Holiday Gifts from $25 - $50

Happy December to all!
It's amazing to me how we transitioned from summer to fall, to instantly being in the holiday season. It seems like it was just yesterday I was engulfed in fashion week, mesmerized by angular cut clothing ordained in tweed or pressed with foliage prints. With the holidays and planned festivities right around the corner, the pressure to get things together, finish shopping and decorating is definitely on. I think that during this time of year, we tend to lose ourselves in wanting to go big, buy big, and plan things on such a grand scale, that we forget what the holidays are supposed to be and feel about. Though, heartfelt love and care is what we all aim to deliver but we forget that most of the time, the biggest gift isn't necessarily needed to express that. I was at a friend's house this past weekend helping her put up decorations and just catching up. She was expressing concern and confiding in me that her husband was recently laid off, how money was tight, and as she looked at her daughter watching tv she turned to stare at me blankly asking "Diana, how am I going to make it through this Christmas?" I put down the wreath, took the tangled lights from her hand, sat her down at the table and said "Let's do this together."

This inspired me to write about holiday gifts on a budget. The truth is that in shopping for gifts, there are many gift ideas that are useful, stylish and can be purchased on a budget. One of the things I generally suggest right off the bat is avoiding clothing, mainly because style and sizing can be so particular that it's hard to judge upon. So with that in mind let's get right to it, my favorite accessories and all.

In shopping in a limited amount of time, a big time saver is first looking online. Often times, your favorite sites, shops and retailers offer special sales and discounts that are limited to their website strictly to promote their site and bring shoppers there. My personal favorite one stop shopping place starts with Eluxury.com where I go straight to either the "sale" tab or the "gifts" section. Eluxury, is a site that offers everything from Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture and more, but also offers quality items on any budget. Under the sale tab, I sort from price lowest > highest, and it instantly delivers various gift ideas. As bizarre as it may sound, I can provide testament that any woman who receives a Shu Umera eyelash curler will be quite thankful. The Shu Umera eyelash curler has won awards for it's impeccable design and results for any eye shape, without breaking or pulling lashes.

Next on my list of sites to visit is Sephora.com, again I head straight to the Gifts "$25-50" section and see what's available. One of the great value items is the "Sephora Brand Scent Sampler" for $50, the idea is that you purchase a big sampler kit of their best selling perfume, that comes with a portable spray. When you have tried all of the samples, and have decided which you like best, the box contains a voucher which you can bring back to Sephora, where they will then give you a full size bottle of the perfume you liked best.

Keeping the looking good and feeling good concept in mind, during the holidays nothing touches the heart and provides sentimental keepsakes like jewelry. ShopMichele.com also offers an entire collection of earrings, necklaces, and key chains for under $50. The "Star of David" pendant necklace, made of sterling silver and priced at $38 is perfect for Hanukkah. Another popular item is the "Sweet First Communion Necklace". Ordained on a fine sterling silver chain, is a hand crafted cross pendant accompanied by two freshwater pearls. Being sentimental, Michele Baratta's signature picture frame pendant items are what I love most. Items such as the "Matisse Scrolled Heart" key chain and the "Ultimate Brag Photo Pendant", allow you to insert your own photo of those you love so that you can keep them close to you always.

This season sparkle and dazzle in the holiday spirit on any budget. The idea is to let those you love know you care, and that this holiday season being with them is what matters. With that, I truly wish all of you the happiest holiday season.

A week in fashion, and all things new!

Summer officially being over, and now with us settling quite nicely into fall/winter, I cannot express enough how much the change in season excites me. As the air turns crisp, the sun sets earlier in the evening, and the leaves unveil their beautiful array of fall colors, I know that fashion events, new product lines and endless possibilities are here! I know I always mention that there are new and exciting things, but with Michele Baratta, this year has been an endless motion of new things. We now have a new catalog, with new jewelry that fits right in with the changes in fall/winter fashion.

It's been a while, and there's lots of information so with all that in mind let's jump right into it. One of the most frequent questions I get is, what's in for Fall/Winter this year, and how should I accessorize it all. The typical answer is sweaters, earth tones, and simplicity, but truthfully Fall/Winter fashion would not be my favorite style season if this were the case.

What's absolutely fabulous about his season is the direction designers have taken with fall looks. Bell curves, foliage inspired prints/details, geotmetric super hero like cuts, bold tweeds, and clean modern angles are what's at the center of looks this season. There is no doubt that when I think of tweed I instantly think of classic Chanel, but fashion houses such as Carolina Herrera and Dolce & Gabbana have added their own twist on the tweed look by adorning bold details of color, mixed fabric textures, and everything from nautical inspired buttons to metallic rock edged ones.

The idea behind "super hero" inspired cuts may seem intensely far fetched, but the idea is not to be wearing tights and a cape, but being bold with angular fitted cuts, unique patterns, and of course being simply daring. See photo above for Balenciaga's hero inspired dress.

I was recently asked if foliage meant leaves and vines, and I replied "yes it can.." The intention behind foiliage detail is to embrace the intricate lines, edges, and colors of nature. When the fusion of natural elements are combined with fabrics and body contours, the results can be quite chic and alluring. Burberry did an immaculate job at painting with threads, beads, and feathers in their fall/winter 2008 ready to wear.

The key this season is details in everything from ready to wear, to accessories. My favorite handbag style this fall winter is the giant hobo, and the envelope clutch.



Burberry's Hoxton quilted hobo is intricately stitched with golden brass handles bound by a lambskin leather. Prada's glace gradient clutch is the perfect size to hold more than your lipgloss and cellphone while still being chic and easy to hold. Whether your handbag is $20 or $1000, it doesn't matter, what does matter is that it fits your needs, accents your attire and is made with quality and care. One of the best places to find unique handbags is at your local vintage shops, in fact one of my favorite bags is a Yves St. Laurent tote that I found for $68 dollars at a vintage store.

With the accessory theme in mind, none of this would not be complete without some ideas on jewelry. I'm always a fan for pearls, fine chains and colorful stones, but this season be a little daring and work with some layering. Michele Baratta has a great pearl necklace linked by a fine chain that can be worn as a bracelet or a longer necklace called the Sweeping Pearl Necklace/Bracelet. By layering finer jewelry with chunky pieces or mixing colors you can add dimension and texture to any outfit.

Many thanks again to all the readers for your questions and emails, keep them coming. It's been quite sometime but we're back in full force and be sure to check back soon for a post on ideas of what to wear for the holidays!

Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Accessorize the rest!

I've spent many of my days in everything from custom gowns, tailored suits, to ribbed tanks and ripped jeans. When it comes to fashion and style, one thing is for certain, I love variety, and even when being comfortable I love to be casually stylish by accessorizing. As an example when I walked into the office today, Rita had on a black tank paired with a chic turquoise patterned gaucho pant, and to accent it all a pair of patent leather sandals. Sometimes a simple glare of sparkle, shine or color is all you need. Of course there are many rules individuals throw out there such as, less is more or bold is beautiful. Where does one find their balance? My hope after this entry is to provide a little guidance and thoughts on the nuances, tips and tricks to complimenting and embellishing any outfit.

My top favorite essential accessory by far is the ever so versatile scarf. Whether it be a heavier wool scarf during the winter, or a silk one for all year long, scarves add the final touch of sophistication and detail to any outfit. I often get the question of how to wear a scarf, and what to wear one with. With a little creativity, scarves can be worn in almost any way. I personally like to tie a scarf around a simple handbag, wear it as a headband or bandana, a feminine version of a necktie, or if large enough I will wear it as a wrap or halter top during the summer. During seasons where the air is too chilly for a short sleeve, but still too warm for a light jacket, I like to wrap a Pashmina (click link for example) around me, which can also doubled as a neck scarf. Anyway you wear a scarf, you want to care for your scarves by steaming out wrinkles and storing them in a box or drawer to keep from absorbing or fading colors and collecting dust.

Next on the accessory agenda is one most of us women love, jewelry! Gold, silver, gems and pearls, we love them all. One of the most frequent questions I receive is, "Can I wear gold with silver"? The answer is yes, but in doses. For example, I have a white gold bracelet with yellow gold accents. With this bracelet I'll often wear either dainty gold earrings, or silver earrings with amber gems. You always want more of one than the other, meaning mostly silver with gold details, or more gold with silver details. Even amounts will just be to heavy on the eyes, and clash with most attire. As fashionably adventurous as I am, one accessory I feel should be retired are door knocker earrings. I adore bold jewelry, but anything that adorns the ears and frames the head should be kept delicate and smaller in width than your actual entire ear. Extensive length in earrings can be managed if worn correctly, with the correct attire. Keep in mind professionalism depending on where you work, or the nature of the event you are attending. On top of gold and silver, pearls are a another way to beautify an outfit. Pearls provide the perfect classic and timeless balance to any modern day trend.

Lastly, belts are more than to keep your pants up. Whether to cinch the waist with a wide belt, or to accent a sweater with a corset belt, belts help dress up even the most casual wear. Chain belts can be for night wear, or to accent a simple single colored dress. I've also worn my scarves as a wide belt on a fitted tunic.

Although some days our outfit, body shape, or hair may not be perfect, sometimes all it takes is going with it and accessorizing the rest! Have fun, be confident, and add the final touch with is a great smile!

Bat those lashes!

There are three things I believe are the basics, essentials, and perhaps all you need with beauty.
1) Great skin, 2) Silky lips to pair with that great smile 3) Beautiful lashes.

This brings me to today's topic, eyelashes. I've tried almost every mascara, worn false lashes, used lash growth gels, and even tried trimming them thinking they would grow longer. In my experiences, I've found some amazing products in which I would like to share with you, including some tips and tricks.

First I felt it very important to first go over lash care. Always curl your eyelashes before any make up is applied. Although I suffer from the same problem as many of you may, which is the lashes falling flat after applying mascara (I'll share a solution for this soon enough), curling your lashes with mascara on, can cause breakage. Next up, never never sleep with make up on, any make up! Remove your foundation, mineral powder, and eye make up before sleeping. You want to go to sleep with a clean face and allow air and moisture to penetrate.

So let's go through some of my favorite products that have worked wonders for my stubborn lashes. My favorite curler is the Shu Uemura eyelash curler. This $19 wonder has won many awards, and is used by make up artists internationally. The reason for it's magnificence, is the wide mouth, that gets to the end lashes, and the angle for the curl in which helps prevent the lashes from breakage. I press down on the curler for anywhere from 10-15sec, anymore and I end up with this awkward bend instead of a curl.

I used to believe that a great mascara went a long way and that is all I would need, but I found certain products made my lashes fell out. I always try and make sure that the product is fragrance free because heavy fragrances tend to be an irritant to my eyes and skin.

Believe me when I say i've bought everything from $4.00 mascaras to $30 ones, and yes there is a difference. But the one product i've found which makes a world of a difference is the Shiseido Mascara Base. This particular product is magic for a multitude of reasons. Remember how I discussed my eyelashes falling flat after curling, once I applied mascara? Well the Shiseido base helps hold the curl, while also conditioning and protecting the lashes. The base is $22, but it is unbelievable the length, volume and width this product gives to the lashes, while not clumping. It makes any mascara, look fifty times better, and it doesn't leave you with spider eyes. Don't be fooled by cheaper alternatives, I've looked. I've tried a $8 one where the fibers on one end were white, with mascara on the other end. Once applied, you could still see the white fibers through the mascara.

Now to the part about mascaras. My favorite for a dramatic night out, is the Christian Dior Diorshow mascara. The large brush helps separate the lashes, and the formula definitely lengthens, while applying a dark coat of color. They say that it helps with volume, but I tried the mascara without curling my lashes first, and the curl is barely noticeable. Since I started using the Shisiedo lash base, I've found I could use almost any mascara and my lashes look grand!

For those that have time on their side, the growth gel, Lipocils by Talika, actually does work at slightly lengthening lashes. It took approximately two months and I used it day and night. The results are permanent, but you have to be diligent at using it twice a day.

There you have it, all my secrets and tips to great fabulous lashes. Until next time, keep those emails coming with experiences and comments.

Pearls, Nature's Gem

Greetings and Happy Monday to all, as I was cleaning and looking at my pearls this past weekend, I felt it would be appropriate to finally write a bit about pearls, the mysteries and the myths. These lustrous gems come in such variations, and deliver such elegance and class, but what do we really know about them. Today I am going to give everyone a crash course on the A-Z about pearls, from their origin, types, grading, and of course caring for them.

Before we begin, I felt it imperative to address a cultural myth in which surrounds pearls, which is the difference between a natural and cultured pearl. There is a stigma which surrounds pearls, that if they are "cultured" they are not as good a quality. Both natural and cultured pearls are real pearls, and are both made by an oyster (in various methods). In older times, oysters were hunted by the millions, opened, and killed to find these magnificent gems. Because of the depletion of the oysters, and the rarity of the gem, the method of raising oysters and cultivating pearls was developed by Kokichi MIKIMOTO in 1893.
Nowadays 99% of pearls on the market are cultured, and this process allows more individuals to enjoy them. Although a pearl can be cultured, nature still has an influence in many aspects of how the gem develops. What many do not know is that a pearl can take up to three years to grow.

A Pearl's value is graded by characteristics such as the nacre thickness (substance from the oyster which creates the pearl), luster, shape, and reflection. There are various types of pearls, but these are a few of the ones you may see on the market:

Akoya Cultured Pearls
Known for their rich colors and immense lustor, they are created by Akoya oysters in Japan.

South Sea cultured Pearls
Produced in the warm waters of the South Seas, these pearls are known for their size which generally exceed 10mm. Commonly silver or gold in color. The golden ones are most rare.

Tahitian Pearls
Mostly described as black in color, these pearls are actually more than black and have a "peacock feather" like variety containing greens and blues. These pearls are grown by rare oysters in Tahiti and Okinawa.

Fresh Water Cultured Pearls
These pearls are some of the most versatile, varying in shapes and shades of colors. They are grown in lakes/rivers by the Hyriopsis Cumingi as the host oyster. Each muscle can host up to 14 pearls.

Caring for pearls
Although a pearl at touch may feel like a hard and solid substance, pearls are actually very porous and soft (similar to talc). Because pearls are porous, you should never spray perfume directly on them (on your neck), wear them in the shower, or keep them next to items in which may transfer color. If not cared for properly, pearls can lose their luster, or the nacre can chip and scratch. The best storage for your pearls is in a box separate from other jewelry, but once in a while should be taken out, because they do need moisture from the air. After wearing your pearls, you should wipe them with a soft cloth before putting them into a box.

Pearls are the pinnacle of classic elegance and style. I hope this has helped you to identify your pearls of choice, and how help them last through the years.

From the Artist to the Creation, a Day with Michele Baratta

Happy Monday! I’ve always believed that each morning, day, week and month should start with positivity and promise. It seems difficult to do so, but believe me it’s better than drudging along.

So, I woke up this morning and engaged in my usual routine of getting ready, reading the news, and going online to check messages. I came across a blog written by Andy's mom, Ann (Mimi), expressing astonishment at the details that went into the Michele Baratta atHome business, in every aspect from beginning to finish. Ann often spends time with Michele, Andy, and the children, but had no idea at how extensive the specifics were to the creation of it all. This inspired me to also want to know everything from birth of the design, to the poetic descriptions of the jewelry and the production of the catalog. I followed Michele and Andy for a day and after everything I learned, I was impressed and inspired.

Ideas! Michele starts with ideas inspired from her children, life, surroundings, joys, struggles and sentiments, and then transpires them into sketches on paper. These sketches become refined to detailed drawings. After she is certain of a particular design, Michele will then begin to sculpt, carve and cultivate this design into wax, for a mould. After a mould is created, there are nineteen (yes nineteen) steps to casting this wax mould into pure .925 silver. From there, Michele spends hours handpicking pearls, gems, and the perfect links to complete her artistic creation. This is the step for each piece!

I continued to follow Michele to see how these marvelous pieces get placed into the catalog. I’ll admit that although I can read her beautiful catalog and vividly poetic descriptions for hours, I never realized how much goes into its creation. For each page, Michele and her husband Andy carefully select combinations of jewelry together, that represent a similar story. After the jewelry is selected, it is laid out with details that accentuate each pieces’ meaning and story. Shells, sand, delicate leaves, colored fusions of paper and objects are all selected along with the jewelry to be placed in a light box, where multiple shots are professionally taken at different lighting settings to ensure the perfect image of the pieces.

After the perfect picture is taken for the catalog, Michele’s husband Andy digitally inspects the coloring, and merges photos together, while Michele writes a poetic description for each jewelry piece.

From the sketch to the moment of production, endless hours of work and thought are dedicated to making sure the integrity of Michele’s artistic designs are represented in everything she makes.

I have a profound respect for artists that devote an immense amount of passion and heart into their creations, which is why I understand Michele’s meticulous selection and craft in her work. Similar to a couture gown which has the designer’s signature down to the very stitch, with Michele’s jewelry, each gem, pearl, link and clasp was placed with purpose and meaning.

Simply Care...

Hello, I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th. I spent it eating and spending time w/ good company. I'm just sad that I didn't get to see the fireworks because the house I was at was settled too low, so we had to settle for seeing the sky light up. It was still an eventful and fun weekend. During this weekend, my girlfriend showed me a necklace that she had bought from Michele Baratta, and was concerned about the silver because it had tarnished, and it was a picture frame necklace, so she wasn't quite sure how to care for it.

This inspired me to write about caring for silver. First some truths about silver. Silver is a precious metal, so it is very prone to reacting to the natural environment, especially moisture, heat, and oils from the skin. This does not mean that silver is not durable, it just means that it's appearance requires some simple care at times. One of the most important and easiest details is storage. When you are not wearing your piece, store it in an air tight place. Air and moisture in the air will affect tarnishing of your silver. This also means, although it's convenient, the bathroom is the worst place to hang your jewelry. I'll admit I do it, but I also polish my jewelry very often. One of the best polishes that makes your silver shine and doesn't scratch it, is toothpaste. I generally take a pea size portion of toothpaste, wet the jewelry piece, and begin gently rubbing the toothpaste everywhere. Than rinse and repeat if necessary. What you want to be careful about, is if parts of the jewelry are purposely oxidized for a certain look, you do not want to use toothpaste, because it will shine that area up. In this case I would use a polishing cloth for spot cleaning. Michele Baratta actually sells a great polishing cloth that is amazing at cleaning gold and silver, for $5. Another thing in which I'm frequent at doing is showering in my jewelry. The soap and water combination will speed up the dulling process of your silver. Again some toothpaste and a good polishing cloth will take care of this.

Another thing about silver is that .925 silver is about as pure of silver in which you could wear and work with. The reason for this is because 100% silver would be too soft, so alloys are added to give it durability and structure.

I like to think of my jewelry like my favorite pair of jeans.. priceless and a little wear is a good thing. Jewelry that shows history, tells a story of sentiment, journey and emotion. But with a little care your piece can shine and sparkle for ages to come.

Thank you for the support, and although not everyone posts their questions here, it's ok. Keep the emails coming and I'll be sure to answer any questions you may have :)

Enjoy your Monday!