The 52 Million Pound Outfit

Channel has come up with the perfect solution to our triple recession – it has launched an astronomical expensive perfume. But wait it gets better, the ‘new launch’ is apparently the exact same fragrance as Chanel perfume No. 05 that you can buy in any high street store for around £60. The only difference being it is placed in a fancy new bottle which will cost you around £2,732.24. Why the 24p I am not sure however this totally outstrips the previous most expensive perfume that was sold for a cool £1,366.12.

The fact of the matter is if you are going to splash out on such extravagance then you might as well do it in style. There is no point wearing the world’s most expensive perfume if the rest of your attire has been purchased from Primark. Don’t get me wrong, I love Primark and to be honest 80% of my wardrobe is probably from the shop itself but it doesn’t scream lavishness does it?

Below I have put together the world’s most expensive outfit that totals to an eye watering £52,034,60.

Debbie Wingham Dress

British Designer Debbie Wingham has made the world’s most expensive dress that has been valued at around £11,562,578. The dress is encrusted with red diamonds that are so rare that Wingham stated that it was more of a show piece than anything else. Every woman’s worst nightmare is turning up to a party only to find out that someone else is wearing their dress – I think it is safe to say that this would never be a problem for the lucky woman in this.

Kathryn Wilsons Shoes

Well if there was ever going to be a pair of shoes that got you noticed it’s these shiny little things. For as little as £273,353 these could be yours. With heels that are covered in 21.18 carats of diamond you may want to make sure you have a few pennies left over to pay for a security team to follow you around when you take them for a stroll.

Chapeau d’Amour (Hat)

The Chapeau d’Amour is the most expensive hat in the world being valued at around £1,764,819. Meaning ‘Hat Of Love’ this unusual head garment was designed by Louis Mariette. Made from woven platinum and studded with diamonds you are sure to turn a few heads when you walk into a room wearing this.

Mouawad’s 1001 Nights Diamond Purse

Officially certified by the Guiness World Records the Mouawad’s 1001 Nights Diamond Purse is the most expensive designer handbag that would set you back  about £2,483,820. The hearts shaped handbag is made up of 18kt gold and boasts 4,517 diamonds (consisting of 4,356 white, 105 yellow and 56 pink diamonds). Weighing 381.92 carats this fancy piece took a whopping 8,800 hours in craftsmanship time to create.

L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace

No woman’s outfit is complete without some nice jewellery. The L’Incomparable diamond necklace has also broke the Guinness World Record for its value and is reported to be 637 carats in total weight. At around £35,950,035 this necklace is the perfect piece to finish off your outfit.


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Wedding Fashion – What To Wear So You Stand Out on The Big Day

Everybody loves weddings, which is probably why so many people between the ages of 25 and 44 get married every year. There is no “right time” to get married. People get married all through the year whether it be in the fall, winter, summer, or spring time.

The right time to get married is when you know you’re totally in love. Now that you know the wedding is on it is time to start seriously thinking about what outfit you’re going to wear on the ‘Big Day’. The sooner you begin planning what you are going to wear the better chance you’ll have at being a star at the show, especially if you’re the Bride.

Wedding Guests

If you are a guest of the wedding it can be tough finding the right outfit to wear for the occasion. Some people wear one outfit during the day and change into something else for the evening. You can’t go wrong with a floral blouse and a floral dress to match. If the wedding is in the summer a nice flower design will look great in the sunshine, and also make the transition to evening event seem effortless.

Put on some naked heels with a color that compliments your flower design and you’ll be just about ready for your grand entrance. Since you’re attending a wedding it’s all about the little things so make sure you don’t forget about accessories like a stylish handbag to make your outfit complete.

Where the wedding and reception will be are some things you should take into consideration when you’re planning what to wear. For example, if the wedding is being held in a huge church and the reception is very fancy, then it would a good idea to dress up in a nice dress. If the event is going to be held outside in a garden then it is a good idea to wear something more casual like a summer dress or dress pants and a shirt.

With whatever outfit you choose just make sure you don’t wear anything black or white. You are not going to a funeral or the office, so avoid dark colors and go with the lighter option. Obviously you don’t want to wear white because this is the color reserved for the bride, and you don’t want to upstage her on her ‘Big Day’.

Men can wear a nice sweater and tie beneath a blazer, or a nice dress shirt with a pair of dress pants to match, and maybe a tie. Men can get away with wearing a dark tuxedo for the reception at night but never during the day. If you want to wear a suit during the day make sure it is a light colored suit.

Mother of The Bride

If you’re the bride’s mother it is best to keep it classy, simple, and elegant. Find out from your daughter ahead of time what she plans on having the color scheme for the wedding. Once you know try to find an outfit that has a combination of colors that match up with the color scheme of the wedding so you look great in the photos taken at the event.

Choose nice, bright colors for your dress. Choose colors like ivory if the bride is wearing white so you will look similar to the bride and bridesmaids but not completely blend in with them either. Go for a nice mid length dress along with a bolero.

You want a dress that POPS and makes a statement letting everyone know you’re the Mother of the Bride and you look good today. You can check your local bridal shop for cocktail gowns or dresses that would be great. Also, remember to get your hair done, get a manicure, wear some shoes that matches your outfit, and showcase that fancy jewelry you have locked up in your home.

The Bride

When it comes to wedding dress fashion there is always something new. The Bride can always find a look that is perfect for her. More and more women are going with the less traditional colored dresses.

There are many colors that have become more and more popular with each passing season, but the most popular of them all is pink. If you are not going to wear white then pink is a fantastic choice since it symbolizes love and romance. For the bride that wants to be more traditional you can wear an elegant white gown with lace.

When you’re the bride you’ll have to decide whether or not you’re going to wear a wedding veil. If you do wear a veil go with a classic blusher style veil. Walking down the aisle with a veil is an important tradition for some families so consider making it part of your bridal fashion.

If you are looking for the freshest flowers for your next special event then check out http://www.gogoflorist.com were you can find everything from flowers, gifts, cakes, chocolate, and more.

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Seven Men’s Summer Style Tips

As temperatures start to rise and winter clothes get stored away, many of us turn our attention to what we should be wearing over the summer months, to stay cool and to look cool.  For the men out there, here are seven style tips to keep up your sleeves this summer.

Stay cool

There’s nothing more unflattering than a man wearing clothes drenched in sweat patches. When it starts to hot up, opt for cooling fabrics such as cotton or linen, which will keep you sweat-free for longer.  Avoid wool and tweed at all costs.

Sunglasses

Not just for protecting your eyes from the glare of the sun, sunglasses are the ultimate summer fashion statement that every man should own.  For shades that will last, stick to styles that won’t go in and out of fashion as often as the sun on a semi-cloudy day.  Aviators are a good choice for a cool, sophisticated look.

Well-fitted clothes

Your summer attire should be given just as much consideration as how you dress in winter, so don’t think that a rise in temperature can let you off the hook when it comes to wearing clothes that fit well.  Shapeless baggy t-shirts and droopy shorts won’t win you any style points, so always go for clothes that flatter your shape and are the right proportion size-wise.  On the other end of the scale, clothes that are too tight are just as sinful, so never commit the fashion crime of donning tight, lycra shorts this summer or tops make you look fit to burst out of.

Be colourful

If you can’t turn the volume up on the colour palette in summer time, then when can you?  It’s perfectly fine for a man to go one or two shades bolder or brighter than he might normally do the rest of the year, so feel free to experiment.  A word of caution, however.  Don’t throw too many colours into the mix, otherwise you risk drawing attention for the wrong reasons.  Co-ordinate colours carefully and see what works well before throwing an outfit together.

Focus on your shorts

Shorts are a staple ingredient for a man’s summer wardrobe, and he’ll do himself a whole load of favours by getting one or two decent, good-quality pairs to mix and match over the summer.  Choose neutral shades that will work well with a variety of tops, and can look good for either a formal or informal occasion.  This year’s trend is all about the shorts suit, and is a hot favourite for both men and women.  Check out the various styles and colours, and make sure you’re seen out and about wearing one this summer.

Accessories

Adding accessories to an outfit is somewhat easier for women, and especially in winter when it’s all about adding to your look.  Come summer time, and you’ll be wanting to strip back, but where does that leave men when it comes to accessorising in the warmer months?  Aside from stylish sunglasses, think a classy watch or a cool hat.  But, don’t forget mixing and matching belts to change the feel of an outfit this summer.  Swap your winter belts for lightweight ones in more colourful, patterned shades. 

Shoes

As you flash the flesh more over the warmer months, attention will be drawn to your footwear.  If your pumps or trainers are looking somewhat dog-eared, then don’t allow them to let your summer look down.  Ditch dated footwear and plump for some inspiring seasonal styles instead.  If you must wear socks with your footwear, then opt for discreet ankle socks that nestle nicely inside your shoes.  Otherwise, give socks a wide berth until autumn time.

Written by the fashion team at Anna Davies, proud retailers of unique menswear and Barbour stockists.

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Ways to Get Some Much Needed Back Pain Relief

According to data provided by the National Health Services, back pain is often the reason for the vast majority of absence from work in the UK. On the other side of the Atlantic, the Mayo Clinic says that back pain affects about eighty percent of Americans at some point. Back pain can be either acute or primary, or it can affect the lower back or the upper back; whatever the case may be, back pain relief will definitely be very much welcome. But remember, the efficacy of whatever method you will use to alleviate back pain will depend on your ability to accurately determine what form of back pain you are suffering from.

The best way to have this determination is to see your General Practitioner or better yet a chiropractor; here you will be shown the best methods to managing or treating back pain. Back pain relief can be achieved through exercises, therapies, medication or a combination of all these. Exercises achieve back pain relief by strengthening core muscles, as back pain is associated with a poor interaction between these core muscles, their ligaments and the spine they articulate with. These exercises should not be painful; if you feel any hint of pain you are definitely straining the body, and you could be doing more harm to your back.

Some of the exercises you can engage in are back flexes, where you lie on your back, and bring your knees towards your chest, while keeping your head elevated. Generally, each stretching exercise should be repeated about 5-10 times for maximum effect.

Even without all these exercises, it is possible to achieve some level of back pain relief by just maintaining proper postures in your daily engagements, such as when working on a computer, lifting or hauling goods. Excessively arching your back invariably leads to back pains and should be avoided; keeping your back as straight as possible is a sure way of reducing strain on your back, and consequently reducing back pain.

While we may feel inclined to get more bed rest when suffering from back pains, it has been realised that extended bed rest does more harm than good; so, other than your daily sleep, try and maintain some level of activity instead of slouching all day.

Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective method of relieving back pain; a few needles here and there, and the body is stimulated into producing its own natural pain killers. It requires several rounds of treatments but will do the job.

There is also a wide array of medications that can be used to treat back pain. These drugs come as either anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxants. Most anti-inflammatory drugs are sold Over-The-Counter and include NSAIDs e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen. There are also prescription drugs that are more potent. Muscle relaxants are also used to relieve muscle spasms, which occasionally occur when suffering back pain. Some of these drugs, such as codeine and hydrocone, are addictive and their usage should be monitored. As already mentioned, the best treatment is a combination of some of these techniques.

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Dressing Styles For Men Attending a Summer Wedding

It is undoubtedly a huge honor being invited to a wedding no matter what time of year it is. Needless to say, we all want to look at our best while attending a wedding. Choosing the perfect dress to wear at a wedding has always been a dilemma for most people. As compared to the weddings that happen during the spring, autumn and winter, it’s quite tricky to pick the right dress if you are attending a summer wedding. The confusion regarding what exactly to put on for a summer wedding is always there simply because of the fact that summer weddings normally offer a lot more options when it comes to things like the selection of the venues and themes. The darkish, hefty dress you would have donned at some other time of the year, might not be appropriate for a summer wedding for obvious reasons.

When it comes to choosing the right dress for a summer wedding, the key thing to consider is the venue because a lot would depend on it. Once that’s been confirmed it is going to make the job of deciding on your outfit less difficult.

Currently beach weddings have grown to be more popular then ever, and if there is one thing you would hate to do is to attend the ceremony in a heavy wool tuxedo. Instead you would want to go with a fabric that’s light in weight (for example, linen). Look for lighter shades than what you might want to put on if it were some other season. A matching white (or lighter shade) shirt with a simple but elegant tie would suffice.

Keep in mind that beach weddings tend to be less formal compared to the traditional ones. Such weddings happen to be a lot more laid back and you’ll probably feel at ease by not putting on a suit whatsoever. A lot of men would choose to wear a light colored shirt with trousers that are a bit on the darker side. It is a good idea to try and keep the colors subtle. However it’s better not to dress far too casually. Regardless of the theme you should avoid wearing swim shorts and flip-flops – it’s simply not appropriate for an occasion like wedding.

If it’s a daytime wedding and is not happening on a beach, you would probably want to wear something more formal. But you can always try some light-weight materials, that will guarantee comfort in a warmer climatic condition. Lighter hues of gray are appropriate and if you are uncertain simply go for a white shirt and a simple tie.

If it’s a daytime wedding and is not happening on a beach, you would probably want to wear something more formal. But you can always try some lightweight materials, that will guarantee comfort in a warmer climatic conditions. Jackets in lighter hues of gray or blue are perfect and you just can’t go wrong combining it with a crisp white shirt and a neutral tie. However, if you choose to get even more elegant, think of a sky blue shirt or go for a vest rather than a suit.

The secret to dressing efficiently and looking great for a wedding would be to take the time to get ready and give enough thought on what you would want to wear. Just like any other formal wear, the bottom line is to secure a perfect fit – accomplishing this would guarantee that you would surely be among the best dressed men at the wedding, next to the groom, needless to say.

Hope this short article is going to help you choose the perfect dress for a summer wedding. by the way, if you are the best man and has to give a best man’s speech you could check http://www.bestmanspeechinsight.com/ for tips on how to write and make a wedding speech successfully.

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Choosing the right corset

One thing that we need to get straight when talking about corsets is that we are no longer in Victorian times, and not everyone wears them to get the tiniest waist imaginable. Granted, there are some people that do that and good luck to them; but a corset can be worn in a casual way as much as those in days gone by used them for medical purposes. Over the years, the humble corset has been used on stage and screen and now they are having a bit of a resurgence, thanks to such stars as Dita von Teese and films like ‘Burlesque!’ and ‘Moulin Rouge’.

A misconception about corsets is that they are quite bland affairs; not too much decoration for example – more for use as underwear than outerwear. What rubbish! If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Here are a few types of corset that are becoming more available whether it is online or in-store.

Fashion corset - The reason that this type of corset is so popular is down to the fact that they are so simple. They are not the same as a traditional corset due to the fact that they will do absolutely nothing to your waist (except make it look fab of course!) due to the fact that the ‘bones’ are generally man-made acrylic; so even though they’re strong enough not to make it pop open, that’s pretty much all they’ll do. There is a huge range of colours, styles and textures out there; all for the price of a normal dress or top – so why not try something different this summer?

Steel-Boned corset - Some of you may have been watching the odd costume drama recently and may be thinking of copying some of the styles from the Austen era. You may not want to go the whole hog and make yourself look like an hourglass but you think that your shape could be improved with a little off the waist? That’s where the steel-boned corset comes in. Not as effective as a waist cincher (see below), but certainly strong enough with its steel bones to take a good few inches off your natural waist size. Much more comfortable than it sounds too and even though you do pay a little extra for the quality of the boning, you’ll see much better results than with a fashion corset – and quickly too!

Waist Training - This is the daddy (or mother) of all corsets – the waist training (or cinching) corset is the one that will require some serious commitment and time if you want to succeed. Generally, these corsets will take a whopping 7-8 inches or more off your natural waist size. Again, discomfort isn’t a problem if you wear them properly but – and this isn’t meant to scare you off – it is advisable to consult your GP before trying a waist training exercise – just to check if you’re in good enough shape (no pun intended).

The choices are endless, with new designs coming onto the market almost daily. Not only that, but you then have the added fun of accessorizing the corset itself, and what you decide to wear with it. So it’s not all about hiding it away under another garment – you want to show it off, and why shouldn’t you?

 

Ben Gallivan is a fashion writer concentrating mainly on vintage fashion. He hasn’t tried a corset on himself but is reliably informed that he speaks the truth, which is why he writes for Corsets UK, a large online store with all the corsets listed above, and then some!

 

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Must have protective horse riding gears

To get the ultimate experience out of horse riding, you need to have proper protective gears in place.

It is a great feeling riding on a horseback across fields. There must be very few of us who have not read or heard fairytale in our childhood and imagined at least once that we too are the prince and princesses, riding on a horse to gallop away into the horizon. Today although people do not use horses for the purpose of transport, nevertheless it is considered a great sport and is quite common passion or hobby among many people all over the world. Horse riding itself it a passion or hobby for some, but horse riding can also be learn for the purpose of playing certain sports like polo or for participating in horse races and so on.

 

But to get the ultimate experience of horse riding and also to keep yourself safe, you need to have proper horse riding gear in place. There are different kinds of horse riding gears but three of the most important horse riding gears is as follows:

 

  • Horse riding saddle – this is the most important riding gear. An equestrian saddle does not only help the rider to climb up on the horse without any difficulty and also sit securely on the back of the horse but a saddle is also good for a horse. A saddle keeps the rider away from the spinal cord of the horse making it easier for the horse to carry a rider.
  • Horse riding headgear – regardless of whether you are professional rider or just learning how to ride, protecting your head is of the utmost importance. Horses are after all animals and have their own mood swings or emotions. Even if you have been riding for quite some time now and the horse is from your stable and hence knows you well, accidents can still occur anytime. Hence it is always better to be safe than sorry. A good helmet can protect you from any major accidents while riding on a horseback.
  • Horseback riding boots – the second most important gear that you would need for a comfortable and safe riding experience is a pair of equestrian boots. These are specially made horse riding boots that allows the rider free movement of the legs and feet while also helping protect the feet. Such horse riding footwear are made from either plastic or leather and come in different shapes, sizes, designs as well as at different prices. There is usually an elastic area near the ankle of the boots, ensuring a perfect fit for anyone and everyone. You are sure to find one that not only suits your needs, budget and fit your feet too but your style taste also.

 

Hence when you go for a ride on your horse across the paddy fields, or go out to play polo on a horseback or just participate in a horse race, make sure you have all the above mentioned three protective riding gears in place. Apart from the above three you can also buy equestrian apparel for comfortable riding.

 

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An Overview of the Symbolism and Healing Powers of Purple-Colored Gemstones

Purple-colored mineral gemstones include amethyst, purpurite, lepidolite, charoite, fluorite and sugilite. Amethyst is however the most popular and it has been used in jewelry ever since ancient times, in Rome, Greece and Egypt. A combination of blue and red, purple is considered the color of purpose and it is associated with mysticism, wisdom, purification and even nirvana. This is why violet gemstones are often used in transcendental meditation, because they encourage the spiritual communion with a superior and better self, by aligning one s self to the harmony of the universe. Therefore, there is a common belief that purple-colored gems have supernatural and magical powers and connect the wearer to the universe s limitless sources of energy.

The violet variety of quartz known as amethyst promotes spiritual awareness, enhances one s fervid imagination and creativity and it is touted as an inspirational gemstone. Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and it is said to bring good luck to the zodiacal signs Aquarius and Pisces. It is also the gemstone for the 16th and 17th wedding anniversaries and symbolizes perfectly the Age of Aquarius. Included in the cardinal ( highly valuable) gemstones, along with ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamond, until the 18th century, this purple precious gemstone in nowadays incorporated in all kinds of jewelry, from rings to earrings, bracelets and pendant necklaces. Amethyst is abundantly mined in Brazil. If the amethyst is cut conventionally, it will exhibit several red flashes.

Due to the fact that is associated with the seventh Chakra ( or the Crown Chakra) and thus has healing energies, amethyst symbolizes power and protection from the evil eye. Ancient Romans and Greeks also believed that amethyst protected them from intoxication with alcohol or drunkenness and it was extensively mentioned in Greek mythology. Amulets featuring this gem were also worn by anglo-Saxon soldiers to protect them during the battles and wars.

Today, this gem is also worn for its aesthetically appealing attributes and its glossy luster. Its purple color is given by the presence of iron and other trace minerals impurities as well as by natural irradiation. The diaphaneity (or transparency) of amethyst ranges from transparent to translucent and its color ranges from lighter pinkish violet to deep or dark or purple. The most valuable grade is known as “Deep Siberian”, with 80% purple hue and it is very rare. In alternative medicine, this gem is used for the treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, headaches ( by rubbing it on the forehead), because it calms one s body and spirit. This purple gem is commonly placed under the pillow in order to benefit from pleasant dreams and to improve the REM sleep cycle. As a protection gemstone, amethyst is used against witchcraft, alcohol and substance abuse and also against self-deception, different phobias or fears as well as cravings.

As a wisdom gemstone, the amethyst also known as the Bishop s stone and typically worn by Catholic priests, symbolizes and encourages higher knowledge, piety, spirituality, enlightenment, honesty and mental health. Thanks to its purple color, amethyst is often associated with nobility and royalty, with artists, ceremony, wealth, transformation into a better human being, mystery, fantasy and magic. Many of today s healers wear this gemstones, because it is said to attract and focus energy. Amethysts are usually set in silver or sterling silver to increase their healing properties. The amethyst is typically placed on the specific body part which requires healing, typically the respiratory system and the heart.

Back in the 18th century, another purple gem called fluorite was used in water for kidney disease relief. Today, it is often referred to as the “Genius stone”, because it enhances memory and focus and it provides an incentive for decision-making. Fluorite is also used to energize the mind and body as a meditation gemstone and to magnify the mental power. In alternative medicine, this purple gem is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, respiratory distress, arthritis and painful joint conditions.

Purpurite is another calming violet gemstone and it is commonly worn to intensify intuition and to open the “Third Eye” and Crown Chakra. Its healing properties include improving the brain function, supporting radiation relief and optimizing nutrient intake. Purpurite also purifies the energetic fields, promotes insight and social acceptance and also integrates creative ideas with skills.

Found in Colorado, lepidolite is also called the “Peace Stone” and in addition to attracting good luck and warding off negative thoughts, this sparkling purple gem supports stress relief and a restful sleep and it encourages the attainment of one s goals in life. It is preferably combined with rose quartz, for the purpose of reconciliation in love.

The color of charoite ranges from lavender and bright lilac to deep purple and it is used in particular to overcome obsessions, phobias and compulsive disorders, by balancing the spiritual self. This gemstone is found only in Russia.
Sugilite is a rare mineral gem found in South Africa and Japan and it is typically combined with amethyst in jewelry for enhancing its protective energies. Sugilite is mostly dark or blackish purple and it is one of the primary love stones, because it is able to align all chakras to true and pure love.

About the Author:

Online magazine about fashion jewelry and gemstones http://jewelryblog.co.uk

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How to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring

One of the most exciting times in life is when you become engaged. The factors have all come together and you know that you have found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with and they feel the same way. The ring stands for everything your relationship means, so finding it is a big job.  Here are some tips to help you pick out the perfect engagement ring.

Set Your Budget

The jewelry industry can be tricky when they see a guy nervously looking around at rings. This is because there is a belief that the amount of love a man feels for his intended bride is linked to the amount of money spent or the size of the diamond. This is not true and something started by the jewelry industry. It does not have to cost two month’s salary either, it’s just a helpful suggestion.  Remember that you are the one who knows your girlfriend better than anyone and what is the desired outcome. If she likes big diamonds and you can’t afford it, you can get the big surface area with a flat cut. Find ways to stay within your budget.

Know What She Likes

So many guys worry about this, but really there have been clues dropped all along the way if you are willing to pay attention. There have probably been times where she has told a friend how much she loves her ring and then turned to you and made a comment about how she really felt about the ring. One of those things might have to do with the color or cut of the diamond. Another important detail is what color the band is because these are all major aspects of a ring. Also try to notice what she wears already. These are all good ways to get clues that will help you ultimately decide which ring to buy.

Plan Ahead

It’s highly unlikely that you are going to walk out of a jewelry store with the ring in hand, even if you can find it on one trip to a store. This is because the ring needs to be sized and settings need to be made, and this sometimes requires a couple of weeks. Make sure you don’t have things planned for the next night just in case it takes longer to be ready than you originally thought.

Get Documentation

Don’t always assume that the jeweler you go to is totally trustworthy. When looking for engagement rings in Houston, for example, there are plenty of reputable jewelers to go to. However, there are third party businesses and locations that will grade diamonds. They will provide documentation on the ever-important 4 C’s of diamonds – which are color, carat, cut, and clarity. The places or people who inspect your diamond should have gone through certification from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or American Gem Society.  They will also inspect the shape and size of the diamond and record that on the documentation.

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Black Stockings – Elegant, Attractive or Provocative?

It wasn’t all that long ago that a woman simply wasn’t dressed unless she was wearing her stockings. And before elastic, garters, girdles and suspender belts were everyday undergarments necessary for holding stockings up. In recent years, however, even professional women are less likely to wear any sort of pantyhose to the office. This isn’t to say, of course, that stockings have fallen completely by the wayside. Colored and patterned tights and stockings of various lengths have been very visible fashion trends, and tights in particular remain a key accessory during cold winter months. But the black stocking, once just an ultra-practical everyday undergarment, has taken on an interesting eroticism. At the same time, however, wearing black stockings adds a degree of formality and polish to a look. But which perception of black stockings ultimately wins out? Are they elegant, attractive, or provocative?

Black stockings are definitely still elegant, as evidenced by their continued presence in professional settings. Black stockings add polish to a business casual look, and even though the nude pantyhose that used to be standard women’s office attire have become passé, they remain very much at home in the office when paired with a knee-length skirt or dress. Yet few women are likely to wear them in a social setting, such as a date or a night out with friends. This suggests that most women don’t think black stockings are particularly attractive. However, the erotic associations of black stockings would seem to directly contradict this. Thigh-high stockings, especially when paired with a garter belt or corset, are one of the most prominent types of lingerie. While fishnet is perhaps the most stereotypical material for sexy thigh-highs, silk stockings and lace trim are equally prevalent. Just seeing black stockings all over the pages of men’s magazines lets you know that this undergarment can certainly be both attractive and provocative.

It’s actually very easy to find a pair of black stockings that can serve double duty, providing daytime elegance and nighttime sex appeal. Maison Close’s Collant Nu Voile Stockings, for example, successfully walk the line. These stunning stockings feature cut-outs with a top that is essentially a built-in garter belt. Under a dress or skirt, these stockings have a seamlessly elegant and professional look. You never suspect what they really look like underneath. Lose the skirt, however, and the stockings instantly become sultry and provocative thanks to faux garters and an open front and back.

In the end, the type of impression your black stockings leave depends almost entirely on the context in which you wear them. If you wear them in an elegant setting as part of a polished professional look, they convey elegance. If you wear them with a garter belt in the bedroom, they’re clearly provocative. And if you want to wear thigh-high stockings in a social setting, rest assured that they look attractive. As with any other garment, confidence is the key to pulling off your black stockings.

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