Be Jeweled

Jewelry has a long and interesting history in the human civilization and evolution. In the ancient times, the use of jewelry was used to symbolize the social and religious power of citizens that wore them. It was also used a means to store wealth, which is why special pieces of jewelry were passed on as heirlooms and used by some cultures as dowry or for transfer of wealth.

In some tribe cultures, jewelry were used to modify one's body. In some cases, neck rings were added slowly on a female's neck until the appendage grew to abnormal lengths and became dependent on the neck rings for support. The tribe's women did this as a status symbol as well as a decorative piece as females with longer necks were considered to be more beautiful than their short-necked counterparts.

Although the use and history of jewelry seem varied and diverse, the most common denominator in all of these is the fact that jewelry was used to express a certain message. Whether it was for beauty, power or status, jewelry were the easiest way to convey this. In these modern times, jewelry and its use has evolved along with the times, finding creative expression in today's body jewelry.

Body jewelry is no longer confined to traditional jewelry items like the usual earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. The term body jewelry now connotes any sort of decoration that can be adorned on the body and usually expressed through more than usual body piercings like belly rings, and the like. Nowadays, jewelry no longer needs to be made of precious materials. Modern body jewelry are often made of semi-precious or even non-precious materials.

Some body jewelry are made of plastics and other metals, but some are even just imitations of precious stones that can be individually glued to preferred body parts in patterns of choice. For instance, there are body jewelry kits available with suggested patterns to follow when adhering to the body. This of course is a temporary display and will either fall off eventually or come off when washed.

The nice thing about body jewelry is that absolutely anybody can wear them. Unlike in the olden ages where only a select few can officially wear jewelry, in this day and age, even children or individuals of any sex, age or race can opt to display these body jewelry. Body jewelry nowadays are used to express individuality in the way that they are worn. Some individuals go all out and radical in the way they use body jewelry. In some cases, being very blatant and "out there" in displaying body jewelry have become so popular, it can be coined as the norm rather than the exception.

For instance, it is customary for gangs and gang members to use body jewelry that is termed as "bling-bling" but since popular artists, rappers and pop singers have been displaying the same fashion, it has become part of pop culture. So instead of promoting exclusivity, it has become a fashion statement to adorn oneself with this particular type of body jewelry.

Whatever the case, it seems that body jewelry is here to stay. Perhaps it is this generation's way of saying, "out with the old" as they constantly challenge old tradition of how jewelry is worn and who can wear them.

Fashion Accessories

  What They Include

  Photo: kadim83

Are you interested in updating your appearance, at least in terms of your fashion?  If you are, you may not only want to examine the latest in fashion trends, as far as clothing, but you may also want to examine the latest trends in fashion accessories  Fashion accessories are rapidly increasing in popularity, although many still do not know exactly what they are.

When it comes to fashion accessories, you will find that a number of different products are included. Fashion accessories, like fashion clothing pieces, come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. There are fashion accessories that are designed for children, teens, men, women, petite sized, and plus sized individuals.  A few of the many fashion pieces that you may want to examine at one of you local fashion stores or online are outlined below.

One of the most well known fashion accessory types is that of jewelry.  As it was previously mentioned, fashion accessories are designed for all different types of individuals, regardless of age or gender.  For teenagers and children, fashion jewelry pieces that are popular often include colorful pieces, as well as charm necklaces or charm bracelets. In terms of men, a popular piece of jewelry often includes large pendant necklaces, many of which display a cross or another popular or meaningful symbol. As for women, popular pieces of fashion jewelry include earnings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and so forth.

Another type of fashion accessory that you may be interested in owning is a purse or a handbag.  Teens and women most commonly own purses and handbags.  A purse is often used to describe a bag that is smaller or compact in size and handbags are often a little bit larger.  Handbags and purses come in a number of different styles; therefore, it is common for many women and teens to own more than one purse or handbag.  In fact, many individuals out there like to match their fashion accessories, including their purses and handbags, with the clothing that they wear.

In conjunction with handbags and purses, travel bags are often considered a fashion accessory.  Travel bags are similar to purses and handbags, but you will find that they are often designed for both women and for men.  A travel bag may include a small bag that can be used as a carryon bag for an airplane ride, a diaper bag, as well as a laptop carrying case and so forth. 

Shoes are also considered a fashion accessory, although many do not necessarily consider them to be.  Most often, women’s shoes are associated as fashion accessories, as opposed to men’s shoes.  One of the reasons for that is due the large selection of women’s shoe types that you can find available for sale. For instance, it is more than possible to find athletic shoes, casual sandals, elegant sandals, flat dress shoes, high-heeled shoes, and so forth. As with handbags and purses, many women own multiple pairs of shoes and many try to coordinate their shoes, especially for work, with the rest of their ensemble.

Another one of the many different types of fashion accessories available for purchase are that of belts.  For many men and boys, belts are not necessarily considered a fashion accessory, as much as they are a way to hold pants up; however, the same doesn’t really ring true for women. Women’s belts come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles. That is one of the reasons why women’s belts and belts that may be designed for children and for teens are often referred to as fashion accessories. There are belts out there that are designed for wearing with a casual pair of jeans, as well as a pair of traditional kaki pants for work.

Belts, handbags, purses, travel bags, jewelry, and shoes are just a few of the many fashion accessories that you may be able to find for sale at one of our local fashion stores or even online.  As a reminder, fashion accessories are a great way to spice up any wardrobe, especially one that could use an updating.

All shoed up!

Every woman should be equipped with a number of essential pairs of shoes to be able to perform all the roles she plays successfully. While it may feel like we can never have too many pairs of shoes, it is more practical to stick to the basics. That way, you don't get stuck with pairs of shoes that you only used while it was a fad. Look through your shoe closet and find what you neee and don't need.

Below is a checklist of women shoe essentials that every woman should have.

Heeled casual shoe

Great with jeans and other less formal outfits, the heeled casual shoe is a definite essential in a woman's shoe collection. Pick and keep one or two that you can mix and match with a variety of your clothes. Sexy wedges would be a good bet for this particular shoe classic because you can never go wrong with something like that.

lack high heeled dress shoes

Every woman should have a black high heeled dress shoe in her shoe closet for those special occasions and hot dates. Black stilettos go well for work and at play so those should stay in your closet too.

Pumps

Pumps are like the little black dress that you can wear with everything and is a number one essential item for your shoe collection. You actually should have at least two pairs of pumps: one in classic black of course, and one in a camel or neutral shade. You have got all bases covered if you have pumps in these two indispensable colors.

Everyday shoe

Your everyday shoe depends on your needs and situation of course. If you are a career woman that needs professional looking shoes for everyday then you might need some low heeled pumps in your closet. If you have more casual days and comfort and practicability along with style are your main concerns then perhaps you should have a pair of espadrilles.

They never go out of style and they work really well with different types of outfits. You could also choose semi casual flats for your everyday shoe because you can easily pair these with jeans or other less formal clothes and outfits. This type of shoes definitely marries comfort and style in a neat package that gains it a permanent place in the essentials portion of your shoe closet.