fashion newsletter, fashion ezine Make Your Fashion Statement

Estate Jewelry International - Where Looking Good Doesn't Cost You A Fortune!>

Spring Fashion Tips & Tricks!

February 25, 2005

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.