Tips On How To Choose Jewellery For Your Loved One This Christmas

Some people shy away from buying jewellery for their partner at Christmas time for several reasons. They worry about what if they don't like it, what if it doesn't fit, can they change it if needed? However, if you follow a few guidelines regarding the type of jewellery you buy and where you buy it from there really isn't a problem and I know that over the years I've been delighted to receive and also give some gorgeous pieces of jewellery which have been truly treasured both by myself and the recipients of my gifts.

Where To Buy Jewellery

Although traditionally it has been the high-street where we would have shopped for jewellery, there is now such a fantastic on-line choice, that I can personally can't be bothered to fight my way through the frantic Christmas shoppers and would rather sit at home with my laptop and a glass of vino and chill whilst shopping. I find that shopping this way means I spend much more time and care choosing an item rather than when standing in a queue in a shop where you can sometimes be pushed into making a hurried purchase which you regret buying by the time you reach home.

In addition, the best on-line stores offer up to 30 days for returns, which does mean that they will at least exchange gifts, if not offer a full refund, if the jewellery is returned unworn - so there is no pressure about return deadlines being passed if you shop in December. If you are ever worried about the security of a website look for the "SafeBuy" logo which offers the buyer all, or more, protection than when buying from a high-street store.

Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against the traditional jewellery shop if you are buying for yourself - you can try on the item of jewellery - but, for gift buying there are no real advantages especially in the busy Christmas season.

What Type Of Jewellery To Buy

Different items of jewellery can mean different things - if you have only recently met someone you might want to buy something less personal than a Tiffany heart ring, however, you are the one who knows how you feel about the person - and jewellery can sometimes say so much more than words. Here are some suggestions:

• Earrings - these are a perfect gift for a girl (or boy), they are not too personal, making them great for someone you maybe haven't known too long. Studs can be worn by most, but if you want a more glamorous gift go for something more exotic and dangly.
• Pendants - again perfect for friends to give to each other, but they can be more personal when you buy a heart pendant for a loved one, or a romantic locket.
• Necklaces - if your loved one (usually a girl in this case) loves dressing up you can be sure they will love necklaces, as they usually give a more decorative effect than a pendant.
• Bracelets and bangles - even when people don't wear these day to day, they are a great "special occasion" present. There's nothing like having a sparkling bracelet which you have stashed away to wear on a special night out. More and more men are wearing bracelets or cuffs - I'm not talking about the old gold heavy-weight chain bracelets (think Eastenders), but brushed stainless steel or sterling silver bracelets are really stylish.
• Rings - As long as sizing isn't an issue here (come now - its pretty easy to find a ring your partner already wears and measure it with a piece of paper, string etc) these are perfect gifts for men or women. For the more romantic of you, it's a way of saying I love you, but there are great silver or stainless steel contemporary designs which can be given between friends or to family.
  

If you are last-minute shopping in the next couple of weeks a gorgeous piece of sparkly stuff can sometimes be the answer.

What has been the most successful Christmas present you have ever purchased?

Fashion On A Budget For Men This Autumn

Yep, it's doom and gloom everywhere these days when you listen to the financial news - no matter which side of the Atlantic you are on - so its important to spread around these great tips for planning your autumn wardrobe as they can save you lots of dosh.

There's A Lot To Be Said For Basic Items!

It's the same for men and women - buy nice quality, reasonably priced basic wardrobe items - you know ones that aren't likely to shrink in the wash the first time they go in the machine (buying too cheaply can be a false economy)and these can be dressed up with a few select items which you may already own, can be purchased from a vintage or charity shop or you could ask mum and dad/girlfriend/favourite auntie to buy you for your birthday, Christmas etc.

Look out for ....

• Plain polo shirts and v-neck t-shirts.
• Chino's which can be worn with the above for a smart, but casual look.
• Plain but elegant leather belts - not everything needs to have a logo.
• Simple v-neck, long sleeved knitted sweaters.
• Casual shirts in simple designs - no outragous patterns that everyone will recognise is from a certain store.

Accessorise with ....

• A smart casual jacket. This is something that can be worn with jeans, but in many places now (unless you are a city trader - in which case you may soon be out of a job!) can also be worn with smart casual pants to work as well.
• Leather shoes - you will have your own preference, but a nice pair of loafers go great with both jeans or chinos. See Tips for Men No 1: How To Choose The Best Shoes For Your Style.

If you have any top tips on how best to keep to a budget but still look stylish, leave them here for us to share.

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How Far Would You Go For Fashion - Would You Wear Second-Hand Clothes?

I was intrigued today to read about a new site which revolves around "schwopping". This is the term for either swapping, selling or buying items of unwanted clothing which is all happening on www.bigwardrobe.com. I wondered if the site would be similar to eBay, but without the listing fees, so I went on the site to have a look around.

Clothing Is Donated By Celebrities For Charity

One of the main selling points of the site is that it has received donations of clothing from the likes of Russell Brand, Peaches Geldof and the Kaiser Chiefs. However, on the site at the moment it does say "more celebrity wardrobes soon" so it looks like all celeb goods have been "schwopped" out.

Clothing That Is Ecologically Friendly

The idea behind the site is that approximately 1.2 million tonnes of clothing are disposed of in the UK each year and only around 25% at the most is recycled or resold. Bigwardrobe's philosophy is why buy more clothes when you can swap the ones you don't want for something else that someone is tired of.

Ecologically sound but...

There were a couple of things I noticed whilst on the site.

• When you register it's mandatory to enter three other email addresses belonging to friends - there is no way around this if you want to join.
• In the ladies' underwear section there seems to be a lot of second-hand underwear which did make me cringe slightly - but am I the one being over-fussy here? I did notice a pair of knickers to be honest which did say "brand new in pack" - new items are listed on the site.
• Before you can list your first item of clothing you are asked for details such as your bust, waist, dress and shoe size and also literally your inside leg measurement - so its not for those who are shy of disclosing those figures (this wasn't actually mandatory - only recommended as apparently it improves your sales or "schwops").
• Listing looks fairly easy – a little bit like eBay and you can upload up to three pictures of your item for free at the moment – the site says it’s normally one – so is there to be a charge in future for additional pics?

What about you - have you been on www.bigwardrobe.com - have you joined and what success have you had in "schwopping", selling or buying on the site - let us know?

Men's Shoes - How To Choose The Right Footwear For You

This may seem an odd topic and it's in no way meant to be patronising - I'm sure there are a great number of men who know exactly which pair of shoes matches which outfit and indeed they may own as many pairs of their own along with matching outfits as the aclaimed Imelda Marcos (1,060 pairs of shoes).

However, I have often seen men on an evening out wearing a pair of casual loafers with formal trousers or shiny brogues with jeans ... and on that thought I decided to put together some tips about men's shoes which may be useful for you if you want to dress to impress.

• It's a casual night out at the pub and you are wearing your favourite jeans. Depending on the top you are wearing - jeans with t-shirts should ideally be worn with trainers, jeans and polo type shirts with tennis shoes or loafers and if you are wearing a cotton style, collared shirt pair this with something more chunky such as desert boots or Rockports.
• If you are wearing trousers such as combats or plain casual trousers with a shirt I would suggest casual loafers or plain leather pull-on boots (à la mode de Brad Pitt).
• When wearing formal pants or a suit it's important that as well as matching your suit (and also your belt if you are wearing one) the shoes you wear are elegant in styling, with preferably leather soles. If you don't have leather soled shoes, definitely pick a pair with thin soles and a low heel. These can be either slip ons or lace up shoes. I have seen men wear lace up short ankle boots with a formal suit, but this look can be unflattering when sitting down and the tops of the boots are visible.

How To Match Your Shoe Colour With Your Trousers Or Suit

• Black shoes match navy, grey or black pants or trousers.

• Brown shoes go great with khaki, brown, greens greys and earthy tones.
• Tan shades of shoes go well with blue jeans, beige, light-tan or white pants.

Each week I'll be adding to fashion-tips for men, covering some essential tips for men's style and fashion - from a girl's point of view, of course!

If you have anything to add please feel free to comment below.

Choosing Stainless Steel Jewellery

Stainless steel is a fantastic material for men's jewellery, it is better than silver or gold in many ways, such as:

• It is naturally hypoallergenic - great for those who have allergies against silver or other metals.
• It is almost totally indestructable - if you were to buy a man a ring made from stainless steel it is almost guaranteed to last for ever.
• Stainless steel will never tarnish or darken like silver and gold.
• It is amazingly strong - ideal for rings for those who work outdoors or do manual jobs because of its strength.
• Stainless steel jewellery is extremely affordable compared with titanium or platinum, yet it maintains the beauty and elegance of those more expensive materials.
• Stainless steel jewellery is seen as kooky, contemporary and extremely modern.
• Many women choose to buy their prospective husband a stainless steel wedding ring as it is a symbol of eternity and everlasting love.

Stainless Steel - The 316L Hallmark

When buying stainless steel jewellery I would recommend that you look for pieces that are hallmarked with the 316L symbol. This means that the stainless steel is graded to surgical steel standards (it is the same as is used for body piercing). It can be polished to a lustrous shine and because of this many people prefer it to titanium.

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  Stainless Steel and Cubic Zirconia Wedding Band Ring

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  Stainless Steel and Carbon Rivet Ring

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  Stainless Steel High Polish Black Tribal Ring

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  Stainless Steel Mens Tribal Ring

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  Stainless Steel Silver and Black Spinning Ring