By Kasey Miller at Emmanuel College

Photo Cred: www.laurenshope.com

The main reason people do not wear medical IDs is because they are ugly and bring attention to their medical conditions. Another reason is because people do not know what medical conditions are considered important enough to merit wearing a medical ID. The simple solution would be to ask your doctor. If your doctor thinks you should wear a medical ID odds are you should wear one.

Lauren’s Hope medical IDs are negating the stigma of people wearing medical IDs. They are fashionable and, unless the person wearing the ID wants or needs to bring attention to their medical condition, no one knows that they are wearing one.

The front of the pendant looks like a carnation with a lot of colorful layers. In the center of the flower is a red medical alert symbol but unless you are strictly looking for it, you do not see it. If you are trying to look for it, you will see it.

“It’s so important to wear a medical ID and when Laurens Hope makes them so cute I don’t mind wearing mine! People need options when they have diabetes. We have minimal options in treatment, but in fashion they are limitless.” Says Allison Crace, a type one Diabetic.

On Lauren’s Hope webpage, you can choose from a variety of styles of medical IDs. If you prefer to wear something subtle, like a watch, they have that option. If you want something flashy that shows up when you wear it, they also have jewelry that fits that description. Whatever style you are, and if you have any known chronic illnesses, Lauren’s Hope has the type of medical ID you are looking for.

People with known chronic illnesses crave control – and Lauren’s Hope gives some control back to these people.

A Lauren’s Hope medical ID necklace looks like a normal necklace. This brings up the question: How does medical staff know if a person is wearing a medical ID? The answer is that emergency medical staff is trained to check for the little red medical alert symbol on the arms, neck or feet of any person seen by emergency medical staff.

The price of a Lauren’s Hope medical ID would be somewhere in the sixty dollar range. The price of not wearing a medical ID, on the other hand, is far more costly.

The Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the arts school located in the heart of Boston on Huntington Avenue, has opened up MassArt Made, an on-campus boutique which allows their students, alumni and staff opportunities in more ways than one.

Eighty percent of the work sold at MassArt Made is contributed by the university’s alumni. The remaining 20 percent is divvied up between the students and faculty.

“It’s something we’ve wanted to do for years,” said Ginger Russell, the Creative Director and Manager of the boutique.

MassArt Made carries a variety of items including jewelry, apparel, sculpture, paintings and even items like Mimoco flash drives and children’s art kits by Scratch-Art. The items sold can range anywhere in costs from $4 to a $13,000 painting by Resa Blatman, which hangs displayed in the Kennedy building’s student center, adjacent to the boutique.

The factor that sets this student and alumni-operated business from boutiques of competing art schools like RISD is that 10 percent of all sales go towards scholarships for MassArt’s students.

“The artwork is higher priced, but a lot of people from the surrounding area are looking at it seriously,” Russell said.

However, MassArt Made shouldn’t be mistaken as an art gallery or a campus bookstore. Russell described how the boutique aims to showcase the university’s artists that best represent the school.

Each artist is chosen through a selection process in which the artist submits work to Russell herself and then a jury made up of four faculty, staff, and alumni members chooses ‘The best of the best’.

The artists chosen benefit from the sales, the presentation of their work and the boutique’s unique QR scanning system. Each artist’s display has a card with a specific SKU code and when scanned at the register, a 30-second interview with the artist is played over the boutique’s audio system.

“We thought it would be a really great way to get the customer more involved with the artwork and find out more about what they’re buying,” continued Russell.

The art itself comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Jonathan Baring-Gould of Newton, MA., has a line of ‘spirit shakers’ at MassArt Made. A description of Baring-Gould’s shakers says they are, “based on ancient traditions from around the world.” A shake is all it takes to release the positive energy from them.

Mia Maljojoki, an alumna jewelry designer based in Finland, has her moon rock-like line of jewelry for sale at MassArt Made. With her art she tries to answer her question, “Can emotions be a solid?”

Russell ended with a comment on an extra benefit of the boutique for MassArt students. She said there’s a certain measure of marketing and selling involved with selling art at the boutique that’s not included in the curriculum.

Not only can students sell their art at MassArt Made, but they can even work at the boutique. There are currently three students and one alumni working at MassArt Made. Russell described how the employees can be representatives of the school and talk to customers, parents, and prospective students about MassArt.

In regards to the showcased artists, Russell said, “They get to have more of a presence in the business world.”

The boutique is located at 625 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information visit MassArt Made on Facebook and Twitter.

Swarovski crystal, rose quartz, and sterling silver bracelet for breast cancer, $190

Each holiday season, millions of people spend their earnings on gifts for friends, relatives and sometimes even strangers. More and more frequently, however, buyers are skipping the sentimental and opting for the sensible.

Gift cards have become the default. This common cop-out blames the recipient: he would prefer to pick out his own items than be stuck with an ill-fitting sweater or ironic necktie.

But when a person opens a gift that is thoughtful and personal, it becomes memorable. Rarely do you get the same tender feelings from a slice of plastic sandwiched between cardboard. This year, why not take a swing at the sentimental?

An excellent way to do this is by giving a gift that benefits a higher cause. Based out of Cohasset, Mass., the jewelry company EK Designs has created a Causes Collection devoted to worthy programs such as Autism Speaks and the Gal-to-Gal Foundation for breast cancer. The Causes Collection donates up to 30 percent of each jewelry sale to the charity it represents, and each piece of jewelry is accompanied by a poem or inspirational message specifically related to its cause.

Jewelry design first began as a hobby for owner Elizabeth Kissick while she made her living teaching preschool art. Eventually, her jewelry’s popularity grew and she was able to leave her career as a teacher to focus on her line.

Bracelet for suicide prevention with mother of pearl toggle, $165

The company started with Mother’s Name bracelets, which spelled out children’s names in beads, and the Causes Collection came a bit later with Breast Cancer Awareness bracelets. Kissick said, “My grandmother, whom I never met, died of breast cancer and my aunt also had it. There were so many people I knew that had breast cancer and so I thought, ‘Why don’t I build a bracelet to beat it?’”

From there the Causes Collection expanded, funding national charities such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation and local charities such as the Jonathan Rizzo Foundation, named after a 17-year-old Boston College High School student who was murdered in 2001. “If a single parent is having trouble paying for heat through the winter, the donations from the Jonathan Rizzo Foundation bracelets will go to that; it will go to local people who need the help,” Kissick said.

The line also offers jewelry that benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Five years ago, even three years ago, you couldn’t say that you knew someone who died from suicide without being embarrassed. People hid it a lot,” she said. Dangling off of bracelets from the suicide prevention line is a life preserver charm, which to Kissick means, “We’re all together in this.”

Kissick continued, “People are just looking for hope, anything they can grab onto to keep them going.” Kissick also gets something out of the creation of each Causes piece. “I can help people with my jewelry, and I feel like I won the jackpot,” she said.

EK Designs offers another bracelet that gives the same message of hope as the Causes Collection jewelry but with more of an individualistic sentiment: the Pass It On bracelet. Kissick said, “You wear the bracelet yourself, and when you see that somebody is experiencing hardship, whether you know them or not, you take the bracelet off your wrist and give it to them. They wear it until they turn a corner, and then they pass it on to someone else.”

Sterling silver earrings that benefit Autism Speaks, $70

Kissick shared an experience in which her own Pass It On bracelet was given to a beautiful stranger in the restroom of the Liberty Hotel. The woman, who had originally been diagnosed with terminal cancer, just received the news that she would survive and shared it with Kissick and several other women in the restroom.

“I was wearing my own Pass It On bracelet and was able to give it to her,” Kissick said, and the bracelet initiated a bond between the two women. “That’s what the jewelry is all about, to bring that out, to bring people up. To remember that we’re so lucky to get to live.”

So if you’d like to re-establish the connection between gift giving and thoughtfulness this holiday season, skip the plastic and contribute to something more than personal abundance. The Causes Collection as well as EK Designs’ other collections can be found at the EK Designs website, www.ekdesignsjewelry.com.

MIAMI — For the past couple of years, the city has been garnering a reputation for becoming a major player in the art and fashion world. Pioneers have been taking notice of Miami’s endless opportunities and are starting to capitalize on it. Tobi Salver, 26, is one of the entrepreneurs who see the potential this city offers for the world of art and fashion.

“Miami seems to be growing everyday with people who have a unique style. I feel there is a huge market to cater to.” Salver points out, well aware of her niche in styling, and, in turn, has launched her latest entrepreneurial endeavor: Fox House/Myfoxhouse.com, a website specializing in selling clothing pieces and accessories whose broad range appeals from budding fashionistas to the everyday working girl, and everything in between.   Prices are solely based on: designer, rarity, condition and quality, even so, Myfoxhouse.com still manages lean on the more affordable side of the spectrum.  Salver also wants to make it a point to showcase talent from the local designers along with the ‘fresh out of fashion school’ designers on her web site.

Salver, a local Florida girl who was raised in Fort Lauderdale, has always had her finger on the pulse when it comes to clothing and personal styling. With her particularly keen eye for bold, yet approachable fashion sense, Salver launched Myfoxhouse.com.

It’s no surprise that MyFoxhouse.com has been garnering a lot of buzz recently.  Salver’s eccentric and unique personality can be seen through the beautiful pieces of clothing and accessories she carefully selects for Myfoxhouse. com, mainly focusing on unique patterns, colors, cuts and silhouettes. “But the most important key factors I focus on, go to the classic, timeless pieces. Clothing fabulous forty years ago, and still relevant today.” Salver stresses. “When it comes to vintage, everything stands out”.  Really, the only blueprint formula that Salver follows for the vintage selection is just taking the time to search through hundreds of pieces, in order to find the classic, ‘diamond in the rough’.

When it comes to the process of selecting the latest items, Salver makes it a point to not follow the current trends. She rather, wisely focuses on pieces that turn heads, the ones that make woman feel confident and comfortable, and most importantly, compliment figures.

Salvers eye for style and art didn’t start with her; in fact, she has a rather fascinating history with fashion that is as unique and intriguing as her vintage finds.

Salver’s heritage of fashion and strong pedigree for styling and designing stems from her grandmother, Joanne Alterman, a well-known and respected fashion and interior designer in Miami Beach. Alterman studied at the prestigious Parson’s School in New York City, and went on to carry a line at Bendel‘s, the upscale department store there. Initially, she specialized in long evening patchwork skirts before moving on to coats and jackets. Alterman also became one of the first designers to use authentic textiles from the Seminole Indian tribe in Florida. At that time, the Seminoles were the only Indian tribe to sign a peace treaty with the United States. Alterman, just like her granddaughter Salver, saw incredible opportunity and approached the Seminoles, working out a fair deal with them, using their materials for her clothing line. All sorts of individuals owned Alterman’s creations, from Luciana Pignatelli, all the way to Christina Ford, wife of the auto magnate. Christina Ford even made it on to ‘Vanity Fair’ magazines list of ‘International Best Dressed Hall of Fame’ in a velvet Alterman skirt.

Alterman’s heavy influence on Salver started at a very young age. She taught her granddaughter how to skillfully paint and dressed her in hand made clothing. “I share an almost haunting similarity of style and eye as my grandmother. No doubt, she has inspired and shaped my style.” Salver sings her praises, and it’s easy to see why she credits all of her artistic and designing talents to her grandmother. To this day, Salver still goes to her grandmother for advice on running her online store.

It wasn’t until Salver was 24 that she became involved with  the fashion and art scene. Before then, she had attended the University of Central Florida, where Salver did a ‘Semester at Sea,’ that whisked her around the globe to different countries such as: Thailand, Africa, Brazil, etc. exposing her to various cultures, rich in colors, styles, and tradition. The semester at sea ended, and Salver found herself back at home, bored, and in desperate need of creativity. She transferred to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and got a degree in Graphic Design. The same month Salver graduated, her lease of her apartment was up and she moved out west to Los Angeles. Salver’s depiction of Hollywood is that it was a “strange, but insanely creative place.”

It was in Los Angeles, where Salver became immersed in the fashion and art scene. After relentless networking and sending many emails to studios, Salver eventually landed a job working on several film sets in the art and wardrobe department. “I had no idea the title of set designer, wardrobe stylist, and prop master even existed. It was through meeting people in these fields, that I realized I had a calling for everything to do with styling.” This opportunity led Salver to style sets, people, photo shoots, and even go back to her roots of some graphic design for production as well.

“I had to work miracles with low budgets”.  Salver says of her job experience. But it was exactly the type of experience and crash course training needed to give Salver the proper confidence in her styling abilities. “It was then, I realized I had a knack for finding gems in thrift stores, antique markets, estate sales, etc.”

After a couple years in Los Angeles, Salver made her way back home to Fort Lauderdale where she launched her website.

“The name ‘Fox’ stems from the idea that foxes, by nature, are not pack animals. They’re opportunistic feeders which translates into what I want my clothes to represent an individuality and uniqueness for the women who wear them. For them to feel confident and ready to conquer the day.” Salver’s goals for the women who shop at her web site are simple: “ I want women who shop at

Myfoxhouse.com to feel as if they put on an article of clothing, and are ready to go out there and ‘get it.’”

With the success of Myfoxhouse.com, talks of expansion are natural. Salver already has future plans to eventually open up a local storefront along with putting together a launch/fashion show. She also plans to add her own personal touch of hand made designs of hair accessories on her site.

I highly recommend Myfoxhouse.com to any girl that even has the slightest interest in fashion. I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this, it’s a great find.

Designers: if you’re interested in contacting Tobi Salver, please do so at: info@myfoxhouse.com.

With New York City a mere four hours away, Boston is often overlooked in the fashion department. What a shame, considering the abundance of talent in our fair city. In this new monthly column, the best of Boston’s local clothing, jewelry, handbag and shoe designers, as well as local boutiques, are showcased. NYC, eat your heart out!

Nettie Kent Jewelry — Leather, copper, silver and gold leaf bracelet — $148

Leather, Copper, Silver and Gold Leaf Bracelet

Looking for the perfect bracelet that will go just as well with your sexy red dress as it will with jeans and a t-shirt? Look no further than Martha’s Vineyard designer Nettie Kent’s leather, copper, silver and gold leaf bracelet.

The first leather bracelet style she created, no two are ever the same. Silver is melted over copper and the flow creates a unique design each time. Kent then paints with gold leaf to highlight different areas. “The process brings me back to my roots as a painter,” she said. “It’s just a really fun and unrestricted way to use metal.”

Kent collects her leather from old belts, purses, even cowboy hats. Old copper flashing used in the jewelry is gathered from houses on the vineyard. “The sea air and salt water patinas the copper with beautiful colors and I think it looks like landscapes, almost like paintings,” said Kent, who studied painting at Hampshire College.

Blast is obsessed with the preppy leather cuff paired with the boho look of mixed metals. We guarantee compliments when you strap on this bracelet for a night, or day, on the town.

Get it now at Turtle in the South End, or visit www.nettiekent.com.

Nirva — Katya Dress — $650

Katya Dress

New England winters may inspire you to wrap up in cozy cashmere, but Lexington based designer Nirva Derbekyan looked to the even harsher winters of Russia to inspire her autumn/winter 2009 collection. Weather this cold never looked so good.

The gorgeous fuchsia fabric was Derbekyan’s inspiration for the Katya dress. She also noted that the wool gabardine is perfect for manipulations, prompting her to create a bright, fun colored dress with a conversely harsh structure. “Contrary to the tailored look, I wanted to add a bit of fluidity and geometry at the same time,” Derbekyan said. She added the front drape and the movable cap sleeves to keep this unique dress in line with her signature style.

Blast is just dying to wear this dress to a formal fall event, but how special would it be for New Year’s Eve? We dare you to keep it in your closet that long.

You can buy the Katya dress when it goes on sale at Stil Boutique in the Prudential Center at the end of the month. Visit www.nirva.com to see the whole collection.

Twigs and Heather — Sterling Silver Dangle Twig Necklace — $125

Sterling Silver Dangle Twig Necklace

The summer weather beckons us to enjoy nature; what better way than to put it around our necks? Twigs and Heather, headed by twin sisters Heather and Kerry Alice Collins, cast sterling silver one-of-a-kind pieces plucked right from the Atlantic Northeast.

The dangle twig necklace reminds us of playing outside in the woods as kids, but without that child-like look. The particular twig pictured is a winter twig, and the changing seasons is the twins’ biggest inspiration.

“It’s pretty amazing the subtle (and not so subtle changes) that occur in the trees year-round. Plus, the sentimental feeling that the twigs evoke in our customers is very special to us,” Heather said.

The dangle twig is a popular item, and because each necklace features a different twig, they each have their own personality. Blast thinks this necklace is the perfect gift for the nature girl or the city girl who wants to get back to her, um, roots.

Order it online at www.twigsandheather.com or www.etsy.com. You can also pick it up at Turtle in the South End and MagPie in Somerville.

Sea Bags — Medium Anchor– $110

Sea Bags Medium Anchor

If we were millionaires at Blast (as we someday hope to be), we would certainly own a large sailboat perfect for party cruises and romantic dinners. But, for now, we’ll happily settle for the Anchor Bag by Sea Bags of Portland, Maine (not super-local, but how could we resist?).

All the bags are made out of recycled sails, and we especially love the Anchor Bag (available in navy or red) for its ability to catch the eye of a hot sailor on leave (not yet tested, but we’re assuming).

Sea Bags are environmentally conscious and preppy at the same time, which is more than we can say for that Abercrombie model you dated.

Owned by Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler, Sea Bags are designed by Stephanie Moran and her team.

To own a bag inspired by all things nautical, visit www.seabags.com.

Lillian Asterfield — Sea Lillian Necklace — $35-$65

Lilian Asterfield Sea Lilian Necklace

If you used to rummage through your dad’s closet and play dress up with his ties, the Sea Lillian necklace is your dream come true. Nicole Deponte’s Lilian Asterfield pieces are made completely from recycled and up-cycled products, such as old vintage ties, t-shirt yarn and plastic curtain rings. We love this necklace because it is one of the most unique out there.

Each Sea Lillian necklace is different, but we chose to feature this particular one because we couldn’t take our eyes off it. Sadly, it’s recently been sold– but never fear; Deponte takes special orders.

Her jewelry was recently shown at Lucky Gallery during an exhibit featuring artists who focus on sustainability. You can buy her pieces at Turtle in the South End or at www.nicoledeponte.com.

Read, set, SHOP!

There’s no dearth of accessories these days that raise money for charity. People across the country sport bags, clothing, bracelets, and whatever they can get their hands on to support their cause of choice. But back in 2001, when Elisa Ilana founder Laurie Langdon-Gerber was opening her first store in an Omaha, Neb. shopping mall, the concept was less familiar.

“There was not this big pink [breast cancer support] craze that there is now,” she says. “It was kind of a new concept, making jewelry that was affiliated with cause marketing.”

Langdon-Gerber reconnected with her son’s former sixth grade music teacher, who had breast cancer, in the mall where her store was located. Moved when she heard about her friend’s diagnosis, Landgon-Gerber began to contact charity organizations to see if she could donate some of the proceeds from a specialized jewelry line to their causes.

“Believe it or not, we actually had people turn us down,” she laughs. But once production got underway, it took off, and even her son’s former teacher got in on the action. “She came in during chemo and radiation so that she had somewhere to go that was a support group, and she helped to make the bracelets,” says Landgon-Gerber.

Soon, the word spread and more organizations contacted Elisa Ilana to have designs made for their causes. One of the requests gave birth to the Liz’s Legacy collection, which honors the memory of Liz Karnes, who was married to former Nebraska Senator David Karnes. She lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2003, and Langdon-Gerber hopes Elisa Ilana’s line dedicated to Karnes would raise national awareness about her life and legacy.

“When they approached me with this, we kind of had a national presence,” she says. “So I was hoping to lend … their foundation a boost.”

Landgon-Gerber and her small design staff have hand picked every charity their designs benefit, from AIDS to diabetes to soldiers’ families.

“We chose the things that we actually were passionate about,” she says.

All these years later, with a second store opening and a thriving online presence, Elisa Ilana is still a pioneer in the business, and they are dedicated to donating 10 percent of their proceeds to the specified cause.

“The jewelry isn’t significantly different today from when I originally designed it because I like the design,” says Langdon-Gerber.

Elisa Ilana’s designs feature handmade sterling silver, 14 carat gold, freshwater pearls, and Swarovski crystals. The awareness line’s most popular piece, the pink Spectacular bracelet, is inspired by the trademark color scheme for breast cancer.

“The different piece parts that are in my jewelry all have significance,” Landgon-Gerber says. Take, for example, Elisa Ilana’s signature piece, rings that move over the beads. The movement that the design lends to the jewelry represents that “the move toward a cure never sleeps,” she says.

And the awareness brand grows with a limited edition piece every few years. The designs are sometimes purposefully designed to mark a milestone, like a 10-year cancer survivor.

“The last one we did was made from genuine 14 millimeter pink tourmalines, and they were in a variety of shades and colors and so forth,” says Landon-Gerber. “Within the next couple of years we’ll have another limited edition.”

Don’t look for an East Coast retail location anytime soon, though. Elisa Ilana is considering a Las Vegas installment in the future, but in the meantime, the company continues using its online store as the main sales outlet. Check out‚ www.elisailana.com for more information.

The craze for Semi Precious Weapons (SPW) has shot up like a bean sprout in a matter of months. This year was truly beneficial for the group, who simply stated can play their instruments, “pretty fucking well” and have fun shows according to lead singer Justin Tranter.

Fun doesn’t begin to describe it. Imagine a Bowie-esque six foot tall man, who looks better in stilettos than most girls do, popping a cartwheel and landing on the bassist’s shoulders while singing out to rock “Ëœn roll. It’s better in person.

SPW is made up of fashionista Tranter, guitarist Aaron Tasjan, bassist Cole Whittle and drummer Dan Crean, and like Tranter said they all rally know how to play their instruments and make good rock music.‚  After meeting randomly at music shows and through industry friends in New York, they decided to test their own sounds with Tranter’s lyrics and start their own band.

The songs this quartet offer are a mix of 80′s Guns N’ Roses meets KISS meets Morrissey. The have killer guitar solos, upbeat tempos and blunt lyrics like, “It’s not my fault it’s just how my Momma made me. I’ve been magnetic since I was a baby!” In reality the band is loud and obnoxious and what was needed for a music world filled with alternative bands that use little of the rock beats we love but are afraid to bring back completely.

“Many bands take themselves too seriously, even the middle of the road bands who are kind of famous take themselves seriously too. For us, our shows have fun rocking music and it’s a pretty simple thing but no one really does it right now,” Tranter explained.

Indeed, no other act is gracing the leather look and busting out Aerosmith-type falsettos and suggestive sounds alike quite like SMP.‚  But this is not the only thing the band is bringing to the public.‚  Like any other band they had to fund their music by filling shows, which is still not profitable enough, and selling something. Many opt for the typical band logo t-shirt sales but since Tranter had worked in the jewelry business he opted for accessories.

With the band’s gun-and-heart logo and Trater’s jewelry connections, the lead singer created necklaces and sold them at shows. The product demand increased and Trenter saw himself with a new business opportunity. He established Fetty Brooklyn and began selling his jewelry at Urban Outfitters and Hot Topic stores. The band funded their record with the jewelry money.

“My mom is a custom engagement ring designer so I always got day jobs in jewelry because I knew the lingo. When we went to shows and we wanted something to sell we didn’t have shirts or a CD so I made necklaces to sell and it slowly blew up. It became a thing separate from the band now selling gold and diamond necklaces for $1,300 bucks and we are doing a line at Barneys that is going amazingly well,” Trenter said.

The band is now signed to a label and the jewelry is not their main funding resource, but Trenter admits the jewelry making still comes after the music. Even if they get to play to crowds of 200 or 300 on a given night the band wants more, “we want it to be a couple of thousand because we’ve all been playing music for a long time and want it to be a lot bigger.”

2009 may be the answer to their prayers, if these guys pray anyway. Scheduled for a six-week tour in January with girl band Von Iva, who are featured in Jim Carey’s movie “Yes Man,” and a larger tour with a music legend (whose name cannot be disclosed yet due to legal reasons) the band’s future looks promising.

“We just have a fucking blast with each other and our favorite thing to do is play music, the fact we get to play and write together and then perform is amazing. We are also not afraid of anything, we played at a sports bar in Iowa last month and people were asking us, “Ëœwhat are you doing?’” Tranter recalled.‚  “But people love rock and roll and want to have fun anywhere, we sold more CDs there than we did in Chicago.”

Lets just wait to see who they will get to rock out next. Are the‚ Inauguration‚ acts accounted for?

Email your information to Giveaways@BlastMagazine.com by December 31 for a chance to win some SPW’s bling and the band’s debut album!

Promotional: Diamonds information

The end of the summer has always evoked a certain sadness. The last days of August bring goodbyes to the beach, patio drinks, flip-flopped feet and warm weather. However, I’ve found that September’s arrival also births a great sense of renewal.

Fall 2008 fashion is reminiscent of this nostalgia for the past, while also managing to be brilliantly independent from previous season’s trends. The styles, accessories and attitude of autumn’s 2008 look make the end of the summer less painful, and the season ahead much more attractive.

As the harsh economy lightens our wallets and puts a damper on extravagant spending this year, fall fashion stirs up visions of the past and reminds us of a time when money was tighter. Evocative of the late 1920′s and 1930′s Depression Era, feminine ruffles, structured shapes and a romantic elegance lend a vintage feel to many designers’ fall collections.

Both fashion legends like top designer, John Galliano and moderately priced lines like H&M, Banana Republic and The Gap are spinning their threads with flashback styles that emphasize Depression era chic. A point in history that defined fashion is again influencing men and women’s styles of today. It was this era that welcomed Coco Chanel, the definition of a woman’s waistline and curves, bias-cuts and the newsboy look for men.

While summer fashion saw floral patterns and light chiffon fabrics taken from the Depression era, the resurgence of ruffled tiers on shirts and dresses, lace and costume jewelry will headline this fall. According to Retro Radar at www.retroradar.com, Neiman Marcus is showcasing many 1930′s inspired accessories this fall, while even the more urban labels like Baby Phat have incorporated glamour into their runway collections.

The 1920′s and 1930′s trick to dressing on a tight budget was to buy colors and patterns that were timeless and could last for more seasons than one. Muted and classic colors like soft pinks, grays, creams and blacks were practical choices. This year, designer’s have incorporated these basic colors into their lines, while reviving vintage styles with brighter tones of deep plums, mustard yellows and dark blues that aren’t quite navy.

For women, layering is the key. Pencil skirts paired with a silk, ruffled blouse under corset tops, vests, and slim cardigans make a statement when accented with a skinny or thick belt. During New York Fashion Week, designer, Nanette Lepore, chose to feature cropped jackets and trousers in a menswear brown plaid fit, while designer Carmen Marc Valvo focused on sensuality with transparent, lingerie-inspired blouses and tailored pants.

For men, the newsboy style and look of urban simplicity is cutting edge. Baggy trousers, pinstripes, lace-up shoes and newsboy caps seem to be re-entering the fashion scene. For everyday, corduroy and velvet blazers paired with a collared button down and jeans gives a relaxed yet fashion forward look to a man’s style. On the edgy front, stores like Old Navy, INC- International Concepts from Macy’s and The Gap have incorporated more of a trendy vibe into their men’s collections. Printed t-shirts with flashier and intricate designs provide cheaper alternatives to styles produced from lines like Ed Hardy’s vintage tattoo wear.

While Depression era glamour has authority over the tone of 2008 fall fashion, there are many separate style components that have also found themselves on fall’s front line.

While everything that glitters may not be gold, the distinguishable mustard gold color of this fall definitely stands out. It seems that no matter where you shop, from the sophisticated prep of J.Crew to trendier, sleek French Connection, this color is making an appearance everywhere. In cozy cashmere, sexy silk, crushed velour and corduroy, this yellow is the color of the season. A warm hue on blondes, this yellow pops against brunette hair. The best part about this monochromatic color is that pairs great with many different colors making is a versatile staple in any wardrobe.

With basic colors of gray, black and cream headlining this season, Women’s Wear Daily reports that patterned tights and costume jewelry are accenting the trend. Printed, patterned and colored tights add a flashy, fun texture to your wardrobe. Animal prints, argyle patterns, bold hues of orange, yellow, and crimson as an extension to the legging trend spice up any outfit. Costume jewelry composed of chunky beads, rhinestones and pearls also enhance clothing this season. Bold cuff bracelets, dazzling cocktail rings, layered bangles, and pendants define accessories with the motto the bigger the jewelry … the better!

Another trend for fall is ombre clothing and accessories. This term refers to the graduation of color from a light to a dark shade. Club Monaco features ombre scarves while shoe stores like Aldo have ombre flats in a variety of colors. Incorporating ombre pieces into your wardrobe provides an easy way to stay on top of a trend and add interest to an outfit.

2008 fall fashion’s invigorating blend of the old and the new creates a diverse runway of colors, cuts and accessories. Every personality has a way to shine with the must-have looks of this season. An incorporation of personal style into each of these fads will make you stand out amongst the rest. It’s all how you wear it and pair it.

Saying goodbye to summer never looked this good.

In an age where it seems a box of chocolates and flowers have become too clich©, what’s a Valentine to do? Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love. Treat your sweetheart to present or activity that breaks the norm and leaves a lasting memory. Here’s Blast Magazine’s gift guide to make this February 14th one to remember.

Themed Presents:

I am a fan of putting together themed presents and when you find out how easy it is, you will be too! Let’s take the above gifts as examples.

• Cuddle Blanket paired with his favorite DVD, and a box of popcorn … a night at home is complete.
• Charging valet paired with a fun new gadget whether it’s a monogrammed money clip, or the IPod Nano he’s been eyeing, he’ll love the accessory he can store on his new organizer.
• A sexy piece of lingerie paired with a sex toy, box of condoms, Karma Sutra book and deliciously scented candle create a night of seduction at your fingertips.

For both of you:

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spice things up. Show off your inner vixen and have him loving this holiday…and you like never before.

Sexy Lingerie, $40.00 and up

It’s time to show off your body and buy a present that makes you feel beautiful. The delight he’ll take in seeing your confidence and of course hot undergarments will ignite his passionate side. Perhaps surprise him with a tantalizing strip tease, or if you’re daring, come over wearing just your "present" underneath your coat.

Sex Toys, $15.00 and up

Whether you’re a long time fan of sex toys or want to try something new in the bedroom, surprising your man with a new plaything could be the best Valentine’s Day gift he’s ever received. The Internet provides a plethora of toys for anyone’s imagination and it also allows you to remain anonymous.

Show him you can be both naughty and nice this February 14th.

(ARA) — Holiday season is diamond-buying season, whether you’re looking to get engaged, upgrade your wedding set or just give a gift that will leave her gasping in delight.

More holiday shoppers than ever are eschewing long mall lines in favor of online shopping, and diamond buyers are no exception. Think few people buy diamonds online? Think again: Google “diamond shopping online” and you’ll get about 5 million results, many of them Web sites that specialize in the sale of diamonds. Online jewelry sales in the United States topped $2.45 billion in 2006, a 20 percent increase over the year before, according to data from IDEX Online Research.

“The online market is a natural evolution for diamond shopping,” said Isaac Gottesman, a diamond expert and owner of dimend SCAASI of Chicago, a leading national jeweler whose company entered the e-market in 1997 and now does more than 70 percent of its business online. “In the old days, you went to your local jewelry showroom to look at loose stones and settings. Then large jewelry chains evolved and became mall staples. Next came jewelry sales on television shopping channels. Now jewelry shopping, including diamond buying, has moved online.”

Shopping for diamonds online provides all the advantages of the Internet: huge inventory and selection, competitive prices and exceptional speed and convenience. The pitfalls, however, are just as many: disreputable sellers, questionable products and undereducated buyers. Before you log on to make your diamond purchase this holiday season, consider these do’s and don’ts of online diamond buying:

* Do seek out sites with exceptional customer service standards. “Online shopping can often mean less customer service than you might hope for,” Gottesman said. “But when you’re purchasing something as important as a diamond, you can’t afford to deal with a site that is lacking in customer service.”

Look for sites that allow you to speak directly to a customer service representative, either by phone or live chat, both during your diamond selection process and after you’ve made your purchase. Buying a diamond is more complex than many other online transactions and you’ll want expert advice and attentive service.

* Don’t overlook the importance of the site’s privacy and security measures. Be sure you fully understand the site’s policies before you buy. The site should use encryption and security software. When you get to the payment page, be sure the web address includes https.

* Do look for sites that use technology innovations to give you the best overall picture of the diamond you are buying. “A site that offers you just one image and a brief description of a stone isn’t giving you enough information to make an educated purchase,” Gottesman said.

Gottesman’s dimend SCAASI invented a proprietary, patent-pending software system, dubbed “InnerView,” to allow potential buyers to view diamonds and gemstones online in real time. After choosing the diamond they are interested in at www.dimendscaasi.com, buyers can request an InnerView appointment by phone, e-mail or directly online. Or, if they’re unsure what stone or setting they are looking for, they can request an appointment in which a gemologist helps them decide what they’re looking for in a stone and setting.

During the InnerView session, a gemologist places a diamond or gemstone under powerful magnification of up to 300 times to show its unique characteristics, including the cut, any inclusions the stone may have and a close-up of the laser inscription correlating to the certification number. The buyer can view these features magnified and also see how they appear to the naked eye. InnerView also makes it possible for the customer to view the diamond or gemstone in different settings

* Don’t assume every Web site will take the diamond back if you’re dissatisfied with it. Be sure you know the site’s return policy before you do business with them. Look for sites with a clear and fair return policy, and find out what, if any, restocking fees are associated with returning an item.

* Do be sure the site takes every precaution to ship swiftly and securely. "The site should only ship through reputable carriers who offer a system for tracking your package," Gottesman advises.

* Do look for certification from reputable labs such as GIA and AGS. The certification should detail the characteristics of the diamond.

* Finally, do search the Web for consumer reviews of online jewelers, and visit sites like Citysearch or Yelp to find customer feedback.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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