My Unique Gift Idea Shopping Blog

The King of Pop may have passed away but his influence on the pop fashion world may become even more pronounced in death than it was during his lifetime. Not only was his music and dance routines simply mind blowing, but so was his taste in clothing; especially the custom designed “uniforms” he began to wear later in his career. As his memory becomes legendary, as did that of Elvis Presley, so will the fashions he chose to wear, including the large Panama hats, white gloves and socks that he often wore as accessory items.

From the time he was the lead singer with his family group, The Jackson Five, and then onward to his first solo appearances which led to Moonwalker and his movie and best selling album Thriller, Jackson’s fashion metamorphosis indicated that he began to take his role seriously as King of Pop. The 19th Century military style outfits with gold braid, sequin lace, and gold buttons, tight pants and love for zippers often gave him an appearance of someone off to a costume party – except that his “party” was an almost daily affair.

Jackson loved all kinds of accessories, and this included the numerous umbrellas he carried or had attendants hold over him later in life, especially due to his skin disease that caused him to have a ghostly white appearance. As his personal appearance kept changing (a result of numerous plastic surgeries, particularly following a traumatic fire at a concert which caused him to lose part of his nose, and gave him severe burns) his clothing style changed as well.

His personal style was also reflected in the bizarre outfits he had made for his children, who he had dressed in order for their not to be recognized when going with him on occasional trips abroad.

Later on, during his courtroom appearances for child molestation, he wore impeccably tailored suits, often pure white with gold buttons and brightly colored vests. During this time he never wore the same outfit twice, and had personal tailors constantly designing new outfits for him to wear. Even with his last outfits, especially the one he wore when he announced his intention to do a series of 50 concerts on what he called his “This is it Tour“, he continued to express his unique individuality – even in mid-life.

One thing for sure: Michael Jackson never followed current fashion trends – he created his own. This what he will be remembered for, and will be imitated by thousands of Michael Jackson wannabes; who will try to duplicate his unique fashion style. And this may wind up being as much his legacy as his music – if not more.

Sacha Baron Cohen, the British comedian and star of the Borat Tours America film, has pulled out all the stops in his latest bit of madness, Bruno, which deals with a gay Austrian fashion designer who goes on a bizarre tour of American gay fashion centers. The film has created such a stir, that it may actually do a lot to promote a new line of “duds for Gay dudes”, especially after Cohen’s recent interview with reporters at England’s version of Marie Claire fashion magazine where he posed along with model Alessandra Ambrosio.

Cohen was quoted as making some very “interesting” remarks about a number of well known “celebs”; including Madonna about whom he said: “L is for “Little black child… thanks to Madonna… its zis season’s vardrobe essential.”

Following his previous movie Borat, where he portrayed a reporter from the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan, his Bruno film features a “fashion tour’ all over gay (and not-so-gay) America and the film’s July 10 Hollywood Premiere promises to “turn the city on its pink a—”. A small “taste of things to come” was demonstrated by Cohen himself at the annual MTV Music Awards presentation, when Cohen, dressed as a bare-bottomed swan, descended into the audience right into the face of noted rap singer Eminem, who was so disgusted and outraged that he left the event.

Masquerading as the gay Austrian reporter, and using heavy Austrian dialect in his colorful speech, “Bruno’s” own colorful outfits, including some that leave nothing to the imagination, have been modeled by the actor himself in various international venues where he has been personally promoting his latest venture into madness.

Why have numerous Hollywood celebrities managed to remain stylish, despite getting older and despite changing fashion styles. They know the secrets in always being in style, and I want to share these secrets with you

Some of these personalities, such as Carey Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Madonna, and Tom Cruise, have managed to remain in the fashion forefront due to their knowledge of what is known as “personal style” meaning that the celebrity’s own individual characteristics maintain his or hers’ personal style, no matter what year (or generation) it is.

Here’s some of these style tips to take note of:

1. For women (maybe men too!) – keeping as near a perfect figure as possible; lets face it girls, men are men, and as such they like to see a pretty woman with the right proportions, which has always been bust 35-36, waist;22-24, and hips 35-36. Known as the “hour-glass figure” this is what men like to see, and why they buy magazines like Playboy or surf the internet.

2. Perfection is not always the best quality. Every button and ribbon do not have to be in place if other qualities are there. This is more true for women; and it always seems to work out that the more a women tries to look “perfect” the less she will be – so why do so. After all, we’re only human!

3. The “Freudian slip” (otherwise known as the simple black dress). This has always worked for many stars, especially ones like Audrey Hepburn, who had a natural sophistication that made her look tantalizingly sexy in a simple black dress.

4. Jeans: Jeans or other clothing made out of denim are always stylish, depending on how they are worn. Earlier American male movie stars like Clark Gable, James Dean, and more modern ones like Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, always look super in a pair of Levis (or similar). And this goes for gals like Madonna and Meg Ryan too!

5. Shades (sunglasses): Whether it is Audrey Hepburn at Tiffany’s, or Sarah Jessica Parker at a chic Manhattan café, the right pair of shades is an excellent complement to any woman (or man’s) wardrobe. Men should wear those types that are more masculine, however – like surfers or bikers would wear.

6. Be simple and more creative – and smile! Being able to change one’s appearance to suit the time (whether it be the year or the hour) is very important. Stars like Madonna and Meryl Streep have been able to master this technique and befit from it – including different hair styles, etc. And last of all, smile! That “technique” seems to work better no matter what!

I got an email from my Mother and this is it. We grew up with his music at home and my mother was always the biggest Michael Jackson fan of them all. I know she always was a fan and always kept tabs on Michael Jackson even through the hard/weird times of this artist’s life. I think this email speaks for himself:

Its a sad day today that this great entertainer has died so suddenly and so young.

Since 3.30 our stations are reporting nothing else. America is in a state of shock. He definitely had the last say – thousands are gathering outside the hospital in Los Angeles, in New York and all around the States. Not since Diana’s death have I seen such scenes of emotion and sadness.

It’s just surreal to see the words, ” Michael Jackson has died”. Unbelievable. I felt very sorry for him during the last years. They mentioned that as soon as he died the Internet went into overload. It was actually slowing down.

Sorry guys just had to email you – I am sure you have heard. I wanted to call but it was too late.

Love,
Mom

I wrote about Druid Charms and Jewelry last month and today I found this clip about the Secrets of the Druids on National Geographic.

A coincidence, I think not!

Father’s Day is almost here, and many of you may still be searching for that truly unique give for “the dad who has everything“. You can search no more, as your dad will really be thrilled to receive a special ring to commemorate his favorite sport – thumb wrestling. Whether the wrestling is with another person or merely self-induced by “twittling” his own thumbs, he’ll now have something to show for his efforts, and it will make a great conversation item too!

The “ring” is really not a finger ring at all but a plastic replica of a miniature boxing or wrestling ring, complete with ropes. The fun begins when two “contestants”, or thumbs, battle it out and go for as many “rounds” as desired. The “ring” comes in a number of colors and has a thumb wrestling rule book to make sure contestants “fight according to the rules” such as “how to win” and “how to lose” (if one wants to “throw” the match).

Betting rules are also noted even though betting “is not advocated in any form – unless there is a large sum of money involved and there’s no way you can lose”.

The ring measures 5 by 5 inches, which should be enough room to accommodate the largest thumb contestants. It doesn’t need batteries or difficult. assembly (like something from Ikea does), so Dad can quickly get down to the business of winning (or losing).

The cost for this crazy thing is less than a McDonald’s ‘combo meal’; unless you want it gift wrapped, for another 3 bucks.

Getting married and want a truly unique way to send your wedding invitations? Consider sending them in miniature scrolls and “letters in a bottle” for sending wedding and other announcements (graduation, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding anniversaries, etc.) that are reasonable in price and are sure to be remembered by your guests for years to come.

Each scroll is beautifully designed and the invitation is rolled up inside, causing it to open like an ancient document. The scrolls also have a small “pocket” inside for adding a secret message or gift for each guest. Prices range from under $ 4 for a regular size invitation (8 X 10″) to $6 for a larger size “proclamation” (8 1/2 X 11 “).

If your planning a beach or similar wedding, consider a “Message in a Bottle” in which a scented incitation is rolled up inside a miniature corked bottle. They cost from $3.50 for a bottle filled with sand and sea shells, to $4 for one filled with scented potpourri. Bottles with invitations or announcements printed on copies of ancient maps are also available.

Shipping costs vary, according to artwork needed for invitations or announcements, shipping destination and the number of invitations ordered.

Looking for unusual and mystical gifts for that person who has everything? Then consider charms designed from the legend of King Solomon, whose profound wisdom, romantic writing, and diplomacy are still admired to this day. Legends say that the Israelite King Solomon possessed a magical signet ring, which was claimed to have come from Heaven. This magical ring gave him many magical powers, including the ability to have control over demons and to talk to animals.

One of the central designs of this signet ring was the magical Seal of Solomon which some say was in the form of a six pointed star or hexagram, while others (especially those of Christian and Muslim belief) say that the represented star, or pentagram, had five points. The seals design, which also included certain ancient Hebrew writings, are said to have represented the cosmic order of the heavenly bodies, and their constant flow between Heaven and Earth. The seal of two interlocking triangles, forming the hexagram is said to be known as the “Khatam Sholmo” or Solomon’s Seal. The hexagram often includes ancient Hebrew letters which are said to be the name of God.

Today, many variations of the “Seal” are available, including ones for physical protection, fortune and prosperity, and for courage and ambition. The charms are made in a variety of metals and other substances, including ancient stones from the Holy Land and ancient class. There are also charms showing symbols of the zodiac of which Solomon was said to have admired and used to assist him during his long reign as king of Israel. And since King Solomon was said to have been the author of the Song of Songs, these charms are said to work magic for problems related to love as well, since Solomon was said to had had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

The seals can be found at MostOriginal.com, AmuletGifts.com and the King Solomon Amulet store.

The Druids were a priestly group of Gaelic and Celtic origin who lived in what is now Ireland, Wales, and northern France. Considered as pagans by other societies, including more “sophisticated” Romans (who were pagans themselves), Druid priests and holy men believed in forest gods and deities, including certain trees (especially the oak tree) and animals such as the antlered stag. Druid priests were considered as learned and holy as they were the guardians of unwritten laws and literature. They believed in immortality of the soul as well as in reincarnation.

In fact the ancient word druwid is derived from their term for oak tree, which was especially holy to them as it represented strength and wisdom. The oak tree, often personified as a wreath made form oak leaves and branches, was used as an example for charms which were worn to give strength and ward off evil spirits. The Druids believed that the oak was in its full glory during the months of June and July, and was an important ritual item for observing the Summer Solstice, which “opened the door from the long or light part of the year to the part that is shorter and darker.

Druid charms and amulets are becoming popular today due to a revival of what are known as “neo-druids” who gather at Stonehenge and other ancient sites to observe the sunrise on June 21st. They are made to resemble oak clusters, branches and leaves, as swell as various animals, especially the horse and the stag. Silver and pewter are popular metals for these charms as both are said to have supernatural powers. The most preferred jewelry and charm items are those worn on a chain about the neck, although earrings and bracelet charms (especially oak leaves) are popular as well.

They are usually reasonable in price, depending on materials used in their manufacture and workmanship involved. You can find them in stores specializing in occult and New Age items as well as through internet stores.

What kind of jewelry or charm do you buy for the person who has everything? Well, I may not be St. Paddy’s Day, and The Celtics may not win the NBA championships, but Irish charms and amulets are sure to put a smile on the face of that special person. The old saying of the ‘luck of the Irish’ is very true in the type of charm from the Emerald Isle you want to buy, from gold and silver shamrocks, to horseshoes, or horse heads, many of these charms go back all the way to when the island was first settled by the Celts, and are often said to ward off banshees and other evil spirits. But aside form these well known charms some more unusual ones are available too:

1. The Bell Charm: For people planning a June wedding, buy them a bell charm, made of gold or even pewter. It not only wards off evil spirits, but is supposed to remind the couple of their wedding vows and keep them (especially the groom) from going astray.

2. The Wedding Coin: An old Celtic coin set in a gold mounting is said to be a symbol of prosperity, and also recalls the times when a sum of money or dowry was paid to the bride’s father by the groom.

3. Household items like salt and pepper shakers – to assure food, wine glasses – to assure the couple will have plenty to drink (maybe a set of Guinness glasses as well), and candlesticks – so there will always be light in the home.

You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate a symbolic Irish wedding gift; and it might be better appreciated by the ones who receive them too!