Valentine's Day

Instead of candy or flowers, how about a gift of jewelry for your beloved? Dragon Tales Jewelry features a variety of hand-crafted gemstone necklaces and earrings created by Carlina Johnson.

This beautiful Brown Tiger's Eye necklace is a dramatic piece that any woman would be proud to own. Rich colors and striking patterns mark this unique gemstone design.

Birthstones and Flowers

As you may know, each month has its own birthstone and flower:

JANUARY: Garnet and Carnation
FEBRUARY: Amethyst and Violet
MARCH: Aquamarine and Jonquil
APRIL: Diamond and Sweet Pea
MAY: Emerald and Lily of the Valley
JUNE: Pearl and Rose
JULY: Ruby and Larkspur
AUGUST: Peridot and Gladiolus
SEPTEMBER: Sapphire and Aster
OCTOBER: Opal and Marigold
NOVEMBER: Topaz and Chrysanthemum
DECEMBER: Turquoise and Narcissus

Years ago, a cherished gift idea was  to create a birthstone ring, necklace or bracelet for Mother (or Grandmother) with the children's birthstones. You don't see too many of these nowadays, but it's something to think about if you want to give a treasured heirloom gift of jewelry.

As for flowers, who wouldn't like lovely fresh flowers, especially in these cold winter months when spring is so far away. If you can't afford flowers, how about emailing virtual flowers to your loved one? They may not smell as nice but the gesture would be appreciated. Say it with "flowers" or possibly "flours" if the object of your affection is a baker.    

That's a Wrap!

If you're looking for a dress that looks good on any figure, the wrap dress is the answer. It emphasizes the waist and creates a beautiful neckline while the skirt has just the right fullness. The dress looks great in patterns, solids or a combination. Dress it up with heels, go casual with flats or grunge it out with bulky boots.



For people that don't typically wear dresses, the wrap dress is a good place to start...not too frilly but not as "masculine" as a shirt dress. If you want to add color to your wardrobe, get a colorful wrap dress and wear it with a neutral sweater. Now you're ready for the office or the weekend.

A "Grace"-ful New Year

If you're going to a party to ring in the New Year, you'll need the perfect cocktail dress. I'm into retro styles and one of my favorite looks is Grace Kelly's "21" dress in "Rear Window." If you're familiar with the movie, Jimmy Stewart has broken his leg and is recuperating in his apartment that overlooks a courtyard where he can see inside the windows of his neighbors' homes. Grace (his girlfriend) brings him dinner at "21." Her gown is stunning. They just don't make clothes like that anymore.

"Reddy" or Not

The Christmas season has arrived and it's time to go "red"! Even if red isn't your color, it's perfectly okay to wear it in December. In fact, it's expected. Everyone from beagle to barista can be seen with a bit of red in their wardrobe.

Scarves jazz up an outfit and go with just about anything. You can be subtle with red bracelets or earrings, or go bold with head-to-toe red. It's up to you just how red you want to be.

Red is the perfect color for a cocktail dress if you're going to a holiday party. And if you're celebrating at home, wear red slippers as you lounge around in your jammies, watching Christmas movies and sipping hot cocoa.

I have a pair of red patent leather ballet flats that I wear all year round. They always make me smile. But be careful. Someone is bound to make a joke about clicking your heels together and saying, "There's no place like home."

So get "reddy" for the holidays.

Stripe Club

So what do zebras, candy canes and barber shop poles have in common? That's right. Stripes!

Everyone can wear stripes. Depending on your body shape, you can choose horizontal or vertical, thick or thin, pastel or bold. Striped boat neck shirts look fabulous with a blazer and jeans. Striped dresses and skirts can be paired with a sweater or jacket. For a funky look, wear striped socks, gloves, hats or scarves.

Famous stripers: gondola boatmen, candy stripers and mimes!

Fits Like a Glove

It's time to get your gloves and mittens out of storage. I like to wear both, depending on my mood. Cute fuzzy gloves you find for five dollars at discount stores come in assorted colors like red, orange, blue, green and purple. Or you can raise the stakes and purchase elegant leather gloves in black, brown, camel or burgundy.

As for mittens, there are two types:

Fashionable - knitted mittens in pretty colors that you can mix and match.

Functional - heavy-duty water-resistant for harsh winter weather. If you've ever tried to build a snowman with knit mittens, you know what I mean.

I suggest having all styles of gloves and mittens on hand (pun intended). Be prepared for anything and keep a pair in your pocket, purse or the glove compartment in your car. Wonder why it's not called a mitten compartment...