Fashion

Curating a Fashionable Closet

A purposeful wardrobe of classic basics, statement pieces, and a dash trending styles is an investment and a lifetime curation process. Fashion and Style paint the story of who you are and who you want to be.

The Fashion and Style sections cover investment pieces ranging from work wear to weddings, couture to trendy. Whether you are seeking the ideal bag for the discerning minimalist, or a must-have statement piece of jewelry, we have something for you.

Building Wardrobe Essentials: the JNTOP Choker Neck Tunic Top

May 30, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Those who advise building a wardrobe suggest one classic investment piece that looks great on you and several versatile, well-made pieces in different colors that can go with it. When you find a well-fitting pair of jeans or leggings they become a staple of your wardrobe, you wear them constantly. The next step is a comfortable, stylish, versatile top. The JNTOP Women’s Choker Neck Short Sleeve Tunic Top is perfect for both leggings and jeans to create a put-together look fast. In sixteen available colors, you’ll find many options to dress up or down with your favorite accessories to create a comfortable but stylish outfit of the day in just a few minutes.

JNTOP Women’s Choker Neckline Tunic Top

FEATURES

EASY CARE: Does not retain wrinkles or fold marks when packed in a suitcase or folded into a drawer.
POCKETS: Side Pockets are deep enough for sunglasses, lipstick, keys, ID, phone.

Deep side pockets for phone, ID, or keys

deep side pockets fit within the seam and do not add bulk

Back view, note side pockets.

DESIGN/STYLE: Choker Neck Detail adds a classic but unique design element

Choker neckline adds visual interest and features any neckline pieces such as necklaces pins or scarves

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

This is a quality garment with no loose stitching or seams. It does not fray or experience color fade after multiple washing and use.

Clean and sturdy seams and the choker key detail highlights jewelry well

The blend is very soft, comfortable to wear and not at all scratchy. The material blend is a 55% Polyester, 40% Rayon, and 5% Spandex composition. The material is fully opaque, even when stretched or when outside or when in photographic flash lighting situations.

DRAPE AND FIT

It is a loose fit but flattering, largely due to the Flare Hem and Drape that make for a comfortable and stylish fit. The 5% spandex provides a soft drape that is curve-flattering without being too tight or revealing.

VERSATILE

I find myself getting lots of wear out of these tops because they are useful for many types of occasions and comfortable.

Going on vacation? These tops are comfortable for travel, dress up or down, work for sightseeing, eating out, museums or as a beach or poolside cover-up. Pair them with leggings or jeans. They pack well and do not require ironing. A few tops in different colors give a different look with jeans and leggings.

With leggings, sandals and my Tod’s bag for shopping, lunch, or errands

Looking for a slimming, sleek, monochromatic look? Try the Tunic Top in Black or Charcoal with the matching leggings. It’s easy and it looks incredibly put together! I really like wardrobe pieces that require little effort but still look stylish.

A slimline, easy look for travel with a black on black with a structured bag and small detail necklace with Tod’s driving shoes in red for a pop of color

Back view of the JNTOP black with black leggings

Easy to Accessorize. Wear a necklace that fits into the choker key-hole window, or a long necklace. The length of the top combined with the drape provides a long slimming look that is perfect for bigger or longer necklaces.

The pretty colors and the JNTOP Tunic Top choker neckline looks great with my Novica handmade gemstone necklace

A handmade artisan bead necklace with the JNTOP Choker Neck Top

COLORS

This top comes in sixteen different colors. The colors are:

Army Green
Ash Mustard
Ash Rose is a lovely shade of pink
Black the black is a true, rich black hue.
Charcoal
Coffee
Copper a rich shade that looks amazing for autumn
Kelly Green – this color is very flattering brunettes, blondes, and redheads.
Mauve – somewhat lilac in tone
Sage is a highly versatile shade for all seasons
Ash Gray a lovely soft shade that looks great with lilac or pastel pink
Deep Coral: this color is universally flattering for all skin tones and is ideal for summer going into warm fall weather days.
Wine is a bright raspberry claret hued wine.
Purple is a pure true rich purple, a regal hue.
Ash Mint
Titanium is a blue steel shade of grayish-blue.

The variety of colors are perfect for leggings and thin leg pants

CONCLUSION

The quality construction, easy but flattering style, comfortable fit, and variety of color choices make the JNTOP Choker Neck Tunic Tops a quality wardrobe investment piece for days you want to put together an outfit quickly and be comfortable but still look good. The neckline allows for wearing a choker, a pendant or long necklace, or pair it with a pin on the collar. The flowing drape with structured hem allows for lots of room for accessorizing this piece into an outfit you will feel good in all day.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the JNTOP Women’s Premium Short Sleeve Choker Neck Tunic Top in sixteen versatile and pretty colors at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BB725HM

Style Chicks received the JNTOP in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Personalized Gifts for Moms, bridesmaids & grads: Kisspat 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Pendant

May 13, 2018 · Leave a Comment

It’s the time of year for gift giving: graduations, wedding, and other celebrations are opportunities to give a unique gift to a special female in your life. Initial Pendants are really in style this season, and we absolutely love the KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Tiny Alphabet Pendant.

Single initial pendant shown at 16" length

The single initial pendant is shown here at 16″ length. Note how the artisan hammered design gives it some texture and visual interest

ABOUT THE KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklaces

This handmade, delicate 14K Gold Plated Brass Pendant comes in a lovely gifting box that keeps it safe.

Double Gift Boxed

It’s the perfect weight for Summer and will match any outfit, day or night.

The lobster claw clasp is sturdy and easy to use.

Easy to use, sturdy lobster clasp

Lobster clasp set on the middle ring of the extender for the 17-inch chain length option

DESIGN AESTHETIC

The initial charm pendant itself measures 12mm or about one half inch high. The individual letters have a bit of a whimsical font, which sets them apart from other necklaces like it.

Hammered initial sits in a box with velvet lining to keep it safe and secure while in storage

The hammered design gives the necklaces a subtle texture that makes them appear less “blingy” than some initial necklaces, while the bold lettering is still clear and easy to read.

Artisan-style hand hammered design

Something else I like about this design that is unique is that it has the letter on the front and a heart on the back. I like that if the necklace inadvertently flips over while wearing, that it still has style!

The back side of the pendant has a heart design

The initial appears on the front side, and a heart appears on the back side of the pendant.

Heart on back

HOW TO STYLE THE VERSATILE EXTENSION CHAIN FOR ADJUSTABLE LENGTH

The necklaces can be worn as one initial necklace alone, or multiples together.

The Kisspat chain is sixteen inches long and has a 2″ extension chain adjuster, so you can adjust the chain to three different lengths or wear the necklaces in two different ways.

Lobster clasp with three rings for 16, 17 and 18-inch length options

The first way the necklace can be worn is as a single initial at a 16 to 18-inch length.

This Kisspat necklace extender feature also allows for the length to be adjusted to accommodate wearing multiples necklace layers together at once, like a customized layer chain. Wear your own initials, like a monogram, or the initials of loved ones.

Three Kisspat initial pendants shown at staggered lengths using the extender chain

GREAT GIFT IDEA

This necklace makes a perfect gift for a Mom because she can layer the necklaces to wear the initials of her children. This makes a modern take on the traditional birthstone concept but makes it more personalized and unique to an individual Mom.

Multiple initial necklace pairings is also a great gift for to give to a grandmother, a Mom-to-be, or even your aunt! Single initial necklaces make a great gift for a friend, bridesmaids, upcoming graduate, niece or daughter.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Tiny Alphabet Pendant in any or all letter combinations at https://www.amazon.com/KISSPAT-Initial-Necklace-Hammered-Alphabet/dp/B07BGWYG67

Find your initial – or initials – among the Kisspat Initial pendant collection

Style Chicks received the KISSPAT 14K Gold Tone Initial Necklace Hammered Tiny Alphabet Pendant in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Jewelry for Spring: Gem Stone King Peridot & Diamond Sterling Silver Infinity Necklace Pendant

March 29, 2018 · 15 Comments

This week, Spring has finally sprung! Looking for a new piece to infuse some spring color into your wardrobe? Peridot is a highly versatile color that matches most pastels and brights, making it an ideal signature piece gemstone. This Gem Stone King Infinity Necklace combines a timeless symbol with the beloved sparkle of a diamond and the vibrant, fresh appeal of Peridot for a classic yet modern piece.

Just in time for spring: the Gem Stone King Peridot and Diamond Infinity Pendant on a Sterling Silver chain

THE MEANING OF AN INFINITY NECKLACE

What does this popular symbol mean? Long known as a mathematical symbol, the infinity symbol, AKA the lemniscate, is used to represent several abstract concepts. For some, the infinity symbols’ two sections represent two people or elements intertwined with no beginning or end.

The symbol is commonly used in jewelry as an expression of endless love or hope, or a continuous connection, loyalty, limitless opportunity, vitality or that something will last forever, whether a faith, friendship romantic relationship or some other bond.

ABOUT THE GEM STONE KING INFINITY NECKLACE

Gem Stone King pairs the Infinity Necklace element with Peridot, a gemstone with a lime green color symbolic of renewal of life and nature. This makes sense as in the spring when everything is fresh and green again. Peridot is also associated with dignity and protection. These factors all make Peridot a highly complimentary gemstone for the symbolism associated with an infinity necklace.

Gem Stone King Peridot and Diamond Infinity Necklace Pendant

INFINITY NECKLACE DETAILS

The pendant is comprised of a chain and focal piece. The focal piece is the Infinity Symbol adorned with alternating gemstones. The Infinity focal piece is 16 millimeters by 17 millimeters.

A lovely piece to wear with bright and pastel spring colors

A lovely and versatile piece to wear with brights, neutrals and pastel spring colors

GEMSTONES:

The gemstones are 0.83 carats total weight. There are eleven total round cut, natural stones in an alternating pattern with a center natural diamond stone.

The round cut enhances the sparkle factor of each stone.

All Gem Stone King natural diamonds are conflict-free.

CHAIN

The cable style chain is .925 Sterling Silver with a spring ring clasp. It is 16 inches long. The clasp is sturdy.

.925 Sterling Silver marking

The Sterling Silver reflects and sets off the sparkle of the diamonds nicely and enhances the clarity of the peridot.

The chain has a delicate look but is made of sturdy .925 Sterling Silver

ELEGANT GIFT BOX PACKAGING

The pendant is gift boxed in a crisp presentation style blue Gem Stone King gold logo box with velvet interior lining. The box is durable enough to be used for item storage. The actual necklace comes double-bagged and sealed within the box to keep it safe from scratches, dust or damage until you are ready to give it as a gift.

Gem Stone King presentation style gift box

It comes in a Gem Stone King logo presentation gift box

WHY BUY A DIAMOND PIECE FROM GEM STONE KING DIAMONDS

All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. As a New York City-based diamond wholesaler, Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. By keeping costs low and selling online, Gem Stone King can offer jewelry with higher-quality gems, materials, and construction at a more favorable price point.

CONCLUSION

The Gem Stone King Infinity Pendant featuring Peridot and White Diamonds on a .925 Sterling Silver chain is a lovely gift to denote a limitless bond in a relationship. Its timeless style, durable materials, construction, and gift box makes a great gift for a friend, girlfriend, mother, daughter or sister.

The combination of round cut Peridot gemstones, Sterling Silver and diamond has a lovely sparkle!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Gem Stone King Infinity Pendant featuring Peridot and White Diamonds on a .925 Silver Chain at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BFJ7C7J

Gem Stone King Infinity Pendant makes for a versatile spring accessory

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King Infinity Pendant featuring Peridot and white diamonds on a .925 Silver Chain in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Classic & Responsible Alternative Diamond Engagement Ring: Gem Stone King Moissanite Sterling Silver

March 23, 2018 · 23 Comments

When it comes to engagement rings, the appeal of a diamond is undeniable: it’s sparkle, brilliance, fire, and clarity! But ethical and environmental concerns over diamond-mining cause many to seek a non-diamond alternative. There are beautiful colored gemstone engagement ring options, but if you love the traditional and classic look of a diamond, an outstanding conflict-free alternative is Moissanite. Gem Stone King combines the conflict-free Moissanite with a traditional diamond engagement ring setting that’s perfect for the classic but responsible woman: the Gem Stone King .925 Sterling Silver Solitaire with Accent Stones Created Moissanite Engagement Ring.

Gem Stone King Moissanite Sterling Silver alternative diamond Engagement Ring is conflict-free and has all the beauty of a natural diamond

WHY CONSIDER MOISSANITE FOR AN ENGAGEMENT RING

Moissanite is a naturally occurring and chemically produced stone that structurally is an exceptional match for the look of a diamond. Moissanite is a conflict-free gemstone that is environmentally and ethically responsible.

Created Moissanite emulates natural diamond characteristics so well that it easily fools the naked eye, especially when mounted on a traditional setting such as found on this Gem Stone King engagement ring.

Created Moissanite has a particularly clear, flawless clarity. The result is a conflict-free, traditional diamond engagement ring look, and style but at a far more attractive price point than a diamond of the same carat size can offer.

DIAMOND VERSES MOISSANITE SPECIFICS

Of diamond alternatives, Moissanite is an excellent choice. Not only is this diamond alternative conflict-free, but its’ fire, clarity, and brilliance closely match the attributes of a natural diamond.

BRILLANCE

Diamonds are so well loved mostly due to their unique brilliant sparkle, measured by something called a Brilliance Refraction Index. A diamonds’ Brilliance Refraction Index is higher than rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Moissanite’s “Brilliance Refraction Index” just slightly brighter than a natural diamond, but not so bright as to look fake or too “blingy”. There is a natural elegance to natural and created Moissanite.

This created Moissanite has the brilliance of a diamond with the rare silver based reflection

FIRE

There’s more fire (the dispersion of light or colored reflections seen when turning or tilting the stone) to a Moissanite than a diamond, giving the look of a high-grade, exceptional clarity diamond.

Fire is often masked on darker gemstones, so if you want both high fire and a diamond alternative, Moissanite makes an ideal engagement ring choice.

The cut enhances the fire of the stone

CLARITY

The chemical structure of both created and natural Moissanite is flawless in terms of having little to no visible cloudiness, inclusions, irregularities or blemishes, resulting in a clarity comparable to a high-grade diamond but without appearing so transparent as to look fake or glass-like.

HARDNESS

Moissanite is slightly less hard as a diamond but harder and more durable than other non-diamond engagement stones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

ABOUT THIS GEM STONE KING DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE MOISSIANTE RING DESIGN

As seen worn on the ring finger

FOCAL STONE

The cut is timeless brilliant round, which gives the most sparkle. The stone is IJK which is a faint color classification. It is held in a four prong setting to lend a traditional diamond link. It has a DEW (Diamond Equivalent Weight) of almost one carat (.95).

It has an exceptionally diamond-like look with lovely sparkle. I like the modern yet classic look. The size of the stone feels just right to me, understated but not chintzy looking or too gaudy or large.

SIDE STONES

The ring has ten side stones embedded in the band, five on each side. These stones are eye clean, round cut Cubic Zirconia. The smaller side stones are each 1.5 mm wide and long.

Small Cubic Zirconia side stones work well with a Moissanite focal gemstone. While Cubic Zirconias lack the brilliance of a Moissanite, (that colorless light sparkle), they do hold have that rainbow fire, especially with the right cut. This rainbow fire on these round cut smaller stones lends a nice subtle but eye-catching sparkle.

Five round cut side stones flank each side

The band detailing and round cut gives subtle sparkle and interest without outshining the focal stone

BAND

The band is .925 Sterling Silver that has a modern yet timeless engraved pattern and a traditional white gold look. The high shine compliments the brilliant sparkle of the embedded side stones and the focal stone.

.925 Sterling Silver band pattern and setting are both traditional yet modern

.925 Sterling Silver band with embedded side stones and pattern

.925 Sterling Silver band side view of four prong setting

WHY BUY A DIAMOND-ALTERNATIVE RING FROM GEM STONE KING

The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

As a New York City-based diamond wholesaler, Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. They sell jewelry online directly to consumers. Because of this, they offer a much higher quality item that is typically seen for the price point.

Gem Stone King double box presentation

CONCLUSION

While there are many environmentally and socially conscious conflict-free engagement ring options available, few offer the look of a traditional diamond as well as this Gem Stone King Moissanite Engagement Ring does. It is conflict-free without forsaking any of the timeless diamond features of fire, brilliance, durability, clarity, and sparkle that are typically seen in a classic style engagement ring.

WHERE TO FIND IT

Find the Gem Stone King 925 Sterling Silver Solitaire w/ Accent Stones Created Moissanite Engagement Ring at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ZTXQ9T

Interested in Conflict-free Moissanite and the timeless style of Gem Stone King, but want a different cut or colored side stones? Find the full Gem Stone King Moissanite collection at:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DAWMVEEHZPU5TI&field-keywords=Timeless+Brilliant

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King 925 Sterling Silver Solitaire with Accent Stones Created Moissanite Engagement Ring in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Choosing a Blue Engagement Ring: Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamonds Engagement Ring

March 18, 2018 · 15 Comments

The sapphire and diamond engagement ring worn by the late Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton is perhaps amongst the most well-known examples of an engagement ring that does not feature a diamond as the focal stone. Colored engagement rings have become increasingly popular to show individuality and to own a distinctive piece of jewelry. The Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz Diamond Halo with 10K White Gold engagement ring retains a traditional engagement ring look while still having a unique and modern vibe.

Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamond Engagement Ring

CHOOSING A NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

We tend to think primarily of diamonds for engagement rings, but this concept only became popular around 1900 as part of a jewelry company’s clever marketing campaign. While the sparkle of a diamond cannot be denied, other stones can be just as timeless and beautiful. Many gemstones even have more vibrant reflective properties than diamonds, catching the light in a way that makes for lovely rainbow-like reflections.

WHY CHOOSE GEM STONE KING FOR YOUR NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

You may wish for an engagement ring that is a bit different and special, but at the same time be cautious not to choose something so modern that its’ a trend that will quickly look outdated. Gem Stone King specializes in blending tradition with modern styling, resulting in an elegant timeless look that is still appealing to a younger, sleeker woman.

The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. The president is a fourth generation diamond merchant. Based in New York, New York, and their jewelry is mainly manufactured in the United States. Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. The result is jewelry that is sleek enough for modern, young tastes while retaining a traditional design that is timeless.

Gem Stone King Mystic Topaz Engagement Ring

Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamond Engagement Ring

CHOOSING THE GEM STONE KING BLUE MYSTIC TOPAZ FOR A NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

Blue sapphires, like Princess Diana’s engagement ring, are an elegant and versatile choice. One consideration about sapphires is that they can be such a deep hue of blue that they appear almost black or even opaque in some lightings, meaning there is less sparkle than may be desirable for an engagement ring.

GEM STONE KING BLUE MYSTIC TOPAZ AND DIAMOND HALO RING DETAILS

This Blue Mystic Topaz gemstone has the intensity of a sapphire without the darkness, rather it has a beautiful ocean blue clarity that many people seek in a blue gemstone ring.

Blue Mystic Topaz has a deep blue color but retains the depth and brilliance of a traditional engagement ring kind of sparkle

THE FOCAL STONE

The focal gemstone of a Blue Mystic Topaz of this Gem Stone King ring is called Tanzanite Blue, which is not quite as dark as a natural sapphire. A Mystic Topaz is brighter than a sapphire, but not an unnatural looking bright such as the royal blue shade that often occurs in created sapphires. Mystic Topaz often cast small rainbow hues within the depth of the stone. Its’ depth, sparkle, reflection, and the cut are more evident to the naked eye that is often seen in a natural sapphire.

Vibrant Blue Mystic Topaz has vibrant depth, brilliance, sparkle, and light

Oval stones allow for a round cut for maximum sparkle

It is a 1.30 Carat natural stone with an oval cut held in a traditional four-prong setting. The oval cut allows for the cut style, brilliance, and sparkle seen on a round diamond but with a unique and flattering look.

Side view of four prong setting

THE SIDE STONES

The twenty-eight side stones are natural diamonds that surround the focal stone in a halo. They are a combined total weight of 0.092 carats. The round cut maximizes the sparkle of each 0.05-carat diamond encircling the focal Topaz. These side stones catch a surprising amount of light and look particularly brilliant and sparkly when hands are in motion.

All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

Twenty-eight natural round cut conflict-free diamonds

THE BAND

The 17mm band is 10K White Gold that has a high shine and luster. 10K White Gold is highly durable which makes it ideal for a band that will be worn daily for years to come.

The appearance is smooth and shiny, sleek and modern but it also has a traditional engagement ring look and feel. The white gold also enhances the cool blue tones of the gemstones.

While this ring can be given for any special occasion or worn as a statement piece ring, it makes a lovely choice for a non-diamond engagement ring because it nods to tradition while still showing the personal unique style of the wearer. Also, the inclusion of diamonds as side stones still incorporates the traditional diamond into the ring.

10KT White Gold band has a shiny, smooth finish that is durable

GIFT PRESENTATION PACKAGING

The ring comes in a double box gift presentation. The outer box is a white gift box with a gold Gem Stone King logo on the top. The inner box is a gold logo on a blue hinged ring box with velvet lining inside. The ring comes in a small bag to keep it free of lint or damage while in storage or before the presentation of the ring.

The ring comes in a Gem Stone King white outer box and blue inner box

Gem Stone King Ring box

FULLY INSURED

While buying jewelry online offers lower prices than brick and mortar stores, there is always some risk of the item getting lost or damaged in the mail. This Gem Stone King ring comes fully insured at no additional cost. This insurance protects you from any risk of damage or the loss of your item while in transit.

CONCLUSION

If you’re considering a blue gemstone engagement ring but want a naturally bright stone with more sparkle, this Gem Stone King ring featuring a 1.30-carat Blue Mystic Topaz makes an excellent choice. It is not an overly dark stone yet also doesn’t appear too bright like the intense royal blue hue of a created sapphire. The halo of twenty-eight diamonds add sparkle and lend an elegant, traditional look. The diamonds are conflict-free. The 10K white gold band is durable and shiny. A modern yet timeless look durable enough to wear for years to come.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Gem Stone King 10K White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring set with 1.30 Ct Oval Blue Mystic Topaz at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y95BQK2

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King 10K White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring set with 1.30 Ct Oval Blue Mystic Topaz in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.