paris fashion: 3 Cute, Timeless Jackets to Invest In and more...

Beauty Is Within Header

Jackie O, the classic beauty, was often seen in a trench coat...

Besides black boots, one of my favorite items to shop for during fall and winter is a nice, warm jacket. You're probably wondering why someone who lives in sunny weather all year round would even think of jackets, but trust me, it does get a little chilly here in San Diego during the "winter". Besides, I do travel up to Canada and San Francisco, so jackets are a must in these areas.

There are three types of jackets that I think every woman should invest in. They might be a bit pricey, but these are timeless pieces so you won't have to buy them every year.

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Turn Instagram Photos Into Fashionable Gifts

So who else is addicted to Instagram?

I have to admit that the Instagram app is one of the major reasons why I bought an iPhone in the first place. I love to take pictures and my trusty Blackberry was just not cutting it. I want to be able to take a picture, edit it right away, and post it to Twitter or Facebook. Besides, Instagram's filters can make any picture look good instantly.

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The Hunt For Holiday Party Dresses Begins

Can you believe that the holidays are just around the corner again?

I just took inventory of potential party dresses and realized that I only have one party dress that you would consider "festive". I have another dress that I wore to a birthday party for my fiancé's grandma, which is somewhat plain and conservative. Then I have the classic LBD, but...*yawn*

So instead of waiting til last minute to shop for a fun party dress this year like I usually do, I'm going to take my time and take in all the options I have. Here are a few ideas for those of you who are shopping early too...

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DIY Fashion Inspiration

Have you ever tried using upholstery fabric for clothing or fashion accessories? How about using unexpected items in fashion?

I don't consider myself a DIY fashionista - well, except for jewelry - but I recently just started following Jenni of I Spy DIY and Erica of P.S. I Made This on Instagram and Pinterest, which has spurred my inner crafty girl to get out the glue gun. We live in an era of throwaway fashion, so I appreciate people who use their creativity to reuse, reinvent, or find a cheaper way to recreate fashion that you see on the runways.
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Gemstone Jewelry: Not Just For Fashion

Songea yellow sapphire sterling silver ring

When I first started making jewelry, I chose beads and gemstones just for their colors and shapes, but as I learn more about the different types of stones, their metaphysical properties, and how they can be used to heal your body, making jewelry and shopping for jewelry has taken on a whole new meaning.

Everything we wear contains energy. If you understand color psychology and that colors give off certain types of energies, then it's easy to grasp the idea that stones and crystals also contain powerful energies that can be beneficial for the body.

Using gemstones for therapy and healing has been around for thousands of years. Whatever issue or ailment you have - whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual - there is a stone or crystal that can help. For example, you can wear jasper for self-confidence. Feeling depressed? Wear citrine to promote happiness.