Jewelry In Ancient Rome

Jewelry is a fascinating fashion accessory that has been popular from ancient times. It has played a variety of roles including political, religious and ornamental, and jewelry artifacts have helped modern historians shape pictures of the daily lives of ancient civilizations.

Jewelry in ancient Rome is no exception. There are literary accounts and pictorial depiction such as in the Regina tombstone, plus an abundance of other artifacts available that help us to understand the role jewelry played during this fascinating time.

Jewelry was worn by men and women though it was subject to conventions of the time; particularly with regards to the appearance of men. Male jewelry was typically practical in nature. Men usually wore a single ring. The ring would serve a functional purpose. Typically a signet ring, the male jewelry item was used to seal official documentation. The male signet ring was initially iron but was later produced in gold as it displayed status and wealth more clearly.

Other practical uses of the signet ring included the inlay being a type of key for a strong box. Literary evidence suggests that propriety regarding male jewelry was ignored by a minority of fashion fanatics, as with any other social group. Trends and attitudes also changed from the time of Emperor Augustus. The emperors were established with official state clothing during his reign which included jewelry as a display of status and power.

Jewelry also had a protective function in ancient Rome. Boys wore an item of jewelry known as a bullah. This was worn from being a baby. It was worn around the neck and was a form of chain with a pouch which contained an amulet. This was a jewelry item worn by most classes, but the rich upper class had bullahs made of gold. The amulet was often phallic in design, as boys were considered to be the stronger species and so needed protection. Another jewelry item worn by boys was a small gold ring which was again carved with a phallus for good luck

With regards to women, jewelry was first and foremost a display of wealth and status. Women had no obvious status distinction through their dress like Roman men. Therefore, hairstyles and jewelry were the only distinction possible. The importance of jewelry to the status of women is apparent through certain historical events. When the Oppian law was passed in 195BC curbing the use of jewelry and suggesting it be handed over for war materials, women demonstrated against this in the streets. During the campaigns of Marcus Curellius, women chose to donate their jewelry to get enough gold to send a huge gold vase as an offering to Delphi. Their behavior was rewarded with speeches at funerals which had previously been only for men.

The type and amount of jewelry worn by women varied, but the richest women were the most flamboyant in terms of amount and style. Amber jewelry was only worn by lower class women and was thought vulgar by the wealthy who favored gold jewelry. Other items used to make jewelry include pearls, colored glass beads and polished stones. These would be inset in gold and would vary in size and style, depending upon status. It was possible to tell a lot about a woman in ancient Rome by the jewelry she wore.

The types of jewelry worn include necklaces with adornments such as pendants, amulets. Fibula which are similar to safety pins were used as fasteners and so were often adorned to make them a piece of jewelry that was both function and beautiful. Earrings were popular and came in both hoop and drop styles. Rings were usually inset with stones or carvings.

Particularly popular jewelry items were engraved gems which were referred to as intaglio. These were gems such as carnelian, jasper and chalcedony that had a sunken or engraved image, created with the use of wheels and drills.

Tomb jewelry findings suggest that bracelets were usually worn in pairs with one on each arm. Some tombs have revealed up to 7 items of jewelry on each arm which shows how the conventions for men and women differed. Even gold thread hairnets have been discovered.

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Fashion Style – Granny Chic to Look Young

After the vintage style and oldies taken over the trend and catwalks of the world, looks like an old woman style is ready to look young again. Several years ago, if someone is wearing a 70s dress, people will surely look with weird stare and called it ‘ancient’. However, once catwalks bring back this style. The word ‘ancient’ was turned into ‘vintage’ and the whole world affected by this trend.

Dress small floral knee-length, with belts and sunglasses are the same width back to be a trend. Even those who have quite fashionable mother can smile because of the clothes, and accessories appear to be their mother’s vintage. This time, the world’s hottest catwalks present various granny-chic styles as a trend for autumn and winter 2010.

What is distinctive of a grandmother? Glasses, it helps the already blurred vision. You will need oldies-style glasses to look like grandma; one with width and thick-rimmed, black or brown. Furthermore, you will need a tote bag. Tote bag with floral or other vintage motif and soft colors, not too flashy style, is well suited to accompany your style. Choose a tote bag which has a simple model and still the typical old style. The more modern design would eliminate the impression of granny chic.

It’s time to play with the skirt that is suitable for this style. You can choose a classic pencil skirt or A-line skirt with natural colors. All these high-waist skirt are seldom subordinate to the elderly who designed hipster. Complete with beautiful small belt to give the chic impression. Like the skirt, select a blouse with soft colors, simple design and high cut collar. Say good bye to the deep V-neck collar and piece of other modifications. You can choose the accented modern blouse in the arm.

Finally, choose accessories that are not too big, just small to medium sized; simple but beautiful enough to be admired! Avoid contemporary and modern design, of course. Remember, a grandmother usually does not use an excessive amount of accessories. A pair of earrings, one to two rings, necklaces and bracelets and a watch is enough. You can be stylish with granny chic if you are creative in mix and match.

How To Create The Boho Fashion Look

Boho or bohemian fashion has been given a revival over the past few years being favored by a whole host of celebrities including Sienna Miller, the Olsen Twins, Josh Stone, Kate Hudson and Emma Watson among others and continues to be popular across all the fashion seasons. Harking back to a by gone era and reinvented as a must have festival fashion style, the boho fashion look is a must for not only the festival goer but also for fashion lovers who adore feminine fabrics and bold pattern prints.

Boho fashion is a fabulous frugal fashionista style, completely on trend and when you’re on a budget, boho styled outfits can easily be put together from a mix and match of existing pieces within your wardrobe to create a more individual look without breaking the bank. Bohemian clothing is traditionally float and brings together several pieces and accessories for example a printed floaty maxi dress complimented by wooden jewellery and a summer wide-brimmed floppy hat is a gorgeous summer outfit. Think mixed up shades, colors and textures to get a feel for the richness a boho outfit can achieve and give you an outfit that is relaxed and comfy enough for your every day activities.

What’s exciting about creating boho outfits is that you can mix and match your accessories to compliment the clothes – the hobo style handbag and chunky wooden jewellery. Take it one step further and match your boho fashions looks with a bohemian lifestyle and engage in yoga and pilates.

Creating The Overall Boho Outfit Look:

Think extremely feminine, floaty fabrics with longer length skirts, maxi dresses and tunic tops. Most boho outfits looks best using rich colors and patterns that can be contrasted on a nude base. Neon is a no go and very pale pastels don’t always achieve the look you are looking for.

Boho Evening Looks:

Opt for sari type dresses, fringed lace scarves and maxi dresses with jewelled high heels. Co-ordinate with gold long necklaces and multiple bracelets and a beaded clutch bag ensuring you mix from a rich colour palate

Boho Day Looks:

Pair a tunic with jeans and flat sandals for a modern boho look or team a casual maxi dress with flat beaded or plain gladiator sandals for a stunning feminine dress down day look. Add a crochet cardigan to keep off the chill and complete your look with a suede hobo style bag with fringes.

Boho Accessories:

Boho jewellery can be a mix of anything sumptuous and rich looking. Gems, beads, stones, wood, shells, long length necklaces and chunky bracelets are all reflect the boho accessory style. Handbags are large leather, straw or patchwork bags and are perfect for complimenting a boho outfit. On your feet think flat in neutral shades, pale yellows, greens, black or tans. Gladiator sandals, comfy suede boots, fringed flat boots and beaded flats all make up a great boho outfit.

Boho Hairstyles:

Go for a slightly undone look with your hair down and slighted tousled or loosely tied up with a clip or go for the odd few small braises in your hair. You can even introduce the vintage style headband worn around the forehead for a real boho hairstyle.

Hollywood Fashion Style Siren – Claudette Colbert

The fashions and aesthetics of the 1930s especially appeal to me. The extreme decadence of the costumes in the movies, transported you to a different place outside of your own life, especially if you had been living in the depression era. Most people were hard up from the end of the First World War, and the market crash caused many families to starve. It was certainly a stark contrast to the exotic locations, glamorous clothing and over the top interiors that these movies portrayed. One of my personal heroines that personifies the 30s glamour is Claudette Colbert. Relatively unknown now, compared to a lot of her contemporaries, like Marlene Dietrich and Garbo, a lot of people would not know this feline beauty, despite her super stardom at the time. Her career was almost unheard of in Hollywood, although almost all of the 40 odd movies that she made were smash hits. David O. Selznick the famous producer, who was notoriously hard to get on with, confessed that all her movies had grossed more than a million, and he would pander to her every whim.

She landed her first movie role while studying fashion design. She made her first talkies in 1927, and thereafter she worked on screen for 20 years. Her acting range was varied. She played a mysterious, exotic vixen in ‘The Sign of the Cross’, a spoil society heiress in ‘It Happened One Night’ and an ambitious, single mother in ‘The Imitation of Life’. All of these, she played with extreme professionalism and unforgettable performances. The timing of her line deliveries was so famous that her co-star Gary Cooper was intimidated by her.

I adore her exceptional beauty, with her extremely arched eyebrows, sphinx-like features and delicate bone structure, she sure had a face one can’t forget.

There was a famous story that her role in ‘All About Eve’ was meant to be designed for her. She had damaged her back in another movie and unwillingly she had to pass the movie to Bette Davis. The director spoke of his regret at not being able to capture her feline features in the movie. I think her cat-like aura, with her fluid, gold physique would certainly have caused riots in that masterpiece.

She was also famous in every movie that she appeared in, for demanding to be filmed from the right side of her face. Regardless of technical difficulties, she would insist with this diva-like demand to ensure that she retained this ‘movie star’ image. I guess that is why movie stars had such a mystery and mastery in their persona. The image that they projected to the audience only allowed for perfection. The stars were flawless, and obtained a consistent image all the time.

Claudette Colbert was always impeccably dressed, on and off screen. In ‘Tomorrow is Forever’ (1946), Jean Louis was hired to create eighteen changes of wardrobe for her, according to Wikipedia. Colbert’s style is best described with a quote from Jeanie Basinger in The International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers: “[Her] glamour is the sort that women attain for themselves by using their intelligence to create a timeless personal style.”

Claudette Colbert starred as Empress Poppaea in Cecille B. DeMille’s ‘The Sign of the Cross’, 1932. The costumes were designed by Mitchell Liesen, who was also the Art Director for the film. As you can see, this film was released before the Motion Picture Production Code, or censorship, was enforced, beginning in 1934. Colbert’s costume had a low decolletage, bare midriff, and cut outs at the hips. In this scene from the film, you’ll see her cavorting in a milk bath with another suggestive costume being worn by Vivian Tobin as Dacia.

The liquid satin, bias-cut evening gowns that she often wore in her movies, would certainly not be easy attire to wear in our everyday life, but we certainly could aspire to a shorter version. With a bit of luck, you could be a screen siren too, sipping martins and become a classic beauty like Claudette.

How to Have Your Own Unique Fashion Style

Are you ready to break out and find your very own fashion style? Everyone has his or her own unique fashion sense. Don’t just blindly follow the trends set by someone else. Here are some tips for you to help you search for the fashion that speaks of who you are.

First and foremost, to be able to make a fashion statement about yourself, it is important that you figure out your personality. Are you the fun, quirky type, the serious “brainy” type, or the athletic type? There are many different types of personalities, and discovering who you are will most definitely pave the way to discovering your own fashion style.

Go through your closet and separate the clothes you want to keep and those that you don’t. Check out the clothes you want to keep because they may help you in choosing the style that you want to have. At this point, you can either create a style that is based on your current clothes, or create one that is entirely new.

Be creative! Do not just think of fashion based on the norm or the current trend. Remember you’re making a fashion statement about yourself, so be brave and try different match-ups even if your friends may think it’s strange. Remember that not everything you try would be perfect. But at least you can learn from those errors and then improve because of them.

Choose colors and patterns that you think represent who you are. Having a signature color or pattern might make things easier for you when choosing your style or fashion. Use different accessories to compliment the clothes you wear. A simple accessory such as a bandana can define your style if you use it the right way.

It’s also not a bad idea to study different styles, not to copy them but to get different ideas from different stylists. Watch the fashion of celebrities, read fashion magazines and walk around the mall and check out the latest styles on sale. This will help you choose which styles you like and those you don’t.

Remember that choosing a style is not just about being different. Choosing your own type of fashion should be about being comfortable and being confident in wearing your clothes. If you feel embarrassed or awkward wearing something, then that style is probably something you should avoid.

Finding a unique style that is just for you needs a lot of time, a lot of sweat, and probably a lot of misses. But if you have the will and the determination, you can certainly achieve that goal. Coming up with your own fashion style may not be a piece of cake, but it will definitely be worth the effort.

Being a Professional Fashion Stylist Is an Excellent Career Choice

Are you looking for a new career or considering a change of direction? One career you could consider is as a personal stylist. By joining a professional stylist course & degree in fashion styling you can learn all the skills and techniques you will need to provide a professional service for your customers when you start trading as a professional stylist.

Increasing numbers of people are looking for professionals to help them restyle their wardrobes and restyle their outfits. It is easy to get into a rut with fashions and one way to resolve this is by consulting an expert who will help with advice and guidance on the best fashion choices.

And personal style is more important today than it has ever been. Not so long ago, the job of a stylist was one reserved only for those from the fashion industry who were advising the rich and famous. That is not the case any more. People of all ages and from all walks of life are looking for help to improve how they look.

Many men and women seek the help of a professional stylist for business reasons. Success in the business world is important and many people want to make sure their style represents who they are as professionals too. Many people seek the help of a stylist after a major life change like a divorce or weight loss. There are many reasons why someone might want to work with a professional to help them redevelop their style and wardrobe. There is no doubt that there is a huge and growing market for this career and that those who stake the step now to train and gain their qualifications will be ahead of the competition and in a position to enjoy a successful career.

On a stylist course, you will learn about engaging with clients, and talking them to establish their needs and fashion aspirations. You will learn all about color analysis and how choice of colors is as important as the style of clothing chosen. You will also develop an in-depth knowledge of all fashion styles, designs and trends. Being a good fashion stylist is not about knowing what is trendy, it is about understanding fashion, color and personal style to help each client develop their own unique style which suits their budget and their lifestyle.

Go online and find an excellent fashion stylist course that will help you learn the skills you need. With the right qualification you will be able to enjoy a varied and successful career, helping many different people to make the very best of their own style.

What better way to create a health business, and do something you love? The courses will help you add to your own fashion knowledge and sense of style. Wouldn’t you like to enjoy a successful career, rather than just have a job? Being a fashion stylist could help you to have a career more exciting, successful and amazing than you ever imagined. If you have been dreaming of a new career, consider being a fashion stylist.

Beauty Cosmetics For Men and Women

Cosmetics and make up items has been utilizing from many centuries by men and women all around the world. Among all, Egyptians are the more well-known people today to wear these beauty and cosmetics items. The Persian citizens also made wonderful offerings towards history of makeup. The significance of cosmetics has increased as lots of people would like to stay young and attractive. Cosmetics in the industry are readily available in distinct form like lotions, lipsticks, fragrances etc. Cosmetics like skin care creams and hair gels are used on a everyday basis by both ladies and males. Cosmetic creams serve as a pores and skin food for hard, dry and chapped skin color. Cosmetics assist to enhance our appearance and make us feel far more confident.

Cosmetics are something applied to your face or human body as a way to enhance your appearance. Makeup consists of anything from cold cream to lipstick. Makeup is often a branch of cosmetics which has to do with beautifying in the face. Throughout the early many years on the 20th century, makeup became fashionable while in the United States and Europe. Cosmetics and makeup in ancient times stood for symbolism in the class of your family. Throughout the years, men and women have put to use makeup for different factors. Cosmetics are any product that you simply put on your face or physique with the purpose of creating your appearance better, and perhaps creating your skin tone healthier.

Usually most of us use makeup as a way to think far well about ourselves. Women and men, both use makeup. Girls use far more of color makeup that guys. Anytime you invest in a cosmetic, read the label of ingredients carefully. If you ever know about any of them that may lead to dermatitis in you, do not use that merchandise. Some form of ingredients might cause skin problems that may possibly take a long time to disappear after treatment. Save yourself from skin tone inflammations and colored patches and blisters. Other use of make up which has just recently surfaced is as sun protection. This is a fantastic development mainly because before sun protection and make up were pretty difficult to blend together.

Advertisers have spent millions of dollars recently to industry the planet of hygiene and skin tone care to adult males. More and much more gentlemen are finding the joy in these items and the benefit from caring for the pores and skin and system with some additional pampering and attention. It is obvious that more marketing dollars are now being spent for the male gender. A trip to any grocery or department store will reveal entire lines of shampoos and hair color kits. When men come to feel that something has been produced just for them they’re additional likely to buy it, specifically the unmarried males that do not currently live with a woman. With so several items thrown at you day-to-day, it is usually challenging to understand where to begin. When a person shops on the internet, you have no chance to try for the color so it is usually a fine notion to know the points that you simply are trying to find. You will find on the net shops close to the globe that provide totally free shipping. It is a very good idea if you can find the correct item using a wonderful price.

The Fashion Style That’s Right for Your Body Type

Women have different body types and because of this, women require a different fashion style for each type. Sometimes it could be quite daunting to go shopping and not really know what clothes are best for you. Below are tips for you to follow about the best kind of clothes that’s right for your body type.

Petite women are those with heights up to 5 feet 4 inches. If you’re in this category, the best strategy for you is to find clothes that would elongate your whole frame. As much as possible, you have to try to stick to using one color or at least clothes with the same hue from top to bottom. This would help make you appear taller.

Also shop at petite sections, because wearing clothes that are too long or too big for you will make you appear shorter and smaller than you are. Having clothes that fit will is one of the most important things to remember when choosing a fashion style. And of course, as you need to look taller, wearing heels is never a bad idea.

For tall and slim women, it is a good idea to make sure you don’t wear pants that are too short for you. It makes you look bigger than you really are. Also, being tall and slim, creating curves is one of your goals. Wearing blouses with ruffles and frills will produce an illusion of a curvier body.

Your top should be just at the level of the waist and you should wear jackets to break off the length of the body. You should also go for belts, particularly colorful ones to emphasize your waistline and give you an hourglass shape. And try not to wear V-necks as they tend to elongate the body.

For women who are plus-sized, it is important to remember that the clothes you wear should be just the right fit. Wearing clothes that are too loose will make you look even bigger, and wearing clothes that are too tight will emphasize the “bulges” that you don’t want to direct attention to.

Straight leg jeans are great as they make your legs longer and slimmer. Your top should not be too long. It should just be below your waistline. Also, V-necks or scoop tops help elongate the body, giving it a slimmer look.

When looking for a fashion style that is good for you, you must always consider the different factors that can affect the way your clothes will look on you. Of course you must always dress for comfort, but you should aim to dress for confidence as well.

Latest Fashion News & Ideas: Old Fashion Is Bold

Many fashion trends are coming back from the old days to hit us this year in the most amazing ways. One of the most daring trends is the 90s trend. They are back today and with a small twist! Here are the latest fashion news & ideas for today.

The chokers is one of the most amazing 90s fashion style, and they are back and they are looking amazing! You can adopt any type of choker you want, whether a plain piece of ribbon, or a tattoo like choker, with all the black details. And for the edgy style lovers, you can pick a rock studded choker. Plaids have never been more in than they are now! It’s over every piece of clothing for women and men. This fashion trend is somewhat universal as anyone who adopts it falls in love with it! The spice girls sandals, the jelly sandals and the high platforms are back and not only for kids! Try this bold style with your daily look and let it add some peps to your fashion style. It’s been here for a while, and this trend is never enough. Ripped Jeans are here to stay and to take us with their rips to the nostalgic era of the 90s. Adopt scrunchies in your hairstyle, as they will add volume in the Tina Turner technique. Ditch the ordinary bags and choose backpacks to fit your style and silhouette. Be stylish in Overalls, as there’s no denying that they are the hottest trend of the 90s fashion style. Fall in love with the Birkenstock all over again since this trend is back.

You can also adopt the Gingham fashion. Seeing Gingham immediately means 90s. You can adopt it in an edgy style add some leather accessories and a cute leather jacket. Or you can have that all cute style, mix this print with some floral ones. You can also style it with denim, if you choose gingham top, style it with cute jeans, and could be boyfriend cut with a somewhat loose shirt and some converse. Choose gingham shorts and style them with a simple top that can get your styled and ready. Adopt a gingham top as a cardigan and keep it open while styling it with any look you want. Keep things formal in gingham and style them with some smart cut pants, maybe cropped ones, a blazer and a pair of high heeled shoes. Pick the big gingham prints; opt for big squares as they will give you a more fun look. Try them in pants. These pants are very fun and can easily give you a chilled and relaxed look.

Create Your Own Fashion Style 101

Fashion is a funny thing. Many people strive to be as fashionable as possible and they only wear the hottest new designers and that season’s “in” color. The point of fashion is to stand out and make yourself look unique and original. However, when everyone sees that runway show and then shows up at the city’s hottest night clubs in the signature outfit of a particular line, the worst situation happens. Everyone ends up looking the same! As hard as it is to believe, every piece of clothing, whether made by a top designer or a no-name company, is influenced by that season’s latest fashion trends. It is boring to look like everyone else, however. It is much more exciting to put together your own outfits and create a statement of your own.

You might be wondering how you can be original if every piece of clothing that is manufactured has somehow been influenced by fashion trends. One option is to make your own clothing! Many people enjoy working with patterns and a sewing machine. It can be quite fun especially because you can experiment with different types of fabric and cuts. When you are ready to model one of your latest dresses, throw on a pair of oversized sunglasses and your design will be an instant hit.

If you are not someone who is skilled with a thread and needle or you simply do not have time to spend on making your own clothing, then you just need to get creative with the items that are out there. Layering and mixing and matching are just two of the many ways you can spice up your everyday look. Since you are already familiar with the types of outfits that are popular already, you can try changing them up by using different accent pieces, such as a bold necklace or eye-catching belt.

You should also try shopping at boutiques or resale stores. You never know what great pieces of clothing you can find and, most of the time, you can alter these pieces very easily. Since the price is never too high, you have no qualms about altering it to make it your own! Every piece you come up with will always look great with oversized sunglasses. This extra accessory just makes your unique designs stand out more and you will establish yourself as a trendsetter in no time!