Beautiful Blogger

What Is Style? And How To Achieve It
by: Susan Lockhart

Despite what the media tells us, true style has nothing to do with having a perfect body or becoming a slave to fashion. It’s actually about being comfortable in your own skin and expressing yourself with confidence.

We probably all know a few women who seem to have been born with style and good taste. They are the sort of women who always look great and fit in wherever they go. What do these women have in common? Chances are it’s not a size 0 body, a huge income or their own stylist.

What they share is a defined personal style and the ability to dress in a way that makes them feel comfortable and confident.

Women have long been seduced into believing that their external appearance is everything. And if we believe what mass media tells us, we’re all abnormal if we don’t look like a supermodel.

>From an early age, we are influenced by the likes and dislikes of our friends and parents and later, our partners. Our education, family/social situation and career also play a part in telling us what we should look like and how we should act.

The problem arises when we allow all of these external factors to take over and we lose sight of who we are. When this happens we get stuck in a rut; shopping becomes stressful and frustrating; and our catch-cry becomes ‘But I’ve got nothing to wear!’

To develop style means to marry what suits our height, personal colouring, shape and age from what’s currently in fashion, and to understand which ‘looks’ are appropriate for what occasions. In other words, to become a woman who understands fashion without becoming a slave to it.

The fact is that every person, from any background, and any size, age or shape has the ability to dress in a way that is fashionable, flattering and in good taste.

Gaining this knowledge, and experiencing more shopping success, will allow you to express the woman within – the real you. And in turn this will then give you the confidence to become more creative with your wardrobe.

In essence, there are five key points to remember when it comes to personal style:

Appropriateness: for your physical shape, age and the occasion;

Simplicity: less is more. Choosing simple, clean lines and accessories;

Poise: carrying yourself with grace and confidence in every situation;

Authenticity: expressing the real you both in the way you dress and behave;

Courtesy: good humour and respect for others.

As you can see, style is about much more than just the clothes we wear. It is everything that makes us unique – from our personality and lifestyle, through to our education, experiences, values and goals. Apart from body shape and colouring, it is these things that will make or break style success.

Dressing in a way that doesn’t fit with who you are as a person means not only will you feel uncomfortable but you will be sending very mixed messages to everyone around you. Feeling self-conscious will destroy any hope of style.

Being able to look in the mirror and like what you see is a very important factor in self-esteem. When you know you look good you walk, talk and think differently. Once you understand the basic rules of colour and style and apply them to your wardrobe in a way that suits you as an individual, you will be amazed at the positive changes that come about in your life.

About The Author
Susan Lockhart is a leading Image Consultant in Brisbane, Australia and owner of Synergy Image Consulting. Learn how to make the most of your appearance and dress for success, no matter what size, age or shape you are. Get professional advice on colour, dressing for your body shape, bridal wear, grooming and more. Consultations for men and women. Visit http://www.synergyimage.com.au

Jewelry Basics: Getting The Best Fit Possible
by: Melanie Spark

When you shop for jewelry, it’s important to look for more than just the latest trend or the piece with the smallest price tag. While both style and price are important, it’s also essential that you choose the best fit for your body. This article is designed to show you how.

Determining Your Ring Size

If you don’t already know your ring size, don’t fret. The process is simple and, best of all, it will only take a few moments of your time. Your first step is to cut a strip of paper that’s approximately 5″ in length and 1″ in width. Next, take the strip of paper and wrap it around the finger that you want to size. Using a pen, mark the point on the paper where the ends meet. Next, take a ruler and measure the distance from the edge of the paper to your pen mark and compare it to the list below:

* If your finger measures 1-7/8″ in circumference, you should wear a size 4
* If your finger measures 2″ in circumference, you should wear a size 5
* If your finger measures 2-1/8″ in circumference, you should wear a size 6
* If your finger measures 2-1/4″ in circumference, you should wear a size 7
* If your finger measures 2-3/8″ in circumference, you should wear a size 8
* If your finger measures 2-1/2″ in circumference, you should wear a size 9

As a general rule, each 1/8″ in circumference translates into one full ring size. Using this simple method, you can easily discover the size for any finger on your hand.

Choosing The Perfect Clasp

There are many different types of clasps, including lobster claw, spring ring, toggle, slide insert safety, magnetic, etc. Whether you are choosing a necklace, bracelet or even an anklet, it’s important to know which clasp will work best for you.

A spring ring clasp is the smallest of all clasps and is typically reserved for fine link chains. This type of clasp is not recommended for heavier weight jewelry, unless it is an oversized spring ring that’s capable of supporting the chain’s weight.

A lobster claw clasp is one of the more popular clasps for use on jewelry of substance. It’s fairly easy to open and is a stronger variation of the spring ring clasp. A lobster claw clasp may cost a little more than a spring ring clasp, but you will have the benefit of added peace of mind for your heavier jewelry.

A magnetic clasp is just as it sounds – a clasp that attaches with the help of a magnet. This is one of the easiest and most popular designs in jewelry today. It’s simple, effortless design is ideal for anyone whose in a hurry and doesn’t have time to fuss with a clasp, or for anyone who has trouble with traditional clasps. Even if your jewelry doesn’t already have a magnetic clasp, many manufacturers offer extenders that attach to either a spring ring or lobster claw in order to convert your otherwise traditional clasp into a magnetic clasp.

Necklace Knowhow

When shopping for a necklace, it’s important to choose the right length for your intended wear. For instance, a shorter 16″ of 17″ necklace is ideal for a blouse or dress with a lower neckline. This allows for your jewelry to be showcased without getting tangled up in your outfit. If you are wearing a turtleneck, an 18″ to 24″ necklace will be perfect for showcasing your favorite pendants without getting lost in the fold of your sweater.

If you find yourself in a situation where you simply don’t have the right length for your outfit, consider purchasing an extender to add some length to your necklace. If what you need, on the other hand, is a shorter length, it may be possible depending on your style of necklace. A rolo chain, for instance, can easily be shortened by simply fastening the clasp into one of the links to make the necklace shorter.

Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that’s designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune.

About The Author
Melanie Spark

For more information on silver rings, cubic zirconia engagement rings, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com .

Looking Fabulous – With Accessories!
by: Marion Chamberlain

Many women seem to have a “thing” for shoes, designer handbags, fancy scarves and high-end fashion jewelry. However, many women do not realize the powerful weaponry they have in their arsenal with these fashion accessories. Most women either buy pieces to go with a single outfit or to be a slave to a seasonal fashion trend. They rarely consider how the fashion accessory complements their appearance, whether it will go with other items in their wardrobe collection, how many uses they’ll gain from the item and how many different ways they can wear the item.

My goal is to help you understand the important role your fashion accessories play in creating your “look” and how you can easily set yourself apart to emphasize your uniqueness. Yes, you heard me right – accessories are meant to play up on your individuality and uniqueness, which is, if we admit it or not, our true yearning as a woman. We want to be different and unique. Accessories can help you achieve this by bringing attention to your face, hiding those flaws you want to hide, or just making a statement about your individuality without your having to say a word.

Let’s look at fashion accessories that you can easily play up on and create playful variances with:

A neckerchief scarf can be worn as a:

* Headband

* Neck scarf with a collared shirt, V-neck, round neck T-shirt

* Bracelet by wrapping around multiple times and creating a cuff-type bracelet

* Tied around a plain handbag strap to add a splash of color and flair

A long rectangular or wider square scarf can be worn as a:

* Belt

* Neck scarf loosely draped as a shawl, a wrap or with various types of knots

* Top in summer

* Skirt on the beach

A brooch can be worn as:

* On the front of your pair of favorite jeans or chinos

* At the bottom of a long or short strand of pearls as a pendant, or clipped off-center on a double-stranded set

* An addition to a scarf where it overlaps

* A decoration to an evening bag

* A cluster at the lapel or shoulder of a denim jacket

* At the bottom of a V-neck

A necklace can be worn as:

* Part of a number of layered necklaces with varied lengths

* A belt if a longer necklace.

* A bracelet with multiple wrappings around the wrist

* A basis of creating a new look with a brooch

Fashion accessories are such a powerful arsenal in creating your own unique style. Start looking at each accessory you have as to how to can create different variations. Also, when purchasing new accessories, concern yourself with how many different ways you’ll be able to wear the accessory and whether the item or items will complement other wardrobe items you already own. Don’t become a slave to the seasonal must-have’s. Please also keep these five things in mind, when playing with your new look:

1 It’s okay to mix silver and gold.

2. Focus on one key accessory, such as a necklace or handbag, and keep the other accessories light.

3. Stay within a certain color family when accessorizing.

4. Your handbag color and shoe color can be different colors.

5. Most importantly – keep it simple, chic and feminine.

Adorn your uniqueness – look fabulous with fashion accessories!

Copyright (c) 2007 MMC Lifestyles, LLC, dba MMC Style

About The Author
Marion Chamberlain is founder of MMC Style ( http://www.mmcstyle.com ), an Internet store for European fashion accessories sourced from unique and highly-talented small design shops in Europe. The online store offers high-quality European fashion jewelry and leather handbags to those women who want to be unique. MMC Style ( http://www.mmcstyle.com ) European fashion accessories are truly unique and can’t be found in department or chain stores.

Of course you want to look nice at your holiday parties this year but you don’t want to overdo it. Here are four holiday party fashion mistakes you may want to avoid.
It’s time to celebrate the holiday season and for many people this means a whirlwind of parties and social events. You want to look [...]