How to Choose an Engagement Ring

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Shopping for an engagement ring doesn't have to be a dreaded experience. With the right amount of knowledge about what to look for in a ring, coupled with your excitement about asking the girl of your dreams to marry you, this can be an enjoyable exercise matching your newly discovered ring expertise with the money you've got available to spend. In this article, you'll learn the most important things to consider when choosing an engagement ring for your beloved.

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   Be familiar with the terms that you'll be confronted with when shopping for a ring.
   Be familiar with the terms that you'll be confronted with when shopping for a ring. Giving the impression that you know what you're looking for will increase your confidence and help you to ward off any disreputable ring sellers. Here are some of the terms to be familiar with: 
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3. • Band: The band is the circular part of the ring that sits around the finger. It's usually made from gold, silver, or platinum, although it can be made from some other combination of metals. Gold is yellow-orange in its natural state and is normally alloyed with another metal for durability. Some prefer the lighter yellow color of less-pure gold such as 14K or 10K. "White gold" is gold alloyed with metals purposely to give the mixture an off-white color and must be plated with another metal--rhodium is common--for a bright silvery appearance. The plating wears off; some jewelers will replate their rings from time to time for free. Platinum is hard, strong and naturally silvery but will dull slightly from a mirror finish over time with wear, which is not necessarily a problem. Since a gold setting will make a diamond look very slightly yellowish, it is a waste of money to buy a very high color grade diamond to put in it.
   • Setting: The setting refers to the piece that holds the gemstone in place, which is attached to the band. The setting can be "pronged" or "invisible".^[1] Some rings combine a platinum setting with a gold band for the special background color of gold and the contrast, lack of diamond-tinting, and strength of platinum. A setting with a bezel, or at least six prongs for some redundancy, can be safer for a ring that is likely to be worn during significant activity.
   • Gemstone: The gemstone is the feature piece of the ring, usually a diamond. Occasionally, this is facetiously referred to as a "rock". The bigger the stone, the better according to many, although it's more important to go with your girlfriend's personality and preferences rather than assuming this. The gemstone doesn't have to be a diamond (see below) but reasons for deviating from this should be good ones!
   • The 4 C's: These are the carat, color, clarity and cut of the gemstone (usually a diamond).
   • The 5th C: Cost. A cubic zirconia can be beautiful and indistinguishable from a diamond only by a jeweler or other expert. It is softer than a real diamond so it may dull over the years. Lab Diamonds are another great alternative to traditional diamonds. Generally cost 5-10% of what a traditional diamond would, and looking just a beautiful, they definitely deserve some research. A rhodium-plated silver ring can be indistinguishable (except for the identifying mark an honest seller should put on the inside) from a rhodium-plated white-gold one. These can be a good option for a couple with little money up front. An alternative is a smallish real diamond (the price goes up very fast with size, so a very nice one of less than a half-carat, whose face area will be more than half of that of a one-carat diamond, will be a few hundred dollars) in a simple real gold ring.
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   Choose a good jeweler.
   Choose a good jeweler. The main thing to remember here is that expensive doesn't necessarily equate with being the ideal jeweler. Look for a store that makes you feel comfortable, where the staff are pleasant and helpful, and where the advice they provide gels with you. As well, be sure to look somewhere that fits within your budget range; this avoids the inevitable disappointment at finding something that would be "just perfect if it didn't cost so much". If you can, check that the jeweler is registered with a society, association, or organization that regulates, certifies, etc., jewelers, such as the National Association of Goldsmiths in the UK.^[2].
   • Ask around your married friends or your family for recommendations on a good, trusted jeweler. Obviously, this will mean they'll know what you're up to, although you can just say that you want to buy a nice piece of jewelery.
   • An online jeweler such as James Allen or Blue Nile can be a good option if you're willing to accept a little less "hand-holding" for a better price. (You might consider this an advantage as a low-pressure sales environment, but a good retailer shouldn't pressure you, either.) Be sure to check that the jeweler has an excellent reputation because a customer could be at much greater risk of subtle fraud with diamonds and precious metal than with most other products.
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     A mock ring till the two of you go shopping together
     If you're happier proposing first and shopping for a ring with your fiancée, take her preferences for the store into account as well. This is easier where you'd prefer that her choice and tastes are fully accounted for; it's just as romantic, but it means you'll need to provide a mock-ring for the engagement, and explain to her that you'd rather the two of you choose the ring together.
   • Another thing to discuss with the jeweler is the ability to custom design the wedding ring to match the engagement ring. You might like to think ahead to this eventuality because it can be a stunning combination to have both rings matching well together.
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   Find out her tastes.
   Find out her tastes. If you're purchasing the ring without her, choosing one will be will more difficult where the ring is a surprise because obviously you won't be able to ask her. Do keep in mind that nowadays, many women prefer to be part of a joint decision to purchase a ring, so if you find it really difficult to know her style and taste, provide a temporary ring and tell her that you'll choose the real one together. Some of the ways to try and work out her taste include:
   • Asking her about rings in general. If you're going past a jewelery store pretend to be interested in a watch. Then casually drop a comment about the styles of rings, saying you like a certain type and asking her what she likes. If you're very good, she won't notice the ruse. If you're not so good, she'll probably tweak but she still won't know when! Other ways of getting her to talk about engagement rings is to make a comment about a friend's engagement ring and to ask her preferences at the same time.
   • Ask her family for ideas. This will depend on whether or not you want them to know before she does, of course.
   • Another ruse is to have her friends take her into a store to ask her "just for fun". You'll need to have absolute trust in them to keep quiet and to pull this off. It's not a good option if you'd prefer to keep it quiet until the moment of the proposal.
   • Sum up her tastes from the clothes she wears and her existing jewelery. Your in the best position to know whether she likes plain, fancy, patterns, large or small fashion statements. Is she traditional, classic, contemporary, or way out there? Use what you do know about her fashion preferences to your own advantage.
   • Is she an impassioned supporter of Fair Trade and human rights? Be sure to look for recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds as part of your choosing process.
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   Fix your budget.
   Fix your budget. There is a tradition that holds that a man should spend two months of his salary on the engagement ring. Whether or not you do this will depend on your wish to conform to tradition. What does matter is that you select a ring according to what you can afford, so have a good idea of this amount before searching.
   • Let your jeweler know your price range so that he or she can show you a variety of rings that fall within that range.
   • Keep in mind the possibility of having an engagement ring customized. Talk to the jeweler about the price options, the timing, and the styles that are possible.
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   Will the ring fit in with her lifestyle?
   Check the practicality of the ring. If your girlfriend is a real outdoorsy type, consider a ring that is able to cope with the wear and tear of constant activities. The higher the positioning of the gemstone on the ring, the easier it is for it to get caught on clothes, gear, hair, etc. and the greater likelihood that it'll get knocked about. Look for a lower gemstone setting for an active girl, and a higher setting for a fashionista or glamor girl.
   • Obviously your girlfriend can also remove the ring, but the desirability of the shape and size of the ring will often be proportionate to her outdoor interests, as a girl who is always on-the-go will be more likely to prefer a compact, less obtrusive style of ring than a girl who is highly fashion conscious and puts a lot of effort into preparing her outfits.
   • Read How to figure out her ring size so that you get it right if you're not choosing together.
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   Check durability.
   Check durability. The durability of the band is important, as constant rubbing and knocking from daily activities will eventually wear down the band. And office work is a killer, with paper acting as a mild abrasive on gold bands. If you can afford it, platinum is the preferred choice for wedding bands as it is more durable than gold.^[3] Titanium and steel are also fairly resistant, while the purer the gold, the softer it is and more prone to wearing.
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   Know your diamonds.
   Know your diamonds. Diamonds tend to be the traditional engagement ring choice, because they are enduring, and match everything. Only deviate from a diamond if you know that your girlfriend loves another stone much, much more, or has voiced her intense dislike of diamonds. When choosing a diamond, be aware of the "Four C's", as follows:
   • Carat: This refers to the unit measurement of the diamond, and refers to weight (not size). Every carat has 100 points. Engagement rings are often 1 carat but the ring you choose will obviously depend on your budget. A 1 carat ring on a limited budget may not rate very highly in other areas, taking away from its overall beauty.
   • Color: The color of diamonds varies considerably and most people prefer a very white colored diamond for an engagement ring. Colors are graded from D (colorless and rare) and most good quality diamonds will be around F and H and grades D to I are acceptable to buy as they are almost identical when mounted.
   • Clarity: Being natural, there will be imperfections in the diamond. The less imperfections, the greater the clarity and the more light is reflected from the diamond, causing it to "sparkle". Naturally, more clarity increases its value. Perfectly flawless diamonds with no internal flaws or surface blemishes are very hard to find as they are extremely rare. Fewer flaws in a diamond result in greater brilliance as more light is reflected.^[4]
     • The scale used to grade clarity goes from F1 for a flawless diamond, to VVS1 and VVS2 for very slight inclusions, to VS1 and VS2 for very slight inclusions, SI1 and SI2 for slight inclusions and I1, I2 and I3 for imperfect diamonds.
     • Diamonds are magnified by 10 times to judge their clarity so very slight imperfections are difficult to see with the naked eye. This means that there is a range of diamonds available even for more modest budgets. If you can see a mark without magnification, however, think carefully before you buy. The location and darkness of an imperfection of any given grade (though probably not any "VVS" inclusion, which is simply too small, and rarely a VS inclusion) can affect its visibility so it is safest to see the imperfection magnified or in a magnified photograph before buying.
   • Cut: There are different ways to cut a diamond, and the type of cut impacts the sparkle of the diamond. The cut that produces the most sparkle is the round (or brilliant) cut, while radiant and princess cuts are good at hiding flaws. Other cuts including square, emerald, pear, marquise, cushion, ssscher, and heart-shaped.^[5] The oval shape looks best with larger stones, and looks bigger than the round cut.^[6] A high-quality cut (not necessarily above "Ideal") is more important than weight or an extremely high clarity or color grade: a diamond, like a road reflector, shines light back out the direction it came in and breaks it up a bit in the process. If the sides are ground at the wrong angles (sometimes through less-than-perfect workmanship, sometimes to increase weight with extra width or depth) quite a bit of light will not shine back out the right way--much more than would be lost to a very faint yellowish or brown tint or a speck visible under a loupe. It is also important to base your selection of diamonds based on objective data such as ASET or Idealscope images that you can acquire from your jeweler.^[7] This is particularly important if you are buying a diamond engagement ring online.
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    Decide by how it looks.
    Decide by how it looks. Once you've covered the cost, the durability and the practicality of the ring, it's down to how the ring looks.
    • Look for a ring that is out of the ordinary. This isn't an everyday ring; it's the engagement ring, the ring your beloved will treasure lifelong and wear most days for the rest of your life together.
    • If you're choosing one together, let your girlfriend have the final say.
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    Purchase the ring.
    Purchase the ring. Collect it just before the proposal. That way you can avoid worrying about keeping it safely.
    • Be sure to check that your insurance covers its loss, or ask for insurance from the jeweler's store if available.
    • Ask for a certificate of authenticity and a warranty to accompany the ring. Certificates are very useful to collect with a diamond to find out exactly where they originated from. They are usually only available with the purchase of diamonds larger than just under 1 carat. For smaller diamonds, a certificate would add a considerable amount to the cost of the stone as you may end up paying an extra several hundreds of dollars or pounds to obtain one.
    • Insure! The ring is likely to be the most expensive piece of jewelry you have ever bought, and the most expensive piece of jewelry your fiance (we hope) has ever worn. To prevent her from having to give it up for appraisal and insurance when she's just getting used to wearing it, get it done before you pop the question.
    • Set off - it's time to propose!
    
    Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-an-Engagement-Ring

 

Best Outfits to Wear with a Scarf By the Sylist Usually, people will select the clothing first before they choose what scarf to wear with it – or if it needs to be worn with one. A scarf is the best way to accessorize your outfit because it‘s versatility will enable you to be as creative in your fashion statement as possible. However, there are certain rules that you need to know about where a typical scarf can best be used for. A Silk Scarf and Skinny Jeans For instance, you may think that a silk scarf is best used for formal occasions only because of its texture. However, most fashion stylists will ask you to wear it with skinny jeans and a simple top – it can be a plain shirt with a snug fit. You have the option to wear in on your head, neck or if the length will permit it, on your hips as a belt. What this scarf will do is make your simple outfit very sophisticated. Just add heels or pumps and a purse and you can be off to an afternoon with your friends. Other lighter materials like chiffon and satin scarves can be worn with a dress or a suit as an accessory. Tight Sweaters with Wool Scarves Wool scarves are ideal for winter wear but thinner types can also be used during warmer seasons. They should be worn with tight fitting sweaters – not loose ones (unless you are a man). A bulky wool scarf will not go well with an equally bulky sweater. If you don’t want to appear like you are drowning in your clothing, stay away from this combination. If bulky sweaters are what you prefer, choose the thinner wool scarves. Summer Outfits with Fringe Scarves Fringe scarves are best paired with summer outfits. Even longer scarves can be wrapped around the neck or draped to hang loose in front over a sleeveless tank top with shorts and sandals. You can also tie it around your head to protect it from the heat. Use bright colors to compliment the Scarves for Evening Events For evening affairs, go for scarves with embellishments like beads and sequins. The glitter effect will contribute to the elegance of your outfit. Pair it with another glittering accessory like a small purse and it should be a good combination for your night out. Other pieces that are usually accessorized with scarves are jackets and coats. It can be worn inside around your neck, or draped to fall in front of the coat. A scarf is a good way to create a lot of looks for the few jackets and coats that you own – especially during wintertime. Scarf-Outfit Pairing Tips Make sure the colors and designs do not clash. Mixing and matching designs can be done with different patterns. Keep away from similar patterns like a plaid scarf with a plaid jacket. Do not pair bulky scarves with big accessories like dangling earrings, long necklaces, etc. Follow the simple rules in color matching. Warm shades must be paired with cooler ones. Also, wearing different shades of one color hue is also acceptable (e.g. pink with red or yellow with orange). Any fashion stylist will tell you to dress to your strengths. Whatever choice of outfit, you need to ensure that it will compliment your body type and skin color. Regardless of the clothing pieces that you choose or the accessories that you pair it with, if it does not look good on you, it will surely fail. Source: http://stylist.stylerev.com/best-outfits-to-wear-with-a-scarf/

  

Best Outfits to Wear with a Scarf

By the Sylist  

 Usually, people will select the clothing first before they choose what scarf to wear with it – or if it needs to be worn with one. A scarf is the best way to accessorize your outfit because it‘s versatility will enable you to be as creative in your fashion statement as possible. However, there are certain rules that you need to know about where a typical scarf can best be used for.

A Silk Scarf and Skinny Jeans

For instance, you may think that a silk scarf is best used for formal occasions only because of its texture. However, most fashion stylists will ask you to wear it with skinny jeans and a simple top – it can be a plain shirt with a snug fit. You have the option to wear in on your head, neck or if the length will permit it, on your hips as a belt. What this scarf will do is make your simple outfit very sophisticated. Just add heels or pumps and a purse and you can be off to an afternoon with your friends. Other lighter materials like chiffon and satin scarves can be worn with a dress or a suit as an accessory.

Tight Sweaters with Wool Scarves

Wool scarves are ideal for winter wear but thinner types can also be used during warmer seasons. They should be worn with tight fitting sweaters – not loose ones (unless you are a man). A bulky wool scarf will not go well with an equally bulky sweater. If you don’t want to appear like you are drowning in your clothing, stay away from this combination. If bulky sweaters are what you prefer, choose the thinner wool scarves.

Summer Outfits with Fringe Scarves

Fringe scarves are best paired with summer outfits. Even longer scarves can be wrapped around the neck or draped to hang loose in front over a sleeveless tank top with shorts and sandals. You can also tie it around your head to protect it from the heat. Use bright colors to compliment the

Scarves for Evening Events

For evening affairs, go for scarves with embellishments like beads and sequins. The glitter effect will contribute to the elegance of your outfit. Pair it with another glittering accessory like a small purse and it should be a good combination for your night out.
Other pieces that are usually accessorized with scarves are jackets and coats. It can be worn inside around your neck, or draped to fall in front of the coat. A scarf is a good way to create a lot of looks for the few jackets and coats that you own – especially during wintertime.

Scarf-Outfit Pairing Tips

• Make sure the colors and designs do not clash. Mixing and matching designs can be done with different patterns. Keep away from similar patterns like a plaid scarf with a plaid jacket.
• Do not pair bulky scarves with big accessories like dangling earrings, long necklaces, etc.
• Follow the simple rules in color matching. Warm shades must be paired with cooler ones. Also, wearing different shades of one color hue is also acceptable (e.g. pink with red or yellow with orange).

Any fashion stylist will tell you to dress to your strengths. Whatever choice of outfit, you need to ensure that it will compliment your body type and skin color. Regardless of the clothing pieces that you choose or the accessories that you pair it with, if it does not look good on you, it will surely fail.

Source:  http://stylist.stylerev.com/best-outfits-to-wear-with-a-scarf/

Choose the Right Bag for Your Body

No More Unflattering Lengths or Sizes!

By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide

You probably don't give handbags the same scrutiny you give a pair of jeans: if a handbag is cute or fits your lifestyle then it works.
But did you know that a handbag can flatter your shape almost as much as the right pair of jeans?
Apply these easy steps to getting bag in proportion to your figure. It can not only knock off pounds visually (no kidding!), it'll polish up your style in a flash.

Shapes

If you are trying to play down a body type, choose a shape that is the opposite of your body silhouette. For example, if you are very tall and thin, you can add a slouchy, rounded hobo bag to add some curves to your figure. If you're short and voluptous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek (like a clutch).
In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your bag should be. That doesn't mean that you have to carry a hard box around to counterbalance your womanly shape: rectangular or square silhouettes in soft leathers or fabrics will do the trick. For example, a petite, curvy figure (like Kim Kardashian has) would look great carrying a large rectangular clutch bag.
Are you confused by the terminology when it comes to handbags? Here are some popular shapes:

• Tote - An open-top bag with straps or handles.
• Hobo bag - A crescent-shaped shoulder bag. This style is often soft and slouchy.
• Duffle - Tall shoulderbag, often with a wider opening on top.
• Field bag - A flap-top shoulderbag with utility-type closure (buckles, snaps, etc).
• Clutch - A small, handheld bag or a larger, geometric shape that is tucked under the arm or carried in your hand.
• Satchel- A large, handheld bag. Many satchels are structured.
• Baguette - Long and rounded shoulder bag resembling the namesake bread.
• Messenger - A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
• Cigar Box - A small, boxy, hard bag.
• Pouch - A soft, small bag.
• Kelly bag - A classic Hermes style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive hardware closures.
• Crossbody bag - A bag -- often smaller in size -- that is worn across the body at an angle.

Scale

Will the right bag make you look thinner? Not exactly, but it can flatter your shape. While the shape should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure.
Think scale here: a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14 would look lost with a teensy hand-held bag. A petite size 0 would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy bag.
A shoulder bag's length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near.
For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn to the bag).
Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.
Crossbody bags are difficult to carry off for busty women because the strap cuts right across the bustline.

Tips

• Take time in a store to try on handbags in front of a mirror just like you would apparel.
• Don't be tempted by trendy shapes that don't suit your figure: there are plenty of great alternatives that will work.
• Think lifestyle when shopping for handbags: if you're toting diapers and graham crackers, an artsy vintage bag won't hold up.

Source: http://fashion.about.com/cs/handbags/a/bagforbody.htm