About Me and My Jewelry
My name is Sarah Radford and I am the founder of Chic Gems, etc. jewelry. Here’s the scoop behind the meaning of Chic Gems, Etc. as defined according to www.dictionary.com:
Chic: attractive and fashionable, stylish
Gems: a cut and polished precious stone or pearl fine enough to use in jewelry, something likened to or prized as such a stone because of its beauty or worth, a person held in great esteem or affection
Etc: and so forth and so on
I am inspired by everything around me; from a flower in Lincoln Park to an architectural detail on Michigan Avenue. I mix classic and modern jewelry designs to create a new exciting twist for the woman who loves to be fashionable without being overly trendy. I admire women such as Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, and Grace Kelly to name a few. They had such great style and it seemed effortless. To me that is a true definition of “chic” and timeless style.
Fun, flirty, and feminine, these gems will instantly add excitement to your wardrobe. I prefer big statement baubles myself, but if you want something dainty, I am happy to create a masterpiece that you can wear for many occasions.
My goal is for each woman to instantly feel chic and walk a little taller once they are wearing a piece of jewelry from the Chic Gems, etc. Collection.
I have always designed my collections from materials that excite me such as quartzes, turquoise, labradorite, jasper, amethyst, pearl, glass, murano glass, and resin acrylic. My line incorporates bright colors, eye catching neutrals and silver accents with clean lines and a sleek sense of style. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings -
I’ve got them all.
I am pleased to offer a wide range of ways to assist your charity in fundraising.
E - MAIL ME to learn more about what I can do for you and your organization.
"I believe that anything you can dream can be your reality with hard work and a little bit of luck."
Enjoy your Gems!
SarahSubscribe to Updates via E-mail
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Trendy Lime's Holiday Soiree in San Francisco
Trendy Lime Holiday Soirée at “Harlot” in San Francisco
December 8, 2011 It's that time of year again - holiday dinners, holiday spirit and, of course, holiday parties! Trendy Lime is excited to be entertaining its global fans with a tri-continental series of Holiday parties this year—in Brazil, Europe, and the place where it all began– San Francisco, at our beloved Harlot club.
Please join us at Harlot on December 20, 7-11 pm, to enjoy this festive event. The highlight of the party: 10 amazing prizes from our sponsors handed out by Santa Claus and his lovely Elves. So be sure to get your raffle ticket at the door:
- Main prize: two $250 vouchers towards your adventure experience with Zozi.com
- Two sets of sparkly jewelry from Chic Gems
- Two 14-day passes to the elite Bay Club Financial District
- Two beauty baskets from Jurlique, organic care from Australia
- Voucher from CocoVine,1673 Haight Str. for Coco-Luxe delicacies and Blue Bottle Coffee
- Delicious dinner for two @ Morac Lounge
Program:
Presents raffle handed out by Santa & Elves.
Complimentary appetizers courtesy Morac Lounge.
Photo shoot by Sergei Krasii Photography and Julie Blaustein Photography
Admission:
Complimentary with password sent through Eventbrite (RSVP at http://holidaysoireesf.eventbrite.com).
General Sponsor:
Our Holiday Soiree is kindly supported by Royse Law Firm (http://www.rroyselaw.com), integrated legal solutions for domestic and international clients including start-ups.
Partners:
Zozi.com (http://www.zozi.com),
Bay Club Financial District (http://www.westernathleticclubs.com/bayclubsffd),
Morac Lounge (http://www.moraclounge.com)
cocoVine @ 1673 Haight Street
ChicGems (http://chicgemsetc.com)
Jurlique (http://www.jurlique.com)
Media Partners:
Graffiti PR (http://twitter.com/graffitipr)
Eclectic a la Mode (http://www.eclecticalamode.com)
Bub.Blicio.us (http://bub.blicio.us)
Sergei Krasii Photography (www.krasii.com)
Julie Blaustein Photography (http://julieblaustein.com)
Trendy Lime:
TrendyLime.com is a social network of 4,000+ international influencers and producer of upscale social and networking events. We enjoy a track-record of 40 sold out events on Fashion, Technology, and Professional Networking in the most exquisite venues of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and Vienna. Our Mission is to provide unique event experience for the most discerning guests, while supporting good cause initiatives and charities and collaborating with local businesses.” Ourr diverse and international team is comprised of experts in Marketing, Branding, Event Planning, Fashion, and Travel. We also enjoy the support of our advisors, followers, and evangelists. Past Trendy Lime sponsors and clients include:
Contact:
For inquiries, please contact Liana Burtsava at liana@trendylime.com.
Information on Trendy Lime events at www.trendylime.com.
Look Your Best this Holiday Season
Look Your Best this Holiday Season
-Here are some tips for looking great-
Rest
You need your beauty sleep. Now is not the time to skimp.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water to flush toxins and and keep your skin looking fresh. Keep your skin hydrated with a high quality moisturizer.
Nutrition
Beauty comes from the inside out.
Be sure to eat well and take your vitamins.
Personal Beauty Regimen
Salon-get your hair & nails done. This is not the best time to try a radically different hair style or color. Stick with what works. Take care of those nails. Chipped nails are never in vogue.
Fashion
Buy yourself something new to wear to that company party, black tie, or family gathering. Donning a new outfit is a great way to feel fresh and fabulous.
Don't forget new shoes! Been eyeing those Jimmy Choos at Neiman's? Now's the time! Carpe Diem!
Jewelry-the must have for every fashionista.
Choose pieces that compliment your style and wardrobe.
One new bauble can go a long way!
Happy Holidays to your and yours.
Stay Stylish,
Sarah
Chic Gems, Etc. Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Beautiful Women
Choosing Jewelry that Suits Your Style
Choosing Jewelry that Suits Your
by Guest Blogger Maria Mathers
Jewelry can be made of virtually any material, from silver to gold, diamonds to copper, glass, natural stones and natural wood. Choosing the right jewelry to suit a particular style depends on the occasion, the attire, the size and shape of the jewelry, and many other factors. The objective, of course, is that it compliment whatever clothing the individual is wearing at the time, and to be the wearer's fashion signature.
An important point in wearing jewelry is to figure out what area of the body one would like to emphasize. For example, a woman who wears dangling earrings is most likely to draw attention to her shoulders. Therefore, this style of earring compliments a strapless blouse or dress. A large woman who wears very small earrings can look heavy in the neck area. Therefore, she should assess her style and compensate accordingly. Small earrings are not out of the question, so long as she wears a scarf at the neck or a necklace on the chunky side. There are some exquisite koa wood necklaces that would be perfect for this look.
The man who wears a ring that has multiple diamonds in it while dressed in casual clothing can look out of place. Casual attire calls for casual jewelry. However, casual jewelry need not be nondescript. Some of the elegantly designed koa wood pieces can be quite striking, while maintaining sleek, simple lines. Rings made of koa wood can be quite elegant in their simplicity.
Simple jewelry usually works for the person who is interested in wearing attire that can transition well from daywear to evening. A woman can achieve a classy and elegant style by wearing simple silver hoop earrings and perhaps a nice bracelet. A chic accompaniment and nice contrast to the silver would be some of the new koa wood pieces, such as one of the wooden beaded bracelets or simple bangle styles. One should exercise caution not to wear too many matching pieces at once. This can look monotonous and boring. The addition of the koa wood breaks up the monotony and adds a new layer of interest.
One thing to remember when picking out jewelry to go with a certain style, is that the style should be clearly identified, and the jewelry should be the last thing chosen to complete the look. A bride in her bridle gown can be instantly identified as a bride. Likewise, the young man who is rugged and athletic can be identified this way by the manner in which he dresses, as well.
Some tips to remember when choosing jewelry to suit a particular style:
• Always have a deliberate focal point for the jewelry to emphasize.
• Refrain from wearing too much jewelry at once.
• Break up the look of shiny metal jewelry with contrasting koa wood pieces.
• Coordinate jewelry with the fabric textures and patterns.
• Thin transparent fabrics look better with thin, simple jewelry
• Nubby fabrics, such as heavily knit sweaters look better with chunky jewelry
The most important point is to be original. Hang a brooch on a hat. Put a ring on a chain around the neck. Wrap a necklace around the wrist three times to make a bracelet. Break tradition and develop a signature style that can be synonymous with the individuals style and personality.
Maria Mathers writes about sustainable fashion & style.
She sees koa wood as a great home furnishing option and thinks wooden jewelry is hot this year.
Importance of Gemstone and Resin Jewellery
Importance of Gemstone and Resin Jewellery
There may be different things come into your mind when you hear the word “jewellery”. Some of the people think that jewellery can only be made from the precious materials gold or diamond. Such people really don’t have any knowledge about the widen concept of jewellery. There are numerous kinds of things that are used in the manufacturing of jewellery. The use of gemstones for the purpose of making latest jewellery designs has reached to boom. This is the age of inflation and it is not possible for everyone to buy the expensive jewellery sets made from gold or diamond. In such circumstances, people should buy the resin and gemstone jewellery because it is easily affordable for every woman. There is an extensive range of fantastic jewellery designs in the resin and gemstone jewellery.
Jewellery is the real charm of every woman and no woman can look beautiful until she wears a splendid set of jewellery. You are not required to get worried if you cannot get the expensive gold and diamond jewellery sets because many jewel companies are now offering the best collection of gemstone and resin jewellery. Luckily, women are getting conscious about getting this kind of jewellery. There are also various kinds of metals like alloy, copper and silver which are being used for making stylish jewellery designs. The modern women can get these jewellery designs for enjoying the latest jewellery fashion trends. Some beads are also used for creating the elegant jewellery designs.
Fantastic arrangements of colored beads make a stylish piece of jewellery. There are many women all around the world who prefer to wear the jewellery other than diamond and gold. However, you may have several sets of diamond or gold jewellery but you should also take the advantage of wearing other types of jewellery. It is not an easy job to describe all the materials that are used for making jewellery. Jewellery companies of different parts of the world and different societies use various kinds of materials for making the elegant jewellery designs for the women of present age. I personally recommend you to wear the resin and gemstone jewellery because in this way you can make yourself elegant and catchy. See the Cocolush website, and choose from some of their jewellery.
Chic Gems "Shop for the Cause" to Support NEDA
Shop for the Cause
Sarah Radford, Founder & Designer of Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry (ChicGemsEtc.com) has offered a unique fundraising opportunity to support NEDA-National Eating Disorders Association.
From now until December 31, 2011, Chic Gems will be donating 20% of all jewelry purchases when you use the code NEDA20 during checkout at www.ChicGemsEtc.com or by calling at 813.420.6399.
In addition to Chic Gems donating 20% of all of the jewelry sales during this time, you will enjoy 20% off your total purchase as well.
Whether you choose to shop for a gift or buy a little gem for yourself,
NEDA will benefit from your purchase.
You may also choose to support NEDA by donating directly to their fundraising efforts-click here to donate.
Thank you for reading!
All the best,
Sarah
Chic Gems Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Stylish Women
Summer Style Survival Guide by guest blogger Wendi Braswell
Summer Style Survival Guide
by Guest Blogger Wendi Braswell
5 Must Haves to Beat the Heat!
1. A great hat- to save you when you have major bad hair issues.
2. Big Shades to protect your eyes from the rays.
3. Shorts-make sure they hit at your most flattering part of your knee.
4. Sundress- you feel cute and comfy for any occasion! Try with flats or a neutral wedge.
5. A wedge/cork neutral heel- perfect with your summer shorts and dresses!
Summer style is all about color, lighter fabric, colorful jewelry, and fun! Keep your makeup light and fresh with a bronze finish.
Summer Style Survivor Special
10% off Closet Makeover for Tampabay, FL blog readers
Call Wendi for an appointment at 813.956.7080 and mention this blog.
Happy Summer Girls! :)
Wendi Braswell
Visit Wendy online at wendibraswell.com
Thank you for reading!
All the best,
Sarah
Chic Gems Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Stylish Women
Chic Gems Jewelry to benefit the Francis House
Custom Necklace created by Chic Gems Jewelry
for the Francis House
Francis House is the oldest HIV/AIDS service organization in the Tampa Bay area and provides supportive services to assist clients in maintaining their quality of life and preventing homelessness.
To find out how to help, please visit FrancisHouse.org
Contact Joy at the Francis House to order this necklace, 813.237.3066.
Shop for the Cause
Sarah Radford, Founder & Designer of Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry (ChicGemsEtc.com) has offered a unique fundraising opportunity to support the Francis House.
From now until December 31, 2011, Chic Gems will be donating 20% of all jewelry purchases when you use the code FRANCISHOUSE20 during checkout at www.ChicGemsEtc.com or by calling at 813.420.6399.
In addition to Chic Gems donating 20% of all of the jewelry sales during this time, you will enjoy 20% off your total purchase as well.
Whether you choose to shop for a gift or buy a little gem for yourself,
Francis House will benefit from your purchase.
You may also choose to support Francis House by donating directly to their fundraising efforts-click here to donate.
Thank you for reading!
All the best,
Sarah
Chic Gems Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Stylish Women
Rosemary Fanti, Live Wedding and Event Illustrator
Rosemary Fanti
Live Wedding & Event Illustrator
After admiring her work, I recently connected with Rosemary through social media.
I was very impressed by her amazing talent and dynamic personality.
I am always inspired by Entrepreneurs and I thought you would enjoy this interview with her:
What inspires you?
I would have to say that my love of fashion and beauty inspires me to create illustrations of fabulous people. I always strive to capture their spirit with an impressionistic, fashion twist.
What inspires you to illustrate every day?
I create illustrations of people and weddings, both from photography references and, what I am most known for, illustrating LIVE at a wedding or event. Capturing the moments much like a court room artist. But with a fashion twist.
Tell us about your background
A graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, in fashion design, and a passion for illustrating people. My goal, as with all my work, is to make my subjects even more fabulous. Illustrating LIVE and quickly, I create impressionistic illustrations with a fashion twist. I create illustrations that will make every subject "look good on paper"-forever!
When I illustrate LIVE at weddings, I will create 10-12 illustrations within 3 hours, of key moments and guests. The illustrations are given to the bride before I depart, having "story-boarded" the event. The bride has the original art, ready to be framed, to commemorate her special day.
How do you feel about being an Entreprenuer?
"Do something you love, and you'll never work another day in your life!"
How do you promote your Custom Illustration Service?
My custom illustration service relies heavily on referrals. Potential clients need to SEE samples of my work. Facebook is ideal for helping to build my base with a steady network of "Like's" and "Friends", being able to SEE my illustrations instantly, and then "Share" with others, etc.
I use Facebook to post my recent work, where I am illustrating LIVE next, all so friends can visit events where they can see my illustration in action. Friends love when I create a fashion sketch of them and then post it. I think everyone feels a little famous when they are illustrated to look like a fabulous fashion model.
In addition to individual commissions and illustrating live at weddings, I attend many high-profile charitable events in the Chicago area. I help to raise funds by illustrating patrons LIVE at the event and offering them for sale. Using Facebook helps keep me connected with many groups, organizations,and charities. It offers me great visibility for fund-raising opportunities.
What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenuers?
My advice is to know your brand and who you want to see purchasing your product or service. Target that group heavily and often, daily if possible, using social networking, like Twitter. Get your product out and in front to as many of these target customers and clients as possible. Always give your prospect a reason to look at your product or service and always offer something of value when you post something.
Believe in yourself and your product-do not go off your path.
Visit Rosemary online at RosemaryFanti.com to learn more about her and her Illustrations.
She will be at Kai Koto
104 W. Oak St. Chicago, IL
Friday May 6, 2011 from 5pm-8pm
Spring Fling Shopping Soiree
Thank you for reading!
All the best,
Sarah
Chic Gems Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Stylish Women 
Spring Trends by Guest Blogger Amy Fabulous, The Style Muse
by Guest Blogger Amy Fabulous~The Style Muse
This morning, while taxiing out of rainy, grey, and miserable Chicago, I am reminded of why I am high-tailing it to Cabo San Lucas. I will finally be able to wear all the spring fashions I have recently acquired, but (due to the inclement weather) have not been able to wear! “HA”, I say to Mother Nature. “If weather were an outfit, yours would be tres, tres out of season!” But, I digress…. What this sunshine-impaired month has really left us with is one burning question: just what ARE the latest clothing trends for this spring–to-summer season? As expected, I just happen to know all the up-to-date answers…..
1. Maxi-dress/maxi-skirt - May be worn with flats, platforms or strappy sandals. Will easily cover any imperfections on the legs (i.e., varicose veins, pale skin, unshaven legs, etc.), while also keeping them warmer on a cool spring evening.
Tip: If you are petite, (less than 5’4”), best to wear this length with a platform.
2. Capris, bermudas, or short-shorts; all lengths are acceptable this season. Simply wear what length best flatters your legs. An added bonus is that we can custom-cut and roll our straight jeans from last winter to get further wear. I also feel strongly about rocking the color white on the bottom this season—mucho chic!
Tip: Don’t wear your pant at a mid-calf length. Doing so will make your calf appear larger than it actually is.
3. Scarves- tie a silk scarf around your neck and instantly add a pop of color and an unexpected touch of Grace Kelly glam. Veer off the beaten path and try tying one to your handbag or braid one into your hair.
Tip: Tie loosely, like you threw it on, so as not to look dated, i.e. Joanie from Happy Days.
4. Blazer and striped tee - Great way to transition into the season. Wear with any bottom - long or short. Ditch the tee and wear with a maxi tank dress too!
Tip: Wear a bit more fitted and less boxy than last season’s boyfriend jacket.
5. Bracelets, bracelets, bracelets - The only way to accessorize a bare arm! Have fun! Mix and match- even pull out the ones you’ve had since 1975. The more the better!
Tip: Choose one common element throughout when mixing.
6. Platforms/flatforms- This season there’s footwear for Fashionistas of every age. Platforms are not only a great way to add a touch of bold color to your pedicured feet, but can also add a couple of inches of height on those of us who feel, shall we say, vertically challenged. This has saved me $$ I would have spent hemming (but can now spend in Cabo, si?) J
Tip: Corked bottoms absorb shock adding the comfort factor.
7. White vs. neutrals - Why choose?! For example, wear all white and throw in a brown handbag, gladiators, and layer on the bracelets. Add some drapey pieces to your neutrals for a boho-chic look. Or, try mixing your neutrals with some bold brights for dramatic splash of color.
Tip: To maximize the neutral look, try a rolled-up raw silk cargo pant, adding a snake skin strappy heel.
MEN- It’s time for you to change it up too! Here are a few easy updates (your significant other will be happy, trust me)…
1. Colored khakis- Yes, it’s true, they HAVE finally arrived in the US! For my fashion forward followers, dive in! Wear shades of soft red or royal blue. For those of you who prefer to splash around in the shallow end, stick to a safe light grey.
Tip: If traveling to Europe this year, wear colors, you’ll be right on trend!
2. Jacket with jeans- Please do this!!! Need I say more?! This will take you from the daytime lunch date that unexpectedly lingers into the night.
Tip: Lose the over-sized tee and/or button down. Pair a jacket with a shirt that actually fits! Dark jeans are still preferable.
3. A Fabulous trench coat- Enter the room looking like you are ready to seal any deal (Mont Blanc pen optional). You can sport this with almost anything, just no sports jerseys or wife beaters.
Tip: Try to break the habit of only buying outerwear in neutrals. You can now mix black, brown, grey, navy and khaki. Have fun with your colorful trench! Look smart.
I may not be able to wear everything I packed, but rest assured, I am armed with whites, neutrals, brights, platforms, a scarf on my tote bag, and a bikini for each day of my vacation! Oh, and did I mention my favorite accessories….my best girlfriends at my side to create fabulous memories (and share margaritas)!!
Visit Amy online at TheStyleMuse.com
Thank you for reading!
Best,
Sarah
Chic Gems Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Stylish Women
Chic Gems Gal Profile: Cynthia Gramberg of Jon Bishop Salons
Cynthia is modeling the Chic Gems Candy Necklace in Green Grape
About Cynthia
I own JonBishop Salons. My background in the beauty business spans over 30 years. My first inspiration was "Horst" the founder of Aveda. Working with him gave me the motivation to go after and achieve each step I have set out to do. In my journey I have been a platform artist, educator, manager, Cosmetology teacher, makeup artist and now owner. Presently I still work behind the chair as a stylist and makeup artist.
I am busy in my community volunteering and supporting various charities as well as being involved in several women's organizations.
What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to work for myself and owning a salon would let me to do that while enabling me to be a mentor to my stylists and growing a fabulous team.
What fashion icons inspire you and why?
There are many too mention, but I have found myself drawn to Ralph Lauren with his classic simplistic styles.
Tell us about your participation in the Florida pageants?
Presently I am the reigning Mrs. Florida American Renaissance. I am part of a pageant system that celebrates women enabling us to make a lasting difference in our communities through community service on a local, regional and national level. I intend to pay it forward through extensive community service and public speaking engagements focusing on encouraging women in the work place and inspiring young girls to a path to future success.
What advice do you have for aspiring Entrepreneurs?
You either have it or you do not. It takes alot of discipline to stay focused and do what you need to do in your chosen business. Choose something you love and you know you are good at. You are in charge of you destiny.
Here is a special offer for local Tampabay readers:
Log on to our web site JonBishopSalons.com and download our VIP Membership to receive your discount on your first vist.
Cynthia Gramberg
JonBishopSalons
9661 Bay Pines Blvd.
St. Peterburg, Fl 33708
Phone: 727-289-7036
jonbishopsalons.com
Thank you for reading!
Best,
Sarah
Chic Gems Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Fabulous Women
