Make the Right Decision In Purchasing the Perfect Engagement Ring

If one finds himself in the market for an engagement ring there are a plethora of options to choose from and not only can designs be interweaved together to create the perfect stone but the whole process has only one downside, that of taking a long period of time in deciding what ring to purchase before the big day.

There are factors that should be taken into account when purchasing such an important item but fortunately enough there are some tips and tricks to take into account when making such a decision. Toronto engagement rings offer a wide array of products and not only are they of superior quality but they are also sure to last a lifetime.

Choose a Gemstone

There is a lot of hype when it comes to an engagement ring but we all consider its gemstone to be the centerpieces that will make any ring stand out if chosen appropriately. A lot of engagement rings feature a diamond as its main piece but there are also some other options that should be taken into account such as sapphires or rubies.

Diamonds and sapphires classify themselves as the most used gemstones when it comes to conferring a ring a lot of personality but they are also the hardest gemstones to work with. They score big in terms of durability as they will go through a lot of wear and tear throughout the years.

Ring Styles

When it comes to a ring’s style the possibilities are pretty much endless but no one can go wrong with either a sleek and modern design or a common vintage ring. Buying such rings will prove to be pretty hard so make sure you prospect the market three months before making the final purchase.

To make such decision less of a pain to deal with, one should go with a ring which is not too imposing in order to not stand out in a crowd too much but at the same time it should be elegant enough to wear it with a lot of pride.

Figure the Budget

There are no general rules that apply in terms of buying on a budget as they may vary from person to person but keep in mind the fact that if one wishes to acquire a custom designed ring it could be worth thousands and take a long time to manufacture.

The best bet is to spend whatever amount feels comforting to both members of the couple and there are some tips to make the right purchase by balancing its size with quality and they should come at a price that will work within the budget. One additional tip could be buying a lab-created diamond that will cost a lot less than a mined one.

Collaborative Post

Clarity-Enhanced Diamond Rings: Great Deals for Prices

Featured Photo From Variety.com

It’s a mouthful, but it’s true: a clarity-enhanced diamond engagement ring is a great deal for a great price.

In the summer of 2016, The Economist asked why Millennials aren’t buying diamonds. The answer is simple with a complicated reason: they can’t afford them. Many Millennials are college students, and tuition costs go up every year. And many jobs require experience, while entry-level jobs are becoming more scarce.

Get ready, Millennials, because we have more affordable alternatives.

Even better still, our diamonds are conflict-free. We understand that you have concerns about the environment and the well-being of the individuals who mine the diamonds. That’s why we ensure that all of our diamond vendors have ethical business practices.

If you are looking for affordable, conflict-free diamonds, then you’ve come to the right online store. Best Brilliance offers diamonds that can come in a variety of forms, including clarity-enhanced diamonds. Some are on necklaces, many are on rings, and you can even buy a loose diamond for later if you would rather have a hand-made band or find a less expensive band elsewhere.

A good diamond is usually certified, to show that it has certain attributes so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. All of the diamonds at Best Brilliance are certified, so you won’t walk away feeling bamboozled because you thought your diamond would look different.

And now you’re wondering: how can our diamonds be less expensive but still high-quality?

The answer lies in clarity-enhanced diamonds. Getting an enhanced gem is your best bet for finding an affordable option for those of you who want to be traditional yet stay within your tight budget.

A clarity-enhanced diamond engagement ring is a great deal for a great price simply because enhanced diamonds, despite how their name may make them sound, are less expensive than more-natural diamonds.

Enhanced diamonds are gems that weren’t in perfect condition, but their minor defects were microscopically fixed. Much like getting a tooth filling, diamonds can be filled where they have tiny cracks or other problems. The end result is a diamond that looks flawless to the average viewer without the high price of a diamond that didn’t need any repairs. A very special type of scope is required in order to see where the filling has been done. In other words, you’ll have a dazzling diamond that looks expensive but was purchased at a fraction of the price of a standard diamond.

Unless someone with X-ray vision is your friend, then no one will know that your diamond didn’t originally look so beautiful and flawless. Through clarity enhancement, a great diamond becomes a wonderful one. No one will know how you were able to afford something so stunning. Let that be your little secret!

Collaborative Post

Put Your Best Foot Forward This Valentine’s Day

Get ready to embrace your beauty while showing off your sexy pumps on your hot date this Valentine’s Day. AMI Clubwear is providing ladies with the perfect touch to your smokin’ hot outfits with their newest, sexy high heels! AMI Clubwear will dress you from head to toe so that you can be confident at work while impressing your date to an all new high. The romance is real this Valentine’s Day; with guaranteed comfort and style, your date won’t be able to take his eyes off you.

Fall in love with the most adored heels at AMI Clubwear:

  • Strappy Open Toe Platforms: Strut your stuff in these classy pumps, featuring a bold strappy design, open toe and back zipper closure. Match it with your favorite little black dress and your date will be loving your look!

  • Shaggy Faux Fur Open Toe Platforms: Add some spice to your Valentine’s style with these fun, funky and sexy red heels! Featuring faux suede material and an open toe strap with shaggy faux fur, these platforms will definitely add some excitement to your night!

  • Denim Peep Toe Thigh Highs: Thigh Highs are making a comeback! Be the first to rock them on the infamous day celebrating your love for your significant other. These sexy thigh highs are made of a stretchy denim texture, front frayed distressed style, open toe, thigh high, high polish side zipper closure, and a cushioned foot bed.

Stop waiting around – go out and get your perfect Valentine’s Day outfit all from AMI Clubwear! With all their seductive heels, platforms and boots, you can match it with just about any outfit. Get ready to make everlasting memories with the one you care most for while looking more desirable than ever.

To shop for the perfect Valentine’s Day vibe, visit https://www.amiclubwear.com.

Choosing The Perfect Pair of Shoes For the Right Occasion

Wearing the right pair of shoes can protect us from external factors which would otherwise harm us such as cold weather, dirt or sharp object.  They have become a staple fashion accessory when paired with the correct clothes will give everyone a final touch to complete the final look of a person.

The first shoes created were initially designed to fulfill the role of protection from various harms but as people have honed their skills during the passage of time they’ve become a status symbol. People of wealth have enjoyed the benefits of having a tailor-made pair of shoes for centuries and have given them a symbol of high status.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 04: Naomie Harris attends the 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos Tribute at Arlington Theater on February 4, 2017 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)

Notwithstanding the fact that shoes now fulfill a crucial role in our lives, ever since they have started to be mass-produced around the world they have become a symbol of fashion which have the ability to make or break one’s appearance if not chosen accordingly or not paired well with a specific set of clothes.

Women’s Shoes by Spartoo for example go extremely well when paired with casual clothes such as a pair of jeans and a T-Shirt to give everyone that sporty look at the same time being comfortable and make people feel at leisure. Shoe designers have transformed shoes into pieces of art and not only will a great crafted pair set you back a hefty amount of money but one should queue up a waiting list in order to benefit for such amazing works of minute craftsmanship taking into account there is a huge demand for them.

Shoes play a crucial role in fashion and they have even led to some stereotypes regarding women being shoe addicts but nowadays this same principle applies to men as well. People now perceive shoes as a statement of fashion and they have been the most important accessory for every occasion and not only are they the most important accessory in our wardrobes but they also confer the wearer a feeling of high status and a great degree of confidence if they are of top quality.

Notwithstanding for which occasion they are worn, either at a special event or just for going out for a quick run, there are a lot of factors which should be taken in consideration such as build quality, design and functionality when choosing the perfect pair. No matter if one wishes to dash out large amounts of money on designer shoes or just want to grab a cheap pair to go for a run, there is always the right pair for the right occasion.

Sponsored Content

How To Organize Your Jewelry & Beauty Closet Like Khloe Kardashian

January is officially Get Organized Month, and the P-Touch D210 is one of Khloe Kardashian’s favorite gadgets for organizing her jewelry, make-up, and more.

And as you can see below, she keeps it very close to her when she’s organizing her favorite accessories, including her signature hoop earrings. What makes the P-Touch fun as well as functional is the range of colors the label comes in (clear, black, red, gold, yellow) so that you can add that custom touch to your closet, jewelry case, etc…

Here’s a video/story on Khloe giving some background to how she how she likes to label her bling:http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/news/a47305/khloe-kardashian-jewelry-organization/

 

Holiday Style with AMI Clubwear

With all the holiday parties coming up, you know you can’t wear the same outfit twice! With AMI Clubwear’s numerous options at affordable prices, you can have a new dress for every occasion! AMI offers styles ranging from the classic little black dress, to sparkly sequins, to the current velvet trend. Whether you prefer long or short, light or dark, you’re sure to find the right look for you.

unnamed-1

Once the holidays are over, keep the party going all year long with even more fabulous outfits and accessories from AMI Clubwear. Strut into 2017 in style!

unnamed-2

See more at amiclubwear.com.

 

Michael Antonio Brighton Dress Boots – Octer.com

Knee High Boots are now considered a wardrobe staple. This accessory transcends the average winter boot (or bootie) because it provides instant leg warmth.

img_0475

Selecting a pair of Knee High Boots can be intimidating but they’re very functional. For example, some boots help repel water and others give ankle support.  This accessory also comes in a variety of colors, textures, and heel heights.

I had the opportunity to order a pair of boots through the online site Octer.com Originally shipped from the department store retailer JcPenney, The Michael Antonio Brighton Women’s Dress Boots arrived quickly and was true to the product photo.

The cranberry hue and faux suede texture will be the perfect complement to my winter wardrobe.

407415401_alt04

Sponsored Post

alice + olivia x BASQUIAT CFDA Collection Launches

Last night, Ruffino Wine and SVEDKA Vodka celebrated with alice + olivia designer Stacey Bendet during a special evening in celebration of the launch of the highly anticipated alice + olivia capsule collection with the late Neo-expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Bendet was joined by Princess Beatrice of New York, Nicky Hilton, Nina Agdal, Pierce BrosnanAbby Elliott, Alysia Reiner, Victoria Justice, Mia MorettiChelsea LeylandFiona ByrneGenevieve JonesJessica Seinfeld, among others.

 

Guests toasted to the CFDA capsule collection launch at The Hole on the Lower East Side with Ruffino Sparkling Rose and Ruffino Prosecco. The Dolls DJ’ed the party going on in the back black-light room where Bendet and her friends danced, enjoyed glow-in-the-dark SVEDKA Vodka cocktails and channeled their inner artists by painting on the walls with fluorescent paint.

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 02:  Cory Kennedy, Chelsea Leyland and Kitty Cash attend the alice + olivia x Basquiat CFDA Capsule Collection launch party on November 2, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 02: Cory Kennedy, Chelsea Leyland and Kitty Cash attend the alice + olivia x Basquiat CFDA Capsule Collection launch party on November 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 02:  Princess Beatrice attends the alice + olivia x Basquiat CFDA Capsule Collection launch party on November 2, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 02: Princess Beatrice attends the alice + olivia x Basquiat CFDA Capsule Collection launch party on November 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet)

 

alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is proud to announce that the late Neo-expressionist artist and frequent Andy Warhol collaborator Jean-Michel Basquiat has been selected, through the Basquiat Estate, as the partner for the second capsule collection that will help support the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s efforts to promote young talent. The 17-piece collection will land in stores and online in November 2016. On November 2, 2016, Bendet will celebrate the capsule collection with an event in New York City at the Hole, a contemporary art gallery representing emerging artists in Lower Manhattan that champions the downtown artist community.

Jean-Michel Basquiat earned his recognition in the art world before the age of 27, even gaining the title of youngest artist to be given a solo show at the widely respected KestnerGesekkschaft gallery in Germany. His personal achievements and participation in an American art movement that ushered in a wave of young new artists make Basquiat the perfect next partner for the promotion of young artists within the fashion industry.

For the partnership with the CFDA alice + olivia works with a new artist to create a capsule collection that will be available for purchase at all alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet stores, aliceandolivia.com, and other retail partners with 50% of the proceeds from select items donated to the CFDA.

Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director of alice + olivia, says “Jean-Michel Basquiat is one of my favorite artists. This partnership is exciting for me as it is very reflective of my brand and our continued collaboration with artists. It is also wonderful to be able to raise funds for the CFDA and support their ongoing initiative’s within our industry that develop new talent.”

The new collection includes a variety of unique apparel pieces, accessories and gifts that feature iconic elements of Basquiat’s art, such as the golden crown and colorful, street-art inspired design, mixed with alice + olivia’s whimsical and feminine touch. “Beat Bop” 1983, “Replicas” 1983, “Ascent” 1983, “In Italian” 1983, “Panel of Experts” 1982 and “Notary” 1983 are some of the artist’s famed works that Bendet cites as inspiration for the capsule collection.

Elements of these iconic works can be seen throughout the collection of apparel and accessories, which ranges in price from $150 – $1,295, and each item is reflective of a different piece of Basquiat’s works. An array of textual references to Greek mythology, Roman history, and African Tribal culture from “Notary” can be found on the printed legging ($150), flare skirt ($395), and one of two printed gownskirts ($1,295). Nods to the hip hop and rap music that inspired Basquiat to create “Beat Bop” are seen in the fabric used for the slip dress ($350), one of two printed crop tops ($250) and Basquiat clutch ($495). The “Ascent” print used for the ruffel maxi dress ($1,195), second printed crop top ($250) and canvas weekender bag ($355) give a glimpse into Basquiat’s creative process – combining the sequencing of unconnected ideas with patterns of images and text from illustrated books. The “In Italian” print used for the printed shift dress ($395), a-line short skirt ($265) and second printed gownskirt ($1,295) highlights Basquiat’s interest in the use of language and multi media, tied in to themes of capitalism and monetary exchange. The pops of blue, red and yellow on the overlapping pattern buttondown ($350) are the perfect pairing to Basquiat’s “Replica”, one of the more muted prints used in the collection and a beautiful contrast to the hues in “Dos Cabezas” which can be seen on the large clutch ($295). The final pieces from the collection – hand painted moto jacket ($1,095), distressed patchwork jean ($595), and crown woven shirt ($395) – all utilize a combination of Basquiat prints and iconic symbols. Bendet delivers a modern interpretation of Basquiat’s iconic artworks with the incorporation of beadwork and embroidery details which add a dimensional element to the iconic Basquiat works as they come to life in the form of dresses, tops, skirts, jackets, handbags, shoes, eyewear and more.

For the first CFDA capsule collection, debuted in April 2015, Bendet partnered with celebrated artist Domingo Zapata, a Spanish-American who has studios in New York, Miami, and Hollywood. Zapata’s pieces created for the partnership included a hand-painted ball gown, hand-painted full-length skirt, and custom two-piece skirt with a matching leather bustier featuring piping in a print painted by Zapata, all of which were auctioned off by Paddle8 with 100% of proceeds benefitting the CFDA.

Steven Kolb, CEO and Creative Director of the CFDA applauds the collaboration with alice + olivia; “Stacey Bendet has been a valued member of the CFDA for a long time” he says, “We could not be more appreciative for her work to help us in our cause to advance up-and-coming fashion designers. The extraordinary support we will be receiving from the brand thanks to this initiative is invaluable to our organization.”

ABOUT ALICE + OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET
Launched in 2002, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is a brand that allows customers to express their personal style. With collections that juxtapose the whimsical and flirty with the sexy and sophisticated, a+o epitomizes the personality and sensibility of its founder, Stacey Bendet. The brand was born from Stacey’s quest to create the perfect pair of pants, and has since grown into a full lifestyle collection including ready-to- wear, gowns, shoes, accessories and handbags. Pulling inspiration from the world around her, Stacey incorporates bold colors, unique prints, and eclectic details to create vibrant and dynamic pieces. The brand is a Hollywood favorite with celebrity fans including Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Obama and Taylor Swift. alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is available ataliceandolivia.com, over 30 free-standing boutiques located in major cities around the world including, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, as well as over 800 of the finest department and specialty stores worldwide.

ABOUT JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born on December 22, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York. His father, Gerard Basquiat was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and his mother, Matilde was born in Brooklyn of Puerto Rican parents. Early on, Basquiat displayed a proficiency in art, which was encouraged by his mother.

In 1978 Basquiat left home for good and quit school just one year before graduating from high school. He lived with friends and began selling hand painted postcards and T-shirts. In June of 1980, Basquiat’s art was publicly exhibited for the first time in a show sponsored by Colab (Collaborative Projects Incorporated) along with the work of Jenny Holzer, Lee Quinones, Kenny Scharf, Kiki Smith, Robin Winters, John Ahearn, Jane Dickson, Mike Glier, Mimi Gross, and David Hammons. Basquiat continued to exhibit his work around New York City and in Europe, participating in shows along with the likes of Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger.

In December of 1981, poet and artist Rene Ricard published the first major article on Basquiat entitled “The Radiant Child” in Artforum. In 1982, Basquiat was featured in the group show “Transavanguardia: Italia/America” along with Neo-Expressionists Sandro Chia, Francesco Clemente, Enzu Cucchi, David Deutsch, David Salle, and Julian Schnabel (who will go on to direct the biographical film Basquiat in 1996). In 1983 Basquiat had one-artist exhibitions at the galleries of Annina Nosei and Larry Gagosian and was also included in the “1983 Biennial Exhibition” at the Whitney Museum of American Art. It was also in 1983 that Basquiat was befriended by Andy Warhol, a relationship that sparked discussion concerning white patronization of black art, a conflict that remains, to this day, at the center of most discussions of Basquiat’s life and work. Basquiat and Warhol collaborated on a number of paintings, none of which are critically acclaimed. Their relationship continued, despite this, until Warhol’s death in 1987.

On February 10, 1985, Basquiat appeared on the cover of The New York Times Magazine, posing for the Cathleen McGuigan article “New Art, New Money: The Marketing of an American Artist.” In March, Basquiat had his second one-artist show at the Mary Boone Gallery. In the exhibition catalogue, Robert Farris Thompson spoke of Basquiat’s work in terms of an Afro-Atlantic tradition, a context in which this art had never been discussed.

In 1986, Basquiat travelled to Africa for the first time and his work was shown in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. In November, a large exhibition of more than sixty paintings and drawings opened at the Kestner- Gesellschaft in Hannover; at twenty-five Basquiat was the youngest artist ever given an exhibition there. In 1988, Basquiat had shows in both Paris and New York; some critics, an encouraging development, praised the New York show.