STYLE | Decorate Your Body This Holiday

Franci Jewelry.  (francijewelry.com)

The holiday season is upon us and many are scrambling to find that perfect outfit or the jewelry to complement.  This is a time when we can take advantage of the opportunity to be more dramatic and make a statement.  What better way to do that then by choosing body jewelry.  The work of designer Nicole Morris, of Franci Jewelry is sure to get you noticed  no matter where you are.

Each item is made by hand and combines stones, pearls and other metals to create unique pieces with a blend of vintage flair and an air of sophistication.  Accentuating the natural beauty of a woman's face, neck and body.  Franci Jewelry is a work of art that will never go unnoticed.  The headpieces adorn a woman as if she is an ancient princess to be admired by an entire kingdom.  The body jewelry is truly a work of art draping each curve creating the image of a masterpiece.

The collection includes items for the body, head, ankles, wrists and skirts too.  Keep what you're wearing simple when selecting one of these pieces of jewelry.  What you wear should be understated so that the jewelry can speak for itself.

www.francijewelry.com

Model Grace Modi on the runway at Buffalo Fashion Week.

FEATURE | How to Treat Your Varicose Veins using LivRelief

Varicose veins are a health issue that can affect the choices a person makes when it comes to clothing.  A woman with varicose veins is likely to avoid wearing dresses or skirts because she doesn't feel comfortable with how her legs may look.  The reality is many begin to show signs of varicose veins in their late twenties and early thirties.  Many of the procedures available to treat the condition can be quite costly and even involve surgery.

Dr. Joseph Gabriel is a researcher from MacMaster University who worked to develop a topical cream that he promises will have you seeing results quickly after as little as 4 weeks.  Listen to the interview he did in the clip above where he discusses how he came up with the idea as well as the benefits of the product he helped create, LivRelief.

www.livrelief.com

Radiant Orchid the Color of 2014

Photo: PR Newswire.

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Radiant Orchid was recently declared the color of the year for 2014 by Pantone.  This blend of purple and pink is a hue that can be worn any season.  It's all about what you choose to complement it with for the time of year.  The shade has already been spotted on celebrities and notable public figures like Michelle Obama. Radiant orchid allows for freedom and creativity because it goes so well with many colors.  It's an exact opposite of last year's emerald-green color of 2013.  

Leatrice Eiseman is the Executive Director or the Pantone Color Institute and she talked about how radiant orchid brings the palette for next year's colors to full circle.  She said it's a color in the purple family and is often associated with creativity.  Designers have already incorporated the color into their spring 2014 collections and cosmetic companies have also introduced the shade in lipsticks, nails and eye colors just in time for the holiday season. 

STYLE | H&M Spring Preview

Escape the dullness of winter by embracing the looks for next spring by H&M.  It may be cold and dreary outside but taking a peek at what is to come when the temperatures climb back up again is kind of fun.  Check out this spring lookbook video from H&M featuring some the items we can expect to see in stores as early as late January.

STYLE | HOLIDAY GIFTS UNDER $50

Holiday gift-giving can be enough to break your budget.  What do you do when you have so many people to buy for?  Perhaps your office has added a gift exchange and you really don't want to spend that much.  Finding gifts that are not too expensive can be a challenge.  Here is a list of five holiday gift ideas under fifty dollars.  They are so affordable you may even buy one for yourself. 

1. WRISTLETS

Vegan writstlets by Humble Chic New York $28.00

 Wristlets are usually bigger than change purses but smaller than a wallet. They are the perfect gift that fits under the fifty dollar budget and they also make great stocking-stuffers.  If you want to step it up find a designer wristlet from popular brands like Coach, Michael Kors or Tory Burch.  It's a smart and simple gift anyone would appreciate.

2. TECH ACCESSORIES

Kate Moss collection with Carphone Warehouse.

 Most of us can't live without all our technology items.  So why not have them looking as stylish as we do?  She might already have a cover for that tablet, but it's always great to be able to change the outfit of your device whenever she pleases.  With a variety of colours, textures and fabrics available, finding a design that suits her personal style will be the fun part of choosing this gift.


3.  LEATHER GLOVES

Long leather gloves.

A pair of long leather gloves are elegant and classic.  Most women would love to own a pair of leather gloves but they are often an expense one doesn't make.  Long gloves that sit just below the elbows are just the boost of class a woman needs when wearing the cape trend of this season.  On an evening out these are what finish off a look rather than a pair of wool mitts. Gift her a pair in black, charcoal or chestnut brown.



4. ETSY JEWELRY

Sometimes the most interesting gifts come from places you would never expect.  The website Etsy.com has some of the most interesting custom made items available.  It also gives you an opportunity to know you're supporting a small business in growing their company. 

Faceted Mookite Nugget Necklace, Intentional by Sue Melnick.

5.  WATCHES

amazon.com

Giving the gift of time can be as easy as stepping into your favorite department store.  You will find an assortment of brands with styles on sale for under $50.   You can find something special without breaking the bank.  Stores like Macy's have a number of style options to fit your budget while still packing quality.  You can also visit websites like amazon.com to pick from some of the latest trends like the rose gold colored style by Geneva pictured above. 

STYLE | Gift Bags

Michael Kors Selma Tote in black and sapphire blue.

Holiday gift shopping is one of the most daunting experiences you will have.  Whether you are buying for your mom, best friend or girlfriend, a purse is something that a woman will use almost every single day.  It's a gift that will keep on giving.  If you want to put a smile on her face Christmas morning, get her what nearly every woman wants; a designer handbag. 

If she is a style maven then she's the kind of woman who would embrace something different.  She will appreciate rich color, different shapes, details and mixed textures.  For the traditional woman stick to simple styles like a tote, satchel or clutch.  Avoid all the extra details like studs, jewels and extra hardware since she is more of the simple type.  

Take advantage of all the great deals at this time of year.  Many big brands have outlet stores where you can find some of their best-sellers and favorites for a discounted price.
    

Tory Burch triangle tote bag.

Coach Madison Phoebe shoulder bag.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Tate satchel.

How To Embellish Your Own Clutch Purse

Having a really fun clutch to carry with your outfit this holiday season is a must. If you want to make a statement with it go crazy and have some fun making one on your own. You can pick your own colours and just get creative with the pattern you choose. Watch as fashion reporter Allison McNamara shows you how to make your own in a few simple steps.

STYLE | A SEQUINED HOLIDAY

Daga Ziober by Matt Irwin (Vogue Japan)

Don't let yourself get stuck in a style rut this holiday season.  It's the perfect time of year to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.  It's your moment to shine and have your very own red carpet moments.  Take style cues from some of your favourite celebrities but don't forget that you also have to consider your body type and what's most flattering on you.   

A simple straight bodice is best when wearing a sequined dress.  Like the ones by BCBG pictured below, you can make a statement with such a simple style.  Keep your accessories minimal when you opt for a sequined dress.  It can be distracting and take away from your outfit.  A pair of chandelier earrings  is as elaborate as you should get when dazzling the room in your dress.  

Sequined dresses are the perfect holiday outfit.

I wearing all sequins is too much for you then opt for an embellished dress like the one pictured below.  A scooped back or neckline adorned with bold jewels will surely make a statement.  Wearing this means keeping your jewels simple too.  Avoid large necklaces because they will only class with the dress and be all too distracting.  Instead wear bangles that complement the jewels on the dress.  Finish your look with a pair of pointed