Jewelry Trends

I’m kind of shocked, really – a Prada leather bag for less than a thousand dollars? At first I wondered if the price was correct, but it hasn’t changed in the couple of weeks that the bag has been on the Saks website, so it must be correct. I doubt this is the brand’s response to the recession – Prada doesn’t seem like the type of brand that intends to acknowledge it at all – but for whatever reason they chose to produce the reasonably priced Prada Vitello Shine Hobo, and I’m pretty pleased with it.

Odds are that the gorgeous purple color is making me more enthusiastic than I would be otherwise (it reminds me of my favorite Balenciaga color of all time, 2007 violet), but color is such an important part of a bag’s personality that I’m completely okay with that. Prada always uses excellent leathers and high-quality construction, so I don’t doubt that the bag will last for quite a long time indeed. The only thing left to consider is the structure: it’s boring, I’ll admit, but it’s also highly functional, and the beautiful shade of purple makes up for the simple shape. Considering the price of this bag relative to others in Miuccia’s arsenal, I’m pretty pleased. Buy through Saks for $995.

It has been a tad slow around here for 2 reasons. First, Vlad is off in Germany and second I have the sinus infection from hell. I am pretty confident that this sinus infection came from my past two years of being healthy and letting everyone else know how great my immune system has been. Either way, i am still in bed (literally) and moping around the house. To perk me up, a bit of hot metallic handbags may be able to do the trick, or will they? The folks at Fab Sugar provide us with a roundup for 3 metallic bags that really are a hit or miss. If I were to chose one of the bags that I actually see being ok to wear out, it would be the Gucci Peggy Large Shoulder Bag. This large shoulder bag could be seen as overly ornate with copper python, copper leather trim and tassel detail yet the copper color choice is subtle with out being gaudily tacky. Fab Sugar also discusses the Fendi Canvas Metallic B Bag which is doable metallic wise (via Saks for $1000). Still, my choice would be the Gucci Shoulder Bag through Bergdorf Goodman for $2990.

The following news just in:

Gucci has continued its partnership with UNICEF this season in their 2006 Holiday campaign which will benefit UNICEF programs that aid children in Africa.

From November 21st to December 31st, Gucci will donate 20 percent of the sales from a luxurious collection of items designed by Gucci’s Creative Director, Frida Giannini. The proceeds will specifically benefit education and health services to children in Mozambique, where nearly three-quarters of a million children are directly affected by HIV/AIDS.

Hot stuff! It appears that companies have really fueled the awareness for the poorest of the poor recently. Bono’s Red Campaign is one of the big ones, involving a lot of ginormous corporations, like Limited and Apple. Learn more about the Gucci UNICEF campaign at FWD. Credit for the pictures goes to FWD as well:

I was not feeling Gucci handbags for quite some time, then came the Gucci Hysteria Bag. The luscious leather is as sumptuous as anything I have felt, in fact so soft that I would give anything to turn it into a pillow (or even better a blanket). And while leather versions have my attention, my undivided attention was long ago lost to the Gucci Crocodile Hysteria Bag that Vlad and I saw in NYC. But since the $37,500 price tag is much more wisely saved going towards a down payment on a house, I am left loving the Gucci Small Hysteria Bag is sultry magenta. The leather is slightly gathered at the top but the overall shape is slouchy. The double handles feature the metal Gucci crest detailing, which does stand out but is alluring in its own right. There is a detachable shoulder strap, but when worn the top of the bag folds over and gives a more casual look. The inside features a zip, cell phone, and PDA pocket, all necessities for 2008. If the colorful option, which will be perfect for fall and winter, is not working for you, there is also black available. Buy through Saks for $1650.

The fashion world was buzzing over news that Rihanna would be teaming up with Gucci. Rihanna is known for her funky style, young appeal, never ending legs, and brilliant voice. Gucci creative director Frida Giannini has said, “I wanted Rihanna on board with this project because she’s so young, so modern, and so iconic.”

Rihanna adds, “I have always been a fan of the Gucci brand and the products, especially their handbags. But most of all, I’m very very intrigued by what they’re doing with UNICEF. As an artist, I feel like it’s our duty to make it a better place if we can. I’m blown away by what UNICEF has been able to accomplish in Africa with the money that Gucci has donated to them. I’m very fortunate to be part of this wonderful collaboration.”

25% of all handbag proceeds from the “Tattoo Heart Collection” will benefit UNICEF.

What do you think of Rihanna for Gucci?

Dear you!

Welcome here to this blog. It must be unnerving to find, a week after such a historic event, that all anyone wants to talk about is your wardrobe.

Forgive us. We pro-fashion pundits can’t help but chime in on the importance of clothes. Especially now that we’ve been treated to this absurdly style-happy election. We’ve spent the past 20 months talking about Clinton’s décolletage, McCain’s loafers, his wife’s earrings, Obama’s sunglasses, and, of course, Sarah Palin’s pricey makeover. We just can’t stop.

But we also want to talk about your wardrobe because we think you have great style. We are attracted to it and inspired by it, and—with all respect due the future first lady—I thought I’d offer a few humble thoughts on what makes your style so great and what you might keep in mind as you get dressed for the next four to eight years.

I don’t take the opportunity lightly, given that you are already perched on Vanity Fair’s “Best Dressed” list and rumored to be on an upcoming cover of Vogue. But what you wear is important, especially when the nation, and the world, is watching you. We’ll be looking to you for optimism and for guidance. And we want you to represent.

You clearly love clothes—no woman who wears prints and color doesn’t. And it seems you are one of the lucky women who likes her body—you show your curves with confidence and pride. Where most wives of politicians reach for the cheerful, standard issue skirt-suit (think Jill Biden’s citrus number on Election Night), you have more imagination.

I’m thinking here of the abstracted rose-print silk dress you wore the evening your husband accepted the nomination. Few other women in a similar position would have made such a daring choice. The print was big, the colors were regal without being dour, the cut was utterly flattering—and utterly unbusinesslike. The dress said: I’m no cookie-cutter lady. The aqua short-sleeved jacket you wore over gray stripes on the campaign trail wasn’t particularly “first lady like,” but it was charming. And the exotic purple feather pin on Larry King showed a feminine theatricality that was just plain fun.

If you’re a fan of anything that looks classic, I bet you wouldn’t let this Gucci Handbags escape from your hands and have it as an addition to your entire classic bag collection. This sure is another worthy extra to have for years, hence another worthy investment piece.

This gucci hobo bag is actually not too much for $945, and actually, its totality already tells that this is indeed a luxury. It comes in the traditional logo fabric, which alone speaks for the luxe of this tote. It is trimmed in rich leather with contrasting topstitching, plus it also has a signature web snap closure with logo-embossed light gold-tone hardware.

Opening the flap snap would show cotton lining with zipped and open pockets that add room to the bag’s 31.5 x 8 x 20 cm inches dimension. beige/ebony GG fabric with green/red/green web, brown leather trim, and light gold hardware.’ladies web’ medium hobo with single non-adjustable strap, signature web snap closure, engraved gucci script logo, and inside zip and mobile phone pockets 21 cm drop.

Having any classic gucci purses would not worry you on what kind of outfit to wear, since it would simply add sophistication to every ensemble, and obviously, same goes with this Gucci Medium Original Web Snap Tote.

Colorful Gucci handbags Taste The Rainbow – which is a little strange, as usually I am not the biggest fan of multicolored coach handbags When it comes to the Gucci handbags, though, I am just head over heels and then some. These bags were big in spring of 2008 and, truth be told, they have only gotten more popular.

This Gucci handbags is indeed another of his very feminine yet sophisticated bag designs. Having such would already bring style and glamour even to your simplest casual clothing. And though it looks very intense and just apt for the spring and summer, having this for the next seasons would as well keep you stylish and would also brighten up your ensemble.

 I find this especially true when they give no reasons to back up the claim that these bags are not wearable. All they really say is that you have to wear “simple clothing” with these bags, but I think that is a load of – well. But that is just me on a snarky tangent, so let’s move on, shall we?

I have seen a lot of people questioning how wearable these bags really are – which leads me to believe that some folks out there are actually a bit too … pretentious, when considering purses from any designer.

And for such, the price should somehow be enough. This Gucci handbag is made only of Beige/ebony GG fabric with brown leather trim and light gold hardware, and the really glossy finish of it is what makes it very appealing and stylish.

There’s no argument from me that Manolo Blahnik is absolutely the best known shoe maker in the world thanks to the girls from Sex and the City, and his heels for the girls are absolutely amazing. So it should be no surprise with the rise in men’s fashion that Manolo would soon be making shoes for the boys. According to UK Vogue the collection is quite small with only six pieces that include a somewhat out-there leopard print sandal.

Manolo says of the collection;

“There are some simple sandals in beautiful materials, and a few classics – with a twist. I thought it was time to bring back some colour into the male wardrobe.”

The other two pieces we’ve seen so far include an open toe shoe that’s blue, and a bright red suede Oxford brogue. We can’t wait to see the rest of the collection to see more of the flair that Manolo will be bringing into our wardrobes.

The Kilt has been the target of many a joke and ribald comment for more years than it can probably remember!

But is it fair for it to be the butt of so many jokes?

After all, not only is the Kilt a recognised fashion item in it’s own right, it’s also more importantly a world recognised symbol of a country and the fierce national pride contained within!

Many a soldier has shuddered and shaken in fear in centuries gone when faced with a Scottish Warrior, kilt swirling in steadfast defiance of normality, broadsword or other razor sharp lethal weapon cutting huges scythes in the air as he charged.

Indeed, many fields of war were won purely by the arrival of Scotsmen dressed in their tradional tartan kilts. To many, the knowledge that the wearer wore nothing underneath was cause enough to panic! Add to this the ferocity of such a warrior and not many would stand up in front of them.

But ever since those heady days of hand to hand combat and battles fought face to face, some of the mystery and folklore of the Kilt remains. Ideas that you can only wear a Tartan Kilt if you are a member of that clan still abide today, wrongly in many cases.

Maybe this stops some people wearing a kilt?

Or does the fear of society’s view of a man effectively wearing what many still describe as a skirt also play a strong part?

But then what of those men among us who are recognised as being the manliest of men? Does wearing a kilt reduce their appearance and reputation at all? Famous celebrities such as Sean Connery, Billy Connely, Ewan McGregor or Mel Gibson?

How many women did – and still would – swoon clean away to see Mel Gibson walking towards them, kilt swaying in time to his steps? I strongly suspect – most! It would not be a swoon induced by dislike or scorn neither, more of one where they’re opinion has been enhanced as to the character and strength of the man involved.

I had the great pleasure of wearing a kilt many, many years ago when I was 6. The occassion was as a Page Boy for my Uncle and Aunts wedding. White ruffled shirt, red and blue tartan kilt with sporran and shoes. the only thing missing was the Dirk. For some reason never suitably explained by my parents, they seemed very nervous of letting their 6 year old offspring walk around with a small dagger shoved into the top of his sock! Spoilsports!

Even now, looking back at the old black and white photos – yes, it WAS that long ago – I get a thrill of seeing myself dressed like that.

Why?

Because it was different, unique and – dare I say it – I looked damn good! (I seem to remember it made a huge impression on my fellow official for the occasion, the bridesmaid called Candy, a curly blonde haired girl a year older than me. I have a misty memory of her asking her mom why i was wearing a skirt!)

A kilt nowadays plays a much larger part. Beyond the more well known kilts of Scotland with their heritage of history behind each unique Tartan design, comes the Kilts of Ireland and Wales in family crests or solid colors.

With society relaxing it’s own strict and nonsensical ideas of what is right and what is wrong, more men are coming to wear kilts, enjoying the uniqueness and freedom such a garment gives.

It is now more common to attend company dinners, awards and opening nights and spot one or two men dressed in kilted splendour.

Indeed, a whole new industry is beginning to grow – assisted by the internet with it’s ease of ordering and choosing – where new styles, designs and ideas of the traditional kilt are being tested and reworked.

For example, you can now buy kilts in camo pattern or kilts with pockets either side as opposed to the standard requirement for a sporran.

As for me and the kilt – as I get older and less worried about what other people think of me, the thoughts do stray to when I was 6 years old and how proud I felt dressed in such regal splendour. With the hot weather getting hotter each day a cooling breeze would certainly be more welcome as well!

Now then, where did I put that sporran and dirk?

All about waxing your eyebrows.
Waxing is a quick and relatively easy alternative to plucking your eyebrows. Most beauty experts recommend getting your eyebrows waxed professionally but that can be expensive – up to around $10-$15 dollars depending on the salon. If you are confident and then here are some tips for waxing your eyebrows yourself.

Start by prepping the eyebrow
Brush the brush into place with toothbrush or clean mascara wand, so that their natural shape is neatly defined. Next, apply an astringent such as witch hazel to anesthetize the skin under the brow. Discover your natural brow shape by standing several feet away from a mirror, and following these simple steps

The length of the eyebrow
Hold a ruler parallel to your nose, and level with the inner corner of the eye, to work out where the brow should begin. If your eyes are close together, make the gap between the brows wider. If your eyes are far apart, don’t wax the start line of the brow too much so that they are closer together. Mark the correct point with a dot.

The curve of the eyebrow
You can assess where the highest point of the curve/ arch should be by holding a ruler from the edge of the nostril past the outer edge of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and up to the eyebrow. Mark the spot with a dot.

Now line up the dots in a gentle arch to draw on the ideal shape of the eyebrow that you want to achieve. This will give you a guideline to go by when applying the wax. You should aim for a smooth arched brow that tapers slightly at the outer ends.

What to consider when applying the wax
I recommend that you buy a professional waxing kit – basically a jar or tub of wax which can be warmed up in boiling water and applied with a small applicator or spatula, and (usually muslin) removal strips. Each product varies slightly, so be sure to read the manufacturers directions carefully

Warm up the wax to optimum temperature and use the small spatula to apply a thin layer of wax to the growth. Make sure that you only use a small amount of wax on the spatula to avoid the wax dripping when it is applied. Apply wax with the hair growth under the eyebrow, (i.e. in the same direction that the hair grows in). Be careful a little goes a long way and make sure to avoid letting the wax dry

The hair removal process
Never wax above the eyebrow, only shape from below. Waxing from under the brow will widen your eyes and help to get the line even. This will make you look younger and much more glamorous if done correctly! As soon as it is applied remove the wax against the hair growth, (i.e. in the opposite direction that the hair grows in). This is done by gently smoothing a piece of cotton muslin over the waxed area, pulling the skin taut with one hand, and pulling the muslin off with the other.

It is a good idea to take a little hair off at a time, especially if you have fairly this growth. You will be surprised how much difference a little hair removal will make to your appearance.

The final step
Any straggly hairs left over after waxing can be easily plucked out using a set of good tweezers. Apply a soothing balm like tea tree oil onto the area afterwards. You should avoid direct sunlight, acid based facial treatments, and liquid makeup for several hours.

To give the gorgeous new eyebrow shape emphasis, use an eyebrow pencil or tinted brow shadow to subtly fill in any gaps, and even out the natural color tone. Congratulations you have successfully waxed your own eyebrows!