Posts Tagged ‘shape’

Find your perfect jeans

June 10th, 2009

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Everything you need to know about shopping for these all-rounded staples.

Six jeans boo boos

These are the most common mistakes women make when wearing jeans.

  • THE GOOF : MUFFIN TOP The fix : Don’t wear jeans with waistbands that cut into your sides causing a ’spillover’. Either you’re wearing it too low for your body shape or it is a tad too tight.
  • THE GOOF : BACK CLEAVAGE The fix : Your jeans should fit properly and that means no unsightly back cleavage peeking out. If you find that your jeans slide down too much at the back when you bend over , the cut does not suit you.
  • THE GOOF : ODD WASHES The fix :  The wash of your jeans should look pleasing overall. Odd washes that combine two or more shades should be avoided. The creases should also follow the same rule. Too much of it just looks tacky.

  • THE GOOF : OVER-EMBELLISHMENT The fix : A few studs here and there are fine. It’s when embellishments run from the top, down the length of the leg that is too much. Tassels, all-over sequins and too much lace should be avoided at all costs.

  • THE GOOF : UNFLATTERING CUTS The fix : Pick the styles that suit your body shape. There’s nothing worse than wearing jeans that doesn’t flatter your figure.

  • THE GOOF : WRONG LENGTH The fix : Always make sure that the length is perfect for your. If you’re wearing heels, they should end an inch above the floor but if you’re wearing flats, make sure they don’t sweep the floor. If your jeans are too long, have them tailored to your desired length instead of folding up the legs.

The final say on buying jeans….

Before you go jeans shopping

OMG girls! Consider your body shape. Identifyyour body shape and areas that you wish to conceal with the right cut. For example, big bums can be hidden with big pockets.

While you are at the store

Please please please select an appropriate style. Apple shapes should go for straight cuts to balance out your frame while pear shapes should opt for boot cut. Petite frames on the other hand looks great with skinny jeans to lengthen the legs.

Decide on a color wash. Dark washes usually complement any body shape. Lighter washes are best left to thin body shapes.

Once you’re in the fitting room

Look at yourself in the mirror from all angles. Pay attention to how the jeans fits you in and at the back. It should be a snug fit all around.

Purchase a pair that is slightly tighter. This is because jeans tend to expand just a little (about 1-2cm) with frequent washes. Be careful not to buy a pair that is too tight to avoid looking like a muffin top.

Give it a trial run. I always try to sit, bend over, squat and walk whenever I try a new pair. This is to ensure the jeans allow s you to do all that without unnecessary peeking or excessive tugging.

Comfort above all else. I know women hardly do this. Besides looking good, the important rule is to feel comfortable. There’s no point in buying a pair that makes you fidget all day.


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If you are an online shopper, you might wanna know this.

If you are an online shopper, you might wanna know this.

Diamonds- A girl’s best friend

May 25th, 2009

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Diamond pieces are arguably still the most popular choice when it comes to bridal jewelery. It is after all an enduring symbol of love.

CHOOSING A DIAMOND

Cut

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A well-cut diamond will reflect light from side-to-side, back to the eye so it seems to dazzle with fiery brilliance. If the stone is cut too shallow, light escapes through the bottom; if it’s too deep then light escapes through the sides. In both instances the diamond will loose its sparkle.

Carat

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Carat is the standard measure of a diamond’s weight so the larger the diamond, the higher its carat. However, size isn’t everything as two diamonds of the same carat can still look very different depending on their cut, clarity and color.

Color

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Diamonds come in a myriad of colors from colorless to yellowish and brownish to the really rare like pink, blue, green, red and so on. In general, the more colorless a diamond, the higher its value because it allows light to pass through easily, dispersing a rainbow of colors upon exit.

However, that doesn’t mean fancy colored diamonds are worthless! Natural colored diamonds are rare and therefore more expensive than colorless diamonds.

Clarity

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Natural imperfections in diamonds are called ‘inclusions’. The lesser the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond. A stone will be graded according to the size, number, position, nature and color of these inclusions. Clarity also refers to transparency. A good stone should not be milky or cloudy because this will limit the amount of light it can reflect.

Shape

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Commonly confused with the cut of the stone, shape refers to the appearance of the diamond. The common shapes are round, princess, trilliant, heart, oval,emerald, marquise and radiant. The round diamond is the most traditional and popular of all diamond shapes around the world. It gives out the best fire and scintillation compared to other cuts.

SETTINGS

Choosing the right setting to flaunt your stone is a matter of personal preference but there are certain limiting factors. The shape of the stone will narrow the field in terms of settings, since settings are designed with a particular shape in mind.

Some factors you’ll need to consider include the design of the band, number and combination of  stones and overall style. Personally, I believe the diamond should always be the center of attraction. The setting should be simple to show off the diamond to its best effect.

As diamonds are traditionally valued for the degree of whiteness, white metals such as platinum or white gold with claw or pron settings are most flattering. The claw settings bring out the brilliance of the gemstone.

CARING FOR DIAMONDS

A perfect wedding ring by Tiffany & Co.

A perfect wedding ring by Tiffany & Co.

Diamonds may be the hardest material on earth but that doesn’t mean it won’t be damaged. Avoid knocking against hard surfaces as this can cause chipping. For a thorough cleaning, drop your diamond off at a jeweller, who will use an ultrasonic cleanser to shake off accumulated dirt. If the stone is worn regularly, have it cleaned every three to six months; otherwise, a yearly cleaning would be sufficient. Store each diamond piece separately in sift pouches to avoid scratches or damage.