CLEANING YOUR STERLING SILVER JEWELRY

Sterling silver is a very soft metal that can be scratched and tarnished easily. Therefore you need to use delicate cleaning techniques to properly prepare your jewelry for storage or for wear. To clean your sterling silver jewelry you will need a clean, nub free, ultra soft cloth made from 100 percent cotton or flannel. You will also need a mild cleaning solutions made from half a cup of warm water and a little bit of liquid detergent. (A liquid detergent should be used as opposed to a powdered detergent because the liquid is less abrasive.) This combination of products works great for light cleanings and basic maintenance, however, if your sterling silver tarnishes or needs a deeper cleaning then you will want to use a silver cleaning paste or polish.

Understanding Your Jewelry

If you have a piece of sterling silver jewelry that also contains gemstones then you will need to understand what cleaning needs the gemstones have before you use the above cleaning methods. Some gemstones will react negatively to silver cleaners, while others react positively to the silver cleaner. Because of this you will want to learn what cleaning method is recommended for the gemstone before you clean your piece. To protect your gemstone from damage while you are cleaning the silver portion of your piece, you can simple use a Q-Tip or cotton ball to spot clean the silver, and then clean the gemstone separately using a method that is more suitable for the gem.

Storing Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Properly

As mentioned earlier there are a lot of things that silver can react to. Acid is one of those things. Because many woods naturally contain acid in their cellular structure you should not store sterling silver jewelry directly on a wood surface. To protect your sterling silver from damage and tarnishing you will want to store the piece in a soft felt or fabric pouch that can be sealed. It should then be kept in an area that has a mild temperature and low humidity.

Adding Life to Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

The better you take care of your sterling silver jewelry, the longer it will stay looking beautiful. Proper care of sterling silver jewelry includes cleaning the piece after every use, keeping the piece away from harmful chemicals and natural acids, and proper storage of the piece. If you stay true to these basic care rules your jewelry will stay looking beautiful for generations to come.

By: dotcomwomen.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Your Designer Jewelry

You may feel that to cut the cost of your jewelry you must give up some beauty. That's not always true. Let's say that you've found a handcrafted necklace but the price is a bit higher than you expected.

There are a few options that you can investigate to maintain your appreciation of the piece and to make it more affordable. This approach requires a little work on your part, but it can be well worth your effort. The trick, and it's not a hard one, is to find a designer who is interested in working with you.
This method involves prioritizing the most important and least important features of the jewelry, suggesting affordable replacements, and offering a possible wish list if your replacement features allow.

Here are the easy procedures for using this method.

Step 1 - Prioritize the Jewelry Features

1. Write down the critical components.

2. Write all the less critical components.

3. Suggestion more affordable replacements wherever you can.

4. Include a wish list of possible components if possible.

5. Review your work up to this point. Be honest and realistic for the best results.

Step 2 - Create a Table

All the hard work is completed! Create a table using whatever software you're comfortable with. Use column headings to categorize the information you’ve already completed, for example:

- Name of Jewelry Piece ….- Critical ….- Less Critical ….- Replacement ….- Wish List:

a) Clasp - Same size, less costly

b) Add Swarovski Crystal(s)

c) Silver Beads - Fewer beads, more spacers

d) Chain - Delete

e) Pendant - Change to (details)

f) Charms - Change to (type & size)

Remember that you don't want to overwhelm your designer but you get the idea.

You can include some text below your table if you would like to go into more detail to get your point across. It's all right to leave a cell blank. The purpose of this table is to prioritize the critical and the less critical aspects of jewelry.
Just as important, is that this table will provide the designer with the information needed to create an item that will satisfy all of your wants - or as many as possible, anyway.

Step 3 - Communicate with the Jewelry Designer

1. Email the jewelry designer, and let them know you'd like to purchase a similar piece to one they’ve created with minor changes that would make it more affordable. Inform the designer that you have created a table that they may use to help you achieve your objectives. Let the designer know you what you expect to pay for the piece to enable them to come up with modifications.

2. If the designer is interested in customizing a piece of jewelry to fit your needs, you will more than likely receive a reply shortly.

3. Send your table only if requested by the designer. You're halfway there, having successfully started a professional dialogue with a designer who is interested in creating a piece of jewelry that will earn your business, within reason. Keep in mind that most good designers will refuse to use certain materials; high standards regarding the materials help the artist to establish that certain quality, so you may have to compromise on some features.

4. The designer will let you know how they would like to proceed. Be prepared to pay for the item in full before it is actually created. But enjoy the excitement of knowing that your suggestions have guided the design of an item that you can take special pride in wearing.
If your designer can't help you (which should only be the case if you've asked for too much, in return for a price that is too low), you still have options.
Look at your list and you'll discover that it also has excellent keyword phrases that are listed in order of importance to you, which you can use in your favorite online search.
If you're reasonable in what you're requesting for the price you're willing to pay you should be able to wind up with that special piece of jewelry that really speaks to you . . . and you and the designer both win!

By: Kathleen Badeaux - dBk-beadedjewelry.com

How to Always Have Something to Wear

Always buying clothes but never have anything to wear? Here's step by step instructions on how to develop a wardrobe.

Here's How:

Stop impulse buying. Every $10 mistake you would have picked up in the bargain bin goes to a really great wardrobe.
In the first step of cleaning out your closet, eliminate everything that doesn't fit or that you haven't worn in a year.
A few weeks later, go back and get rid of all the stuff you fudged on the first time around.
With what's left, begin identifying a theme to your wardrobe, relying on favorite looks, colors and lifestyle pieces.
Decide on three colors that either match or will coordinate with what you own and buy only those three colors for apparel.
Establish a workable budget.
Make a list of all the items you need in your wardrobe. (For example: solid blazer, wool pants, white shirt)
Set aside an hour of time each week to shop -- online or off.
Avoid super trendy items, unless you can get them for less than $40.
Buy clothing that will span two to three seasons -- like wool crepe or matte jersey.
Purchase only clothes that work with something that you already own.
Pass on anything that doesn't fit -- no matter how great a buy.
Try to add only one or two well-thought out items per month.
Add punchy color and trendiness with accessories, shoes and handbags.
Continually eliminate and replace essential wardrobe pieces once it is built up so you are never caught without a necessary item.

Tips:

Ignore that advice about buying "the best" of everything. Regardless of how well-made a garment is, moths, coffee spills and kids take their toll. Never choose between a mortgage payment and a cashmere sweater.
Try to plan your wardrobe around three neutral colors like black, white, khaki, navy or brown.
Buy more solids than prints - you won't get tired of them as quickly.

By: dotcomwomen.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

COLORED BAGS

The latest bags for this summer from famous trademarks as Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein…with hot colors yellow, orange, red. The below collection is very suitable for teens since its sophisticated and youthful design.

(collected from Ngoisao.net)

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT AUTHENTIC DESIGNER HANDBAG FOR YOU

With so many authentic designer handbags for sale on the market, you will surely be totally spoilt for choice. So how do you exactly choose one that is right and fitting for you? Well, it depends on a few factors actually; the look of the designer handbag, how it can match with your fashion style and one of the most widely ignored factor; your body type. It is important to match the bag according to your body type as well. Most women often overlook this.

You have to avoid targeting the most popular and recent fashion craze when choosing an authentic designer handbag and instead you should try to get one which you will look good with when you wear them and are practical as well. A handbag is a bag and its main purpose is to keep your belongings as well. You don't want to be carrying your belongings outside your bag would you ?

A lot of women make this mistake of purchasing a handbag that is way too big for their body size or way too small for their body size and this could have a negative impact on their whole outlook when they go out to flaunt latest prized purchase only to make a fool out of themselves. You don't want to be a talking point just because you carry an awkward looking bag. If you are short, do not pretend to be tall. You should instead choose a bottled-shaped designer handbag or a knapsack which is not that large. With that being said, if you have a model-like figure, tall and slim, you should aim for round or square-shaped handbags. The right shape will fit in with your body size.

The right color for your authentic designer handbag is another important criteria you have to think about. If you need a handbag which can match most of your dresses, you should select a colorful style handbag. Do keep in mind to match the color well with dresses that you own. Before going out shopping for a handbag, try to put on the kind of dresses you'll want to match with the new handbag.

Most women tend to be more sensible and will go for a plain-colored handbag as this will easily match with anything that you have in the wardrobe. This prevents you from having a headache when you need to go for an outing with a matching handbag.

Do not overlook your budget as well. Some may even opt for replica designer handbags but is it really what you want to blow your money on ?

It can look the same and have the same appeal with great prices to boot but certainly you will feel awkward when walking beside a friend who holds an authentic designer handbag. However, if that doesn't faze you, just go with it.
Not all authentic designer handbags have to be very expensive though. There are many vendors selling them at wholesale prices if you can find them. Remember to also select an affordable authentic designer handbag for your needs. Don't buy something which you cannot afford and then starve for the whole month.

By: Sofia Saliem - GetDesignerHandbags.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

ON THE LAP OF LUXURY - LOUIS VUITTON

ON THE LAP OF LUXURY - LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton Malletier, which is sometimes shortened to just LV, is a well known French luxury leather goods and fashion brand and company. It is one of the primary divisions of LVMH which are headquartered in Paris, France. It is known especially for their bags and trunks. The company has also collaborated with many prominent figures for their marketing and design, the most popular being Gisele Bandchen and Marc Jacobs.

Louis Vuitton is also internationally renowned as well as highly regarded in the fashion world. As a result, it has been considered as one of the most imitated and forged contemporary luxury brands known. Also, it is one of the oldest international fashion brands as it started during the 1850s. The brand sells its products mainly through its online stores and its own retail stores. It also primarily competes with Gucci, Versace, Fendi, Prada, Chanel and other famous designer labels and brands.

Since the 19th century, Louis Vuitton has been manufacturing the same goods through the same process: the brand's luggage are still made by hand. Craftsmen would line up the canvas and the leather and then tap the tiny nails in one by one. Then five-letter solid and pick-proof brass locks would be secured along with an individual key that is also handmade. They are specifically designed to allow the user to have just one key to open all his or her luggage.

The company markets and manufactures luxury fashion accessories, leather goods, as well as jewelry. A lot of the products of the company make use of the signature Damier and Monogram Canvas, which were both used first during the late 19th century.

by Salwarkameezindia.com – online shopping

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

HANDBAG 101 - HANDBAG STYLES AND WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE

There is always that woman; you know the one I am talking about. The one who seems to always look good, the one who can take an ordinary outfit and make it seem as if it was meant just for her, the one with that innate fashion sense. What is it that makes her outfit look so good? Chances are that it is that she pays as much attention to her accessories as her choice in clothing. One accessory that can make the difference between ordinary and fashion chic is a handbag.

Choosing a Handbag for Your Body Type

Choosing a handbag that will go with your body type, your outfit and still hold your essentials for going out is an interesting task. To help you in your search here are the basic types of handbags:

• Tote – A bag with traps or handles and an open top.
• Hobo bag - A crescent-shaped shoulder bag with little structure.
• Duffle - Tall shoulder bag, often with a wider opening on top.
• Field bag - A flap-top shoulder bag with some way of closing it (buckles, snaps, etc).
• Clutch - A small, handheld bag (most often used for evening wear).
• Satchel- A large, handheld bag.
• Baguette - A bag that looks a lot like the bread; long and rounded.
• Messenger - A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
• Cigar Box - A small, boxy, hard bag.
• Pouch - A soft, small bag.
• Kelly bag - A style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive closures.
• Jelly Kelly - A bright rubber tote.

Short or Long - Huge or Small?

Here are a few tips that will help you understand when short handbags should be chosen over your normal handbag.

You should look for a bag that is opposite of your figure. If your tall and thin look for something rounded, if you’re a bit shorter and a little more round look for a squarer or more rectangular bag like a clutch. However, you also want to think about proportions. A very petite woman should not be carrying round a huge bag and a tiny bag next to a more curved woman will give the illusion that she is bigger than she really is.

Handbag Length Rules

Now, comes the rule for bag length. What parts of your body do you like and want to accentuate? Having a handbag at this part of your body will accentuate the feature. Generally short handbags will make your chest area look larger, so if this is not a part of your body you want looking bigger, I would suggest trying a bag with a little longer straps. With short handbags you will also want to try it on. Fashion may be important, but you also want comfort, and if the bag is too cramping around your arm or keeps hitting your chest the bag will be a waste of money no matter how fashionable.

Remember that the “in” style may not always be the best style for your figure, your outfit or your needs. So be sure not to just pick up whatever everyone else says is fashionable; take your time and find the bag that is perfect for you.

By: www.dotcomwomen.com

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com

Choosing Bead Jewelry

Beaded jewelry can be a great way to add spice, style, and flavor to your wardrobe. There are several different types of beaded jewelry that you can choose from including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and broaches. When shopping for these items you will need to decide what you are looking for, what size you will need, what style you are interested in, and what trends are currently in fashion.

Deciding on the Type of Bead Jewelry You Want

As mentioned earlier there are a lot of different types of bead jewelry that one can choose from. Beaded necklaces are usually the most popular beaded jewelry that women buy. However, beaded earrings are a close second.
Before you go shopping for your bead jewelry you need to decide what type of beaded jewelry that you are interested in. To help you make up your mind think about areas of your upper body that you would like to either emphasize or de-emphasize. Then select a beaded piece of jewelry that will accomplish this. For example, if you have a short neck then you may want to consider long strands of smaller beads to hang around your neck. This will help to create the illusion of a longer neck.

Sizing Your Bead Jewelry

After you have selected the type of beaded jewelry that you want to buy, your next step is to select the right size. The size of bead jewelry refers to a couple of things. First of all it refers to the size of the beads. Beads come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You should select a bead size that will be bold but not overpowering. The size and shape of the bead will also need to be selected based on the size of the body part the jewelry will be ornamenting.

Finding the Right Style

The style of bead jewelry that you select should not only reflect current trends, but it should also reflect your personality. If you are looking for a unique piece of beaded jewelry then you may need to explore specialty shops, antique shops, and auctions. All of these places will have pieces that you will not be able to find in regular retail stores and boutiques.

Trends

Fashion trends change every three to four months. Because of this it can be very expensive to keep your beaded jewelry wardrobe up-to-date. However, if you know how to extend the fashion life of your beaded jewelry then you can reduce how often you have to buy new pieces. To extend the fashion life of your beaded jewelry you should develop a foundational selection of beaded jewelry that includes solid color strands, basic earring designs, and a variety of bead strands with different sized beads. Then add one or two trendy pieces each season to your wardrobe that coordinate with your primary pieces.
By : http://www.dotcomwomen.com

The fashion bags and jewelry

The fashion bags and jewelry themselves always have the implicit attraction which no one could resist. And surely I am not an exception.

Fashion Bag and Jewelry – our indulgence !

http://www.fashionbagnjewelry.blogspot.com