FASHION JEWELRY TODAY
Fashion Commandments

You can always count on them: the fashion rules that appear in every magazine, newspaper, Web site and store window. They used to be seasonal; now they’re constant. Fashion mavens and style gurus are ever at the ready, telling women what to wear and what not to wear, what looks good and what doesn’t. Yet even the most cherished rules are arbitrary. So what the heck— I can get in on the act, too.

1. A Black Dress Is NOT The Backbone Of Every Woman’s Wardrobe. I am sick and tired of being told that black looks good on everyone. There is, in fact, no such thing as a color that looks good on everyone. Colors that look good on you depend on your complexion, hair color, facial characteristics and age. I have dark hair, dark eyes, dark skin and dark circles. Black has never looked particularly good on me, though I could get away with it in my 20s and 30s, especially with bright lipstick and the black off my face, as in a portrait collar or strapless neckline. But now I’m 50, and in black I look like a wan anemic in widow’s weeds. If you’re a blonde or a redhead, you probably look stunning in black. You can also carry off bronze, taupe, caramel and other colors that are blah on me, which brings us to No. 2.

2. Do NOT Keep It Neutral And Monochromatic. Wearing the same color from head to toe supposedly creates the illusion of one long line, with no individual features standing out. The neutrals that are relentlessly recommended are black, camel, khaki and brown. Every color on this list makes me look like a dead fish or, as my mother would put it, “death warmed over”— and I know I’m not alone. Why should women want to minimize individual features anyway? Why is blending into the woodwork desirable?

3. Don’t Dress Like Audrey. As in Hepburn. The exhortation to “dress like Audrey” comes from so many sources and gets trotted out so many times I’ve lost count. We can’t all dress like Audrey because we’re not all built like Audrey. The gorgeous gamine look worked on her lithe little ballerina body. It doesn’t work on most women. And how about those other Audrey features— cigarette pants, ballet flats? If you have no hips and no rump and legs like twigs, then, yes, those clothes will work for you. But on most women, cigarette pants are best relegated to the fate of their namesake, and ballet flats make one’s legs look like tree stumps.

4. Banish Tab-Front Pants. Oh, the horror! Designers and retailers have been shoving these down our throats for at least the past five seasons and I have had it. Women’s bodies are not made for tab-front, fly-front pants. A tab-front doesn’t lay flat. It adds girth. It sticks out as much as a half-inch. Do you need an extra half-inch tacked onto your stomach? Unless you’re trying to cross-dress or have the abs of an Olympic gymnast, you should not be in tab-front pants. Side-zip, flat-front pants are the way to go.

5. Give Up The Gargantuan Grab Bags. Stop the madness! What are you carrying in there? Are you an emergency room physician? An astronaut, ready for the next space mission? Or maybe you’re going on “Let’s Make a Deal.” It’s not possible that your daily accouterments require so much room. Lemme guess— you have a liter of water in there since in the parched deserts of 21st-century civilization you never know where the next water fountain or faucet will be. Better yet, you’re trying to cover up one of those “individual features” mentioned in No. 2 and the monochrome outfit didn’t quite do it.

6. Go Easy On Ethnic Dress. Dressing in a bright little folkloric vest from Provence will not make you look like you’ve just been to the most beautiful region of France. Instead, it will make you look like you don’t know the difference between clothes and costumes. My ancestors came from regions around Rome, but I don’t go around in white puff blouses with black dirndl skirts and bright ribbons in my hair. National pride is one thing; looking like a tourist board poster is another.

7. A Size By The Same Number Is Not The Same. Ladies, quit telling me that “Marilyn wore a size 12.” A size 12 in Marilyn’s day is equivalent to a size 4 or 6 today. Marilyn Monroe was stacked, but for most of her career she was also slender. Her shape was more akin to Madonna’s than to Anna Nicole Smith’s. Not only is vanity sizing rampant nowadays, but the average woman’s body has changed since the 1950s. We’re taller, have broader shoulders, bigger busts, bigger everything. If believing Marilyn wore a 12 makes you feel better, have at it. But it’s not the same 12.

8. Dress Your Age. OK, now, that doesn’t mean dressing like a frump if you’re over 40. It also doesn’t mean dressing like you’re 16. Don’t make yourself look like the train wreck that is Mariah Carey. Or adopt the frightening California-girl stylings of Goldie Hawn. That worked when she was playing the ditzy party girl on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” but it doesn’t anymore. And I do hope we don’t have to go into the bare-midriff thing. If I see one more bare belly sticking out over low-slung pants— on a woman of any age— I’ll run screaming into the hills. It’s not sexy, gals; it’s tacky. At best, it belongs on the beach, not on a city street. As for those babydoll dresses, spare me. I’m all for flirty and feminine, and I rejoice that dresses are finally back in stores, but if you’re a grown-up, wear grown-up clothes. You can’t complain about the media’s obsession with youth and then go around trying to look like Barbie. I take that back— even Barbie had more sophistication. After all, Oleg Cassini designed some of her clothes.

9. Long Skirts Are For Everyone. So many of my petite girlfriends won’t wear long skirts because they’re afraid of looking shorter. But long skirts sway gracefully and confer a lovely fluid line. They give the illusion of length, no matter your height. On the contrary, several shorter pieces— top, jacket, skirt— can chop you up visually and give the illusion of shortness. (Then again, maybe the schoolgirl look is what you’re going for; if so, see No. 8.)

10. Beware The Ann Taylor Uniform. I’m not dissing Ann Taylor (though they do peddle the unspeakable tab-front pants), but there’s a dullness and uniformity to their clothing. I’ll never forget looking around a Washington, D.C., restaurant one day a few years ago and seeing every woman in the place, including me, in the same black pantsuit (though at least I had on a bright blouse). The lack of imagination was positively depressing. If you can’t express yourself through your clothing, then what’s the point? You may as well go around in pajamas. Oops. That’s right. Some people do. Juicy Couture, anyone?

STRATOSPHERE
Stratosphere Fine Jewelry


Wearing Stratosphere fine jewelry is a sign of wealth, power or style. Stratosphere fine jewelry is a mixture of high technology and art that produces superb ornamental pieces using classical materials (gold, silver or diamonds) as well as new materials like titanium or iridium that express the developments of technology.

The price of Stratosphere fine jewelry directly reflects its quality and most often higher costs mean better quality. Stratosphere fine jewelry reflects good taste and style and this is why most people prefer to buy more expensive jewelry than costume jewelry. When you are buying Stratosphere fine jewelry, keep in mind that it must match your personality as well as your style and wardrobe. Stratosphere fine jewelry never goes out of style and you can wear your Stratosphere fine jewelry for a very long time without worrying that it is out of trend.

Until the last decade, Stratosphere fine jewelry has been worn especially by women. However, there are more and more jewelry makers that have gravitated to the field of men’s diamond jewelry. In the last years, men’s diamond jewelry has become very popular and all fashionable men have at least a diamond ring or a watch with diamonds. Men are more comfortable wearing diamonds now, so these precious stones aren’t just a girl’s best friends anymore. Men’s diamond jewelry is usually framed by precious metals. The metals for men’s diamond jewelry which are the most popular are gold and platinum.

Stratosphere fine jewelry doesn’t stop at mere fashion. Stratosphere fine jewelry also includes items like promise rings. There is a great variety of promise rings, including titanium promise rings and gold promise rings. A promise ring is usually a small and not very expensive ring given to someone you care about to show your commitment to the relationship. They are also called friendship rings.


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STRATOSPHERE PRESTIGIOUS JEWELRY

Flaunt your romantic side.................

The Stratosphere Collection offers the look, feel and enduring quality of gold, platinum and silver without the high price. Enjoy elegant style and classic looks.

Adorn yourself with this extraordinary jewelry that captures the passion for beauty. The Stratosphere Collections meticulously crafted, with some beautifully showcasing the painstaking process of hand setting accents. Take your pick because this eclectic and irresistible collection has something for everyone.

On our site you can choose from a great variety of fine jewelry items such as rings, earrings, chains, bracelets, pendants or necklaces for both men and women. Our fine jewelry is made using precious gems like diamonds and pearls as well as semi-precious stones. You should always select fine jewelry that reflects your personality and fine jewelry that makes you feel confident and successful.

Wearing fine jewelry makes everyone feel better. Titanium promise rings are the best way to show someone that you care about them because they are long lasting and classic.

Fashion Jewelry
Not Just For Women

The first thing that comes to mind when the word jewelry is mentioned is women. Jewelry, for the longest time, has always been associated with women. However, history disproves this since the fascination for jewelry was also shared by men in the early times. Ancient kings and male members of the nobility were fond of jewelry since such valuable pieces were a symbol of wealth, power, and influence. They wore extravagant earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and crowns. They donned clothes lavished with gemstones. Even their weapons were embellished with precious metals. But for some time, the attitude towards jewelry-wearing changed. Society expected men to have nothing of that fancy stuff. However, the men of today are slowly gaining back the confidence in wearing jewelry that they once had.

Nowadays, there is virtually no end to the kinds and designs of jewelry available to men. Men are now more at ease with wearing jewelry. In fact, most are not content with the usual watch anymore. They are now more comfortable with complementing their outfits with matching jewelry. Common items that men are given or even shop for themselves include watches, bracelets, earrings, chains, rings, cufflinks, and money clips. The trend is increasingly becoming so popular that the men’s jewelry industry experienced a growth of 20 percent in the past few years. As such, established brands of jewelry, such as Bulgari and Cartier, have released more items for the male category. In addition, newer brands are being introduced to the market to cater to the increased demand for men’s jewelry.

Jewelry experts say that a fusion between old and new styles is emerging. New materials, designs, and types of jewelry have become more socially acceptable for men. The jewelry industry has indeed taken advantage of the growing awareness of gender equality. Materials, such as pearls, that once were only used in making women’s jewelry are now being utilized in men’s accessories, but paired with more “manly” materials like leather. Classic pieces, such as cufflinks, were once made only in gold, silver, and platinum. But now, other colorful stones such as rubies, garnets, and diamonds adore the once plain cufflink as a testament to elegant, contemporary masculinity. Even stainless steel, which was only seen in watches before, is increasingly being incorporated into fine men’s jewelry because of its platinum-like shine, durability, and affordability.

But these pieces of men’s jewelry are not just limited for celebrities and athletes. Since jewelry is now the “in” thing, more and more men are inclined to wear the fancy stuff. The jewelry that is created nowadays caters to different market segments. There are those appropriate for a specific occupation. Jewelry for businessmen is different from that which is for rock stars. There are also those that are appropriate for a certain age group.

So don’t be shocked if one day, every man you meet is wearing some form of accessory. Jewelry-wearing is a trend that is becoming more and more accepted and popular. It is actually not surprising, since jewelry carries with it the message that the wearer is rich, confident, influential, and handsome.

How to Remove Stains on Silk Neckties

If you haven’t ruined a necktie yet by spilling soup or coffee on it, than chances are that sooner or later such a mishap will happen to you. If the necktie is part of your daily attire, then it is just a question of time before you will get it dirty. Not only can a silk tie be quite costly, but also neckties are commonly given as presents on father’s day and Christmas. A tie your son gave you for father’s day last year will be difficult to replace and knowing how to remove a stain without damaging the tie is key.
Many experts will tell you that any attempt to clean a silk tie is a waste of time. This might be true in some cases, but there are a few tips that will get a large portion of stains removed without damaging the delicate silk fabric.

The first thing to know about cleaning a silk tie is NOT to use water. Avoid getting the tie wet as this will cause the tie to fall out of shape. The stain might be gone, but the tie just won’t look right anymore. Instead, if you can act quickly, before the spot dries, try drawing the stain out with an absorbent. Plain talcum powder sprinkled on a necktie laid flat and left overnight has salvaged some ties. Be careful to use a powder that’s free of color or perfumes. Brush the powder off later with a soft towel.

If the stain has dried, or can’t be absorbed as above, there’s probably no alternative than to use a bit of liquid. There are many commercial stain removers available, such as Woolite® and you may want to try one, sparingly and gently. Before pouring the cleaner onto the front of the tie, try a tiny sport on the back of the necktie first. Doing this will allow you to check how the liquid affects the color and the fabric of the tie. If you see the colors to fade or the silk to crinkle, then obviously use a different cleaner. Once you find a cleaner gentle enough, dab a little of it directly on the spot. Try blotting the stain away with a paper towel after allowing the cleaner a few seconds to work. Be aware that either of these methods or the application of any liquid may cause the color of the tie to change in the affected area. As long as the color doesn’t fade or wash out you are safe. The color will go back to normal once the liquid has dried.

A professional dry cleaner may be worth a try as a last resort. Keep in mind that there will probably be no guarantee, and that your tie may just as easily suffer damage in the process. You may want to specifically request that they do not press your silk tie, to preserve its softness. Also, ask them about their cleaning process. Fabric damaging chemicals, that will get the stain out, but ruin the shape of your tie, must be avoided.

If all of the above fail, here’s one more radical and perhaps final suggestion. Get the tie soaking wet with luke-warm water but first start with one of the commercial stain removers. Dab the cleaner in full-strength on the stain. Before the solution dries, immerse the tie in a lukewarm bath of water with a small amount of the same cleaner. Gently agitate it by hand for a few minutes. Avoid scrunching or scrubbing. Rinse gently with more lukewarm water. Carfully put the tie onto a towel on a flat surface and cover the tie with another towel. Put a little weight onto the tie. Perfect are a few books. Roll the now puckered tie in an absorbent towel but be careful not to stretch the fabric.

Chances are that one of the methods above will work and will salvage the tie. The best stain removing method is avoiding the stain in first place. Avoid foods that are likely to spill such as soup or spaghetti, and if the situation allows, tug your tie in between two buttons of your dress shirt.


Three necktie lines we think you should check out........

UNIQUE TIES
To express yourself, you need a bright idea, or a strong style, depending on the occasion. In this selection you can find luxury ties that will underline your temper.
Unique Luxury Ties section has a wide selection of Novelty themed Men's Neckties. When you need a unique necktie for that special event or activity you will find it here. There are neckties for -Sports, Flags,Animals, Food & Drink, Holidays, Music, Nautical, Boating &Planes as well as many other Novelty themes.


100% Silk Woven Ties
We are privileged to have you visit this silk woven tie section. This company is dedicated to bringing you professional clientele fine, upscale gentleman's fashions and furnishings at excellent prices.
From the array of hand sewn silk neck wear in the finest Euro designs and traditions designed for you to your taste in the finest fabrics, colors& patterns, collars, cuffs and more, they stand alone in bringing you elegant style and classic executive fashion at great value.
All of the fine neck wear are carefully constructed and finished by skilled,experienced craftsmen to our very detailed specifications.
Finally, they stand behind what they sell and continually strive for the highest levels of service in the unwavering goal of your satisfaction and patronage.


Microfiber Fabric with the Feel of Silk
Handcrafted and crisp, our collection of microfiber neckties are an excellent accessory for any upcoming interviews, board meetings, or other formal affairs.
Choose between the latest styles and designs at terrific excellent prices. Shop now for the best selections.
Microfiber is very carefree material that is more stain resistant and less likely to wrinkle. Because of this, and the slightly lower price pint, Microfiber ties have become quite popular in recent years. The design group only uses the highest quality of microfiber, fabric and the neckties are almost indistinguishable from a silk tie.

In one form or another men's neckties have been around for centuries. What started out with Chinese warriors and Roman soldiers has through history become the necktie of today. Cravats worn by European gentleman in the 1700's are closely linked to today's ties.

Today's modern neckties are attributed to Jesse Langsdorf who patented the all-weather wrinkle-free tie in 1920. After World War II men began to take an interest in their fashion. Ties were being introduced in bold geometric designs using silk and rayon fabrics. Ties of this time were worn at up to a five inch width. In the 50's ties started to thin down somewhat and were called Slim-Jim ties by some, with some of these being nothing more than bootlaces worn as ties. In the 60's the tie became again wider sometimes seen in widths of 5 or 6 inches and in psychedelic designs.

Today a gentleman has a large variety of ties to choose from. From novelty ties to custom silk ties. Anything goes as far as novelty neckties, from a hula dancer, to a picture of your pet, from your favorite sports team logo to a Christmas tree. Most of these designs of ties are priced between $20.00 and $30.00.

Custom silk neck ties are very popular. There are numerous companies here in the United States and in Europe who specialize in custom made silk ties. These tie manufacturers use only the finest pure silk fabrics and linings and each and every tie is handmade. Did you know that the lining of the tie can affect it's weight and the size knot it will make? I didn't, but don't worry. These high end tie manufacturers will suggest the proper lining to be used.

Three necktie lines we think you should check out........

UNIQUE TIES
To express yourself, you need a bright idea, or a strong style, depending on the occasion. In this selection you can find luxury ties that will underline your temper.
Unique Luxury Ties section has a wide selection of Novelty themed Men's Neckties. When you need a unique necktie for that special event or activity you will find it here. There are neckties for -Sports, Flags,Animals, Food & Drink, Holidays, Music, Nautical, Boating &Planes as well as many other Novelty themes.


100% Silk Woven Ties
We are privileged to have you visit this silk woven tie section. This company is dedicated to bringing you professional clientele fine, upscale gentleman's fashions and furnishings at excellent prices.
From the array of hand sewn silk neck wear in the finest Euro designs and traditions designed for you to your taste in the finest fabrics, colors& patterns, collars, cuffs and more, they stand alone in bringing you elegant style and classic executive fashion at great value.
All of the fine neck wear are carefully constructed and finished by skilled,experienced craftsmen to our very detailed specifications.
Finally, they stand behind what they sell and continually strive for the highest levels of service in the unwavering goal of your satisfaction and patronage.


Microfiber Fabric with the Feel of Silk
Handcrafted and crisp, our collection of microfiber neckties are an excellent accessory for any upcoming interviews, board meetings, or other formal affairs.
Choose between the latest styles and designs at terrific excellent prices. Shop now for the best selections.
Microfiber is very carefree material that is more stain resistant and less likely to wrinkle. Because of this, and the slightly lower price pint, Microfiber ties have become quite popular in recent years. The design group only uses the highest quality of microfiber, fabric and the neckties are almost indistinguishable from a silk tie.

FASHION UNIVERSITY
Fun Costume Jewelry


As the name implies, vintage costume jewelry is old imitation jewelry. Costume jewelry is the perfect accessory for casual to formal dress, and is a wonderful way to express your personality. Beaded costume jewelry is a fun and funky way to express yourself. Today costume jewelry is often perceived as what one wears when one can't afford the real thing. Some wholesale costume jewelry is just for fun and very fleeting. Nowadays, costume jewelry is considered as jewelry articles to wear with specific type of clothing to improve the appearance and personality levels. Costume jewelry is a term that has been derived from the fact of its being a part of theatrical devices. 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.

Vintage costume jewelry frequently mimicked fine jewelry designs and, if made by skilled craftsmen, was thought to be "real" at first glance. Some jewelry is unsigned and some is by well known vintage costume jewelry designers or companies. Necklaces are also going large thanks to this vintage costume jewelry trend. Most of vintage jewelry can also be called costume jewelry. Consider vintage costume jewelry when you want to make a strong statement for a special event. Even trained eyes cannot distinguish the difference between gold costume jewelry and solid 14-karat gold jewelry.

The versatility of this handmade designer costume jewelry transcends formal and casual, young and old. Costume designer jewelry gives you the lavish feel and delicate twinkle that just doesnt appear with cheaper types of costume jewelry. Great designers create vintage costume jewelry that can be worn by fashion-forward women of every age.

The vintage costume jewelry is absolutely beautiful. Vintage costume jewelry is fun. Today's costume jewelry is fun, fabulous and inexpensive - perfect for casual wear or dress-up. Jewelry that is brass plated, as most costume jewelry is, can cause an allergic reaction or infection. For those who aren't afraid to be noticed or those that like ''conversation starters'', vintage costume jewelry is a great starting point. Even some costume jewelry is quite beautiful and far less expensive than "the real thing. When you own costume jewelry is fantastic, but when you own a piece by an artisan who puts their soul and heart into the pieces that they make it is even better. Costume jewelry is considered a fashion accessory and is directly affected by the change in fashion. Now inexpensive and costume jewelry is also considered as fine jewelry which are available in bargain price too. Most of the costume jewelry of today mimics the jewelry of the 30,40 and 50s. Many teenagers are starting to wear costume jewelry because they feel it makes them look hip and in style and it is affordable.

Coral Jewelry
Coral is the skeletal remains of a marine animal, the polyp corallicum, and is mainly composed of calcium carbonate. The most valuable type of coral is the noble red, Corallicum rub rum. Since Corals are calcified skeletons of sea creatures, they grow in formations resembling the branches of a tree. Most coral used for jewelry comes from the Mediterranean Sea or from the Pacific Ocean near Japan and Taiwan. Precious gem corals are formed deep undersea. A distinctive feature of the precious corals is that they take a perfect polish. In their natural state, corals have a tree-like appearance, which allows the maximum number of polyps to be fed by nutrients in the water surrounding the colony.
The color of coral ranges from white to red. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Beautiful coral jewelry is made and worn in many parts of the world. Coral in the form of coral stone and gold jewelry is among the most ancient of gem materials; coral jewelry has been made in many parts of the world and used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral inlays and coral jewelry have been found from the Iron Age. Coral has a history of religious significance.

Located at a depth of between three and three hundred meters coral can be found along the shores of the western Mediterranean, Japan, Hawaii, Australia, Bay of Biscay, Canary Islands and Malaysian Archipelago.
History
Tibetan Lamas use coral rosaries. It is one of the seven treasures mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures, Coral Jewelry like coral bangles, coral necklace , coral rings, worn against the skin, touching it, was long thought to be powerful talisman that could stop bleeding, protect from evil spirits, and ward of hurricanes.

The traditional center for the fashioning of coral is Torre del Greco, near Naples. It was Napoleon's Italian campaign, with its associated taste for all things Italian that heralded the fashion for carved coral jewelry. The rose pink variety became at this time the most sought after.

During the 1860's coral beads and ovoids were set into gold brooches, much like turquoise had been. In the 1870's coral was combined in bloomed gold brooches with diamonds and emeralds.

Care
Corals are delicate gems and should be taken proper care of. To clean Coral jewelry, wipe it gently with a moist soft cloth, as Coral is much softer than other gem materials with a hardness of only 3.5. As a result it should be stored carefully to avoid scratches. Coral is also porous so care should be taken to see that coral jewelry does not come in contact with any chemicals.

Precious coral jewelry is the oldest form of gemstone jewelry with pieces as old as 25,000 years in museums. It predates the later use of pearls. Each coral gemstone color has its own distinct quality. Black coral is exotic and dramatic and has long been considered to guard against misfortune. Pink coral is delicate and is said to bring good health. Red coral is best described as rich and romantic and can never go out of fashion.
They Look So Good On You

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OLIVIA TRIGOSO
International Reviewer of Fashion

JEWELRY ADVICE AND FASHION ARTICLES