Fads and Fashions

"Following the crowd" is something that we have all been guilty of. But new investors are more likely to "follow the crowd" and fall in love with the latest fad. This is a great risk, and a dangerous one. Newer investors tend to be particularly attracted to fads and fashions in investing. Remember the internet bubble back in the 90s? So many people lost money buying in at the end of the cycle. Of course, those who bought in early made great profits, but these investors often bought in on fundamentals, not hype.

As investors, we look toward the "next big thing." Sometimes this motivation leads us right into a Red Alert zone. The investment mess from the internet bubble is just one example. History is full of stories like the Tulip Craze in Holland back in the 17th century. These crazes cause people to follow each other over an investment cliff without thinking, like lemmings on a Science Channel special.

Think about the clothing industry and its fashions. History shows that the "latest" trend lasts only a short time. So, while investing in trendy clothing stores may bring short-term success, the failure is often even more spectacular?and inevitable. Typically, by the time we learn about a "new" trend, it's already "so last season".

We can even get hurt in fashion trends that are not immediately visible. Oh sure, athletic shoes are every bit as popular as they've ever been. Or are they? Over the past 5 years, hiking shoes have snuck up on the "sneaks" in popularity. That's right, hiking boots and shoes are in; tennis shoes and sneakers are out. But instead of buying stocks from Timberland, think about Nike as a long-term stable investment instead. Anyhoo, it's probably too late to buy Timberland now. The fashion trend has already had its day. But because of this experience we can expect new footwear trends to show up. It may be too late to adapt, it's nearly impossible to keep up, and by the time we figure out where the trend is headed, we've probably missed the stock price rise.

So how do we avoid the mistake of buying out of sheer excitement? The answer is simple. Look for companies that are bor-ing. Investing in apparently dull companies can actually be beneficial. Boring companies normally don't have share prices that are puffed-up by mood swings and emotional buying. We're simply buying an income stream ? the most affordable way to invest. Also, the company's future prospects are more secure, because they aren't at risk of missing a major shift.

Okay let's face it. Owning a firm in Ohio that makes widgets for industrial fasteners is not as "cool" as discussing your ownership of Tiffany's, or the latest nanotechnology corporation in Silicon Valley. But guess what? That widget-producing firm in the heartland will be more dependable, and will probably provide a better return on your money. And isn't that why you're investing anyway?

Now, we're not telling you to avoid trends altogether. Trends are important to investing. In fact, if you can get in ahead of the curve, there are great short-term opportunities when you buy in to fads. But here, we're usually playing the "greater fool theory": we assume that someone else will pay more than we did, even when we know it isn't worth it. I mean, many of us made money in the internet days playing this game, but if someone else saw the fad first, we could be wasting our money.

There's no harm in buying stocks that might become "popular" in the future, if you can predict future fads, and then sell them after they become overpriced. But to remain sane and safe, stick to companies with solid fundamentals: earnings, stable growth, strong balance sheet, etc. In other words, only buy companies that are good values with good prospects. If a company carries some attraction for fad-followers, so much the better. But don't pay extra just because of the "bling-bling" and the "glam" appeal. Fads and fashions are unpredictable ? make no mistake. Don't buy the stock unless you'd want to own it even if your fashion prediction falls flat. If it still looks good ? even if your guesses about tastes are wrong ? then maybe it's a worthy holding.

Successful investing is not just finding profit opportunities, but keeping your losses to a minimum. Don't buy stocks that have no substance. Stay away from the bling!

Scott Pearson is an investment advisor, writer, editor, instructor, and business leader. As President and Chief Investment Officer of Value View Financial Corp., he offers investment management services to a wide variety of clients. His own newsletter, Investor's Value View, is distributed worldwide and provides general money tips and investment advice to readers both internationally, and in the U.S. <a target="_new" href="http://www.valueview.net">http://www.valueview.net</a>

Scott Pearson can be reached for questions and comments directly at scott@valueview.net or by visiting <a target="_new" href="http://www.valueview.net">www.valueview.net</a>.

Rhinestones Have A Glittering Past

Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to Czechoslovakian or Bohemian glass dating as far back as the 13th century in Bohemia and the Czech Republic. Both have a history steeped in beautiful hand blown glass as well as molded and cut glass.

By 1918 glass was no longer limited to functional items. Czechoslovakian glass began to make its appearance in dazzling and brilliant jewelry. This Czech glass became known as rhinestones.

Rhinestones were manmade gems from highly refined glass. By using various metals the glass was colored to the desired shade. It was then pressed into molds. Each stone was then ground and polished by machine, resulting in a brilliant glass stone. Often the stones were foiled on the back which increased their brilliance.

Today, the same refining process is still used. You will often here rhinestones referred to as paste. Originally paste was referred to a glass stone that made of ground glass which was molded and then melted, producing an opaque dense glass frosted stone. Paste had many air bubbles and swirl marks. The high lead content glass was then polished and faceted, and set on either copper or silver resulting in a brilliant stone. Today the term paste usually refers to rhinestones. In Europe rhinestones are often referred to as paste, strass, and diamante.

Austria is another area with a history in rhinestone production. In 1891 Daniel Swarovski created a new glass cutting machine which quite literally revolutionized the jewelry business. This machine could cut faceted glass, producing finely finished product in a very short time.

Prior to this invention it would take a very long time for each stone to be hand cut and finished. Swarovski's background in glass making, combined with his glass cutting machine soon found him producing rhinestones with a lead content of over 30%. The brilliance of these rhinestones was superior to anything seen on the market. Swarovski wasn't content with his invention and the best rhinestones ever seen.

His next invention was once again transforming to the jewelry industry. He created a vacuum plating for the backs of the stones with silver and gold, reducing the need for hand labor. Still today Swarovski rhinestones are recognized as the highest quality in the industry. Over 80% of rhinestone jewelry manufactured in America use Swarovski rhinestones.

Rhinestones have played an important role in costume jewelry for hundreds of years. It is used to enhance and accent, and sometimes rhinestones will provide the entire design. During the Victorian period common motifs for jewelry included snakes, flowers, and hands most often adorned with rhinestones.

The 1890s were a time for extravagant jewelry heavily adorned with rhinestones. As time moved forward designs became simpler with figural shapes once again making their fashion statement. However this time they were small and more elegant with small rhinestone accents.

During the Edwardian period extravagance had made a comeback with diamonds and pearls being the focal point. Once again rhinestones were in heavy use, often used to imitate the real thing.

During the 1920s fashions were rapidly changing. Dresses had gone from fitted to a looser more comfortable style. Two distinct styles occurred during this era ? the feminine style and the androgynous style. Jewelry from the 1920s drew on the art deco period. The majority of rhinestone jewelry was made with clear rhinestones.

As the 1920s moved jewelry once again became bolder. Dramatic color was in style. Designer Coco Chanel was an integral figure in the setting the stage for jewelry of this era. During the 1930s during the depression labor intensive fashion was no longer feasible.

While the world was in turmoil, jewelry represented an affordable comfort to many women. Inexpensive costume jewelry could be used to revitalize an old outfit. The industry began to produce bright colored enamel pieces accented with rhinestones. Dogs, birds, or cats with a rhinestone eye were common place.

The jewelry during the 1940s once again became big and bold with rhinestones being produced in every imaginable color, large stones set on large bold settings was the norm. By the 1950s there were two very distinct looks ? elegant and sophisticated for the more mature woman, and casual and fun for the younger woman. The 1950s saw jewelry made completely from rhinestones. For the younger woman were flirty pieces, for the older woman sophisticated elegance. Rhinestone parures became extremely popular.

In 1953 the aurora borealis rhinestone was introduced to the market with its fabulous array of color. It was an instant hit! By 1960s women were wearing very functional clothing. By the late 1960s the hippie fashions were extremely popular with their roots tied to Mother Nature. Tie dyed shirts, long flowing skirts, frayed jeans were everywhere. This generation had no interest in rhinestone jewelry.

By the mid 1970s the punk look had been born and the rhinestone was revitalized. It was the disco movement brought the rhinestone back to center stage. The disco movement turned into the club movement during the 1980s and rhinestone jewelry continued to gain popularity.

Since the 1970s rhinestone have remained main stream in the jewelry world. They continue to gain popularity and today there is a style to suit almost every ones needs. There is rhinestone jewelry which is perfect for a bride, rhinestone jewelry for a prom girl, rhinestone jewelry for the young and fun crowd, the business woman, the sophisticated woman, and the mature woman. Beautiful pieces of rhinestone jewelry adorn almost every woman's accessories.

If trends are an indication of the rhinestones future, it appears to have a vibrant healthy life ahead of it. Pleasing for most woman with a fashion sense who instantly recognize the value and beauty of rhinestones!

? Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author: Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/">Estate Jewelry International</a>.

Nina Ricci - How She Came to be A Top Designer

In 1883 in Turin, Italy Maria Nielli was born. In 1895 when Maria was 12, her family moved to France. When she was 13, she apprenticed to a dressmaker. At the age of 18 Maria had become the head of the salon and at the age of 22 she was their chief designer. In 1904 she married a jeweler named Luigi Ricci. In 1905 she gave birth to their son Robert. In 1908 Nina joined the house of Raffin as a designer where she stayed for 20 years.

At age 50, in 1932, Madame Ricci opened her own house with her son Robert. It was the House of Ricci. Robert ran the business and Madame Ricci created the garments. During the 1930's the business grew very quickly. Beginning as a one room operation it grew to consume 11 floors in 3 buildings.

Nina Ricci created elegant, sophisticated garments in a classic style. She was well known for her high quality garments becoming very popular with older society women. She was highly talented at getting the most out of every print. Both her evening and day dresses were designed to draw attention to the female figure.

In 1963 Crahay left Ricci and was replaced by Gerard Pipart, who had worked with Balmain, Fath and Jean Patou. In the traditional Ricci style, he designed beautiful lace dresses with appliqu?d fabrics.

At the age of 87 Nina Ricci died in 1970. Pipart continued designing for the house of Ricc. Robert, Nina's son was not only an excellent business person, he was an expert perfumer. He has transformed the house into a size Nina would never imagined possible.

At age 83 in 1988, Robert Ricci died. In 1998 Mariano Puig, of the Catalan family purchased the house of Nina Ricci in 1998. They also owns the house of Paco Rabanne.

Nathalie Gervais presented her last collection in the fall of 2001. In 2002 American designer James Aguiar became chief designer, designing for two seasons.

During the Parish Fashion Week October 2003 Lars Nilsson a Swedish designer showed his first Nina Ricci collection for the following spring. He again presented the Ricci collection in Paris during Fashion Week in March 2004.

Lars said that he wanted to add some substance to a the younger woman's wardrobe. His collection was mostly flimsy dresses, stylish sweaters and skits with in fresh in yellow, blue and orange colors. He was distinguished by his fresh Swedish outerware.

Lars is very quickly transforming the old couture house into a young woman's world, enticing a new younger clientele. Sleek jackets, cropped sleeves, tiered skirts, and dainty party dresses have all been added. In March 2005 Lars Nillson once again showed the collection for the house of Nina Ricci at the Paris Fashion Week.

Soft and feminine dresses as light as lingerie mixed with fur jackets for the cold. There was also an addition of renaissance sleeves, long tweed jackets, and sporty jackets . However the collection still mainly consisted of soft piece - fragile blouse with lace, feminine evening gowns, and strapless satin evening dresses.

Beautiful flower prints symbolic of the Nina Ricci house were seen ranging from the tree of life to autumn leaves revealing of his Swedish background. The 2005 spring collection reads like a revamped modern fairy tale! Nina Ricci would be proud!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. Please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/">http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/</a>

The Charming Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez was born in New Jersey in 1961 to Cuban parents. He studied at Parsons School of Design in New York, and upon graduation worked for designers such as Anne Klein, TSE, and Calvin Klein. His parents were not overly happy that Narciso choose fashion as his career. They would have much rather seen him in something more serious such as architecture.

Whether on the runway or on the red carpet, designer Narciso Rodriguez is in demand. He began is designer career in 1985 as a design assistant for fashion legend Anne Klein.

Narciso has a gift for fitting a dress so that it is flattering to the shape of the woman's body. "It's so fantastic," Narciso says, "to create a frame for a woman's personality and her true beauty."

While working at Calvin Klein Narciso and Carolyn Bessette [later to become Carolyn Kennedy] became best friends. It was Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's wedding dress design that brought Narciso front and center stage in the design world.

Narciso's wedding dress design for Carolyn was the buzz around the world. On September 21, 1996, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy stepped out of church on the arm of John F. Kennedy Jr. Women went gaga, literally drooling over Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's wedding dress.

Carolyn's wedding dress was made from pure white silk. This simple dress was combined dress elegance, classiness, and sexiness into one knockout package. Woman began to realize a wedding dress could in fact look sexy.

This was a whole new concept, never heard of before. For years most women had landed up looking like an overstuffed pilsbury dough boy on their wedding day. Narciso had accomplished in Carolyn's wedding gown what women thought to be impossible.

She had been transformed into this bewitching sexy princess. That look was created by one of her best friends, Narciso Rodriguez. It was Carolyn's wedding dress that made Narciso's a household name.

Once word got out who had designed the dress, Narciso was in demand by every major designer in the world. A dream came true when Narciso joined the house of LMVH. The draw back to this career move was that Narciso spent his life living out of a suitcase with very little time to spend with family and friends which he valued and missed dearly.

Narciso pressed on encouraged by the idea that he had finally "made it." However, working for a large company can often stifle ones own independent design ideas, and it wasn't long before Narciso discovered he no longer loved his work.

The turning point in his life was when Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was was killed in a plane accident. Narciso had lost one of his dearest and best friends and for him this was a reality check and a wake up call..

Life without friends, family and the love of his work didn't seem like such a great opportunity anymore. Narciso left LVMH and came home realizing what he needed was the freedom of his own design collection.

Narciso was able to focus on his own line of clothing creating the perfect look for woman. Rather than designing dresses for matchsticks, Narciso's designs accentuated the curves and bustline of the woman, creating what was called a real woman design.

Narciso Latin background came through in his designs with each having a hint of Latin flare. Narciso said Latino women had figures and were proud of that fact so they were perfect for where he wanted to go with his designs.

Narciso talents as a designer were so good, he was even able to make the petite woman look voluptuous. Sarah Jessica Parker, Sheryl Crow and Salma Hayek all wore exquisite gowns designed by Narciso. Not one of these celebs was 6 feet tall, yet the fit of these gowns was to die for.

In the spring of 1998 Narciso debuted his ready to wear signature collection in Milan. It made it into virtually every major fashion magazine. Rodriguez's American experience and Latin roots, combined with his flair for European tradition of fine design, are all part of his great success.

In 1997 Narciso won Best New Designer from the VH1 Fashion Awards, and was awarded Hispanic Designer of the Year. In 1998 he won the CFDA Perry Ellis Award,

In the past these honors have gone to designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. In the past two years Rodriguez has been with the CFDA Awards: In both 2002 and 2003 he won the Womenswear Designer of the Year.

In a more recent issue of O Magazine Oprah Winfrey stands proudly wearing a golden dress designed by non other than Narciso. Now believe it or not this dress just isn't gold in color, it is made of gold metal that has been pressed to make a dress fabric. The dress can be seein in O Magazine as well as at oprah.com.

Narciso is like a breath of fresh air when it comes to woman's fashion. He designs for real woman. If you are interested in Narciso Rodrigues and his designs visit his web page at http://www.narcisorodriguez.com/narciso

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. Please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/">http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/</a>

Dolphin or Not a Dolphin?

Dolphin or not a dolphin? That is the question! You see, there are several types of dolphins. Some are saltwater dolphins while others are river dolphins.

When people are asking the question: &quot;What are the 32 types of dolphins?&quot; they are actually referring to the saltwater dolphins that have their natural habitat located in oceans and seas. The river dolphins, which are living in fresh water, are not included in these species. But what would be the answer in this case if we ask: &quot;Dolphin or not a dolphin?&quot; The answer would obviously be yes, river dolphins are still belonging to the dolphins family.

Amongst the 32 types of dolphins, some do not actually wear the word &quot;dolphin&quot; in their name such as: the tucuxi while others actually have the word &quot;whale&quot; as part of their name even if they are not whales but in fact, belong to the dolphins family. Such dolphins species are: the Northern Right whale, the Southern Right whale, the Melon-Headed whale, the Pygmy killer whale, the Long-Finned Pilot whale, the Short-Finned Pilot whale, the False killer whale and finally, the Killer whale. So what would be the answer to the question: &quot;Dolphin or not a dolphin?&quot; in these cases? It would be yes, all these species do belong to the dolphins family.

Another question that people ask is: &quot;Are the marine mammals that perform in acrobatic shows at aquariums such as Marineland and Sea World all dolphins?&quot; So, it always seems to come back to the question: &quot;Dolphin or not a dolphin?&quot; Well the answer is no in this case. The marine mammals that perform there are not all dolphins. Some are dolphins like the Bottlenose dolphin and the Killer whale which is often referred to as an orca whale since the word &quot;orca&quot; is part of this dolphin specie scientific name &quot;Orchinus orca&quot;. The beluga which people tend to think belong to the dolphins family because they display what seems like a smile, like most dolphins, but they are in fact a specie of the whale's family.

Another question that people tend to ask is: &quot;Aren't dolphins and porpoises in the same marine mammal family?&quot; or in other words: &quot;Dolphin or not a dolphin?&quot; Although they both have similarities, they are also different in several ways. You see, the differences are mainly regarding size and shape. The porpoise is smaller than a dolphin, stocky with small or no dorsal fins have a rounded snout and their teeth are shaped like spades or chisels. The dolphin is bigger, has a sleek figure, large dorsal fins, a pointy beaked nose and cone-shaped teeth. As you can see, the porpoise is not a dolphin.

Now that you read these facts about dolphins, you probably realize that while certain marine mammals may appear to be part of the dolphins species and that others seem to be part of the whale's family but in either cases, it is not obvious and can be surprising when you identify a marine mammal as being a dolphin or not a dolphin. That is the question!

My name is Kevin Leochko. I like to provide helpful information to others in several areas such as dolphins, Autism and much more. If you wish to learn more information about dolphins such as facts, their species, etc. Please feel free to visit the following site: <a target="_new" href="http://www.dolphins-and-more.com">dolphins-and-more.com</a>

Panda Jewelry: an Eye on Our Endangered Wildlife

Thinking of an adorable motif to wear or give away to friends, but tired of cliches? Maybe you've bought too many ballerina figurines or puppy plushies. It's time to experiment with a different theme. The idea of panda jewelry is a unusual and is associated with environmental and ecological issues.

If you want to distinguish yourself from the boring routine of giving away cute cuddly teddy bears or bear-motifed cards for Christmas or a birthday, opt for something different by considering panda jewelry. After all, bears are always cute -- but pandas are exotic BESIDES being cute.

Pandas in accessories may be somewhat unconventional, but the unconventionality itself is sure to make this theme set a smash hit. The white-and-black theme that comes naturally to pandas is useful for every design. We all know how chic chiaroscuro (an italian term for an artistic rendering using only black and white) is "in" at any fashion era!

Besides, it's really wrong to say that pandas aren't "in" at all! Japan's Tare-panda has achieved much mileage among young people since its creation in 1995. In 1999, Japan's Seda magazine elected Tare-panda as the most popular toy of the year. The Tare-panda mascot, bug-eyed and cute, has found its way to various forms of merchandise -- on bracelets and bags, t-shirts and notebooks, and even to cell phone charms!

Mobile phone charms are actually just among of the many examples of accessories where the panda jewelry motif would definitely "click." Kids nowadays may be modern, but modern accessories need not adopt to a futuristic theme, or a fantastic one...in fact, panda jewelry may actually be useful in making young people more aware of the plight of the panda -- specifically the Giant Panda, which is one of the more endangered species in the world today.

Cute and cuddly as they are, pandas are nonetheless beleaguered by very real issues. Encouraging more young people into wearing panda jewelry instead of regular bear jewelry may just help them become more involved in this cause.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.morninglightjewelry.com">http://www.morninglightjewelry.com</a> to pick up your FREE copy of &quot;How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.&quot; This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at <a target="_new" href="http://www.morninglightjewelry.com">http://www.morninglightjewelry.com</a>.

Handbag and Purse Trends 2005

Handbags are becoming the most popular fashion accessory on the market. The popularity of handbags (especially in the last year) has taken everyone by storm including handbag manufacturers. There are so many styles and trends available on the market right now and the average woman now owns at least 3 purses. You can make the same outfit look completely different just by changing your handbag. If you are interested in handbags and would like to know the latest styles and trends for this summer, fall and winter, keep reading and you will find out everything you need to know.

These are the latest handbag trends and styles:

<li> Big ? Handbags used to be fairly small and you could barely fit all the things you needed in them but the lately the style is the bigger the better. When I say big handbags I mean handbags that look like overnight bags. Big handbags are not only in style because of the way they look but also because they are very practical and you can fit a large amount of stuff in one bag. You can even fit your lunch it in when you go to work. Big handbags are also available with little handbags to go inside or on their own. The smaller versions are great for bars and parties.

<li> Colors ? Traditionally blacks, browns and beiges were practically the only color deemed suitable for handbags. Well, that has completely changed over the past few years and handbags are now all about colors. For spring, turquoises and greens are the most popular. For fall it's all about the oranges and reds and for winter it's whites and blues. Black is still classic and very much acceptable, but colors add more personality and flare to your outfit.

<li> Fruit Prints ? If you keep up on the latest trends and styles then you will not be surprised to hear that fruit prints are in high demand right now. Many celebrities like Janet Jackson, Hilary Duff and Christina Milian have been seen sporting these prints and the trend has only seen the first glimpse of what is expected to come. Cherries are the most popular fruit prints on the market however apples, strawberries, peaches and many other forms of fruit have also made their mark on many handbag designs.

<li> Multiple Prints ? Multiple prints were popular a couple decades ago and are coming back into style as we speak. Multiple prints means a mix of any two (or more) prints, like a zebra print mixed with a leopard print. Individuals who are confident in themselves and who like to be noticed will opt for these types of handbags over all others.

<li> Accessories ? A handbag is an accessory in itself, however there are many ways to accessorize handbags as well. Handbags with jewels, buckles, zippers and other added details are very popular right now. Diamonds and other metallic detailing are in high demand as well, possibly from the hype which celebrities create over these types of handbags. A handbag can be easily "spruced up" by adding a few cool accessories.

Now that you know the latest trends and styles, picking out a handbag will be easy. Just remember it's not all about what's on the inside of the handbag, it's how the handbag looks on the outside that counts.

Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of <a target="_new" href="http://www.designerhandbags101.com/">http://www.designerhandbags101.com</a> - a site that offers information about <a target="_new" href="http://www.designerhandbags101.com/designer-handbags/">designer purses</a>, <a target="_new" href="http://www.designerhandbags101.com/purses/leather-purses.aspx">leather purses</a>, coach purses and more.