How to Wear a Lariat Necklace - 8 Looks the Pros Love

Unlike a typical necklace, a Lariat does not have a clasp; rather, it is characterized by one long strand that can be tied or wrapped in a number of ways to create a variety of looks. Here, one fashion professional shares a few tips on when, where and how to wear a Lariat.

Layered Strand: Since most Lariats are long, you can almost always wrap them around twice, regardless of which tie you settle on. Place the center of the strand at your throat, cross the loose ends behind your neck and bring them back to your chest. Then tie the loose ends in one of the fashions below.

Short Dangle: One of the characterizing elements of a Lariat necklace is the strand (or strands) that dangle below the wearer's neck. A short dangle (where the knot is low) creates a broad V that will mirror and enhance a moderate V neck or button-up blouse. This style does not work as well with crewnecks, as it will tend to make the wearer look broader than she is. Likewise, the short dangle will get lost with a deep V neck. This is a casual Lariat look, appropriate for the office or a sporting event.

Long Dangle: The long dangle conveys elegance and can be expected to enhance a fancy top or gown. A Lariat made of white or clear stones can be a simple but exciting contrast to a black gown. To dress the look down a bit, choose a Lariat with a more casual material and wear colors that don't draw too much attention to the jewelry.

Quick Tie: For a casual but delicate look, tie one end over the other as with the first step of tying your shoes. This works best with materials that are not too stiff, so that the ends stay tied and drop.

Overhand Knot in Front: With the Lariat positioned around your neck, take both ends together and tie them in a simple overhand knot. Adjust the knot position to create a long or short dangle. This usually works without a layered strand and can be worn with almost any top.

Overhand Knot in Back: Tie the necklace as you would for an overhand knot in front, but this time, move the dangling ends to the back of your neck. This is a chic style that works best with an open-back evening gown and an updo. Make sure the knot is placed high on the back of the neck so that it does not shift or droop in front.

Slip Knot: This look works best when the necklace has a loop built into one end, but can be adapted for other Lariats as well. With an existing loop, simply thread one end of the Lariat through the other, adjusting the dangle length as appropriate. When there is no loop, tie one end around the other with a single pretzel knot by wrapping strand A around strand B once, then threading strand A through itself.

Belt: One final option is to ignore the neckline altogether and dress up the waist. If there are belt loops, use them. Otherwise drape the Lariat around the waist and tie any of the above knots about one inch center from the hipbone.

Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha Boutique http://www.DashaBoutique.com an online jewelry boutique which features customizable designs, handmade by San Francisco Bay Area artisans. Dasha Boutique jewelry is featured regularly in fashion media including Lucky, InStyle, People, Bridal Guide, Brides, Glamour and Bazaar. Visit http://www.dashaboutique.com/lariats.html today to shop handmade lariat designs that can be tailored to specific gemstone, metal and length preferences. Orders ship in 2-3 business days.

The Celtic Cross Necklace is Unique Among Jewelry Items

The Celtic cross necklace, ring and other jewelry items bearing this distinctive form of the Christian symbol is a much sought after gift item at Christmas or any other time of the year. But what exactly is the Celtic cross?

The Celtic cross, also know as the Irish cross, is similar to the Latin or Christian symbol except for a circle placed in the intersection. Another difference is a typically ornate pattern that embellishes the piece. It is very distinctive and is a favored jewelry item for many Christians worldwide.

Trying to determine the exact meaning of this version of the cross is challenging because they were first made prior to man's ability to communicate via the written word. Some theories do exist as to the origins of it. One is that it symbolizes the sun and the moon. Another, that it represents the four corners of the globe. They are a significant part of Celtic art and are the symbol of Celtic Christianity, although it is believed by some experts that they may have existed prior to the days of Christ.

It is a common legend in Ireland that this design was the work of Saint Patrick and that he blended the symbol of the Christian religion with the sun cross, to give pagan followers a concept of the significance of it by relating it with the idea of the vitalizing attributes of the sun.

In Ireland, during the Celtic revival of the mid-1800s, there was a renewed interest in the cross and many of large proportions were built and displayed prominently around the country. It is believed that these displays helped to renew a sense of pride in the Irish people for their homeland and heritage. Since its revival, the cross has also been used widely as grave markers.

So as you can see, wearing a Celtic cross necklace or any other item bearing this ancient and distinctive symbol is like wearing history. Historic, and always in style.

To see a fine selection of the Celtic cross necklace priced for just about any budget, please visit http://www.celticcrossnecklace.org which updates almost daily with new items.

Choosing The Perfect Necklace

A necklace is an accessory worn around the neck. They are frequently in the form of metal chain with a pendant or locket often hanging from its end. Necklaces come in different styles and length that can change the look of your outfit. Of all your jewelry pieces, your necklace makes the greatest impact to your look. It gives flair and color to whatever you are wearing. The necklace you choose to wear could either make or break your outfit.

Your Necklace and Your Clothes

Necklaces can be chokers, princess necklace, matinee necklace, opera necklace, rope necklaces (Sautoir), dog collar, bib necklace, graduated necklace and uniform necklace. Collars are typically about 13 inches long but can vary. They are most suitable to complement v-neck, boat neck or off the shoulder clothing.

A choker is about 14 inches long. It is the most classic of all necklaces. It is wrapped around and lies on the base of the neck. It can be matched with any clothing from casual to formal evening wear. Chokers set off any neckline. It is stylish when used with a button-down shirt and trendy with a cocktail dress.

If you are wearing something with high necklines, crew or low necklines or if you are not sure what's the best strand to use, a princess necklace is best for you. It is also the ideal necklace to hang a pendant.

If you are going out for a business lunch or dinner or if you are wearing something casual or something with a high neckline, a matinee necklace is best for you. It adds elegance for a more sophisticated ensemble. It also suits sundresses and formal gowns. It gives a certain zest to an outfit while giving the person wearing it a feeling of confidence.

Opera necklaces are perfect for both crew and high necklines. It can be used for both casual and formal wear. It can be doubled to function as a choker. To create an old yet classic look, you could knot it at the neckline or above the breast line.

Rope necklaces are chic and incredibly sexy. You can have clasps placed in different locations so that you could have different necklaces and bracelets or have a multi-strand choker. Like Opera necklaces, you could knot this necklace for a trendier look. If you are wearing a backless dress, you could knot this necklace and sling it over your shoulder to give your dress more flair.

Looking for the Perfect Necklace

The best thing about choosing your necklaces is that you don't have to traipse through malls in search of your necklaces as you can always shop online for fine necklaces from the comfort of your own home and go out feeling confident and trendy. Online stores have a large collection of necklaces that you can choose from, and it is updated regularly to suit whatever the trend is right now. They also display vintage pieces if you are into a more classical look.

Now that you have an idea what necklace to put on with whatever you are wearing, choosing the perfect necklace to accessorize your dress is not that daunting anymore.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on jewelry and visit his associated site for unique jewelry.

Easy Dog Necklace

Enjoy making this simple dog necklace! This is a great project for adults to do together with kids at home or in a group setting.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS NEEDED:

• Dental floss, string or strong yarn = "the thread"


• An empty container to hold things in


• Beads (or buttons) with holes large enough for your thread*


• A metal hook and eye, or a round bead, or findings, or 2 paper clips for fastening


• An empty container to keep the beads and fasteners in


• Newspaper or cardboard to use as a work surface


• Masking or other kind of tape
  


• Needle with a large eye that fits inside the holes on your beads or buttons, or a straight pin with a small head


• A piece of blank paper and something to write with

*Ask a friend or relative for their buttons and beads or buy some cheap ones at thrift stores, dollar stores and yard sales

GETTING READY:

1. Measure your dog's neck


2. Write down how many inches or millimeters it is


3. Pull out a strip of tape two inches (50 mm) longer than your dog's neck


4. Fasten a 1-inch (25 mm) end to your work surface. This will be End A


5. Flip the tape over, sticky side up. Fasten End B the same as End A


6. Stick beads or buttons on the tape trying out patterns till you find one you like

THREADING THE BEADS:

Cut a piece of thread 8 inches (200 mm) longer than your dog's neck

Thread End One onto the needle or push a pin through it

Pick up the first bead in your pattern and thread it

Move the bead down to 4 inches (100 mm) from End Two

Tape End Two onto that bead to make a stop

Go back to End One and start threading the other beads

If you like, you can make a big knot between each bead or between every two or three beads but remember this will take more thread (add about an inch per knot)

Keep going till all the beads are threaded

You should have about 4 inches (100 mm) of thread left

ADDING THE FASTENERS:

1. Thread End One through the hole of the eye, or one half of the finding, or one paper clip twice
   


2. Pull it through the loop you made to form a tight knot


3. Do Step 1 a bunch of times, then cut your thread


4. Untape End Two from the end bead and thread the needle or pin it


5. Fasten End Two in the same way - through the hole of the hook, the other half of the finding or second paper clip


6. Cut your thread neatly

Now for the fun part - go and try it out on your dog!

CAUTION:

• If the dog doesn't like wearing it, take it off!


• Make sure that the dog only wears his or her necklace when there are people supervising


• Be especially careful around puppies and other dogs who may grab at the necklace with their teeth


• The necklace is not a collar, do NOT tie a leash to it!

For photos and other dog accessories to make, see Make and Build Dog Stuff: Dog Accessories

Jo Soliday has been a dog lover and crafter since childhood. For more ideas for making things for dogs, check out her website at http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com