BRAND SPOTLIGHT: ABAZIAS DIAMONDS

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about jewelry; I think it’s important for women to invest in pieces that are timeless and elegant. I ran across Abazias Jewelry online, and they’ve definitely got me dreaming! I’ve picked a few of my favorites to share here with you lovely lovelies.

As an unconventional young woman, my favorite pieces are the edgy classic looks, like these Square-Cut Diamond Post Earrings. They’re so cool!!! I can see myself wearing these with strappy studded pumps, wide-leg jeans and a cuffed blazer, or with a flowing 70s evening gown by Halston or Vera Mont. You could have these forever, and they’d never go out of style! You could accessorize ANYTHING.

[image: Abazias.com]

What about these Diamond Square Hoop Earrings?!?! I’m dreaming of wearing these to work with black leggings, a black blazer, black Opening Ceremony heels and some kind of colourful scarf.

[image: abazias.com]

Next! I think this necklace is just really friggin’ incredible. I love the horseshoe design because it’s really classic but also quite unexpected. I wouldn’t get sick of wearing this, plus it would go with everything-- even pajamas (that’s right, I would accessorize my PJs with this necklace). It’s that amazing.

[image: abazias.com]

I noticed Abazias does lots of business in engagement and wedding rings; you can build your own, mixing and matching different cuts, stones, and types of gold bands. I’m not getting married, but I liked the eternity bands they listed. I can imagine getting an eternity band for myself and wearing it on my right hand! Maybe even this one; it’s got medium round cut diamonds. Wow.

[image: abazias.com]

One of the reasons I wrote about Abazias Diamonds is because the company’s got a great reputation for NOT selling conflict diamonds, or diamonds which exploit African labour and support wars. They use the Kimberly Process to make sure that their diamonds come from conflict-free zones.

I think sometimes it’s important to invest in yourself and get pieces that you’re going to love and wear for years down the road. What do you think crickets??? Aren’t the jewels luscious?!?!

Xoxoxo
Lola Re <3

London Fashion Rocks

Sail away, sail away, sail away… in resort wear for 2010. The REAL fashionistas are getting geared up for this time next year, so let’s look at some of the hilights straight off the catwalks of dear old London town!

Cutouts @ Christopher Kane
Christopher Kane was inspired by nature in these easy-to wear baby-doll dresses and soft biker jackets. BUT! These are no flowers– Kate was inspired by nuclear explosions from 1950s bomb tests. That adds a kick to your look, doesn’t it?!

Sweet and Sour Cherry @ Richard Nicoll
In his latest collection, Richard Nicoll mixes the influences of Tahitian women and Spanish royal regalia– the result is stunningly high/low, with all the benefits that come along with it. These clothes are comfortable and opulent, easy and well-worked. Who else can mix a sarong with red lips and white heels? Superb.

Hard vs Soft @ Emanuel Ungaro

Esteban Cortazar does it again! He hits the mark of mixing and matching to get a signature “trashy” look, while still keeping the Emanuel Ungaro pinstripes and lace. You can kick back or kick it off wearing these looks.

Resort collections are all about holiday– wearability, travel and fun. These resort pieces really encompass the London look: Stand Out, Express Yourself and Be You! Even if you’re away on holiday, you can still ooze London if you wear Christopher Kane, Emanuel Ungaro or Richard Nicoll.

Mes Cheveux Ont Soifs!!

I've got combination/oily skin and dry hair! I love all my skin products-- I've got that regimen down pat-- but what about my hair?!?! It's color-treated (auburn), curly and very, very thirsty. I've been experimenting with products and reading reviews on the divine MakeupAlley, and here's what I've come away with so far...

Mizani Products are my absolute gold standard when it comes to afro-textured hair, curly hair or dry hair. My favorites are the Puriphying Shampoo, Moisturefuse Conditioner and Thermastrength Serum. Whenever I use these products, my hair feels drenched in moisture and very very VERY soft!! Mizani is definitely the go-to product in the USA, but here in the UK, it's a little harder to find these products. You can buy them online from: www.afrotherapy.com/ or in bundles from www.luxuryhaircare.co.uk/


OK enough about me!!! Did you know you could have incredible hair with a relaxer and without weave?! Let me introduce you to some afro hair superstars! Each of these ladies naturally has afro-textured hair which they choose to wear straightened, and without any extensions. Each also has great advice to give and a solid regimen that works for them.


Get incredible results with KeraCare. Here's MaCherieAmour

She swears by Keracare and rollersetting her hair. She's runs a YouTube Channel and owns the online forum www.healthytextures.com where she spotlights tips and takes questions from viewers.






You could try Neutrogena Triple Moisture Products.

This is Sylver2.

Sylver is a superstar at managing her long relaxed afro-textured hair-- she recently went a whole year without straightening her hair! Check out how she did it on her blog, or visit her YouTube Channel for step-by-step tutorials.






Dominican Products are a huge hit in for women with curly and textured hair.
Meet Jennifer MD!

Jennifer was so impressed with the results she got from her local Dominican salon and the rollerset/blowouts there, she started her own import/export company at www.roundbrushhair.com. You can get all the Dominican rinses, mixes, conditioners and shampoos you could ever want on this website, as well as visit the forum and weigh in with the experts!




If you want to learn about haircare and connect with other women who seek, healthy, nourished hair, visit the LongHaircareForum. It's full of cheerful, warm and helpful women of color who are more than a little preoccupied with their hair... believe me, this is just the tip of the iceberg!


Happy surfing crickets!
Lola Re xoxoxo