Spy On Trends » Gifts http://www.spyontrends.com Cool, savvy products, trends and finds. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:08:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Spy on Trends talks jewelry with Esther Fortunoff http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/12/spy-on-trends-talks-jewelry-with-esther-fortunoff/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spy-on-trends-talks-jewelry-with-esther-fortunoff http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/12/spy-on-trends-talks-jewelry-with-esther-fortunoff/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:32:35 +0000 Carolyn Akel http://www.spyontrends.com/?p=2916 What girl doesn’t love jewelry; something shiny, something sparkly, something that makes her eyes light up? That’s why we Spy on Fortunoff Fine Jewelry. Recently Spy on Trends interviewed Fortunoff owner Esther Fortunoff about trends in jewelry.

Jewelry remains a hot commodity in any economy. From the classic to the ultra hip and trendy jewelry [...]]]> What girl doesn’t love jewelry; something shiny, something sparkly, something that makes her eyes light up? That’s why we Spy on Fortunoff Fine Jewelry. Recently Spy on Trends interviewed Fortunoff owner Esther Fortunoff about trends in jewelry.

Jewelry remains a hot commodity in any economy. From the classic to the ultra hip and trendy jewelry is the go to gift for those special occasions. Whether it’s a gift for someone special or for yourself, every girl should have at least one beautiful piece of jewelry according to Fortunoff.

Q:        In today’s market is there a particular price point Americans are willing to pay for a nice piece of jewelry?

A:        I would say that if a woman wants to buy something for herself just for fun, just because it’s nice to be able to have a new earring to accessorize with, the price point would probably be $200 to $600 or $700. Not higher than that. A lot of times people are looking for gifts and they don’t want to spend more than $100. It’s a gift for their child, friend, or birthday party or something. So we always try to have gifts under $100.

It’s really pretty hard to have a piece of fine jewelry that’s genuine stones, sterling silver, or something that I would consider to have a little big of lasting value to be under $50. Under $50 will limit you just to sterling silver, maybe some pearls; but would be a lot of what we call in the trade,
costume jewelry.

Q:        What is the most common occasion for a jewelry purchase?

A:        I want to say a wedding anniversary after Christmas. I mean Christmas and Hanukkah is probably the most reliable jewelry purchase, but birthdays and anniversaries would be next.

Q:      And are men the primary purchaser or women?

A:        I think online in ecommerce, men have become—for the Fortunoff business—a bigger part of our mix. I would say that women often chose their own gift and secretly somehow managed to convey what they wanted. So I would say men are the purchaser, but the question is where  did he get that idea?

Q:        What are the top five pieces of jewelry within the $50 to $1000 range that every woman should have?

A:      A cultured pearl earring, they really just light up your face in a way whether it’s a white pearl or even a gray pearl. It has that iridescence. I think every single woman should own one, whether she has pierced ears or not. You can find the pearl earring from probably $75 up to $7,500 with a south sea pearl. So to me a cultured pearl earring would be the number one thing I would think most people would want. And probably a gold chain or a chain that you could put charms on
or wear alone would be for sure something that everyone should own. I like also, the idea of having a pearl necklace of some sort. You can get something that really looks nice under $150, even $100 if you have to. You can dress it up and you can dress it down. I also do think that a nice silver bracelet would be one of the top five for sure.

Every woman should have at least a ring, whether she is married or not, with probably a diamond band or a diamond cocktail ring or fashion ring. And diamond stud earrings too.

Q:        It is said diamonds are your best friends, what precious stone is your best seller?

A:        I would say the precious stone that’s our best seller right now is probably amethyst.

Q:        Interesting. Do you understand why?

A:        Well it’s not too expense. I mean amethyst is among the group of stones that are often referred to as semi-precious, which would be like amethyst, topaz, garnet, to trim peridot;
that family. It seems that the sort of faint purplish to the deep purple has been fairly trending in the past few years with the look of the darkened metal, the blackened tones, and the sort of slightly edgier jewelry look. I think amethyst just looks nice with either yellow gold or white gold, or silver. For a long time I would have answered topaz. And probably years before that I would
have said sapphire. But amethyst.

Q:        You mentioned darker metals and an edgier look. Do you think these edgier looks are lasting pieces?

A:        Well I do think they can be lasting pieces if they’re not too crazy looking. Funny, because I think with fine jewelry, it will grow in and out of style over time. If it’s appropriate now, you may not want to wear it in five years but you really might want to wear it in 10 or 15 years. I just was looking at some of the silver jewelry that I’ve owned for 20 years and I’m wearing it again.

Check out extraordinary jewelry for any occasion at www.fortunoff.com

]]> http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/12/spy-on-trends-talks-jewelry-with-esther-fortunoff/feed/ 0 DVF launches a new luggage collection http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/11/dvf-launches-a-new-luggage-collection/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dvf-launches-a-new-luggage-collection http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/11/dvf-launches-a-new-luggage-collection/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:45:40 +0000 Carolyn Akel http://www.spyontrends.com/?p=2880 Spy spots DVF’s latest collection of luggage. In this cute video, Diane von Furstenberg shares her secrets to living and packing lightly.

Diane first came into the pop culture consciousness in 1972 with the now iconic wrap dress. She known to be a “packing enthusiast” and an adventurer- she truly enjoys the art of packing [...]]]> Spy spots DVF’s latest collection of luggage. In this cute video, Diane von Furstenberg shares her secrets to living and packing lightly.

Diane first came into the pop culture consciousness in 1972 with the now iconic wrap dress. She known to be a “packing enthusiast” and an adventurer- she truly enjoys the art of packing and traveling. She is a frequent international traveler for both work and leisure, ranging from destinations in the sun, the city and in the country. Diane says “If  you pack lightly, you live lightly” and hopes to inspire others to travel with style and ease.  Click dvf.com/onthego.com to shop the luggage collection.

logo red small black medium red large ]]> http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/11/dvf-launches-a-new-luggage-collection/feed/ 0 Take the scent with you with this Perfumed Locket http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/take-the-scent-with-you-with-this-perfumed-locket/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=take-the-scent-with-you-with-this-perfumed-locket http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/take-the-scent-with-you-with-this-perfumed-locket/#comments Tue, 10 May 2011 12:33:15 +0000 SpyOnTrends http://www.spyontrends.com/home/spyontre/public_html/?p=2838 Inspired by a Victorian “vinaigrettes” Erica Weiner created this Perfumed Locket, that releases a beautiful scent when you wear it around your neck. Vinaigrettes were perforated lockets with aromatic smelling salts or vinegar inside. Though not the most pleasant sounding aromas, they were used by ladies to mask the unpleasant smells of 18-19th century cities. [...]]]> Inspired by a Victorian “vinaigrettes” Erica Weiner created this Perfumed Locket, that releases a beautiful scent when you wear it around your neck. Vinaigrettes were perforated lockets with aromatic smelling salts or vinegar inside. Though not the most pleasant sounding aromas, they were used by ladies to mask the unpleasant smells of 18-19th century cities.

Erica Weiner’s version uses two custom scented oils developed by DS and Durga Perfumes for an updated version of a Victorian “vinaigrette.” The Erica Weiner perfumed locket comes with one 1/2 dram bottle of Foxhunt, a mix of the aromas of country herbs, wild flowers, deep leather-patchouli, and one 1/2 dram bottle of Empress Jingu, a mix of hinoki wood, cypress forests, violet fields. The gunmetal-plated perforated locket hangs on a 25” vintage stainless steel chain and measures 1 ¼” tall. Five pieces of linen come with the chain. Simply place the desired scent on the linen and place in the locket. The heat of your skin will warm the metal and activate the oil, creating a wafting scent through the tiny openings in the locket.

Grab the locket at www.ericaweiner.com and while you are there check out some of their other collections of vintage and reclaimed jewelry.

]]> http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/take-the-scent-with-you-with-this-perfumed-locket/feed/ 0 Minimal packaging is making a difference http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/minimal-packaging-is-making-a-difference/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=minimal-packaging-is-making-a-difference http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/minimal-packaging-is-making-a-difference/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 20:47:49 +0000 SpyOnTrends http://www.spyontrends.com/home/spyontre/public_html/?p=2834 Is your favorite product getting smaller? Or is there simply less packaging? For years the thought has been that alluring packaging can make any product super. Nowadays ethics are coming into the fold—both consumer ethics and those of manufacturers. Many companies are going the eco-friendly route and doing away with the fancy packaging opting for [...]]]> Is your favorite product getting smaller? Or is there simply less packaging? For years the thought has been that alluring packaging can make any product super. Nowadays ethics are coming into the fold—both consumer ethics and those of manufacturers. Many companies are going the eco-friendly route and doing away with the fancy packaging opting for a minimalist approach.

Companies like B & G Organics are reducing packaging and streamlining their look at helping the environment at the same time. Is the trend catching on?

Last year, Amazon.com launched a private label brand called AmazonBasics, shipped in what it calls Frustration-Free Packaging, which means minimal, easy to open and recyclable. Brands like Sprint, Cadbury, Hormel, and Kellogg have reduced the amount of packaging for their products as well.?

The use of minimal packaging has no doubt had a tremendous impact on lessening the amount of waste headed toward landfills. That of course is the goal, but from a business perspective it also makes sense. There is a lot of positive marketing that goes along with being eco-friendly. Businesses are often recognized for their role in protecting the Earth and that’s never bad publicity. The result is a win for the environment, a win for the consumer and a win for the business.

Next time you have a choice let the amount of packaging weigh in on your buying decisions and become part of the solution to a more natural environment.

]]> http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/minimal-packaging-is-making-a-difference/feed/ 0 Essence of Vali will balance your mind and soul http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/essence-of-vali-will-balance-your-mind-and-soul/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=essence-of-vali-will-balance-your-mind-and-soul http://www.spyontrends.com/2011/05/essence-of-vali-will-balance-your-mind-and-soul/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 20:43:47 +0000 SpyOnTrends http://www.spyontrends.com/home/spyontre/public_html/?p=2831 Sometimes optimum health can only be achieved through a total balance of the body. And sometimes there is a product that strives to do just that. The philosophy behind Essence of Vali is that a state of health exists when the body is in balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Started by Valerie Bennis, Essence [...]]]> Sometimes optimum health can only be achieved through a total balance of the body. And sometimes there is a product that strives to do just that. The philosophy behind Essence of Vali is that a state of health exists when the body is in balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Started by Valerie Bennis, Essence of Vali products provide the self-love and self-care essential ingredients to maintaining health and wellness. Bennis started Essence of Vali after working in the corporate world. She left to pursue her interest in essential oils. Ten years later what started as a home-based business has become a line of products that provided the healing energy of plants.

Essence of Vali products have won industry recognition for their fragrance, effectiveness and appeal to all ages. The products are 100 percent natural and each formula is comprised of a synergistic blend of plan essences. One of the most popular products addresses a most popular concern with people: Sleep.

With essences of lavender, marjoram, cedarwood and ylang/ylang, “Sleep” is available as a concentrate, balm, mist, massage and bath oil. Make sure you are always able to sleep with the Sleep travel gift set, which includes a 2 oz. bottle of sleep mist, two sleep mini size concentrates, sleep balm in a navy blue organza pouch.

Or give the gift of sleep to someone you love. Or at lease come pretty close by giving them the Gift of Peaceful Sleep that includes a 1 oz. soothing sleep mist, 1 oz sleep massage and bath oil, and Sleep mini size concentrate in black or white pillow pack box.

Learn more about Essence of Vali at www.essenceofvali.com

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