The Outsider Argentina: A look from the outside to the outside

The Outsider Argentina recently posted an interview with Lisa Furtado, owner of +Farrah Furtado Couture. The Outsider Argentina is a new project written by Samantha Schuster including interviews with musicians, actors, directors, and writers, among others, who live abroad.

She says:
"Despite the fact that our entertaining business is quite good, I always look up to other countries such as the US or UK. I believe that it is really interesting to know and learn about other things and compare to our own culture."

Sami studied journalism at the Universidad del Salvador, in Buenos Aires, and worked as a columnist for the radio programme, Acción 2.0.

Color Spotlight: Grey

Grey has become a popular wedding color because of it's versatility in wedding decor. It is a refined, elegant color and so it goes well with playful pastels (lighter shades of grey), but is also at home with other more 'sophisticated' colors like deep reds, purples, and greens (darker graphite shades). Grey is formal, elegant, and really will go well with any wedding theme colors.

If you choose grey for your bridesmaids, not only will they love you (grey is quite a forgiving color in the right fabrics) but more than likely, they'll love the dress, because they can wear it again.

If you're the adventurous type, grey is the perfect tone for multi colored bridesmaid dresses!

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Spring Wedding Gowns

Spring is a glorious season of new beginnings and a popular time of the year to get married. Every bride is beautiful, but this spring things are getting positively sumptuous. Lace is a huge trend, showing up on long and three-quarter-length sleeves, and the airiness continues with sheer portrait backs and V-neck illusion bodices. Lace also adds an alluring textural touch to frothy tulle skirt overlays.

 

Floral wedding gowns with voluminous, rosette-embellished skirts and exquisite, hand-beaded blossom-adorned corsets have long been a popular choice among brides, but this season the time-honored bridal fashion accent has truly been re-imagined with ultra-feminine blooms popping up in a variety of chic new ways. Designers such as Sareh Nouri, Oscar de la Renta, Amsale, Theia and Terry Fox (to name a few!) are using color, embroidery, lace and even ruffled embellishments within their Spring 2013 collections to reinvent floral wedding gowns for the modern bride.

This is one reinvigorated trend designed to stand the test of time. Whether you want an over the top wedding dress complete with bursts of colourful blooms, or prefer the type of floral wedding gowns that are more subtly inspired by nature, designers are finding new ways to interpret the theme for every bridal aesthetic. To assist you in your search for “the dress” we’ve showcased a few of our favourite new floral inspired wedding gowns  — a few dramatic confections for the glamour girls and some understated options for the ethereal brides in the hopes that these fresh-off-the-runway styles will help inspire the search for your dream dress.

And finally, some tips for spring weddings! If you're getting married in a church, talk to them about their Easter decorations. You may be able to save money by using theirs. Vendors and sites may be more available in the spring than in the summer, but don't forget about prom season; you may need to book limousines and tuxedos extra early. Consider providing your wedding party with coordinating umbrellas, just in case it rains. Don't worry too much, there is something romantic about a bride and groom under a big black umbrella, shining and smiling in love. Give favors of seed packets or bulbs, with thanks for supporting the growth of your love. Or, consider giving birdhouses – you can usually find or make these inexpensively at a dollar store or craft store.

                             Amsale Bijiou                                    Oscar De La Renta

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Chic & Cheap Spring 2013 Fashion

Inspired by Moschino, custom tailored, any color, any length, on sale now for $115!

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 

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Free Dress Givaway!

Owner of Farrah Furtado Couture at her LA book
signing wearing a custom tailored dress made from
organic silk in a personalized graphic print.

Enter our contest today for a chance to win a FREE dress custom tailored for you! The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to work with our owner +Farrah Furtado to create the dress of her dreams! Three first prize winners will be given a $50 gift certificate towards any purchase this year. All winners will also receive an autographed copy of Lisa Furtado's debut novel Her Apparitions & Other Human Longings! This contest is open to applicants is all countries, make sure you enter today! Visit our Facebook Fan Page to submit an entry.

Romantic Spring Style

Spring is all about romance, hope, and gardens teeming with beautiful flowers. To achieve this look shop for styles that focus on lace details, delicate designs, petal colored fabrics, soft materials, and floral details. Sometimes the most interesting ensembles are a contrast of different styles. So consider combining romantic and hard edged items, like a soft flouncy blouse and leather pencil skirt. Pairing delicate floral elements with sharp details cultivates a look that is neither too girly nor too austere. Start by combining flowing silks with a corseted top. Accent the look with accessories that will sparkle in the sunlight, such as crystal jewelry and riveted accents. Finally, apply color, patterns and organic florals generously to achieve a look that is perfectly graceful and terribly sassy. Other parts of your outward appearance can also contribute to a romantic style. Long, curly and bouncy hair has romantic appeal, and showcasing a certain amount of skin can add romantic femininity to an ensemble. A romantic style is feminine, gentle, playful, whimsical and arty. Romantic garments are soft and delicate, and move as you walk or as the breeze catches your outfit. Your look will be soft and flowing, sensual and inviting.

Choosing one of the above styles for your reception dress or bridesmaid dresses?

You can always customize your color!

Check out the Pantone Spring Fashion Colors for 2013:

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VIP: Very Important Pet

He’s always been there for you through thick and thin. He waits for you to come home everyday. Nothing feels quite as comforting as the moment he comes and cuddles with you. No! I’m not talking about your future husband; I’m talking about your beloved pet! Weddings do tend to get chaotic and it is completely okay to opt for keeping your pooch in a doggie daycare. However if you do decide to include your special little guy or gal in the ceremony, there are plenty of delightful ways to incorporate your pet into your wedding!

The most popular idea is to have your dog act as your ring bearer. Not everyone can find a little boy to be a ring bearer. But if you already have a well behaved pet, why not let him have this important role on the big day? There are special cushion ring-holders that are especially made to be strapped onto your dog. Many vendors online sell these specialized cushions, or if you’re crafty and feeling up for a challenge, opt for a DIY version that you can personalize.

On the other hand, if you already have a ring bearer in mind, you can still make your pet your VIP guest. There are many cute DIY signs or outfits that are simply too adorable to resist! With so many ways to invite your specially little guy or gal into your ceremony, how will you incorporate him/her into your big day?

Planning with a Pet in Mind

Consider Your Pet’s Personality

A pet can be a guest of honor and simply stand with the wedding party during the ceremony, or your pet can have a specific role (ring bearer or flower girl are common roles) in the ceremony. But before giving your pet a starring role, think about whether this will be an enjoyable experience for him. Will your pet feel comfortable around your guests? Is he obedient and well behaved? There’s no guarantee that your pet will behave exactly how you want him to on the day of the wedding. Even the most outgoing and friendly pet can be overwhelmed by a crowd of guests, according to NAPPS. To make sure that your pet has enough time to develop a level of comfort around your guests, consider hiring a pet sitter, who will act as your pet's guide. And if your pet is especially skittish, consider having someone carry him or letting him ride in a wagon. And if he’s overly affectionate or easily distracted, be sure to use a short leash. Not all pets are suited to a wedding, and it’s important to assess the temperament of yours. Is he friendly or aggressive? Does he make a lot of noise? Does he try to steal food? If your pet's disposition doesn't lend itself to this type of situation, don't try to train him in the weeks leading up to your wedding.

Be Flexible

Once you've decided how to include your pet, be prepared to be flexible on the wedding day. "You can't force it," says Marc Morrone, owner of Parrots of the World pet store in Rockville Centre, New York. "If you expect your pet to perform a certain feat, have a backup plan in case he doesn't do it." Also, consider your own personality. A relaxed attitude is crucial.

Confirm That Pets are Allowed at Your Ceremony

With everything else on your to-do list, it’s easy to forget this simple—yet important—step. You don’t want to show up on the day of your wedding, four-legged ring-bearer in tow, only to be told that he needs to get off the propery, stat. Can’t bring your pet? You can still include her in the wedding! Include your pet in your portraits after the ceremony or in your engagement photos. At the reception, include photos of your pet on your table number cards, or make your wedding favors in tribute to your beloved pooch.

Notify Your Photographer

Prepare your photographer to capture your pet in action. It'll help your photographer prep for those unplanned moments, like when your dog leaps up to kiss you during the vows. Your photographer can also help you brainstorm fun photo ideas with your pets for after the ceremony.

Don’t Jeopardize Safety for Style

Planning on dressing your pooch in a tux? Make sure it fits properly and doesn’t create any discomfort for your pet. Keep the accessories simple—a bowtie or flower attached to the collar is a fun way to deck out your pet. Ensure that any accessories won’t come loose and pose a choking hazard to your pet.

Anticipate Potential Hazards

Ask at the wedding site about pesticides or toxic plants on the grounds, and about creatures that might distract or threaten your pet. Check online if any flowers or plants being used in your ceremony are toxic to your pet. If your florist is adorning your pet's collar, be sure she uses nontoxic materials. And keep pets, especially dogs, someplace safe during the reception so guests won't feed them. Certain wedding fare, including chocolate, alcohol, and meat with bones, can be dangerous.

Inform Your Attendants

Well in advance, inform attendants and vendors that your pet will play a role, and discuss special measures you'd like them to take. Also notify your officiant. Some may refuse to preside over a wedding that includes pets.

Never Leave Your Pet Alone

Consider hiring a handler with whom the pet is already acquainted, or have a friend be responsible for the pet during the wedding.

Practice Makes Perfect

Bring your pet to the site before the wedding day, and have him come to the rehearsal to practice his part if he will be participating in the ceremony.

The Other "Groom"

Take the animal to the groomer before the wedding so he'll look his best. Keep adornments minimal and easy for the pet to wear. Don't make him wear them for longer than is necessary.

Have you attended weddings with pets?
Would you include your pet at your wedding?

The Wedding Veil

Traditionally, a bride wore her hair long, and down to represent purity. With the passing of time, the veil that usually covers the hair has come to represent this instead as more and more brides choose to fashion their hair in different styles. Today, the veil is either worn lifted throughout the ceremony, or sometimes lifted from the bride’s face by the groom after she’s been presented to him, acting as a direct symbol of the consummation of their marriage.

Symbolic or not, the veil has become an article of fashionable craft. Brides-to-be have an array of choices for the style, pattern, and length of the veil as it expresses a detailed final touch to her ensemble. A perfect veil will complete the overall appearance of the bride in her gown, as it will be the statement accessory placed closest to her face.

Veils are as unique as the bride herself. They can be made from a variety of different materials and patterns – some even created to match the patterns on the brides’ lace wedding dresses. There are a few popular standard lengths when it comes to veils.

Cathedral and Chapel

The most dramatic choice of all the lengths, the cathedral length veil usually accompanies a gown with a sizable train. The lace pattern on the outer edge of the veil looks exquisite when laid out flat behind the bride. However, this veil is a diva – it requires constant attention and adjustment from the bridesmaids. The chapel length is shorter than the cathedral length in that it’s a slight train. However, in this case, shorter does not mean meeker – chapel length veils can be just as dramatic and detailed as the cathedral length.

Ankle

Just as described by its name, the ankle length veil is a floor length veil. No train involved in this length and just the right amount of drama for black-tie, but modest enough for semi-formal. If your wedding gown is floor length with no train, but you want to add elegant flare, this will be the perfect choice.

Fingertip

When the bride stands with her hands down by her side, this veil hits her fingertips. This is probably one of the more popular lengths because it’s a good balance between long and short. The fingertip length feels elegant yet spirited, and versatile enough for wedding dresses of all lengths.

Elbow

Even shorter than the fingertip length veil is the elbow length veil. Aptly named, this veil hits the bride’s elbows when her arm is down by her side. Usually the elbow length veil is worn with short wedding dresses or knee length wedding dresses, however some brides that are shorter than 5’3” will find this length more fitting for their body. I personally think this length works for all dress lengths because it is the most playful of the bunch. A more layered look can also be achieved with this veil, giving more volume and poof, which can also be advantageous for a petite bride.

Birdcage

The birdcage veil is very sophisticated and refined. With the television series Mad Men being so popular, many people are fashioning their wedding after the 1960s vintage theme. Imagine classy wedding dresses with sleeves and a sassy birdcage veil – totally modern vintage!

Which look is your favorite?

Would you go for long and dramatic or short and sweet?

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Style Icon: Michelle Obama

Before First Lady Michelle Obama joined her husband at his public inauguration, the most immediate question for many in the audience was, “Who is she wearing?”

Michelle Obama's choice of attire is among the few genuine unknowns surrounding President Barack Obama's second term inaugural. And while it may seem laughable to some, it’s an endorsement that could potentially mean millions of dollars in new business for a designer. Her decision to wear a flowing ivory gown by young designer Jason Wu to the inaugural balls four years ago made him a major force in the fashion industry. The ruby-colored chiffon and velvet dress was a follow-up to the white gown Wu made for her in 2009.

"I can't believe it. It's crazy," said Wu. "To have done it once was already the experience of my life. To have a second time is tremendous."She paired the dress with a handmade diamond embellished ring by jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald, and shoes designed by Jimmy Choo. At the end of the inaugural festivities, the first lady's outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives.

In an image-conscious society, Michelle Obama embodies the importance of honing a signature style and remaining true to it, said Mikki Taylor author of "Commander-in-Chic: Every Woman's Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady."

Developing a personal style that fits our lives and our bodies frees us from worrying about what to wear and lets us focus on what really matters.

Her outfits emphasize fashion and function, reflecting her broader platform of healthy and active living, said decorative arts historian Carmela Spinelli, chair of the Savannah College of Art and Design's fashion department. When she bares her arms for a gym class with schoolchildren, she makes headlines on the politics page and the style section, inspiring Americans to hit the floor for push-ups and reconsider sheaths under cardigans.

Her support for emerging designers of diverse backgrounds and influences has bolstered the fashion industry's bottom line while reflecting the country's diverse cultural landscape, Spinelli said.

Designer Jason Wu and his sketch for Michelle's custom designed Inauguration Gown

Owning your personal style makes shopping easier because you can do so without feeling beholden to trends. Sticking to what flatters you also helps you dress with confidence each morning without feeling the need to seek approval from others.

Michelle Obama is tall and statuesque but she's not the typical model size. Yet she looks great in whatever she wears because she has figured out what works for her body and lifestyle and stays true to her personal style, said celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch.

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French Styled Wedding Theme

We love checking out all the customized wedding palettes available online!  Some bloggers will even take requests if you have an idea of your own color combinations.

This French styled wedding is so unique. Everything about it is just lovely and although I know nothing about the bride, her style is tasteful and everything is gorgeous.



1. B&W Macaroons. No other sweet captures French elegance better. Not to mention that macaroons are so tasty!

2. The bride is dressed in a lacy French countryside style gown, while her bridesmaids are wearing black and white striped J. Crew dresses. Oh-la-la! Although it would be way over the top, imagine her bridesmaids in cute little berets!?

3. The groom and groomsmen’s boutonnieres are of an assortment of greens.

4. Treat bags with floral details. These are so cheap and easy to do, check the DIY here!

5. Black and white poppies up the elegance of her wedding. Although they may not be French by origin, they are too elegant to ignore.

6. An apertif bar stocked with French dessert liquors, flavored wines, champagne, and juices. Yum!

7. Their minimalist invitations keep the B&W theme in check, and brings in the stripe pattern carried throughout the wedding by the bridesmaid dresses.

Hope their wedding was as insipring to you as it was for me. Au revoir cherie!

Wedding Week Immunity Boosts

Last week we mentioned some foods to avoid on your wedding day, so what should you be eating in preparation for the big day? If it's getting close, anxiety, lack of sleep, and other stressors that usually tag along with wedding planning can dramatically effect your body. These super foods give a major boost to your immune system so a nasty cold or flu bug doesn’t creep up when the day finally arrives. Before your wedding, load up on them to ensure you're looking and feeling radiant!

We hear the word antioxidants a lot but which foods exactly contain antioxidants? Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene all contain high levels of antioxidants. Usually colorful fruits and vegetables contain the most antioxidants. Vitamin C is probably the easiest to satisfy. They are in most citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Try a grapefruit or other citrus fruit with honey for breakfast. Citrus fruit not your thing? Brussels sprouts and tomatoes also pack a ton of vitamin C. (Brussels sprouts pack a whole bunch of other beneficial vitamins too; they really are a SUPER food!) Tomatoes are easy to prepare in everyday food and like all foods contain the most nutrients when eaten raw. When cooking most vitamin rich vegetables, boil slightly so that most of the nutrients remain in the food. If you prepare foods raw and under 108 degrees, more of the natural nutrients remain within the food rather than being rendered out by high heat.

Mustard greens, mangoes, and spinach all pack high amounts of vitamin E. In any season, mangoes mixed with apples and a few types of leafy greens tossed with a sweet vinaigrette make a refreshing salad. Spinach is also a very versatile vegetable. It can be tossed in any type of salad or slightly steamed and served with pasta, meat, or poultry.

Purple and blue colored foods are also nutritious favorites. A handful of blueberries in a smoothie or red cabbage (which is actually colored purple) tossed in a salad with blue cheese and apples will easily satisfy your antioxidant intake for the day. Boosting your immune system will help keep nasty cold and flu viruses at bay. After all, you don’t need another thing to worry about with all the excitement that is already going on in your life!

Check out these free ebooks on Amazon for some kitchen motivation!

Foods to Avoid on Your Wedding Day

We often stress-eat or over-snack when we experience anxiety. Fatty foods trigger the production of serotonin, which is partially responsible for your body’s natural anxiety reduction mechanism. Carbohydrates and high fat foods also stabilize sugar levels in the blood, which soothes irritability. Snacking is your body’s natural way to cope with stress, but you might want to rethink what you put in your mouth. Certain foods you eat on the big day will greatly effect how you feel. Below are a few items you should avoid to ensure that you feel at your best because let’s face it, who wants to deal with an upset or bloated tummy or indigestion?

Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol) are found in foods labeled as “diet” or “sugar-free.” Many brides-to-be who are dieting might not be stranger to these foods, however on your big day, it’s better to stay away. These ingredients are not easily processed by the body. A frequent side effect of artificial sweeteners is diarrhea. They can have a laxative effect, sometimes even in small quantities simply because your body might not tolerate it as well as the next person.

(Too much) Caffeine
Yes you need the energy to keep going, and a cup of coffee will help get you there. However, don’t have a coffee, an espresso, and a Redbull! Not only will this make you jittery, restless, and irritable, it can also make you sweat profusely. Another culprit in causing overactive sweat glands is capsaicin. This is the ingredient responsible for giving spices and chilies its spicy or “hot” component. Consider staying away from spicy foods and caffeine to avoid over-perspiration.

Salt
Avoiding salt in foods should really be something that you consider doing weeks before your wedding. Not only are overly salted foods bad for your health, but it will also make you retain a lot of water. Ever wonder why some girls can never shake those last 5 lbs? You can probably attribute the bloating to water retention. By avoiding salt and increasing your water consumption you can lose those extra pounds in just a few days!

Soda/Carbonated Water
Carbonation in drinks can give off gas in your stomach and that will end up coming out one of two ways or get trapped in your intestines and cause bloating. Moreover, if you’re opting for a diet Coke, well, remember what we said in #1?

Heavy Cheeses
Heavy or fatty cheeses are not very easy digest thanks to something called casein. Casein becomes a rubbery curd in your stomach and is tough to break down. While a cheese plates are an easy option as a quick snack, make sure it’s a light cheese. Alternatively, fruit plates are just as easy.

Conflicting Choices

Recently, while browsing in a jewelry store I began making small talk with a diamond salesperson.  It turns out she is one of the few people who has ever been allowed to visit the Canadian diamond mines in the northern most part of the country. As you can imagine, they don't want just anyone wandering around there! These diamonds are very successful in the Canadian market, to some extent because consumers want to buy nationally produced products.  But there is a darker force influencing diamond shoppers today.

It’s become well-known among consumers that many diamonds have histories tied to violence and human suffering. But most people looking for a diamond never receive any more information than these basic words of advice: avoid buying a “blood” or “conflict” diamond. That advice is surely, well-intentioned, but it’s hardly enough information to make an educated and ethical choice. The truth is, many so-called “conflict free” diamonds are not actually free from bloodshed and other serious injustices including child labor, worker exploitation, and sexual violence. How is it that reputable jewelers could be misleading customers about such serious issues? Why isn’t the diamond industry being held accountable to a higher standard? The simple answer is that the industry has done a masterful job of setting the terms of the debate – and of encouraging any discussion about blood diamonds to end before it even starts. But if you want a more complete answer, it’s helpful to take a deeper look at what happens in jewelry stores, at the history of the blood diamond issue, and at how the diamond industry developed a marketing strategy that misleads consumers and makes real change a serious challenge.

Ethical Origins

Where do ethically-sourced diamonds come from?

Look for diamonds originating from Canada.

Canadian diamonds are some of the most ethically-mined diamonds available. Diamonds from Canada are mined in the Northwest Territories in accordance with Canada's strict labor and environmental laws. Canadian diamond mines work cooperatively with local indigenous communities and are carefully protecting the Arctic environment.

Look for diamonds originating from Namibia or Botswana.

Of the countries in Africa that produce diamonds, Botswana and Namibia have done an especially good job of managing their diamond resources. In both countries, the diamond industry supports investments in education and infrastructure and raises the standards of living for all citizens. Mining operations in Namibia and Botswana are violence-free and meet strict labor and environmental standards.

Potential Pitfall: Avoid diamonds from Zimbabwe, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Diamonds from Zimbabwe and Angola are tainted by killings, torture, beatings, sexual violence, corruption, and the use of forced labor. In Côte d’Ivoire, diamonds are also fueling a lengthy civil conflict. Any retailer who admits to providing diamonds from these countries should be strictly avoided.

Potential Pitfall: Avoid retailers who cannot identify a mine or country of origin.

Retailers should know exactly where each of their diamonds was mined. They should also have detailed information about the labor and environmental conditions in place at those mines. Retailers with incomplete information on the source of their diamonds are not providing a reliably ethical product.

Defining "Beyond Conflict Free"

What does it mean for a diamond to be ethical or go "beyond conflict free"?
Look for diamonds free from all violence, not just civil wars. For a diamond to be ethically sourced, at the very least, it should not have financed a civil war. But diamond-fueled violence often happens in countries that are not officially at war. An ethically-sourced diamond should be mined in conditions wholly free from bloodshed, genocide, and any human rights conflicts, regardless of the cause.

Look for diamonds mined in accordance with strict labor and environmental standards.

To be ethically sourced, a diamond must be mined in keeping with strict labor regulations and environmental standards. Child labor should not be used. Workers should earn fair wages and enjoy safe, decent working conditions. Miners or mining companies must take care to avoid serious environmental harm and treat local ecosystems with respect.

Quality & Affordability

Are ethical diamonds the same quality?

Buying an ethically-sourced diamond does not mean compromising on quality.

Diamonds from Canada, Namibia, and Botswana meet the highest labor and environmental standards. They are also known for their exceptional quality. But it should be emphasized that the quality of an individual diamond depends on objective characteristics such as cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. When considering diamonds greater than 0.30 carats, make sure the diamond has an independent lab grading report from a leading gem lab. 

Are ethically-sourced diamonds easy to find?

YES! Ethical choices are available from select retailers.

A broad selection of ethically-sourced diamonds are available today through verified suppliers, such as Brilliant Earth. Canadian diamonds remained undiscovered well into the last century. When they were eventually discovered, special priority was placed on negotiating mutually beneficial agreements with local indigenous populations and respecting the Arctic environment. A broad inventory of high quality Canadian diamonds is currently available in popular shapes and sizes. Additional sources of ethically-sourced diamonds are available from Namibia and Botswana, where diamonds are fully verified to be mined, cut, and polished using responsible and labor and environmental practices.

You don't have to compromise on price.

Choosing an ethically-sourced diamond does not mean higher prices. Many companies offer excellent value by providing socially conscious jewelry at the lowest possible price, generally lower than many traditional jewelry retailers offer for standard jewelry.

Retailer checklist

Use this handy checklist when checking out diamond jewelry retailers.

		Look for	Avoid
1	Do you acknowledge that there are serious ethical problems in the diamond industry?	Retailers acknowledges ethical problems.	Retailer says not to worry about ethical issues.
2	Where can I find your diamond sourcing policies?	Available on website or in printed form.	No official statement in written form.
3	Do you incorporate ethical considerations when deciding on diamond suppliers?	Retailer selects suppliers based on ethical considerations.	Buys whatever diamonds are available, without regard to ethical origin.
4	What are your standards for ethical sourcing?	Retailer avoids all diamonds tied to violence, child labor, and environmental harm.	Retailer avoids only conflict diamonds. Relies solely on compliance with Kimberley Process.
5	Where are your diamonds mined?	Mines or countries of origin are directly named. Diamonds come from Canada, Namibia, and/or Botswana.	No information available on mines of origin. Diamonds come from countries such as Zimbabwe, Angola, or Côte d’Ivoire.
6	Can you provide specific information on the labor and environmental standards in place at the mines you source from?	Information is aviailable on labor and environmental conditions at mines.	No information available on labor and enviornmental standards.
7	Are your diamonds tracked from the mine, to cutting and polishing, to your store?	Retailer has investigated supply chain and knows exact path diamonds take from mine to market.	No knowledge of supply chain and no tracking ability.
8	Do you stand by your diamonds by providing a written guarantee of their ethical status?	Yes.	No guarantee or just an oral "take our word."

Want to learn more about this important ethical issue?

Check out this months Foreign Policy article: Rough Cut

Happy New Year!

2013 is a year to look forward too! Whether you're getting married, celebrating an anniversary, or attending some exciting events Farrah Furtado Couture will help you create your fashion fantasy!