Best of Friends Now and Always: Gifts for the Bridesmaids

(BNN) The tradition of the bridal party began in ancient Rome with a bride selecting close friends and relatives to accompany and protect her on the journey to the marriage ceremony. Times have changed, of course, and while bridesmaids have less of a bodyguard role these days, their participation is no less important.

Bridesmaids offer faithful support and generous advice as wedding plans take shape. As a remembrance of her cherished friendship, the thoughtful bride always presents each bridesmaid with a gift as an expression of esteem, love and gratitude.

Jewelry and accessories will always be a reminder of that special day and treasured for a lifetime. They also complement and enhance the bridesmaids dress.

Diamonds, still a girls best friend, add dazzle to bridesmaids dresses. Diamond Essence, one of the worlds best-known makers of artificial diamonds, has exquisite simulated stones. A stunning 2.0 carat pendant on a 14K gold chain is $69 and 2.0 carat studs set in 14K gold are $45 at www.diamond-essence.com/bridal.

Personalized jewelry is also an enduring gift. Lillian Vernons sterling silver bracelet with a heart charm can be engraved with a bridesmaids monogram, including engraving for $20 at www.lillianvernon.com. Ross-Simons engraved sterling silver locket on a black silk cord brings a dash of romance to a bridesmaid's neckline. Inserting a picture of the bride and bridesmaid personalizes it even more. Including engraving for $60 at www.ross-simons.com.

Dainty pearl and crystal earrings accent dressy, swept-up hairstyles. $45 at Fortunoff. If the bride registers at a Fortunoff store, she also receives a 10% discount on gifts for her wedding party. www.fortunoff.com.

Bridesmaids will delight in luxurious pashmina shawls sprayed with Swarovski crystal beads in soft lilac, pink, champagne or black. Wear to the wedding and for years to come! $119 www.pashminaboutique.com.

The gift a bride chooses reflects the strong bonds of friendship celebrated on this joyous occasion

None

Read More

Black Women's Hairstyles: It's Not Just About The Hair

Throughout the decades, the social significance of black hairstyles has remained a relevant part of black history. Unlike other American cultural trends, black hairstyles represent a significant history and pride amongst black women. Where else does one's self worth and self image play such a high role in society? When black women enter the salon for a new hairdo, many times they must look at the whole picture; considering the social message that they will be sending when walking out of the salon and into black society.

Since the 1400's, when slaves were brought to the New World, they were made to change their hairstyles to more traditional European standards. This included the use of herbs and botanicals that relaxed their coarse hair, giving the appearance of finer hair. Throughout slave times, black women grown accustomed to their European counterparts wore their hair straightened, combed, and parted. Since that time, black women have often been ridiculed for their choices regarding their hair.

In modern day times, black women must choose to conform to Western society and their hairstyles or go for the more natural look. During the late sixties, the Afro and more traditional ways of wearing one's hair made a debut. The image of freedom and pride led the movement for the El Natural look. But it was just that, a trend, that came and went; and in the near future; will most likely come again. However, since that time, more black women have opted for hairstyles that are Americanized and project the societal views of beautiful hair. Nothing is more evident of this trend than the huge amounts of money spent yearly on black hairstyles at various salons.

Today, a black woman may spend hundreds of dollars at a salon every week, striving to achieve that perfect hairstyle. Even in the poorest of neighborhoods, hair salons and barbershops that cater to black hair are still thriving. So are these black women abandoning their cultural history and giving into the white man's ways? Most black women say o, it's not a matter of history or culture, but a matter of looking good and feeling good about one's self.
About the Author

John Williams sends out a free hairstyle tips newsletter. Sign up for yours today!

Read More