How Geodes in Fashion?

Since then, their popularity among celebrities and designers alike has grown. These chunky accessories have remained hot topics for 2012 and remain relevant in forecasts of accessory trends for the near future.

Many of us have seen a piece of geode jewelry, but perhaps we are unfamiliar with the term. A geode is basically a hollow rock filled with crystals, commonly associated with desert regions. If you've ever visited one of our dryer states, chances are that you've encountered a geode in a local souvenir shop. Geodes have been used in various pagan rituals, however, are more commonly used to decorate fish tanks or as paperweights. Now, the hollowed rocks have been sliced and cut to create beautiful and unique rings, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces of all sorts.

Quite a few retailers offer their geode creations to the world for purchase. Brooks Brothers presents a stunningly simple design for $78. A turquoise piece of microcrystal sits prettily surrounded in gold, while an additional tear drop of gold adds charm to the design. Guess offers matching rings, earrings, and a necklace. All have a similar design featuring "Guess" written in black on a gray nodule. Gems sit encrusted in gold in the very center of the geode, giving a little bit of sparkle to each piece. The necklace alone is priced at $125. Oscar de la Renta also offers a rich, jewel-toned necklace priced at $825. The necklace, set in gold, features gentle ruffle detailing that borders each nodule piece. Tiny gems have been strategically set at the border of each geode to add a little sparkle to the look.

Other designs include embellishments of gems, pearls, flowers, and sometimes rhinestone encrusted characters. Etsy.com seems to host a wide selection of handmade geode jewelry and for the bargain shopper, geode pieces set in sterling silver can be purchased off of eBay for as little as $7.99.

How to Wear... 

Geode pieces give an "earthy" feel to an outfit that oozes class and luxury. We have seen these accessories paired with evening gowns on the red carpet as well as with jeans and a tee to give a little spice to an otherwise ordinary ensemble.

Choose colors that are natural if opting for an imitation piece. Turquoises, pinks, purples, blues, and earth tones are some of the hues that nature created. If unsure, Google or Bing it!

Chunky pieces should be treated as statement pieces. These bulky and eye catching items should be worn with an outfit that is solid in color. Many designers pair geodes with like colors to give a monochromatic feel to the ensemble while others have gone with contrast. Nevertheless, a chunky piece of geode should be the focus of your outfit.

Smaller pieces can be worn with patterned shirts and tees to accentuate your style. These pieces feel a little less formal and can be layered with other metallic accessories. Monica Gellar - I mean Courtney Cox - does an excellent job sporting a printed tank with a simple geode hanging on a long gold necklace.

How Tips for Hosting The Best Baby Shower?

One of the more important things that can happen, however, is when we have a child. It is an event that is not to be forgotten, so when it is time to have the baby shower, you must make sure that everything is planned out in advance. Although there certainly are many different things that need to be considered when it comes to planning a baby shower, here are a few tips that can help the day to go as smoothly as possible.

The first thing that you should consider is the fact that most baby showers are not going to require any type of elaborate designs. As a matter of fact, with a few simple ideas, you can often put a baby shower together that is going to be one of the best that anyone invited has ever attended. Of course, the design of the baby shower and the ideas that you use are going to depend in large part upon the expectant mother. Make sure you understand her likes and dislikes before choosing a theme for the shower, as that can certainly help to sway your decision.

The invitations are something that should be considered very carefully. You should theme the invitations in the same way that you selected the theme for the shower itself. It helps to put people in the mood for the shower and can give them a little bit of a taste of what to expect once they arrive. In some cases, you can hand write the invitations which will give a little bit of a personal touch. You may also want to choose some of the invitations that are available online, as they can be rather unique as well. Just make sure that you keep them consistent and you will find that it is much easier for you as a result.

What is going to be chosen for the new child? The gifts that are given are often going to be determined by the registry that is chosen by the expectant mother. In some cases, the registry may exist in more than one location. Don't be afraid, however, to step outside the lines to a certain extent. Keep in mind, most new mothers are not going to realize exactly how many baby burp cloth or hooded towels they may need to take care of the child. They may think that just a handful of these items is going to suffice but as many of us know, babies tend to go through these items very quickly.

When it is time for the big day, make sure that everything is set up in advance. Enlist the help of some of your closest friends to make sure that the decorations and the setup are taken care of properly. Set up each individual table and then work on the exterior of the room, putting up any decorations that may be available. Once that is completed, you will be ready for the big event.

Designer High Heels A Girls Best Friend

The feeling that starts with the smell of the fine leather, the feel of the shoe in the hand, the way your eye is drawn to the detail in the stitching, the lining the subtle marking on the sole identifying the type of leather used. Hand made in Italy by artisans from the finest leathers, python skin, crocodile or suede to provide a feeling on the foot never before experienced in a high heel. The first few steps and you are transformed by the glamour the impeccable style and design, they are graceful and sensitive to the foot providing comfort in even a 5 inch heel. The first time in designer heels is for many of us a defining moment, heads will turn, compliments will abound and a lifelong love affair has begun.

The obsession many of us have with designer high heels can seem to some as bizarre and overindulgent with the price of a pair of heels often referred to as outrageous and even obscene and I have no intention of defending or debating that view. I can only add that for me personally designer high heel shoes and boots are worth every penny.

Designers are always at the leading edge of innovation and creativity. They have a love, dedication, passion and skill that shines through in their work producing at times what can only be described as masterpieces. Iconic shoes that can define a generation, heels that can capture a moment in history and preserve it or timeless classics that convey the same stylish understated elegance today as they did 50 years ago.

Although high heels have been around for a long time designer high heels are relatively modern. As women become more independent and have a greater disposable income all designer products not just shoes are becoming more affordable. Although seen as prohibitively expensive, it is possible for most women to own at least one pair of designer heels and as the fashion world is in constant flux and tastes change many luxury designer labels are available on sale at a very reasonable price. One pair of handmade Italian all leather heels will outlast countless pairs of poorly made, mass manufactured shoes and provide the wearer the luxury and style she deserves.

I would like in conclusion to state my heartfelt and passionate belief that the joy and pleasure that many of us get from owning and wearing beautiful designer high heel shoes provide the perfect panacea to the increasingly hectic lifestyles we live.

Custom Made Handbags for Women

Although it may have only been a few minutes ago, do you remember grabbing your handbag, car keys, travel mug, climbing into your vehicle - SUV, CUV or just a plain old sedan - and heading off to work?

When you left the house, did you give your handbag much thought? Like most people, the answer probably is no. Whether your bag is really a Birkin or just a TJ Maxx special, it is important to you because it holds your entire life - in microcosm, of course - inside. Since it is so important, if you are considering a new handbag, make sure that it is up to any situation.

Examples

When the time arrived to make the purchase did you think about it in terms of longevity, good looks or cost? It's a legitimate question because: 

- A handbag that is poorly made won't last long; could find yourself with you "life story" spilling on the street or subway when some cheap seam let go. 

- A handbag that is better made will cost you more and it will provide more protection to the important items you keep inside. Such a handbag should have double-stitched seams, multiple compartments and will also feature a secure clasp. 

- A handbag that is unique or custom-made will be able to stand up to normal, daily use, as well as any abuse it may face from the daily jostle on the street car platform or the bus station where crowds are particularly thick and thin.

Once you get home, after a particularly trying train or bus ride, following a horrendous day at the office where your temper may be very worn, you should be sure that not only will your uniquely designed and custom-built handbags stand up to the train, bus or your temper, but that it will handle any indignities at home, brought on by a slowly slipping temper. Will it survive a 25-foot toss to a tabletop? Or, will it be up to a slam on a coffee table, followed by a quick flip to a couch or bed another 10 or 15 feet away? This makes a very good case for a custom handbag, doesn't it?

Specialty Bag Features

For example, if you purchase a custom-built bag, you will be happy with the choice. Bags made by custom manufacturers will not only take the daily use and abuse, but, at the same time, a well-made bag makes the owner feel happy. It would not be out of line to say that a custom-built bag will make the owner believe that the handbag was built especially for her arm.

Given the importance of finding the handbag that feels as if it has been made for you, here are some features to consider in your shopping. First, though the manufacturer may make thousands of handbags per day, the bag should still feel as if its manufacturer had made it just for you. It follows, that when you pick it up, it should feel as if it were made by a custom bag manufacturer just for you.

You must also look closely at:

- The seams - are they double-stitched and hand-finished or does it feel "thrown together?" 

- The seams be manufacture-red of quality materials and the finish work such as stitching must be high-quality, using a good leather and high-strength thread. 

- There are two seam stitching options, a chain stitch which is naturally stronger, although a double running stitch will also ensure a strong handbag base. 

- Look closely at the handbag's closure. The best closure results will be from a zippered bag where the zipper handle is tucked out of the way in its own enclosure. 

- Look at the quality of the closure mechanism. As discussed, a zippered, protected enclosure is best, however, if the manufacturer finished the bag as a fold-over with a magnetic clasp, the bag is still worth a close look as this is actually quite secure. The extra material and clasp will keep your valuables safe.