The only real failure in life is one not learned from.
Anthony J. D’Angelo, The College Blue Book

Ah, graduation. A lot of hard work, time, talent, money and drive have led to this point: a milestone that will be celebrated, photographed and remembered forever. Whether from high school, college, law school, medical school, or what have you, graduation is a wonderful time of excitement and change.

How to mark the occasion? You can always write a check. (What new graduate doesnt need money?) Before you whip out your wallet, however, remember that cash is practical, yet very impersonal. Because youre reading this, its a good guess that the graduate is a special woman in your life, she worked hard to get where she is, and she deserves a graduation gift that is truly memorable.

How about something memorable, practical, meaningful and beautiful? Try pearls.

Pearl jewelrywhether pearl studs, a pearl pendant or a beautiful pearl strandis a classic and wonderful addition to any womans jewelry box. Whether shes heading off to college, interviewing for jobs, about to embark on a career, or planning a wedding, the recent graduate can wear pearl jewelry for instant polish. Added bonus: Shell remember you every time she wears them.

Which pearls to choose
Pearls come in many beautiful styles, shapes and designs, but for graduation, a simple classic style that will stand the test of time is best. (They dont call them staples for nothing.) Because classic pearls are so popular, there are a variety of options from which to choose. The following are classics shell reach for again and again.

Pearl stud earrings: The great thing about pearl studs is that they go with everything. Round, white pearls with a ros overtone flatter most skin types, and make a wonderful addition to any jewelry box. Some stores even carry pearl studs for non-pierced ears.
16 inch pearl strand: A matched pearl strand is a jewelry staple for a reason: its a classicnot to mention a no-brainer accessory that a woman can reach for to instantly add polish to an outfit. Shorter strands worn closer to the throat draw attention to the wearers face and skin; with their dewy complexions, young women look fantastic in pearl chokers. This style sits close to the throat and looks great with a business suit, v-neck sweater, tee-shirt or open-collared dress shirt.
18 inch pearl strand: This slightly more versatile, princess length necklace can be worn with most any neckline, and will serve the graduate well throughout her life. The princess length is a very popular choice for a great reason: it works well with everything from turtlenecks to sweaters, business suits, dress shirts, and more.
pearl pendant: A pearl pendant necklace featuring a single, large pearl is a great option that can be worn with many different styles. Choose a thin sterling silver or white gold chain for a modern look.

pearl bracelet: A perfect complement to a bold watch, and slightly more affordable than a pearl necklace, a pearl bracelet adds polish and class.

pearl ring: A pearl ring can make quite a bold and sophisticated statement, especially when the ring features a single, large pearl. The only downside to buying a ring is that you need to know the graduates ring size. Classic pearl rings look fantastic with both white and yellow gold.
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What will women be wearing this fall? The style-savvy experts at Chadwick’s, the nation’s first and largest value fashion catalog, say that clean and conservative looks are back in vogue. Skin-baring outfits are out and layering is in. Volume and textured fabric are fashion’s buzzwords, and rich colors like black, red, purple and gray ruled the runways. Chadwick’s offers the following tips on how to be fashionable this fall:

Sleek Silhouettes

The “new suit” features fitted jackets paired with slim pants and skirts, for a polished, tailored look. Consider a mandarin collar or washed wool plaid blazer with a favorite pair of pants for sophisticated style. Or menswear-styled suit jackets, softened with feminine details and gentle draping, create a look that works in a boardroom or a bistro.

Give your pants some pizzazz by wearing cropped or wide-legged styles. Several top designers explored this trend with contrasting looks-pairing loose with tight and long with short. Anyone can wear this look by balancing the silhouette with heels or an appropriate top.
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When you think about birkenstock footwear, most likely sandals, and perhaps clogs come to mind. Certainly that is what they are most famous for. Very comfortable, durable sandals that are great for both casual daily wear, and even casual summer parties. Those who have used ‘Birks’ know that they will last for ages and gently form to the shape of your feet to provide an excellent fit that is just right for you. If you have any doubt, simply slip on another person’s pair and you’ll understand.

However, Birkenstock has recently added boots to their line of footwear products expanding out from sandals and clogs to include both shoes and Birkenstock boots. Time will tell if they are as successful as the sandal line, but if their sandals are any proof, the boots should be a success as well.

There are 3 basic types – approach/day trip boots in the Birkenstock Alpine series, regular aggressive hiking boots in their Rockford line, and a several trendy boot styles like the Segovia Calf-boot for women.
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Are you ready for the summer yet? Is your jewelry wardrobe up to date? In order to get prepared for the summer with the right directional colors and styles, you should probably start the research right now.

Necklaces
Big and chunky beaded necklaces are still the focus of this summer. Two schools exist at the same time: organic earth tone beads and colorful and fun tone beads. Organic beads include bone and onyx necklaces. A more prevalent style is the eye-catching colored wood bead necklaces.

Rings
Parallel to the bulky necklaces, designers are fond of enormous finger rings with big faceted gemstones this summer. Bold and sparkling solitaire rings with a huge center stone set on large prongs seem to be the norm in most part of Europe this year. An extremely thick band with many small stones set on pave settings is another popular style that you might want to keep an eye on. Well, you get the idea, just be BOLD.

Earrings
As for earrings, trends are in linear or fringy styles this year. Dangle earrings with geometric designs incorporating loops and chains is the way to go. In fact, these are similar to the chandelier earrings that have been super hot for almost two years.
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