Are you looking for a very special gift for a special lady? Then take a look at the exclusive range from Paula Mendoza. Paula’s studios are in Colombia, giving her access to the finest materials. Trained as a sculptor, she now creates wearable art.

Her background in the field of sculpture is evident in her work, as is the Colombian culture and history. And yet this jewelry is completely up to date. Colombia’s gold is extremely rich and its emeralds are particularly lustrous and these materials make a perfect match.

They are perfect to choose as gifts for the truly stylish woman of today.

See the collection

When I first saw these bags, I simply thought how cool and stylish they looked.Scroll down to see a larger image. Then I realized what they are made from and I had to share it with you. They are made from waste material that would normally be thrown out and end up clogging landfills.

Yes, this innovative company has joined forces with Coca Cola and make these bags using misprinted or damaged bottle labels. Even better, they are actually constructed by a free trade women’s collective located in Peru.

These labels, which are water resistant do not meet quality standards but as an alternative to simply being discarded, they are carefully hand-folded and crafted into the stylish bags you see here.

What a fabulous idea this is.

Visit the website to learn more

A sturdy bag

I don’t know about you but I’ve always found that cold weather clothes are often far more stylish than warm weather outfits. I love the richer fabrics and somehow designers seem to make the most of winter clothing in the most stylish ways. The winter months are a great excuse to show your fashion style.

At any time of year though, it is accessories that can make or break an outfit. These items are also an excellent way of making your older garments fresh again. We all have winter clothes that are timeless classics and new accessories are a way of making them completely up to the minute. You’ll see a selection of our favorites on this page.

To see them all, click here.

We love this adorable hat by Eugenia Kim

Many years ago, there were very few goods available that were suitable as gifts and at the same time, donated to charity. In those days giving-and-buying was restricted to charity holiday cards. Today, we are all more socially aware – although we still maintain our standards of good quality and great style.

That’s why we love this range of products from Arhaus. Stylish they certainly are but they also give back to worthwhile causes and important charities. I always like to receive this type of gift – to me, it shows that the person who has given it is a thoughtful person.  Not only has he or she chosen a lovely item but they have also considered the world we live in.

I like to buy from responsible companies – those who feel that they can make a difference in ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/stylish-gifts-that-give-back/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/fun-and-fabulous-jewelry/ http://tastesmagazine.com/fun-and-fabulous-jewelry/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2014 08:46:57 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=3548

We were delighted to find this website that features a huge variety of excellent jewelry designs. Some are incredibly sophisticated and unique – others, like the one featured in the large image at the bottom of the page, are just sheer fun. When you are buying a gift for a female friend or loved one, you can’t go wrong when you choose jewelry – we all love it!

I think one of the reasons that we women love jewelry so much is that it is, in the great scheme of things, completely unnecessary.  We don’t need it for our survival and it’s not an essential in our everyday lives and yet since the beginning of time both men and women have gone to extraordinary lengths to adorn their bodies.

As mankind became more civilized, not only did ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/fun-and-fabulous-jewelry/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/jackie-kennedy-jewelry/ http://tastesmagazine.com/jackie-kennedy-jewelry/#comments Sun, 16 Nov 2014 07:22:47 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=2725

There’s no doubt that Jacqueline Kennedy was very much a style icon. And it wasn’t just American women who followed her lead – women all over the world were captivated by her clothes and her accessories. Many of these were truly timeless pieces that have become classics and that can certainly be said for her jewelry. There are some rather frightening statistics about how much her jewelry was worth.  But today, we can all enjoy her style.

We were so pleased to find an online retailer that sells gorgeously stunning reproductions of her classic pieces. What’s more, every item comes with it’s own certificate of authenticity proclaiming that the piece – be it brooch, earrings, a pendant or bracelet – that it is a faithful ‘reproduction of jewelry worn by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, the First Lady of ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/jackie-kennedy-jewelry/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/style-chic-from-boutique-to-you/ http://tastesmagazine.com/style-chic-from-boutique-to-you/#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:12:31 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=5651

We are loving browsing through our latest fashion discovery’s website. This site has wonderful fashions plus a selection of fabulous footwear, jewelry and other accessories. It features fashions that are fun,yet stylish too.

The creative team at this website have discovered the best from the most up-and-coming designers combined with well-known names that you’ll recognize immediately. Not only this but you’ll find that the prices are much less than you’d imagine, especially when you consider the stylishness and range that they have on offer.

These are eminently wearable but many items have a wonderful touch of fun too. Checkout the site using the link below – we’re sure you’ll agree that this is a fabulous fashion find.

Visit the site to find out more

This is a terrific look

Here at Tastes Magazine, we’ve always loved products that can be customised. A gift in particular is so much more special when it has been custom-designed for the recipient.  One of the latest companies to offer this is Converse and their fabulous sneakers.

Why wear ordinary sneakers when you can wear those which are perfectly custom designed to match your outfits?

We’ve always loved the brand and this gives Converse an added edge – you can design your sneakers online, order, and then they’ll be tailor-made for you. When you visit the site below, be sure to watch the video to give you just a few ideas of the ways in which your sneakers can be created.

This is a wonderful gifts idea and, despite what the video might seem to suggest, suitable for all ages.

Design your own here

I seem to be writing a lot about scarves these days, probably because my own collection continues to grow. That’s because I find them to be so versatile and such a wonderful way to add pizzazz to the most somber outfits.The selection shown here includes scarves that are specifically American and are a perfect way for citizens and supporters of the USA to show their allegiance.

They are the perfect way to add a patriotic touch to any outfit at any time of the year but they are particularly popular to wear on holidays such as Veterans Day, Independence Day and of course, Patriots Day which commemorates the events of 911. And of course, they are also fun and fashionable.

See all

Whether you call them pop tops or ring pulls, these discarded items certainly can be transformed into the most wonderful products. These are produced by hand by women in Brazil and the ring pulls are crocheted together to create these stylish accessories. What a smart idea.

These are then imported into the USA and distributed by a company in California. They make such cool gifts and are the ultimate expression of recycling.

Each item features a tag telling you exactly which one of the artisans created your product. The site also has several tutorials which shows you how to make some of these products yourself.

See more at the website

A couple of favourites

Today we’ve found a wonderful site for you that you’ll love. On this page you’ll find some beautiful African jewelry that is made by artisans – often from recycled materials – and sold online via this fabulous USA website.

All the goods you’ll find there are positively delightful. The site says that it has one simple mission – to spread happiness by creating delighted customers and happy global craftspeople and artists who are paid a fair wage for their beautiful work.

This African jewelry range is just one example of the beautiful goods they have on offer. It’s the perfect place to look for unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. See hand-created, responsibly-produced gift ideas from all around the world. You’ll love the goods for sale there.

Visit the website

African jewelry example:

There are many people who find that regular earrings irritate the skin. It seems to come and go with me – sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t – so my solution is to always buy the hypoallergenic versions. That’s why I was delighted to find this website where I can buy then online. And because these are made in Hungary, I’ve never come across anyone wearing the same earrings I wear. They are very reasonably priced too, and shipping is worldwide for a small flat fee.

The site has another feature I love – when you visit, you immediately see colored boxes – click the color to see all the earrings they offer in that shade. The pieces themselves are fun and fashionable – plus they are inexpensive enough to buy a pair for every day of ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/earrings-for-people-with-sensitive-skin/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/halloween-with-style-what-to-wear/ http://tastesmagazine.com/halloween-with-style-what-to-wear/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2014 18:40:56 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=2510 We’ve pondered this question. I have to say that as far as style is concerned, this is my least favorite event. I love Halloween colors – the black and orange – but so many of the decor items and clothing are, well, tacky to say the least. If you’re like me, you’ll want to get into the spirit of things (mild pun there) but you don’t want to dress up as a silly skeleton or a buxom serving wench. (Or do you? If so, scroll down!) So, what can we wear that’s sinisterly spooky and stylish too? Here are a few ideas.

Every woman should ideally have a cape – preferably black – in her wardrobe. These are amazingly versatile garments and are perfect for casual wear or for formal occasions – they are traditionally worn when attending ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/halloween-with-style-what-to-wear/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/silver-and-gold-skull-bracelets/ http://tastesmagazine.com/silver-and-gold-skull-bracelets/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:09:04 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=2316

I recently featured McQueen’s stunning skull scarves and really wanted to include these pieces but I think that they deserve their own page. Aren’t they simply gorgeous? Prices start at under $200 and these are jewelry items that are classics of the future. See how beautifully they are engrave on the inside of every bracelet – there’s no doubt that these are the real thing.

They make a wonderful gift for both men and women and be easily ordered online and delivered quickly. (Although do check the dimensions of your choice if buying for a guy – some are small). Delivery is worldwide and at time of writing they are eligible for free shipping within the Unites States. They come directly from Saks Fifth Avenue and some versions include brass and enamel, plus many are available in ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/silver-and-gold-skull-bracelets/feed/ 0 http://tastesmagazine.com/skull-leather-wrap-bracelets-by-alexander-mcqueen/ http://tastesmagazine.com/skull-leather-wrap-bracelets-by-alexander-mcqueen/#comments Sat, 11 Oct 2014 06:58:53 +0000 Jackie http://tastesmagazine.com/?p=688

When Alexander McQueen first introduced his signature skull products, they immediately became ‘must-have’ items for celebrities everywhere. The primitive skulls, combined with today’s luxury materials, seemed to strike a chord with the most stylish people in the fashion world. The McQueen company still produce these and they have become true classics.

Fashion editors and pundits declare that everyone should own a McQueen accessory. No wardrobe, they say, is complete without at least one piece. In addition to the jewelry, belts see scarves, cuff bracelets, rings and more from this prestigious fashion house.

See all Alexander McQueen accessories

Here at Tastes Magazine, there are some designers who we feel are essential. Everyone, for example, should have a Marimekko items in their home. No decor is quite complete without at least one classic Mid Century Modern iconic piece.

And it’s the same with our wardrobe – we believe that everyone should have one item by Alexander McQueen at the very least.

The lucky thing is that there is a full range of goods that come from this design house and a McQueen accessory will always add that certain something to an outfit or ensemble.

We love the iconic scarves  and the skull jewelry but there’s so much more to choose from – from bags to sunglasses, from umbrellas to belts. Use the link below or click an image to see the full collection.

See the full range of Alexander McQueen accessories here

This is ... Read More »]]> http://tastesmagazine.com/alexander-mcqueen-accessories/feed/ 0