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Spring: Are you Ready?

Spring. What a wonderful time of year to celebrate life. Are you ready for it – both spiritually and physically? Let’s take a look at what spring actually is and relate it to ourselves and our bodies. Springtime is the freshest part of the year – the season when the Earth warms and triggers our growth. As a lifestyle coach, this is the most exciting time of the year . Let’s take advantage of Earth’s spring cycle and begin our growth today. Let’s start with the basics.

1. Water. There is no better time than now to begin hydrating yourself. All chemical and electrical activities in the human body take place in a water environment. If you are in short supply of water, you will dehydrate and cause these activities to malfunction. Therefore, you must hydrate yourself every day. Begin by drinking one more glass a day than you usually drink. As your body begins to familiarize itself with this new hydration, eventually start drinking approximately 8 to 13 glasses a day. Remember that gender, age, environment and/or physical activity level all affect the amount of water you should drink each day. Within days you will notice your skin looking more pliable and radiant, you will not feel as bloated, and you absolutely will feel more energy.

2. Cleansing. I break cleansing into two categories – internal and external. Internal – Just as the seasons go through cycles every year, so should you. Think of your body as a machine – you take your car in to get an oil change every 3000 miles. When is the last time you gave your body a cleansing? I recommend cleansing twice a year minimally. Think about what you put into your body and what you breathe in everyday – probably not the healthiest elements. I love the SoCal Cleanse, as it helps release toxins from your seven systems of elimination. What’s great about this company is they are 100% organic. Why would you ever use herbs treated with pesticides when those same pesticides are what you are trying to rid your body from in the first place? Their packaging is also very progressive. When you are done with the container, simply bury it in your backyard, water it, and watch the flowers grow. External – Have you ever looked at the side of a building? Have you ever noticed how quickly your car gets dirty? Think of your own skin. Our skin is a living, breathing organ that performs better in a clean environment. I suggest you wash and moisturize your face twice a day. Always start with a mild form of cleanser and not soap. Afterwards, moisturize with upward strokes of the skin. I am a huge fan of Dr. Brandt’s Skincare out of Florida and really love his “Microdermabrasion.” This exfoliator lifts the dead cells away from the newer skin cells. The result? Always leaving beautiful, softer skin that will cause envy amongst your closest friends. Never exfoliate more than three times a week and always use the lightest pressure.

3. Exercise. Yes, but I don’t mean in the gym! Go outside and walk around your block. Climb that hill you drive past on your way to work every day. Play catch with your kids. As long as you are moving, your body is working (and loving it). You will start seeing your body tightening up with each stair climbed. Remember, this is the beginning of your life (and summer is just around the corner!).

4. Breathe. That’s right, simply BREATHE. It is so beautiful out there. How many times have you watched the sunset drinking a lovely cup of tea? My favorite is Art of Tea’s French Lemon Ginger. Next time you have a chance, look at the stars and concentrate on your breathing. Is it fast? Is it slow? Is it shallow or deep? With proper breathing techniques, you can lower your stress and anxiety. You can even energize yourself for that next dance marathon. Breathe…just breathe! Spring is the perfect time to start YOUR life. Remember, water, cleanse, exercise and simply breathe – you’ll be ready to conquer the world by summer. – Robert Green is the founder of Body Factory (BodyFactory.com), a health and fitness destination that infuses diet, fitness and spiritual awakening in order

Spring 2010: The Season for Bold and Beautiful Nails

For those of you ready to throw caution into the wind in a bare move of freedom from boring nail colors, you won’t be

short of options this spring. You can be sure your fingers and toes are ready to sparkle, make a bold statement or simply

complement your latest outfit. Whether you are searching for trendy, staying power, new age or the latest designs, spring

2010 offers some exciting new colors and styles for those looking for a walk on the wild side.

Demanding finish and color to the perfect manicure is nothing new, but it still has its value as new trends are emerging.

New colors are designed to mesh with personalities, and with the myriad of options, the French manicure is truly the lazy

approach to nails. Semi-permanent polishes and chip-resistant gels are being offered by the top salons, along with custom

colors and designs tailored to the client’s wishes- even if you don’t want to drop a lot of cash.

Color Trends

The New York Fashion Week offered a glimpse into the latest colors expected to take center stage throughout

2010. One bold move includes a black finish on long, pointy nails with a futuristic glaze on the hands from a

paraffin wax dip. Bare moon manicures get an updated look with bold colors to complement piping in shoes

and clothes, and custom sheer metallic washes combine colors for a shimmery, subtle finish.

Bring Back the ‘80s

Big hair, leg warmers and blue nail polish may have taken center stage for at least part of the ‘80s, but

the decade was not without merit in its approach to color. Spring trends are focusing on these strengths by

suggesting bold, bright and colorful polishes, flecks of sparkle and fun patterns. For those who mourn the day

of bright pink and purple finishes, such bold moves are back and dominating the season, along with orange,

green and burgundy.

Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish

While soak-off gels are nothing new, the trend is quickly sweeping the nation as customers are drawn to the

staying power and custom blend shades. Soak-off gel polish allows healthy growth of real nails – or added

length – while delivering true color for two to three weeks without chipping. The UV light drying technique

eliminates dry time, smudging and dents while the process eliminates drills and files. The downside is a color

change requires complete removal and reapplication – if you have the time.

The Season of the Sparkle

Bling, it seems, can never go out of style; it simply moves its focus to a new part of the body. For this season,

it has landed on toes with a process called Bling It On Pedi. This pedicure uses 500 or more carefully applied

Swarovski crystals to create custom designs. A one-hour application can last a month, but can cost as much as

five times that of the standard pedicure. Whether you are looking for animal prints, holiday hues or even logo

art, any of these options can be had for the right price.

No matter what your personality or wardrobe demands from your nails in 2010, there is a color and finish that

can fit your style. Whether you want length, bold, muted or simply shine, the options this spring are too fun to

miss.

Green Glamour

Whether you are walking the red carpet or just want to look like you are, it’s easy to be green and glamorous! These eco-friendly ideas will help you look great and be eco-conscious. Start with a blank canvas and a great foundation. Using natural cosmetics will help you to look as good as you feel! Tarte cosmetics are one of my favorites because it’s natural but performs incredibly well, so you don’t have to sacrifice while keeping your skin healthy. www. tartecosmetics.com Recycle your bag! Some of my favorite bags are made out of recycled materials. Ecoist.com created amazing bags made from recycled candy wrappers that are truly eco-chic! The Diva Clutch is just one of my favorites that will make you stand out where ever you go. Ecoist also plants a tree for every single bag sold. www.ecoist.com Support world art by checking out one of Escama’s handbags created from recycled aluminum can tab tops. Made by South American artisans, the purchases help support these artists and their communities. With a hip, rock and roll feel they are edgy and eco-friendly. www. escamastudio.com Harvey’s bags utilize recycled seatbelts in their Treecycle line, which is one of the staples of my wardrobe. Their new Lola Ruffle bag is made with repurposed seatbelts, and is very girly and red carpet worthy. www.seatbeltbags. com Bold, beautiful and made from recycled billboards, Vy & Elle (www.vyandelle.com) and GG2G (www.gg2g. com) both make stand-out bags from old billboards. In a variety of shapes and styles, they are perfect for day or evening. Bags are just one of the ways you can create eco-friendly vibes on the red carpet. Jewelry is an important part of any green glamour look. Did you know that your old wine and beer bottles can have a beautiful second life? Smart Glass creates unique jewelry make from recycled glass bottles. www.smartglassjewelry. com. Designer Mark Edge creates stylish jewelry from vintage materials. www.markedge.com. When in doubt, go vintage for old Hollywood glamour! For a red carpet gown made from organic and recycled materials, nobody does it better then Linda Loudermilk. Linda Loudermilk has been dressing some of entertainment’s biggest eco-friendly names to keep them looking green in couture style. www.lindaloudermilk.com One of the most important things about a spectacular outfit is the shoe selection. Your Manolos should watch out, because vegan footwear and shoes made from recycled materials walk environmentally easy and gorgeous at the same time! Olsen Haus shoes are high fashion vegan with some styles made from recycled materials such as TV screens. After reducing my feet to bloody stumps for the sake of fashion, I was amazed to find that Olsen Haus has everything I need and want in a shoe: killer design, vegan, eco-friendly, and as an added bonus, they are comfortable! Be sure to check out the metallic Atlantis sandal and cutting edge Fate linen and metallic multi-strap sandal. www.olsenhaus.com Stella McCartney is well-known for her high-end vegan designs. They are not only a celeb favorite, but a runway staple. The Spray Paint satin pump adds a touch of shine to a red carpet look and I am in love with this spring’s must-have, the gold multi-strap Quinn vegan sandal. www.stellamccartney.com To complete any green and glamorous look, arrive in green style without the gas-sucking SUV’s and old-school limos. The hottest vehicles are green now. Whether you arrive in the new GM Volt plug in hybrid, a Prius or even a sporty electric Tesla, you can really make a splash arriving in an eco-friendly vehicle. Michelle Harris is the host of the modern, organic living television series, “Alive & Well” with Michelle Harris www.aliveandwell.tv Twitter: greengirlca

TOP SPAS USA

The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne

Melodic colors dance from the light of softly scented candles on the walls of this 20,000 square-foot four-star spa located in South Florida. The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne, is on a seven mile-long barrier island just south of South Beach. Key Biscayne offers the best of both worlds with its family getaways and romantic retreats. By blending comfort with charming shopping villages and golden beaches, this resort and spa has become the destination for people of all ages. The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne is deemed one of the top four spas, not only because of their remarkable ocean-inspired spa treatments or parade of activities, but also because of their Signature Coco-luscious line. The Coco-luscious line is a series of organic therapies that integrate the many health and beauty benefits of coconut. The line consists of a body treatment, facial, manicure and pedicure. Its healing oils moisturize the skin and heal it from sun damage, while the delicious tropical scents ease the mind into island mode. With over 20 treatment rooms and more than 60 oceaninspired therapies, The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne can be a destined haven for many of its guests. Unlike other spas of its kind, the Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne provides private lounges and a full service salon dedicated separately to men and women.

Townhouse Spa-New York

The Dunton Hot Springs Spa (below right) isn’t the only facility combining the old with the new. The Townhouse Spa is an actual restored townhouse located in Manhattan, New York. This 6,000 square-foot townhouse-turned-spa has overlapping men and women spas that emerge out into separate floors. The Townhouse spa explores the true nature of being an “uptown girl” as well as a businessman or woman. The special treatment Uptown Girl includes a variety of sources to make a woman feel like a true celebrity. From hair extensions to eyelash extensions, there is no uncertainty that once you’re done with the treatment you will feel like a new person. Each floor has treatment rooms for facials and massages, steam rooms, showers and locker resources. The men’s floor has the Townhouse Spa Men’s Lounge, where the old boy’s club meets contemporary society. Men can watch sports and movies, or play video and board games in luxurious leather sofas and armchairs. The women’s floor is dedicated to eyebrow threading, make-up stylists, steam rooms, multi-purpose treatment rooms, private suites and much more. The Townhouse spa also offers a new exclusive spa treatment titled the “Magic Wand” which helps treat cellulite. The Townhouse Spa isn’t holding back from making every person feel like a Hollywood celebrity.

Golden Door Resort and

SPA-Escondido, California

Are you seeking a spa to provide you with the quintessential tranquil yet harmonious environment, while separating you from the rest of the world? By intertwining the exploration of life and a unique philosophy of personal health and fitness inspired by the ancient Japanese Honin inns, the Golden Door SPA offers a journey of complete inner well-being. In the peaceful pocket of northern San Diego, the Golden Door SPA is immersed in an atmosphere of rare privacy, embraced by an incisive relationship with nature. With over nine treatment rooms, 40 guest rooms and premier fitness facilities, the Golden Door provides its customers with a true sense of inner focus. The Golden Door Inner Focus retreat program helps individuals begin a path of adventure and self-awareness. Participants learn tactics of decreasing health struggles such as weight loss and smoking. After this weeklong retreat and a Golden Door Signature Citrus Blend Sea Salt Scrub treatment, you will have completely experienced the Golden Door journey of self-acceptance and comfort. The Golden Door stands apart from other spas of its kind because of its classic European spa techniques, luxury spa retreats and its deeply rooted inspiration for personal health. With over four locations worldwide, the location in Escondido is most preferred for its hiking and outdoor activities, fitness programs, luxury and that one-on-one time many crave.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

The phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” has never been more relevant, particularly when it comes to this 19th-century influenced spa located in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. Dunton Hot Springs is an extraordinarily restored ghost town- turned-spa resort that offers guests a ticket to the past, along with a unique perception of adventure and relaxation. All within the convenience of your cabin terrain, guests can experience a variety of breath-taking adventures and massages. From the dusty trails reserved for horseback riding and archeological day tours, to the authentic Pony Express therapy room, this exclusive spa resort merges both archaic and contemporary elements to create therapeutic healing. Specializing in complete natural treatments that help nurture the body and mind, Dunton Hot Springs spa treatments also revitalizes energy flow. For example, the Meridian Balancing Treatment re-establishes energy flow to regain balance and peace, using a customized acupuncture point prescription. With over ten unique spa treatments and cabins, guests will surely have a hands-on approach when deciding where to stay, what to do, or which treatment to get. Some treatments, similar to the cabins, have specialized themes and can change according to the individual. The Pain Treatment, for example, modifies the body’s response to pain by stimulating the release of the body’s natural painkillers in the brain through acupuncture. Each diagnosis is individualized according to the specific body type. Whether by a dedicated treatment or by sitting in a steamy natural hot spring, the Dunton Hot Springs

HU Column: The Video Store Just Moved In

You have no idea how many press releases and column ideas arrive in my mailbox on a daily basis. Some of them actually warrant to be posted on the site while others find a new life in my trash folder. Today’s topic speaks to one of HU’s prime beliefs of “Convenience over annoyance” otherwise knows as Movies on Demand.

Now, before you think I’ve lost my mind or that I believe compact discs are considered cutting edge, bear with me a moment. Sure, you’ve all seen the not so subtle ads on cable touting its Movie on Demand service, but here’s where the plot thickens.

In what could be seen as a shot across the bow to home video stores like Blockbuster (or in my neighborhood, Hollywood Video), Hollywood studios and cable companies are actually working together to bring you the best of the best in movies the day they arrive on DVD. Suffice it to say, this collaboration could put chains like Blockbuster on financial life support and it’s doubtful that it’ll receive a bailout or a public option.

With Movies On Demand you don’t even have to get showered and dressed to travel to your local Redbox or burn the calories required to walk all the way to your mailbox to retrieve your red little envelope from NetFlix. Best of all, you’re not subjected to the whims (and often understocking) of your favorite monolithic video store when you want the latest copy of the latest action film or tear jerker. Yes, I consider Jackass III to be a tear jerker.

Over the next few months, the new Movies On Demand service will make the latest DVDs available for viewing the same day they appear in stores. That’s right, no more waiting. No more excuses and best of all, no more parking or wondering what psycho is parked next to you. That’s convenience.

Some titles, that will be available or are available now are 2012, Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 “The Squeakuel”, BandSlam, Armored, Astro Boy, Brothers, Crazy Heart and many more.

If Movies On Demand lives up to its claims, we can all say good bye to most movie rental businesses as we know it. By removing the actual physical element of receiving a DVD in person or via the mail, you never have to worry about a movie being out of stock or being unavailable.

Blockbuster may be seeing the writing on the wall, but it’s not going down without a fight. Despite facing bankruptcy and the backing of one of its major shareholders in billionaire Paul Icahn, the home video staple is taking steps to stave off Blockbuster’s presumptive demise.

On Monday, the video chain gained a modest boost in stock price due to speculation of studio deals designed to give it a four week head-start for rentals over competitors Netflix and Redbox. In addition, Blockbuster’s projected to have 10,000 of its own kiosks available this year, with DVD purchases available starting in June.

While Wall Street debates if these steps will save the video rental icon or merely hasten their demise as we know it, remains to be seen. After all, once upon a time, music fans were at the mercy of record companies and music chains? Wherehouse music, anyone?

What is known is that as companies fight for our entertainment dollar, it has to adjust to the times, whether it’s cutting out the middle man, increasing selection or cutting out the time that I actually have to get off the couch.

This is just another step in a fully digital lifestyle for all of us and if you don’t mind, I am going to go see what titles are available. If you want more info on this check out http://www.cablevideostore.com/

Hollywood Unwrapped by Jeremy Meyer is an opinion column. The opinions expressed in this column are solely the opinions of the columnist and are not necessarily the opinions of Runway Magazine or any other outlet that publishes this column.

Puma’s “Clever Little Bag” Will Replace The Shoe Box

Puma and the Fuseproject design firm have released a “clever little bag” design to replace the traditional shoe box, just in time for Earth Day. After three years of planning and designing, the bag is just the first of many projects that will overhaul the brand.

“Rethinking the shoebox is an incredibly complex problem, and the cost of cardboard and the printing waste are huge, given that 80M are shipped from China each year,” Béhar tells FastCompany.com. “Cargo holds in the ships can reach temperatures of 110 degrees for weeks on end, so packaging becomes an enormous problem. This solution protects the shoes, and helps stores to stock them, while saving huge costs in materials.”

The “clever little bag” combines the two packaging components of any shoe sale–the bag and the box–with high-tech ingenuity. Inside the bag fits an interior cardboard scaffolding, which gives it shape and reduces cardboard use by 65%. No tissue paper or plastic elements inside, no laminated cardboard (which interferes with recycling), and the bag itself is made of recycled PET. Very clever indeed!

Puma estimates that the bag will slash water, energy, and fuel consumption during manufacturing alone by 60%–in one year, that comes to a savings of 8,500 tons of paper, 20 million mega joules of electricity, 264,000 gallons of fuel, and 264 gallons of water. Ditching the plastic bags will save 275 tons of plastic, and the lighter shipping weight will save another 132,000 gallons of diesel.

Look for the “clever little bag” to be rolled out next year.

Novozymes features fashionable biotechnology in Milan

Leading Danish biotechnology company Novozymes has developed a solution to improve quality of fabrics while reducing water usage and CO2 emissions. The technology which can replace chemical additives with all-natural enzymes was exhibited in Milan at the Danish design initiative SHOWHOW between 14. – 19. april 2010.

SHOWHOW is an initiative by Danish Design Center that was introduced during the Design Week in Copenhagen last year. With Italy’s growing interest in sustainable solutions the exhibition now moves to Milan to showcase Danish efforts within the arena of sustainable fashion, food and mobility.

Elemental textiles has the potential of decreasing environmental impact from textile production by saving 70,000 liters of water and 1 ton of CO2 per ton of knitted fabric during the process of creating sustainable clothing. The full savings potential of this technology adds up to 630 billion liters of water and 9 million tons of CO2 per annum – and it is cost neutral to implement.

Black Eyed Peas VIP After Party Column

The Black Eyed Peas had their concert in Los Angeles with LMFAO and I had gotten an invite to the official Bacardi VIP party at the Conga room inside the new LA Live complex.

I’ve got to say that sometimes I’m surprised at how much I really love this job! To be the person that brings you into an event that you aren’t able to attend is awesome!

It was a mad house inside LA Live where the group had been performing. I have never seen so many people in such a small space before and they were all there because of the Black Eyed Peas or for LMFAO.

When I got into the venue, I made my way to the Bacardi VIP lounge, whose area was to the left of the stage giving me and everyone else a clear view of all the action. If you were not able to see from the floor, you could go upstairs where they pretty much had a sky box to see everything. I did see some of the performance from there, but you know as well as I do that being on the floor is always the best thing. It’s similar to being at a Laker game. If you have a seat a few feet up, then you get a much better view than if you where on the floor. However, being on the floor gives you a VIP feeling that doesn’t compare to anything else.

I walked around scoping the place out before hitting the bar for a quick Coca-Cola. I was informed by the nice bartender that I needed some kind of card before she could serve me. I asked nicely if I needed to get a card if all I wanted was a Coke? She smiled and informed me that she needed it for everything. Now, I had to go searching for the right person to provide me with the golden ticket as I like to call these liquor cards.

Let’s not forget about the official cocktail for the tour called the “BACARDI V.I.Pea”. Highlighted with a Black Eyed Peas garnish dropped into the bottom of the cocktail glass, the newest specialty cocktail in the Bacardi family will be the official cocktail of the tour.

While I figured out who had the cards, I found a great little table set up with food. Now, I needed to figure out if I needed a card to get some of this, too. I didn’t see anyone, so I enjoyed myself with some pizza, chicken fingers and fries. You know what I always say: “If they have food and drinks, I’m not going to complain!” I also can’t complain when a beautiful woman walks in. While looking around, an angel showed up. When she smiled, it could light up the room.

The woman I am talking about is Swedish film actress and model Ms. Malin Maria Åkerman, who you may know from the movie “Watchmen” or perhaps from her guest appearance on HBO’s Entourage.

We talked briefly about what she’s doing right now. Ms. Ackerman informed me she’s in a movie that was set in New Orleans and is very excited about it. I knew I should have had a recorder with me but didn’t. All she really wanted to do was enjoy her evening and not really be bothered by a pesky columnist. I have to say that Ms. Åkerman is one of the nicest actresses I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with in a non- Hollywood capacity.

I also had the pleasure of meeting her husband of three years Roberto Zincone, who’s an Italian musician. What did you think, that this Swedish bombshell was single? No, they always have someone. Fortunately, he was a pretty cool and down to earth guy.

I finally ran into one of the publicists who gave me those magic cards that I needed to take full advantage of the bar and the Bacardi that was available. So, while LMFAO was getting ready to take the stage, I myself was ready to enjoy the bar and what I believed it had to offer.

When LMFAO was on stage performing a few songs, the crowd was going nuts and really enjoying themselves dancing and having a great time on the floor.

It had to be kind of ruined by someone with sticky fingers. I was pushed around by a man who said we had to move. I checked him out and he wasn’t dressed like house security, which I found odd. Some of the other VIP’s didn’t want to move either. I think it had to do with him giving us orders without actually having the power to do anything except scream at us. I asked him what he wanted and he said that he needed us to move. I wondered for a second and then found out that New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush was there.

We still refused to move even though his bodyguard wasn’t nice or professional. What many people don’t understand is that a bodyguard isn’t allowed to manhandle you if you’re not a threat to his client. His rough treatment of myself and other VIPs constituted grounds for assault, but I wouldn’t allow his grandstanding to ruin a great evening.

I was able to get a quick word in with Mr. Bush and let know know that I thought he was a great guy despite how his bodyguard acted. He just wanted to enjoy the show just like everyone else.

LMFAO was still on stage and were accompanied by a huge entourage. Suffice it to say, many were attractive and only added to the quality of the performance.

The group continued their energetic performance and were later joined by Taboo and Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Upon their arrival, the party kicked into another gear as members of both bands entertained the crowd in a high octane performance that kept the audience out of their seats.

At the end of the evening, a nice girl wanted to dance with me and if you know me, you understand my white behind can’t dance if my life depended on it! Although, I let her in on the secret, she stubbornly dragged me on to the floor to teach me to dance. As Kevin James from the move “Hitch” learned, I needed to “stay in the box”.

Mercifully, my stint on the dance floor came to an end with the DJ telling us to go home. Nevertheless, it was a great evening filled with celebrities, VIP treatment and even me getting In touch with my inner “Boom, Boom, Pow!”

Hollywood Unwrapped by Jeremy Meyer is an opinion column. The opinions expressed in this column are solely the opinions of the columnist and are not necessarily the opinions of Runway Magazine or any other outlet that publishes this column.

Bold and Beautiful 2010 Jewellery trends

Most decades have had very unique fashion trends that are instantly recognisable. Who can forget the petticoats of the fifties, miniskirts of the sixties or flared trousers of the seventies?

Since the nineties though, it seems that not so much one particular new style is dominant but rather a mix of styles, many of which offer a modern interpretation of a past trend.

This is set to continue in 2010 and is prominent in fashion as well as jewellery. Some of the hottest jewellery trends this season are stacking, layering and statement pieces.

Stacking

Mixed and matched bangles bring back memories of Madonna’s famous eighties look. The noughties, though, take it one step further: now the trend is to pile up several rings on the same finger.

Different metals, shapes and sizes can all be combined. The strict distinction between silver and gold almost has a dated feel. Instead, the harmonious blend of different metallic tones lends jewellery an up-to-the minute look.

Layering

A similar trend can be seen with necklaces. Double chains feature heavily in this season’s new collections. Long necklaces are wound around the neck several times or teamed with shorter necklaces – the more the better!

Statement pieces

The trend of wearing big statement jewellery pieces continues. Chunky necklaces and big cocktail rings set a bold and original tone to an outfit.

Such a wide variety of trends offers more options than ever for asserting your individuality. Pick the styles that suit you best and combine these different fashions in your own unique way! Be creative and mix and match your favorite bangles, cocktail rings or statement necklaces today

Swarovski Company and the Beyond Nature” trilogy

Using the phrase, “modern vision of luxury”, to describe its Autumn/Winter 2010/11 signature crystal jewels and accessories, the Austrian-based Swarovski Company and its Creative Director, Nathalie Colin, extend the story of the prior collection’s “Beyond Nature” trilogy, which then brought crystal into the realm of refined, mineral-inspired formations. Moving on from there, the story is now about natural elements, frozen water, clouds, wind and silence, all of which take shape throughout themes such as “Nordic Dream”, Liquid Dream” and Dream Box”.

Across the board, there is a focus on vintage shapes, cool tones that range from shades of Nordic blue to palest grey, and the refinement of crystal beading techniques; co-joined with more of a fantasy story of mystery, silence and serenity, inspired apparently by the frozen waters of Nordic landscapes. Heady words, maybe, but for this editor, viewing the entire collection, set within the gallery-like ambience of an open, light, white, space, at The Fuller Building on Madison Avenue, the feeling, in many cases,, comes across as honest and truthful, delivering, for the most part, on its promises in an instant and purposeful way.

Interestingly, and obviously with an eye set upon capturing and captivating a much broader share of the mass marketplace via gems and accessories at affordable price points, a good number of pieces within the new line, hearken back to the design feeling of the exclusive, hand-made, haute couture aura of the iconic, Daniel Swarovski collection, launched in 1989, only now, beginning in 2010, sans the high price tags. In keeping with the Daniel Swarovski attitude, these pieces will continue to retail only through Swarovski international boutiques.

The jewels and nearly everything else shown during the presentation, basically do what they are designed to do; i.e., focus on clean, minimal lines, in order to obviously allow the star of the show, the crystal to shine on through. According to Colin, whose aim for this collection was to go directly back to basics, “each piece is an expression of inner luxury and revisits the most essential value of today – the purity of the soul. Here, crystal is imbued with the reviving, purifying and sensual virtues of nature’s most powerful elements, such as water in all its forms.”

With all of this being said, the majority of pieces within the collection are refreshing and lovely. But, there are certain themes, such as the Montecristo; Maniac; May; Meteor;, Milady; Glamour; Hyacinth groupings; Molly necklace, Midnight, Allegro, Power, Kiosque and Mythic Bags, Moonshine and Majesty Ring, Majesty Cuff, and Mellow Scarf Necklace, which seem to take their inspiration straight from specific historical and references, the majority of which are memorable for their attention to opulence, luxury and fashion.

It is easy to see that the design elements incorporated into many of these pieces appear to take their definitive influences from the periods of grande Art Deco style, as well as the lavishness of The Tudors, especially when taking into account, the 1500’s, English King Henry the Eighth’s preoccupation with all things stylized and beautiful, not only for himself, but for many of the female and male gentry, with whom he surrounded himself, during his reign. Additionally, there are those pieces within the collection which portray the fragile charm of the Parisian nobility, most notably during the time of Marie Antoinette, when she, the Dauphin, and the ladies and gentlemen of the French Court, adorned themselves in the most sumptuous clothing and jewelry, simply to spend luxury time at the lavish palaces of Versailles and Le Petit Trianon.

Keeping in mind that Swarovski customers always look for something extra and different, aside from the main pieces, the company offers shoppers more crystal-embellished items, such as chunked-out and colorful, sport and dress watches, with cool names, such as “Octea Sport”; “Octea Lady”; “Dresstime”; “Piazza”; “Rock ‘n’ Light”; “D:Light”. Last but not least, there is Christmas jewelry, Active Crystal LED and computer accessories; all kinds of cute bracelet and bag charms, mobile phone accessories, key-rings, small bags and small leather goods.

Badgley Mischka Bridal Introduces Second Season

Becoming a blushing bride wearing Badgley Mischka is now a little easier on the wallet, thanks in part to the label’s Mark and James bridal collection, which marks its second season with its Fall 2010 collection.

Shown in New York on Saturday, April 10, alongside the Badgley Mischka signature line, designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka showed a fashion-forward collection with Mark and James bridal.

They included some with shorter lengths, great for customers who might want to show off some equally deluxe footwear. One of the more fanciful Mark and James dresses featured luscious, accordion-plated ruffles for the bride with a princess-at-the-ball fantasies for theirwedding day.

While the dresses for Mark and James were no less elegant than their more expensive line, the focus here was more on silhouette, whether trumpet, full tulle ball gown or a vintage-inspired peplum, rather than on all-over, expensive embellishments.

Their latest bridal designs for the Badgley Mischka signature collection, which range in price from $4610 to $7250, kept close to their tradition of infusing the looks with elements of high Hollywood glamour.

Elaborate beading and embroidery is a constant in their collections – this season it was inspired by vintage gowns from the ’20s and ’50s – but for Fall 2010, they also demonstrated that they can achieve gorgeous texture with a lush use of fabric, too, whether using Alencon lace or with dramatic yet soft multi-tiered skirts created from petal-like layers of net.

And whether a bride wants a body-conscious, streamlined gown with an elongating trumpet flare or a more structured dress – an Italian silk satin gown with a contrasting black lace obi cinched the waist for an hourglass-enhancing look – once again Badgley Mischka lead the way in a variety of gorgeous options.