This Christmas, give a gift of memories

DEAR RISSA, 

What’s a nice but meaningful gift to give special people on my list?  Trendy fashion items are nice, but I noticed people get tired of them easily and don’t use them later on. They just end up in the garage sale! What do you suggest?   

 ISHA

I love how thoughtful and sentimental you are! You’re right, we do receive so many gifts during Christmas and later on, we grow tired of trendy items. What I adore so much right now are the bracelets and charms of Pandora.  Even many years after, they remain valuable and you can even pass them on to your daughter, a sister, or maybe a best friend who is moving miles away. They are as precious as the day you received them and do not lose their value over time.

There are many bracelets to choose from, depending on your budget. They come in leather or sterling silver, and chain or bangle types. There are even many more charms to choose from now! A trendy dress from fast fashion stores can cost even more than a charm whose meaning will live on through the years. You can choose a charm to represent things, people or places you love and remind you of a special memory. What I did recently to my own bracelet was to add a charm, which represents my special wish for people close to me. It reminds me of what I pray for all the time.

They also offer beautiful jewelry like rings, necklaces, pendants, and earrings. But charm bracelets are a wonderful way of telling one’s story. There will always be an unforgettable memory behind each piece. They make great gifts for any occasion because you can always give a gift of a charm every year that adds to their special story — and you’re certain they will never grow tired of this gift or allow it to end up in a garage sale!

RISSA

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Bangs for your buck

HI, REGINA!

I’m thinking of doing something new with my hair. Should I get bangs?

LILET

I’ve always had a love-hate thing with bangs. I’m forever tempted to get them, but when I do, I almost immediately regret it because I forget how much of a commitment they are. And they are a commitment! First of all, are you willing to get a monthly trim? Or are you willing to learn how to trim your own bangs? I find that maintenance of a fab fringe is a lot like maintaining a dramatic dye job. You have to get it done regularly, or you have to learn to do it yourself if you don’t have the time or the budget to have a professional do it. Also, consider the growing-out stage. Growing out a full fringe can be so tedious!

That said, blunt bangs can look really chic, so I totally understand why you’re considering them. Perhaps try some clip-in bangs around the house first to see if you really like the way they look on you, and if you think you’re ready to take the plunge … and make the cut.                                    

 REGINA

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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.