Friday, December 21, 2012

Shake It Like Shakira!

 A few months ago one of my sorority sisters, Grace, went to her country, Nigeria and of course she brought my line sisters and I GIFTS! (Line Sister: person(s) who go through the intake process with you. This applies to Greek organizations.) Anywho, Grace brought waist beads for my Line sister Nickiesha. When I notice that Grace is helping my line sister put on these beads, I’m thinking of Shakira moving her hips. So the whole time my line sister is putting on these beads I’m wondering what’s the point in them. If I were to buy them -which I wouldn't  I would use them to dance around or something. But overall, they looked beautiful and I wanted to learn more. I don’t think that a lot of people understand or know about waistbeads. So I decided to write a blog about it, for those who do not know of them. The video below explains a bit about the back ground of waist beads.



Many women of varies cultures have embraced this beautiful accessory. My line sister Nickiesha is Jamaican, so she too is embracing this ornament. However before it became a phenomenon, thee beads were consider to have varies purposes depending on the culture. 




















Today, anyone can wear the beads, anytime and anywhere. Here is a cool tutorial on how to make your own beads. Enjoy!






Keep On Studdin'


I don't necessarily remember the first time I pierced my ears. My mami says it was when I was about 4 months old. “Girls need to wear earrings; Men don’t.” In our Dominican culture, expressing your feminine side is considered antiquate for a woman. A woman acting butch, is looked down upon (wayyyy down) by Dominicans.  Even though I know my mother didn't mean anything by it, there were times that I wondered what would happen if I went on strike against earrings. She is the reason why I feel naked if I do not wear earrings. Because I became infatuated with earrings, I had two more piercings done on both of my ears and very soon I will get my fourth one.


Here are some different type of earrings that random people use. If you are interested in hoop earrings  I recommend starting small and working your way...larger? Personally I enjoy buying big hoop earrings. But for the virgin users, start small. Enjoy!

  • Hoop Earrings:






I love love love to wear hoop earrings!
I don’t know why but hoop earrings

look Gansta! 














These are some other hoop selections...































(oh yea! Believe it! Gadaba women, who originate from Koraput,(Southern Orissa) In India, enjoy wearing a lot of  bangles, beads and huge brass hoop earings.)



























Studs: 




When it comes to this type of earring, I do my best to be careful what I wear with them.  Studs are more of an elegant earring. Studs are classified as earrings that are not bigger than the ear. In other words the earrings should not dangle, like hoop earrings.  The way I look at it some studs are bigger than others but they are still studs if I wear studs, I would usually put my hair up or my cloths would have an elegant feel to it.







There are some studs depending on the metal (gold, platinum, silver etc) that are expensive. I personally do not own extravagant gold studs, but many women wear them to night galas etc.










There are other earrings that I classify as studs, such as stick-on, clip-on, magnetic earrings. Sticks on earrings are usually worn by those who do not or wouldn't like to have their ears pierced. These earrings can easily be sticked on. Clip-on and magnetic earrings are used for the same purpose considering that a person does not need to have a piercing in order to use them.



















Gauges:

Rock N’ Roll! For any reason am I going my stereotype when I say this, but gauges are for rock people. Even though anyone can wear these earrings – I've seen it- I mostly see people who are punk, emo etc. wearing these.  This earring is rather fat and the cartiledge in the ear needs to be strenched in order for it to go through the piercing. 














 If for any reason, you are thinking about getting a piercing of any sort please go to a professional. Be advised that there are health risks. Take a peek at this video about the type of earring is best for your ear. Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Neck Lace Me


Since the beginning of the Stone Age, which was about 40,000 years ago (whoa long time!), necklaces have been created, destroyed, remade, or simply passed on and worn. Today, there are many styles of necklaces to choose from due to the fashion world’s evolution. I try my best to search for unique necklaces that aren't necessarily part of the norm.  

Choker

Chokers are beautiful! This accessory hug the wearer’s neck in order to give it a little bit more flare. Just like I wear bracelet to give my wrist a bit more of an accent, chokers are worn to do the same.














Pearl necklaces

This type of necklace has been worn for centuries due to its finesse.  The pearls are what make the accessory overall because of its price. A pearl necklace can range from $100 and up. Even though I personally do not own a pearl necklace, I hope to one day have one in my possession. 







Pendants

Pendants consist of a jewel handing from an insignificant chain.  The jewel can vary from birthstones to even clocks or lockets.  Pendants are useful for storing photos or for having a watch. If i were to make my very own pendant, i would engrave "Made In Jersey -Steph" in the back. This type of necklace is more of a make-it-your-self accessory. However, do not  get discouraged to buy one.  Even though people say that it is out of style, just like any other necklace, pendants amplify and attract the beauty of the neck. 














Rope necklaces can also be classified as a do-it-yourself accessory. Check out this cool tutorial on how to make your own rope necklace for a nice day at the beach!





Princess Necklace
Princess necklaces are similar to any other type of necklace.Depending on  the type of medal or pedants used, this accessory goes well with any time of genre of clothing. It can be accompanied by a locket, charm or pendant, and looks divine on every form of neck. So what makes this necklace different from others? The oval form of the necklace is similar to the form of the neck bone, making the wearer's neck more defined. 












Ring: No Beginning Nor End


There are numerous traditions and meanings for rings. Depending on the delicacy of the matter, rings are a symbol of a commitment made. The jewelry itself is not important, it’s just material! But the fact that it came from that special someone and it was given to you and it is only for you *sigh* ... that’s what makes the ring worth wearing, worth having, and worth taking care of.

Promise rings:
Promise rings symbolize commitment for one another. From teenagers to adults, these rings are exchanged as a way to remind one another that you both are on the same page, without any misunderstandings.






Purity ring:
Purity rings are more of ‘I’ll be faithful to my body and be pure until I’m married.’  These rings are not seen everywhere because it’s the past now. Nick Jones was spotted with a purity ring a few years back so technically it’s not completely gone. However, purity rings are not used as often. These rings were a way for parents to entrap their children under the watchful eyes of their religion and inner faith. If the child was a devoted Christian, he/she would never think of breaking his/her promise.  In this era of smoking all these herbs, partying until noon of the next day, and drinking until your liver has had enough, there are a few religious families that still incorporate the purity rings.






Engagement/Wedding Rings:


In Western society engagement rings are considered important. This ring is given when a man OR woman proposes to another man or woman. It’s one of those moments that we look forward to our entire life! The ring symbolizes the pledge that you are taking to prepare and marry the person that has proposed to you. The wedding ring is that given on the day of the wedding. The ring symbolizes your commitment to that significant other.










Others...

Then there are all the other rings that I, for example, buy and wear to make my hands look extra cute! Here are pictures of hands looking extra fly with rings. Enjoy!












Thursday, December 6, 2012

Winter Comfort Via Accessories

Hurricane Sandy left the nation with a smile and a whole lot of damage! Not to mention the chilly weather that we have been feeling lately. 

One minute, I'm here wearing my fall jacket...




and the next I'm in a hurry to find gloves and hats!
                                                                             







A few days ago I was outside raking the leaves of my house, and I notice high school teenagers crossing the street. Some of the guys were lifting their jeans due to the fact that their pants were half way down their bottom. There was only one girl, who looked like she was just tagging along. This child was the only person within the group wearing any winter accessories. I’m assuming that she was the only person who checked the weather that morning. I know for a fact that all those guys were freezing their cheeks off! Please do not be like these senseless fools. Bundle up! You never know when winter’s breath will crept into your lungs.

Some winter accessories that are stylish AND can be used to help the body evade the cold:

  • Infinity Scarves: protective wind blocker for the cold. This scarf is different from traditional scarves. It has no ends and is put on –instead of around- the neck. Try to get a wool scarf –it is much warmer than an ordinary scarf. You can also use the infinity scarf in varies ways. Check out this video!

In the end, any type of scarf is adequate!



  • Hats:  hats are essential during the Burrrr seasons, especially it’s snowing or just plain windy. But with this type of hat, you not only are heating up your head but also your ears. Don’t create ear popsicle!





  • Earmuffs: these ear burners are classic accessories. They are not used as much but are still being created  in different and styles ways for both men and women. It's also a great way to NOT mess up your hairstyle. Time to get muffled up!


 

 Head Warmers are similar and can also be used to warm up frozen ears!