Friday, March 23, 2012

Spandau Ballet performing "Gold"


Today we celebrate an early start to the weekend with an uplifting song by the British new wave band Spandau Ballet. "Gold" was released in 1983 as a single from the group's third album "True." Powered by the lead vocals of Tony Hadley, "Gold" rose to #2 on the U.K. Singles Chart and #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.

Featuring a mixture of funk, jazz, soul and synthpop, Spandau Ballet was one of the most successful bands of the 1980s. The band split in 1990 but re-emerged 19 years later with a sold-out world tour and sounding better than ever. In this video, Spandau Ballet performs "Gold" live in front of 60,000 delirious fans at The Isle of Wight Festival in 2010.

"Gold"

Written by John C. Stewart. Performed by Spandau Ballet.

Thank you for coming home
I'm sorry that the chairs are all worn
I left them here I could have sworn
These are my salad days
Slowly being eaten away
Just another play for today
Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you
Nothing left to make me feel small
Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus:]
Gold (gold)
Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know
You're indestructible
Always believe in, that you are
Gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
There's something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believe in...

After the rush has gone
I hope you find a little more time
Remember we were partners in crime
It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you
And love is like a high prison wall
But you could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

And love is like a high prison wall
But you could leave me standing so tall

Gold (gold)
Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know
You're indestructible
Always believe in, 'cause you are
Gold (gold)
I'm glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believe in...
(Gold)

Monday, March 12, 2012

Biel/Timberlake Engagement Ring Finally Revealed

Biel/Timberlake Engagement Ring Finally Revealed
The much-talked-about, but rarely seen, engagement ring that Justin Timberlake bestowed upon Jessica Biel over the holidays finally surfaced last Thursday when a sharp-eyed People magazine photographer scored a shot of the beautiful ring.

Biel’s engagement ring – featuring a large, slightly rounded square-cut diamond framed with smaller diamonds – has a vintage motif and is likely designed in platinum. This unique shape, formally called a "cushion cut" or "pillow cut," has been popular for more than a century. These diamonds have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance.

The newly engaged couple was all smiles when they were spied after enjoying a late lunch at a Brentwood, CA, eatery on Thursday.

According to CinemaBlend.com, the Biel/Timberlake engagement had been under the radar until Timberlake’s grandmother finally spilled the beans. Biel reportedly showed the ring off to friends at a "Saturday Night Live" party last month, but no photos could be captured at that time. This is the first time the public has gotten a peek at the bauble. 

As long-time connoisseurs of fine engagement rings, we must say that we are very impressed.


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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Crystal-Covered Eyebrows Wow the Fashion Press at Chanel Fashion Show

Paris Fashion Week was abuzz Tuesday when luxury fashion house Chanel's models descended on the catwalk wearing bejeweled strips to define their eyebrows. "Browdazzling" is the way HollywoodLife.com described the imaginative spectacle conceived by legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld and crafted by Chanel's creative director, Peter Philips.

The intricate detailing of the eyebrow bling drew even more attention as the models' hair was scraped back from their faces in tight buns and high ponytails.

When Lagerfeld tackled the crystal theme for the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection his followers knew it would be done in a big way. Paris' Grand Palais was magically transformed into a jewelry-lover's fantasy, with enormous purple and grey crystal stalagmites protruding from every surface.

Models.com reported that the runway models were draped in layers of vibrant hues, with razor sharp cuts meant to mimic the shape of all those gorgeous stones. Tiny gems and moonstones even adorned some of those signature Chanel tweeds. The gem inspiration was apparent throughout the collection as hems, cuffs, epaulets and heels were adorned with crystal accents. Chunky jewelry, including necklaces and stacked gemstone bangles, completed the looks.

The Chanel show earned rave reviews from the fashion press.

Look magazine said, "All in all, the Chanel fashion show was everything we've come to expect from Lagerfeld – new, fresh, and in a league of its own!"

"Far out and extraordinary" is the way fashion website HonestlyWTF.com described the show.

HollywoodLife.com reports that bold eyebrows are definitely a trend for fall, so those wanting to incorporate Chanel's look into their beauty routine may want to add gems or crystals into their makeup – on a slightly smaller scale. "Pop one on the inner corners of your eyes or on the outer corner of your brows," recommends the website. "Just make sure you are using cosmetic grade glue and gems!"

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Submit the Story of Your 'Ultimate Proposal' to Win a Dream Vacation, Platinum & Diamond Necklace

Certainly every engaged couple has a memorable story to tell about their proposal, but if you were lucky enough to have experienced the "ultimate proposal" you could be in the running to win a prize package worth more than $5,500.

The Jewelry Information Center's "Ultimate Proposal Contest" is a nationwide search for the story behind the most amazing, heartwarming, romantic, unusual or mind-bending proposal.

If your story captures the hearts of the public when voting starts on April 10, the grand-prize-winning couple will earn a five-day, four-night luxury stay at any Sandals Resorts location. The winners will also take home a platinum necklace featuring a 1/3-carat diamond.

Twenty runners-up will earn a $100 prize package that includes a leather jewelry case, $25 Macy's gift card and The Knot's "Ultimate Wedding Lookbook."

It's simple to enter the contest. Visit the sponsor's website at JIC.org and click the "Enter Now" button on the "Ultimate Proposal Contest" graphic. You will be asked to submit your proposal story (500-word limit). You also must submit a photo or video in which your engagement ring is visible.

Entries will be accepted until April 10, 2012, at 12 Noon EDT. Voting will start one minute later and end on May 8. The 20 entries that receive the most votes will move onto the final judging round, which ends May 22.

The ultimate proposal submissions can be seen in a gallery at this link. Have fun viewing these stories and good luck if you submit one of your own!