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‘Socially Responsible’ has become a buzzword like no other; between oil, conflict diamonds, and depleting natural resources, many designers feel that the earth can only give up so much, and many are working really hard to squash the myth that organic equals crunchy. What started with Al Gore’s movie and the RED campaign at the GAP has become an all out phenomenon with celebrities leading the way. Instead of opting for typical diamonds, many are choosing to purchase conflict-free diamonds as a way to show that they are socially responsible. Turn on the television to any talk show, and one celebrity or another is discussing what they do to stay green. So, as a style conscience consumer, how do you stay fashionable while being socially responsible? Fortunately, designers have done all the hard work, so all we need to do is shop!

Choosing fashions and accessories made from recycled materials is a great way to do it. The amount of jewelry out on the market that is made from vintage baubles and recycled and antique pieces is amazing, and beautiful. Look at any new line for the summer or fall, and you’ll see the market is flooded with it. These large and punchy pieces look great with shift dresses and the large handbags that are hot right now as well. Speaking of handbags, choose a faux leather bag from one of the many up-and-coming vegan stores as opposed to the standby leather handbag.

This season, and likely in the future, you will see many designers donating a percentage of their profits to climate projects or other environmental organizations. In addition, you will begin to see more and more products, including denim, being made from organic cotton, bamboo, corn polymers, milk and seaweed; it seems impossible, but it’s happening. Many manufacturers are also striving to integrate production processes that eliminate PVC.

In Asia, designers have begun making woven handbags from recycled newspapers to help cut down on their waste issues. Here in the states, we see many top knit and crochet designers doing similar things, except with the plastic bags we all get at the market. If you’re not ready to go quite that far, carry reusable tote bags in your car and use them at both the market and the mall; shop around to find the cutest in wicker handbags and you’ll leave the store feeling like a million bucks. Many stores are also offering discounts, both on food and clothing items, if you bring your own bags. And let’s face it, if there is a discount to be had, you ladies are sure to seek it out and use it!

Body care is also going organic and socially responsible. Face powders, bronzers and lip glosses are going to flower-based and paraben-free ingredients. Sunscreens, deodorants, lotions and oils line the shelves of all major department stores touting all-natural and organic ingredients. Reports on these products indicate that they work just as well, if not better, than the traditional products that we’ve used for so long. Not to mention, you get to flash that gorgeous smile knowing that you haven’t coated your beautiful skin with chemicals.

As a whole, the fashion industry is moving in a more sustainable direction when it comes to producing their wares; as a result, many shoppers are realizing that being socially responsible doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your personal style. You can feel good knowing that you are doing your part to help save the environment while still painting the town red in a totally fashionable way!

Elli Rose is a fashion industry insider who writes about the latest trends in clothing, makeup and accessories. Love to be noticed? Find gorgeous fashions and helpful advice at Amore Fashion [http://www.amorefashion.com].

Looking for the hottest trends in women’s fashion for spring – and summer – of 2008? No one can predict the future, but knowing the fashions that are hot right now can help predict what will be hot next… and looking fashionable in the meantime is good, too.

So, what’s popular now? Well, that’s an easy question!

Bright Colors

The past winter has been too cold for everyone. With spring here, and summer around the corner, lots of bright colors are being introduced into our closet.

Colors that reflect spring are seen on many women, and who can blame them? It’s a great look – how can you honestly be in a bad mood when you’re dressed in bright, beautiful clothing?

Bold Patterns

Gone are the days of when we fashionista’s were scared of patterns – now, designers are draping us in bold, bright patterns that scream ‘we’re here! Get used to us!’, and many experts expect this trend in women’s fashion to continue for a while.

When looking into some popular patterns, check out those with bright colors, bold designs, and contrasting colors. Not only will you look great, but you’ll be a focal point in a room.

Ruffles

Feel like you did when you were five, and your mother stuffed you into a dress that had more ruffles than you could count? Too bad – because with trends for women’s fashion this year, ruffles are back with a vengeance.

Feminine

The underlining tone of all of our fashions this year is looking feminine. You can tell in the bright colors, flowing dresses, and ruffles that women are ready to say ‘we’re here, we’re women, and we look great’.

Spring for outfits with see through fabric, lace, ruffles, and the overall look that’s delicate, feminine, and sexy. You won’t be sorry!

Maxi Dresses

So many women are excited to be able to wear something that’s not only fashionable, but so very comfortable. Integrating a maxi dress into your wardrobe means that you’re comfortable, and looking amazing.

Because of their popularity last year, they’re back – and we’re loving it. You can throw on a bright maxi dress, a pair of sandals, do something light and easy with your hair, and you’re out of the house. Comfortable, stylish, and very trendy.

Many people have been looking to Diane von Furstenberg for her unique and innovative maxi dresses. If you’re not sure where to start the search for the perfect maxi dress, try her!

When you’re buying maxi dresses, remember the keys to this spring and summer – bold, bright, flowing, and beautiful.

Basically…

For the 2008 season, go bold. Go bright. Be a little more adventurous with your fashion. The current trends in women’s fashion is, after all, a little ‘out there’!

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“There is a difference between a six-euros sunglasses and a 300-euros sunglasses,” my friend Rachel tells me.

“Are you sure it’s not psychological?” I ask. We burst out laughing.

“Really, there is a difference. One looks beautiful, and rich.” Rachel reveals.

“Yes, like a millionaire,” I agree. Rachel looks fab in Prada sunglasses. Aida, walking to my left, looks fab in Gucci too. I love the initials on the side of the glasses. I’m glad to see them both happy, they worked hard to save for this trip to Paris.

In Paris, it is not surprising to see a woman walking down the streets wearing an attire straight out of a fashion magazine. Designer hat, boots, bag, dress, sunglasses. They can pull it off, of course, because they have the perfect ambiance. Paris! At the Louis Vuitton store along Champs Elysees, young Asian tourists (Japanese or Chinese) walk out of the store carrying bags of LV purchases like its an ordinary shopping day.

It’s Wednesday morning, in early May, and we have to wait in line outside the Champs Elysees LV store as a group of Japanese tourists arrive before us. This is the largest Louis Vuitton store in the whole world, posh and beautiful as you can imagine. We accompany our friend Aida who wants to purchase a monogram Vernis style LV bag in white color (cost: 900 euros). Tourists get a 12% rebate on purchases over a minimum amount in euros, depending on the store.

While waiting for Aida, I hover over to the sunglasses section of LV. They range from 300 euros and above. I try on several styles and look in the mirror. Maybe Rachel has a point, i thought. I do look good, it fits me perfectly. Maybe its the shape, or the materials they use. I do look rich wearing it. I sigh.

“What are you doing? You’re not going to buy any of those,” says Joan, my twin.

“Of course not. I just want to see how i look,” I assure her, “next time i buy, i’ll know what style suits me.” The best part about traveling on a budget is not having to worry what to buy as one cannot afford it anyway. Appreciating and looking are enough for me.

Why are women crazy about designer brands? I honestly don’t know. It’s suppose to make a woman feel good, and add to her confidence. It’s an expression of her own individual style, and the more famous, the more stylish and beautiful she feels. Or it could be psychological in a way. Have your pick. It doesn’t matter. In Paris, you can express yourself in any way you want and you will still blend in. That’s the best part about Paris fashion.

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Hi, I am Norela. I am always fascinated with fashion and jewelry from all around the world. I have spent a lot of time reading and researching on these, specifically pearls fashion jewelry. Do you know that THE PEARL is coming back in the world of high fashion industry? I am not surprised, pearl accessories never went away; to me pearl has its everlasting beauty effect. This is what this article is all about, it’s about my passion, your interest and it’s all about pearls.

Do you remember how elegant Princess Diana and Jacqueline Kennedy were? Pearls fashion jewelry will never be out of style or out of place. It’s a timeless accessory that symbolizes elegance. Despite your personal style; casual, classy or sexy, pearl will give you this glowing and refined look when you wear them around your Neck , your wrist or around your finger. Regardless of occasions, whether it’s funeral, business meeting, cocktail party, shopping or date, you will always look polished and stylish with pearl.

Making a fashion statement? It adds femininity, modesty and purity to your wardrobe. Well! pearl symbolizes a happy marriage; it’s a gem for the Third and Thirtieth Wedding Anniversaries. Pearls are also the birthstone for June.

Are you aware that pearl is the only gem that is created by a living organism? Below is the brief description on how its created, types and value to better understand about your pearl. You can use this simple information to your advantage when you decide to buy pearl for yourself or someone as a gift.

Types of Pearls

There are three types of pearls; natural, cultured and imitation. The difference between natural and cultured is that natural pearls are formed by nature and cultured pearls are made through human intervention by injecting an irritant into the oyster (like getting dust in your eye). To protect itself, the oyster secretes multiple layers of a calcium carbonate substance called nacre around the foreign object to isolate it from the rest of the oyster. After a few years, the original irritant is covered in a silky coat and that is a pearl. Most pearls fashion jewelry nowadays are cultured pearls, it’s rare to find natural pearl and normally they are very expensive and becoming an antique collections.

Imitation pearls are a different story altogether. In most cases, a glass bead is dipped into a solution made from fish scales. This coating is thin and may eventually wear off. The best way to distinguish between a natural or cultured pearl and an imitation pearl without sending them to a GIA Lab for X-ray is to use the “tooth test”. Rub a pearl on the edge of your teeth. If it feels smooth , the pearl is probably imitation. If the pearl feels rough or gritty, it is probably natural or cultured.

Value of pearl

The value of the pearls in jewelry is determined by a combination of the luster, color, shape, size, lack of surface flaw:

· Luster – Pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl.

· Color – Typical pearl colors are white, cream, yellow, pink, silver, or black. A pearl can also have an overtone (a shade of another color), which is seen when light reflects off the pearl surface.

· Shape – perfectly round pearls are rare and highly valued. Teardrop-shaped pearls are often used in pendants.

· Surface Marking – Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality,

· Size – The size of the pearl greatly depends on the type of pearl. Freshwater pearls range in size from about 3.0-7.0mm and salt water pearls can reach sizes as large as 13mm.

All factors being equal, however, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is. Large, perfectly round pearls are rare and highly valued. Teardrop-shaped pearls are often used in pendants.

Necklace Length

Rule of thumb when it comes to pearl necklace length, shorter necklaces flatter long necks, while long necklaces are nice for smaller necks. The lengths and names are as follows:

· Collar – 12-13 inch

· Choker – 14-19 inch

· Princess – 17-19 inch

· Matinee – 20-25 inch

· Opera – 26-36 inch

· Rope – 37 inch or longer

What size is right for you?

The average size of pearl necklaces sold today are 6.5-7mm, 7-7.5mm, and 7.5-8mm.

· 6-6.5mm pearl necklace: Ideal for young or petite women. Young women in the work force can accent their beauty with a simple choker.

· 6.5-7mm pearl necklace: It gives a delicate look. Ideal for young or petite women.

· 7-7.5mm pearl necklace: Appropriate for most women. Ideal for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day presents, college graduations, and Valentine’s Day gifts.

· 7.5-8mm pearl necklace: Suited to career women or those who prefer slightly larger pearls. A popular necklace for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day presents, or any other important occasions.

· 8-8.5mm pearl necklace: It is the most popular size. It is impressive, extraordinary, and valuable. Ideal for an anniversary or an important birthday.

· 8.5-9mm pearl necklace: Ideal for an important anniversary, birthday, or special event. Pearls over 8.5mm grow in water longer than smaller pearls, therefore they are very difficult to harvest. They have great value for investing, as their value will be appreciate over time.

· 9-9.5mm and up pearl necklace: Ideal for women who are looking for large, exquisite pearls, and who considers herself unique, important, and sophisticated.

PEARL CARE

Wash your pearls in very mild, soapy water. wipe them with a soft, damp cloth to ensure that they remain free from any harmful buildup. Easily scratched if bumped by other jewelry, cultured pearls are best stored in a soft cloth pouch or in a separate, lined jewelry box. Skin produces acids that can harm your pearls, so if worn regularly pearls should be wiped down with a soft cloth after every wear.

If you wear your cultured pearl strand several times a week, consider having your jeweler re-string it once a year to prevent strand breakage. Experts advise using silk or nylon thread to re-string pearls, with a knot between each pearl. Should your strand break, replace the entire cord. If the pearls are in graduated sizes, try to keep them on the old cord to maintain the same sequence until they are re-strung.

Hi, my name is Norela and my husband is Bill. We are two dedicated research writers that write and share about our findings from the experts.

Learn all you need to know about pearls from my article Pearls-Fashion

and my blog pearl-fashion-jewelry

Some of the most beautiful and elegant designer jewelry in the world is created by Italian designers. Since the Renaissance, Italy has been renowned for producing some of the world’s most beautiful art pieces, and not the least of which are its jewelry. It comes to no surprise that even today, Italian jewelry is among the most coveted by people all over the world.

Most Italian designers spend copious amounts of time sketching new designs, or giving old ones a new look. Based on their sketches, they apply these designs onto metal and other material. Gold is the material of choice, and they transfer their creativity on this metal of royalty. Whether the jewelry design is traditional or trendy, Italian designers are at home in the molding of this metal.

With fashionable designs that are popular with women, men, and even worn by their pet dogs, these jewelry are not only decorative, but they also create a statement or proclaim a cause. With the change of seasons and fashion, Italian jewelry changes color according to preference.

Living in one of the meccas of the fashion world, Italian jewelry designers keep in step with the times, constantly coming up with new designs of unparalleled ingenuity and uniqueness. This is the reason why Italian-designed jewelry always has the edge over more traditional jewelry in the market today.

Experimenting with various metal, whether silver, gold, or bronze, is nothing new to Italian designers, either. In some cases, their jewelry combines material such as steel, coral, and even and ceramic, molded seamlessly into other precious metals that one may find it hard to determine where one ends and another begins. A combination of coral and ceramic in Italian-designed jewelry flatters most skin tones and is exceedingly elegant, as well as fashionable.

Italian designers even go as far as designing jewelry that anyone can wear. Even rings and bracelets designed for men and teenagers are all the rage. Stylish metal, ceramic, and coral jewelry are showing up in offices and on the street. Painted and or adorned with pearls and other precious stones, Italian jewelry design can be seen not only in ballrooms or gala evenings, but also in everyday wear. The designs are so creative that each piece is subject to much experimentation before the finished product is rolled out for sale.

Many people are raving about how Italian designers are able to create grace and beauty even from dull metal. From sterling silver bracelets to hand-glazed ornamental earrings, from vintage designs to costume jewelry, from simple molded gold to a profusion of glittering beads, crystals, and precious stones, each piece reflects the personality of the Italian designer that created it, and each piece is reflected in the person who carries it with style.

Italian designer jewelry attracts people of all ages, not only because of the excellence in design, but also for the beauty and elegance they inspire in each person who wears Italian-designed jewelry. It comes to no surprise, therefore, that each design and creation is considered a priceless and timeless addition to any jewelry collection the world over.

Emiel Lieffering is the owner of [http://www.mydesignerjewelry.com/], where he offers the jewelry according to the latest trends. Visit My Designer Jewelry [http://www.mydesignerjewelry.com/].