May 23rd, 2010 at 05:11pm
Under Cufflinks Articles
The prom is one of the most exciting days in a young person’s life. Almost every high school student looks forward to this day. Whether you have a gorgeous partner at your side or you and all your friends decide to go together, it is surely a night filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
Selecting the Right Attire
There is so much preparation that goes into the prom to make it a spectacular event for everyone involved. Therefore enough consideration should be given when creating your look for the night. Starting with your outfit, always remember that uniqueness is what will get heads turning so opt for a dress or suit that will embrace your individuality.
When it comes to selecting that perfect dress, a great tip is to scan through a few fashion magazines. This will not only give you an idea of what is in at the moment but might also inspire you to come up with your own original designs. Also, take a look at what’s hot on the runway or what celebrities are wearing on the red carpet. Chances are you might not be so fortunate as to afford an original Valentino or Versace; there are many dressmakers out there that can recreate these styles. Do not be despaired if you cannot find a good dressmaker. There are so many choices to choose from on the internet and in the stores that you will have more than enough options. With so many designs available, you can choose a dress that perfectly fits your body type in the color and design of your choice.
Guys, you might not have as wide of a selection when it comes to prom wear. Uniqueness and individuality can surely still be achieved. Uniqueness however does not mean investing in a purple suit that makes you look like Barney, unless of course you can pull it off. Try to keep it classic but add a color shirt and tie to make your outfit look interesting. Wait until your date has decided on a color for her prom dress and then incorporate this color into your outfit. A black clean cut suit or tuxedo should do the trick, but don’t be afraid of pinstripes either. White suits or tuxedos for the guys could be one of the more trendy looks for 2009. White, if worn correctly looks chic and sophisticated. Before attempting to go with a white suit or tux, take a look at some pictures and see if you think you can pull it off. You don’t want to wear white just to wear it; you want to make sure you look good.
Accessories Can Make or Break Your Look
If you make your dress the main focus of your look, you clearly do not need multiple arm bands or huge earrings to complete your outfit. A dress that is interesting on its own should be the main attraction. By adorning yourself with an over abundance of accessories, you might look overdone. If you choose a dress that is bold enough to attract attention, you can go with small stud earrings or something with little sparkle. Some bracelets may look great with your dress but there is also a chance you won’t need one at all.
Opting for a simple dress with one solid color might leave more room for accessorizing. The trend for 2009 is to mix and match your accessories. For instance, a plain knee-length turquoise dress can be completed by adding brown and blue crystal bead chandelier earrings. An arm bracelet with a mixture of turquoise, green and brown crystal beads might just put the finishing touches on the outfit. If you do not want to wear accessories, then make your shoes interesting. Pointed toe shoes with an original design would look great with a simple single colored dress.
The choices of accessories for the guys are also quite slim. A top hat can add to the sophistication of a suit but stay away from the long chains with a dollar sign pendant. Other than a watch, a ring or some nice earrings there aren’t too many choices to accessorize with for the gentlemen.
Hair Do’s And Don’ts
With the invention of the straightening iron, hair is no longer a “big” issue. For both girls and guys straightly ironed hair is a good look for a prom. Ladies, leave the honeycomb for your wedding and try to keep your hair down, possibly straight or maybe add some soft curls. This will make your face look soft and fresh. For the guys, short hair is key. Mohawks do express individuality, but do you really want to look back in 10 years and see that? A nice short hair cut or possibly even a shaved head will look just fine. However, don’t go too short, bald heads are for body builders so allow some time for a little growth.
By 12oclock
May 21st, 2010 at 11:00pm
Under Masonic Articles
Every time you give a gift to someone, you have the opportunity to show your appreciation of their unique character. It can reinforce many different sentiments; confidence in the person’s ability, affection for their style, support of their endeavor or recognition of their accomplishment.
But the gift of jewelry is unique; by virtue of the fact that it’s worn on the person’s body. Pride jewelry is distinctive because it recognizes and supports the universal right to love whoever we choose.
What makes gay pride jewelry exceptional is the use of symbols and colors which have a particular sexual connotation. For instance many gay pride jewelry items feature interlocking male or female gender insignia or show the figures of two women or two men intertwined in a loving embrace.
The rainbow flag has been adopted by the gay rights movement as a symbol of tolerance and appreciation for all of the ways that love expresses itself through human beings. This timeless symbol was developed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978 and over time has evolved to become the most widely used in designing gay pride jewelry.
Presenting a pride jewelry gift is an outstanding way to show your solidarity and support of a person’s sexual preference and their right to be free from discrimination and social oppression. It’s an excellent way to demonstrate and acknowledge the principle of “what affects one of us, affects all of us.”
In addition to beauty, gay pride jewelry also serves as a voice that sends an unmistakable message. Just as the slogan “make love, not war” became a rallying call in the 1960s against the Vietnam War, the term “Gay power” took root in our consciousness.
For women and men alike, pride jewelry reaffirms their sexuality, their self esteem and their right to marry. One of the most popular choices in gay pride jewelry is based around the number “1138.” There are earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings which prominently feature this number that represents the amount of federal rights, protections and benefits that are granted through marriage.
With the recent landmark ruling in the state of California in the United States, which allows same-sex couples to marry, a gay pride jewelry gift from the 1138 collection would be a significant way to commemorate this legal victory that has been years in the making.
A gift of gay pride jewelry is truly one of the most personal ways to touch the heart and uplift the spirit: a most appropriate way to honor a special person. That special person could well be yourself; wearing gay pride jewelry is a tangible way to stay firmly in touch with your ideals. And it’s a beautiful way to announce your commitment to diversity, equality and tolerance to the world.
By 12oclock
May 13th, 2010 at 01:45pm
Under Masonic Articles
Charm necklaces have a simple but long history, over thousands of years. A charm is a talisman, a keepsake, which reminds you of something special, and helps you keep your focus on a certain goal or purpose. They have taken shape as religious symbols fashioned in precious metals and highlighted with gems, as simple stones wrapped in leather, or birds carved from bone representing a special significance to the wearer. Today, charms are worn on necklaces and bracelets for exactly the same reason.
History of Charm Necklaces
Charms were worn by both men and women, thousands of years ago, long before any formal system of writing was developed. Shapes derived from nature bore the significance to the wearer as well as the color of the stone or bone, and its original location. In Egypt, in the days of the Pharaohs, we can see necklaces with charms that were so big, they looked like breast plates, whereas the charms on bracelets were slender and petite. In India and the Asian countries, charm necklaces are still worn using seeds that are one to two inches in diameter, called malas.
Eventually, wolf and bear claws, saber tooth tiger fangs, and nuggets with threads of gold, silver, and copper running through them made way for tooled gems and intricately carved birds, animals, and flowers. Entire scenes carved in ivory became popular as man refined his use of tools and that which was readily available as resource evolved. Soon lockets with hair curled up inside and miniature paintings of beloveds became all the rage until today, when the simple hand engraving of your baby’s name on a single gold disc becomes imbued with all your love and passion for this new life.
Charm Necklaces Today
Throughout society today, necklaces with just a single charm are just as popular as those with an entire family of charms. The stones used by artists in their charm jewelry are precious and semi-precious gems, pearls, crystals, and curious nuggets that glisten in the light. They take shape as copper hearts with sterling or fine silver discs overlaid with flower patterns, diamond encrusted hearts with diamond studded baby shoes hanging in the center, and slender name tags accented with turquoise beads and silver sun charms. The combinations and patterns are endless but the hottest trend today is personalization.
Personalized Charm Necklaces
Personalization can mean adding a little something of your own creation to make it uniquely your own, or, as is the craze today, hand engraving or machine stamping a message of love, your life partner’s name, or as seen worn be celebrities everywhere, personalizing with baby’s name and date of birth. This is a natural progression for charms to take because they represent your dreams, goals, and desires and what greater love does a mother have than that for her child. In gold or silver, or even sterling silver with 22kt gold inlaid hearts, the name of your precious love is carried with you at all times, nestled to your heart, reminding you that love is eternal.
By 12oclock
May 10th, 2010 at 11:00am
Under Masonic Articles
Did you notice the pack of teens that just skirted by? Amongst the mid-drift t-shirts, the micro white shorts, and the streaks of neon yellow and green that peak through, there’s a new theme that teenagers are proclaiming. Body jewelry, now becoming mainstream, is giving way to the Ed Hardy shirts, while the craze to declare ones love for music shines. Be it a guitar pick hanging from a long neck chain, or a rhinestone guitar bracelet, guitar jewelry is hot.
“It’s a chance to show our own style” uttered Jim, a tall but slightly built teen, who had several guitar pick necklaces around his neck, on top of a ripped T Shirt with tattoo motifs ablaze. “Skulls” and “Death” in bright colors intertwined as the soft melancholy vocals of the band “tomorrow’s death” played on. “My girlfriend and I hooked up at the last concert and we rock”, proclaimed Jim as he proudly showed us the new necklace just purchased for his girlfriend – a long chain with guitar pick, rhinestone guitar and peace sign charms.
Attributed to Hannah Montana, or perhaps a resurgent love for the guitar itself, teens are in love with the motif. From the buzzing and wildly electric craze, to the more mellow and enjoyable country folk sound, guitars are everywhere – emblems on a blouse; screened onto a hat, or guitar jewelry, the theme is simple – MUSIC LIVES inside all of us. Declared with youthful energy as individual styles are decided, it appears that teens have struck a new note on a recurrent theme – Rock ‘n Roll is here to stay – a theme which many of us might recall from a few years back.
By 12oclock
May 6th, 2010 at 11:00am
Under Cufflinks Articles
Visit Ian at his studio in Lavender Hill Clapham and you’ll find him working at the coal face with his subordinates, unafraid to get his hands dirty. A Scouser by birth and the son of a builder he chose a different career path that lead him out of working class Liverpool and into London, the fashion capitol of the world. After designing for many prestigious brand names Ian thought it was time to harness his energies and direct them toward developing his own brand. It’s been a long road from Liverpool, now his delightful cufflinks are displayed in some of the most famous department stores around the world, including Selfridges and John Lewis (UK), Nordstroms (USA) David Jones (Australia) plus stores in Japan with un-pronounceable names. The cufflink market is becoming more crowded as designer brands cash in on the growing popularity of men’s jewellery. Plus there is the lure of manufacturing in Asia as a way to increase profits, but not without risk of negative effect on your reputation. Increasing profits at your customer’s expense does not make good long term business sense. Ian’s a big fan of traditional British craftsmanship and prefers the workmanship he gets from his own Battersea studio.
Ian’s designs are hand cast in pure English pewter, because it gives the most accurate result. Each item is double plated in rhodium, a precious metal derived from platinum, and polished before being hand-enamelled or inset with Swarovski crystal. Then polished and inspected again to make sure it’s flawless. Rhodium prevents tarnishing and adds functionality to form making them extremely hard wearing, less likely to be scarred thus adding value. His cufflinks don’t tarnish and neither will his reputation. His customers keep coming back for more precisely because he does not cut corners.
The bespoke market survives amidst a mass manufacturing revolution, delivering products in accordance with an ever growing demand. Other reputable designers are also gaining recognition for their talent, Jo Downs, Babbette Wasserman, Veritas and Tateossian. Their styles differ enough to maintain originality and the majority of their cufflinks are made in England. Ian literally draws his design inspiration from the world around him. He’s always looking at patterns and reflections, sketching things that catch his eye as he walks down the street. His designs have been copied, often blatantly by many big names. He continues his work happily labelled the quiet achiever, carving out a name for himself in the fashion rock face of. The only thing that overshadows Ian’s immense talent is his sincerity; his working class principles remain intact. Having a pair of his cufflinks in your collection is a must; you’ll reveal their unique story each time you bind your links to cuff. Now his cufflinks are available on http://www.patrickmcmurray.com and other quality shops.
By 12oclock
May 1st, 2010 at 01:15am
Under Cufflinks Articles
Ugg shoes are well known to keep cold off from your feet during the winter. These shoes started with the humble beginning of being the sheep grazers’ shoes during that cold season when you could easily catch a frost during your walks. Made from sheep skin, these shoes are the blandest looking shoes ever created.
Sheep fur is known to keep your feet warm naturally; in fact the fur is so good that you may not even require wearing socks inside the shoes. Sheep skin is soft, no wonder these shoes are soft and very comfortable. Uggs are well known all over the world. However, there is quite some controversy regarding who started the retail venture for these shoes.
The Ugg shoes originated in Australia, however, these have traveled all over the world. The Ugg is called so because of their bland looks, these are generally in the sheep skin color, therefore these do not have the shine or look of normal leather shoes.
Sheep skin is softer, therefore, there was a stiff layering inserted inside of these shoes to keep them from folding over and staying fit over the person’s foot. Ugg shoes are more well known among young teenage girls than any body else.
However, people are finding these shoes very comfortable to be worn inside the house like slippers, especially during the winter. The sheep skin can keep your feet absolutely warm without you having to wear socks. It has been noticed that the sheep skin is beneficial for wear.
There are different types emerging in the Ugg, the Ugg shoes, Ugg slippers, Ugg Slip ons, etc. all for winter wear. You will find these shoes in many retail shops all over the world. If you would like to take a look at these first, you will find these also with the online shoes websites. Most famous shoes websites like the Zappos.com, Shoebuy.com, etc have these shoes with them.
With end of season sales, you increase your chances of finding a product cheaper than at your regular mall. Check out the Ugg at different online shoe malls.
By 12oclock
April 11th, 2010 at 11:25am
Under Cufflinks Articles
Occasions happen every day. This is because there are so many different types of occasions; from birthdays to a barmitzvah, graduations to a first job, engagements to weddings, and divorce to funerals, in fact there are so many different types of occasions it is almost impossible to get away from them.
For every occasion there is a particular type of present that is associated with it. For example, for someone’s birthday, a birthday cake always seems to be at the top of the list. There are others too, but the cake always seems to go with the birthday. For anniversaries, a photo frame always seems to be a good present, marking the anniversary with a few pictures to put in some nice-looking photo frames. Sometimes however, choosing the right present for the right occasion is very hard, especially if it is someone who you do not know all that well. Perhaps you have been invited to a wedding by an old school friend who you have not seen for quite a number of years or invited to a neighbours birthday who you only really say hello to in the morning. Deciding what to get them can be tricky and even though there are so many different types of gifts, deciding what to buy can take a while.
One option that has become far more popular in recent years is designer cufflinks. Designer cufflinks are a great present for almost anyone. Many people like to dress up for parties and events and look as trendy as they can. Cufflinks are a great addition to a person’s outfit and with a pair of designer cufflinks, people can really look the business. Cufflinks can be bought for both men and women and there are many different types of cufflinks available to suit the needs of both genders.
There are in fact a vast range of brands that sell designer cufflinks. Some of these include Ted Baker, Clogau Gold, Caran d’Ache and Emporio Armani. Emporio Armani is a particularly popular brand as the logo is very recognisable in the fashion world yet small enough to fit neatly onto the individual cufflinks. The Emporio Armani cufflinks are set in mother of pearl, but there are various other styles that can be chosen to suit the tastes of those who require the designer item.
So if anyone is in any doubt over what to buy someone for an occasion such as a birthday or a wedding, designer cufflinks are definitely a good purchase. They look good, feel good and are reasonably priced too and in particular models can be picked out for almost anyone.
By 12oclock
April 10th, 2010 at 12:55am
Under Cufflinks Articles
If man is frail and subject to get sick, God has put into his disposition many methods of healing. Great men upon this earth always sought to heal the persons in trouble and sickness. Both body, psyche and the spirit can get sick. One of the great expression of holy men is healing the persons who seek them to be healed. God Himself intervenes in human history and those who seek Him and ask for healing He grants them the grace of healing even without having the accessibility to medical treatment.
Man is a likeness and image of God. Man has tremendous powers dormant in him. When man is enlightened, the spiritual powers are awakened in him. The healing energy flows into man’s body like the electric current. This energy vibrates. When the healing energy of man vibrates over any part of the body it gets healed with the use of other medicines. Man can heal others and himself by the power of his will united that to God. Then man becomes the canal to transmit God’s healing power, when this power flows into the affected part of the body, that part gets purified and gets healed. By his positive vibrations man can heal the body and the psyche of every person. But man needs Faith to believe in it.
The healing energy doesn’t heal everyone in a similar or standardized manner. The healing depends upon one’s faith and the receptive magnetic power flow. If the super consciousness is alert in man he can be the master of himself and gain power over the nature. When man acquires the healing power, the nature simply obeys him and it performs the action exactly as commanded by the man who gives command. The intuitive power get very alert in the mind of the healer. By concentrating on the sick person, the healer is able to say exactly what is the sickness, what is the cause, when did it happen exactly and then he suggests the treatment.
By 12oclock
April 9th, 2010 at 06:40am
Under Cufflinks Articles
There many different types of fine jewellery nowadays so this guide will aim to focus on a shortlist of the most popular types. I’ll be focussing on jewellery such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches and associated jewellery gifts. This kind of jewellery is usually only made by a small number of brand name jewellers who only produce high quality high value pieces.
However unfortunately for every item of jewellery which becomes popular in the mass market, there are usually unscrupulous companies who want to cash in on their success by producing replica copies and selling them online. These are the kinds of jewellery products which you may have seen in spam email or offered at a fraction of their usual cost on auction websites.
Fine Jewellery – Wedding & Diamond Rings
Diamond rings traditionally associated with engagements and weddings come in a variety of types and designs. Most notably are solitaire or singular diamond rings, eternity rings, usually given to a partner after the birth of their first child or later in a marriage to show the ever lasting bold between a couple and 3 stone diamonds rings which have a set of three diamonds. Diamonds rings are made with a band of a variety of metals such platinum, gold and silver being the popular choices today.
Diamonds however because of their high value are not the norm when it comes to wedding rings and the majority of couples who wear rings choose much plainer and more affordable options. In addition there a number of other fine jewellery rings which contain other gemstones such as amethyst, aquamarine, ruby, sapphire and opal rings which are available on the market today. Wedding rings without a jewel are popular and are usually made from a high carat of gold such as 22ct or other previous metals such as palladium or silver.
Fine Jewellery – Bracelets, Necklace & Pendants
Gold & silver necklaces have always been popular fine jewellery even throughout history as they can be easily worn and are immediately seen as a statement of wealth and power. Other jewellery such as rings and bracelets rely on the hands being on display. Bracelets are available in a number of styles and are usually made from either Gold or silver, but other metals are common also. Bracelets design can range of simple bangles to complex intricate fine jewellery with gemstones, diamonds and even engraved beads such as within recently popular lovelinks. Lovelinks have become popular because the wearer can change the beads along the bracelet to suit their mood or outfit.
Gold & silver pendants are an extension of the necklace idea, typically they feature a simple gold or silver chain and then a focal point of a pendant in the centre of the chain, which usually is worn above the cleavage. Pendants range from gold lockets, a single gemstone such as a sapphire or ruby or an assortment of gemstones.
Fine Jewellery – Earrings & Cufflinks
Earrings have been worn for many years as a sign of wealth in history but more recently becoming mainstream must have accessories for women and even some men. Some tribes around the world wear earrings as part of their traditional dress, though they do not wear the type of fine jewellery that you and I see available on the high street, they make their earrings ornate and stylised. The types of jewellery earrings that are available tend to be high value gemstone earrings such as diamonds, opals, topaz and ruby earrings.
Fine Jewellery – Watches
There a number of big brand fine jewellery watch manufacturers who have long histories and making high quality, long lasting and accurate timepieces. Watches such as rotary watches and Victorinox watches are popular brands who make timepieces for both men and women in either gold or silver. Some have metal straps and some leather as different people prefer the comfort of leather over the strength and durability of metal straps. Victorinox Swiss Army watches have a world famous reputation for making high quality Swiss Army knives and this along with the fact that Switzerland has a long history of clock making has helped them build up a similar following for their range of watches.
By 12oclock
March 28th, 2010 at 01:25am
Under Cufflinks Articles
It is that jolly, holly time of year again when everyone is filled with good cheer. And happily, it is time to uncover some irresistible Christmas gifts for your favorite 19-year-old. Most 19-year-olds are open to all kinds of gifts from the very inexpensive to the costly. They appreciate whatever you give them.
If they like electronic gadgets, for instance, a pocket digital video recorder may be just the thing. Or perhaps a 4GB MP3 player. Then again, a great laptop computer would surely be a welcome gift.
A super travel gift might be a set of luggage – both wheel-on and carry-on. Or, how about an electronic piano. This keyboard rolls up and fits into a handy slim pouch. But it has a resounding tone. It is a 49-key, 4-octave piano keyboard with tuning knobs and speaker.
What do you say about taking a closer look at a few great Christmas gifts? So, if you are ready, just grab a coffee and pull up a chair. Here we go.
Nifty Digital Camera – Chances are great that a 19-year-old would really like a a digital camera. This digital camera has an optical-zoom lens and a 3 inch LCD screen. It comes with optical image stabilization and 1GB of memory. This camera is light-weight and runs on a rechargeable battery.
Jewelry or Accessories – Now here is a gift to bring a smile to the face of your favorite 19-year-old. For a girl, a pearl necklace or necklace of gold beads is a gift of simple elegance. Add to this later with matching earrings or a bracelet. For a boy, a pair of cuff links engraved with his initials might be exactly what he wants for those special occasions. Or, consider a waterproof watch showing the time, the day and the date and equipped with an alarm.
Telescope – A telescope provides a a fascinating bird’s eye view of constellations and stars. This telescope is computerized and comes with GPS to let you know your position in relation to the stars. The software makes it easy to identify celestial bodies.
UBS Guitar – If someone wants to set up a recording studio, this is the way to do it. With this UBS guitar and cable, you can turn your computer into a recording studio. Also, you can produce a full orchestra sound with MP3 songs for backup.
Fabulous Name Scroll – Here is one gift that is always a hit. This scroll contains the person’s first name and its meaning along with famous people with that name. The background of the scroll is a painting of animals, flowers or a crest. There is a golden crown, a crest, a seal, and a colorful border. This treasured gift is ready for framing.
I hope that this quick peek at some gift ideas inspired you. Irresistible Christmas gifts for your favorite 19-year-old are fun to look for. In the meantime, stay warm and have yourself a wonderful Christmas.
By 12oclock
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