Anniversary Gift Ideas With a Difference

When it comes to anniversary gift ideas there is always the traditional anniversary wedding giftideas as listed below. For the modern approach to anniversary gift giving you have to think outside of the box about what you want your gift to communicate to your loved one. Bear in mind that your gift does not have to cost the earth but that the significance of it should be remembered for a long time. You want to go for gifts that will last a lifetime just as you want your relationship to stand the test of time.

Paper 1 year
Wood 5 years
Pottery 10 years
Crystal 15 years
China 20 years
Silver 25 years
Pearl 30 years
Coral 35 years
Ruby 40 years
Sapphire 45 years
Gold 50 years
Emerald 55 years
Diamond 60 years

Flowers or a Perennial Flowering Plant
Nothing brings a smile to a woman's face than receiving flowers on some special occasion like wedding anniversary, valentine's day, birthday etc. I recently celebrated my ninth wedding anniversary and when I got home from the school run my husband had left a large hydrangea plant blooming with pink flowers on the table with a card. The card read "I hope this one can be the beginning of a new garden in our lives". How romantic I thought and I went all mushy inside.


An exotic flowering plant like this Bougainvillea may be reminiscent of a romantic tropical vacation.

So flowers can definitely do the trick and a perennial flowering plant like a hydrangea even better as it lasts a long time and is a daily reminder of your wedding anniversary. Ten years from now when I look back at that plant the memories and the significance of my ninth wedding anniversary will come flooding back.

Scarves
Not just any scarf, go for a knitted and felted lambs wool scarf nicely boxed. It will be a treasure to be worn on special occasions and then to be returned to its Cinderella box like the prized possession that it is. Every time she wears it and is asked "where did you get that" it will give her a warm feeling inside each time she says that her darling husband or loved one gave it to her on their wedding anniversary. A wedding anniversary gift like this a mother passes on to her daughter/s.
This Lambswool Scarf in hank orange would be greatly appreciated at anytime of year.

Unique Jewelery
Diamonds I know are a girl's best friend but individual handmade designer jewelery is always a treasure - again unique jewelery gifts can be handed down to generations to come. If your loved one is passionate about the environment and sustainable fashion then go for some truly innovative jewelery from recycled material. I am sure she or he will be pleased to know that you share their passion. You can find recycled jewelery made from toothpicks, recycled bottle all embellished with pearls to create that unique recycled gift. Books like Style, Naturally can give you even more ideas on eco friendly gifts.

Fan Necklace

Toy Earring


Unique accessories for men
When thinking about unique accessories for men go for handmade resin brooches and handmade cuff links or bespoke wallet, portfolio or briefcase as mentioned below. Ties, which might seem a mundane gift, can be made special if it is created from unique fabric like hand printed fabric.


This Navy Silk Knitted Tie by Bronson is textured with square ends featuring embroidered contrast red silk spot design. 100% silk.

Bespoke ladies leather handbags with a twist
Bespoke leather handbags, wallets, portfolios or briefcases with an image precious to yourself and your loved one printed on the inside of a handbag etc is absolutely priceless. I recently came across this company called Red Shoes where you can take in your images and have them printed on the inside of a bespoke handbag etc to create a unique lining. Each time your loved one opens his or her bag or briefcase they are reminded of each other. The picture could be anything you desire like a memorable vacation, honeymoon, or a special moment with the kids. This is creativity and thoughtfulness beyond measure.
A "Wedding Gift" by Red Shoes Memories

These are just some modern ideas. I am sure if you have a good think about your loved one and the gift giving occasion then you can find the perfect anniversary gift, valentine's day gift or birthday gift as the case may be. The key is to give it enough time and thought to come up with a truly unique gift for your loved one.

Vic Secret fashion: Short summer dress - 2

Strapless smocked dress

Stretchy gathers create a springy look. Fit-and-flare shape. Empire waist. Ruffle hem. Imported cotton.

Strapless summer dress by Victoria's Secret. Sweet summer dress.
Victoria's Secret Fashion 2009

Vic Secret fashion: Short summer dress - 2

lazy wensday morning

natalia:

glittering blouse, leopard print top, shoes - secondhand

fake lether trousers - topshop

jacket - cubus

bag - zara

paula:

velour gaiters, jeans shirt - secondhand

shoes - vagabond

~Natalia

Discount for Munique's Readers

People Tree has created a unique shopping discount just for Munique blog readers. Shop now at People Tree and get 20% off all purchases £60.00 and over when you use discount code MUN09.

Here's a peek at some of the fabulous finds on offer. But hurry offer ends May 15th 2009 and remember to type in discount code Mun09 at checkout.

Relax in this horizontal tuck blouse in a sheer handwoven cotton with check weave. Lovely detailing with the horizontal pleats around the front placket and at the bottom of the sleeves. The Mandarin collar with shell button fastening adds simple sophistication.


Simple round neck tee in soft, 100% organic cotton.

One shouldered,jersy party dress in 100% organic cotton. The wide, gathered shoulder strap and ruched neckline is a classic style that will outlast seasonal trends.

Rinko Kikuchi by Matt Jones

source: i-D magazine

~Natalia

Vic Secret fashion: Short summer dress - 1

Bamboo-ring Bra Top dress

Because effortless style should be just that. Better than ever, with new enhancements for improved support and comfort. Empire waist.

Sweet blue Victoria's Secret summer dress. Short blue summer dress.

Vic Secret fashion: Short summer dress - 1

double-breasted vintage staff

Ogarniająca niedzielna nuda, osatecznie zaowocowała przeróbkami w marynarze z secondhandu. Jak się okazuje robienie estetycznie poprawnych dziurek nie jest takie łatwe...No, ale dumna jestem. Aktualnie Top Jacket!:>

Translation: As getting realy bored I decided to pimp my secondhand jacket.I took my more than 2 hours but the feeling of pride is unreplaceable. I think has chances to become my Top Jacket - I love this delicate glittering material - it's so elegant and casual at the same time.

~Natalia

Fashion and Food

I came across this sumptuous looking dish in "Vicky Bhogal's new cookery book entitled Flavour: A World of Beautiful Food. This "Tiger Prawn and Manadarin Soup" dish looks so delish that I thought to myself that food like fashion is all about visuals. When I look at this I simply want to eat it and if it tastes half as good as it looks then I would be happy.



When it comes to food, what does it for me is smell and look. Visually it is all about the contrasting colours and tastewise all about the flavours. In this case the sweetness of the coconut milk tempered with the sourness of the mandarin and the saltiness of the fish sauce. This is obviously a thai dish and no doubt the colours in their dishes is resounded in the colours of their clothes. Regular readers of my blog know that I celebrate colour. So maybe what appeals to me most is the colourfulness of the food.


Just as there is a mix of taste and texture in this dish so too I am drawn to the hot,colourful and spicy mix of patterns and colours in these recycled sari kimono tops. My personal favorites are the yellow patterned and the red patterned Kimono tops. The eco friendliness of the tops being made from recycled saris is also a big plus.

The Miracle Bra by Victoria's Secret

Love lift? Crave cleavage? Removable padding for maximum push-up in a wide variety of colors and prints. Pick your top and bottom sizes separately.

The Return of Pin-Up Girl Style

The latest pin-up model style is changing the standard of beauty. These women and artist present an image of glamour that is wild mix of past and present. This look can be incorporated into all styles with any kind of body type.

Designers like Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Dolce & Gabbana all flaunted retro, pinup-girl-inspired swimwear: high-waisted bikinis, demure one-pieces, and skirted silhouettes.

Picture source: NYMag.com

Don't miss out - free Avocado Face and Body Soap

Yesterday in commemoration of St George's Day we added a free gift to all pruchases. Those of you who purchased items online yesterday will soon be enjoying your free Avocado Face & Body Soap sent out with your orders. We have a few remaining soaps left to give away, so don't miss out. Order online today from Munique Fashions and receive your free Avocado Face & Body Soap made with 100% pure avocado butter.

All purchases made from Munique Fashions by Sunday April 26, 2009 will receive this Avocado Face and Body Soap as a free gift. Shop now

in love with orion galaxy

Zmuszona, obowiązakami szkolnymi, wertowłam internet w poszukiwaniu Galaktyki Oriona. Po obejrzeniu miliona zdjęć, zakochałam się w tym. Chcę mieć taką skukienkę! Jak się okazuje ktoś pomyślał o tym już wcześniej...

Translation: Preparing a paper for school about galaxies, serching for suitable photos to it I wached thousands of them and have just fallen in love with it :>
I think I'm going to saw it just need to find orion-galaxy patten suiting. any idea where to get it?;p

~Paula

Free Avocado Face and Body Soap

In celebration of St George's Day Munique Fashions is giving away a free Avocado Face & Body Soap with all purchases made online today.

This Avocado Face & Body Soap is made with 100% pure avocado butter. Avocado Face & Body Soap loves your skin, moisturizing as it cleans with the natural, rejuvenating properties of this powerful fruit. Avocado offers relief for almost every skin type, gently cleansing oily skin with no irritation to keep pores clear and healthy. For dry, sensitive skin, it soothes quickly and penetrates to nourish and moisturize. Because it’s a moisturizer and a cleanser, Avocado Face and Body Soap continues working after you bathe. The fresh citrus scent is a gentle reminder that it’s helping to keep your skin soft, supple and healthy all day long.

This soap can be yours free when you shop today at Munique Fashions. Shop now

Susan Boyle Glams it up

If you have not seen her yet, this is Susan Boyle who shot into stardom with a stunning performance on Britain's Got talent. Susan is a perfect example of first impressions and the way people judge us on what we wear. When she walked onto the stage the audience was very skeptical and had already written her off based on her appearance. As Susan answers Simon Cowell's questions, the camera captures disparaging looks from members of the audience snickering and having a laugh. When Susan opens her mouth to sing "I Dreamed A Dream from the musical Les Miserables" their is a stunned silence as she blows them away with her voice. Click here for video footage

One can only guess that pretty soon Susan will undergo a Trinny and Susannah or Gok Wan makeover to look fabulously glamorous. We can already see a new look emerging from the up and coming singing super star post debut.

In this picture Susan is wearing the classic wrap dress which can lift and separate chest area.

The thing about style and fashion is not about having the perfect body size and shape as airbrushed in magazines but it is about dressing to suit our body shape. Here are a few classic looks that can flatter body shapes like Susan's.


The Cinch Waist Dress in classic black and ivory diagonal stripes is super flattering and the secret power meshing will cinch you in to create a sensational silhouette.


Another waist shaping dress with sleeve if arms are a trouble area for you.



Ah Classic and elegant - This gorgeous crossover jumper, in 100% organic cotton, feels as good as it looks. Feminine and elegant, it's designed by Lana Natural Wear, a label that is popular in boutiques all over Europe.


Team with a light, floaty skirt for a casual yet stately look. This flat waist panel skirt is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your selection of matching tops or blouses. Made from organic cotton, this flat waist panel skirt is designed to create a flattering flair without the gathers.

What not to wear
For a body shape like Susan's this is what not to wear. That said, I do love this Printed Angel Dress from Ringspun. It would not look great on Susan or myself for that matter as it is suited for small boobed women but I really like the tribal look and kaftan style of the dress.