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Fashion Tips That Would Help You Look The Best

by The Shopping Maniac






Everyone has different tastes when it comes to buying clothes. There are numerous fashion brands all over the globe which keep introducing new trends and outfits, so that buyers can choose them according to their personality. Branded clothes are becoming popular amongst buyers but the most important thing is to buy clothes that match one’s persona. Here are some tips that will help you with the process.

Tip1: Buy Outfits that Fit You Well

There are people who buy clothes just because others are wearing them. For them it is like having only the latest trends in their wardrobe. Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach. You must always buy clothes that suit you and fit well. Imagine buying a pair of jeans that are ‘in’ these days but on you they look baggy or too-tight. It is a good thing to be inspired by fashion trends but it is equally important to buy something that looks elegant on you. Thus, consider your figure and your height before selecting an outfit.

Tip2: Buy Outfits, Not Labels

Buyers who run after brands need to know that labels do not really matter. You should buy good quality clothes, regardless of the brand name, instead of sticking to certain brands just because you want to flaunt the name. It’s okay to buy clothing that is not branded but matches your personality. Therefore, next time you shop around, make sure that you do not choose clothing only for the ‘label’.

Tip3: Dress for Yourself Instead of Others

Everyone should buy outfits in which they are comfortable and feel confident. However, people tend to forget this when they buy clothes. Undoubtedly, the clothing should be impressive so that others can appreciate it. However, remember that if you aren’t comfortable in an outfit, you will not make a good impression on others, either. Therefore, buy outfits for yourself rather than for onlookers.

Buy outfits that are classic and elegant at the same time. This can be a difficult task for those who buy clothes without thinking. Trends stay for a short duration and it is possible that clothes which you buy because they are in fashion this season might not be ‘in’ next year. Instead of getting carried away with trends, choose clothes that will not easily go out of fashion.

Tip4: Choose the Right Colors and Accessories

Whenever you buy clothes, make sure that you buy colors that suit your skin and hair tone. On the other hand, do not be afraid to experiment occasionally with colors that you do not have in your wardrobe as you might look good in them too. Pair the new outfit with classic accessories for a subtle look.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind when buying clothes is to buy matching accessories. Shoes, jewelry, purses, etc. should complement the outfits you own. These are necessary as they create the best overall appearance.

What You Need to Remember

Whenever you wear an outfit, make sure that you look amazing from head to toe. Spend time on your makeup and hair too. You should aim for the complete package, so do not compromise on anything. The makeup should match your outfit and accessories, however, make sure that you do not overdo it.

You might be attracted to new styles and patterns that you have never tried before. The thing to do is try on the outfit, and if it looks good, go ahead and buy it. Remember that everyone has a different personality so buy things according to your taste. If you like something that your friend or colleague was wearing the other day, just think about whether it will actually suit you as well. Believe in making your own style statement rather than following others. This is possible only when you carry an outfit with confidence and feel comfortable in it.

If you are planning to buy clothes online, then you might not be able to try them on until they reach you. Before experimenting with a new look, go to a store and try on a similar outfit. If it looks good on you, go ahead and buy it online. Be careful while selecting the size and design so that you always buy clothes that fit properly.

Buying the right clothes can help you look your best. Even simple outfits sometimes make you look amazing. Therefore, next time you plan to add something to the wardrobe, make sure that you choose the right items!

Susan is an expert in fashion trends. She advocates online buying and believes that buyers get good choices with online stores like KasukuKikoy.






Should Big Women Be Afraid Of Skinny Jeans?

by The Shopping Maniac

Super Fat WomanYou can’t go anywhere nowadays without spotting slinky skinny women showing off their perfect pins, luscious limbs and flat stomachs. Whether it’s on a high rise billboard or a saucy television advert, slim women are frequently shown flaunting their shapes with their trusty best mates – the skinny jeans. Yet it begs the question – Is it really like this in the real world? We all come in many shapes and sizes; so continually pushing slim and slender figures is bound to leave a large proportion feeling left out.

Just because you’re of ample size and over the seen to be ‘required’ weight – it isn’t to say you can’t rock the same skinny jeans as all the rest. OK so you think you’re fat, but there is no need to totally disregard skinny jeans. You’ll be surprised because you can still look buff in a pair of skinnies. Big is beautiful but unfortunately the term “Fatty Jeans” probably wouldn’t work.

How To Achieve Skinny Jeans Image   

Denim Jeans PocketMaybe you’re standing there pondering the erupting muffin top you’ve so sweetly acquired. It’s easy to become disheartened after trying on your first pair of skinny jeans but just because the first test didn’t go down well it doesn’t mean you can’t conquer the skinny jeans image. DO NOT go down a size thinking that this will accomplish the look. You need a slimming fit, a pair of jeans that can comfortably hug your curves and bum, a pair that you can confidently stroll around in. Sitting down is another decent way to test the pinch and if you can man-oeuvre around without the fear of collapsing it’s a great start. If you are particularly bottom heavy then selecting a pair of dark washed skinny jeans can also improve the effect. Dark colours generally give off a much more slimming look rather than a pair of bright red or beige shaded jeans.

Wear Other Items To Aid Your Look

Another sneaky way of slipping into some skinnies is to wear other clothes that can help streamline your body.

  • Touching on it earlier, darker shades can benefit your physique a lot more. Jeans, Boots and JewelleryHowever, if you have very large thighs then wearing a lighter top will draw the eye up and away from your worriment area. It’s a common illusion that can make your bottom half seem a lot smaller than it actually is.
  • Wearing skinnies with a blazer and high heels can also elongate your structure.
  • Many people say that horizontal stripes are a huge ‘no-no’ for anyone who isn’t at ease with their slender figure. Granted, thick horizontal stripes can make you look like you’re wearing monster truck tyres but thinner stripes can actually muster a slimming illusion.
  • Shiny fabrics are another poor addition to the wardrobe if you’re trying to develop a sleeker body image.

If you still haven’t found joy then a last ditch alternative could be a pair of high-waist stretch jeans; although they’re not skinnies and on the hanger they may seem unflattering, once they’re on they might be just the ticket.

You can also take inspiration from others around you. For instance, Jessica Kane – she’s a size 26/28 and weighs over 300lb. She’s a great example of how a larger woman can achieve the skinny jeans look. You’re only as healthy as you feel.

Featured images:
  •  License: Creative Commons image source
  •  License: Creative Commons image source
  •  License: Creative Commons image source
  •  License: Creative Commons image source

Paula Thompson is an expert in womens fashion and is interested in helping all sizes, styles and ages.

The 10 Most Expensive Pieces Of Jewelry Sold In The Past Decade

by Trish

The past decade has seen remarkable wealth spent on the world’s most valuable jewelry. Many of these pieces bear famous histories from historic owners, and have been sold at some of the world’s premiere auction houses.
#10: $10 Million Fancy Vivid Blue Diamond Ring

Oct. 5, 2011
Sotheby’s Hong Kong

A rectangular fancy vivid blue diamond of 6.01 carats, embraced by twin oval pink diamonds (.46 and .44 carat) and mounted in platinum. This anonymous purchase broke the previous price-per-carat record for blue diamonds sold at auction.
#9: $10.5 Million Empress Eugenie Brooch

April 22, 2008
Christie’s New York

Bought by the Louvre, this 1885 brooch created by Parisian jeweler François Kramer was designed for the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew, Napoleon III. The brooch was bought in a private sale to return it home to France.
#8: $11 Million Heart-Shaped Unmounted Diamond

May 18, 2011
Geneva at Christie’s auction house

56.15 carats and cut from the Cullinan 1 diamond that now forms part of Great Britain’s Crown Jewels, this stone was advertised as “Love at First Sight” and was released for viewing on Valentine’s day.
#7: $11.8 Million Vivid Pink and White Diamond Ring

Dec. 1, 2009
Christie’s Hong Kong

Mounted by Graff Diamonds and weighing 5.00 carats, this oval stone boasts rare pink diamonds mined in South Africa, where their color comes from heat and pressure.
#6: $12.3 Million Princess Katharina Henckel von Donnersmarck’s Diamond-and-Emerald Tiara

May 17, 2011
Geneva at the Sotheby’s auction house

Commissioned in 1900 for his second wife by German prince Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck, it bears eleven pear-shaped polished emeralds totaling 500 carats and was won by an anonymous bidder.
#5: 12.4 Million Panther Bracelet

Nov. 30, 2010
Sotheby’s London

It’s rumored that this onyx-and-diamond piece, once owned by American Wallis Simpson – the woman whose love made King Edward VIII abdicate his throne – is now owned by Madonna.

#4: $15.7 Million Dual-Stone Two-Tone Bulgari Diamond Ring

May 19, 2010
Christie’s New York

A pair of triangular-cut diamonds, clear (9.87 carats) and fancy vivid blue (10.95 carats), highlight this design, dating from 1972 and purchased in a heated 3-way bidding war.

#3: $23.2 Million Perfect Pink

Nov. 29, 2010
Christie’s Hong Kong

A rare 14.23-carat pink diamond is the centerpiece of this rectangular ring, purchased by an anonymous bidder no doubt for its rarity and beautiful allure.

#2: $24.3 Million Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond

December 2008
Christie’s London

This historic stone, a fancy blue diamond with gray overtones, weighs in at 35.56 carats. Originating from India and thought to have once been owned by Spain’s King Philip IV, it was bought by Laurence Graff in 2008 for around $22 million and cut two years later by three separate cutters to remove its flaws.
#1: $46.2 Million Rounded-Edge Rectangular-Cut Pink Diamond

Nov. 10, 2010
Geneva at Sotheby’s

Bought by Laurence Graff, the stone weighs 24.78 carats and is mounted in platinum between a pair of diamond shoulders. It set the record for the most expensive single jewel sold at auction and was renamed “The Graff Pink” by its new owner.

It’s worth noting that the most expensive piece of jewelry on this list went for more than twice the value of the item before it. When it comes to elegance and sophistication, these pieces demonstrate it in spades.

Minnie Ward has owned and operated numerous successful jewelery stores over the past decade. She now enjoys traveling the world looking at unique pieces of jewelry from various cultures. She recommends shopping at Vertu for a wide selection of fine designer jewelry.

Matching The Perfect Jewelry To Your Little Black Dress

by Trish

There are few things in any woman’s wardrobe as versatile or iconic as the little black dress, and whether you have tens of different variations on it or just one favorite you pull out time and time again, chances are you have and love one. Of course, with something this simple, it can feel like accessorizing is a bit of a challenge – do you go for statement bags and jewelry that add character to the dress and draw away from its simplicity, or do you keep things eternally classic with minimalist yet luxurious matching black shoes and bag and simple, elegant jewelry?

Well, the answer is, whatever suits your style and the occasion! A little black dress that fits well will look just as good whether you layer on cool modern silver jewelry, bold ethnic pieces or classic diamonds! Below are some ideas for different looks.

Fun and Modern

Just because the party you are going to is likely to be full of trendy types doesn’t mean the little black dress has to give you an overdressed or ‘safe’ look. You can pair it with interesting, artistic jewelry like sculpted silver bangles, big dangly statement earrings, or bold necklaces. Silver is a great metal to wear with black, so if you are a fan of chunky silver pieces or weird shapes in metal then the LBD is a wonderful thing to try wearing them with. You can also inject some bohemian style by using a color in your jewelry. Turquoise is a very good choice, but you can also work with things like amethyst, rose quartz and tiger’s eye.

Discreet and Classic

If you want to capture some real old school chic, less is more with the jewelry yet it should still give off a sense of luxury and impeccable taste. Pearls are one of the easiest ways to do this as a simple string of pearls around the throat (not too long unless you are going for a twenties inspired look) paired with pearl studs or tear drops in the ears looks expensive, chic and classy. This is also a look that works at just about any age.

Glitzy and Glam

Nothing says glamor like diamonds, whether you can afford the real thing or simply plan to achieve that sparkling look with cheaper diamond effect glass or diamante jewelry. You can go for the full Audrey Hepburn look with ornate diamond necklaces and long earrings, or, if you want the sparkle without it distracting from your dress, try some simple diamond stud earrings and a subtle chain necklace with a diamond pendant. Another good way to add the sparkle of diamond to any outfit, including the little black dress, in a way that is unpretentious and practical, is to have a watch with some diamond embellishment. Many people forgo a watch altogether these days, or don’t wear one with evening wear because they want to wear other jewelry on their wrists, but a well chosen, dainty watch actually makes a fantastic accessory to any level of dress other than perhaps a full scale ball gown!

Featured images:
  •  License: Creative Commons image source
  •  License: Creative Commons image source

The author of this post, Nolan Grey, is currently working for Diamonds on Web. He regularly volunteers at a local senior citizen home and he is very passionate about photography.

10 Corporate Gifts Under $15

by Trish

You’ve heard of the exorbitant vacation homes, yachts and even private jets given as corporate gifts between the elite; however, those aren’t very practical gifts when you aren’t a part of the Fortune 100, and when you don’t just have a single person to give a gift to.

For inexpensive gifts that are great and really stretch the dollar, consider these ten gifts under $15:

1. Mobile Apps

In this age of the mobile device and tablet pc, you can’t go wrong with gifting popular apps to your employees. Whether from Google Play or the Apple App Store, the available options are virtually endless; furthermore, there are customizable features for most of them – including an automatic “Gift This App” option.

2. Lottery Tickets

This next corporate gift idea is one of the cheapest around; yet it also has one of the biggest possible payoffs and will be appreciated by employees. Buy them each a scratch-and-win lottery ticket. Availability is never a problem with this kind of gift, and it is very forgiving of last-minute gifting decisions.

3. Gourmet Teas and Coffees

Gourmet teas and exotic coffees can make small and effective gifts for any employee. There are often large numbers of vendors with equally large varieties of flavors, giving discounts and package deals to stave off the competition. This bodes well for you when it comes to prices.

4. Massage Tools

Although you probably can’t get a quality, professional massage for under $15, you can secure some quality novelty items in a massage kit. These well-made and useful contraptions are of the personal variety, and are just as effective at working out the shoulder, back and neck kinks from a long day’s work.

5. Mugs

Ceramic mugs and glassware make great corporate gifts, because of the almost infinite range of variation of logos you can put on them. Whether you opt for to go wholesale and brand them with the company logo, or perhaps popular team logos, the price is inexpensive enough to get for a large number of employees. Additionally, there’s no need to restrict yourself to mugs; thermos and shaker cups for smoothies and powders also go over well as gifts.

6. Duffel Bags

Logoed duffel bags, of the quality you might obtain at tradeshows and company get-togethers make good corporate gifts. Given that you’re an established business, many popular manufacturers may even give you discounted prices in return for the advertising they receive when your employees use their products.

7. Padfolios

Given that almost everyone has a tablet or large smartphone, custom padfolios, sleeves or wallets make smart and useful corporate gifts these days. Similarly to the duffel and sports bags, there’s a fair chance you can receive discounted prices on these already inexpensive gifts when bought wholesale.

8. Edible Gifts

Edible gifts encompass a whole range of goodies, from chocolate selections to hard candy and gourmet cookies. Some companies even opt for the homemade variety to add a personal touch; but, either way, the gifts are inexpensive and valued.

9. Magazine Subscription

If you have any known avid readers of a particular print magazine – or online for that matter – then subscriptions are inexpensive corporate gifts that really go a long way. Top magazines like Time, Psychology Today, Esquire, Fast Company and others are good for a year’s worth for under $15 each.

10. Wine Opener

Everyone drinks wine, right? A custom wine opener can readily be had for under $15 and makes a great and lasting corporate gift. Add a logo for a personal touch.

Nicole provides advice and information on the best business management practices. She has found Boxt corporate gifts to be the most cost effective corporate gifting options.

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