How to Rock Your Boots

There are so many types and styles of boots today and many of you are wondering "How do I wear them?" "Am I wearing them correctly?" "Can I wear these even though its not winter?" "Are boots appropriate for a wedding?" "Do I need to wear ankle or knee length?"

Well ladies, you're in luck, I am here to help!

Ankle Boots 

The most versatile boots because they are nearly season-less. They are perfect for spring and fall, great in the winter and you can even rock them in the summer with the right outfit.
The thing I think most women struggle with with the ankle boot is how to wear them properly with jeans and leggings {the most common way they are worn}.

Cuffing your jeans is the key for the ankle boot 
Ankle boots look amazing with jeans, they give off an effortless feel that looks fantastic. Cuffing your boot just right is the key, the images below will help. What I have found is the less worried I am about the cuff, and making it a little messy the better it looks.

Source                              Source

Wearing with Ankle Boots with Leggings 
Ankle boots and leggings are my favorite combo. I personally wear my extra extra think Nikibiki leggings with my black ankle boots almost every day...I love to be warm, cozy and look good. With leggings you want to still have a touch of your ankle showing. With the extra think leggings I actually cuff them like a jean. The photo of the right she is rockin' her booties with thick socks, a great option for added warmth, with this trend you need to be sure and pair this look with a simple tunic/sweater {you don't want to pair it with anything too long or the look will get too bulky} The sock trend is also best for those ladies with great legs or tiny ankles. It's all about Balance.

 
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Ankle Boots in the Warmer Seasons 
Ankle boots are the perfect transition shoe for every season or any chilly summer evening. They are perfect with skirts, maxi's, shorts and dresses. In doing this look be sure your socks go unseen.



 

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Knee High and Thigh High Boots 

I have always loved knee high boots because they do a great job at hiding my very white legs. Plus they are super cute. There are plenty of varieties for every day to evening. The biggest problem women have with boots now are them fitting their calves, not all women have tiny little barbie legs are that is just fine. They do make "wide calf" boots now! They are more easily found in larger box stores or online. BUT if you don't want to mess with all of that, simply stick to the ankle boots! 

  

Knee High 
You can go with a heel or rider {flat} boot. These are great for work, hanging out or rock the heel for and evening out. Knee High Boots are super easy to rock and there is not really a wrong way to wear them!
Boots can be worn with leggings, bare legs, skinny jeans, or even over the boot {this really only works with heeled boots & be sure your boot cut jeans just graze the middle of the top of your food, that's how you know they are the correct length {not to short and not too long}.
Don't have a pair of skinny jeans? No problem, you can make them skinny by cuffing them!
This style of boot works best with the leg warmers, boot cuffs, boot socks. You can add them to help balance out an outfit, add some bulk to the top of your boot or even just add for a "pretty". When adding these to an outfit be sure you don't have too many trending/frills/colors/etc happening with your outfit.

 

Source 

Over the Knee
Over the Knee boots have always had a "naughty" connotation {yes, like Pretty Woman}. I  however have always like them because they cover almost your entire leg which keeps you warmer and again no one is seeing my very white legs. This is definitely a style that is easier to wear if you have great long legs BUT can also look fabulous on anyone {assuming id you have larger legs or very muscular legs you can find some that fit correctly}. The most important thing to know about the over the knee boot is that they need to fit slightly loose on your thigh, make sure they are not pinching or compressing your legs at all. This is going to make you look bigger.
Here are some great outfit options that includes jeans, bare legs and leggings.


 
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Ankle or Knee Length Boot?
This is one of those things that is completely up to you! If you are ever wondering, simply put one boot on one foot and the other style on the other foot and look in a mirror then rock the one you love the most! When dressing down go with a flat boot, then choose between ankle or knee. When dressing up go for the heel, then choose between the ankle or knee {ankle is going to be dressiest}

How Dressy is your Boot?
Black/Dark Chocolate "shinier" heeled boots are the dressiest style of boot {to keep it simple}
Plain ankle are always going to be dressier than a knee/above length boots.
Here is how I persoanly determine what shoes are acceptable for the event {and YES even when its freezing and snowing you should not just wear the boots because they are warmer and more confortable... sorry guys!}
Wedding/Special Events
                - Boots are acceptable IF it is a non-formal event {business casual to casual}
               -  Boots are NOT acceptable for a formal/semi formal event {cocktail, formal, black tie}
The invitation to the event will hopefully help you in determining formality - always check out the location of the event, style of the invitation, is the event inside or outside, does the invitation tell you what attire to wear, can you check online {website or Facebook} to get some more specific information or check out images from past events to see what attire others wore.
**The dressiest boot is going to be a heeled, simple, shiny leather ankle boot.**

Find your fabulous,
Emma

Lyn-Maree's Boutique
209 N Main St
Auburn, IN 46706

To Wash or Not Wash

Ever wonder how often you should wash your leggings, sweaters, winter wear?
I know we all hate doing the laundry and want our clothing to last longer so sometimes we don't wash clothing as often as we need to...

And another thing, why does everything say "hand wash only"? No one is really going to hand wash all their clothing {{who has time for that!}} No worries here! All the staples at Lyn-Maree's have been seriously tested by Emma herself {who is a terrible laundress, so if she hasn't ruined it, you should be just fine}. My biggest tip for everything is Garment Bag - Cold Water - Gentle Cycle - Hang or Lay Flat to Dry

So after some research {and what I personally do} here is what I have found.

Leggings/Yoga Pants - Every 2 wears

                *Unless you worked out in them, then ONE wear, putting on clothing you have previously sweated in can clog your pores with your own bacteria {{yuck}}

                How to Wash - gentle cycle, cold water, and hang dry {if they are a nicer material you can pop in the dryer for a few minutes on de-wrinkle *NIKIBIKI can be dried for a few minutes no problem} 

Scarves - 4 times a season 

               {Of course this may depend on how often you wear them.}

               How to Wash -  place your scarf is in a garment bag, gentle cycle, cold water, and lay flat to dry, do not wring them out {as long as the scarf is not wool you should be able to pop it in the dryer on de-wrinkled for a few minutes then lay flat to dry}

Hats - 2-4 a season 

                 Assuming your hat didn't get all kinds of sweaty, once a month of wear should be fine. 

                How to Wash - Knit/Crochet hat - wash on the gentle cycle, cold water, lay flat to dry, do not wring them out. 

                 Cloche or felt {formed hats} - not really washable. Use Down dish soap and cool water to spot clean and use a Lysol to de-germ the interior of the hat {especially where it touches your head}.  

Slip Dresses/Slip Skirts  - Every 2-4 wears

                  This definitely depends on the season. During the winter because I wear my Nikibiki long sleeve and leggings under my slip dress its not touching my skin at all, so it does not need washed as frequently. During the summer I wash mine much more frequently because it is touching my skin and {lets be real} it's hot people sweat. 

                 How to Wash - place it in a garment bag, gentle cycle, cold water, hand to dry {I like to shake all the wrinkles out and make sure all the lace is laying down nicely too before hanging it up to dry}

Faux Fur {scarves/vests/stoles/etc} - 1-2 times per season 

                    I always try and make sure to wear something under my furs {real or faux - real fur is never suppose to touch your skin because of your oils, always have a silk scarf on hand to wear under it} and if I know I am going somewhere smokey/greasy/campfire/smelly/etc I simply don't wear it.

                  How to Wash {FAUX Fur} - Gentle cycle, cold water, hand or lay flat to dry, if it seeds a little fluffing stick in the dryer on LOW Hear for a few minutes} *I am not a "hand washer", so for more details on hand washing or even fixing up some of your faux fur check out the link below*

Don't have a garment bag? WHAT! These little babies are a must for making your clothing last longer. I got mine for maybe $1 or $2 at Walmart by the laundry totes but here is a link for on on Amazon too if you just want it to show up at your house {go for the ones with a zipper, not drawl string} https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Lingerie-Bags-Multi-Size-Underwear/dp/B010RD0VZI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1483985805&sr=8-6&keywords=laundry+garment+bag.


XOXO-
Emma
Lyn-Maree's Boutique
209 N Main St. Auburn, IN 46706

Check out the full list and details from my sources:
http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/How-Many-Wears-Before-You-Need-Wash-28694036

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/surprising-truths-about-how-often-you-should-wash-these-10-different-items-clothing.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Faux-Fur

Make getting ready easier

Ever wonder why Lyn-Maree's only carries neutral clothing? 
Or why I only carry what I call "Accessory Clothing"?

Getting ready in the morning should be quick, easy and virtually effortless.
I'm not a morning person so I need a quick, easy morning routine that ends up in me still looking "stylish" for my day at the boutique. For me a quick morning routine starts with the closet.

Here are 8 simple steps to simplify your closet....and did I mention you can still do all of this and be trendy, up to date and stylish without spending a fortune.... 

Step No. 1: Confront your closet (and dresser, don't forget about that). Can you even see what's in there? Start the clean out by cleaning your closet...yes one piece at a time...

While your clearing out your closet put your clothing into 3 piles

• Keep it - This pile is for clothing you love
• Have worn in the last 12 months
• Fit you right now
• Are not stained or over washed
• And YES, the clothing must fit ALL of those categories. If you are wishy/washy about a garment, Donate it!
• Donate it - This pile is where MOST of your closet will be ending up. 
• Toss it - This pile is if for all the clothing that is stained, discolored, over washed and worn, tearing, etc.

*Note: If you hesitate over an item, for even a second, you don't love it, donate it*

Place the clothes you love on your bed. Arrange the articles by type: jeans, pants, shirts, etc.

Step No. 2: Examine the items on the bed to see if a theme emerges. Is everything blue? Perhaps you chose clothes sewn only from comfortable fabrics. Did you choose only your best-fitting pair of jeans? Did you leave all the skirts in the closet?

By examining the clothes you love in a vacuum—that is, without the rest of your wardrobe surrounding them and clamoring for attention—you will see a pattern. Maybe you like striped shirts best. Or maybe you really only feel comfortable in black. Next time you are on the verge of a purchase, think back to this moment: how would the new piece you are considering fit in with your favorites?

Step No. 3: Make outfits. How many different ways can you mix key pieces to create different looks? Lay out as many ensembles as possible. (Helpful Hint: snap photos with your phone of each outfit; when you wake up tomorrow morning and can't decide what to wear, you can remind yourself of the possibilities.)

Step No. 4: Edit. Are there favorite pieces that didn't make the cut when you were putting together outfits? Take them off the bed...add those to the Donate pile. 

Step No. 5: Pick and choose. Ask yourself: Is there essential piece missing? If you go back to your closet to get a particular jacket or shirt or pair of pants you now regret placing in the donate pile, will that article of clothing enable you to create several more outfits? If so, grab it. *this is the ONLY time you can get back into the pile...box that up and seal it so you cant pull anything else out*

Step No. 6: Repair, replace buttons, and iron every piece of clothing that needs attention. If an item doesn't fit properly, take it to the tailor; shorten the sleeves, nip in the waist, lift a hemline to the most flattering length. If you don't want to make that investment, get rid of the piece. Trust me, it doesn't look good on you.

Step No. 7: Go through your Keep pile, find 10 of your key favorite pieces that your able to create LOTS of outfits from (outfit ideas from step no. 3) Put those back in your closet, on hangers or shelves where they are most visible and accessible. Most of these pieces are likely to be neutrals {black, brown/cocoa/tan, grey, white/ivory, navy}

• This would be where my Slip Dresses, Slip Skirts, fav Cardigan, Blazer, Overlays, "Little" Black Dress, Nikibiki Leggings and Tops, fav pair of Jeans are located 
• Keeping my basic "everyday" items in neutrals helps provide an array of outfit choices from the same pieces {getting more bang for my buck} then I add pops of fun colors in using my jewelry and scarves. 

Step No. 8: Put the rest of your Keep clothing pile back in your closet 

• Arrange by Color and Long Dresses to T Shirts  - DO NOT hang any outfits/suits/matching tops & bottoms together - 
• If you have a work uniform do keep those all together 
• See September 2014 "Organizing your Closet" for further instructions on how to organize your closet to get the most out of your clothing
•  http://www.lyn-marees.com/blog

Slip Dresses pictured on the Left 

Slip Skirts pictured on the Right 

Hat Etiquette 101

As hats are coming more trendy {thank goodness because they are saving us from the sun and wrinkles} I've started wearing them more often I found myself wondering...

"What is the etiquette on when I can can leave my hat on and when I need to take it off?"

Fashion hats (not baseball-style caps) can be left on

• In someone's home
• At luncheons, weddings, garden parties
• At religious services
• At a movie or any indoor performance
• When the national anthem is played
• When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

Take your fashion hat off

• Anytime it blocks someone's view, such as at a wedding or in a theater
• Indoors at work

Remove baseball-style (unisex) caps {who knew there was a difference?}

• In someone's home
• At mealtimes, at the table
• While being introduced
• In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
• Indoors at work, unless required for the job
• In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
• In restaurants and coffee shops
• At a movie or any indoor performance
• When the national anthem is played
• When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

How to: Leg Warmers, Boot Cuffs and Boot Socks

Leg Warmers, Boot Cuffs and Boot Socks are trending right now, but the real question is
"How do you wear these?" 

I've been hearing this question a lot lately because I have several styles in the boutique. As always the easiest way to show people is with some great example. 

**Warning- Do NOT wear these with your gym shoes. These are NOT the same things you wore in the 80's. They are technically the same, I suppose, but worn in a more figure flattering way.**


Why we need a pair this seasons:

1. They are adorable (obviously) 
2. They make any jeans & T outfit look so amazing without any extra effort
3. They keep your warm
4. Perfect with jeans, leggings or bare legs
5. They can dress up any ol' outfit

Hope this helps keep you trendy and fabulous! 

If you have any questions on style tips and tricks comment below or stop by!

Lyn-Maree's  

209 N Main St 

Auburn, IN 46706 

Monday-Friday 10-6 & Saturday 10-3

http://www.lyn-marees.com

Weddings today

Oh weddings today *big sigh*...
Are they formal, informal, super informal or somewhere in between? Weddings use to be formal, an event you dressed up for, something special and never would imagine wearing jeans to (let alone an old, cut-off T-shirt and yes I have seen this at weddings more than once).

At today's weddings anything goes. But how do you know the attire when it's not a close friend or relative and you can't just call them up and ask what you should be wearing.
We've all done it, you thought you knew what you were going to wear, it does not work... then there is that moment of panic when your standing in front of your closet thinking "I have NOTHING to wear" and you need to leave in 10 minutes (no one wants to be that person who shows up late to a wedding...awkward)

When planning what your wearing to a wedding always consider the following things first:
1. Weather/Season
2. How formal was the invitation (did it come with 25 irrelevant envelopes*not sure why anyone still does that* or simple flat card stock invite)
3. Did the invitation state the formality of dress (typically only stated if its "black tie")
4. What is the venue? Barn, backyard, clubhouse, resort, beach....

Once weather and the potential formality of the wedding is figured out your well on your way to finding the perfect outfit.

Any plain colored dress that hits close to your knee (just above or below) is a great place to start. The simplicity of the dress will keep it easy for you to change up to make more or less dressy.
Once you have your dress pick out the shoes, then accessories. The best part about a plain dress is always the shoes and accessories, they can totally transform any old dress into something fabulous.

A few simple tips to always keep in mind when attending a wedding:
-NO flip flops (I don't care how informal the event is), if you need to take or wear flats try a ballet flat or a flat dressy sandal
-Being over dressed is way better than being under dressed
-Grab a scarf/shawl churches, reception halls, etc are either hot or cold never in between
-Don't wear anything too short...remember there will be cameras, dancing, drinking and it's NOT a club or bar, it's a wedding
-Always wear the proper undergarments, your bra and undies are meant to worn and not seen. Yes, wearing a slip is for every women no matter the age or size.

After you've taken all those things into consideration grab your "go-to" black dress and switch up the accessories accordingly. Just kidding BUT when all else fails everyone always looks classy and timeless in a black dress & fabulous accessories no matter the formality.
**YES, it is completely acceptable to wear black to a wedding**

That's all for now... please leave a comment if you have any other style tips and tricks you need help with.

Have a Fabulous Friday!

Emma
Lyn-Maree's Owner & Stylist

Sparkling information!!

I love sparkles, it makes ordinary things special. So many times customers will walk into the store, look at something with rhinestones and say " I never go anywhere special" and keep on looking. We tell them to try mixing it up with ordinary pieces or just adding a piece to a plain t and some jeans. People should not be intimidated by sparkle! Sometimes a little sparkle can just make you feel a little special and honestly, it looks like a million!
I started wondering what all rhinestones were, I knew about crystals from Austria, but what else could I find out about them? I have been in this biz for a long time and I really learned a lot about rhinestones, so I thought I would share.
One question that most customers have is;
What does ‘AB’ mean?

AB stands for Aurora Boreale; a special coating that is applied to the surface of a glass stone or bead to produces a very light rainbow effect that leans toward a pale yellow tone, but also shimmers in pink and blue. This coating is most effective on Crystal stones but also gives a beautiful depth and hue to other colors. When applied on a color stone, it changes the color just slightly and gives it a rainbow effect.

A question I had was why are they called rhinestones?

The Rhine in rhinestone is the Rhine River, and rhinestone is a translation into English of the French phrase caillou du Rhin. Originally a rhinestone was a kind of rock crystal that was found in or near the Rhine. Other types of rock crystal, such as Cornish diamond, were given similar fancy names. Because rhinestones could be made to imitate diamonds, the name rhinestone was applied to artificial gems made from paste, glass, or gem quartz and as a result often carries a connotation of showbiz glitz. Rhinestones are usually chatons with no hole and a foil back to increase reflectivity. Leave it to the French! Ooh la la!

One last questioning inquiry lead me to this little nugget or information! To clean rhinestones simply use alcohol ( rubbing alcohol, for Pete sake, don't waste the vodka!) on a q tip. Avoid getting water on rhinestones as water will tarnish the foil on the back of the stones.

I hope you found this interesting and maybe helpful. Ck back for more tips!

Lyn-Maree's
129 E 9th Street
Downtown Auburn, IN

www.lyn-marees.com
lynmarees@gmail.com

Dont forget to add us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest!

Accessorizing throughout the ages

Men and women have adorned themselves with jewelry since long before the age of reason! Garlands of flowers, bracelets of woven grass, shells, and stone; such were the first decorations to beautify the human body. We may have been wearing jewelry as far back as 75,000 years ago - 30,000 years earlier than previously believed - according to a recent report by National Geographic News.

Over the millennia, jewelry styles and materials have evolved in step with the advances of civilization. From the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution (and seemingly back again!), styles have transformed, modernized, and then often returned to their most basic forms and essential elements.

So bottom line here is at Lyn-Maree's we cater not only to all age groups we cater to all styles. Something from classic to contemporary, trendy to timeless. Even our ancestors knew accessories were FUN. Stop in and let us show you how to pull it all together today.

Have a Fabulous Day & Hope to see You soon!

Lyn-Maree's
129 East 9th Street
Downtown Auburn, IN 46706
www.lyn-marees.com
lynmarees@gmail.com

Fashion and accessorizing for the chronologically challenged

Yes, we know who we are! We want to look younger, but not foolish. We want our kids and grand kids not to roll their eyes when we walk in the room!
This may be cheesy but my first suggestion is to pay attention to the Chicos commercials! Really, they are great to keep in tune with what is hot for us! Cheap way to be a glam am instead of a grandma. Then.... You go to work!
Start with your closet, what do you have in there? Don't be afraid to open the black hole, knock down the cob webs,be brave and go in! Find a white button up shirt you may have to buy some new jeans, no grandma jeans allowed, top it with a black or khaki jacket, push up the sleeves and yes, it's ok that it doesn't button anymore. You're almost there! Flip up the collar on that blouse, tuck your shirt in, add a belt! Even if your waist is larger than last year! There are cute stretch belts, they are soooo forgiving. Put it over the loops. Add some cute flats if necessary, but make sure they are cute not orthopedic looking but if possible some heals, they don't have to be stilettos ,but again don't make them look like your grandmas! Or then there are cute boots... Maybe you should go shopping after all! Lol
Now, lets get down to business... Accessories! You can go several ways here depending on your style. A great scarf loosely around your neck in your favorite colors and add a stack of bangles and some dangly earrings. And Bam.. You're gorgeous! Or add multiple chains and some bigger than you usually wear, earrings! It's really not hard to freshen up your look, you just have to be brave enough to come out of you box, the one that keeps you non descript and unnoticed. Mature women are beautiful! Let yourself shine,feel confident and look terrific.
This is where LynMarees can help guide you to magnificent. We can show you how to do all this, show you how to shop for the exact look you want. No where else offers this expertise for free! Come in and let us make to feel as fabulous on the outside as you are on the inside.
Have a Fabulous Day & Hope to see You soon!

Lyn-Maree's
129 East 9th Street
Downtown Auburn, IN 46706

Great fashion tips...easy, easy, easy

I have been looking for great fashion tips to use to blog about this week.  I have discovered that most websites are for college age girls!  I'm thinking ,"wait a minute..."  What about young career women and young moms. Hey they need help sometimes too, after all college girls already have the fashion thing down anyway, right?  I also believe that young career women have a real dilemma, do they continue to dress like they did in college or go way conservative.  Then you have the young mom that is running around in yoga pants and t-shirts, hair in a ponytail and a baseball cap. There seems like no time for mom. This makes moms loose their identity.  So by following samples of  the looks of your favorite celebrity , you can copy the LOOK, not the outfit and accessories.  This s where the "you" comes into it.  Young career women, watch actress on tv series to see what they are wearing, like 30 Rock, for example.  Find a look you like and then with inspirations you can make your own individual look.

You will find that you discover a look you like over and over then realize more of what your style actually is. Use pintrest to save inspiration photos, collect them for a few days and then go back and look at them, you'll see a pattern. There is your style! Now your ready to make it your own, which is the important part! You do not want to be a copy cat, that is just lazy and way expensive.

Shop your closet!  But start with what you have you'll be surprised. Organize your closet, start left to right, start with tops,pick what color you wear the least to the color you wear the most.  Do the same when you get to skirts,pants,and jeans.  Separate suit pieces, hang the tops with tops of the same color, bottoms with other bottoms of the same color as well.  Use this plan with scarves and the best you can with accessories. I do my jewelry by style not color. After all, it's a look I'm going for not a color scheme.

Shop for some new accessories to freshen up those newly configured outfits!  By adding the least     expensive part of your outfit (accessories) you can save a bundle while individualizing it to reflect YOU! Make it you by adding earrings that remind you of that style you saved on Pintrest.  Add some bangles that you find interesting, remember you are being individual.  You will look like a million, feel like a million, and... Still have money in your pocket, you may have to pick up some scarves, some jackets or sweaters but you probably have everything you need in your closet.  Try this method and I think you will be surprised. Bring your pieces in and we can show you how all this works!  Where else can you find this service for free? You've got to at least try this, what have you got to loose?

Don't forget to leave a comment about what you woul dlike to see blogged about next!
And always remeber to Stay Fabulous!

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Or Visit Us today at
Lyn-Maree's
129 E 9th St
Auburn, IN 46706
Tues-Fri: 10-5 & Sat:10-3

Finding your personal style

I have been layed up for a few days with foot problems which causes a terrible side effect, online browsing, and occasional purchasing. While I courageously dealt with these side effects, I have noticed how much is nothing more than more of the same. Cookie cutter women of all ages, mimicking the same looks. There are different types of fashion personalities. There is CLASSIC, TRENDY, ROMANTIC, CAUSAUL and SPORTY. I tend to lean toward CLSSIC, this does not have to be boring. For example, I enjoy tailored clothes, and timeless pieces. TRENDY is self explaining, finding your comfort zone in the latest fashion and trends. The ROMANTIC find enjoyment in lace, flowing skirts, cameos and soft dresses. The SPORTY is most at home in a running suit, t's with hood and yoga pants. The CUSUAL girl wears jeans and looks like she is ready for that weekend in the country. SO... My point of all this is how to be your own personality, but by adding a few accessories to make it your personal style.
Let's say you are that classic woman, try adding a trendy tribal scarf or jewelry, staying true to your personality, but not being like everyone else you pass on the street. Say tou are one of the sporty types, try black dress pants with your little hoodie t and add pearls or a coordinating scarf. That little element you borrow from the other personalities add that element of individualism. Just try it, see just how more up to date you'll look and feel. Stop in any time and we will be more than happy to assist you. We have always believed this process to be so important, this is why we order in 1's, meaning you can always be assured you will not meet yourself.
I promised I would include the jewelry cleaner recipe. Here it is

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of hot water
1 Tbsp of Salt
1 Tbsp of Baking Soda
1 Tbsp of Dish Soap

DIRECTIONS:
Mix all the ingredients together in a dish
Place your jewelry in the mixture for no longer than 30 minutes
Scrub the jewelry and rinse with warm water
Dump the solution and make a new batch next time
ENJOY SPARKLY CLEAN JEWELRY ON THE CHEAP!