Coordinating Jewelry and Outfits

 

White and blue diamonds

White and blue diamonds

 

If you are an avid fashion enthusiast, you may already know that jewelry can enhance or complicate your whole image. Many love the ways that jewelry helps them lift up and enhance their attire, but aren’t sure how to mix and match it with their favorite wardrobe pieces. We recommend to not follow standard rules because we all have different personalities and taste when pairing jewelry with clothing.

Let’s review the basics first. Whenever you are wearing an elegant piece of clothing, it is possible to take it to the next level by wearing the right piece of jewelry. To better illustrate this, imagine that you are wearing an elegant evening or night dress that is strapless. With this choice, you can select many different pieces of jewelry to complement it. For example, you could easily wear choker to make your image inspire romance and passion. Another great option would be wearing a large diamond necklace to display beautifully on your upper collarbone. Diamond necklaces are perfect for special occasions where you want to look sophisticated and elegant. The jewelry you choose will become a signature part of your overall look, especially if you wear those pieces more often. Check out www.selluseddiamonds.com for more information on the origin of diamonds.

Remember that certain pieces of jewelry, such as diamond necklaces, can overpower your whole look if you choose to add any extra layers to your attire. Never over accessorize. If the top or dress you are wearing is already flashy, and you’re using it as a statement piece, then there’s no need for any sophisticated accessories. Sometimes a simple, but elegant diamond necklace will do more for you than adding any extra layers of unnecessary accessories.

Tennis Bracelet

Tennis Bracelet

For casual events, it’s okay to wear over the top jewelry.  It’s all in how you style your outfit. If you’re itching to wear that beautiful diamond necklace, by all means wear it to that casual family reunion. Do not save it up for a formal event wear your jewelry and you will stand out from the crowd immediately. Remember that there are no rules for an appropriate time and place. If your personality type wants to wear unique and flashy pieces of jewelry then I say go for it. If you feel that your overall image needs an extra edge, consider wearing unique pieces of jewelry that will enhance instead of detract. We guarantee that you’ll leave a great impression on your next formal or casual event!

Tips on Finding Quality High Heels

A high heel can transform any outfit however, finding the right quality high heel that will add a little extra touch to your outfit and confidence may be hard to find. It is important to remember that all high heels are not created equal. In reality, there are enormous differences in quality from one designer to the next. Here are some of Footcandy’s tips on learning how to spot quality high heels.

Anatomy of a high heel

1. Inspect the heel.

 High quality high heel shoes generally have leather heels and will have a rubber or nylon top piece located at the very bottom of the heel. A leather heel aids in the overall structural design of the shoe and will make you feel secure when walking in them. Typically, high quality designers will expose the leather or they might put a thin layer of material over it. Unlike high quality heels a cheap heel will be made of plastic.  When you walk in the plastic heels they will feel structurally unstable. If you do spot a shoe that has a plastic heel avoid it at all costs because it will not last you more than a season.

footcandyshoes.com  -  Kate Spade  -  Lori *Note: The leather heel with top piece*

footcandyshoes.com – Kate Spade – Lori
*Note: The leather heel with top piece*

2. Materials Matter.

One must realize high quality materials are going to be more expensive but they will last you a lifetime rather than a season. Good quality materials are generally purchased and assembled in Europe. So the next time you go shopping and see a European high heel made from leather, suede, patent leather or fur and it is expensive, the materials are of good quality. To make sure the quality remains we do recommend that you spray a protectant on them. Each protectant spray depends on the specific material used on the shoe so make sure you know what material the shoe is made of. By spraying the heel it will ensure that your material will endure time and various weather terrains.

footcandyshoes.com  -  Jimmy Choo  - Vero   *Note: Jimmy Choo is a European Designer*

footcandyshoes.com – Jimmy Choo – Vero
*Note: Jimmy Choo is a European Designer*

3. Examine the Shoe’s Interior.

Pay attention to the insole lining of a high heel. Typically, a shoe of high quality is made with leather rather than a synthetic material and it will go all the way around the inside of the heel and insole and will stop at the counter of the heel. If the heel simply has lining on the sides or bottom of the insole then it is not of high quality nor will it feel comfortable after wearing them for a duration of time. Additionally, it is important to note that leather absorbs moisture which consequently allows ones foot to breathe. Synthetic materials like vinyl will leave your feet feeling clammy and will cause you to slip out of your shoe after wearing them for a while.

footcandyshoes.com  -  Charlotte Olympia  -  Ava *Note: The insole and inner lining is entirely covered in leather and stops at the counter of the heel*

footcandyshoes.com – Charlotte Olympia – Ava
*Note: The insole and inner lining is entirely covered in leather and stops at the counter of the heel*

4. Inspect Buckles and Adornments.

 Examine any adornment like crystals, buckles, tassels, etc. on a heel. A quality high heel will be securely attached, is reinforced with double stitching and the stitching will not be visible to the naked eye. Also, one should make sure that the stitching is smooth and tight. If the shoe is not double stitched it will be loose and the likelihood of it enduring even a season is highly unlikely.

footcandyshoes.com  -  Oscar De La Renta  -  Tropezia *Note: The white, gold and pink gems are not loose, therefore it has double stitching. Also the stitching is not visible to the naked eye*

footcandyshoes.com – Oscar De La Renta – Tropezia
*Note: The white, gold and pink gems are not loose, therefore it has double stitching. Also the stitching is not visible to the naked eye*

5. Analyze how the sole is attached

 Typically a high quality sole is made of leather or rubber. Depending on what material is used the sole is either glued or stitched. If the sole is stitched on make certain that the stitches are secure and not uneven. If the sole is glued on make sure that there is no excess glue on other materials surrounding the sole. Usually heels that are of high quality will not have glue visible to the naked eye.

footcandyshoes.com  -  Stuart Weitzman  -  Prancing *Note: The rubber sole is stitched securely and is even*

footcandyshoes.com – Stuart Weitzman – Prancing
*Note: The rubber sole is stitched securely and is even*

We hope these tips help you find your next pair of high quality high heels!

To purchase these high quality high heel styles, or find more of your own, be sure to visit footcandyshoes.com

Def Shop: A Good Find for Cool Scarfs

 

Hello Elegant Readers!

I really love wearing scarfs all year long because they are so chic and takes a ordinary outfit to a higher level. In the ensemble below,  I did not want the outfit to be all black, even though the dress had white embroidered flowers. I added a floral print scarf that was a gift of my mother in love. The material of the scarf is polyester; but it looks like silk.

JT with Floral scarf

JT with Floral scarf

I am often looking for websites that have quality scarfs and are reasonable in price. I found an online shop called Defshop.com their motto, GOTSKILLZ. GOTSTYLE.

“Defshop.com is Europe’s largest Online shop for Streetwear and Lifestyle with over 200 brands.”

Def Shop’s website is so fashionable and user friendly.

I have five scarfs that really caught my eye.

1.  The Skull Scarf

Skulls are so fashionable with a rocker chic edge. Skulls are on trend and hotter than ever, from apparel to jewelry.

Def Shop Skull Scarf http://en.def-shop.com

Def Shop
Skull Scarf
http://en.def-shop.com

2. Madonna Scarf
This scarf gives me ideas for ways I can style it, now as well as in the spring and summer. This color makes me smile and would look so summer breezy on a sunny day.

Madonna Scarf http://en.def-shop.com

Madonna Scarf
http://en.def-shop.com

 

3. Madonna Pink scarf
Pink brightens the face and makes the face look more youthful.

Pink Madonna scarf Def.shop.com

Pink Madonna scarf
http://en.def-shop.com

 

4. Red Stars Sublevel  Scarf
This scarf is such a burst of  color and the stars is such a show stopper. I would wear this with a tan cardigan or blazer to work or with jeans and a pink oxford shirt going to the mall.

Sublevel Stars Scarf Defshop.com

Sublevel Stars Scarf
http://en.def-shop.com

5. Floral drawing scarf

Floral scarf defshop.com

Floral scarf
http://en.def-shop.com

The drawing of the flowers with the turquoise blue in the background is a sense of great style that is classic. I choose this scarf because it is so feminine so versatile to go with so many items in the wardrobe.

Defshop.com has a wide array of hip and on-trend scarfs that will work from the work day, to out on the town over the weekend. Take a look at itswebsite because they have a wide array of fashion and accessories.

Stay tuned because I will be taking another look at what is offered at Defshop.com.

JTwisdom signature

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Would Lady Edith Sell Her Engagement Ring in New York?

article-1351547822512-15c057ff000005dc-324440_466x310

metro.co.uk

Downton Abbey season 3 is over and fans can’t wait for season 4 to engulf their TV. I can’t help but think about a crucial point this season, how Lady Edith was left at the altar.

She truly loved an older man, Sir Anthony Strallan, who thought deep inside and told her on many occasions that he was too old for her. Sir Anthony left her at the church with her bouquet in her hand and alone with her friends and family watching in devastation.

I often wondered what did Lady Edith do with her engagement ring?  I remember her taking it off. Would she give it back? Would she go to New York and sell it?

Well, what would you do if you were Lady Edith and selling your engagement ring in New York?

Selling a diamond engagement ring can be difficult, since there are thousands of buyers out there that will try to scam you or offer you just a small percentage of what it’s really worth. If you have done lots of research, the process of selling can become a lot easier, but most commonly people have no idea as to what their diamonds are really worth. Because of this, it is best to take your precious stones to a certified local lab that specializes in grading diamonds for what they are truly worth. For example, if you’re in the Big Apple, you can sell engagement ring in NY or sell other types of jewelry: in person, or by website. If you are certain that your diamond is extremely valuable, you could also send it to an international certified lab.

The best you could do is having your diamond appraised from two or three different professionals to get a precise approximation of the diamond’s true worth. Rapaport Value is something you must consider when taking your diamond to an appraiser. The Rapaport is the wholesale value of the diamond, and it basically tells you the highest amount of money you could get from your diamond. If your diamond is not certified, think about investing in a certificate from GIA. This can be extremely helpful to get a higher price for the diamond when you decide to sell it. Remember that there are other great alternatives for getting your diamond appraised or selling it. There are online appraisers that will tell you what your diamond is really worth with great accuracy.

Now, the best option will always be selling to friends or people you know. Friends and family will usually be the ones that would give you the best price and won’t try to rip you off. However, if friends and family are not interested in buying your diamond, you could always try outside sources. We recommend staying away from pawnshops no matter what. A pawnshop will try to buy your diamonds for very small amounts of money, even as low as 10% or less. It’s also not a good idea to sell your engagement ring on consignment. There are just too many factors that can go wrong, and there are always scammers. If your diamond is of great value, you can think about auctioning it off through a certified auction house. EBay or other online auction sites are also an option, but sometimes diamonds can be difficult to sell because of their nature.

Hmmmmm….What would you or Lady Edith do?

Five Reasons Why High Heels are a Good Investment

Five Reasons Why High Heels are a Good Investment

Lets face it ladies, most of us have a love/hate relationship with high heel shoes. While some are hesitant to wear high heels because they feel they cannot walk in them, others are worried about the pain that certain designs bring. The trick is to find a designer that fits your unique feet and who uses only the best quality textiles. The material’s quality truly will make all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort.

If you are still reluctant to wear high heels, Footcandy has complied five reasons why high heels are a good investment.

 Keep Calm in High heels

 

1. High Heels Allow You to: Radiate Confidence

            No matter how tall a woman is, when she puts on high heels it becomes all about confidence! If you’re a tall woman worried about being even taller or a short woman worried about not being tall enough, remember it’s about radiating confidence, being chic and most importantly finding a style that allows you to emanate poise. Confidence is without a doubt the ideal accessory any woman can have. So, the perfect designer that will help a woman find inner confidence is Kate Spade. Not only will one fall in love with Kate Spade’s feminine yet timeless designs but the self-assurance that will emit from your step while wearing her designs will make everyone turn their heads.

Pink heels

footcandyshoes.com  –  Kate Spade  –  Licorice-13

2. High Heels Allow You to: Stand Up Straight

            If you are hesitant to learn how to walk in high heels, always remember that although the heel adds height, if you slouch rather than hold your shoulders back, you will waste every ounce of poise and beauty the shoe is looking to add. Keeping proper posture will not only add to the splendor of the heel but it will give you balance, assertion, conviction but most importantly, it will help align your spine. Consequently, if you are a woman who tends to slouch too much, throw on a strappy pair of high heels by Rupert Sanderson—not only are they the perfect solution to fixing your posture problem but perhaps the best part is that you will look absolutely fabulous doing so!

Tan sandals

footcandyshoes.com  –  Rupert Sanderson  –  Ivory

3. High Heels Allow You to: Feel/Look Sexy

Putting on a pair of fabulous high heels can not only make women feel sexier but heels can also make them look sexier. Since high heels transform the body by making our calf muscles more prominent, which aids in one’s posture, and by pushing the rear and chest out, it is evident that high heels generally just make a woman’s figure far more attractive. Designer, Jimmy Choo is an incredible designer who never fails at making a woman feel/ look sexy. So if you’re looking for a fabulous pair of shoes to make you feel or look sexier, then Jimmy Choo is the designer for you!

Red heels

footcandyshoes.com  –  Jimmy Choo  –  Maurice

4. High Heels Allow You to: Command Authority

            When a woman puts on high heels not only does her body transform but her mannerisms change as well. Wearing the correct high heel will without a doubt allow you to command authority in the workplace. If you’re a professional woman, combine a professional suit with an office appropriate high heel, usually a pump rounded or pointed toe in a neutral color, and not only will you have an authoritative appearance but you will epitomize authority. Your colleagues and/or subordinates will definitely view you as a serious professional woman. Giuseppe Zanotti is a designer who not only makes fabulous high heels that are comfortable but his designs are perfect for any woman looking to command authority in a tough meeting!

Brown heels

footcandyshoes.com  –  Giuseppe Zanotti  –  I26058

5. High Heels Allow You to: Create a Complete Look

            Whether you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, a suit, a wrap dress or a skirt with a blouse, high heels can make an outfit. High heels add a feminine touch to any ensemble and will transform an ordinary outfit into a fabulous look. What women don’t realize is that a pop of color, a pattern, a brilliant metallic or a patent glossy heel can revolutionize an ensemble. So, instead of grabbing those worn out sneakers, throw on a pair of comfortable pumps by Stuart Weitzman. Not only will this designer make you feel fabulous and transform your ordinary outfit into a complete look but Weitzman is one of the most comfy designers out there. He uses only the best quality textiles; therefore, making your feet content. If you’re looking to modernize an outfit, make sure that you look at Stuart Weitzman’s collection first because he will not disappoint!

Lilac mary jane

footcandyshoes.com  –  Stuart Weitzman  –  Capsize

To purchase these high-quality investment high heels or to find more of your own, be sure to visit footcandyshoes.com

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4 Shoe Designers That Will Spice Up Your Holiday Season: Dress to Impress This Holiday Season with These 4 Designer Shoes

Let’s be honest ladies, shoe shopping is half the fun of the holiday season.  Great deals and new models are filling the shelves and it is our duty to capitalize on this opportunity. So here are 4 pairs of shoes that Footcandy shoe experts recommend for this coming holiday season! Don’t worry, once the holidays are over, these shoes will still be turning heads.

1. Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is not about stuffing your turkey, or rather your face, but spending quality time with family and friends and of course, fashionable shoes.  The elegant “Roxy” ankle boot by Bettye Muller of course. This incredible design is made of a rich suede textile and the yellow tone mimics the changing colors of the season. Not only will you be able to wears these glamorous heels during thanksgiving but you will get so much use out of them even after the party is over.

Bettye Muller  –  Roxy

2. Christmas or Hanukkah

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah your shoes during this holiday season should be fitting for a stunning celebration. Emma Hope Shoes makes the perfect holiday shoes. For Hanukkah, try the beautiful blue “11105-N” style heel or for Christmas the vibrant red “11047-R” style flat. Both are composed of an amazing suede textile and embellished with rhinestones. These shoes both embody elegance and are perfect for any Christmas or Hanukkah party. Not to mention they are fabulous conversation starters.

Emma Hope Shoes  –  11047-R

Emma Hope Shoes  –  11105-N

  

3. New Years 2013

New Years is all about glitz, glamour and fun. Bring in the New Year with Jerome Rousseau’s “Kier” and a glass of bubbly. These shoes are beautifully designed and not to mention they mimic the New York Times Square Ball. These shoes are simply spectacular and you will want to wear them every day of New 2013 Calendar Year!

Jerome Rousseau  –  Kier

4. Valentines Day

Valentines Day is all about romance, flowers, chocolate, and shoes. Kate Spade makes the perfect shoe that all lovers across the globe can appreciate. Its simple little bow adorned with cheerful pink polka dots makes this a perfect date shoe. Not only will you fall in love with this darling design but you will absolutely love how many different outfits you can pair this shoe with.

Kate Spade  –  Lisa

We hope these 4 shoes make it to your fabulous holiday parties

This article was written by the shoe experts at Footcandy.com. We have Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manalo Blahnik in stock now.

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