Maria Tash Piercings

Although I'm not a big fan of multiple ear piercings for myself, I know where I'd go if I were. Full disclosure, I got my ears single-pieced when I was 22 years old because I looked in my car mirror to change lanes on my way home from work one day to see that I had lost another clip-on earring. That is what it took to get me to pull into a shopping center, enter a high-end store, and have my ears pieced on the spot. Definitely, a sensible move if you don't want to continue losing earrings. 

Nowadays multiple ear piercings are trendy, but I don't want to work that hard, or have to buy so many earrings! However, if you don't mind buying and putting in all those extra earrings on in a given day, having your piercings done by Maria Tash is the smart way to go. It's costly, yet anytime you decide to permanently alter your body THE SAVVY SHOPPER recommends paying the piper to have it done properly by a well-trained professional. It's safer and you avoid mistakes when putting holes in your flesh.

At Maria Tash, you 1st meet with a stylist who examines and measures your ears and then gives you advice and suggestions to make sure your vision matches the anatomy of your ears. The locations of the piercings are determined along with you and marked with a special pen before the needle goes in, so the piercings are personalized, even, and precise.

Every client heals at a different rate. Healing times also depend on the piercing location. The chart below gives you an idea of approximately how long it takes for ear piercings to heal.

The earrings you buy are 14-carat or 18-carat gold with GIA-certified diamonds, as well as, colored gemstones. They come in many sizes, shapes, lengths, and styles to fit individual customers.

Maria Tash has locations all over the world including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, London, Dublin, Paris, and the Middle East. Taylor Swift, Naomi Watts, and Helen Mirren are a few celebrity clients.

Save up ... having your ears pieced at Maria Tash ain't cheap, but money well spent!💰💸🤑

Despite not being a fan of multiple piercings, I am a fan of having your piercings done at Maria Tash for the hygiene and precision. You need an expert who'll pierce in the right places. 

One word of caution: For the luxury price, the retailer should offer a lifetime warranty on their jewelry, but it doesn't. Often customers must pay for repairs, which IMHO reflects badly on Marla Tash. Why not stand behind pricey jewelry?

Extra Tips: Maria Tash earrings are also sold by 3rd party jewelers, which you can look for in your town. James Free offers 20% off Black Friday sales. Other 3rd party sellers, such as Tappers and Millo, offer free shipping and returns. 

The earrings are beautiful and real gold, yet it's the skill of the piercers that drives a Savvy Shopper to pay a premium.  

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Loewe's Poplular Puzzle Bag

Photo: Fashionphile

The popular decade-old Puzzle bag was the debut bag of Loewe's new creative director in 2014, Jonathan Anderson, and what a brilliant brainchild it turned out to be, putting a purse from a forgotten heritage brand on top of every luxury fashionista's wish list. The puzzle bag's unique cuboid shape and cutting method create its recognizable geometric lines. It was first conceived as a man's duffle bag. After women began buying it, the puzzle bag was also parlayed over to the women's department.

The Puzzle bag became a hit, not only due to its artistic modern design but also because of its rich and durable calf leather and outstanding craftsmanship. Each bag is hand-stitched together. The bag is fairly practical too. Not only does it hold all your everyday essentials, but it's also super versatile to use: You can clutch carry it, grab its top handle, or wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag. Plus the bag has no screaming logos. Industry people like to call the Puzzle bag quiet-luxury, an if you know, you know bag. It also folds flat.

The bag is available in 5 sizes: Nano (5.25 x 4" x 2"), Mini (6.75" x 4.5"), Small (9.5" x 6.25" x 4.25"), Medium (11.5" x 7.75" x 4.75") and Large (14" x 8.25" x 5.75"). 

Now there are 2 versions, the Original Puzzle bag and a redesigned version called the Puzzle Edge bag. Here's the difference: (1) The Original Puzzle bag is made of several pieces of leather that are separately hand-sewn together, and it takes longer to make while (2) the Puzzle Edge bag has fewer pieces of leather that are folded into the same iconic cuboid shape for quicker production. (1) The Original has visible black lines where the seams are sewn together (2) while the Edge with leather folds doesn't. (1) The Original bag has metal feet and (2) the Puzzle Edge omits them. I don't know about you, but I favor bags with metal feet to protect the bottom of the bag. Why remove them?

Photo: Fashionphile

Many observers fear the Puzzle Edge is replacing the Original Puzzle bag, but so far both editions are for sell on the company's website at about the same price.

So will the original puzzle bag eventually be phased out? Nobody knows, but it kind of looks like it. More customers seem to prefer the original over the newer puzzle edge.

The puzzle bag still maintains its early duffle bag likeness, and fashion editors think it will be around for a long, long time to become a classic, making it hold its value on the resale market.

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COACH In Lieu Of Jacquemus

I sound like a broken record, in saying I'm not a luxury bag maven. Instead, I'm loyal to COACH because you can't beat the leather, craftsmanship, or durability of its bags while spending far less money than what you'd pay for similar in-quality, luxury handbags. I hope the fantastic value of COACH continues into the future as Tapestry, COACH's parent company, recently bought Versace. How disappointing if we start seeing steep price hikes on COACH bags! So far, so good!

Certainly, I appreciate a well-made handbag, and can understand the appeal and temptation of procuring the top-tier luxury brands! Yet, even luxury bags that aren't as exclusive, well-made, or insanely overpriced as Hermès are expensive! Let me show you one example that sells for around $1,000 then I'll show you a COACH handbag to consider costing about 1/7 less in price. Wouldn't it be great to keep a tidy sum of your own money in your bank account?

The Jacquemus Le Grand Bambino Crossbody at $1,025 is a stunning classic handbag. If you bought it in a department store like Nordstrom, or Neiman Marcus at the right time, you could shave off roughly $130 from its full retail price. There is nothing wrong with this bag ... it's notable in leather, style, and craftsmanship.

And yet, if you're willing to compromise a tad on style to still end up with a smart, classic, and stellar leather handbag, consider the COACH Large Morgan Crossbody. At COACH's Outlet, the Morgan costs between $135 - $199 depending on color. It comes in black, white, light violet, light blue, dark green, red, and blocked canvas. While stock lasts, the Morgan is offered in either refined calf or crocodile-textured leathers. The workmanship of COACH is impeccable, plus guaranteed for life.

Obviously, the Morgan and Bombino aren't replicas of one another, but both bags have a similar shape, size, and classic vibe. Although I love the top handle and edginess of the Jacquemus, personally I wouldn't pay an extra $800 for it because the bags are enough alike in the ways that matter. You get the effect for far less moola. A true handbag aficionado would likely want the Bombino at any cost. Are you a bag enthusiast who'd part with an extra $800 if you had a similar cheaper option?

COACH is accessible to everyone with a job. I prefer sales to exclusiveness. COACH possesses everything I need: Classic style, fine leather, excellent craftsmanship, and durability at a fair price.

Of the two brands featured, which bag would you buy? Please explain.

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A Cheatsheet: How To Clean Fine Jewelry

 Photos: Macy's except where marked

If jewelry is your luxury of choice, a Savvy Shopper selects classic pieces she'll wear time and again. Keeping fine jewelry in a box is a complete waste of money! Wear it daily and enjoy it.

Take off your jewelry before showering, washing dishes, or cleaning around the house to prevent scratching the metal or damaging any gemstones. Only when traveling do I wear my jewelry to bed (so I don't accidentally leave a piece behind). At home, I remove my necklaces, rings, or earrings before bed so nothing breaks. Put them away in a safe place. Also at home, I remove my rings before washing my hands with soap.

Periodically it's important to clean jewelry so it continues to sparkle. Here's a ...

Cheatsheet on how to properly clean your fine jewelry:

For gold: 

To clean gold, a mixture of soap and warm water is recommended. Soak the pieces first if you wish. Gold jewelry without gemstones can also be cleaned with rubbing alcohol and then raised with water, but soap and water are all you really need. Buff the precious metal dry with a soft cloth.

For silver: Silver is softer than gold. Clean silver with soap and warm water or a silver polishing cloth. You can also safely use a professional silver cleaner like Tarn-x. Don't use paper towels or tissues to clean silver. They are too abrasive and might scratch the silver.

Gemstones

For amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, diamond, garnet, morganite, quartz, certified ruby, sapphire, tanzanite, and topaz: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

For emeralds, jade, onyx, opals, peridot, and turquoise: Clean with a damp cloth and a soft toothbrush. Avoid soaking in water and sudden temperature changes. Heat can damage emeralds, opals, and peridots. (Heat will also lighten sapphires.) Emeralds commonly have jardins (which are inclusions such as cracks or air bubbles). Opals can have from 6% - 10% of water content. 

For pearls: Drop a soft cloth in warm water and mild dishwashing soap to wipe the pearls. Follow with a wipe of clean water. Do not soak the pearls in a soapy solution. Pearls are soft (a 4 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness) and are sometimes strung on a silk thread, so soaking can damage them.

For all of your gemstones, here are some final tips: Avoid rapid temperature changes, steaming machines, and ultrasonic devices. Trust only a trained jeweler to deep clean your gemstones. Avoid direct sunlight, chlorine, perfume, hairspray, and harsh chemicals.

Fine jewelry is too costly to take unnecessary risks. Take care of your precious metals and gemstones by cleaning them gently and safely.

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Coach Has Cute Novelty Bags

Bow or bone bag

I'm a huge fan of COACH bags for the brand's quality leather(s), craftsmanship, and price. You get a lot of bag for the money, especially when catching a sale. I don't tend to buy novelty bags but think they're super cute! So I'll feature several of the fun, unconventional COACH bags for the handbag mavens who read the blog. Perhaps you have functions to attend where you can sport a statement bag that is less practical with a touch of whimsy, as well as, have the closet space to store it.

Star bag

Duck bag

Heart bags in Nappa or Glovetan leathers 

A Lip bag in Glovetan leather

Much like an evening bag, you can only carry a few essentials - a cardholder or slim wallet, keys, comb, maybe lipstick, inside these bags ... not your go-everywhere necessities. These fun bags are about the same price as a roomy-sized everyday bag. Some customers have the budget and closet space for such bags, and if so, they need to look no further than COACH for the same stellar quality as you'll find in all COACH bags.

 

Do you have a favorite shape?

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Stuff I Don't Bother to Buy Anymore

Zebra Plant

When I started working and earning wages there were a few commodities I always bought that I don't value or bother with anymore. Here are 5 of them:

1) Scented hand and body lotions - For years freesia was my signature scent. Today I've replaced all scented body and hand lotions with drugstore brands, namely CeraVe and Cetaphil Moisturizing Creams, and use them as all-purpose (from face to toe) moisturizers. I love both dermatologist-formulated, fragrance-free brands, so much that I don't need to buy anything else. I mainly stick with these two, although I like other drugstore moisturizers such as salves from Neutrogena, Palmers, and Aveeno to name a few. I've moved on from freesia also. If I want a scent, I dab on drops of genuine Bulgarian rose oil. 

2) Scented Candles - News stories warned us that synthetic fragrances usually contain phthalates that get released into the air as candles burn. Phthalates can be inhaled and dissolved into the skin. They get absorbed into the bloodstream to alter hormone levels and worsen asthma. Since it was reported, I don't bother buying candles. Then a careless hookah-smoking neighbor set her apartment on fire causing hardship and 4 maintenance hikes which were passed on to all the tenants in our building. Nowadays there's little joy in the thought of letting candles burn in my apartment.

These will stay on the runway.

3) Clothes - Although I continue my efforts to look polished, COVID has changed the world and me. I no longer aspire to be a fashionista. Apparel doesn't hold the same appeal or importance to me. Wearing coordinated and comfortable basics time and again is fine and dandy. No-fuss clothing I can machine wash, dry, and wear tempts me now.

Cute, but nope.

4) Shoes - Although I have shoes for every purpose: dressy heels, casual flats, supportive walking shoes, sporty sneakers, airy sandals, warm/rain/snow boots, and cozy houseshoes, my interest in new pairs only kicks in when something old wears out. 

5) House plants - One potted pathos sits in the corner of my living room. For a decade I also had an African Violet but after it died in its 10th year, I never replaced it. I also killed a Zebra plant, as well as, several Poinsettias over the years. At Christmas, I don't buy Poinsettias anymore. I'm fine with my only thriving greenery, a Golden Pathos.

A golden pothos 

Hmm, am I becoming an old fogey? Are there things you once bought regularly but over time seem to have grown out of bringing home and fooling with them?

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Blue Diamonds Hold The Earth's Secrets

Photo: IFLScience

Full disclosure: I'm not a scientist and I don't want to take credit for the work of others. All I can do is read a bunch of sources, then put some of the facts together so you don't have to read all those sources yourself. The following is a paraphrasing -- the Turner "CliffsNotes" -- from several sources on a subject I love covering ... gemstones and jewelry! In today's blog, let's learn more about blue diamonds!

Photo: The Hope Diamond - Smithsonian

Only 1 out of 200,000 diamonds are blue. Like all other diamonds blue diamonds were formed billions of years ago when the element carbon was exposed to extreme heat and pressure deep in the earth's mantle. Clear (a/k/a white) diamonds are pure carbon. If traces of boron contaminate the carbon during its growth, a blue diamond is created. The industry calls all colored diamonds fancy diamonds.

Photo: MID: Okavango Blue

Scientists are intrigued by the origin of blue diamonds because they hold many of the earth's secrets. Once an enchanting mystery, gemologists now think they understand how these extremely rare blue gemstones came about. It also gives us clues about the evolution of the earth, itself. After the Gemological Institute of America conducted studies using lasers to uncover impurities (minerals) that got trapped inside blue diamonds, the experts started to assemble a picture of how and where blue diamonds were formed.

Photo: Getty - The National

Based on their discoveries, scientists know that blue diamonds were formed much deeper in the earth (below 410 miles) than other diamonds (formed between 90 miles - 125 miles below the earth's surface). It is believed that boron in the ocean floor "was pushed down when plates that make up the Earth's crust collided," making the diamonds appear blue. (According to researchers, boron lets the diamonds "absorb some red light, so the diamonds look blue.")

Getty - The Oppenheimer

Diamond deposits formed very deep within the earth eventually reach the surface by volcanic eruptions.

Now we know how some of the big rare blue gemstones such as the Hope Diamond and Oppenheimer Diamond were born. Billions of years ago Mother Nature had to come together in just the right way to produce them and for humans to find and have them all these years later.

Heart of Eternity

Both blue and white diamonds are graded using the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat. But! Blue diamonds are so rare and in demand for their beauty, that they tend to cost more per carat than white diamonds. The blue diamonds that become well-known and fetch millions of dollars at auctions invoke excitement and fame because their unique size, color, and clarity are so rare.

Mouawad Blue

As it happens I don't have any blue diamond jewelry. Diamonds are valued for their sparkle and brilliance. Colored gemstones will have less sparkle than white diamonds. Their value is determined by the vividness, tone, and saturation of their color. Vivid blue diamonds are so rare and expensive that we get less for the money than if we buy white (a/k/a clear) diamonds. I have never been tempted to buy blue diamonds because blue diamonds aren't very budget-friendly, and I don't want to spend a lot of money on faint or tiny blue diamonds! I'd rather compromise by buying a commercial-grade sapphire.

The good news is scientists can make blue diamonds in a lab. Laboratory diamonds are grown in an artificial setting that mimics how diamonds grow naturally below the earth's mantle. Lab-grown diamonds are getting better and more plentiful all the time, which is lowering the prices per carat of all diamonds! 

The color of these blue diamond earrings looks enhanced. You never see such dazzling blue diamonds in jewelry display cases! They did, however, inspire me to write the blog. Wouldn't we love to own real blue diamond earrings just like them? Of course we would!:)💙🔵  

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Thursday's Chelsea Boots And More

It was hard to pick only one style to feature!

Thursday is the name of a boot company right up THE SAVVY SHOPPER's alley! It's the type of business I love to introduce to my readers. The boot company offers customers the highest quality handcrafted boots at "honest" -- without a doubt, reasonable prices. There are no cutting corners, customers get the best materials available on every Thursday boot or product made. You'll also find comfort, durability, and versatility in their various styles of boots. What you won't find are boots that are made cheap, have poor craftsmanship, or are overpriced. 

Customers pay honest prices for ridiculously comfortable and well-constructed footwear that is incredibly stylish to boot (I couldn't resist the pun:).

Here's how they do it. Thursday Boot Company was launched as a Kickstart campaign in 2014 by Nolan Walsh and Connor Wilson, raising $275,000. There is no middleman. Thursday reinvests what they save by selling directly to customers and putting profits back into premium materials including full-grain leather, supple glove leather linings, and cork bed midsoles for comfort. After launching, word caught on! The company quickly went from selling 1,000 boots per month to 1,000 boots per week.

After succeeding with an array of the highest-quality and chic boots, Thursday expanded into dress shoes, sneakers, jackets, and accessories. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously tested to be functional and fashionable. 

These full-grain leather boots were made for pounding the concrete pavements of city streets. They won't fall apart after a few wears, after taking a beating, or by getting wet. Thursday's footwear, jackets, and accessories are made for people who live busy dapper lives. There's no compromise between style, quality, or price. 

If Thursday's child has far to go, you can't go wrong wearing Thursday's Chelsea boots for super cuteness.

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Lands' End For Blazers And Tunics

Forget fast fashion, turn to Lands' End for classic pieces you'll keep for years. I have LE wool blazers and cashmere sweaters that will never wear out, as well as, cotton tunics that need to be replaced after about a decade of frequent wear. I also favor LE cotton and linen summer dresses and its spandex swimsuits. LE's price points are higher than Old Navy and Uniqlo, but the promotions are fabulous to lower the costs.

The merchant's blazers and tunics are cut for a woman's body. Oversized if you prefer it, yet fitted to avoid a boxy droop. I also like the practical details of the flattering collar, front buttons, and pockets. 

The fabric is 60% cotton and 40% model.

As it turns out, my mother and I share this👆tunic. It comes in black, navy blue, grey, purple, and white. Of course, we selected black to go with everything. The super soft tunic is perfect as a layering piece in winter, and to pair with leggings and skinny jeans (me) or slightly flared athletic pants (her) in the fall and spring. When we received the order and discovered an ultra-flattering tunic, I started borrowing it.😁 It is cut long to cover the derriere, which makes it versatile and extends the look of your legs. Overall the tunic is roomy yet drapes your hips nicely to avoid swallowing you up. 

A blazer and tunic are a must-have in every woman's wardrobe for a winning casual smart appearance. Both layering pieces are a tad more festive and chic than a sweater to dress up leggings or jeans.

LE brought out its tunic for spring in 100% cotton.

We are very lucky to live in an era that accepts a casual smart look, letting us show up to a great many events both polished and comfortable! We don't have to sacrifice either style or freedom from pain or constraint to look like we care enough and have made the effort to spruce ourselves up to attend a dinner, performance, or work function.

Lands' End is the ideal place to go for classic layering pieces, you'll wear for decades. They're stylish and excellent investments!

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