Hot jewelry Trends Inspired By The Royal Wedding

The eyes of the world were trained on Windsor last weekend, as actress Megan Markle and HRH Prince got hitched in a fantastically romantic ceremony that brought a lump to the throat of even the most hard-hearted. With a posse of glamorous and groomed young royals now stealing the limelight – and headlines around the world – Meghan is now more a trendsetter than ever. The effect that she, the Duchess of Cambridge and the little Princes and Princess have on product sales is significant, with both making instant sell-outs of items they are pictured in. Small British company Strathberry, makers of luxury bags saw their waiting list jump to 3,000 for a bag Meghan was pictured carrying during one of her post-engagement appearances in Nottingham. So what trends are emerging in the wake of the royal wedding?

Luxurious Drop Earrings

Sculptural earrings were all over the guest list at the royal wedding, as statement ear candy makes its comeback from 80s style Siberia to be a key accessory for summer 2018. The Robinson Pelham diamond tsar earrings sported by Pippa Middleton last week epitomize this trend, while the dramatic pear diamond drops worn by Amal Clooney also shone. Pearls were also a key trend at the wedding, with the somewhat fusty image they’ve had being shaken off with the wearing of dramatic, oversized pearl drop earrings. New designs mix pearls with rose gold and contain just enough punk edge to look modern while still nodding daintily to the heritage vibe. Even the Her Majesty the Queen, the original wearer of pearls, sported a slightly oversized drop pair for the big day.

Stacked Items

Meghan’s signature style when it comes to jewelry has always been to combine and stack multiple pieces, sometimes mixing metals, which gives a high-end boho twist to her tailored couture outfits and perhaps expresses a bit of her self-confessed free-spirited hippy vibes under the modest and formal style of a new member of the royal family. Steal this look with stacking rings, an arm party full of bangles in gold and silver, delicate layered necklaces and earrings featuring climbers and jackets that almost give the appearance of multiple piercings. Stella and Dot is especially good to get this on trend look. While bar necklaces and circular pendants from Daisy London are also ones the new Duchess of Sussex would definitely rock.

A Story of Origins

While the debate about ethically-sourced diamonds is certainly not a new one, the fact of Meghan’s ring containing a centre stone originating from Botswana, where the couple have holidayed in the past, casts a whole new spotlight on the topic, bringing the issue of sustainability in fine jewelry to the front and centre, and making political topics more about a couple’s personal values. The incorporation of heritage stones from jewelry previously belonging to Harry’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales will similarly inspire couples getting engaged to think outside the box when it comes to repurposing family mementoes. Use a supplier such as http://yourdiamondguru.com/reviews/blue-nile/ to source the most perfect fit for your story.

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Style Tips For Those On A Shoestring Budget

You have gazed adoringly at the models wearing the latest fashions on the catwalk. You have browsed through the latest clothing magazines and websites. You have walked past the high-end boutiques on the high street. You have done all of these things, and there is one nagging thought running through your mind. I CAN’T AFFORD IT! With frustration, you return to your dated wardrobe collection and sigh. If only you had the money to replenish your tired old wardrobe with something different to the clothes that have now become your (unwanted) trademark. If only you had the money to reinvent your look, instead of wearing the same outfits day in and day out. If only…

Thankfully, it’s not impossible. You don’t need to rob a bank or start a new career in modeling just to give you the opportunity to jazz up your style. It’s possible to do it within your limited budget, and we are here to tell you how with our creative and thrifty ideas.

• You can find designer steals online, those hidden recesses of the internet where buying into the latest fashion doesn’t have to eat into your rent money. From flash sales to retail outlets who markdown popular brands, check out our tips here to treat yourself to something new today.

• Visit a professional tailor, those special people on your high street who can turn a cheap or used garment into something that more closely resembles the fashion you are looking for. Using pictures from your favorite magazine or website, give the tailor an idea of what it is you’re looking for, and with a few quick stitches here and there, you may just get something fashionable without having to pay out a small fortune to achieve that desired look.

• Don’t overlook thrift stores, as you may find something that looks good at dirt-cheap prices. Don’t worry about the slightly-used look either, as any damages can easily be rectified. A dry cleaner will deal with any stains, the tailor can repair loose stitching, and you may be able to replace such things as zips and buttons (read more here for some useful advice) yourself. Before long, you will have something that will look brand new to the people you are trying to impress, even though you know it isn’t. Cheeky!

• Set up a clothes swap evening with your friends (especially if you have any rich mates), and model each other’s outfits before swapping them with each other. It doesn’t have to be a permanent swap, either, as you could continually exchange clothes with each other during the year so you all have something different to wear at the extravagant soirees that are part of your social calendar.

• Clean out your tired wardrobe, and sell anything that you no longer intend on wearing. These fashion apps feature daily-curated showrooms where you can not only sell your outfits but where you can also pick up a few new garments as well. After all, you’re not the only person in town trying to change up your style and fashion.

• Accessorize your look, rather than always going for a brand new outfit to keep you in line with current fashion trends. A signature ribbon in your hair can complement an existing item of clothing, as can a bold new handbag, a pair of cool sunglasses, or a statement necklace. These accessories can bring life to boring old garments, without you having to break the bank to refresh your tired wardrobe. Check out these ideas for other ways you can accessorize previously dull and worn outfits, glamming up your style on your limited budget.

• Don’t follow fashion, as you can guarantee there will be a brand new look before the year is out. Instead, form your own signature style, buying those clothes that are stylish, but not necessarily part of the latest trend. It doesn’t matter what other people think; as long as you like the way the clothing looks and feels, that counts more than the snobbish perception of others. Who knows, you may become a trendsetter yourself, mixing and matching a look that soon becomes the talk of the town.

• Don’t be lured into buying something you are rarely going to wear. Even those designer items on sale are pointless if you are only going to wear them once and then never touch them again. As we mentioned above, don’t be a follower of fashion, especially if it’s for the sake of keeping up with trends rather than actually liking them. Always buy outfits you know you are going to make use of, and you will save yourself money by curbing that temptation to buy something in line with what everybody else is currently wearing.

• Head to the men’s department at your local clothing store. In this gender-neutral age, you will be able to pick something up cheaply because of one simple fact: men (in general) are less inclined to shop for clothes on a regular basis, so stores will lure them in with more affordable clothing. Head over to Stylecaster for an idea of what to buy, giving yourself a completely new look, as well as picking up a few tips for dressing the man in your life as well.

• Sign up for a rewards program at your favorite online or high-street store. Provided you bless them with your custom at some point during your membership, they will regularly offer you discounts on other items for sale, by emailing or texting you with news of their special offers. Be sure to sign up for their email distribution list anyway, as even if there is no reward program available, you will still be kept up to date with the latest offers and sales as they happen.

As you can see, it is possible to dress stylishly regardless of budget, whether you care about fashion or couldn’t give two hoots about the latest trends. Be yourself, enjoy what you wear, and continue saving money when you’re looking to refresh your look. Let us know if you have any further tips for our readers. Thanks for reading!

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How to Find Designer Steals Online

Do you really have to be rich to wear high-quality designer pieces? The short answer is, sometimes. Undeniably, you’re not going to prioritize getting your hands on the latest fashion items when you’re still saving up for next month’s rent - yet, it’s nice to know that the Internet is home to a few corners of incredibly marked down treasures.

It’s how the average fashionista manages to continue with their hobby without spending all their savings and it’s how you’re going to up your wardrobe and feel fantastic without breaking the bank as well. Here is a much-needed guide to the hidden designer outlets and how you, I and anyone in between who has already paid their rent this month can treat themselves.

First: The shopping mindset

Before we get cracking, it’s important to do a quick recap on not only how and where you should shop - but also how you should think when shopping. If you find something that is a bit pricier than you originally had in mind, yet oh-so-perfect, you’d want to make sure you’re going to wear it a lot.

We’re talking seasonal coats that will work during spring as well as autumn, a classic dress you might wear to the next work event as well as your mother-in-law’s birthday, a leather bag you’ll take with you everywhere, you get the picture. It needs to mean something to you, be worn with love and preferably passed on to your children and grandchildren.

The Internet: Find Outlets

The easiest and least energy-consuming way of shopping is, of course, to go online. As everyone seems to prefer this method, it’s starting to get a bit confusing out there and shopping sites have reached a number that few of us are able to search through in one sitting. So let’s break it down for you; Net-a-Porter and The Outnet are most fashionistas go-to sites for designer pieces that have been marked down.

Yet, there are more hidden gems out there than these. Saks Off 5th Avenue and 6PM feature marked down designer clothes and, if you pop by once in a while, you’ll be able to take home a proper bargain. If you are looking for something specific, it might be a good idea to go straight to an outlet that features the brand you want; check out these Air Jordan 1, for example, and you’ll know what we mean.

Look for flash sales

Even when you’ve found your ultimate shopping site, you may not have found the prices you had in mind. That’s why some sites specialize in flash sales; the kind you often have to sign up for and that will continue to send you annoying emails.

Nonetheless, it is the price we have to pay (at least a part of it) for high-quality clothes at a low price. Keep an eye on sites like ideeli, Gilt and HauteLook for great discounted deals as well as occasional flash sales.

When you’ve become used to paying the same for a skirt from Marc Jacobs as you would pay for one from Topshop, it’s easy to see why discounted designer clothes can be so addictive.

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Event Recap: Luxury Garage Sale Grand Opening Atlanta

Luxury Garage Sale

Atlanta Pop Up

(l-r) Vickie Kirbo kirbyourstyle.com, LGS CEO Trish Lukasik, E. Vincent Martinez, Ashley Stamoulis suthingirl.com

E. Vincent Martinez & Jovita Moore

Luxury Garage Sale Atlanta

closes May 15, 2018

On Wednesday, April 25th, over 100 fashion forward Atlantans descended upon Luxury Garage Sale's pop-up boutique in bustling Inman Park for the official grand opening celebration.  An intimate affair,  guests shopped coveted luxury brands for 90% off of retail prices such as: Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Celine, Prada, LV, and much more, while enjoying savory corn hush puppies and tuna tartare bites from The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at PARISH, bubbly, Wild Heaven craft beer, and the signature cocktail of the night, made with Cathead Vodka, Luxury Living. Additionally, hitting record pop-up sales, 10% of the night’s proceeds benefitted Doggies on the Catwalk, the acclaimed 501c 3 founded by E. Vincent Martinez. 

Open until Tuesday, May 15, Luxury Garage Sale’s Atlanta pop-up, is located at The Shops at Highland Steel (240 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, Ga). For more information on Luxury Garage Sale, visit luxurygaragesale.com. 

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Luxury Garage Sale Grand Opening Soiree - Atlanta Pop Up

Popping up for one month this April 15 through May 15, 2018, coveted Chicago-based upscale consignment brand, Luxury Garage Sale, is inviting fashion-loving Atlantans the opportunity to shop a curated collection of high-end designer consignment including top-selling brands like Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton along with boutique overstock at up to 90% off retail prices.  The pop-up shop will be located in the heart of bustling Inman Park - providing shoppers a true boutique ‘luxe for less’ experience featuring stand-out designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories for women, one-on-one styling, full service consignment services, and more.  Their team of style experts also makes personal house-calls to help consignors vet their pieces and appraise them for those looking to consign new or lightly used luxury items.  

Join us as we celebrate the official grand opening of the Luxury Garage Sale Atlanta pop-up shop in Inman Park this Wednesday, April 25th from 7 to 9 p.m. Sip champagne, bites from The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at PARISH, a selection of Wild Heaven craft beer and more.   

Benefiting Doggies on the Catwalk, for this evening only, 10% of proceeds will go towards the acclaimed 501c 3 founded by E. Vincent Martinez. Special guests and Doggies on the Catwalk models Vickie Kirbo of Kirb Your Style  & Ashley Stamoulis of SUTHINGIRL will also be in attendance and ready to host you!    

RSVP to rsvp@carenwestpr.com and we will make sure you’re on the list!

Luxury Garage Sale’s Atlanta pop-up, is located at The Shops at Highland Steel (240 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, Ga.) right by Pure Barre and across the street from Char.  

Get ready to shop ’til you drop! 

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Dress Best On A Budget

Dressing well and finding good clothes in your size doesn’t have to be a hard game anymore. We’ve all walked into a shop and realize absolutely nothing on the rails is our style, or that a size 8 jeans that fitted us in one shop isn’t going to be the same size in this one. It makes going shopping incredibly annoying, and you end up forking out a huge sum in order to get something you’ll love and will love you in return. So we turn to bargain bin shopping, but that often means we have to sacrifice that class element we’re always in search of. However, we can combine the two when we really know how to shop. So here’s a few tips for finding something that’ll hug you in all the right places, and still not cost you an arm or a leg.

Stock Up on ‘Basic’ Items

Just because you’re shopping a supermarket’s own brand doesn’t mean you can’t look incredibly good in what you wear. This means you can go all out on the basic items you can grab, as they work as the base for any glamorous outfit, especially when you’re headed to the office for a day at work.

When you’re buying undershirts or simple cami tops or a good pair of leggings, they can last forever, and never go out of style. Even if they do run thin or break, replacing them is cheap, and they come in versatile colors. Of course, depending on your personal style, for work you’ll either want some good straight laced skirts or trousers, and basic style lines have plenty of different styles of those to offer.

If you’re crafty with a sewing needle or machine, you can even patch some of these items together to create yourself a designer dress, or use the material for your own outfits. It’s quite an old style habit, but it’s an incredibly useful skill to have if you’re trying to live on a wardrobe budget. You can imitate a lot of the bigger brands at an affordable level, and look absolutely fabulous in the end result.

Rely on Your Accessories

When you have plenty of jewelry, scarves, or gloves to swap in and out with an outfit, you can use the same clothes for a lot of pairings that look entirely different from any other. This is already the secret of all good wardrobe makers, but being versatile in what you put on top of your main outfit can turn you from executive to fashionista.

You can even use accessories for other purposes, such as using a scarf as a belt or having a good hair wrap when you want to keep your curls and waves intact in the windy weather. Try looking for bundle deals in the shops, such as two for one on necklaces or chokers, and half price sales on handbags, and take full advantage of them. If you buy now, you won’t regret your lack of choice later on.

Look for blog posts like that at www.stylishlyme.com, as they have some good tutorials on pairing accessories with dresses and skirts, and looking good whilst not feeling cold or unbelievably sweaty. Your designer clothes can still suffer from impractically after all.

Use the Web for Some Bargains

Sure, the net has some scams when it comes to following facebook page deals, and the shipping costs can get a little hefty, but the world wide web is your best friend when it comes to knowing how to shop and finding some classy bargains.

Use some shopping comparison sites such as www.doingup.com to find the best deals on common items you could pick up in high street retail shops, as often we can find cheaper prices or alternatives online. Even if you find something you love and can’t realistically afford to get it delivered straight to your door, you now know which shop to frequent! Either that, or keep an eye on the piece until it gets a deal put on it, which happens a lot more online than in store.

So you can see that having a good wardrobe that makes you feel good about yourself doesn’t have to break the bank, nor does it mean you suffer from a lack of shoes or constant ladders in your tights. Try some charity shops and own brands for hidden gems, and you’ll soon score yourself a fantastic new item to show off when out and about.

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Handbags born of theater, and necessity

by Encore Atlanta

Scenery bags are limited-edition, one-of-a-kind clutch purses made from recycle theatrical drops.

THERE’S A STORY behind these bags — of upcycling, fashion, theater and giving back.

Jen Kahn and a carload of discarded drops.

It’s also the story of Jen Kahn and how her company Scenery came to be.

In 2015, Kahn and a friend road-tripped from New York to Maine. They browsed in a store selling handbags made from old sails.

She and her friend had an aha! moment.

Kahn, a professional stage manager, started Scenery and now collects discarded or retired backdrops from all over the country. A Florida factory cuts and stitches them into simple, rectangular clutches. A portion of the proceeds helps take New York kids to see theater.

“The only thing more sad than closing a show is watching it get thrown out,” Kahn says. “I can’t stop shows from closing, but I can help their story live on and, in doing so, continue to give the gift of theater to many more.” 

Scenery bags tagline: Take the Story With You.

Scenery bags ($30) are limited-edition, one-of-a-kind pieces. Inside each is a label identifying its show of origin.

The inaugural batch came from The Desert Song, a 1926 operetta about Moroccans fighting French colonial rule.

Drops from productions of Hairspray and Oklahoma! are next. The bags can be pre-ordered from the website. Doing so gives you a number and a place in line. When your number is reached, you can choose from either of two drops or defer to the next round.

Scenery bags went live online July 5 and sold out in 48 hours, making enough money to send 10 kids to shows through the Theatre Development Fund’s Stage Doors program. To date, it has recyled some 900 pounds of drops.

Kahn and her company are committed to introducing a new generation of storytellers to theater. And, she says, “taking what would have been trash and making it into immeasurable treasure.”

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