When I was digging around online tonight to check out what’s going on in the jewelry industry (and, if I was lucky, come up with something more creative than tying a string around your wrist to talk about!) I came across a fantastic site called NOVICA. If you couldn’t place the association, it’s connected to National Geographic. That means you’re going to be connected to skilled artisans and craftsmen (and women!) all over the world!

We’d be here all day if I tried to point out all the bracelets offered on NOVICA (I can already guarantee that

"Feeling Free" Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet from NOVICA

Each time you visit NOVICA you also get the chance to visit the history of cultures around the world. For example, the current spotlight is on handmade gemstone bracelets and traces their history from the earlier Egyptians to the 1950s and the diverse role they play in the marketplace today.

In case I wandered off a little too far on my geeky history kick (I LOVED my art history classes in college) this site is COOL! If you like ethnic jewelry (or any kind of jewelry) take the time to check it out.

I was not feeling this at all. This is a horrible choice for Jessica Biel. Jessica as a wonder shape but this dress made her look boxy! Yes boxy is a word. Ok its a word in my head but a word none the less. Lmao! I love Prada but this was a bad choice. It ok Jessica you will get it right next year. Just remember that you are dating Justin Timberlake and that is never bad!

FREIDA PINTO looked absolutely fab in this John Galliano gown. I loved the embroidery. The original gown is completely see through, so I like that layers were added. Many may not agree with me, I think that this dress is lovely and unique! Wonderful choice Ms. Pinto.

Taraji P. Henson looks wonderful in this Roberto Cavalli. Taraji had an amazing statement necklace by Fred Leighton. This diamond flower necklace was made in the 19th century! Ms. Henson you get the award for best jewelry! Congrats and welcome to the fashion elite!

SARAH JESSICA PARKER is wearing a great Dior haute couture. I wasn’t impressed with this choice but it was not a bad one. I would love to see her in another silhouette.  I love Sarah Jessica Parker, she is a fashion icon. Yes I said it. I hope to see something new!

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Many men and women are getting ready to pop the question to their significant others. So I decided to give you some wisdom in selecting the perfect ring for you future husband or wife to be. I am going to discuss the steps of buying the perfect engagement ring. I will also add so fun and funky alternatives to the typical “diamond ring”! Let get started all my totallymystyle.com readers!

1.)Know what your mate wants!

Know your guys/girls style. Look at your mates jewelry and pay attention to what they like. If your companion points out a ring or bracelet, than go toward that kind of jewelry. If your girl/guy wants a ring with vintage appeal, than click here

2.) Silver, Gold, Or Platinum

Ok, this is a easy on unless you are completely oblivious of your mate. If your girl/man wears silver, than get a silver or platinum engagement ring. If your partner wears gold, I suggest you get them a gold ring. It is just that simple!

3.) Ask His/Her Friends

Ask your mate friends, they will know what your love wants. If you mate has a close sibling-even better. I would take them with you.  Take their suggestion too.

4.) Know your 4 C’s

The 4 C’s are Carats, Color, Cut, and Clarity. I found a great site by G.I.A (The Gemological Institute of America). It explains the 4 C’s in great detail. Just click Here

5.) What is your budget

Know how much your have before you spend. If you have $1,000 for the ring, than try to get the best quality for the price. If you have less than 1,000 than opt for a Bridal set. A bridal set includes the bride’s wedding ring and the groom’s wedding ring. There are also trio wedding sets. These sets include the engagement ring, the bride’s wedding ring and the groom’s wedding ring. my fiancee brought the trio wedding set and I am very happy.

6.) Find a great jewelry/jewelry store

Research different jewelry store in your area.  Make sure you ask your friends, family, and other married couples. They will tell you who is good and who sucks! Research every store before you enter. Make your choice is a registered jeweler and/or gemologist.

7.) Buying the ring

When buying make sure your ring has a Certificate of Authenticity. Have your ring(s) appraised. Know how much your purchase is worth. This way you will know if your ring(s) is worth the price. Do not forget to get insurance on your ring. Remember that anything  can and will happen!

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Valentine’s day is right around the corner. Many men and women are getting ready to pop the question to their significant others. So I decided to give you some wisdom in selecting the perfect ring for you future husband or wife to be. I am going to discuss the 4 C’s of a diamond.  So get your notebook out, I am going to take you to class on diamonds!

Lets talk about Carats

This has nothing to do with the vegetable. A carat is just an industry term for weight of a diamond.  A carat weight accounts for the biggest portion of the diamond value. In order words, the bigger the diamond, the more Money it is worth. We all love $! The average cost of a diamond engagement ring is $3,500 to $4,00. Make sure that your diamond is certified. The best agencies are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gemological Society (AGS). I prefer the GIA!

The Cut!

Out of the 4 C’s,  the cut of the diamond is the most important. A good cut gives a diamond its brilliance. OK, so you probably want to know what is brilliance.  Brilliance is the brightness of a diamond. The cut also deals with the angle of the diamond and how the diamond handles light.  Remember that dark spots in your diamond is not a good sign of a great cut.

The Color

The color of a diamond is important. Each diamond is graded . It grades diamonds from D through F (colorless) G through J (Near Colorless) K - M (faint yellow) N through Z  (very light to light yellow). If you want a colorless diamond- you want a diamond graded D, E or F. Color diamonds beyond Z are graded differently. The lower the Grade like D —the more value the diamond has. In other words, a diamond with a Z grade does not have as much value as a D grade diamond. This is the only time when a D is great to have.

The final C- Clarity

Diamonds are graded from FL (flawless) to I3 (imperfect). Flawless diamonds do not have any inclusions or blemishes under 10X magnification. Imperfect diamonds have many imperfection and can affect the brilliance of a diamond. My opinion, you should worry about the clarity of the diamond, if you have a imperfect diamond, the flaws are visible to the human eye. Who wants a diamond where you can see a spot or two.

I hope this help all my couple otu there. So get your wallets out and help boost the economy– buy a diamond!

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Did you know that the 1# killer of women is Heart Disease? Bobbi Brown has been the sponsor National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Heart Truth celebrity fashion show for the past four years.The Fashion show will be held on February 13th during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.To coincide with the Heart Truth Campaign, Bobbi Brown released 500 limited edition Listen to Your Heart Lip Gloss Trio.The trio set are priced at $40 available exclusively at her official website.The shades available in this set are Buff, Slopes Shimmer, and Pink Sugar Shimmer.Slopes Shimmer is only shade made exclusively for this set.The lip glosses in the set are sheer and high shine appearance. Normally I would not be interested in a sheer lip gloss, but the Slopes shimmer is simply gorgeous. I would buy the whole set just to have Slopes Shimmer.This set is a great deal considering that Brown Brown tube lip gloss normally cost $40.Buying this set is a great way to support cause and try out a variety of her lip glosses.

She’s dominated the tennis court for numerous of years, is an accomplished Olympic gold medalist and is currently dating musician and now turned actor Common. Twenty-eight year old, Serena Williams was recently announced as the new spokesperson for the new cosmetics line Mission Skincare.

“I’ve always been disappointed with the lack of skincare products that can keep up with the demands athletes place on their skin,” Williams says. “When I learned about Mission and their focus on innovative skincare solutions for everyone with an active lifestyle, I knew I could have an impact on the company.

For those of you who don’t know about Mission Skincare, the NYC base product was founded by Josh Shaw in 2007. Since then Shaw has partnered with athletes Steve Nash, Mia Hamm and NBA star Carmelo Anthony.

Some of the products set to be released from the line are Daily Offense SPF 30 Stick ($8.99) a moisturizer that helps protects the skin from the sun, Lip Protector SPF 20 ($3.99) great for dry/chapped lips and the Anti-Friction Cream ($12.99) , which is great for those whose skin break out from skin-to-skin and clothing/gear-to-skin contact.

According to Essence , Williams be promoting a pout protecting Lip Balmer which is set to be released in April.

Hello all my totallymystyle.com readers, today I am going to talk about cameo necklaces. If you are a fashionista like me you can see that vintage is making a comeback. So I decided to give a classic some spotlight-cameo necklaces. I will show Cameo Necklace with a modern twist. Lets get underway!

I absolutely love this cameo necklace. It has a wonderful vintage look with up to date style. I especially like the polka dot ribbon. This is genius! You can wear this piece to bring a touch of romance to your look. I also love the scene. This modern take on a classic cameo is the “it” for all lovers of fashion. You can check out this necklace here!

Juicy couture has a great answer for the cameo necklace. This is cameo is a great twist of glitter and timeless beauty. This pave crystal bow adds a wonderful shine to this traditional necklace. I also like the layered look of this necklace. So you are probably wondering where can you find this necklace, check it out here!

This piece is great for kids or the kid in you. It is absolutely fun and funky. If you need a piece to cheer up your wardrobe or a gift for your little sister, this is it! You can check it out here!

This necklace with a terracotta and ivory cameo is exquisite. The deep plum pendant is a burst of color placed on a gold ball chain. This baroque style cameo is a touch of tradition with a splash of color. Check out this cameo neckelace here!

Leave those over the top necklaces alone and get yourself a cameo! You can add history and a dash of elegance to your wardrobe.

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Urban Decay Primer Potion has developed a cult following. It is a godsend to millions of women across the world.This fabulous product gives eyeshadow a vibrant and long lasting color. Urban Decay decided to capitalize on the primer potion success and release another version of this product.The new primer potion is called Sin,it has a tinted shimmering champagne color and uses the same award winning formula as the original.Sin can worn on your eyes alone for subtle color or used as a base. The Primer Potion can also be used as an lip base and highlighter This primer potion is great money saver because you do not have to buy shimmery eye shadows.I only wish urban decay would redesign their bottle, it is extremely difficult to the cream out.Sin retails for $17 and is available at Sephora , Ulta , Macys , and anywhere else Urban Decay can be purchased.

Deal Alert The original Primer Potion is available at Urban Decay in a set of 2 for $25.

“Models are probably the most sensitive, insecure girls ever. Because we always have to prove our beauty, and this is .. very inhuman. If you think i’m cute, alright. If you don’t think i’m cute, whatever.”

Not only is Mariacarla Boscono brutally honest, but she’s an extremely versatile model-just look at her resume. She’s campaigned for top fashion brands Givenchy , Roberto Cavalli , Armani Exchange , Bulgari , Calvin Klein , Chanel and Christian Dior.

Born in Italy, Mariacarla moved with her parents to Africa in a village in Mombassa when she was only nine years old. At the age of seventeen, she was discovered by a family photographer and friend. Her big breakthrough however, didn’t come until she walked in the Spring Paris fashion show for designers Issey Miyake and Vivienne Westwood. Ever since she’s nabbed the pages of Harper’s Bazaar , Vogue Italia , and British Vogue.

Currently Mariacarla Boscono resides in New York City, her hobbies include cooking and the latest exercise crave, yoga.

Even though she didn’t appear at Givenchy’s couture show on Monday, Boscono can be seen in his latest spring ad alongside models Lakshmi Menon , Lara Stone and Natashy Poly.

Chanel has released three new limited edition nail polishes called La Collection Paris Moscou.The Collection was inspired by the CHANEL PARIS MOSCOU Fashion Show designed by Karl Lagerfeld.Chanel La Collection Paris Moscou features three gorgeous deep jewel tone polishes that have a black base with blue, gold or red glitter in them.Chanel La Collection Paris Moscou Nail Polish deep jewel toned shades evoke the richness and beauty of the Russian Empire.These nail polishes would be prefect for fall and winter season.OR De Russie and Fue De Russie are my favorites from this collection.The collection is available exclusively on Chanel official website,CHANEL boutiques, CHANEL Makeup Studios.Chanel La Collection Paris Moscou collection cost $30.00.

Even though I think these nail polishes are simply gorgeous, I’m not purchasing any of them.I prefer metallic nail polish over ones with slimmer in them.These nail polish shades aren’t unique enough for me to pay the hefty thirty dollar price tag, I can find similar dupes for a lot less.