Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: MARIA ARISTIDOU COUTURE SHOW SPRING SUMMER 2019

You don’t always know what ‘s hidden behind a closed-door, yet even when you think you do, you always wonder if you are right. A closed-door is, more often than not, a mystery to all of us. We are humans and curiosity is, whether we like it or not, a human imperfection. And when that door has an arch and a keystone, intertwining to form a coherent symplexis, it becomes a mystical and wondrous gate, behind which imagination can run wild!  So, open it. If you dare.

Maria Aristidou’s Spring/Summer 2019 knit couture collection was quite the challenge.  Inspiration for the pattern came from a single vintage arched door found during a walk inside the old city walls of Nicosia. The simplicity of the door’s facade, together with the complexity of the engineering behind it, gave rise to a series of design trials that lead to this fine timeless pattern for the fabrics of SS 2019 collection.

Hand embroidery embellishments on a colorful pallet of luxurious knit fabrics made by the designer, capture the beauty and the essence of a woman.

Unexpected cuts on timeless classic designs with modern details are the signature of the designer’s Spring/Summer 2019 “Symplexis” collection.

 

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ESSENCE BEAUTY CARNIVAL HITS THE ROAD IN 2019 #EssenceCarnival

The ESSENCE® Beauty Carnival ™, recognized as the world’s largest beauty experience for Black women, is hitting the road in 2019—newly reimagined as an expanded, multi-city tour.  Tickets are on-sale now for this epic celebration of Black beauty—convening a community of enthusiasts, experts, and influencers at New York City’s Pier 36 on April 27-28, 2019.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE® celebrates diverse beauty and inspires inclusivity in a way that only we can,” said ESSENCEFashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson. “With the expansion of our Beauty Carnival, we are embracing our unique journey and curating our programming to share a very special experience with beauty aficionados from city to city.”

Inspired by the brand’s original Beauty Carnival which takes place during the annual ESSENCE Festival and attracts more than 10,000 fans per day from around the world, the tour will return to New Orleans this summer, making the 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival its second stop.  The Beauty Carnival’s final destination will be in Texas October 2019.  Details to be announced at a later date.

Photo Image from Essence.com

The ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour will deliver a globally inclusive and immersive experience featuring up-close access to exciting moments, such as expert tutorials, engaging conversations, exclusive interviews with today’s beauty icons, live podcasts and special guest performances.  Highlights include:

  • ESSENCE’s new museum of Black beauty, documenting key historical and cultural moments, classic products and archived video to bring to life ESSENCE storytelling around Black beauty
  • Curated “Shop ESSENCE” beauty marketplace
  • Extensive product sampling and special brand activations
  • Premier pampering services, gift bag, light bites and sips, and celebrity/influencer meet and greets for VIP level ticket-holders in our Beauty Bungalow

For more on the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour and to purchase tickets, visit Essence.com/BeautyCarnival. Share your experience on your social platforms using the official hashtag #EssenceCarnival.

FIVE DECORATING TIPS FOR A CLEAN FRESH MODERN HOLIDAY SEASON

Laura Muller, the Principal Designer, and Owner of Los Angeles-based design firm, Four Point Design Build, has five easy and effective tips for decorating a perfect holiday home worthy of your in-law’s expectations. Check out these inspirational photos ALL from Laura’s personal home!

☆ Tip 1 ☆

That’s a Wrap!

For a fresh and cozy style, add a single pine cone or cedar stem to your gift wrapping. Tie packages with raw linen strips, cotton ribbon, or twine. To give a cohesive look to your whole décor, coordinate the gift wrapping details to your tablescape!

☆ Tip 2 ☆

Deck the Decor Make sure to keep your holiday color scheme clear and consistent throughout your décor. For a clean, fresh, modern look, we use white candles in clear glass. For visual interest (and for the collectors at heart), we suggest all clear glass, but mix it up in size and shape! Use assorted greens for dynamic contrast. Keep greens fresh and in the same proportion for a full and elegant display.

☆ Tip 3 ☆

Let There Be Light Place a table or desk next to a bright window and group three to five mini pine trees with gifts. Display with a collection of assorted white candles in clear glass, and stacks of holiday books for inspiration.

☆ Tip 4 ☆

Add an Easy But Noticeable Accent! Adding simple fresh stems of pine can give your kitchen countertops a cozy wintery feeling! Lace fresh stems in between canisters for a fresh touch of the holiday and fresh mini Christmas trees look perfect in white ceramic utensil crocks!

☆ Tip 5 ☆

Tabletop Trinkets When thinking about your everyday holiday table settings, start with some basic year-round pieces. A large natural grain rustic charger will ground your entire décor theme. For a clean fresh modern farmhouse style, layer with simple white pantry pieces. Once you have the basics, all you need to change from theme to theme is the napkin details!

FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC. is an award-winning, full-service residential and commercial interior design and construction firm based in  Los  Angeles,  CA serving clients nationwide. Established in 2010, and led by the husband-wife team and Co-founders, Cliff and Laura Muller, Four Point Design Build was the result of a chance in-class meeting at UCLA, followed by nearly a decade of successful collaboration and noteworthy published design-build projects, and finally, a beautiful romance. It is Four Point’s commitment to cultivating, building, and leading a  strong project team of experts; working closely with all project team members during every phase of project development and execution. Laura has been voted into the Top 15 of Designhounds Top 100 Design Influencers for 2017 and 2018 and has the distinct honor of being one of four top interior designers selected to the prestigious DXV Design Panel (2018 – 2020).

Wedding Guest Faux Pas: 4 Fatal Fashion Mistakes

It’s meant to be the biggest day of someone’s life – so to say that weddings are a pretty important event when it comes to fashion would be an understatement. Unless you happen to fall into the A-list category, it’s rare for the Average Joe to have cameras flashing in their face from all directions. However, the wedding provides this opportunity – and is why you need to dress to impress.

As you may have gathered by now, this is where today’s article steps in. We will now mull over four terrible fashion mistakes that are commonly made for weddings, so you don’t fall into the traps.

This isn’t a funeral, black is out of the question

Unless you are attending quite a niche wedding, where the dress code is probably stipulated on the invitation, don’t under any circumstances turn to black. Sure, it’s fine in moderation, but dressing from head-to-toe in this color is out of the question. This is associated with funerals, and you will stand out like a sore thumb.

Instead, opt for more vibrant colors. Take a look at www.reiss.com for some inspiration.

Take advantage of the moment – wear headgear

There are few moments in life where the typical person gets the chance to wear a hat, but a wedding is one of these. As such, take full advantage of it.

Of course, this suggestion tends to be targeted towards females, where hat choices tend to be a lot more varied. Even if you don’t see yourself as a “hat person”, at least consider something like headbands or something else to make your head stand out a little more. After all, most others in the crowd will have realized the opportunity and will be basking in the fact that they can now don a hat.

Take the whole day into account

As pretty much everyone will testify, a wedding isn’t a short event. From the ceremony to the conclusion of the evening event, it lasts for hours upon hours. This means that you have to factor in all sorts of different temperatures.

Sure, your outfit might be perfect for the midday sun. However, as evening arrives, you might need a lot more than a dress to keep warm. Always take this into account, and make sure that your outfit is going to match with the coat of your choice.

It pays to do a bit of research

While you might be your own woman or man for that matter, it can pay to research what other guests are wearing. After all, while you do want to stand out, you don’t want to stand out for all of the wrong reasons.

You don’t want to be wearing something that completely contrasts with everyone there, nor do you want to be wearing the same garments as other people who are attending. Ask a few questions beforehand to ensure that you don’t run into any of these problems.

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Men’s Jewelry Guideline: Look Smart and Stylish

Jewelry has been associated with women since the longest time. The list of jewelry pieces for women goes on and on. It starts with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings and much more. However, the trends are changing and men are becoming fashion conscious. They are choosing jewelry as an accessory and wearing it in style.

There is a wide selection of men’s jewelry that includes cufflinks, watches, rings, chains, and bracelets. When it comes to men’s jewelry, a simple addition of one accessory can change your personal style, only if you wear it right. It is easier for women to pull off diamond earrings with a heavy necklace or wear a couple of rings with dangling bracelets. For men, there are certain guidelines which need to be followed. If the accessory is not paired with the right outfit, it could end up ruining the entire look. Wearing jewelry for men is easier if it is worn in the right manner.

Always keep it simple and minimalistic. You might have come across men wearing different jewelry pieces every day. Right from your office to the gym or to a party. However, the lesser, the better. A lot of jewelry on men can be distracting and might look unprofessional. Here are different types of jewelry pieces for men and the ways to wear them. The most important rule for men’s jewelry is to always match the metals. If you are wearing a gold ring, you need to match it with a gold watch, the embellishment on the shoes and the color of the belt buckle. Do not mismatch the shades if you want to look smart and stylish. Nothing beats a well put together look.

  1. Watch

 

Every guy invests into sophisticated timepieces. You should ideally invest into two pieces – one for daily use and one for occasional use. You could also opt for a smartwatch in place of a traditional watch. A watch is the most common piece of accessory worn by men and if it is worn in style, it can immediately elevate your outfit. You can pick anything from everyday wear to formal wear but you need to ensure that you wear a watch on the opposite arm you write with. This will ensure that your movements are not interrupted. Always ensure that the watch fits well, you do not want one hanging down on your arm.

For everyday wear, choose a stainless steel or a leather band watch which can be worn regularly. Pick a hefty, round watch that has minimal detailing. Pick one in black, silver or gunmetal and stay away from crystalized options. You can also wear a smartwatch for everyday wear. The only thing is that it should not clash with everything else that you are wearing and it should accentuate it. If you are keen on investing into a dressy watch, you need to ensure that your timepiece stands out. The simpler the watch, the better it is. Go for a watch that is minimalistic yet sophisticated at the same time.

  1. Bracelet

 

When it comes to bracelets, men’s jewelry is very different from women’s. Men should avoid anything that is oversized or chunky. It should never overpower the outfit and should complement it in a unique manner. Whatever you are wearing, you can never go wrong with a metal bangle which is simple and minimal. It will add a touch to a simple outfit. Anything dangling from your wrists is a big no-no. You need to ensure that the bracelet is minimal and does not overpower the watch. Gone are the days of leather bands and bright-colored bands that men wore.

  1. Earrings

 

A lot of men are seen wearing earrings these days. However, since they are easily visible, you should not wear them if you are into a corporate job. And if you are very keen on wearing them, you need to opt for small-sized, dark-colored studs and ensure that you wear it in both ears. It is best to pick the size zero if you are wearing earrings for the first time. You need to have a lot of confidence when it comes to carrying off earrings for regular wear.

  1. Necklace

 

Keep it classy and basic with a necklace. You can pick a thin and short chain from Frost NYC which is not too loud and will look cool even if you pair it with a basic t-shirt. Try to keep the chain very low-key so that you do not need to tuck it under your shirt. A stainless steel chain will do the trick for you. There are many different types and styles of chains available in the market. A lot of men like wearing Cuban link chains, but it all depends on how you pair them and the occasion for which you are wearing it. The necklace should have the ideal thickness and length for your body.

  1. Rings

 

Many men wear a wedding band on their hand, apart from that, you can pick a range of styles and types of rings for yourself. To pull it off, you need to limit yourself to a single band ring in silver or a gold ring or a two-tone ring which has a simple and elegant design. If you want more than one ring, you can consider the stacked style and wear it in a casual setting and own the look with confidence. However, wearing multiple rings is not a good idea for everyday wear. Just one ring in addition to the wedding band will do the trick for you.

  1. Cufflinks

 

Most commonly worn by men during special occasions, cufflinks are designed to hold the cuffs in place. The only time when a cufflink should be worn is on upscale occasions. You can be wearing formal attire with small cufflinks that express your style and personality. Pick classic and sophisticated styles like gold, silver or metallic links with minor detail and avoid diamonds, unusual shapes or a skull. Lastly, metal cufflinks in precious metals look extremely posh and masculine. Cufflinks should not be worn on a daily basis or they might kill the look. The accessory is meant for special and sophisticated occasions.

  1. Lapel Pin

 

Associated with politicians, lapel pins have a lot of affiliations and come in a wide range of sizes, designs, and colors. They should be worn on the lapel of the jacket and it should be small and stylish. Most importantly, the lapel pin should not clash with any other accessories you are wearing like a pocket square. In case you are wearing a lapel pin for the purpose of style, you need to choose a flower design in brass or silver or a subtle feather.

  1. Tie Clip

 

A Tie bar or a tie clip is a horizontal clip which slides over the top of the tie and keeps the tie from flying all over the place. It is a very small piece of jewelry and can be played around when styling it. It is safe to have a classic option but you should also invest in a fun clip that has a quirky design or meaning like an animal. You need to be able to pull it off in work environment and always ensure that the color of the clip matches with the rest of the outfit.

These are the eight most common accessories for men of all ages. The styles and designs vary and are available in a range of options. Pick one keeping your personal style and preferences in mind. Men should never ever overdo when it comes to jewelry, it can end up breaking the entire look and will put you into trouble. Try to keep it simple, minimalistic and classy. Even a small addition of lapel pin on your attire can make a major difference to the way you look.

It helps to choose pieces that are in trend and are elegant. However, it makes no sense to follow fashion blindly and pick pieces that could end up spoiling your complete look. You do not need to spend a huge amount on the purchase of statement pieces. Rather, search for options that are within your budget and choose the one that suits you the most. Styling jewelry on men is a tedious task and one should be aware of the different ways of wearing the same. The same piece of accessory can be worn for everyday wear, party wear, and formal wear. It should be something that goes with everything and can be styled with ease. Never overdo it in case of a formal attire. Depending on your profession, you need to select pieces that will suit the corporate environment you work in and it should suit your physique and personal style. Get your hands on the latest jewelry pieces and wear them with confidence at all times. If you know how to style it, you have won the game.

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What Makes A Diamond The Most Worldwide Gem

Diamonds are known worldwide to be a gem possessing exceptional physical qualities. Of all the bulk materials of the world, diamonds have the highest hardness. Therefore, their properties give them the capability to be the best for polishing and cutting tools. Thus, diamond knives have come into existence.

Featured Photo from Glamour

Most diamonds were formed in the mantle of the Earth at depths of 93 to 155 miles down. Due to the high temperature and pressure at that level of the Earth’s mantle, minerals were dissolved by carbon-containing fluids. The minerals were then replaced with diamonds. Volcanic eruptions carried diamonds to the surface depositing them into igneous rocks.

Since diamonds are the hardest of all the gems, they last longer without being damaged in any way.

Diamonds are different from the other gems because they are formed from a single element. Since the other gems are created by a combination of two or more elements, they are compounds. The uniqueness and the long-lasting ability of diamonds gives them more value.

Where are Diamonds Found?

Diamonds have been discovered throughout the world in 35 countries. The major producers of diamonds are in Botswana, Russia, and South Africa, but the major industrial producer of diamonds in Australia. Africa possesses the most famous and remarkable deposits of diamonds.

In the United States, diamonds have been found in Arkansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. These are the only states to have a conformable diamond source. At this time, there are efforts going on to find other potential diamond sources. One reliable source of beautiful diamonds would be Diamonds Forever San Diego Jeweler.

The Refining Process of Diamonds

The diamond stones are removed from the material that holds them as they are mined from the earth. All the diamonds don’t have the same quality. Seventy-five to eighty percent of the diamonds have a quality that makes them more suitable for industrial use. The industrial quality diamonds are sold in bulk to companies that manufacture precision instruments and tools that are diamond-coated.

The raw, finer quality diamonds are separated to be used as gems. These gem-quality stones are then grouped by size. The larger gem-quality stones will receive special treatment which will make them more valuable.

When the gem-quality diamonds finally reach the cutting table, they will undergo a series of steps. On the cutting table, a rough diamond stone is changed into a valuable faceted gem.

In order to change a rough diamond stone into a faceted gem, the following steps are followed:

  • Planning – The diamond manufacturers make decisions about how a specific rough diamond will be cut.
  • Cleaving or Sawing – In this step, a diamond manufacturer may separate a rough diamond into pieces. Each piece will be finished as a separate gem. The sawing process of a rough diamond may be used by a manufacturer. With the sawing process, a rough diamond is cut into pieces through the use of a laser or diamond saw.
  • Bruting – The objective of this process is to shape two diamonds into a round stone. This process is done by placing each of two diamonds into a spinning axle. The two spinning axles will turn in opposite directions in order to grind them against each other. The result is two round diamond gems.
  • Polishing – The facets are now cut into a diamond. Once the facets are cut, the diamond gem is polished.
  • Final Inspection – The diamond is examined to determine its quality.

The Colors of Diamonds

A perfect diamond has no color or hue since it is both chemically and structurally pure. However, diamonds are nearly never perfect. It is the chemical impurities or structural defects that give a diamond color. The value of a diamond is determined by its color. The rarer the color; the more the diamond is worth.

For example, red diamonds are the rarest diamonds, and they, therefore, have the most value. The more yellow hue in white diamonds, the less value they have. On the other hand, blue and pink diamonds can be more valuable.

Various Cuts of Diamonds

The cuts of diamonds are as follows:

Round

Asscher

Cushion

Emerald

Radiant

Heart

Marquise

Oval

Pear

Princess

Hopefully, you are now an expert of diamonds. You know where they come from, how they are processed by manufacturers, the style cuts, and the most valuable colors. Now, you can make your purchase of a gorgeous diamond for your special occasion.

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#Halloween Boo at the Zoo is Coming: Birmingham Zoo present by Wells Fargo

SAVE THESE DATES IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER! Make your Halloween plans all month long in October with the Birmingham Zoo! Prepare for over the top fun during our 27th annual Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo. Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions, themed rides and carnival games for 18 nights!

Come to experience the excitement on Henley Park with inflatables, ghostly Ghoul School, Bat Keeper Chats and so much more! Guests are invited to wear their favorite family-friendly costumes as they partake in the festivities.

Trick or Treat Lane will be the sought-after candy place for anyone with a sweet tooth! Take a wild ride around the Zoo on our Eerie Express Train. The Spider Slide, Ghost Rollers and Scarousel are just a few thrills that are sure to entertain children of all ages.

Meet members of our animal family at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Show and around the park with Animal Greetings. Boogie down at the Monster Mash dance party under the Safari Peak.

Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo is one spook-tacular event you won’t want to miss!

WHEN

October 11 – 14

October 18 – 31

 

TIME

5:00PM – 9:00PM

 

WHERE

Birmingham Zoo

 

PRICING

*Members: $15 – Rides and Admission

*Members: $8 – Admission Only

Non-Members: $18 – Rides and Admission

Non-Members: $10 – Admission Only

 

Purchase a Premium Parking Space for $10

Parking spaces must be purchased in advance. Guests must have printed parking pass in the dashboard of a car.

 

GHOUL SCHOOL

Monday – Thursday

*for the days of October 11, Oct. 18, Oct. 22 – 25 and Oct. 29 – 31

5:30pm, 6:15pm, 7:00pm

in Henley Park

 

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Show

Weekends (Fri/Sat/Sun) and during the full week of Halloween Oct. 29, 30, 31

5:45pm, 6:30pm, 7:15pm

 

Animal Greetings

Monday – Thursday for the days of October 11, Oct. 18 and Oct. 22 – 25

NONE on October 29, 30, 3

 

Event Tickets:  CLICK HERE

 

PARIS FASHION WEEK : KATRINE K SS19 RTW

New Katrine K. SS 2019 collection presents you the spirit of sensuality. With its smooth lines, weightless forms, flowing fabrics and modest glow, “l’Esprit Sensuelle” strives to underline gracefulness of feminine forms and romantic summer vibes. Combining different textures, while keeping it laconic, each piece of the collection is carefully designed to bring the most ethereal experience to women wearing it. Feminine and airy fabrics, relaxing and uplifting, a unique and romantic mix of chiffon, handcrafted embroidery and jersey. Elegant perfectly fitting corsets made of silk and leather are the delicate and yet seductive signature pieces of the l’Esprit Sensuelle.

This collection mood is ethereal like sunny days in Provence and elegant like evening lights of Monaco. Inspired by the iconic beauty of Princess Grace and weightless romanticism of Art Nouveau. To sense the unearthly style of the collection picture yourself walking down the streets of Monte Carlo in a weightless flowing dress filled with the allure of Alphonse Mucha illustrations and being carried by the opaque summer sea breeze. The main capsule of this collection consists of evening and cocktail dresses, with a couple of silk pantsuits. These outfits are made of the high-quality natural materials, like dupioni silk, flowing cady silk, chiffon and shiny fabrics with lurex. All garments in collections are made of natural materials, caring both about inside feeling of the garment and the look of it. Only natural it is one of Katrine K. important values, we cannot surrender the comfort of the clients during hot summer days. No hidden information or low percentage of skin-positive fibers, because your body won’t lie.

Some garments have an extraordinary combination of materials – like chiffon, jersey and handcrafted embroidery. Mixed together, these fabrics look fresh, yet minimalistic. As always, most of the garments are handcrafted, with decoration and embroidery carefully made in the brand atelier. The main colors are pine green, rich red and burgundy, ice blue, porcelain, and everlasting black. These statement dresses are the best outfits for a red carpet, the loudest movie premiers and luxurious weddings, they will speak for themselves, making women feel even more confident and beautiful.

 

3 Easy Tips To Expand Your Friendship Group or Girl Tribe

If Jane Austen were writing a version of Pride and Prejudice for the 21st century, her opening lines would have been very different. Rather than focusing on a man of good fortune being in want of a wife, the more universally acknowledged truth in 2018 is that making friends as an adult is extremely difficult.

The difficulty of making friends as an adult is a common refrain of the modern age for one good reason: it tends to be true. Making friends as a child was easy – most of us didn’t even really think about the process at all – but as an adult, it’s far more challenging.

However, while we all universally accept that it’s difficult to make friends as an adult, there’s no denying that having friends is hugely beneficial – to our well-being, our lifestyles, and even our health. So how can you overcome the barriers to making friends once and for all?

Featured Photo from Haute Living

#1 – Focus on mutual interests

The best way to connect with new people as an adult is to look for mutual interests. This can be something rather broad, such as a shared interest in fitness; or more niche, such as taking up gaming in order to make friends with players from all over the world. With a mutual interest, you always have a point of discussion; something to ease you into the friendship and give you a chance to connect.

Mutual interest friendships tend to go one of two ways: you then begin to share other aspects of your lives, or the friendship remains within the interest that brought you together. Both types of friendship are beneficial, so it’s best to be open-minded, and see where things lead.

#2 – Ensure you have the time for new friends

If you are hoping your friendships will expand beyond focusing on mutual interests, then you will likely need to ensure you have the time for a new friendship. Modern life is busy, and many friendships – both the newly-established and those from childhood – struggle when confronted with a hectic schedule. If you are going to go to the effort of making new friends, you need to be willing to compromise and make time for that friendship in order for it to flourish.

If you suspect you don’t have time for an endless array of meetups and evenings out, then it may be best to focus your search for new friends online. Online friendships can hugely enrich your life, while still enjoying a tacit understanding that “real life” has to take priority from time to time.

#3 – Let the friendship evolve naturally

If you are keen to make new friends, it’s often tempting to try and accelerate the process; skip past the introductory stage and get into the deep-and-meaningful phase of friendship. This is understandable, but it’s also unlikely to work. Friendships, like romantic relationships, have to be allowed room to breathe and proceed naturally. Finding new friends is a long-term investment, and there’s no shortcut to intimacy, so be sure you’re willing to give a new friendship the space it needs to develop on its own.

In conclusion

With the tips above in mind, you should be able to ensure your experience of finding new friends – even as an adult – is as effective as it can be.

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