Unique Engagement Rings – How to Find the Right Jeweler

If you’re looking for unique engagement rings or a unique wedding ring it can be difficult to wade through all the choices available. Whether you’re looking to buy on the Internet or at your local jeweler, the choices can be overwhelming. Having to learn how to tell a good diamond from a bad one, the differences between different metals and more can take a lot of reading and research.

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When shopping around, the term “you get what you pay for” typically applies. The difference of a couple thousand dollars can make a HUGE difference in what you get with the quality of a unique diamond ring and diamond. However, looking at two different jewelers, the same price can also get you a very different ring and diamond for the same price.

You can break down most retailers into a couple categories:

1. Big chain store jewelers – These are typically stores that reside in shopping malls and prices here are basically the MOST you can pay – full retail price with salespeople moderately knowledgeable on what they’re selling and their salary based largely on selling you the most expensive ring you can afford. Likewise, custom design choices are typically limited here.

2. Large Internet “jewelers” that compete largely on price – these companies typically have most of their designs and rings manufactured overseas to cut down on costs. Most designs are relatively generic and quality is typically lower as well as having little room to customize your engagement ring design.

3. Independent local jewelers/manufacturers – Most jewelry manufacturers do not sell directly to the public. However with the rising need for them to compete with Internet-based companies, it’s become necessary for manufacturers to start selling directly to the public, at prices previously unheard of. Many of these companies, custom manufacturer all their designs in the USA, and give you both more freedom in what you want as well as more “bang for your buck” – since they often would have previously sold to the “big chain stores”.

The question is where can you find these independent manufacturers turned retailers? The payoff is pretty significant, with the ability to save upwards of 40% from retail prices, while getting the same quality, it’s well worth it.

Modern Design Inc. is one of these companies – they manufacturer and wholesale custom diamond jewelry and are based in the heart of the downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District. All of their jewelry is made in the USA and they have wholesaled their fine line of jewelry to retail stores out of state since 1978, now only just recently offering their line directly to the public at the same wholesale prices. Check out their website, where you’ll find a range of engagement rings, wedding rings and diamond jewelry. Read the rest of this entry »

Fashion Networking

 

 

 

What is fashion networking?

Fashion networking – probably you have heard about it before but you are not sure what is all about. According to the definition social networking is “ a grouping of the individuals into specific groups to meet other internet users in order to share common interest and develop business relations”. Following this definition, fashion networking is a social online community of fashion professionals such as designers, models, photographers, etc. as well as individuals who simply love or are interested in trends and style. Fashion networks, similar as fashion directories, are also places where you can find many companies related to this industry that include rental studios, model agencies, art schools, manufacturers and retailers for the fashion products.

Fashion communities, the same as any other ones are not created, they evolve. The growth of an online community takes time and effort. Fashion is a business, fashion is a lifestyle. And in fashion, all across the town and around the world, connection is everything. Fashion networks are where work connects with online life and new ideas come alive. Is a common place for conversation and collaboration. Members of fashion communities have the chance to search efficiently for all information needed, join the discussions about latest trends, discover new faces, brands and companies in the industry.

The importance of fashion networking

In the past several days some fashion networks has thrived, some vanished while lots of new ones appeared. It has become a huge area to follow and every person in the industry is trying to follow this trend. The friends that you can make are just one of many benefits. The role that the internet can play in the branding, marketing and commercial strategies for fashion companies should not be underestimated. Fashion networks are not only online meeting points for young fashionistas with a small budget but also places boosting sale opportunities for luxury labels. At the same time, they are fashion portals where independent designers present their showcase and well established brands advertise their products.

 


 

 

Justyna Rakowska was studying Applied Linguistics and Journalism in Poland. After graduation she was writing articles for online portals in China. Currently she is working for fashion platform www.lexposure.net.

Don?t You Just Love Fashion Designing Games?

Online fashion games are a great way to develop and express your sense of fashion. If you love fashion models, like Gisele and Tyson Beckford, and hot fashion brands like Hotkiss, or PointZero, you’ll love playing online fashion games. At GirlSense you can design your own eBoutique, and develop your own fashion line. Once you create your own eBoutique, you can sell items to other girls for virtual money. It’s cool, free, and loads of fun.

The really cool thing about GirlSense fashion design games is that you can design an entire an eBoutique from scratch. It feels incredibly real, as if you were opening a fashion boutique at your local mall. And you know what? If you think about it that way, you’ll get a lot out of playing online fashion games.

With the GirlSense fashion design games, you get to design everything in the virtual store: the floors, the furniture, the accessories, the mannequins, and, of course, the fashions.

The choice of furniture is incredibly important. When you play online fashion games you want your eBoutique to look as real as possible. You also want your choice of virtual furniture to reflect the mood of the clothing line. I am going to offer you some examples.

If you are going to design cute party clothes, then maybe you want to have a comfortable sofa for girls to lounge in – just like in a real party. If you want to create beach wear, then maybe a wooden bench will reflect the mood that you are looking for. That’s because you would probably find a bench at the beach. A bench would also work if you were creating a fashion design game that was inspired by the countryside. Think of a girl cycling down a country lane in a pretty floral dress, and taking a break under an oak tree, where there is a bench. Can you think of more examples when a bench would work in an eBoutique?

If you are thinking of fashion design games with retro fashions inspired by the 1960s and 1070s, you might think of adding a bubble chair to your eBoutique. These cool items are great for lounging in, and you can sometimes see them in real fashion stores that sell retro items.

These are just some examples of how you can think creatively about your fashion design games. You can follow the same process with wallpaper, floors, and accessories. Other girls will probably enjoy your eBoutique, and buy more items from you (with virtual money of course).

JohnM is a writer for Compucall. For more information about online fashion games, visit GirlSense.com.

Gread Gift Ideas for Men – Fashion Tips & Trends for Men in 2009

 

- For Spring & Summer

 

* Color

Men’s clothing for the spring & summer season has made its mark with the presence of color. There is a strong blue influence which replicates David Hockney paintings during his splash period in the 1960s, and the introduction of pink.

 

Men’s fashion is having a pink moment in 2008, therefore, defining your masculinity has become more of a challenge this summer. This not-so-typical color sorts the men from the boys, as it takes guts and skill to wear; requiring men to make a modern color statement whilst still maintaining a masculine edge. This can be done by keeping cuts and fabrics very traditional and teaming it with neutral shades, such as white, beige, gray or black.

 

In addition to being “In the Pink”, the fashion industry is also feeling blue this season. Not the dark navy kind, but the azure blue of David Hockney’s Splash, pool paintings. From Louis Vuitton’s head-to-toe azure Moon Beach collection, on the spring runways to Hockney-inspired Missoni shirts, Hockneyed-Splash sweatshirts, to azure-colored cargo pants and suits. Feeling blue has never been so on-trend.

 

 

* Style

 

In this season, men to wear a dress shirt with a tie for business is suitable for almost all circumstances. In some offices, or outdoor work sites, short sleeves may be appropriate. Look at the example set by your supervisor and respected colleagues. If these people wear short sleeves, then it may be okay in that situation…

 

When dressing to impress, do not follow the standard of the office non-conformist. Sleeves can always be rolled up if necessary.

 

Collars come in different styles, usually a normal pointed collar and a spread collar. Spread collars are newer and show a contemporary fashion. The spread accents the tie, and therefore look better with a wider tie. Some shirts have different color collars than the shirt which appears bolder.

 

Men’s Hoodies make a welcome return as they have been reinvented to form an integral part of your wardrobe rather than a casual cover-up. With some innovative styling this season, hoodies have evolved to become a substitute for a blazer or cardigan, matching your ensemble and being classy enough to take you from beach to bar. Hoodies have become sophisticated enough to be street-savvy garments, layer them over a tee or shirt, or be more adventurous and go for a Juicy Couture hooded leather jacket or an OntFront Sidewalk Tailoring hooded blazer.

 

On the subject of swimming pools, another look du jour is the combination of trunks as shorts. Wear them as both; saving you that fashion dilemma of having to wear shorts over trunks. Offerings come from labels such as Thom Browne, ADAM, Opening Ceremony, and Shipley & Halmos who have pairs that can be easily teamed with a more formal shirt or blazer.

 

This is also the season of the lightweight-knit, be it revamped hoody or button-up cardigan. Men also have one less choice to make when it comes to swimming, by throwing on a pair of combi shorts and trunks.

 

 

* Men’s Fashion Accessories

 

Underwears – In the 13th century underwear became an important piece of apparel, and like most fashions, the thong and g-string reappeared in the 1970s on the beaches of Brazil. Unlike the Khoisans of 75,000 years ago, today’s male consumers enjoy a vast array of styles, fabrics and colours to choose from. The evolution of underwear has shaped how we feel and how we look today.

 

Aside from the above, sitting poolside requires some additional accessories. Nautical caps and deck shoes are right on-trend, so are blue and white manbags. Accessorize your outfit with some fashion-forward, round-saucer shades — David Hockney-inspired eyewear or John Lennon frames.

 

* Special Tips for Men who has a Big Stomach

 

- Go for light fabrics and dark colors if you want to slimline your torso.

 

- Use a belt to nip in your waistline. As long as your stomach does not hang over, contrary to what you might think, this will make you appear slimmer.

 

- For an instant slimming effect, go monochromatic. Wear a dark color shirt/top and pants with a different color blazer or jacket over the top.

 

- Horizontal stripes are your enemy rather than your friend. Vertical stripes (although not too wide) will elongate your body, but diagonal ones will also draw attention to your torso, having a widening effect. Pinstripe shirts can be slimming, especially when teamed with dark color pants.

 

- Large, busy prints in shirts and tees will only serve to accentuate your stomach. According to The Style Bible, look for a smaller (but not too small) print, which is spaced quite a way apart.

 

- Avoid bulky knits and go for something more slimming like a dark-colored cashmere sweater.

 

- Long-sleeve T-shirts and shirts will make your body look more proportioned than sleeveless or short-sleeves, which will draw attention to your middle.

 

 

- For Fall & Winter

 

 

Fall is one of the most exciting seasons for men’s fashion in that it presents a great deal of variety – the cooling weather and tendency towards warmer and more classic colours can present a challenge that we’ll have to examine in order to find a wardrobe that fits the change of seasons.

 

Color

 

Traditionally, an eye for colour will benefit any gentleman concerned with style. In Fall 2009, look for browns, blues, and especially shades of orange – orange having made a surprise comeback in recent years that shows no sign of stopping in the near future. When matching colours, remember that most blues, especially lighter to medium hues such as baby blue or french blue, pair extremely well with brown tones – strange but true!

 

A brown leather jacket would be a premium recommendation in that brown brings a distinct note of style into your overall look and seperates you from the legions of men who simply always opt for the severe looking, and much more common, black jacket. A chocolate brown leather simply ages more gracefully than its darker cousin, and adds a vintage flair.

 

 

Style

 

From sharp-suited silks, to pants following a Balinese, Malaysian and Inidian style, the next year’s collection will be filled with unstructured jackets, loose drawstring and cropped dhoti-style pants.

 

Men’s wear should feeling casual and relaxed for next season, there is still the air of opulence associated with the label. Jackets in ivory crocodile and chenille cardigans for the torso, sleek silk trousers, and jackets set off with silk handkerchiefs, all are distinctly deluxe in look.

 

Brown also co-ordinates much better with most jeans, sweaters, and shirts that will be presented to you in the cooler seasons. and a  french blue dress or sport shirt is not only a staple piece of any wardrobe of merit, but will serve you in wonderful stead in a variety of social occasions ranging from a casual date at the local watering hole, a stroll in the park (when coupled with jeans and the aforementioned leather coat), or a high-pressure job interview.

 

As leather jackets are a forever classical style, so in 2009, leather will still act as one of the most popular fabrics in the fashion industry. A soft, supple material that conforms to the curve’s of a person’s body, leather has a natural sex appeal that is unmatched by any other fabric. Leather is a favorite among the fashion industry, models and musicians.

 

Given the durability factors, along with the classic, stylish look of leather and the comparative low cost of either, no wonder this item has not only survived as a fashion statement through out history but has also remained a practical choice with universal appeal. So men to choose a motorcycle or bomber jacket can get a feeling that you are never go out of style.

 

Accessories

 

As for accessories, one piece of clothing that immediately springs to mind would be a scarf, worn rather rakishly in the earlier months of fall or perhaps more pragmatically during the bitter cold of a northern winter! Scarves can add a level of distinction and personality to a wardrobe that is often afforded to the wearer via a necktie – it is a centerpiece of the outerwear collection and is something that immediately catches the eye of the passerby.

 

A wool or cotton scarf is recommended, as silk tends to look rather foppish or effete when worn by most men – and as for colour, the primary suggestion is to either find a tone in the scarf that would tie in nicely with your most commonly worn coat, or simply a scarf that catches your eye and that you rather like. Remember, when it comes to accessories such as scarves and neckties, they are showcases for your sense of style and personality – choose accordingly! Scarves are draped around the waist as belts, or slung casually over the shoulders. Shoes also followed a distinctly Asian style with lace-ups, woven hopsack, snakeskin, and crocodile.

 

* Great Costume Ideas for Guys on Halloween or a Christmas Carnival

 

At last ,as the Halloween and Christmas season is coming soon, if you want to get noticed at a fancy dress party,  I’d like to give men some special ideas about costumes for men.

 

Ghostbuster Costume

 

A great costume idea for a group of guys who can argue over which one of them gets to be Ray, Peter, Winston or Egon. Grey boiler suits are the starting point. High-end costumers will have proton packs for hire, but an improvised version using backpacks/old drinks bottles and a super soaker can be effective. A new Ghostbusters video game is about to be released, so purchasing Ghostbuster accessories should become easier.

 

Celebrity Lookalike Costume

 

For the partygoer who bears more than a striking resemblance to a celebrity ,the lookalike costume is a good choice and will be sure to generate discussion. If the partygoer does not look like anyone famous then they can try some of the more visually recognisable celebs for example

 

Superhero Costume

 

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No It’s someone dressed as a superhero on the dance floor. Superhero costumes are easy to find, cheap to hire and always guaranteed to raise a smile. Popular superhero costumes are.

 

Astronaut Costume

 

If the partygoer has the money, then the space suit is quite simply the most show-stopping of all the costumes. Generally this costume requires a large rental fee and on top of that a substantial deposit.

 

Cowboy Costume

 

Another costume that is very popular with women is the cowboy outfit. It’s quite common, so the wearer should add some unique touches to the costume such as a sheriff’s badge or a wacky colour scheme. The cowboy costume will be available from most fancy dress suppliers.

 

Sailor Dress Uniform Costume

 

With its bright white colour, this costume is great for parties that may be using UV lighting. The wearer will stand out from the crowd and will be seen from the other side of the room with ease. Due to its apperances in An Officer and a Gentleman and Top Gun , this costume seems to be very popular with women.

 

Chippendale Costume

 

This costume is not suitable for outdoor events that are prone to poor weather. The Chippendale outfit requires only a bow tie, some black trousers and a lot of confidence. The more adventurous partygoer should carry baby oil with them for chest oiling opportunities.

I’d like to introduce and display an excellent selection of China fine art products and gifts – www.123giftfactory.com to you, also give you great suggestions about gift ideas and the latest fashion art trends in China.