Pretty Things

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Research conducted by Canterbury University PhD student Jessica Boyce indicates that women who feel threatened by images of females in the media, own more shoes and handbags but do not prefer trousers. The research reveals that shoes and handbags are more appealing to women because they increase physical attractiveness without drawing attention to the figure. On the flip side, since trousers do draw attention to the figure they are avoided.
These findings and this research has been based on study of 286 female students from Canterbury University and 922 women student from Alberta University in Canada. Apart from women that feel insecure due to media propaganda and thus tend to own more handbags and accessories, the study revealed that women who are insecure in general, tend not to accessorize at all – neither handbags, nor shoes or any other kinds of accessories.
Bringing in another perspective, fashion industry PR Paul Blomfield stated that though the researcher may be on to something with the link between people feeling bad and wanting retail therapy, but linking it specifically to shoes and handbags was laughable.

This study is a small part of Boyce's PhD in health psychology, which looks at the media's effect on female body image and dieting.

© knitsteel

Besides flowers and chocolates, fashion jewelry has always been the favorite choice as a gift for Valentine's Day. A famous online retailer of handmade fashion jewelry named Beth Devine Designs, has come up with innovative ideas for selecting gifts this Valentine's Day.

Beth Devine was of the opinion that "Gifting fashion jewelry like a unique pair of earrings or a bracelet to a loved one is the best gift as it is something she'll treasure endlessly." She further added that the girls usually love fashion jewelry that goes with the size and color of her attire.

BethDevineDesigns.com offers more than 200 pieces of sophisticated jewelry of eternal value. These precious pieces of valentine's fashion jewelry include:

Crystal Hearts Necklace: A necklace studded with hearts as a symbol of love. BethDevineDesigns.com offers a collection of handmade heart necklaces and bracelets. It is the best sold gift on every Valentine's Day.

Multi-Strand Pearl Bracelet – Pearls have a widespread demand as they are versatile and go with any attire. These bracelets include four strands of freshwater pearls.

Beth Devine is into designing fashion jewelry for more than six years and since then, it has extended its collection which also involves a specific brand of handmade jewelry for brides.

© dunikowski

Handbags are a girls best friend. Most women find that handbags are an essential item that they simply cannot live without. This is why the price of a good handbag can be very pricey. For some, selecting the perfect handbag is a must.

French singer and actress Jane Birkin has inspired one of the most famous and coveted handbags in the world, the Birkin bag, and now she is putting her own personal Birkin Bag up for auction on eBay with proceeds to benefit the Japanese Red Cross. The money will go towards helping individuals and families who have been suffering from the recent disaster in Japan. With less than two days left to bid, the auction price has escalated from its starting price of $2,000 to over $14,000 currently and is expected to be much higher as the hours go by.

The black leather bag is lived-in and roughed up, featuring stickers and attached prayer beads form Birkin's travels on the exterior. It is what is known as a "beater Birkin" to those in the the designer consignment and resale business. It is for someone who wants a used look, and if it didn't belong to Birkin herself, it would probably sell for about $6,000.