Friday, September 30, 2011

Face Shapes and Jewelry Choices - Oblong

The oblong/rectangular face is longer than it is wide -- the width of the face at the forehead, cheekbones and chin are the same or almost the same. The features within the face can be sharp and angular or soft and curved, but the overall face shape will be long. Sometimes, an oblong/rectangular face can be mistaken for an oval -- however, placed next to a true oval, the differences become clear. The objective for this face shape is to shorten its long vertical line.

Necklines
Oblong/rectangular faces need strong horizontal clothing lines, making the face appear wider and more oval. This face shape is often accompanied by long and thin bodies, so choose necklines that are wider than long. Ideal necklines: Boatneck/bateau neckline, Sabrina neckline, portrait/off-the-shoulder neckline, moderate cowl neck, strapless.  Avoid: V-neck, scoop neckline, other plunging necklines

Necklaces
Short necklaces reduce the appearance of lengths of the oblong/rectangular face. Choker, collar and princess lengths are ideal (especially if you have a long neck), since they break up the vertical line that occurs with an oblong/rectangular face. Large beads at the base of the neck help shorten the look of the face. Circular neckwires and necklaces without heavy or bold focal components are another option for the oblong/rectangular face.

Earrings
The oblong/rectangular face is ideal for wearing large, bold styles -- especially large post ("button") styles and wide chandeliers with color, movement and drama. Keep in mind that opposites attract for this face shape and choose large rounds, curves, crescents and other wide, space-filling designs. This face needs jewelry that adds width and camouflages its length, so any styles that create an illusion of width will be flattering for an oblong/rectangular face.

Eyewear
The objective for this face shape is to add width to, or reduce length in, the face. To create the illusion of width, choose styles which are narrower than the widest part of the face, with a strong short horizontal element (or long vertical lines). Ideally, choose round or square shapes with embellished or contrasting areas at the temples when viewed from the front.

Bridal Tips
The oblong/rectangular face needs a strong horizontal focus for the eye to follow. High necklines with gentle curves, accompanied by the shorter necklace lengths and short dramatic earring styles, will create a strong horizontal line. Keep in mind the size of the bride, her coloring and the simplicity (or ornateness) of her gown -- a more ornate gown can support more ornate jewelry. Matching the patterns, designs, textures and qualities of her gown completes the presentation. Hairpieces at the temples or above the ears, or wreath-style headdresses, make the face appear shorter.

Famous Faces: Oblong/Rectangular
Celebrity faces offered as examples:  Kirstie Alley, Jennifer Aniston, Iman, Terri Hatcher, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Macrame Bracelets Fire up the Fall

It's not often that you glimpse celebrities with styles as far-flung as Jay-Z, Paris Hilton and Justin Bieber all sporting matching accessories, but these adjustable macrame bracelets are being spotted knotted around wrists right and left.

Our versatile line of these bracelets runs the gamut from more masculine designs, like the steely hematite bracelet at left, to those with a dainty and feminine flair with a range of prices for any budget. With 18 different styles available, there is a macrame bracelet for everyone!  Browse our selection and check out all the possibilities to make this fall absolutely macrame-zing!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Face Shapes and Jewelry Choices - Round

The round face is soft and curved, with an equal distance all around. The nose is a center point for this face shape (it is as wide as it is long). The features can be sharp and angular or soft and curved, but the overall face shape will be round. The objective for this face shape is to lengthen its appearance.
Necklines
Round faces need strong vertical clothing lines to add angles and lengthen the face. Round faces are often accompanied by curvy and rounded bodies, so choose necklines that are longer than wide. Ideal necklines: V-neck, collared shirt open at the throat (even better when paired with a jacket), sweetheart neckline, Queen Anne neckline, narrow Empire neckline. Avoid: rounded necklines (such as the boatneck, bateau, crew or scoop).

Necklaces
Longer, looping necklaces draw the eyes down and lengthen the look of the face. Large focal components which create a "V" or draw attention below the neckline also create a powerful triangular point that creates a longer line. Avoid choker, collar and princess lengths, since they shorten the neck and add width to the throat.

Earrings
The round face is ideal for wearing long, vertical styles -- especially dangles, drops, narrow chandeliers and ear threads. Keep in mind that opposites attract for this face shape and choose rectangles, trapezoids and other long, vertically angular designs. Any styles that draw attention to a strong vertical line will be flattering for a round face.

Eyewear
Again, choose styles that create a longer face, or appear to narrow the face. Higher earpieces create the illusion of a longer lower face; bars or heavy details at the brow will draw the eye upward, creating a strong vertical. Ideally, go with frames equal to or wider than the widest part of the face, in rectangular shapes.

Bridal Tips
The round face needs a deep plunging V neckline to elongate and thin out the face. Asymmetrical jewelry styles will create a strong vertical line by drawing the eye either upward or downward, breaking up the roundness of the face. Keep in mind the size of the bride, her coloring and the simplicity (or ornateness) of her gown -- a more ornate gown can support more ornate jewelry. Matching the patterns, designs, textures and qualities of her gown completes the presentation. Long drop earrings are an ideal choice, as they lengthen the line of the face yet can be created in soft curving shapes such as pearls or glass. In addition, a small tiara or crown on the top of the head will lengthen the face.

Famous Faces: Round
Celebrity faces offered as examples: Fergie, Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, Carrie Underwood, Kate Winslet

Friday, September 16, 2011

Face Shapes and Jewelry Choices - Oval

The oval face is soft and curved, with an equal distance from the hairline to the eyebrow and from the eyebrow to the chin. Often considered the "perfect" face shape, it is slightly longer than it is wide, and can wear almost any neckline or jewelry style. The features within the face can be sharp and angular or soft and curved, but the overall face shape will be an oval.

Necklines
Oval faces can wear almost any neckline.
Ideal necklines: Scoop neckline, turtleneck, Nehru collar
Avoid: None

Necklaces
Oval faces can wear almost any shape or style of necklace, provided the design is in proportion to the individual, whether petite or plus-size. Necklaces should complement the neckline worn, as well as the wearer's other qualities: chokers emphasize her long neck, a long string of pearls worn flapper-style lengthens her torso and low-hanging necklaces with drops accent a low-cut neckline. The soft curves of the oval face are best accented by soft curving shapes such as pearls, ribbon, open link chain, affirmation rings and more.

Earrings
Oval faces can wear almost any shape or style of earring, if the designs are in proportion to her face. Avoid styles that are overly long, as they will lengthen the oval face. To minimize a thin oval face or a too-long nose, use styles that creep up the ear or have wings that sweep upward. Echo the oval face with hoops, hoops in circles, chandeliers and other soft, curving designs using open link chain, teardrops and go-gos -- or dramatically set off the oval face with triangle-shaped earrings.

Eyewear
Oval faces can wear almost any frame shape, so feel free to experiment with the latest looks. The top suggestion is to wear square frames with slightly rounded edges.

Bridal Tips
Oval faces can wear almost any neckline, necklace or earring style. Keep in mind the size of the bride, her coloring and the simplicity (or ornateness) of her gown -- a more ornate gown can support more ornate jewelry. Matching the patterns, designs, textures and qualities of her gown completes the presentation. If the bride has her hair pulled back or worn up, she shows her face shape best -- and gives the jewelry designer the opportunity to create matching hair jewelry.

Famous Faces: Oval
Celebrity faces offered as examples: Tyra Banks, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Cindy Crawford, Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, Uma Thurman

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Face Shape & Jewelry Choices - Part I

This is the first segment in a multi-part informational series written by Barbara van Look about jewelry selections you should make based on your face shape to enhance and flatter your looks.  
Every piece of jewelry includes a variety of elements:  colors, styles, and materials.  Knowing how different jewelry styles complement your face shape will help you select just the right style for you!

Facial shapes usually fall into one of seven general shapes - oval, round, oblong/rectangular, square, heart/inverted triangle, pearl/triangle, and diamond.  To identify your face shape, follow this simple process:

1.   Pull your hair back so all hair is completely off your face.
2.   Have someone take a picture of you facing straight into the camera with the hairline showing and print it out, or stand in front of a mirror about 1 foot away and look straight in it.
3.   If you have a print, outline the face, or if in a mirror, draw directly on the mirror with a wet-erase marker (this can be easily wiped off the mirror with a clean paper towel).
4.   Compare the face shape to the images we will show in the next segments and choose the one that matches the closest.  Be sure to check the face when smiling as well as at rest.  Keep in mind that face shapes can change over the years or with health and weight changes.

After determining your face shape, you can consider the jewelry that best compliments you.  Even though large and over-sized jewelry is in style, jewelry selected and worn in proportion to the size and shape of your face and with the correct neckline can balance your facial features and bring out the best in your natural beauty!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Turquoise - A Versatile Stone That Never Goes Out of Style

Refreshing blue turquoise is always a winner, and can be equally at home in modern settings or traditional southwestern designs.

Fashion observers Who What Wear just declared a bold turquoise necklace to be a fashion essential and Hollywood is on board with the trend as well. Leading the way, actress Vanessa Hudgens wore a striking turquoise pendant and ring at the premiere of the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

If you love turquoise, check out our full line of turquoise jewelry!