Antique Trillion Peridot and Diamond Ring


1.20 carats total weight Gemstones, with gorgeous deep color and clean clarity. Peridot: 1 piece, 1.00ct, Princess Cut, 6.00 mm. 4 pieces Sparkling Round Diamond total weight of 0.20 carats accent the ring. Approximate Retail price $399.99 Ring weighs 2.77 grams. Ring dimension is 1/4 x 5/8 and finger size 7 (resizable by a local jeweler). Ring is in 14 karat pure gold and has a beautiful design and finish. Detail

Created Blue Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring


This lovely ring features a created 6x6mm heart shaped blue star sapphire with diamond accents set in 10K white gold. Shank is 3mm at the top and tapers down to 1.5mm at the bottom. Detail

White Gold 6.9mm Italian Curb Link Bracelet


The Cuban is a strong, serious, handsome chain with a bent toward heroism. The white gold is a subtle, savvy alternative to yellow gold. Identical links are cut to create light-loving angles. The cuts imply a smoldering passion in an otherwise steady bracelet--the infinite potential of Clark Kent as he enters a phone booth. The Cuban chain promises to rescue small kittens out of trees, and a few scratches latter, enjoy a glass of Rose in the shade of that same tree. Detail

Yellow Gold Diamond Leaf Pendant


A gilded leaf sparkles with a row of diamonds in this beautiful pendant, emblematic of fall. Fashioned from textured 10 karat yellow gold, it has a realistic leaf shape, with 12 genuine diamonds (1/10 cttw) set into the gracefully curved stem. An 18-inch rope chain threads through the top of the diamond stem and fastens in back with a spring ring clasp. This is a unique and stunning accent for any season. It makes a fine gift for a nature lover. Detail

White Diamond Dragonfly Pendant


This darling dragonfly pendant is a beautiful addition to your collection. Crafted in 10 karat white gold, it has a curvy body set with eleven black diamonds, and pretty wings that sparkle with 16 white diamonds. There are 27 round diamonds altogether, for a total combined weight of 1/5 carat. An 18-inch rope chain threads directly through the top of the pendant and fastens in back with a spring ring clasp. Detail

Jewel Encrustation and Damask Weave Texture in Clothes


Emma Somerset Autumn/Winter 2007 - Occasion Wear - Brocade puff sleeve coat £325 and shift dress £99 by Oky Coky. Printed bangle £28 by Emma Somerset.  OkyCoky is collection from the Spanish design duo Geli Torres and Sandro Portela.This is a very important season for contrasting texture effects in clothing.  Look out for encrusted jewel trimmings and also beautiful gold Damask weave decoration.

In the past decade texture in fashion has grown apace, ever since the underlying trend for eclectic ethnic started.  It brought appliqué and traditional folkloric elements into the design of the fabric and construction of our clothes.  This fascination for embellishment has led to a revived interest in opulent luxury fabrics.

For autumn 2007/Winter 2008 texture is one of the main stories. Two types of texture are most prominent:

1. Brocade Fabrics - traditional damask weaves and Venetian brocade patterns that will move toward tapestry fabric effects by summer 2008.

2. Fabric Encrustation - huge cabochon*, square glass and crystal jewels; you will also see beads, or sequins which all add depth and surface texture.

*Cabochon is a gemstone that is polished rather than cut.

Above left - Emma Somerset Autumn/Winter 2007 - Occasion Wear - Brocade puff sleeve coat £325 and shift dress £99 by Oky Coky. Printed bangle £28 by Emma Somerset.  OkyCoky is collection from the Spanish design duo Geli Torres and Sandro Portela.

Jumpsuits - All-in-Ones - Catsuits


Fashion trends 2008 -Jumpsuit, catsuit, all in one -  Debenhams Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Star by Julien Macdonald shimmer catsuit £60/€93, Mood gold bangles from £8.  Jumpsuit fashion trend 2008. Debenhams Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Star by Julien Macdonald satin safari jumpsuit £60/€93 and Debut gold lame scarf £10/€15.50.  Jumpsuits, also called all-in-ones, were a great fashion trend of the 1960s and the 1970s.  Now have truly been revived and since they are so practical they are sure to be a winner.  Preen's lovely parachute silk jumpsuits are not to be confused with the all-in-one 1980s shell suits of yesteryear.  Avoid any jumpsuits you see made of nylon rip-stop style parachute fabric, or you may well get a lot of déjà vu strange stares as people think - shell suit season!  Choose this look and the fabric with great care.

Catsuits, or all-in-ones can be as classily glitzy as the Debenhams creamy oyster evening wear jumpsuit far left, or as cool and collected as the black safari style everyday wear near right.

Hot Tip - On the up - Jumpsuits

Above left - Debenhams Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Star by Julien Macdonald shimmer catsuit £60/€93, Mood gold bangles from £8. Above right - Debenhams Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Star by Julien Macdonald satin safari jumpsuit £60/€93 and Debut gold lame scarf £10/€15.50. 

Top Fashion Trend Tip 2008 - Full Skirts


Hot Tip - 2008 Must-have - Fuller skirts This short dirndl skirt and jacket shown left is from New Look Spring Summer 2008 fashion collection. Spring Trends, summer 2008 - Debenhams Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Red Herring white vest £6/€9.50, Betty Jackson.  Black circle skirt £50/€78, Mantarary tribal look necklace £12/€18.50 and chunky ring £6/€9.50. Hot Tip - 2008 Must-have - Fuller skirtsIn particular skirt shapes have been refreshed again, so the volume trend seems new and lively.  Easy gathered dirndl skirts that swish and swing, or full skirts consisting solely of tiered ruffles are a newer way to adopt volume.  The waist can be a focus of interest if you have a waist to show.

Hot Tip - 2008 Must-have - Fuller skirts

This short Dirndl skirt and jacket shown left is from New Look Spring Summer 2008 fashion collection.  Note the easy carefree movement in the floral printed skirt. No fuss, easy to wear, but pretty yet practical for the uplift you will get with summer days. 

Above right - Debenhams Womenswear Spring/Summer 2008 - Red Herring white vest £6/€9.50, Betty Jackson.  Black circle skirt £50/€78, Mantarary tribal look necklace £12/€18.50 and chunky ring £6/€9.50. 

Full skirts are always popular with women since they enable free leg movement.  With time, whatever your age, the Summer of 08, is one you will probably recall as the summer of lightness and freedom in fashion trends.

Bold Blues

This year the blue hues have taken off.  In particular manufacturers have worked on springs electric blues. Royal blue is used for parkas and jackets.  There are strong bold blues in the stores now as well as many greyed blues.  Notice how these examples below move from sapphire to turquoise sea green.

Blue Fashion Trends for Fall 2007, Winter 2008 from Dorothy Perkins, Evans and Monsoon.

Far left - Dorothy Perkins Cobalt blue short jacket price £50. Centre Left - Evans Autumn Winter 2007/8 blue spot dress.

Centre right features an evening dress from Monsoon Originals Autumn Winter 2007 range. The Pip Sequin Tunic costs £150/€235.  The Originals collection is a limited edition range of exquisitely designed evening wear available in 33 stores and also online.  Inspired by vintage pieces the range is sourced and handpicked by the Monsoon design team. The range has its own exclusive colour palette and has a signature unique to the high street.  Sumptuous fabricsand beautiful embellishment are characteristic of the collection.  Each stunning piece is a luxury to own, not least because no more than 400 pieces of each style are ever produced.

Far right - Monsoon Storm - Elgar Dress - £65/€99 from Monsoon Storm – a new capsule collection launching Autumn Winter 2007.  Monsoon Storm is an exclusively designed, trend driven capsule collection that will be refreshed monthly.  Monsoon Storm range goes into 30 top stores across the country in September and will also be available online.  The range complements the main collection, but has its own distinctive design influences and handwriting.

Orange Glow


Noli Autumn Winter 2007/8 womenswear in terracotta tones.Note the yellow tones moving for instance toward olive, moss and cardamom as in the Miss Selfridge dress above.  Gold also moves from palest gold, richer deeper 24k gold, through into rose gold, copper and ginger effects. 

Fall 2007 Winter 2008 Terracotta Colour Palette Shimmer is everywhere.  Watch out for metallic copper effects on leather jackets and evening fabrics.  Image left in terracotta tones is courtesy of Noli Autumn Winter 2007/8 womenswear. 

The sun dried rich ochre and terracotta of spring, has gained ground and autumn sees a move toward chartreuse greens.  The effect is that of a tangerine with that hint of green to the citrus skin.  These burnt orange colours take on a dustier look more suited to the season of falling leaves. 

Some of the burnished terracotta tones are shown here.

Gold, camel, orange and tan are used as a mainstay fabric colour for materials especially leathers.  If you are terrified of wearing such a hot bright colour near your face, then opt for the simple solution of a new hand bag like this bag from Accessorize below.  It can add that jolt of colour that makes your self styling pop.

Chisato design.Coat by Matalan A/W 2007/8.Autumn Winter 2007 - Nova - Suede and stud tote - £40/€62 from Accessorize.  Rucci ginger jacket.

Chisato design image above left courtesy of IFTF.  Rust coat image available from of Matalan.   Bag - Autumn Winter 2007/8 Nova suede and stud tote is from Accessorize and costs £40/€62.  Rucci ginger jacket image courtesy of IFTF.

This is an opportunity to get out that rose gold jewellery or coral holiday necklace that languishes in your drawer.  I am reliably informed by a jewellery executive that sales of smoky quartz jewellery have soared these past months.  This too could be the season when amber,citrine gemstones and copper as a fashion metal regains great popularity.  You are reading an original fashion article by Pauline Weston Thomas 

Sterling Silver and Blue Topaz Swirl Flower Pendant


A large faceted blue topaz stone is the centerpiece of this pretty flower pendant. The stone is held in a bezel setting and framed by small petal-like beads of sterling silver with oxidized swirls. The pendant measures just shy of half an inch wide and has a beautiful color and sparkle. A 16-inch sterling silver rolo chain threads directly through the pendant and fastens with a spring ring clasp. Blue topaz is the birthstone for the month of December. Detail

Sterling Silver Snap Hoop Earrings


Sterling silver snap hoop earrings. Detail

White Gold Diamond Channel Hoop Earrings


These sparkly diamond hoop earrings are a step up from ordinary hoops, yet subtle and sophisticated enough for daytime wear. The 21.5mm hoops are made from brightly polished 10 karat gold and hold a total of 20 round channel-set diamonds (1/4 cttw), set into the fronts of the hoops for maximum visibility. Hinge lock closures create a seamless line. Choose between white or yellow gold. Detail

Sterling Silver Caribbean Amber Crown-Cut Bracelet


A large square of light green Caribbean amber decorates this stunning designer bracelet. The eye-catching amber stone is linked to long curved bars of sculpted sterling silver, lending a contemporary organic look to the piece. The bracelet measures a little over 6 1/2 inches and closes with a decorative foldover clasp. Caribbean amber is a striking alternative to the more commonly known honey amber. Its luminous pale-to-olive-green color and natural inclusions give it a unique look and a natural beauty. Detail

14k White Gold Black and White Diamond Oval Dangle Earrings


Project a fashionable and sophisticated look with these black and white diamond earrings, made from strong and radiant 14 karat white gold. A vertical bar detailed with round white diamonds grasps an oval shape filled with beautifully contrasting black diamonds. Posts and friction backings of 14 karat gold complete this design. There are 152 black and white diamonds altogether in these attractive earrings, for a total diamond weight of 1 1/4 carats. Detail

Marcasite Onyx Inlay Swan Pin Brooch Sterling Silver


Brooch dimensions are 1.8 Inches Tall and 1.6 Inches wide. Majestic piece of Marcasite brooch casted in Genuine Sterling Silver features a beautiful SWAN with Reconstituted Black Onyx Inlay. It will make a perfect gift for someone you love!! Detail

Sun, Moon, and Stars Anklet in Sterling Silver


This celestial sterling silver anklet consists of small charms of suns, moons, and stars. Adjustable anywhere between 9 to 10.25 inches, you can be sure this anklet will fit perfectly! Weighing approximately 11.4 grams, the celestial charms dangle freely around the ankle as you walk. The total effect of this sun, moon, and stars sterling silver anklet makes it a treasure of the sky to be in any collection. Detail

Star Summer Style 2008 - Sexy Star Bikinis

Vanessa Hudgens, Vix, bikini, Grant Roberts, star bikinis, fitness
Vanessa Hudgens



Gisele Bundchen, bikini, Gunnar Peterson, star bikinis, fitness
Gisele Bundchen


Eva Longoria Parker, Trina Turk, bikini, Patrick Murphy, star bikinis, fitness
Eva Longoria Parker


Blake Lively, Maria Menounos, bikini, Grant Roberts, star bikinis, fitness
Blake Lively and Maria Menounos


Nicky Hilton, bikini, Teddy Bass, star bikinis, fitness
Nicky Hilton




Hilary Swank, bikini, Agent Provocateur, Grant Roberts, star bikinis, fitness
Hilary Swank



Paris Hilton, bikini, Teddy Bass, star bikinis, fitness
Paris Hilton


Kristin Cavallari, Ed Hardy, bikini, Mike Alexander, star bikinis, fitness
Kristin Cavallari


Ashlee Simpson, Vitamin A, bikini, Mike Alexander, star bikinis, fitness
Ashlee Simpson





Penelope Cruz, bikini, Gunnar Peterson, star bikinis, fitness
Penelope Cruz



Sienna Miller, Rosa Cha, bikini, Mandy Ingber, star bikinis, fitness
Sienna Miller


Mena Suvari, Salt Swimwear, bikini, Patrick Murphy, star bikini, fitness
Mena Suvari



Mischa Barton, bikini, Ramona Braganza, star bikinis, fitness
Mischa Barton



Ashley Tisdale
Ashley Tisdale



Drew Barrymore, bikini, Kathy Kaehler, star bikinis, fitness
Drew Barrymore


Kate Walsh, Dolce & Gabbana, bikini, Debra Jaliman, star bikinis, fitness
Kate Walsh



FALL FASHION TRENDS 2008

Blake Lively
Blake Lively

Tailored Jackets

Blake Lively dressed up her skinny jeans and Henley tank with a navy and white jacket from Smythe. Gold buttons on the double-breasted blazer added nautical flair.





Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway

Rocker

Anne Hathaway rocked a single-shoulder design from Sophia Kokosalaki. She kept her leather ladylike with classic black pumps and a curled coif.




Emma Watson
Emma Watson


Feminine

Emma Watson looked refreshingly girly in a white lace dress by Charles Anastase. Satin fabrics and ruffle details also work to capture this feminine look.



Camilla Belle
Camilla Belle

High-Waist Pants

Camilla Belle was an updated Annie Hall in rib-grazing trousers from Giorgio Armani. A tucked-in tank and leather blazer kept the silhouette strong and sophisticate


Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie

Floral

Skip all-over pastels—this autumnal update requires a darker palette. The gray hues in Nicole Richie’s Dries van Noten gown render it a sophisticated and perfectly appropriate choice for an evening affair.


Kristin Davis
Kristin Davis

Floral

Flowers are no longer just for spring! Make the look fall-appropriate by adding heavier accessories—like Kristin Davis. The actress grounded her Michael Kors dress with a black bag and heels. Cover legs with black or gray opaque tights when the temperature drops.



Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg

Full Skirts

Michelle Trachtenberg oozed sophistication in the high-waist Chanel skirt she wore to the design house's boutique opening in L.A. The young starlet's solid tank and pumps let the crystal-detailed skirt take center stage.


Penélope Cruz
Penelope Cruz

Full Skirts

Penelope Cruz was very much a lady in a ruffle knit top, Oscar de la Renta pleated skirt and peep-toe pumps. The actress stayed true to her romantic style here in New York.

Claire Danes
Claire Danes

Metallic

Claire Danes shimmered in a draped and belted dress by Gucci. Matching metallic sandals and diamond bracelet made the dazzling frock even more golden.


Fergie
Fergie

Slouchy

Fergie’s LBD is anything but basic. The slouchy draping and keyhole gives a nod to sexy, while the leather catch keeps it edgy. The songbird added a touch of glamour to the look with a diamond cuff and jeweled heels.