Valentine's Day Jewelry

Photo: Effy Jewelry

Nothing beats getting jewelry for Valentine's Day, not that we can expect to receive it every year. Still, perusing beautiful pieces is fun and absolutely free! 

Effy Jewelry

Moreover, a Savvy Shopper is a mindful buyer who spends more time looking than shopping; and who abhors excessive buying and unsustainable consumption. As with all material things ... and especially when buying fine jewelry you only need a capsule, not a collection of these sparkling gold or platinum luxuries. Think in terms of acquiring a capsule of carefully curated pieces that you love and want to wear every day, as well as, to galas. You'll never tire of wearing the same rings, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces time and again as long as you love them. 

Also if you're lucky enough to receive a gift from your Valentine and know his budget, don't be afraid to hint. Significant others aren't mindreaders, and you know your tastes. Getting jewelry you'll wear is more important than surprises you'll keep in a box. Furthermore, so what if your gift arrives after February 14th as you'll have it for a lifetime.

So now let's have some Valentine's Day fun. Here are several red rubies (in the mid-price range) I like and think you will too.

 From jeweler Effy's website:

And a few pretties from Macy's website -- Effy happens to be one of Macy's jewelry vendors along with other jewelers. If you see an Effy piece you like, check both websites to get the best price. The heart necklace above was for sale on both sites. It's still available at Macy's:

♥♥♥Happy Valentine's Day Peeps!♥♥♥

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Turn to LL Bean for Unshrinkable Men's Shirts

Sometimes the superior quality of men's clothing makes one envious! LL Bean offers stellar cold weather clothes for men. If still looking for a few holiday gifts here are 3 winning possibilities:

1) Unshrinkable, Stain-resistant Tees - (↑top image) - Made of soft 100% cotton that resists wrinkles, stains, shrinking, fading, and pilling, and they keep their shape with repeated machine washings.

2) Washed Cotton Double Knitt hoodies, Crewnecks and Quarter Zip Shirts - Designed with 2 layers of heathered cotton with a touch of nylon to be ultra-soft and durable.

3) The Unskrinkable Flannel Shirt - Made of 100% brushed cotton flannel, the shirt is super soft, warm and cozy; and it will never shrink, wrinkle, or pill.

Who doesn't adore cotton? The fabric is comfortable, easy to care for and holds up over time. LL Bean is an unbeatable crafter of menswear, especially for winter. The company's tees, shirts and hoodies are soft, weighty; and attention is paid to details.

It's better to get a great gift than an on-time gift. So if you're afraid this gift will arrive after Christmas day, place the order, then print the picture of what will arrive, place the photo in a box and wrap it. Moreover, check back for the after Christmas sales. The price reductions are great too!

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7 Holiday Gifts For Him

Last year I compiled a Gifts For Him blog. This year I'll begin by sharing what the editors of "Good Hunting" compiled, not their entire list, but the 3 items I like best. (The list came to me in an email):

1) Patagonia Wild Idea Work Boots - These owl brown buffalo leather boots are gorgeous and the right footwear for hiking or walking miles on city pavement. Pricey, yes ... yet well-made to last for many years so with time you get your money's worth.

2) Sam Jones' Southern Starter Kit - North Carolina barbecue pitmaster, Sam Jones, gives you (3) spice rubs for steak, pork, fish, and (1) all-purpose seasoned salt. You can't go wrong with any of his barbecue condiment pairings, so take a look and consider how much you wish to spend.

3) Billy Raid Fine Gauge Cashmere Crew - a winter wardrobe staple for men, women, or others, i.e. everybody should own one soft, warm and durable cashmere sweater. Looks great even after years of winter wear! Natural fibers rock!

Here's a look at those stylish owl brown boots in action.😍

For recommendations #4, #5 and #6 I asked Barry P., a reader of the blog, to share items on his holiday wish list. It turns out Barry has mighty fine tastes. Lucky us to have a man's point of view on what to get a man:

4) Ben Silver Royal St. George Yacht Club Tie - It is a silk tie of the highest silk material and craftsmanship. Ben Silver has a wide selection of neckties in several textures. Barry says, "Oozing with old traditions," wear one of Ben Silver's ties to be mistaken for "a member of the British regiment, an alumnus of an ivy league school, or a member of an exclusive yacht club." Barry has selected a cool theme to reflect his interest in ships and the shipping industry of which he writes about often.

5) Buffalo Trace - Kentucky Straight Bourbon with tasting notes of brown sugar and spice "that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit, and anise." A smooth whiskey with depth and "a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses." Makes even a non-bourbon drinker want a taste, doesn't it? A bottle of bourbon is useful to non-drinkers for guests, as well as, for making desserts and Hot Toddies to soothe winter sore throats. Nobody is my family drinks bourbon, but I keep a big bottle in the cupboard. It lasts for 10 years! 

6) Blanton's Straight from the Barrel - A private reserve bourbon with tasting notes of dark chocolate, caramel and undertones of walnut and hazelnut. Perhaps for a bourbon connoisseur as the Blanton's reserve is about 7 times costlier than Buffalo Trace.

🎄🐪🐑⭐

I'm adding one more item for good measure. You can find a lovely gift at every price point to fit your budget. Some of the gift ideas here are expensive, others are more affordable like the final one, starting at $29.99:

7) L.L.Bean Wrinkle-Free Pinpoint Oxford Shirt - The shirts are 100% cotton Oxford cloth. Can't beat the quality for the price. A wide selection of patterns and colors, and best of all, some of the patterns are on sale! It might be the color for your guy, the one you'd have chosen even if not on sale! If I don't know what to buy a person, male or female -- and they give me no clues -- I buy something I'd be delighted to receive ... and I'm a practical person, settling on good quality and useful like a wrinkle-free thick cotton Oxford shirt!

Well, slacker me ... it was great having help this year in curating Holiday Gifts for Him! Do you have a favorite? Or would you like to contribute more things to the list?

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Jewelry Holiday Gift Ideas At Macy's

The brilliance of a diamond tennis necklace has a huge effect. See my budget-friendly tips below.

Last week I was invited to a Macy's jewelry trunk show at Herald Square. You know I went, People!😍 It was the most upscale, expensive, and gorgeous jewelry I've seen in a department store. I tried on a flawless 12-carat Tanzanite ring ($85,000), a 7-carat pigeon-blood ruby ring with diamonds ($49,000), and a 5-carat emerald and diamond ring ($43,000). Each piece was spectacular, yet even before arriving, I knew I wouldn't be buying anything. Who walks into Macy's and drops that💰sum💸 on one luxury item? Rich folks and broke folks, that's who!

Some of the very expensive jewelry from Effy's trunk show at Macy's. Lots of trunk shows now.

After perusing the gems at the trunk show I walked around the jewelry department, looking at everything in the display cases. To be sure, Macy's has a huge array of jewelry from costly to moderate prices. (It's why I love Macy's ... throughout the store, you can find quality items to fit any budget.) From now until Christmas, expect tons of sales. Wait for a Friends and Family, Black Friday, or VIP sale to get an extra 30% off on already well-priced merchandise.

Coseup of the Effy trunk show sapphire and ruby rings - the expensive heirloom line.

If you ask me (and even if you don't😊) jewelry is always a winning holiday gift. The following are beautiful examples of mid-priced jewelry from Macy's showcases -- precious (diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds) and semi-precious (the amethyst) stones set in 14k gold:

1) Diamond Pavè Huggie Hoop Earrings; 2) Ruby & Diamond Necklace; 3) Amethyst & Diamond Accent Oval Ring

4) Effy Emerald & Diamond Earrings; 5) Belle de Mer Pearl Studs; 6) Diamond Hoop Earrings

7) Italian Gold Bangle Bracelet; 8) Velvet Bleu by Effy Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet; 9) Effy Emerald Drop Earrings

The 2 pairs of emerald earrings and ruby heart pendant look gorgeous in the store. I wanted them!!! The 5-carat amethyst ring is a splendid color, size, and clarity ... and affordable unlike precious stones of similar size. The hoop earrings, pearl studs, and gold bangle are classic pieces that never go out of style. The sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet is as lovely as its pricier all-diamond sisters. I've linked all the jewelry (except the diamond necklace, which is at the store to try on) so you can read more details. Lots of the pieces are available in other gemstones also, and the pearls are in other natural colors.

Macy's makes sparkle more affordable, and the trunk shows have fun, to-die-for, eye candy. Will I ever get tired of gawking at jewelry? Never!👀 

Extra Budget Tips: Due to its brilliance, a diamond tennis
necklace of 3 carats has a huge effect, therefore, bigger may not be worth the exponential price increase of buying more carats. Consider how 5-7-or 10 carats of diamonds get more expensive, not simply doubling or tripling per carat, but exponentially. And yet on your neck, the effect is not always as big as the exponential rise in cost! Until you bump up the diamonds to 20-30 or 50+ carats, i.e., Elizabeth Taylor or Queen Elizabeth II size, the effect isn't automatically more stunning, so may not be worth the huge price hike. Therefore, my budget-friendly tip is to buy the "effect," not the carat weight in a tennis necklace.

Curiously, sometimes the 10-carat stone necklaces twist and turn on the neck while the 3 carats don't ... which is definitely a disappointing effect!

To get the most "effect" for less money, buy a graduated diamond-style tennis necklace. People notice the bigger stones at the front, not the decrease in sizes going towards the back of the neck, an area unseen if you have flowing hair. The entire necklace, including the smaller diamonds towards the back, will sparkle like crazy! A big effect at a lower cost!! Another tip in buying a tennis-style necklace or bracelet for less is to consider compromising on color and clarity since the diamonds are tiny. But, the color in the line must be consistent and match!

Of course, at a trunk show try on the Queen Elizabeth II big gemstones. I say, be a dreamer, then a realist! And yes, Your Majesty, I will definitely accept your kind invitation to see the Crown Jewels. Hey people, you never know who reads the blog.🙂😍💂

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Hey Macy's, you get me. You had me at "hello!":)

Everybody's heart flutters in response to certain luxuries. Some folks gawk at designer bags; for others it's high fashion clothing; and yet others love couture shoes. Or sometimes the temptation is luxe perfume or makeup. I get it! ~ I'm an under buyer; nonetheless, my hot ticket item is jewelry ... and Macy's knows it! They respond by sending me their jewelry sale catalogs. (I bet you don't get them, do you?) 

I see what I want for Christmas on the latest cover. Unfortunately, it will remain only a wish ... since the tab adds up to a huge chunk of change. Do the math: A budget buster even after applying a 30% discount! 

Still perusing and admiring are free! So let's take a look at the beautiful emerald set on the front cover. For sure, some-lucky-body will get more than sugarplums dancing in her head ... and find these sparklers under her tree. Will it be you?

1) Macy's Emerald (15 ct. t.w.) & Diamond (2-1/2 ct. t.w.) 16" Statement Necklace in 14k White Gold -- Utlra classic! 

2) Brasilica by EFFY® Emerald (9/10 ct. t.w.) and Diamond (1/6 ct. t.w.) Pear-Shaped Ring in 14k White Gold, Created for Macy's - How about created for THE SAVVY SHOPPER ... ahhh, doesn't it have a nice ring to it?:)

3) Macy's Emerald (6-1/2 ct. t.w.) & Diamond (1/8 ct. t.w.) Drop Earrings in 14k White Gold -- Jeminy Cricket Christmas, gorgeous! Also should've been created for muah, but someone forgetful forget to tell the universe!

Save for a small stone in a Christmas bell charm, I don't own any emeralds. They are rarer and thus more expensive than diamonds per carat. Emeralds register an 8 on the Mohl's Hardness Scale of gems; their relative sturdiness make them suitable to wear as necklaces, earrings and rings. They are the birth stone for May babies.

As the Savvy Shopper, allow me to throw you several consolation bones. Many people can't afford the stunning set (above and to the right sans ad copy) without mortgaging their home, but we can find pretty emeralds to get something of the effect of the pricey set. Macy's has a big inventory combined with promotions to fit every budget ... a reason I like their fine jewelry department. You can find a lovely piece and honest customer service at Herald Square and online. Here is a budget friendly pick that will produce a stellar effect for less: 

Macy's Emerald (1-1/5 ct. t.w.) & Diamond Accent Curved Bar Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold - Quite a respectable size! Drop earrings make the effect of smaller stones appear larger.

Other emerald beauties for under $400 (on sale). If you miss one promotion, simply wait for another, as they return during the year:

 
Isn't glitter fun? Gift ideas for a jewelry lover in festive green. Do you have a favorite?


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Holiday Gifts For A Family

For the holidays sometimes people give one thoughtful gift for an entire family, as opposed to, individual gifts to each family member. I like the fewer, curated gift idea. People shouldn't go broke, or allow materialism to hijack the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah (or Festivus for that matter. Hey, to each, his own:)! Giving friends and family hospitality, treats and time together is what they remember the most. 

If you desire and can afford to throw in one gift also, here are 5 gift ideas, perhaps items a family might not think to buy for themselves, yet will love receiving:

1) Wall Heights Ruler (see above↑) - Parents can record the heights of growing children without marking up a wall or doorway with magic markers. And parents can save the ruler without ever having to paint over the height markings (here's a pricey oak ruler version). Ideal for new parents.

2) Murder Mystery Party - A house party activity ... it's a spirited game as an alternative to the usual playing card games.

3) Corkcicle Classic Wine Chiller Cork - The cold ice in the middle keeps a bottle of wine chilled until the last glass. Ideal for wine and cheese evenings at home.

4) Crep Protect Eraser Cleaner - The eraser removes spots from suede and nubuck on leather shoes, jackets and coats. I'll take a practical gift over a glitzy useless one any ole day. It's unlikely your friends will already have a leather spot remover and will love the eraser once you introduce them to it!

5) Personalized Family Mugs - Mugs start as low as $1.70 each unpersonalized. A company with good customer reviews who personalize mugs with a name or logo for about $6 per mug. You can select the size, style, quantity and how to personalize the mugs. Ideal for families with children (who will be thrilled to see their names on the mugs); or people who simply need uniform coffee and tea mugs.

As you can see holiday gifts need not break the bank, these 5 family gifts will please, as well as, suit every budget. Which is your favorite?

  
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What Did You Get For Christmas?

What gets spent on Christmas gifts can vary from year to year depending on what we need. What's more, I'm too practical to buy, or ask for useless gifts. (Well, if something dippy brings happiness, it's worth the price of the gift. But I tend not to have a frivolous gift dilemma as my loved ones are thrifty like me.) We want stuff we can use!

This year was a modest Christmas as far as the cost of gifts go. Nonetheless, I ♥love♥ my gifts! Here are several:

1) Chanel-Inspired Purse from Ainifeel ↑ - a lambskin, Chanel inspired double flap bag (which I featured earlier) - This is not a replica, but an inspired (or dupe) of the $5,700 bag. It doesn't have a fake Chanel logo, and it is not illegal to sell. The price of the real Chanel bag goes up by hundreds of dollars every year, and I don't wish to spend such a sum on an article, whose every wear and tear would bother me. I can accept wear and tear on a bag that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. This inspired purse can be replaced 49 times for the price of the original! Like the authentic designer bag, the leather is smooth, the stitching is lovely, and the Chanel vibe is there. Look for it draped over my shoulder. 

(Update: You now must google key words to find the seller, as they no longer sell on Amazon. Also google the words "Chanel inspired bag." Btw: Chanel has initiated a lawsuit to stop even resale companies like the RealReal from selling their bags, which so far they have lost. "Exclusivity" is a key element of brands like Chanel and Hermes, but in reality women who buy 2nd hand and inspired bags are not lost to Chanel. Some will buy one in the future. Others are never going to pay over $6,000 for a bag ever. Inspired goods flourish in the fashion world. Even Karl Lagerfeld sells a Chanel inspired bag under his own name. The difference in costs between "inspired" (minus logo) and "geniune " is so wide, is Chanel truly losing sales? The legal ruling given against Chanel is: Once customers buy an item, it's theirs (they own it) to resale, or use it how they wish.)

2) Vaneli Adelle Booties - These are Italian suede leather booties, so I'm surprised they, too, are made in China. I like the balance of walking in block heels. Comfortable, cute and the gold hardware goes with the purse.

3) Two Coffee Talk Mugs from Pier 1 - Big enough to microwave single serve mug cakes, which I plan to start making in lieu of baking 9" cakes. These 18-ounce, stoneware mugs can go into a microwave. I like drinking coffee out of them also!

4) Uniqlo's Women Pocketable Parka and 5) Heattech Knitted Gloves - Both are on sale! The parka is travel friendly, yet keeps you warm as a top layer when needed. The gloves have Uniqlo's unique heattech yarns to keep hands warm. I didn't get them in white, but want you to see the Touch-Screen function that lets you operate a phone or bank screen without taking off your gloves.

6) Champagne Stopper by MiTBA - So often I don't open champagne or wine at home as all I desire is a single glass. This stopper might change my reluctance. It has a built-in pressure pump to keep once-opened bottles of the bubbly fresh and carbonated. Hoping it fits most red wine bottles also.

7) Metropolitan Museum of Art Notecards - This was a  wonderful surprise gift from a friend, who I know didn't read my blog on Gotham City-themed gifts! Note cards are an item adults can always use. Any of the Met's selections would do, but my friends will enjoy seeing the sites of New York City. For sure, My Gift-Giver has a 6th sense for choosing the perfect gift!

As you can see, a good gift makes your life better, happier or easier regardless of price  ... not because of price.

What was your favorite gift this year?


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