Tis the Season for Gifting

Sometimes we just can't figure out the "perfect gift." We've been told countless times, "It's the thought that counts," but does your recipient have any idea how many thoughts you've put into that gift? If they just appreciated the thought, you'd be finished with all your gifts by now wouldn't you?

Jewelry is always a good present when you just use some analysis and visualization. First, think of the recipient's overall style. Are they classic, trendy, casual or the executive type? Do they always wear earrings but never a necklace? Do they own hunking big diamond earrings and only wear necklaces? Is it bracelets they love? Or is there a color that always reminds you of them? Secondly, try to imagine looking at them. Isn't that easier than trying to read their mind when you have no idea what they want, need, read, or what size they wear?

My hairdresser is petite, funky, wears large earrings and loves patterns. If I envision her, I can just tweak around that and pick out something perfect. I know some chandelier earrings in a bright color will work. So I've chosen a pair in red coral and pearls. My sister-in-law loves long necklaces and she wears a lot of beige and browns...baroque chocolate opera pearls will look great on her. And my 86 year old mom loves silk button up blouses. A white pearl and black agate necklace that would fit within her neckline with a big clasp to accomodate her arthritis would be perfect. So stop thinking and start visualizing. Go look at some pictures if you need inspiration. It could be you already can see them in your perfect gift!

Four Blings and You're Out!

Now that the holidays are here, it's all about glitter, glamour and glitz--and I'm not just talking about the tree! We usually have at least one event to attend that requires more effort than our usual school or office attire. Now, how do we go about looking festive without going over the top and competing with the tree? It's simple, just remember the three bling rule. That means you are allowed three blings and no more. What counts as a bling? Well, anything that glitters is bling, be it a purse, rhinestones on your shoes, or a sparkling dress, blouse or sweater. Your jewelry is bling when you wear chandilier earrings, a glittery bracelet, or a gemstone necklace. You are even a bling if you wear your hair up. Now, for a lesson in bling counting, take a look at someone who has mastered the art...Nicole Kidman. She is wearing a stunning white dress embroidered with silver thread...bling one!...her hair is worn up....bling two!...and she has on chandilier earrings...bling three! So despite that old Coco Channel rule that says put on everything and then take one thing off, don't do it. So many of us are afraid to wear just one bling and if you take it off, you don't bling at all! That's no fun. Just count your blings, and remember four blings and you're out of style!

Family Circus

Trendspotting

I have a very old habit that I have no intention of breaking. I'm a trend spotter. It started when I first graduated from college. I had a new job as a bank officer, no wardrobe other than jeans and tee-shirts, and a huge student loan balance. Out of necessity, I people watched, checked out magazines in the library and clearance shopped. I learned accessorizing could expand my meager wardrobe. I'm still "spotting" and always trying to pick out what the next trend is. You don't find it on the runway, their styles are over-the-top. Television talk shows can give you some ideas, as well as magazines such as "Style", "Lucky" and traditional women's fashion magazines. Don't forget the net, since they often post the paparazzi pics of the famous on their daily treks. Happily, the latest trend is one of the most flattering--long necklaces, especially pearls. They say every long loop takes off ten pounds. Well, don't take it too seriously, it doesn't work for numerous loops--they just glop together and count as one! And if some actresses were trying to accomplish a skinner look by their loops they'd be in the sub zero size range!

pictured: Ashlee Simpson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwenyth Paltrow in pearls!

Everyone Loves Chocolate

Don't you just love something with tasty names such as mocha, cocoa, expresso, cognac, Kahlua, or chocolate? Now, your tummy may be growling with anticipation, but we're talking jewelry here, not desserts and drinks. These are just a few of the delicious names designers are using to describe the hottest color for jewelry accessories this winter...brown. How boring that may sound, but "chocolate" has us all tingling with desire. Brown is a wonderful neutral that compliments every skin tone and mixes well with all colors of metal. Pearls, gemstones, and even darkened gold, are giving consumers a definite taste for this rich look. Dark shades of chocolate pearls, topaz, quartz, agate, and tigers eye are THE accessory to own for this season. Best of all, they are calorie free and still delicious!

Fashion with cupcakes

Fashion ideas are everywhere. I was flipping through my magazine with cupcakes on the cover and of course, new diets inside, when an article on style caught my eye. Three women in their late 20's to early 30's, were modeling this season's "four essential accessories". Perhaps I'm past the target age for this magazine since none of the models resembled me, but I still make a real effort to stay stylish. (So does my 86 year-old mother whose favorite jacket is a black leather blazer). It seemed several of the "must haves" were impossible for me to adopt. The heels? too high for bad knees; Belts? a no-no for an ample middle; Yes! the jewelry would work! The trend for fall is oversized, bold, heavy pieces. Be it large beads, a massive pendant or heavy metal, this is a style any age can wear. Accessorizing with jewelry is the exception to ageism. That is what is so wonderful about jewelry, it transends age and wearing current trends can make you look younger. My friend Bev is petite and lively, in her 70's, and looks best in vibrant colors and large pieces of jewelry. She's a real hip lady and trendy jewelry helps her stay that way!

Don't tangle your dangle

Once the leaves turn we all become enamoured with scarves. Who can resist such rich textures, vibrant colors, and designer patterns? There's something about fall that has the clothes horse in us panting to purchase. We want sweaters, jackets, coats and the potential to layer anything and everything (after all that's an invitation to a larger wardrobe and more shopping.) Scarves are emerging again this year as a "must own one" accessory. They are fabulous in their versatility but come with one important caveat..."Don't tangle your dangle!"

Be careful not to wear a necklace that competes with your scarf, consider a brooch instead. Since earrings are undoubtedly a woman's most important and potentially flattering piece of jewelry, be careful with your choices when wearing a scarf. Avoid drop earrings that interfere, even if you are wearing a scarf over a coat or jacket and plan to remove it. Make sure your earrings end before your scarf begins. Consider large studs or wide, short hoops instead of dangles. Finally, learn to tie your scarf in several ways so you don't ever tangle your dangle!

Photo: Jessica Biel in Ya Ya Aflalo scarf