Indigo Rd. Embroidery Boots Are Made For Walking

Hello Beautiful People,

It’s that time of the season and the holiday glitter is in the air.  Thanksgiving is next week, the trees in Missouri are so beautiful with all the variations of the different colors of fall. When I think of the holiday season, I see bright colors and that make me smile.
I am enjoying the embroidered look in fashion. For my wedding anniversary my husband and I saw these boots called Veraly Chelsea in navy/multicolor at DSW and I had to have them. The boot was $59.95 which is such a good bargain because I have seen embroidered boots going for $67 and up.

indigo rd embroidered boots

Styling boots with embroidery is not complicated. Make sure the boots are the focal point. If there’s too many different prints and patterns, the beautiful embroidery pattern in the boots get lost.

Styling with indigo rd embroidered boots

In the collage photo above you can see how comfortable the boots are with that extra goring on the sides for easy on and off. The heel is about 2 inches and very stable and grounded.

Style File
Pink Cardigan – Macy’s
Black/White polka dot long sleeve blouse – Macy’s
Pant – Isaac Mizrahi 24/7
Flower headband
Earrings – Gift
Agate Necklace – Birthday gift
Ankle Boots – Indigo Rd. Veraly Chelsea from DSW.com
Fragrance: Pacifica Coconut Nectar

How To Find An Affordable Ring Without Sacrificing Quality

Are you hearing the chime of wedding bells? Or perhaps it’s the sound of the jeweller’s cash register? We all know that weddings are expensive affairs, and since the rings can be a substantial part of the price tag, couples may prefer to look for more affordable engagement rings. The good news is, you really can save money without sacrificing the quality of your rings. Below, we discuss a few tips on how to buy an affordable engagement ring that is just as romantic and eye-catching.

  1. Take Your Time Choosing

Finding the perfect ring can take time. In fact, it can take weeks! If you want to find something special for an affordable price, taking your time to make a decision can make a difference. By giving yourself ample time to shop for engagement rings in NZ only at Diamonds.co.nz, you will be able to find a style you love and have the time to compare prices and variations.

  1. Shop Online

In general, engagement rings can cost as much as 20% less when you buy them online. Online retailers have far fewer overheads which means they can pass their savings onto their valued customers. What’s more, online jewellery stores have more styles to choose from, as they don’t have to stock inventory for people to come in and view.

  1. Consider a Package Deal

Many engagement rings come with matching wedding bands, and many jewellers tend to offer a discounted price if you buy the entire set at once. Don’t even hesitate to take advantage of these offers, and perhaps even ask if the jeweller will sell you the man’s wedding band at a discount, too.

  1. Get Creative with the Metal

When it comes to engagement ring materials, we all know the classics, but platinum and gold can break the bank for many people, so you might want to consider the budget-friendlier options. Tungsten and titanium, particularly, have grown in popularity because they are more affordable and look amazing. Both metals are scratch-resistant and durable, and titanium is actually hypoallergenic.

If you do want a metal that resembles platinum, consider cobalt chrome or Argentium silver. The silver is sterling silver alloy with traces of germanium which bolsters its durability. The cobalt chrome offers a shimmering silver shade that will maintain its tone without needing to be re-plated.

  1. Shop During the Holidays

Point number one was about taking your time to pick a ring. After all, the more time you give yourself to find a gorgeous engagement ring at a budget-friendly price, the better your chances of shopping at peak discount times.

You no doubt know about Cyber Monday and Black Friday during the month of November, but even Christmas is a great time to shop for engagement rings. Most jewellers run specials and discounts right after Christmas, so be on the lookout for great deals.

These tips should help you on your journey to find the ideal engagement ring at a great price without having to sacrifice quality at all. Happy shopping!

Happy National Handbag Day!

Happy Day Beautiful People,

Happy National Handbag Day!

I think this holiday should be celebrated the whole week, not only a day. How can you limit the celebration for just one day? I know that I cannot.

My handbag enjoyment started as a small child. It is all my mother’s fault. She purchased a handbag to go with my Easter outfit. It was a time where crochet gloves and handbags were a necessity for a special occasion outfit or for a holiday. They were not expensive bags, however they were pretty and I always thought it finished my look. My outfit was never complete without a handbag.

While in college my main bag was my backpack because I needed something to be on the go, and carry all of my textbooks at one time. When I got married, I started looking at bags differently. I wanted quality and longevity, a bag that would take the test of time and age gracefully.

My first prestige handbag was a Dooney and Bourke cross body. It was a splurge for me at the time; but my hubby gave it to me for my birthday and I have never looked back.

National Handbag Day

A handbag adds class and style to my different looks whether dressed for a day at the office or going to see a movie with the hubby.

Nationa

Nonsensical Jargon Every Fashionista Needs To Know

Oh fashion, how we love and loathe you so, you gorgeously addictive cross to bear. That’s right, a cross to bear. You see, people think being born with an unhealthy addiction to all things fashion is a blessing that bears no curse. If only that was the case. Unfortunately, it isn’t. It requires having a constant finger on the pulse, keeping up with trends that come and go quicker than most Game Of Thrones characters and learning the language with the same attention to detail you had to have when learning Spanish in high school.

JTwisdom

Yes, it has its rewards, treating every day as a fashion show and seeing the world as your catwalk, but it requires time and effort. That said, it is a responsibility much bigger than the individual. This is because about the new styles, latest innovations and which designers are doing what is what keeps the wheel of fashion spinning; it is what allows us to pick new outfits and recycle old ones; it is what allows us to climb the ranks of Instagram until thousands of unknowns double-tap our every upload, inspired by our style.

But of all the challenges that accompany the world of fashion, it is staying up to date with the glossary of terms that is the hardest to do. Oh, yes, for every new fad and every unique trend, with it comes a new word, and it is your job to know exactly what is meant. In the same way your brain can tell you that “Vamos a la fiesta” means “let’s go party,” your brain needs to know what frosting, sock boots, jorts, normcore and chicken cutlets mean before you get left behind in conversation, scrambling to decipher the context and why people are laughing in unison.

So, without further ado, here are this latest batch of nonsensical fashion jargon you need to pick up, even if it just for fun (like our -thus far – tongue in cheek blog post). Enjoy procrastinating.

Term: Jorts
Definition: This portmanteau made up of “jeans” and “shorts” has become fashion’s most marmite invention of recent years (probably since that meat dress worn on the red carpet). They are also one of the few trends that transcend genders having become a staple diet for both men and women, irrelevant of the backdrop. Now, don’t get us wrong, we believe that Daisy Dukes will always have a place in fashion. Always. However, it is the time and place that is important. As for men, choosing the right pair of jorts is an art and not an easy one at that. Nonetheless, the jort is one of the terms that every fashion-addict needs to add to their vernacular.

Term: Frost Yourself
Definition: It’s hard to describe this in any other way than to coat yourself in statement jewelry, the kind that is coated in so many diamonds it sparkles like an African night sky, the kind that you can buy from www.frostnyc.com. It could be a diamond encrusted pendant necklace that lifts your outfit, or a pair of earrings, a big and bold bracelet or just a chain so exuberant you’d see 50 Cent stop, pause, nod, smile and then phone his jeweler. For some people, bringing attention to your wealth in this manner is unneeded, for those that want to lead a life of Kardashian-level glamor, however, there is nothing that will get all eyes on you quite as effectively as, well, this kind of bling.

Term: Sock Boot
Definition: The sock boot is climbing the ranks faster than a Taylor Swift latest release and hits your halfway up the calf and features a rather delicious pointed toe. How you rock these is completely up to you. It could be that you simply roll up your jeans and wear these out to the club with a nice top, or you could just rock ‘em with a pair of Daisy Dukes (yup, the very same as the ones we mentioned above. If you still have no idea what we are talking about, then just Google Hailey Baldwin of Gigi Hadid, click the images button and start focussing on their footwear. It is still early days for this trend, but we believe it could hang around for a few years yet, which is what makes it so worth learning this term and remembering exactly what it means.

JTwisdom

Term: Chicken Cutlets
Definition: Just to get this cleared up nice and early, when we mention chicken cutlets in a fashion context, we are not talking about a form of frozen poultry that you can pick up from Whole Foods (or wherever you do your grocery shopping). It is important you learn this for the sake of saving face. You see, in a fashion context, the term chicken cutlet means silicone pads and they are used to cover up your nipples on days that lean more toward the chilly side of proceedings. Of course, there is never just one word for something in English, so if you hear the term pasties, gel pads or even nipple covers, these all refer to the same thing. In terms of ownership, they could change your life, especially if you are quite, how do we say, weather sensitive.

Term: Ear Jacket
Definition: The ear jacket has fallen on the world of fashion in the same way you fall to sleep: slowly, and then all at once. You see, these pieces of jewelry have become a staple addition to jewelry boxes the world over in the past few years. What distinguishes these from other earrings is the three-parts to them, as you can see at Asos.com. There is the stud at the front, a middle piece that you attach – one that hangs below the stud – that hugs the earlobe, and then the fastener that goes on the back, securing it in place. These really are the must-have accessory at the moment, a subtle piece that can really make an outfit pop. So, next time you see someone wearing a set, compliment them on their ear jackets and, if they look at you with a blank expression, educate them and then walk off with a sassy strut.

Term: Bum Bag
Definition: We call them fanny packs, but the Brits call them bum bags (which is because the word fanny means something quite different over there). If you are still lost, then it is worth thinking back to all those holidays you had in the 90s because the bum bag would have been a must-have accessory that your dad wore around his waist at all times. To Disney World, on the beach and even around the city. However, this once laughable addition has made an unexpected comeback, especially within girls fashion (although there are some guys that are using them to cheat their way to a Dad Bod. Don’t ask). Pull it to the side so that it is on your hips, tuck it around the back, use it to break up an outfit, whatever suits you. Then just put all your bits inside and off you go.

Term: It
Definition: If you have ever been to South Africa, then you will have come across the term, “Lekker,” which can be used to describe just about anything so long as it is positive. That is exactly same when it comes to the term “it”. You can It Girls, it Handbags, It Shoes, It Suits, It Sleeves, It Grills and just about anything else that is on trend right now. That is what it means. The word “It” in fashion simply means something that is on-point, on trend or popular right now. It just gets labeled with the word “It”. It is also worth mentioning that there is no such thing as too niche when it comes to throwing this term around. Seriously, hemlines, laces, soles, manicures, and fascinators – they can all be It.

Term: Balloon Sleeves
Definition: It was late in 2016 that the balloon sleeve started to make its presence known in the world of fashion, namely on some of the biggest catwalks and runways. We’re talking about designers like J.W. Anderson, Marni and Simone Rocha all adding these to their collections. In a world of nuances – and that is exactly what the fashion world is separated by – it is important that you don’t confuse the balloon sleeve with a power shoulder. You see, with a balloon sleeve, the bulbous shape starts just below the bicep and tends to finish at the wrist. Like all the terms on this list, it is well worth knowing what is meant by this, although, in all honesty, we don’t think it will last the test of time. Phew, right.

And there we have it, the top trends and the terminology used to describe them. We couldn’t tell you which copywriter comes up with them, or where they first get coined, but they seem to have a way of sticking and transforming the entire industry. It is beyond us, but what can one do but sit down, revise and prove they know their stuff.

 

Be Trendy with an Antique Engagement Ring

The engagement is an important component to marriage as it signifies the intentions of both parties to the proposed union by marriage. Traditionally, rings are exchanged for the engagement, and designs are many, yet the antique look is always there or thereabouts, and with single stone arrangements, greens and blues are very popular in 2017. Here is a brief overview of some of the more popular antique designs with engagement rings this summer.

  • Edwardian Style – Bathed in intricacy and elegance, an Edwardian engagement ring uses many tiny coloured gemstones, and if you are looking for such a design, you can purchase quality antique diamond rings at Kalmar Antiques, the leading online antique engagement ring retailer, and with so many to choose from, your unique selection will reflect the occasion perfectly. Platinum and, of course, diamonds are used extensively in Edwardian designs, and with oval or heart shapes, the ring has a real look of elegance about it.
  • The Art Deco Era – The 1920 -30 period saw a radical change in ring shape, with the newer designs reflecting the smart, compact architecture of that period, and geometric shapes with the clever use of black diamonds. Clean cut lines and varying stone sizes make this era a popular choice with modern women, and with opals and onyx, colours can be abound. If you would like to browse some trendy engagement ring designs that are to be seen this year, there are useful lists of fashionable ring designs you can find online.
  • Post-Depression Engagement Rings – The glamour and grandeur of the early 20th century designs gave way to more practical concepts, with less expensive stones being favoured, and although the trend was still for clean lines, dreamy ovals and pear shaped amber clusters made for a colourful and romantic design.
  • The Post War Era – This was the time when the angular geometric shapes were left behind, to be replaced by circular and oval clusters, with rubies making a comeback. Modern solutions take the effort from selecting an engagement ring, and rather than spending a weekend scouring the jewellery stores, a few hours of Internet browsing is a far nicer alternative, and with online retailers, you can find lower than retail prices for top quality pieces.
  • The Swinging Sixties – The 1950 – 60 period saw the arrival of stacked engagement rings, made famous by Audrey Hepburn, and this was the time for gold and entwined rings, reflecting the dramatic changes in fashion that transformed a traditional society in one of rebellion. Diamonds were still fashionable, and with tiny stone sizes and creative clusters, the trend moved towards individuality and uniqueness.

Engagement rings come in many shapes and designs, and with the current trend staying with the elegant periods of the pre-war years, there are many exciting and unique rings to be found with online suppliers, and with your partner, you can browse in the comfort of your own home before selecting something ideal for this very special occasion.

The Four Cs Of Professional Diamond Selection

What Are The Four Cs By Which Diamonds Are Judged?

Diamond merchants and jewellers judge diamonds by four criteria: carat; colour; clarity; and cut. These are known as the Four Cs, and anyone wishing to buy diamonds to be mounted in jewellery should be aware of these.

Image by Campbell Muir via Flickr

Carat: The Weight Of The Diamond

Carats are the unit of weight used for diamonds. The word derives from carob, going back to times when old fashioned scales were used, carob seeds were a uniform weight and this became how diamonds were weighed. One carat is divided into one hundred points, so a diamond merchant could call a .50 carat diamond “a fifty pointer” or “a half carat”. The letters TW after a weight in carats means Total Weight, which is the combined weight of the smaller diamonds surrounding a central stone. There is a magic about a carat. A diamond of just over one carat will cost a lot more than a diamond of, say, .94 carats. To the untrained eye there will appear no significant difference in size, but the buyer pays for that whole number magic. There is nothing wrong with smaller stones; they just don’t have the cachet of the full carat.

Colour: The Lustre Of The Diamond

Diamonds are a naturally occurring stone and very few are totally colourless. The GIA grades diamonds on a scale ranging from virtually colourless to noticeably yellow. Traditionally, the whiter (or less coloured) a diamond is, the higher its price. Coloured diamonds suit some tastes, and currently blue, champagne, cognac, and yellow diamonds are sought after. Pink Argyle diamonds are also highly prized for bridal sets. When judging diamonds for colour, ask to see a Master Set of CZs, stones typifying the colour range, and compare the diamonds you are perusing with them.

Clarity: The Brilliance Of The Diamond

Diamonds contain flaws to some degree. Flaws in the stone are termed inclusions; flaws on the stone’s surface are blemishes. Costlier diamonds have fewer inclusions or inclusions so small as to be invisible to the naked eye. Inclusions can cause parts of the diamond to appear cloudy or milky. There is a GIA scale for clarity, have one to hand, and a magnifying glass when inspecting diamonds. Reputable jewellers should offer you these, so, if you are looking for diamonds in Canada, purchase from trusted diamond merchants in Toronto.

Cut: The Magic That Releases The Diamond’s Lustre And Brilliance

The art of the diamond cutter is to take a stone and work facets and planes into it to allow its colour to stand out, and its naturally light refracting properties to be released with the brilliance jewellers call fire. The most frequently seen cut for diamonds is the round brilliant. There are a number of other cuts, called fancy cuts. Among these, there are styles to suit a wide range of tastes. Lovers of Art Deco will be drawn to Emerald or Asscher cuts. Romantics may find the Heart shaped brilliant cut speaks best for them. Pear shaped diamonds have become popular with celebs and are often seen worn on red carpets. Princess, Oval, and Marquise cut diamonds are known or their fire and brilliance. When you are looking to buy diamonds, shape, and cut are the factors which will be most immediately apparent to you.

Whenever you plan on buying diamond jewellery or loose diamonds, make sure to remember the points we’ve discussed.