Christmas Jewellery

So this year I opted for a new type of gift for my number one niece. I know I shouldn’t have favourites but let us be honest with our selves we all have them, so why not spend accordingly.

My niece is 8, she is at that age where she is not as easily impressed as she used to be. You actually have to buy her something relatively impressive to get the praise, cuddles and appreciation that she used to give out at the site of anything shiny. So this year I wanted to also get her something that would last, and maybe even that would make her remember her generous auntie from time to time.

I eventually decided that I wanted to purchase her some jewellery. A few searches later I came across a girl’s jewellery site called Molly Brow that had a vast collection of jewellery specially designed and targeted at young girls. It was difficult to  settle on just one item as there were so many lovely pieces many of which would have been ideal.

In the end I choose this lovely pink fairy necklace from their ‘Aurora Collection’, which comes on a sterling silver chain and features a fresh water pearl – and the lovely little legs even move also! Super cute!

My Niece was absolutely delighted with the necklace, and I took great pleasure in seeing her staring in awe of it over the Christmas period.

I would highly recommend Molly Brown for presents and will certainly be them again in the future. The necklace came with lovely wrapping free of charge, which added to the pleasure of buying from the company and meant less time and money spent on wrapping also.

Spend or Save: Designer Accessories

Shoes. Handbags. Jewellery. Every woman has her vice when it comes to designer fashion. In an ideal world, money wouldn’t be an object and we’d be dressed (subtley of course) in head-to-toe well made clothing and accessories that give a nod toward the latest trends while incorporating classic style, designer gear and our own unique finishing touches. However, it’s not an ideal world so we have to make our fashion purchases with a bit of consideration, namely in the descion refered to worldwide in women’s fashion magazines as ‘Spend or Save’.

In my opinion, it’s better to scrimp on your everyday clothing, but spend good money on designer accessories that will last you forever. Although I’m shoe obsessed, my hard-earned pounds go toward designer handbags, every time. Practical as well as fashionable, designer handbags come in a variety of price ranges and with perseverance and a good eye, the more price concious can easily ‘bag’ a discount designer handbag.

Designer handbags come in all shapes and sizes, as well as constantly changing colours and styles. This makes them both desirable and able to be matched with all sorts of outfits to create a new look or update an old one. They say “you get what you pay for”, and designer handbags are often made from quality materials like buttersoft calf leather and strong metal hardware to ensure you do get your money’s worth for a strong sturdy bag. So for those that say “you’re just paying for the label” – in more cases than not you’re actually paying for quality as well.

I’d rather have a handbag for 20 years that I love that I paid a lot for, rather than continually replacing a new handbag every couple of months when they break. Sure, I have a variety of handbags – cheap, designer and vintage – but it’s those designer handbags that steal my heart and my pay check. Still unconvinced? Have a mosey over to ebay and see the price that a second hand designer bag goes for – you’ll be shocked to see that, if well looked after, they don’t lose much of their value so you can resell them in a few years and give them a new loving home, unlike the Primarini bag that doesn’t last longer than a month.

Celebrities are often seen with the latest must have it bag of the season, which are usually very expensive. This creates a buzz around the handbag and makes it very desirable, and results in a waiting list to obtain one and a wide range of ‘knock offs’ reaching the market. My advice is to steer clear of these, as after a few months it’s difficult to tell from a difference whoses got the real one and whose got a fake, and the fakes won’t last the distance. Look out for sales on reliable online fashion retailers who stock discount designer labels instead.

Other fashion accessories, such as hats and sunglasses, look good and have a purpose, but I think that designer handbags is overall the best fashion accessory that are worth spending a bit extra on to get the value and wear out of them in the long run.

Shoes and more shoes

For me the best fashion accessories are definitely shoes and bags. Of course I do love jewellery, bangles, necklaces and earrings but I really love bags and shoes.

In my world no outfit is complete without a suitable bag and shoes to accessorise. Occasionally I would wear a hat but only for a very special outing, but I would never go without a suitable bag and shoes. I usually try to match my bag in shoes, if not in brand they definitely in colour. Never listen to those who say a black bag and shoes will do, there are so many variations of black and so many styles to choose from. I have been known to spend more time choosing my bag and shoes that the actual outfit. For a special day out I will look for a designer label but for ordinary outings or going to work I opt for a good high street label such as the designer ranges in Debenhams, John Lewis or Marks and Spencer.

A girl can never have too many shoes or bags, and very often the accessories are more important, they grab attention and show that I care. Attention to detail is crucial it shows that you have made the effort.

Watch out Wimbledon! Tennis Fashion is here

Tennis. All you need is a racket, a ball, a court and a playing partner. But not if you want to start playing seriously. Sure – for a knock about at the park where what you like but tennis club rules are a different kettle of fish.

Thinking of becoming a member of your local club? Expect to find rules like this:

1) Tennis shoes must be worn.
2) Shoe tags must be worn by members.
3) Sports clothing must be worn.

Sports clothing is often defined as tennis whites – tennis shorts, white polo shirt and white socks. Lycra, rugby / football shirts and vest are a definitely no-no.

Of course, some courts are starting to relax their attitude to clothing but this is still a very traditional game and many clubs are eager to maintain their professional image.

it’s all in the finishing touches

Many an outfit can be transformed with the right accessories. They can also help to bring something very last season right back on trend.

A prime example of this is the belt. Previously this is not an accessory I concerned myself with as I didn’t see the point in something you didn’t see however now with the rise in popularity of the cinch belt I am certainly a belt convert. Take any empire line top, tunic or dress of spring/summer 2007, add a coordinating cinch belt and it changes the whole look of that outfit. Also you can take a plain tee and make it look much funkier with this simple additional of a belt.

Another great accessory is the bag. I love how much this can change an outfit. Something quite formal can be dressed down with a big slouch bag and something quite simple can be glammed up with a sequin clutch.

And finally, give a little room in your accessory drawer for the wide array of patterned and coloured tights available. A great way to make summer outfits more suitable for our changeable weather, whilst still looking stylish.