Most people like to be a trendsetter or be seen as fashion forward. But sometimes old pieces that were popular many moons ago can make their comebacks once again. One particular style of antique jewellery that is getting a lot of interests lately is the Art Deco style rings - as seen on Cressida Brondas' engagement ring. Its abstract designs and geometric patterns in contrasting colours easily makes itself stand out among antique jewellery styles.

The Art Deco movement was a popular style that began in the mid-1920s, continuing throughout the 1930s.  Jewellery produced during this period are considered as antiques and as such bear significant value. But how could you identify an authentic Art Deco diamond rings from other antique rings?

First, you must be familiar with antique jewellery. For any item to qualify as an antique, the age of the item is the principal criterion. Appraisers continue to debate on the length of time necessary for such a label, with some declaring that the item must be at least 100 years old and others stating a more lenient age of at least 50 years old. Art Deco rings are now over 50 years old, approaching a century in just a few more years.

There are rings that look like antique pieces but are actually not, so be extra careful with your purchases. Check to see if these items are marked as reproductions or are modern rings designed to look a lot like antiques. If you want to be sure about the authenticity of antique jewellery, make sure that you are dealing with reputable antique dealers who can assist you in identifying authentic antiques. You can also consult qualified appraisers and gemologists for accuracy of dates to know which design period your ring belongs to.

Here are some characteristics that can help establish the age of a ring:

1. Motif - The overall style of a ring is a spot-on identifier of age. The symbolisms, the choice of embellishments, the lines and patterns on the ring reflect the spirit of the times when it was first produced. Significant events, whether historical or cultural, can also influence motif.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - With the advancements in techniques and resources, gem cutting styles also progress and change with the different time periods. The gem facet styles and the shapes of cut gemstones can help pinpoint which era the antique engagement ring belongs to.
3. Popular Gemstones - Different gemstones became available at different periods in history, and their popularity as ring stones tend to follow colour and fashion trends. For example, diamonds on engagement rings were non-existent until the Renaissance. The first of which is Archduke Maximilian of Austria’s betrothal ring for Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
4. Metal Used - The types of metals used or the combinations used to create the ring can also help date a jewellery piece.

Art Deco Jewellery

Art Deco rings are currently considered as the most popular antique engagement rings. These are also the most abundant styles in the market. You might be wondering how could you tell if they are  authentic Art Deco engagement ring? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Motif - Popular motifs are from nature, such as the sun, animals, trees, and nudes. Egyptian, African, Oriental, and American Indian art influenced their designs and enamel accents were widely used. Bold geometric patterns and colours were also in style during this period.
2. Gem Cutting Styles - A distinctive characteristic of Art Deco rings is its choice of intricate cuts, ranging from Old European to calibre cuts.
3. Popular Gemstones - Diamonds were huge hits during the Art Deco era, but other precious gemstones such as emerald, sapphire and ruby were also used.
4. Metal Used - Majority of jewellery made in the Art Deco era were fashioned in either platinum or white gold. In fact, white gold was first introduced at around 1915, bumping yellow gold down the popularity scale. Plus, in the late 1920s, jewellers had perfected the art of filigree, which made it another feature typical of Art Deco jewellery.

Follow the above tips and they should help you spot an authentic Art Deco jewellery piece to start your collection.


How to Care After Your Silver Jewellery

There are tons of beautiful and interesting custom necklace and silver jewellery pieces available nowadays. For example, like these infinity necklaces. But, it is also very important to take the time and effort to care after your silver. Because you do not want your jewellery to get damaged or lose its shine. This post will give you the basics that you need in order to ensure that your silver jewellery stays in top condition.

Every now and then it's a good habit to clean your jewellery to ensure that it does not deteriorate. How you do this is actually a lot simpler than many people imagine it to be. All you have to do is fill up a small basin, such as a washing up bowl, with warm water and a very mild detergent. Be careful not to use bleach or any other strong cleaning products as this will damage your silver even further. Once the bowl is filled, carefully wash each piece of silver and then leave it on a towel to dry. If you have stones on your jewellery, you can use a soft toothbrush to lightly brush in between the claws. It really is as simple and as easy as that!

There are certain precautions you can take whilst wearing your jewellery to ensure that it does not come into contact with anything which may cause a substantial amount of damage. One of the best things you can do, which you will be glad to hear about, is wear your silver as much as possible. If you leave your silver laying around in the bottom of your jewellery box, it is more likely to tarnish then if you are wearing it on a frequent basis. It is also advisable that you try to avoid contact with rubber as much as possible whilst wearing silver.

Sterling Silver Infinity Necklace

You also need to consider the type of jewelry you are wearing when determining the best way to go about washing it. After all, washing jewelry like helix piercing or any other sort of jewelry that is going to go inside of your skin needs to be considered even more carefully. You do not want to do something that is going to cause skin irritation. The vast majority of studs and pieces of jewelry like this are going to come with instructions so that you know exactly how to clean and wash them in the most effective manner. This will not only make sure that your jewelry lasts for as long as possible but it will also help to make sure you don’t suffer an infection or anything like this.

So there you have it… It really is that simple to clean and maintain the quality of your silver jewellery and avoid an unwanted hasty trip back to the jewellers.



Things Your Shoes Say About You

I confess that I'm a weaker for everything in stripes. They're timeless and will never go out of style. I gravitate towards them when I see dresses and tops in this classic pattern at the mall. But sometimes wearing stripes can be tricky. Vertical stripes can help create an illusion of an elongated body. Horizontal stripes on the other hand can put emphasis on width and create a broader body frame.

Colours and size of the stripes can also make or break the look as well. Black and white stripes are bold and can be very busy to look at. I remember wearing this long pinstripe dress and was told I resemble Beetlejuice or a referee. You certainly want to avoid associations like that!

Today, I’m sharing my latest obsessions that I’ve added to my wardrobes in this beautiful stripe pattern.

Striped Dress Try-On

I wore this lovely striped dress from Blooming Jelly recently on a road trip to Ottawa. The fabric is light and very comfortable on my body for the entire 4-and-a-half-hour car ride. I love that the dress comes with adjustable spaghetti straps. I’m usually iffy with spaghetti straps because they are sometimes too long and they keep falling off my shoulders. Or they are too short and tight for my armpits. With these adjustable straps, I can make them however long I want. And I didn’t have a problem with them walking around in Ottawa or sitting in transit.

I especially love the asymmetrical buttons that lead to a front slit. The slit just falls right on my thigh without being too high. The fit is perfect for me. I’d say it is very true to size with a bit of room around the waistline. One thing to note is that the dress doesn't have a lining but it's not see-through as well so I don't mind it at all. The bottom skirt is slightly A-line so I still have room to move around. I also adore the hidden zipper detail on the side. The last thing I want is to unbutton the entire dress in order to get it on and off me! The back also has an elastic and is stretchy, so there’s room for those with wider chest. This dress also comes in different colours and is on sale now!

Button Up Wrap Dress - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

How I Wore a Striped Dress

I chose a light grey and the colour is perfect for summer. It’s neutral enough that I can pair easily with my basket handbag and accessorize with either a wide brim straw hat or a pearl hair clip that’s so in-style now. For shoes, this dress can go with a pair of platform sandals like how I wore here. Or for a casual chic look, a pair of white sneakers can work really well. Because I’m only 5’4, I needed the extra height in my shoes to give me better proportion with this dress.

Button Up Wrap Dress - C/O Blooming Jelly // Basket Handbag - Similar // Wedge Sandals - Just Fab // Pearl Hair Clip - Yesstyle

Button Up Wrap Dress - C/O Blooming Jelly // Basket Handbag - Similar // Wedge Sandals - Just Fab // Pearl Hair Clip - Yesstyle

Striped Swim Suit Try-On

To be honest with you, this is my 3rd striped swimsuit I have in my closet. I thought the swimsuit was super cute when I first opened it from the package. I’m usually hesitant to buy swim suit online because I worry about the fit and the size. But this swim suit blew me away. Not only it’s flattering on me, it also fits all the right spot! This baby blue colour is bright but not too bold and really pops on fair skin complexion. I don’t have a lot of chest so the lace details on the front area give something there to see. The halter V-neck line is very flattering. The chest falls in the right areas and is also slightly padded which I love. The torso is not too long nor short for my height. I also love the fact that the bottom has enough coverage for the bum so I feel confident wearing it to the pool or the beach. And the good news is right now they're doing 40% off and only cost $28.99!

Halter Lace Patchwork Swimsuit - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

Halter Lace Patchwork Swimsuit - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

Halter Lace Patchwork Swimsuit - C/O Blooming Jelly // Tulip Phone Case - C/O Ideal of Sweden

Cute Dresses to Wear to Your Next Brunch Date

We've all probably dreamt of what our dream marriage proposal would be like. A marriage proposal can be both nerve-wracking and exciting to plan and execute, especially if the marriage proposal is done somewhere a bit off the wall. There've been many documented marriage proposals that have taken place somewhere a bit out of the ordinary and today, I'm sharing with you some of the unique ones that I've encountered during my visit in Sydney.

If you're considering proposing to your loved one in the near future and want to do it somewhere really different, please read on. The marriage proposal needs to be as memorable as the wedding itself, so whether you’re looking into helicopter flights or even underwater on the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll never be short of venues in Australia.

Source

A Surprise With A Difference

First things first, although you may have lots of weird and wonderful ideas as to where to make your marriage proposal you need to be sure that your loved one will appreciate it as well. I know some people prefer proposing in public, but this can be excruciatingly embarrassing for the other person, especially if the answer is negative. Sunset on the beach may be a nice idea but it's been done before. Choosing something that's memorable and that your partner would appreciate is important. For example, if she is scared of heights, a roof stop restaurant, hot air balloon ride or even a helicopter flight, your marriage could be over before it starts! However, if your future spouse has no fear of heights and is up for anything that's adventurous and different, what would you choose? A hot air balloon trip? The top of a bungee jump? A helicopter tour over Sydney? There're many cool options out there but in my opinion, a marriage proposal in the sky represents the utmost in romance and can be very memorable.

If you are based in or around Sydney, one of those helicopter flights is probably the best option. Affordable, convenient and close to home are 3 ingredients that can make your marriage proposal an occasion to remember for all the right reasons.

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What Can I Expect With A Sydney Helicopter Flight?

The companies that run Sydney helicopter flights are eager to give you the best possible experience and will generally offer some type of package when you enquire.

The flights will generally consist of 25-30 minutes air time direct from Sydney Airport. If you select a night flight (recommended for romance!), you will see the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the city lights that outline the harbour.

Most packages include:

• Complimentary refreshments before/after the flight
• Photo opportunities in front of the helicopter
• Informative expert commentary with BOSE voice activated headsets

This is the ultimate marriage proposal venue and as an added benefit, leaves you with more than enough time for a romantic meal after the flight. Even if it's just touring around Sydney, a helicopter ride is still a fun way to site-see and make those lasting memories.

A well-regarded, long established helicopter tour company may even put on something special to mark this special occasion - call them and find out, you won’t know until you ask! 

What's your dream marriage proposal like?

Check out my down under travel guide!

30 Feet Under the Great Barrier Reef - My First Scuba Diving Experience

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Travelling to Australia in a Short Time

Okay, I'm not going to lie. I love wearing dresses and cute outfits to brunch! Anyone out there who's on the same boat as me? Dressing up and going to brunch is like cookies and milk to me. They go hand in hand. And I do think that wearing something pretty or something I love is an instant mood booster. It’s a great way to start the day!

Lately, I'm in love with all the wrap dresses I see online. They're flirty and flowy, so perfect for hot, humid summer days. And today, I'm sharing a round up-of some of my favourite AND affordable dresses under $30 from Zaful that you can wear to brunch dates!

Wrap Dresses I Love

I love prints. I think I've said it far too many times in my outfit posts. Whether they are animal prints, floral, geometric pattern or stripes, they always catch my eyes first. I just think that prints are more playful to wear in summer.

I especially love the V-necklines on these dresses. They're sexy without showing too much chest. Not that I have much to show any way…but you get the idea.

While wrap dresses are quite feminine and girly, they are extremely comfortable to wear! And that’s a huge deal. I remember the times when I had to remove my belt or unzip my skirt after a substantial meal because I wore something that was not stretchy. How embarrassing and silly of me! But with wrap dresses, I can easily create more room by loosen up the tie knot at the waistline. And nobody would even notice the difference! Wrap dresses have now become my favourite wardrobe of choice to wear to any brunch dates.

How to Wear Wrap Dresses

There’re many ways you can wear your wrap dresses. For a chic look, I like to pair with wedges and a woven tote. This is a great look for brunch and just strollin’ around town. For a more casual look, like heading to a beach, a pair of crossover sandals will make you look more effortless. Depending on where I’m going, I’d wear a wide brim hat or tie my hair back in a bun.

You don’t need a lot of accessories with wrap dresses, since the prints are loud already. But I like to accessorize with a pair of bright colour tassel earrings. They are so fun! Here are some of my favourites:

What do you like to wear to a brunch date?



*This post is sponsored by Zaful but all opinions are my own.

Australia is a big country, and it has so much to offer! It’s a popular place to visit for very good reasons. And everyone who visits has something amazing to say when they come home. If you're planning a trip to Australia, you might be wondering how do you go about planning a route around the whole place? And how do you plan and structure your itinerary?

Well, with the tips I’ve collected for you below, you’ll have a much easier time planning out your days. Travelling around Australia isn't as hard as you think, so don't worry, I've got you covered!

Image Credit

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, Australia

Know the Distance

There’s a lot of ground you’re going to have to cover, even when you’re only visiting one or two cities whilst you’re on vacation in Australia. So, before you jet off and touchdown, it’s important to know just how far you’re going to need to travel. After all, you’ll be much better informed on how many miles you’ll have to cover each day, and the amount of fuel you’ll need for your tank. And that’s if you’re deciding to use a car!

When I was travelling to Australia, I booked a flight from Toronto to Sydney. But after doing more research, I decided to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reefs while there in Australia. So I ended up booking another flight from Sydney to Cairns. If I had done my homework properly before booking my airfare, I would have flown from Toronto to Cairns then to Sydney and back home. It would save me some time and money.

If you’re interested, you can take a look at a table of the most common distances people need to travel right here.

Got a little taste of what paradise looks like at Cape Tribulation, Australia. A remote headland where the world's oldest rainforest collides with the Great Barrier Reef. Serene beaches, laid-back vibe, small village, I could retire here.

  

Get in a Car

Speaking of using a car - renting out a vehicle for your time in Australia is usually the most cost-effective method to get around the country. If you’re on a time limit, and you can’t waste precious minutes on buses that are late and trains that stop at every single station along the way, you’re going to want to take out a rental.

Thankfully, you’re not short on options, especially in Perth, Western Australia. There’s plenty of car rental companies available around the airport, and you can always get in a car share if you’re not able to take out a vehicle of your own at this time. There’s plenty of options, as long as you know where to look!

On our way to Cape Tribulation, a 140 km journey, we drove along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef drive.

Stay in the Middle of Town

And finally, the accommodation you book in for definitely matters. After all, the closer you stay to your destination of choice, the less you’re going to need to travel. You might even be able to cover the distance on foot most of the time! Just make sure you pack a couple of water bottles if that’s your plan.

So, if you stay in the town centers, you’re going to be much closer to all of the action. You’re going to be able to use city center transportation to get around, and then there are the convenience stores you’re always going to have access to. And remember, you’ll have plenty of landmarks to act as a reference if you get lost.

Three Sisters, Blue Mountain, Australia

Travelling around Australia, when you're short on time, doesn’t have to be a struggle. Use tips like these to move around effectively.

Check out my down under travel guide!

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Choosing what shoes to wear can require a lot of thinking. What you are doing will impact your decision making. For example, you wouldn't want to climb a mountain in a pair of heels, and you wouldn't want to go dancing in walking boots. The weather comes into play too. We all know that sandals are no good in snowy wintertime, and knee-high leather boots would probably be a bit much for summer days.

The choice of shoes will also depend on your outfit. Picking the right footwear can elevate a more casual outfit to something more formal, or it could dress down a fancy skirt. Choosing the right shoes for your dress can be hard work too. But aside from the practicalities, you may have a pair that you tend to gravitate towards than others. Have you wondered what your favorite pair of shoes say about you?

What Does Your Favourite Shoes Say About You?

Your choice of footwear might not be the first thing that people notice about you. But when you meet someone for the first time, you might have already made an impression in their heads. Fashion picks up meanings and symbolism from how and when it is worn. A celebrity choosing a particular style can get the world. So how do we dig through these social rules surrounding our shoes to work out what our footwear says about us?

According to fashion experts, here are what your shoes could say about you:

Heels and Stilettos

Adding a touch of class to your outfit with some heels can help you appear more confident. Beautiful heels can give you a sense of poise when you walk and give you an extra boost of elegance. Fashion experts say that these shoes conveys confidence and are often worn by women with great taste.

Women wearing flashy heels can be seen as being materialistic and high maintenance. But fashion experts believe that they’re usually hardworking girl bosses who are determined and self-driven.

Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are not designed to cover long distance. For some people, flip flops only come out on lazy days, beach days and during vacations, while some others like to wear them as their everyday footwear. People associate flip-flops wearer as easy-going and laidback. They usually like to go with the flow and take life at their own pace.

Boots

Boots can be practical. They cover your whole feet, keeping them warm, dry, and protected. Walking boots or fashion boots like Dr. Martens, adds a bit of edge to a feminine outfit.

A woman wearing combat boots or boots of sort can be perceived as having a strong personality and are often the ones to take control of the situation. They also like to have a plan for the future. Believe it or not, but boots wearers also are believed to have a masculine side in their personalities. 

Wedges

Wedges lift your body gracefully. And while they don't quite have the same level of poise and elegance as high heels, they are more inviting to look at. Wedge wearers are often perceived as approachable and outgoing individuals. The impression for someone wearing wedges is not as strong than people in heels.

Scruffy Shoes

If you wear your shoes until they look a bit tatty, people may see this as a sign that you value other priorities in life more than how you look. Someone with scruffy shoes convey a sense of pragmatism and are said to be down-to-earth. They tend to be more low-maintenance and have fewer shoes in their collection.

Sneakers

Experts believe that people who love wearing sneakers are usually energetic and youthful. They can be friends with everyone and are often the life of the party. Whether they are plain white sneakers or colourful sneakers, sneakers lovers enjoy exploring ideas and options around them.

Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots are sexy and flirty. They help create an illusion of having longer and slender legs and demand attention. When they’re paired with mini skirt, it can convey a loud sexual statement. Knee-high boots tend to give an impression of strength and dominance.

Quirky Shoes

Bright coloured shoes stand out and demand attention. Wearers of colourful or quirky shoes are usually extroverts. They aren’t afraid to be the spotlight and show others their personalities. Someone who gravitates towards bold prints and colours are usually willing to be bold and vocal about themselves and are comfortable with who they are.

Trainers

While some people may wear trainers for comfort, they are generally worn by people who are active and enjoys fitness activities. Someone who wears trainers everywhere they go is believed to be goal-oriented and enjoys a good challenge.

Flats

Flats can be a popular choice for people to wear to work and go about their lives. They can be comfortable for standing and walking around for a long period of time. Flats lovers are believed to be hard-working and very focused. They’re always the ones running around behind the scene to get things done.

You may own more than a few pairs of shoes and your style may change over time.  But your favourite pair that you seem to be wearing more frequently than others may reflect different aspects of your personality. You might fit quite a few of the character types above, or you might not fit any. Wearing different types of shoes could make you feel a certain way, and that might be the persona that you want to project on that occasion.

Regardless of what the personalities your shoes may say about you, it’s important to wear whatever that you feel comfortable in and always be the person you want to be.  


Do you agree with the above? What type of shoes do you tend to wear more?

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It's the season where we all turn our faces to the endless blue skies and puffy white clouds and daydream where our next vacation would be. If you live somewhere that remains mostly grey throughout the year, you might be wishing you could get away to somewhere sunny or even extend that regular vacation into something longer.

Globetrotting is something that everyone should try to do at least once in a lifetime. You could experience the medley of cultures across the planet and seeing the sun setting in different horizons. That’s one of the best life experiences that you could get!

Other than a lack of sufficient vacation days from work, money could be one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to travelling. But with a little thinking outside the box, you can bypass the money issue in its entirety and see the world. Sure, you might have to change up what you have in mind for the perfect vacation, but it's worth it.

A fancy beach hotel with the infinity pool might not fit your budget, but if you’re willing to go for a more down to earth experience, then there’re ways you could make your dream of travelling come true. Here’re 8 tried and true ways to bring down your budget. Let's go!

Open-air bath in the middle of Pacific Ocean

Colosseum in Rome

Save Your Airfare

Airline tickets can often be enough for someone to put their world travel dreams to bed, but it doesn't have to be a deal breaker. You can get around the high-ticket prices in many ways. For example, the credit card that you use probably has tons of travel rewards and benefits that you may not have discovered yet. Some card companies have points systems whereby you can earn points for purchases, and as you build them up, you can exchange them for miles. Another trick is to clear cookies on your computer. Your computer reads your searches and saves them, so next time, you may find that your ticket prices shoot up!

Haggle, Haggle, Haggle

There’s an art to haggling down a price. For example, when you are dealing with accommodation, you can get the price down simply by asking. If you're planning to travel for a longer duration, you might want to look for a studio apartment for rent monthly. That way, you could negotiate a lower price by paying all upfront. If you don't ask, you don't get. And that’s the harsh reality. You might get turned down in your haggling efforts, and that's okay, you can try again another time. Always smile and always keep as friendly as possible, what's the worst that could happen?

House Sitting Can Be A Winner

There’re services out there asking for house and pet sitters, and you can find these around the world. And the best thing is that you can often earn some extra cash for doing so. Hotels can put a real hole in your travel budget. Consider refraining putting your dollars in a pillow menu and a rainfall shower, instead put them towards the travel experiences. Check out sites like this and see if you can house sit your way around the world.

Self-Cater Where You Can

All-inclusive vacations can be attractive, and it's because it saves you time from planning and having to cook or clean up after yourself. However, when you’re trying to travel around the world, you’ll need to save up for the experiences as much as you can. If you have an apartment to stay in while you travel, you might want to consider self-catering. Not only you're in control of the ingredients and budget, you can choose how extravagant or economical you want a meal to be. You can even meal prep and have them ready to go while travelling.

Use Public Transit

Renting a car can be expensive, and taking the taxis everywhere isn't always the most practical. Sometimes being behind the wheel can also take away from the experience you're having as you can't even interact with locals and your surroundings as much. A great tip that is often suggested by travel sites is to walk as much as you can. And if not, look into the public transit system or rent a bike. A lot of major cities have robust public transit system that can take you almost everywhere with ease and little cost. You could meet locals and new friends and learn a whole lot more about the city that you’re visiting at the same time.

Biking around Kyoto, Japan

Cinque Terre, Italy

Think Twice About Souvenirs

Most of the friends and families might expect you to bring home some souvenirs, especially if you are traveling the world. It's time to say a hard nope. Souvenirs could add to your cost and also weight to your luggage. And you’d want to minimize these as much as possible. When you're travelling around the globe, it’s best to travel as lightly as possible. Instead of spending on souvenirs, consider sending them a postcard instead. You could even post photos on social media to allow your loved ones to see your journey as you go.

Work If You Can

Working at a bar, serving tables and pouring coffee is one of the best ways to earn some money for your adventure to prolong the time that you're traveling. You can go from place to place, seeing the world and paying as you go. It's a great way to learn the area and get to know new people, too! Check out these 15 ways to earn money while traveling.