The 2011 CDFA Awards Red Carpet sponsored by Swarovski was not only full of Hollywood’s A-List ladies–but also, all of the envious models in the industry and famous fashion designers . This event, as many of you know is one of the top red carpet events and is known for delivering eye popping fashion. Feast your eyes below for a glimpse of what we fashionistas die for. Australian Victoria’s Secret Angel Supermodel–and new mom, Miranda Kerr, wore Michael Kors Resort 2012, a black tank dress with high sarong-silhouette slit, side cut-outs and gold low-slung belt. Very Michael Kors , very Americana Sportswear-meets-St. Tropez, and very Chic! She wore the outfit down to the gold cuffs. Love it! Next, Karolina Kurkova wore an emerald green sequin hooded gown with pockets by Diane Von Furstenberg . You just can’t go wrong with a DVF . Which fashion trend of 2011 isn’t she sporting would be an easier question to answer. Hoodie…Sequins…and Pockets. Work it girl! Another fabulous Russian model rocked the red carpet, six-footer Hana Soukupova, dazzled in a one-shoulder ruffled and tiered gown by Marchesa Spring 2011. Talk about fashion for 2011. This dress is a fashonistas dream come true. Dutch-born beauty Doutzen Kroes also decided to show some leg like several of the other models at the event in this fire-red asymmetrical gown from J. Mendel. The subtle diagonal draping and pleating is exquisite. And those stilettos are killing it! Chanel Iman wore a very relaxed turquoise-colored caftan with high center-front slit Georgette Cocktail Dress by Max Azria . We’re predicting a new trend emerging for the summer and it look a lot like 70’s women fashion is making a comeback. The models were all over this relaxed comfortable look. Model Karlie Kloss wore a simple, spaghetti strap red gown with skinny black belt from designer Jason Wu. Ladies, if you have not picked up on Jason Wu now you can see why you should. Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen were Nominated for the Emerging Talent at the CFDA Awards for their clothing design company “The Row” which has garnered both critical and doing fabulously well at retail. Mary-Kate (Right) wore a gold Chanel jacket with a The Row (their own line) fishtail hem skirt and Louis Vuitton strappy heels . Ashley (Left), wore The Row dress, and Manolo Blahnik heels. Both accessorized it with great handbags from their line (smart), The Row. The bags alone are estimated to retail for $5,450!!
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Wouldn’t it be awesome to find real pearls from edible oysters? That‘ll be the day when eating edible oysters would bring in not only food on the table, but also pearl to make fine jewelry. However, such thing is next to impossible considering that pearls do not grow in edible oysters. Pearls are produced by mollusks that include oysters, mussels and clams. However, mussels and clams rarely produce pearls, while oysters commonly produce pearls no matter if they are freshwater or saltwater in origin. The idea that pearls are produced from sand permeating into the shell of an oyster is false. Sand is an inorganic material while pearls are formed by organic materials that are caught inside the oyster. As a defense mechanism, the oyster wraps the organic material with a substance called nacre, resulting to what is known as mother of pearl. Most people believe that pearls should have an imperfect form since they are products of nature. However, there are those that are formed perfectly, and these are considered very valuable pearls as you may see at fashion stores online. Unlike the common belief that pearls are usually white, pearls come in various colors like black, pink, red and even blue. Different colored pearls can be found all over the world, but only the South Pacific has produced black pearls. Instead of waiting for the natural process of producing pearls, there is a method to culture them in the same manner as they are naturally formed. However, the organic irritants are intentionally administered through a crack in the oyster’s shell. Natural pearls are, however, more expensive than cultured pearls because of their rarity. Among the pearls that are cultured, they are done either in saltwater or freshwater oysters. South Sea pearls that are produced by the silver lipped oysters are rare pearls that are cultured in Australia and are usually very large. South Sea pearls produced by the golden lipped oysters are cultured in Indonesia. Tahitian pearls or black pearls that are produced by black lipped oysters are cultured in the Cook Islands or in the French Polynesia. How can one determine if a pearl is real or fake? Real pearls tend to feel grainy when rubbed along the edge of the front teeth, while fake pearls fell smooth. Aside from the kinds of oysters from which pearls are produced, the quality of pearls is determined according to their luster or shine. Thick nacres that have been left in the water longer are generally shinier. The shape of a pearl is also important—the more spherical the pearl, the better. The larger the pearl, the rarer they are and the more valuable. Pearls are generally used in pieces of jewelry, but they are also used in making cosmetics. Pearl in powdered form made from shells and pearls of subpar quality is said to produce paler skin with a natural glow. Fashion Stores Online Because of its cosmetic value, pearl cosmetics are exported by many countries to the Unites States. Be it at any moment of your life, you always aspire to look the best and have the best possible appearance. And if it’s your wedding day, you want to look as beautiful as never before. You can choose from a sparkling array of designs for every mood and personality—from wild sensuality to serene gracefulness, from divine beauty to alluring exotica and a lot more. People know for a fact that buying and importing bulk jewelry at wholesale prices can save a lot of money for them. Moreover, they save a lot more when they go discount shopping online, and they do follow this tip when spending on jewelry. The glamour of trinkets and jewelry has enchanted people since its evolution and this will probably never change. There are a number of ornaments that fascinate everybody like necklaces, bracelets, watches, scarves, rings, handbags, brooches, belts and clips. In fact, the power of its dazzle has kept men and women spellbound until today. The glitter, its sheer worth, and the aura it radiates have us all mesmerized. Society partly owes its importance to women and women owe it to jewelry. When it is a diamond, it is not just an investment of money on your part, but it is also emotionally rewarding. Truly exceptional, mesmerizing, mysterious and magical, the diamond has ignited flames of romantic passion throughout history. Signifying wealth and a higher social status, the diamond remains to be one of the most luxurious and sought-after gifts for any romantic and momentous occasion, a gem whose purity and brilliance symbolizes long-lasting love. As the old saying goes, “Gold is an investment, but diamonds are forever.” You can get a wide range of classic and modern jewelry at very low prices when discount shopping online and their designs will simply take your breath away. Jewelry, with all its glitter, is a subject of long-lasting interest. Silver, gold, diamonds and other precious gem stones are most commonly found in good pieces of jewelry. Jewelry rich in ethereal beauty and superb craftsmanship can transform any ordinary girl into a glamour queen. Styles and trends change from time to time, but jewelry has held ground through centuries. A woman’s loyalty and devotion to this fashion accessory remains true. The constancy may have something to do with the value of gold, which can be cashed in time of need, but women basically want to adorn themselves with jewelry which magnifies their femininity. Jewelry comes in various designs like polka stone-studded Swarovski Austrian crystals and gemstone bridal jewelry styles in both sterling silver and traditional styles. Both unique and classical designs consist of precious and semi-precious gemstones with Swarovski crystals because it dazzles like no other. We should not deny the fact that glittering gold and sparkling diamonds are surely going to make any occasion a lot more extraordinary and unforgettable for years to come. Ever get tired of searching through endless mall shops trying to find high-quality jewelry at affordable prices? How about attending big jewelry sales events that just fail to deliver? If this sounds all too familiar to you, you should join a growing crowd of millions of consumers who are finding affordable, high-quality jewelry online. Everything from wedding bands, engagement rings, diamond anniversary bands, watches and more can all be found and purchased at fashion shops online from the comforts of your own home. Purchasing jewelry at fashion shops online has currently become much appreciated and done by all social and age groups as an ideal alternative to crowded, schedule-restricted jewelry stores. And why shouldn’t it be so popular when it saves you precious time, effort, and money? Imagine having to find a special ring or band just a few days before important occasions, such as Valentine’s Day or even your anniversary, when all the jewelry stores are being packed by hoards of people just as busy as you. Senseless hours being wasted going through overpriced jewelry sold by commissioned sales associates. There is a better way. Online jewelry stores offer a wide variety of products, from earrings, rings and bands studded with gemstones to watches and special products for special occasions. Also, you can find pieces of jewelry made from precious metals such as white or yellow gold, platinum, silver, tungsten carbide, titanium and other precious gemstones including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and more. A whole gamut of products, for all tastes and fit for every occasion, are available and just waiting to catch your eye. You can easily find the most amazing pieces of jewelry, from diamond anniversary bands to pearl rings and earrings made of gold. Moreover, an online selection cannot be surpassed. There are literally millions of pieces of jewelry available on the web, far more than any one store could ever have in stock. Without a doubt, the best feature of online stores is the prices, which are usually much lower than brick and mortar establishments. Online stores do not have to invest in costly showrooms and shop space, which means they have a much lower overhead expenditures. The amount of money saved from all these supposed expenses are benefitted from by the customers by having the same jewelry items at reduced prices. Moreover, many online jewelry stores offer free shipping and money back guarantees so you can buy for less, but still buy with confidence. Shopping for jewelry at fashion shops online is a booming activity as more people are feeling comfortable and more secure in making larger purchases online. Buying jewelry online just makes sense for so many reasons. The time saved, the virtually limitless selection, and affordable prices—it just can’t be beaten. So, the next time you are planning to surprise your loved ones with a piece of fine jewelry you know they want to have, remember to first check online stores for the best prices they can offer. In doing so, you’ve assured yourself a way to an extraordinary shopping experience. You will also be saving yourself a whole lot of trouble from waiting in line at a big jewelry store. Once you’ve experienced the simplicity and efficiency of online transactions, especially on luxury products like gemstones and jewels, you may never want to go back to shopping in brick and mortar stores again. When you say Birkenstock footwear, it is likely sandals and clogs come to mind. These products are what they are certainly most famous for. Very comfortable, durable footwear that are great for both casual daily wear and look great when used in casual summer occasions. Those who have used “Birks” know that they can last for ages and gently form to the shape of your feet to provide an excellent fit that is just right for you. If you have any doubt, simply slip on another person's pair and you'll understand. However, Birkenstock has recently added boots to their line of products, expanding from sandals and clogs to include both shoes and new Birkenstock boot designs. Only time will tell if they are as successful as their sandals line. But if their sandals are any proof, the boots should most likely be successful as well. There are three basic types: the approach or day trip boots in the Birkenstock Alpine series, regular aggressive hiking boots in their Rockford line, and several trendy boot styles like the Segovia Calf-boot for women. When you shop online for shoes to get a new pair of Birkenstocks, you may find that they fit a little differently than what you are used to. Don’t let this bother you. Simply try on slightly different sizes until you find a pair that is comfortable to your feet. There is absolutely no question that boots are not what made Birkenstock popular. Although, their impressive experience in producing high-end casual footwear has given them an excellent reputation for developing a superb quality line of boots from the beginning. They were able to do it all without losing sight of their core principle of simplicity, durability and comfort. So, the next time you shop online for shoes and try to find a high-quality pair, be sure to check out what Birkenstock has to offer. They may be slightly more costly than other footwear brands, but they will last much longer, look better, and will be more comfortable on your feet and overall posture. Beach footwear has evolved significantly over recent years. Gone are the days when flip-flops and those waterproof Birkenstocks were your only options. Although, who can really live without a nice comfortable pair of Birkenstocks? Now, there is a wide array of footwear in fashion shops online made specifically to wear to the beach. From aqua socks made for walking along the beach or even in the water to jelly shoes, flip-flops, and dozens of varieties in between, it is now more than ever possible to not only have shoes that are practical to wear to the beach, but fashionable and effective in this undertaking as well. Footwear says a lot about the wearer, and beach shoes are really no exception. Any old pair of flip-flops says the wearer isn’t very concerned about their foot fashion. Of course, there are flip-flops with designs and adornments that make them a little more fashionable than the cheaper variety. A nice pair of Birkenstocks says the wearer is more into quality and comfort than following trends. Impractical beach footwear or those that are likely to need repairs after coming into contract with water and/or sand say the owner has more money than sense. And shoes that are funky and fashionable that are made for the beach say the wearer is fashionably chic. When choosing the right beach footwear for you, especially when looking in fashion shops online, it is essential to consider what your beach activities are going to be. If you want to run along the shoreline, you might want to purchase a pair of the beach-friendly athletic shoes or aqua socks that are relatively new. If you want to be fashionable, go for the latest trendy beach shoes. If you want the ultimate in comfort, go for a nice pair of Birkenstocks. Flip-flops will always be an old fall back that has been the safe footwear of choice of beachgoers for ages. This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.
Do you have any idea where the term "footbed" came from? Most people don’t know that this term originated from the avant-garde sandal maker Konrad Birkenstock, a 19th century footwear manufacturer from Germany. During its early days, Birkenstock footwear had completely flat soles with no arch support. They then developed a revolutionary footwear design that matched the actual shape of a person's foot. Their idea was first sold as an insert for other shoes that had no shape. Their company took off as a major manufacturer of orthopedic inserts. They were called "footbed supports," so the term footbed became a legal trademark of Birkenstock. As years went by, the company became aware that their innovative footbed support idea could be incorporated into different types of footwear that they could design and manufacture themselves. Their original sandals were intended to give the wearer an almost barefoot experience, while still providing fantastic support and protection on the wearer's sole. Little did they know that this simple, yet revolutionary innovation would make the company well-known in the footwear industry, especially in fashion stores online . People immediately realized that not only were they comfortable, but they also helped greatly with many foot and back problems by providing the essential arch support and proper fit needed in everyday footwear. Today, Birkenstock products are frequently “prescribed” by podiatrists as part of normal foot care for people also with lower leg, and back problems. Their “heel-less sandals” are also specifically known to greatly strengthen and tone calf muscles. From its humble beginnings as a simple footwear manufacturer, Birkenstock has become producers of some of the most widely-known shoes and sandals in fashion stores online around the world. They are available in a plethora of different styles, materials and colors that will suit just about anyone's needs and taste. The company has done it by sticking to their basic philosophy: make them comfortable and make them last. It's that time of the year again: shoe-shopping season! There is a whole gamut of types and styles to choose from, but finding the best-fitting boots when you shop online for shoes requires some shopping legwork. While you're deciding between a stiletto, kitten heel or stacked heel, think of which occasion you will be wearing those shoes and for how long each day. What might look great on the fashion catwalks may not be so practical when you're running about in your 9 to 5 office job. "Your shoes only have to last a season," said Dr. Marlene Reid, a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. "Your feet have to last a lifetime." Follow these essential tips from the APMA when you shop online for shoes: Shop later in the day (your feet tend to swell and grow larger during the day), and have your feet measured before you start trying on different pairs. Try on shoes with the type of stockings or socks you plan to wear with them. Look for shoes that offer stability, preferably something with a wider heel. Heels that are less than two inches high are best. Thin stilettos may look cute on the rack, but they put a lot of pressure on your feet. Make sure the shape of the shoes is wide enough for a comfortable fit on your feet. Some boot designs can be too narrow and can cause blisters and bunions. Choose footwear with a firm heel cushion. Just because the boot fabric covers your ankle does not mean it provides proper support. Buy a pair of shoes that feel comfortable after you have walked around in them. Footwear should never have to be "broken in." Select a shoe with a rubber sole and proper traction on the bottom to prevent slipping. Remember, most fashionable shoes are not made for snow. Consider the material used for the shoes. "During the winter months, the feet tend to sweat more because shoes are enclosed and people wear thick socks or hosiery," Reid said. "Selecting a boot made of leather, which absorbs moisture, over a synthetic material is a wise choice." This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.
Imagine walking into a crowded restaurant and having all eyes on you. Like most women, I love getting attention. But recently, I got more attention and compliments than I thought I could handle. During a casual dinner with close friends, my sparkling white gold, two-carat Moissanite earrings was the center of everyone’s attention. One of my friends at the table whispered, "Those are the most beautiful diamond earrings I've ever seen." I gave her a heads up that they weren't diamonds, but a new kind of jewel: Moissanite. Before I knew it, I was the talk of the table. People had questions and comments like "What is Moissanite?" “They're so brilliant they must have cost a fortune!" "Are they rare?" and "I have to own a pair!" Well ladies, if you want to know my secret, read on. Moissanite has opened doors to women, giving them the opportunity to own quality, eye-catching jewelry at affordable prices. Some stores in the internet are also offering discount shopping online for jewelries such as Moissanite. What is the story behind this fantastic jewel? In 1893, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist by the name of Dr. Henri Moissan began studying fragments of a 50,000 year old meteorite. In these fragments, Moissan believed he discovered diamonds from outer space possessing superior fire and brilliance. After extensive research, it was concluded that Moissan discovered a new mineral. In 1905, it was named Moissanite in his honor. During the late 1980s, inspired by Moissan's discovery and by the fact that natural Moissanite is incredibly rare, a trading company called Charles & Colvard, Ltd. developed a proprietary process for producing large quantities of Moissanite. By 1995, Charles & Colvard, Ltd. was monopolizing the Moissanite mineral industry, possessing two worldwide patents. "Moissanite's superior diamond-like appearance is incredible," said Nat Hyman, president of Landau, an accessory boutique with more than 70 stores. "The customer is getting so much more for their money,” he finished. “But once they leave the store, are they going to tell even their best friends?" asked Nick Baxevane, also of Landau. "Moissanite looks like what a beautiful diamond should look like, so what they tell their friends is their decision. They can have the million dollar look without the million dollar price tag." This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.
Over the centuries, time pieces have been used as a status symbol by those who are privileged to wear them. Their precision, elegance and convenience are just some of the characteristics that these time pieces represent. Often, they are purchased in fashion stores online purely for their aesthetic looks. And at other times, they are bought because of their technical attributes like being precise even to the millisecond. This is what makes clocks and watches so demandingly collectible. And in some cases, they can demand high sums of money. Whether you collect those new high precision watches or those from a past era, the fact is, over the years, this hobby has become a high turnover business. And in a lot of circles, collecting watches is regarded as a smart form of investment. At the start of the last century, the first time pieces that were available for men and women were pocket clocks, and then what came next were those held by a pendant attached to the lining of jackets or corsets. The occurrence of war, industrialization, and the development of sport activities brought about new trends which extended not only to the way we dressed, but also how we accessorized using our time pieces. It is known that a nanny was the one responsible in inventing the wrist watch at around the end of the 19th century, who fixed a clock around her wrist by using a silk band. The first watches to be made were in fact smaller models of pocket clocks that were fitted with a leather strap. Once this product hit the market, newer designs began to appear based around this same concept. It was Louis Cartier who first made the kind of watches we see at fashion stores online today when he created a watch for a flying pioneer hero by the name of Santos Dumont. By 1911, this same type of watch was on general sale. That very same type of time piece became the first blueprint of what wrist watches look like to this day. Soon after, the design of "wrist clocks" began to pull away from the classic round shape that had been en vogue up until that time. From the Cartier classic wrist watch, other designs started to emerge that were characterized by their shape. Movado is the perfect example of these new designs when it came out with the “Polyplan” shaped watch. Then came the famously and cryptically called "clock reference n. 1593" by Patek Philippe which was a rectangular shaped watch. From 1913 onwards, more and more watches started to be developed in all shapes, sizes and styles. From the "gondola" watch of Patek Phillipe to Louis Cartier’s "Tank"; named thus because it was inspired by the shape of English armored cars of that time. These are watches which were very much sought-after. There were other numerous watch makers like Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin who, along with Patek Philippe and Cartier, came out with many other designs which added other features to their time pieces like lunar phases, and a month and day indicator most of which are found in modern watches now. Of course, we would never discuss time pieces without mentioning the most famous of them all: the Rolex. In the 1920s, Rolex debuted in the world of wrist watches through the release of its elegant Rolex Prince and its revolutionary "dual time" feature made famous for having the "seconds sector" larger than that of the minutes’. At the same time, Jaeger Le Coultre created an even more advanced piece called the "Reverse," a very innovative piece that it could be turn 180 degrees within its case, thus protecting the crystal and its dial. It became incredibly popular and was only prevented from achieving even greater success by the recession of the 1930s and the occurrence of World War II. These early watches of the 1910s to 1930s defined all the kinds of watches that we all see and wear today. This short article has only scratched the surface of a very wide subject that includes many more watch manufacturers with diverse and revolutionary designs. However, makers like Rolex, Cartier, Jaeger Le Coultre are amongst the most valuable and collectible, and should you ever have the opportunity to own one or their time pieces then make sure you hang on to it—preferably attached to your wrist. This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.
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