Fashion Intelligence

Olivia Wilde's ring recreated by James Allen at a more affordable price

There is nothing like a summer full of weddings to produce a new crop of engagements. And as soon as the question is popped the lucky couple usually talks about a ring. These days it seems rare that a man arrives with one picked out in advance. Women today have definite ideas about the ring they want, and it is a substantial purchase. To make it easier, we talked to the experts at James Allen jewelers to find out the average cost an engagement ring, how to care for your ring, and even how to purchase a ring that looks just like your favourite celebrity’s. Here is what they had to say:

The average cost of an engagement ring

In the United States, the average engagement ring purchase is approximately $3,500; however, the average diamond ring sold by James Allen is closer to $6,000.

How to select a ring to fit your budget

When it comes down to selecting the perfect engagement ring for any budget, there are stunning options in every category:

$1,000 or less

Buying on a budget of $1,000 can seem impossible, but there is a solution. Pre-set diamond engagement rings start as low as $600 and come “ready to wear.” Pre-set engagement rings are usually a classic 2mm solitaire, along with a center diamond of less than 1/2ct in size and imperfect (I1) clarity.

$1,000 to $3,000

This is the budget for most couples. It can be stretched furthest with a solitaire setting and a sparkling certified center diamond of H/I color and SI1 clarity. Choosing your center diamond is half the fun and will make your ring unique!

$3,000 to $6,000

If this is your budget, splurge for a ring with the added dazzle of pavé or side diamonds and a center diamond of G/H color and clarity of SI1 or higher. These choices are still budget-friendly, but ensure a beautiful ring that will impress.

$6,000 plus

If the budget exceeds $6,000, the possibilities become endless. A meatier budget allows you to go with a fully custom ring (if you desire), along with a center diamond of at least a carat (or much larger).

How to care for your ring

Here are some of James Allen's “Tricks of the Trade” for keeping your diamond jewelry clean:

Avoid wearing your diamond jewelry when doing work around the house – there is a chance the diamond could chip. Also, be sure that your diamond never comes into contact with chlorine bleach.

If, for any reason, your diamond comes loose, be sure to have the problem resolved right away – you don’t want to risk having the stone fall off and get lost.

Give your ring a detergent bath. Simply fill a small bowl with a mild detergent and some warm water. Use a soft brush (a toothbrush can work) and gently scrub the jewelry and wash off the soap with a bit of warm water. Pat your ring dry with a lint-free cloth.

Soak your jewelry in cold water. Dip your ring in a bowl of cold water and mild detergent. Use four parts water to one part detergent. Leave the jewelry in the bowl for several minutes and drain on a tissue.

When traveling with your jewelry, be sure to carry it in a soft case that securely holds the jewelry so it doesn’t get lost.

Stay away from drains! Never put on or remove jewelry over a drain. It could slip and end up in the sewer.

DolceDolce tip

Never take your rings off in a public washroom for any reason. The stories of rings left behind or failing down the sink drain (they do not all have elbow joints to catch the ring) are legion. Keep your rings on!

At home and when traveling, have a designated holder to place your rings in when at night or when bathing. Never place them anywhere else.

How to have a ring just like your favourite celebrity

If you are just mad for your favourite star’s engagement ring, according to James Allen’s experts, it is possible to “get the look” on a smaller budget. James Allen recreated the look of Olivia Wilde, Kelly Clarkson, and Elle Macpherson’s engagement rings in precious stones at a fraction of what the originals cost. Here is how they did it:

Olivia Wilde’s ring is simple, yet not understated; the splash of color from the emeralds adds personality. It features a round brilliant diamond set in a halo of pavé emeralds on a slender, plain band. James Allen recreated the look for $8,000 by substituting emeralds in the halo and using1.01ct center diamond.

Jame's Allen take on Kelly Clarkson's ring

Kelly Clarkson’s engagement ring is a radiant-cut canary yellow diamond in a halo of white diamonds set on a pavé diamond band. James Allen recreated the look for about $7,000 using a 1.00ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Diamond.

Elle Macpherson’s ring, an emerald-cut diamond on a plain band, was recreated for $7,000 using 1.04ct James Allen version of Elle Macpherson's ring

Emerald Cut Diamond.

http://www.jamesallen.com/?gclid=CIehy5Dv8LYCFUJN4Aodmm8Arw#!/engagement-rings/

Dahalia Shoe in Blush the perfect update for summer

Florals are one of the prettiest trends this summer, and no one does them better than the Brits. British luxury brand L.K.Bennett has launched a new limited-edition, vintage-inspired line of shoes called “Dahlia.” The shoes come in floral prints with a choice of a light blush or navy background. There is a high strappy sandal, kitten heels, and feminine flats. The stylish cotton satin designs are all printed in the UK. The collection ranges from $275 to $375. One of these shoes is the perfect way to update a work wardrobe of neutrals for spring and summer.

http://www.lkbennett.com

The trailer for Baz Luhrman’s The Great Gatsby looks and sounds like the book reads. Leo DiCaprio, as the mysterious Jay Gatsby, is tough with an easy charm. Carey Mulligan is seductive as the ethereal Daisy Buchanan. The movie seems to sizzle with a pulsating soundtrack by Beyoncé, Bryan Ferry, and Jay-Z.

Ever since I can remember F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby has been everyone’s favourite novel. I am exaggerating, but not by much. Only last summer, at a dinner party I attended, the mere mention of Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris – and its allusions to Fitzgerald – provoked a spirited discussion. In the film, the Woody-alter ego character, Gil, is magically transported to a bygone time in Paris, and meets the American literati who inhabited Paris in the 1920s. “Hi, we’re Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald,” the characters tell the astonished screenwriter, Gil. Midnight in Paris portrayed that stylish era so electrically, that at the dinner party I attended, all the twenty- and thirty-somethings vied for the title of “biggest Gatsby fan.” That included one young man, who, I am fairly certain, never read the book.

Excitement is building for Baz Luhrman’s remake, especially among fashionistas and hipsters. Over the years many have dismissed the book as trite and simplistic. It hardly matters, as fans still adore it. What attracts generation after generation to the stylish tale is the reckless passion of Fitzgerald’s star-crossed lovers.

When another Great Gatsby, starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, opened in 1974, it caused a sensation – but more for the sumptuous fashions and perfect profiles than for unbridled passion. In spite of poor reviews, 1920s fashions and parties briefly became the rage. Even at my high school for a few weeks everything was all about Gatsby. People who read neither the book nor even a syllabus were suddenly caught up in Fitzgerald fever.

I predict we are in for more of the same marvelous madness. This month the cover of Vogue features Carey Mulligan as Daisy. It makes sense; even though the Luhrman version promises to be hot and dangerous, it still all about the clothes. Tiffany and Brooks Brothers are official partners in the film. Tiffany is supplying the sumptuous pearl and diamond jewelry that Daisy wears . Jay Gatsby will be dressed in classic white flannels from Brooks Brothers.

Miuccia Prada helped to design Daisy’s wardrobe. According to Vogue UK in a story by Elle Alexander, “(Miuccia) Prada worked with costume designer Catherine Martin to create over 40 looks for the movie, each inspired by styles from the Prada and Miu Miu archive.”

So darlings, drape yourself in yards of pearls and satin, and get ready to shimmy the summer away “Gatsby Style”. The movie is scheduled to open May 10^th.

Gentle laundering will keep summer clothes looking fresh and vibrant

Warm weather clothes will look better and last longer if you launder them at home rather than subject them to harsh dry cleaning or commercial laundries. And if ironing scares you, relax. Newer blends and weaves of natural fabrics need little or no ironing, if you tumble them dry and hang them promptly.

Also, when you hand-wash, never ring out your clothes; it breaks the delicate fibers and sets in wrinkles. Press out the moisture. If the garments are small and light, you can spin them in a salad spinner and then hang them to dry, or place them on a clean dry towel.

If you want to preserve your pricy workout wear, consider a specialty detergent. Roux Maison Sport is designed to launder sports gear. It eliminates dirt, odor, and bacteria while preserving the elasticity of Lycra and spandex, as well as hi-tech and performance fabrics.

A concentrated bottle that is good for 40 washes or 80 hand washes, according to the website, costs $16.99. I always use a little more than recommended.

Never wash workout wear, swimwear, or lingerie in hot water, or expose it to dryer heat. High heat will destroy the fabric and the ruin the fit. Perspiration and direct sunlight also degrade elastic fibers.

Dryel-On-the-Go stain remover penis designed to remove stains from dry clean-only clothes, but I use it on washables, too. It works better than any other product I have tried at any price. I have used it on designer silk ties, suits, and silk chiffon dresses. It works like a dream.

At home rinse stains with plenty of cold water, plain running water can loosen many stains. Then treat with a pre-wash stain remover and launder. Never place a stained garment in the dryer without first making sure the stain is completely gone. The heat from the dryer will set in stains, making them very hard to remove.

If you are looking for a feminine and practical way to update your look for spring, try a classic pencil skirt in lace. Look for one in heavy metallic lace similar to skirts shown by Rochas and Michael Kors for spring. Or, go for a cotton lace skirt.

For the office, pair a lace pencil skirt with a pretty sweater set or a plain white t-shirt. Define your waist with a skinny belt. Be sure the hemline is flattering with the new low-stacked heel pump. For evening, a lace skirt looks flirty and fabulous with a satin camisole or a leather bustier.

Rochas Metallic Jacquard skirt $1,050

Diane von Furstenberg Scotia lace skirt in rayon and cotton lace$245

Designers used Asian influences to give clothes a special flair this spring. At Mulberry, Chinese-inspired prints were combined with easy-to-wear contemporary lines for a look of modern luxury. The look at Etro and Pucci was very Madame Butterfly with large Obi belts and billowing kimono sleeves.

Mulberry Intarsia Sweater $1,000.

Chinese Silk Wedding Sandals $107.

http://www.hibridal.com/wedding-shoes/1951-chinese-red-silk-spring-wedding-sandals-with-pearls.html

Usually a lemon refers to a car not pricy yoga pants!

If you do yoga or take a barre class, you must have heard about Lululemon’s recall of 17 percent of their black yoga pants. It seems the pants were so thin that women who bent over in them ended up over-exposed. Not great for pants sold primarily for yoga and other bendy workouts.

The recall led to a blitz of stories. Some were about the pressure some women feel to conform to a “Lululemon” dress code at their gyms and yoga studios.

At my workout studio/spa Lululemon is the preferred attire for teachers and students alike. Lululemon has always been smart about courting instructors as Lulu “ambassadors.” It is no accident that most good looking, fit, yoga and Pilate’s teachers wear a lot of Lululemon, although other brands have caught on. Now you will see a little more variety in most studios, but workout wear on instructors and devotees is definitely high end. A few other brands have made inroads but they are also pricy and sleek

I understand why teachers and yoga students love Lululemon. It fits and wears well – or it did. I have worn it for years. I bought my first pair of “still crops” in Toronto when the company first opened. At almost $100, they were very expensive for yoga pants. They fit and felt fabulous. I wasn’t concerned with how they made my derrière look. Even though Lulu’s ability to flatter a woman's backside is part of their famed cult appeal, I worked out at an all-women’s gym and never wore them anyplace else. What hooked me is that they felt amazing and had a nice loose feel. And they kept their shape and colour, even after repeated washings.

So, I decided they were worth the $100. And after all, a pair would last a long time, at least until a couple of years ago. The last pair of pants I bought looked almost identical to the old ones. But a trained dressmaker and fashion editor eye detected some troubling differences.

The front pockets are slightly skimpier, so they don’t fit as well. The top stitching is not as fine or as flat on the new pair. The back seam – the one that makes you butt look so good – is not as deep or well-shaped, and the stitching is narrower. The waist cord has been replaced by elastic which looks and feels tacky. And the fabric is different; it pills.

Yet according to Businessweek.com “in the past five the company (Lululemon) has tripled its annual revenue, expanding from 70 stores…” This proves that their marketing works. And Lululemon markets heavily, by reaching out to instructors, with free yoga lessons and other image-building stunts. I and other members at my private spa/workout club were disturbed to find out that our favourite yoga class was one of Lulu’s free community classes. I found this out accidentally when I was looking for new pants. (I still haven’t bought any as I hope to find some I really like.)

Carolyn Beauchesne, who runs the popular blog Lululemon Addict, has also noticed the decline in the quality of some Lulu items. She said in a www.businessweek.com interview, “that about two years ago she noticed the company’s clothing felt thinner and pilled more quickly.” That is about the same time I noticed issues, give or take a year.

When I checked Beauchesne’s most recent blog, she said “I've been talking about bad quality for at least two years, and now, when Lululemon has fixed their luon (luon is the stretch fabric they use) recipe so the quality is actually improving with that fabric, they get hit with a charge of bad quality.” I hope she is right. I am willing to bet she is, as this woman lives for Lululemon. I hope they will address some of their other construction issues.

I understand Beauchesne’s Lulu loyalty and that of women who love the brand. Feeling good in your workout clothes helps you to feel good about your body and being fit. But when you spend $100 for a pair of yoga pants, you don’t want a $100 lemon. You want pants that make you look and feel fabulous.

Floral prints are a big trend for spring. You can wear just one print at a time, or pair several in wild combinations. But as temperatures rise, a simple, sexy floral print dress will look fresh and chic for any occasion, paired with strappy sandals and smile. Here are spring dresses we love to inspire you.

Dolce&Gabbana dress $1,333

Lucca dress from Nordstroms $58

Years ago Paul Simon sang about a girl with diamonds on the soles of her shoes. This spring, the prettiest pumps have no jewels on them, but they are in bloom. These ladylike shoes are as pretty as a Claude Monet painting covered in vibrant floral prints.

Pair them with cool, frocks in bright sherbet colours or crisp spring and summer dresses in cream, white, or black.

Oscar de la Renta Floral-Print Satin Pump $575 in Pink.

Nine West Drusilla Floral Pump under $60 in Lavender.

Carey Mulligan as Daisy drips pearls and diamonds in flapper finery

Fashion lovers get ready for another lavish Baz Luhrmann spectacle. His hot sexy remake of The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan looks simply dazzling. It is sure to set trends. So darlings, get ready for a romantic summer in pearls, lace, and shimmery flapper-inspired fashions.

Fashion forward stars including Amy Adams and Stacy Keibler were already feeling the trend at the Oscars. Stacy wore a short, sassy flapper-like bob, and Amy had her hair in sexy 20s-inspired waves. The look is jazz hot!