Boo!

Is your look getting a little, well, haggard?  Don't worry, it happens to the best of us, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Set aside some time and let me show you and a few friends how to stretch the basic pieces from your current wardrobe into great, workable outfits for today.  Changing up the accessories is all it takes!

That's why some clothing pieces are considered basic (jeans, khakis, plain shell, white button up shirt, black dress, pants, or skirt).  They can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories.  It's like magic!

Contact me if you would like to learn more about updating your wardrobe.  I'd love to work with you.

Workhorses

When it comes to accessories, what are the workhorses in your wardrobe?  If you are like most women, they would be a wristwatch and wedding band. These items are so iconic, many women don't consider themselves to be wearing any jewelry at all--even with these pieces on!

Why are these pieces so prevalent?  Wedding bands are symbolic.  The circle symbolizes love that is never ending.  When we wear our wedding bands, we are making a very public statement about our priorities and the commitments in our lives. In different countries, the finger that the wedding band is traditionally worn on can be different, but the statement remains the same.

Wrist watches are a more recent jewelry statement.  The original watch wasn't really considered jewelry at all!  It was a strictly utilitarian piece for aircraft pilots to wear.  It helped them to be able to check the time without reaching for the common (at that time) pocket watch.

While watches may have been originally seen as representative of the advances of aviation and modern technology, they aren't any more!  Along with the ever present fashion element of the leather bomber jacket, the wrist watch stays in fashion and is a common element in many ladies' jewelry wardrobe.

Most ladies only own wear one wedding band (at a time, anyway), but it is quite common to own multiple watches for different looks and activities.

Let's hear it for the work horses of our jewelry wardrobes!

Wonderful Wednesday!

5 little things I am grateful for today.
1.  a little rain
2.  a great conference call with Elizabeth
3.  sharing business building ideas
4.  my silly cats
5.  being able to work from home

How to Care for Your Silver Jewelry

One of the best ways to make your jewelry investment last a long time is to make sure that you properly care for your items.  Each type of jewelry has unique needs.  When it doubt about how to proceed, it is better to contact a local Jeweler or leave a contact here so I can help you determine the best course of action.

Uncoated sterling silver jewelry is traditionally prone to tarnishing.  Basic silver polish can help remove the tarnish and add a soft, aged patina to the piece.  If you would prefer to keep your item looking super shiny, you can use a silver dip made for this purpose (Tarn-X) is one brand that is available.  These products are extremely hazardous to use and must be used very carefully in order to prevent harm to yourself.  Silver polishing cloths are  available that have a soft, microfiber surface and an anti-tarnish agent built in (usually zinc).  This will give a nice, safe, dry polish to any piece.  

Coated sterling silver is another story, altogether.  Because of the clear coating that prevents tarnish, you should never buff the piece with a silver cloth, use silver polish, or use a silver dip product.  All of these can damage the clear coating that prevents tarnishing.  The longer that the piece is protected, the more lovely the luster.  Gently wipe these items clean with a very soft, cotton cloth. A clean piece of an retired t-shirt works well.  If a piece has an obviously damaged or hazy coating, check with a local silversmith or jewelry store to see if re-coating the piece might be feasible.

Silver costume jewelry is usually made of plastic and should be handled gently and wiped clean with a soft, cotton cloth.

High Fashion silver jewelry is actually coated heavily with precious silver on the outside.  If not tarnished, gently wipe clean with a soft, cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth (similar to what you would clean eyeglasses with--no chemicals added).  Because of the clear coatings on this type of jewelry, it is best not to try and handle this at home.  Check to see if the manufacturer offers a guarantee or warranty on this type of jewelry.  The better companies will.

By carefully caring for your jewelry pieces, they will sparkle and enhance your wardrobe.  Happy Bling!

Jewelry Types

When ladies talk about jewelry, they often refer to it as either "real" or made exclusively with precious metals and/or gemstones or "fake" or costume jewelry.  But, there is another type of jewelry and the distinction can be important.

Precious jewelry is what is often referred to as "real."  This jewelry is what we all love to receive, but seldom purchase for ourselves.  Different precious metals and gemstones require special care to look their very best.  Your local jewelry store can often clean items for you in an ultrasonic unit.

Costume jewelry is what is often referred to as "fake."  Costume jewelry usually follows the latest fads and trends and is not intended to be worn for multiple seasons.  Often, this jewelry is made from plastic, wood, paper mache, and other common materials.  Usually, it is best not to let costume jewelry get wet for prolonged periods as it will hasten its demise.  This jewelry is inexpensive and fun.

High Fashion Jewelry is the middle road between these two types.  This jewelry is designed and manufactured to be as close to precious jewelry as possible in weight, feel, and look.  Often, it includes pieces that are made of a base metal and covered (in multiple layers) with precious metals.  This jewelry sometimes follows trends generally, but is meant to be worn for more than one season, although it won't last forever.  Often jewelry seen at Hollywood events and on television shows and in movies is High Fashion Jewelry.  Many stars wear beautiful High Fashion copies of their precious jewelry when they go out to avoid loss if the piece is lost or stolen.

Personally, I love the look of precious jewelry, but High Fashion Jewelry fits my budget and lifestyle better!