can’t help but admit that these could be rather sexy. The goth look, combining themes of sex and death, comes with its own appeal. A school of the goth style even advocates the liberal use of jewelry, such as piercings and rings, to further the death metal image. Most of the time, this jewelry is delicate and complemented with black clothing, such as black leather, which is rather staple biker wear.

But biker jewelry distinguishes itself from being strictly “goth” by being made of thick material. This gives it a definite masculine look. Often it features a combination of leather and steel, the two essentials of the “born to be wild” image, which dates as far back as James Dean and the other motorcycle-riding heartthrobs of Hollywood. The ongoing theme is “the larger the better,” which comes with the biker creed of not caring what people think as long as you know you look good.

Biker jewelry comes in different flavors. Gold is rather popular in some circles. White gold goes well with most anything, especially dark colors. Wings and stars are other popular motifs, as well as other things that speak of a truly American way of life.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician, and writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com Also includes informative articles, comparison shopping, rare book excerpts, & link directory.

Wedding Party Gift Dilemma Solved

Wedding party decisions are perhaps the toughest wedding-related tasks you’ll tackle. Must you include the groom’s horrid sister? Will having twelve bridesmaids make you look too Liza Minelli? Do you have to pair your beautiful favorite sister with that drunken slob of a best man? What to do about eight-months-pregnant Donna? And should you force your nearest and dearest into ugly bridesmaid’s dresses for sheer retaliation? (Hel-lo giant royal purple taffeta butt-bow!)

Phew! A girl could elope just thinking about it.

If you haven’t yet chosen gifts for your bridal party, you’re in luck. Read this and you’ll have one less wedding dilemma. The perfect solution not only doubles as wedding attire but will thrill your bridesmaids and stay in style forever. This wonder gift? Pearl jewelry.

Before you flip out and cross the filet off your list, consider this: Real pearls are extremely affordable, especially when they’re freshwater cultured pearls. And no, that doesn’t mean they’re Rice Krispie-shaped either. For years now, the Chinese have been producing high luster, round freshwater cultured pearls that rival the beauty of Japanese akoyas. Gift your bridesmaids with pearls and not only will their accessories match on your big day, they’ll be thrilled with a gift they can actually use.

For gorgeous quality pearl jewelry your bridesmaids will flip over, keep these pearl buying tips in mind:

Size counts. Pearls are measured in millimeters. A larger pearl takes longer to form, and the chances of finding a perfectly round, large pearl are slim. After the 7.5-8mm mark, prices rise dramatically. Choose a 6.5mm strandit’s lovely and affordable, or, if you love the look of a larger pearl, pick a more affordable pendant.

Pay attention to luster and surface markings. The higher the lusterseen in the sharpness of the reflection off the pearl’s surfacethe more desirable it is. As for surface markings, if a pearl is perfectly smooth, it’s likely faux. Minor surface characteristics are natural and don’t detract from a pearl’s beauty. That said, avoid large pits, dents and obvious dimples.

Check for shape: Round pearls are the rarest, and of course the most expensive. To test for roundness, roll a strand on a table or desk. It should roll smoothly. Any bobbing up and down means the strand has some clunkers and hasn’t been carefully matched. Don’t like round? The baroque pearl is a more affordable and unique option. Baroque pearls have no obvious symmetry, but are quite lovely to look at. In fact, baroques have been favored by jewelry designers for centuries. When you’re shopping for pearls, be sure to check out baroque pearl strandsthey might just appeal to you.

Nacre thickness is important. Nacre, the same substance as mother-if-pearl, is what makes the pearl a pearl. It should be sufficiently thick; if it’s thin it will flake and peel, and eventually the bead nucleusthe implanted object which irritated the oyster and started the pearl growing processwill show through. Many freshwater pearls are made from tissue-nucleated mussels, not beads, making them solid nacre. Freshwater pearls also tend to have beautiful luster. Ask a trusted jeweler about nacre thickness, as it is nearly impossible to tell nacre quality just by looking.

Choose color carefully. A classic white strand is always in style and perfect for weddings, but pearls come in gorgeous pastels too. A lavender, pink or peach strand might work well with your bridesmaids’ dresses, but be sure to consider skin tone. Lavender strands in particular look beautiful with most skin tones and are “in” according to InStyle magazine.

In a pearl strand, such as a bracelet or necklace, uniformity is important. This is called matching. While no strand will be absolutely perfectsubtle variations are to be expected from a natural gemthey should be very similar in size, shape, luster and color. Pay attention to the clasp area, as unscrupulous jewelers have been known to hide imperfect pearls near the clasp.

When it comes to style, the sky’s the limit. Pearls’ newfound popularity with designers has given way to tons of unique styles and unexpected gemstone combinations. Classic pieces are always in, but many of today’s modern styles are sure to become classics as well. Depending on the style of the dress, a beautiful pearl cuff bracelet, pearl dangle, stiletto or drop earrings, a pearl pendant or a pearl-and-gemstone combo style could look absolutely stunning. For a totally polished look, choose a pearl jewelry set which includes a pearl strand and matching earrings (sometimes even a bracelet!). Pearl sets are great as your bridesmaids can later wear them to work, parties, and other functionsclassic pearls go with everything.

If your style is more Vogue than Town & Country, don’t get stuck on the traditional stuff that’s showcased in bridal magazines. Browse vintage shops, local jewelry stores and poke around the internet until you find something that grabs you.

Remember, freshwater cultured pearls are gorgeous and very affordable. There is absolutely no reason to buy faux pearls. Your friends did shell out big bucks for wedding attire, accommodations and travel, and they’re planning to throw you a killer shower. Thank your bridesmaids with a gift of timeless and affordable pearl jewelryand please don’t make them wear a big purple bow!

Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com, and visit Amy’s Style Caf

 

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