Costume and Fashion Jewelry - Fun Accessories at a Nice Price

Costume and Fashion Jewelry

When you think about jewelry, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Gemstones? Rings? Necklaces? Cost? Jewelry is so much more than expensive gemstones in a ring or necklace setting, and the term can encompass watches, necklaces, bracelets, and even headbands and more. The fun thing about fashion accessories is that they can make an outfit exciting without necessarily breaking the bank. While the price of many jewelers can be expensive, this does not mean that everyday people cannot have fun with adornment and fashion. Focus on costume and fashion accessory pieces for beauty at great prices.

Costume vs. Fashion Pieces

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, costume jewelry is "fancy jewelry that is usually made of inexpensive materials rather than real gold, diamonds, et cetera." These products may include rhinestones, plastic gems, or beads. Costume accessories were made popular around the 1930s by women who sought to protect their heirlooms from daily wear and tear and possible theft. These pieces were made to look similar to their more expensive counterparts so that women could wear them occasionally without worrying about losing them. Alternately, fashion accessories, which became popular around the 1980s, are fairly inexpensive. These trendy pieces are often described as "statement pieces," while costume accessories would be described as "vintage" or "classic."

Creation

When making costume and fashion pieces, specialists often use a nickel base sprayed with pieces of gold or silver to give it a high-end look. Fake gems and rhinestones may also be used to make the accessory look more like the real deal. Created to look like small diamonds by putting metal flakes on the back of rock crystals, rhinestones sparkle under the light and can be dyed to several colors. Other materials used to make costume and fashion jewelry are rubber, metal, plastic, acrylic, and semi-precious stones.

History

Over the decades, fashion pieces have made several statements. In the 1980s, women wore huge beaded necklaces and colorful bracelets; sweatbands were worn as fashion statements as well. Teenagers and young women wore extravagant gold-plated hoop earrings, bangles, and plastic bracelets.

In the 1990s, when grunge was popular, young people often wore chunky pieces made with nickel and silver plating. Metal bead necklaces and chains were also go-to pieces. And rings for noses, navels, ears, tongues, eyebrows, and lips were part of the grunge/heavy metal/rock band look.

Finally, in the 2000s, sterling silver became more popular and affordable. Thinly-made necklaces gave wearers the desired subtle look, and accessories like costume jewelry became more and more trendy. Men liked gold-plated and silver-plated Figaro chains, multi-colored beaded bracelets were the rave for children and young adults, and rubber bracelets, bangles, and charm bracelets made a comeback.

Costume and fashion adornments are, indeed, an affordable way to look cool. Prices can range from $5-$400. Whether you buy these pieces from a local jeweler or buy the material to make it yourself, either type of accessory can be a fun and creative way to spruce up your wardrobe and feel elegant!



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Crystal Buying Guide: To Go Au Naturel Or Not?

Crystal Buying Guide

Crystals have long played an important role in the fashion industry. In fact, many fashion designers use crystals to adorn their garments. That being said, having one's own collection of these baubles will not only enhance an outfit, but also these can be a good investment as some crystals, like precious stones increase in value in the future.

Crystal Types

There are two types of crystals currently sold in the market - natural and manmade crystals. Natural crystals are formed and mined from the earth and are often called as gemstone crystals. In its natural state, these gemstones are surrounded by rock formations and loose stones tend to be cheaper than the ones that are already altered and polished. Some crystals can be expensive especially if they are rare or the stone's features pass the standards set by the industry. Diamonds, garnets, rubies, amethysts and citrines are just some examples of these gemstones. Pink diamonds are examples of expensive gemstones because they are rare and can fetch quite a sum even when the stone weighs less than one carat.

Manmade crystals are those that are cut from fine glass or leaded glass. Manmade crystals are often cheaper than natural stones; however, cut glass crystals can also fetch a higher price depending on the crystal's features. Swarovski crystals are perfect examples of such manmade stones. They are highly regarded because the crystals are cut perfectly and the added Aurora Borealis effect gives the stones a rainbow effect that normally only natural stones have. Swarovski crystals can also fetch high price especially limited edition ones and they can even command a higher price than ordinary natural gemstones.

What to Buy

Choosing the stone that one should purchase is based on budget and preferences. Many opt for manmade crystals because not only are they cheaper, but also because of machine cut thus all the stones have the same identical facets. These are important for fashion designers who want the stones to reflect light in a certain way and enhance their pieces. Some manmade crystals are also considered as collectibles especially limited collections released by the Swarovski's company. For those who are thinking of investments then opting for a Swarovski can be an excellent choice.

Some people prefer natural stones because of its unique characteristics. These stones are formed in the earth and thus, one is not sure of the growth of the crystals. The stones may have a symmetrical shape while others grow irregularly or in clusters. Some buyers highly price irregularly shaped stones as they are unique and can fetch a higher price especially among collectors. Some natural stones are also sold cheaper because they are found aplenty and often these stones are used for fashion jewelries such as amethyst earrings or ruby pendants.



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How to Pick the Best Watch to Buy

Watches describe your personality. Choosing the right piece for your wrist would make a difference. If you haven't read somewhere about buying the best for you, then it's your chance to grab the some useful piece of information about watches right here.

Ever wonder which type of watch you should buy?

Did you remain unclear about the types of watches?

You're going to be flattered because I've got some fantastic guide and solution for you all who were wondering to buy a super one. So make sure when next time you buy your wrist watch, you respond to those models little differently.

You would. Because you're going to know about various types of it.

Major Types of Watches

Did you know there are many kinds of watches? Take a look at the types you should know about your record:

Sports

These types are designed to bear extreme circumstances. Sports watches can handle the heat, sweat and pressure as designed for on-field sports persons. Soccer players, Tennis players, Cricketers and Golf players usually wear these.

Divers

Divers watches are also known as Marine. They have the ability to endure water conditions and made for deep sea water diving. They are more than just waterproof.

Pilot

These types are designed to help out on flight captains and staff onboard on the airplane. Pilot watches tell a lot of navigation and information.

Dress

These are made for corporate meetings, office use, and daily professional life. These are simple, elegant and sophisticated in style.

Mechanical

These are technically sounder. They are designed with the capacities to help mechanical professionals and engineers who want little more than just an ordinary one.

Essential Elements of Buying a Watch

Before you head towards buying your favorite one, make sure you know nitty gritty of the watches. Have a look at these essential elements:

Lifestyle

You should pick the one that suits your lifestyle. You can't walk into a conference room with a sports on your wrist to meet the men in suits.

Budget

Without knowing a budget, you won't be able to select the best one. Firstly, decide what amount you want to spare for your outstanding one, then further find the best brand.

Brand

People believe that name matters. People use brands for two reasons which are Quality and Status. Both the reasons are quite reasonable points to consider.

Display

Some people like to have a style digital on their wrist (which shows time in digital format). Another style is analog that looks little traditional but ever-green.

Features

Top notch watches have incredible features. However, there are some particular characteristics accept the quality, which make it different from other watches. Latest editions are Smartphones-supported (Check AppleWatch or Smartwatch), besides that, features like Solar Guidance, GPS, Tracking, Alarm and Heartbeat sensor are incredible enough to enjoy.



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3 Common Beauty Mistakes

Beauty Mistakes

Sometimes it is the little things you do that make all the difference in the world, and sometimes we just need a little reminder to get off autopilot and create a new awareness. I get it, we all have busy lives so the more we can streamline the issue of wardrobe and personal style, the easier it is to satisfyingly fit it into our lives in a meaningful way.

For instance, I have done many makeup consultations with women who complain that their lips are chapped and dry so their lipstick or gloss doesn't look good. One of the things I mention is that they might be licking their lips and that, while momentarily effective, actually causes your lips to dry out more. Nine times out of 10 she will tell me she doesn't lick her lips... then, proceeds to lick them about 20 times in the next 3 minutes. What a freeing (albeit a tiny bit aggravating, I admit!) moment to find out you have a habit you were unaware of. She always laughs in wonder! But, the good news is that with a little attention to the issue, it is easily resolved.

It is with that intention in mind that I offer to you '3 Common Beauty Mistakes.' If you find one that is true for you, it will create a new opportunity to pay attention and replace it with a new mindset or action that supports your desire to feel good about how you look (and do it as easily and joyfully as possible... yay!).

So here they are:

1. Buying By Price Alone: I doubt there is a woman around (at least I don't know one) who hasn't done this. For example, you see something on sale and you think, hmmmm, it was originally 10 times the price or you've always wanted something by this designer, or (remember this one?) you figure you'll be able to fit into it soon, or you'll find the piece to complete the outfit later, or maybe... you used to have something like this and loved it... you get the idea.

If you buy the item, it is based primarily on fantasy and a desire to get a great deal. While there is certainly nothing wrong with fantasy and great deals, sadly, it is not a great deal if you never wear it! Remember, it is price per wear and not the price you paid that is the most important. Keep this front and center in your mind every time you shop.


Before you buy be sure you have something at home that can complete the outfit so you can wear it immediately, buy something (you love!) to go with it to complete the outfit, again so it is ready to wear, OR do not buy it. It's that simple-not always easy, but simple.
2. Out of Sight Out of Mind: Have you ever found something in your wardrobe, dresser or clothing trunk that you had totally forgotten about? What delight ensues! It is like shopping in your own closet except you have lost months or maybe years of opportunity to wear the garment because you didn't know you had it (oh... that part is not so good).

This is one of the dilemmas of having too many clothes, too little storage space or not storing them efficiently (or all 3!).
Here is the key: Keep as many things in plain sight as possible. Don't tell anyone but I even hang many of my sweaters (unless they are really so heavy or delicate that it will damage them) so I remember I have them. And, most of the ones I do not hang I store on a shelf in my closet - right in plain view.

And, one more tip... if you have those tiered hangers for pants or skirts, beware. Unless you only have one so you know all your pants or skirts are in one place, they can be a closet nightmare. Most women do not know what they have on them and keep them only because they don't take up much space or they don't want to fiddle with the hanger to remove them. And, they encourage you to have more clothes than you can wear! With rare exceptions they are not doing you any favors.

Need some help with organizing.

3. Shopping When You Are Crabby: Have you ever gone grocery shopping when you are SO hungry? What happens? Without fail, you either forget to buy things you needed or you buy things you would not normally purchase because they looked appealing in your famished state?

Well, clothing shopping is kind of like that only generally your mistakes cost more. I remember once shopping with a woman who I had shopped with before but this time was different. Everything I showed her she didn't like without it even touching her body, or she would put something on and immediately find a reason to dislike it.

We stopped shopping long enough for me to ask her how she was feeling (I knew she had had a harried morning) and she said she had had a really horrible day so far. Everything was going wrong. She was late for every appointment. Her car was acting funny. You name it, she had it going on.

So, I had her sit down and just breathe for a minute and then suggested we reschedule. Her mood was going to keep her from making good choices that she loved and/or if she did purchase something it would always have that "bad day" feeling attached to it. Who needs that!


Do not shop when you are crabby. Either take 20 minutes and go have a cut of tea and relax and start over, or go home and do it another day. It is better to waste a few minutes than to waste hours (not to mention money) buying things you do not love.
So, there you have it. Three tried and true beauty mistakes we have all probably experienced at some point or another. The key here is to keep them as past learning experiences and not a continual pattern! Remember, awareness is step #1 and now you can move on to adjusting your habits so you get more joy and mileage out of both your shopping and dressing experiences!

Ginger Burr believes that your image represents the best of you, not some ideal that makes designers happy. As an expert personal image consultant working with women from all walks of life, she has crafted a remarkable process of nurturing your inner beauty and discovering your personal style. Whether it's the "dynasty" shoulder pad era, the never-ending confusion of business casual, or the low-rise pant controversy, she has helped women navigate through (and sometimes completely ignore!) the styles of the season and feel good about how they look.

A notable speaker and leader in the field of fashion and style, Ginger's adroit understanding of beauty trends and fashion has been celebrated by Fox TV News, The Boston Globe, and CNN.com. In addition, Ginger recently launched her body image, self-esteem, and style virtual coaching program "Who Taught You How to Dress?" This innovative program allows women to overcome internal obstacles and learn the practical (as well as soft) skills they need to create a wardrobe they love -- all in the comfort of their own home!

Ginger has distinguished herself in several untapped niches, including her image work with the transgender community and was recently recognized by VegNews Magazine as one of the "25 Most Fascinating Vegetarians" in the world for her innovative and groundbreaking work as a vegan image consultant.



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