Cz Rings for Milestones

For all my high school readers, here’s an article for you. The end of the year comes quicker than you think, and for Seniors that means graduation. High School graduation is a rite of passage for all adolescents—especially in America. Graduation brings with it a lot of traditions including the purchase of a class ring. When I graduated from High school there was a very limited selection of women’s class rings. These days, there are so many options for girls and guys alike, from traditional to modern and cheap to expensive. The metals vary from sterling to platinum and you can even get diamonds set in your class ring. Furthermore, class ring companies have expanded their product lines to incorporate more than just rings. Now you can buy class bracelets, necklaces, key chains, earrings, pens, magnets, t-shirts, and much much more.

Some of my friends in high school got diamonds placed into their rings, but most purchased cubic zirconia rings. The great thing about cz rings is that the price is much more affordable than diamonds or any other precious stone. The gems still look amazingly sparkly and beautiful too. I recommend cz rings for class rings and any other commemorative occasion including engagement & wedding rings and anniversaries.

If you are an adult past high school, but never bought a class ring, it’s not too late. You can still buy yourself a class ring personalized with your graduation year, high school, and name engraved. You can pick the cut of the jewel, the ring style, the metal, the warrantee, etc. Class rings are not a huge fashion trend. In fact, few people continue to wear their high school class rings past college. However, they commemorate an important chapter in a person’s life and for a short time have very great value to the wearer. I remember that senior year I just had to have a class ring. I was going to die if I didn’t buy one. Everyone was buying them and I too wanted to remember those four years (and be like everyone else). If you are considering buying a high school ring for yourself or perhaps for your child remember that while they can be pricy, you can cut the price in half by choosing a modest design, a cheaper durable metal like sterling silver, and a cubic zirconia setting.

Channeling Audrey Hepburn Style

One of my favorite style icons of all time would have to be Audrey Hepburn. Her classic beauty, style, and grace transcend time. Anyone who has heard of Audrey Hepburn would agree that her fashion sense is so elegant and timeless. Not only was Audrey an amazing actress, but her style was amazing both on and off screen. Furthermore, her personality only added to her elegance. In her older years she devoted her time to charitable causes and human rights work.

One of Audrey’s most famous roles was her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A lot of Hepburn’s iconic and classic style is also associated with this role she played. Her outfits within the film included a lot of black, white, and diamonds. The single most iconic look of the film would be the first outfit you see Audrey in. She wears a long black gown, a pearl and diamond necklace, diamond earrings, a diamond tiara, and elbow length black gloves. These days, it is quite easy to emulate this signature Audrey Hepburn look—minus the diamonds, of course. Unless you are someone who can afford diamonds, this part of your Audrey Hepburn look would have to be slightly different. However, since Audrey’s time, cubic zirconia jewelry has become the number one alternative to diamond jewelry. Cubic zirconia jewelry looks just like diamond jewelry with some very slight differences that only some of the most trained professionals can identify.

You don’t have to go around everyday in a full out Audrey Hepburn get up, but you can certainly take elements of her classic style and incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe. Try side swept bangs, hair in a high pony, pearls, and cz jewelry studs. Or a classic black dress, black heels, and a cubic zirconia necklace. Remember that Audrey’s style was a calm and understated elegance. Keep it classic and simple and you won’t go wrong.

Trend Alert: Bib Necklaces

The latest trend in Jewelry and specifically in necklaces has been popping up all over Hollywood this past year. The trend started on the runway and is now making it into your malls and department stores. Bib necklaces, in my opinion, would fall under the category of bold jewelry. That is, they make a huge statement when you wear them. So, when you wear a bib necklace the same rules of wearing bold jewelry applies. Keep the outfit simple when it comes to colors and patterns in order to really allow the bib necklace to stand out. Also remember to keep your other jewelry simple as well. Opt for studs instead of chandelier earrings, skip the bracelets and perhaps wear an understated ring that compliments the bib necklace.

Bib necklaces are excellent for school dances, proms, cocktail parties, holiday parties and more! Some bib necklaces can be made of other materials like felt or yarn. There are some lovely crocheted bib necklaces that give an entirely different look than the more common jeweled versions. Personally, for special occasions I prefer jeweled bib necklaces. The bib necklaces off the runways of fashion’s hottest designers were either real jewels or Swarovski crystals. Either way, neither option would be viable for the everyday woman. Luckily, there are so many other look a like options available. Cubic Zirconia jewelry in particular offers affordable alternatives to expensive jewels. You can find many cz jewelry bib necklaces that look just as beautiful and stunning as the real thing! With the money you save, you can buy even more bib necklaces! Celebrities everywhere are embracing the trend too. Amy Adams, at a recent awards ceremony wore a brilliant and large bib necklace that complimented her crimson gown and red hair. She accessorized well choosing to wear small studs instead of any sort of dangly earrings.

Bib necklaces are not hard to wear as long as you understand how to not over accessorize. I reserve bib necklaces for more formal occasions, but I think they can be worn at the office as well. Pair a pencil skirt, heels, and a nice white blouse with a statement bib necklace and you are good to go. Of course this look certainly depends on your office and how formal it is—but don’t be afraid to try it out. Bib necklaces are a trend that may not be in style for very long, so wear it while it’s hot!