Childhood Cancer Awareness

September has been officially named Childhood Cancer Awareness month, but children all around the world fight this dreadful disease everyday.  More children will lose their fight today.

This is why awareness should be an everyday objective.  Cancer doesn't take a break, neither should we in our efforts to find a cure.

To do my part, I will donate 10% of the proceeds for the entire month of November, from each "Gold Ribbon Necklace" that is purchased from my online store.

"Sunshine" in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness

"Golden" in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness

"Flavor" in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness

These necklaces were selected to represent this initiative because the gold ribbon is recognized as the official ribbon of children with cancer worldwide and is supported and promoted by hundreds of organizations and treatment centers, families, friends, and caregivers.

Everyone has the ability to help, to create awareness, and to help fund cancer research...to save the lives of our children...to save our future.   Remember, thankfully we can't spread cancer but we can spread awareness.

My personal donations will go in memory of Elexis Alexandria Kinnie who got her wings three months ago. You may also donate directly to the Band of Parents fund.

Will you do your part?

Tribal Fashion

One of the biggest fashion trends around the world this year is the tribal trend. From Afghanistan, Native American necklaces to tribal inspired handbags, you will find plenty of beautiful accessories depicting the tribal fashion trend.

From Gucci and Givenchy to Paul Smith and Marc Jacobs, the catwalks showcase this season’s looks pulsating to the beat of the jungle drums.

Whether it's bright, bold prints, beaded fringes, chunky necklaces or bangles, a host of designers draw inspiration from tribes.

It’s a great look that is easy to wear. 

STRENGTH: Tribal Focal Necklace from Carol Rose Designs

Geometric, colorful prints are fabulous fabrics for a dress, while beads and bracelets are an easy and inexpensive way to update your favorite wear from years gone by.

Heidi Klum in tribal-inspired attire.

The key is moderation. A black dress with a multi-chain tribal necklace works.

A multicolored beaded top with five necklaces doesn’t.

Bear in mind that while you might be taking cues from an exotic tribe, you don't live amongst them.

ESSENCE: Multi-chain Tribal Necklace from Carol Rose Designs

No doubt about it, tribal fashion is bold and daring.  It really is a must have for the statement-maker.

Visit my online shop for other must-have statement pieces.

Etsy Artists of Color: Natural Hair Accessories.

Etsy Artists of Color: Natural Hair Accessories.: " For all the natural hair beauties out there. Afrique LaChic's shop has beautiful and unique natural hair accessories! "

Timing

"Trust in the perfection of your life and let yourself be fully where you are in the moment. Trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Know that what you have to look forward to is greater than what you are leaving behind.
And trust that you will “arrive” in time and on time, not a minute sooner."

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Fashion Report: Fashion tips for Autumn / Winter 2010

Despite the recession most women seem to find a way to satisfy one of their biggest cravings...FASHION.
The key, however is to bring your fiercest fashion face forward without breaking your piggy bank. Check out these tips that will have you on the Fashion A-list while keeping it affordable.

1. The trick to working any new season’s trends is to focus on buying a few key pieces and integrating them into your basic wardrobe. Going all out on a fashion can make you look like you’re trying too hard and can look more like costume than fashion.  One key item, such as a statement necklace,  can update your wardrobe completely and keep you on-trend the whole season through.
2. This season’s key pieces are wrap waisted belts in soft tan, brown and black leathers which are absolutely perfect for creating curves where there are none or emphasizing tiny waists.  
3. To make your wardrobe last for the next season or so, consider your color choices carefully. According to the winter 2010 color trend report from Pantone (one of the major color trend predictors for designers), there's a major return to classic camel, as well as menswear-inspired gray and black. These muted tones are a great neutral backdrop that you can dress up with seasonally inspired accessories. 
4.  Cost-per-wear is an important factor this season, too.  You may not want to spend a few hundred dollars on it unless you know you will wear it to dozens of occasions. But if you find that IT bag, one you'll wear every single day to work -- then perhaps that is worth a more significant investment.  Also a statement necklace that can bring last year's outfit back to fashion forward, may be worth looking into.
   Buying key pieces you truly covet is, in the long run, more affordable than buying a bunch of inexpensive things you will replace each season. Shoes also fall into this category. Invest in a great pair of shoes that are super stylish and feel great so they'll take you the distance. (Quite literally!) 
5. If you buy online (a very smart way to shop),  try to save by taking advantage of shipping deals and discounts on items that are usually not available in the retail stores.  If you're super lucky you may find some are generous enough to even throw in a surprise FREE gift!  Visit my online store for some must-have accessories, your entire order ships FREE and I always include a FREE gift!  Click to go to Carol Rose Designs.

Remember, whether you spend $5,000 at Versace or $50 at Mandee, it’s about looking stylish and feeling confident in what you wear.  So, have fun with the many choices and make each one your own.  The rules are---there are no rules.  Go out, put your fiercest fashion face on and own it.

Pearls

"The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens". ~Author Unknown

Red Coral is hotter than HAUTE!

Imagine this: you're on an island in the South Pacific. The ocean that laps at the beach is so silky warm you can bathe in it. You swim far out and when you look down, the water is so clear you can still see the ocean floor. Bright yellow and blue fish swim around you. You have never felt so alive! That's the world of coral.

Entice: Red Coral Statement Necklace from Carol Rose Designs

Coral is a tentacled skeletal creature with microscopic plants living inside its soft tissues. When it reproduces, the new life forms remain attached to their "parents," building reefs and atolls-a polyp living in clear, warm seawater. At the same time the plants go on living inside them and drawing sustenance from the sunlight.
It's hard to believe but in its natural form, coral is dull. Polishing gives it that glassy luster. It is found in a variety of colors, but the deep, noble red is the most highly valued. You can never go wrong adding with adding a red coral piece to your collection.  You can be certain coral will carry the vibrant life of the South Pacific to your wardrobe.


Properties:
Coral's greatest spiritual value is that it is like a wise teacher. It teaches us to value life and our place in it. It shows us the importance of living so that we make the world a good place for the children and grandchildren that follow. A beautiful symbol of the importance of creatures and plants living harmoniously together.
Quoted from the Spiritual Guides: "Those who wear red coral will be brave and defeat their enemies. Red coral helps defeat mental depression, and it protects women from widowhood. Red coral protects the wearer from evil spirits and curses, and stops nightmares. It aids meditation and brings happiness. Red coral can help one avoid violence and war. Coral turns inactive persons into active ones, helps build finances, increases determination, courage, physical strength, vitality, and leadership qualities, and helps one to finish the tasks he has begun. It can also help increase sexual desire. Red coral is said to change color if the wearer is about to suffer bad health."

Care of coral jewelry

Corals will get damaged if immersed in water for too long. The water may also dull the polish of the coral making it look lackluster and unattractive.

• Ensure that coral jewelry is stored separately in pouches so that they do not get scratched.
  
• Refrain from using harsh cosmetics or sprays along with coral jewelry as they can damage the gemstones.
  
• Clean coral jewelry with a soft damp cloth.

Wearing Red Coral Jewelry

Red corals or Corallium Japonicum have been around for centuries. They are highly treasured gemstones and red coral jewelry is extremely popular since the hardness and beautiful hue of the red coral holds everyone in its spell.

Incite: Red Coral Statement Necklace from Carol Rose Designs

The natural red of coral accents and underscores your own beauty without being overbearing, and it looks awesome with almost everything you wear.  It is perfect for a day in the office but also looks great for a night out.


If you are interested in red coral statement necklaces or other great pieces to amp up your wardrobe, please visit my online shop at  http://www.etsy.com/shop/carolrose2008.

Happy Shopping!! 

Giving Birth to My Dreams: Buying Handmade Jewelry

Giving Birth to My Dreams: Buying Handmade Jewelry: "Why handmade products? There are so many reasons why it's better to buy handmade products than items that have been mass produced. I think ..."

Inspiration

What inspires you the most?  Do you get inspiration intrinsically or extrinsically? 
On such a rainy, cold day like today, I think of my inspiration.  I think of the sunny days of a childhood long gone.  I think of the warm beaches drizzled with white sand.  I remember how I longed to dance like the trees and shine like the stars.  I remember how I made friends with the wind and sang with the birds.
I remember the flowers that would tell me stories and the grass that would sometimes be my pillow, if only for a moment.   I remember the days when we played together in the rain.  I remember the knowledge you imparted and the courage you gave.  I remember the security of just knowing your name.  But then, I remember the pain.  The pain that surely came the moment you left.  The pain that fought to over shadow the joy that once was.   I remember wanting to feel nothing.  I remember emptiness and defeat.  And then I remember, remembering why I was here.  I remember knowing that there was more to my world, still undiscovered, still unknown. I remember knowing it was waiting for me. I remember leaving the known behind and bravely embarking alone, but never alone.  I remember rediscovering what once was.  I remember the first time I remembered that I could still smile.  I remember getting up, reaching out, growing.  I remember that it was only yesterday.   I remember, I remember...because to forget...is to lose myself.

What Makes Jada Click?

My short film, "What Makes Jada Click?", will have a red carpet screening in January, 2011.  I am currently working on a documentary feature with producer Julia Mintz and I will be directing another short before the end of the year. Keeping busy, busy, busy.

For more information on the short film, visit the imdb website. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1618419/

Turquoise Jewelry

Did you know that turquoise was chosen as the 2010 color of the year by Pantone.  Well, with good reason I think...what's not to like?  Turquoise is calming, yet vibrant. It's tropical, yet classic. And when it comes to turquoise jewelry, it's simply timeless.

Melissa Oster of Oster Jewelers was quoted as saying,"turquoise fits the American sense of casual style and comfortable elegance, and it is a stone that immediately conjures up the Southwest. It is an integral part of American history, culture, beauty and design."

In fact, turquoise worn as jewelry dates back to ancient Egypt and it's been weaving in and out of fashion trendiness ever since.  But along with the obvious reason, which is that it looks great, the turquoise stone has been selected for many designs also because of its noted properties as a gemstone.

 

Gemstone Properties:

Turquoise, the official birthstone for the month of December, is heralded as the stone of communication. It encourages enthusiasm, thus inspiring new projects and bringing to light undiscovered artistic abilities. Turquoise also provides understanding and encourages attention to detail while attracting prosperity and success.

The sprawling lines of coppery matrix are thought to provide a large amount of energy to its wearer. This may be one reason why the stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties. It is believed that turquoise can help balance the blue throat chakra, enhancing the ability to communicate while increasing resistance to viruses, helping to relieve sore throats and allergies.

 What to wear it with:

 Here is a piece from my own handmade collection that can be found at my online shop.

It illuminates and brightens anyone who wears it and the azure blue green compliments all skin types.
Because of it's striking color, turquoise is an instant favorite for brightening an otherwise dull outfit.

• For spring and summer, white is the perfect canvas for turquoise.  It's crisp and refreshing.
• Although turquoise is often paired with coral, turquoise worn with certain red clothing can often be tricky depending upon the color tones. The primary beauty of this stone, however, is that it can go with just about anything, including your basic browns and blacks.
• Turquoise offers the versatility of jazzing up the classic suit yet carries over into evening and black tie. For those who travel it is the quintessential travel jewelry.
• Turquoise looks best this season paired with cognac, white or black. 

Caring for Turquoise

Turquoise is a hydrous compound of copper and aluminum, so it loses color when it loses water. To keep your turquoise from becoming dehydrated, it is a good idea to water it, as you would your houseplants, with pure saline water periodically to revive or maintain color.
Turquoise is porous, so chemicals can damage it. Use only pure water and a soft cloth to wipe it clean, and you can clean your turquoise frequently without causing damage. The natural oil of your skin is good for turquoise, and it will naturally polish it when you wear it. If it is set in silver, wearing if often will also keep the silver from tarnishing. Silver polish will damage the surface of turquoise.

Don't store turquoise with harder gemstones or other materials that might rub against it and cause damage. Turquoise can fade in sunlight, excessive sweat, chlorine bleach and dishwater. 

With this you cant go wrong with choosing turquoise!




Shopping for Turquoise:
Here is a link to my other turquoise pieces: http://www.etsy.com/shop/carolrose2008

Protect Your Dreams

“The Latin word for “desire” means “from the Father.” One way to tell if a dream is really from God is that the desire won’t go away. You may have had it for years, but you still can’t let it go. In fact, you may have tried to let it go, but it won’t let go of you.”

—	Joel and Victoria Osteen

Click to read full article

How to wear a Statement Necklace

So it has been established that statement jewelry is all the rage this season and is expected to be in for quite some time. And why not?  It's a great way to amp up an outfit, show off your personality...and make a statement!! The most the statement jewelry is the statement necklace.  But there is a right way to wear a statement necklace...and a very, very wrong way.  Below are some tips to pull of this look and seamlessly make your way into the cool crowd.

• DO start with a simple outfit, then let your statement necklace do its thing.  The statement necklace is supposed to make a statement on its own, so dress to make it shine.   DON'T wear complicated necklines that will compete with the necklace.  The result will be an over-worked look.  You don't want to seem as if you're trying too hard! A suitable outfit would be a classic sheath dress with nude pumps. This is a look that can go to work and beyond.

Remember, when done right the bold necklace can crank up the volume on a simple outfit, on the flip side you will have a hot mess!

• DO minimize the rest of your jewelry.  DON'T ever pair your statement necklace with other large items that will add bulk to the overall look.  Remember as ladies, we always try to avoid bulk ;-) So again keep it simple, and that includes your hair.  Big hair with a big necklace is a disaster that has already happened! 

• Do stick with neutral solids.  There shouldn't be competition between your clothes and your necklace.  DON'T go with prints or florals over basic colors unless the color of the necklace compliment other like a gold necklace against an green top.

If you follow these basic tips, you should have no problem making a statement.  When it comes to fashion one of the most important piece of an outfit is the jewelry that you wear. Necklaces are a big part of accessorizing and a necklace can truly make or break an outfit.  A statement necklace is one of the best ways to break a fashion funk and add spice to a flat outfit.  Thanks for reading! Please visit my online store for a unique, handmade statement necklace.  *50% off on featured items.

What's HAUTE for Fall/Winter 2010!!??

Handmade jewelry trends for winter 2010 are bold and commanding with an eclectic and bohemian look. In style are large cuff bracelets, focal point necklaces, long multistrand necklaces, big hoop earrings, chandelier earrings and cocktail rings with huge stones. Popular winter colors include black, coral, yellow, chocolate brown and shades of blue, green, purple and pink, according to the Color Association of the United States in its annual color forecast for fall and winter. In-demand stones are pearls, crystals, quartz, simulated colored diamonds, and chunky polished, natural stones.

The Statement Necklace
Statement necklaces feature big rocks and stones, metal designs, metal beads, even feathers, yarn and fabric. These eye-catching pieces can also have multiple strands of various lengths and mix-and-match large and small beads, stones, and chain. Celebrity red-carpet fashions set trends--this extends to jewelry. Get your own statement necklace like the Cleef and Arpels turquoise collar worn by actress Eva Mendes at the 2009 Golden Globes. The photograph appears in "InStyle" magazine's online coverage of the annual awards ceremony.  Below is a similar one from Carol Rose Designs...for a fraction of the cost.

If you could sum up the trend in neckwear for the upcoming winter season, it would be statement necklace . Statement necklaces are huge in fashion jewelry right now,the necklaces for this season have come out of hiding. If you love jewelry, this is the year to express yourself with your own statement making necklace piece.
Adding a Statement Necklace can make almost any outfit pop instantly. Jessica Alba, Whitney Port and Vanessa Hudgens are just some celebs that are a fan of the look. When wearing a bold necklace just be sure to keep the rest of your jewelry simple so it doesn't take away from your fabulous necklace.

Just as you can hear from the name, the "Statement Necklace" is designed to make a serious statement. It has to be big, edgy and reflect your personal style. It shouldn’t be in real gold, it’s almost nicer when it’s fake. Let the piece around your neck do the talk and leave your outfit in the background when wearing a big necklace.

While each decade is known for signature “styles,” from the 60’s mini dress to the 80’s power suit, could the 2010’s be defined by the Statement Necklace? While we work our way through the current economic lull, take advantage of your right brain by transforming what’s already in your closet: a tee and jeans can go from running errands during the day to running the nightclub dance floor at night with the simple addition of a statement necklace!

There's no better way to add style and elegance to an outfit. Eye catching jewelry can give an outfit that extra edge and turn it in fabulous. Whether you're going to an evening party or simply enjoying a casual afternoon, jewelry is an important part of your overall look. As with clothing, jewelry trends come and go. The necklace or earrings style that's hot one year can look outdated the next. That's why it's a good idea to reassess your jewelry on a seasonal basis and fill in the gaps with some trendy new styles.
Visit my online shop for more "in your face" necklaces.  These are best worn with simple clothing as all eyes will be drawn to your neck. Put away your small, demure chains and think big, bold, and eye catching when it comes to necklaces.  Happy Fashion!

Buying Handmade Jewelry

Why handmade products?
There are so many reasons why it's better to buy handmade products than items that have been mass produced.  I think the biggest one is that they are unique.  If you have your own sense of style and like to stand out, then you can understand this on a basic level.  Have you ever gotten super excited about a incredibly hot, breathtaking dress that you bought for a special occasion? You could barely wait to put it on.  You took time selecting the perfect accessories, styling your hair and let's not forget makeup...only to show up at the event and see someone else in that same incredibly hot, breathtaking dress!!!! Grrr, the nerve of that b@tch! But don't get mad, she's only one of thousands of women who have that same incredibly hot breathtaking dress that you thought was made only for you! Handmade products on the other hand are original, unique and often one-of-a-kind designs.  I can't tell you how many compliments I get when I wear my designs, and the pride that brims over, knowing that I will be the only one wearing it. It's worth more than I could ever afford to pay.
Most makers of handmade products accept custom orders so buying handmade items is like having your own personal stylist.  At times you get to tell the designer the colors, length or material you want the product made with.  And if you're really lucky, the designer will agree to never make the same item for anyone else. WHAT!? Yes, all you have to do is ask :)
Another reason most people prefer handmade products is that the quality is usually much higher because of the heart, attention and care put into the process.  When I set out to make a piece, it's like a meditative, therapeutic process for me.  I eliminate all negative energy because I focus all that is pure and positive into the piece...I really do think happy thoughts when I make them lol!  I put on some nice music and I let the energy flow and at the end I feel as if I have given birth.  There may have been some pain along the way - maybe I cut myself trying to tighten a link, or I glued my fingers together and had to pry them apart or maybe I momentarily got stuck figuring out how to finish the piece- but at the end, when I look at the finished piece, I can only imagine that it's a percentage of what a mother feels looking at her newborn baby.
I love doing what I do, and when people support the makers of handmade items, they are helping someone carry out what they love to do.  I can't count the number of friends and associates I have that are genuinely sick of their JOBS.  It's obvious that only a few people can count themselves blessed to be able to do what they love doing and make a living from it.  It isn't easy though!  The looooong hours, that turn into looong days.  Toiling over a project, sweat, tears and sometimes blood! (Like I said, I tend to hurt myself a lot lol)  But, in the end it is so worth it.  I would rather spend all day doing something I love to do, than one hour stuck making someone else rich.
This is why as my customer and supporter, you are important to me.  I appreciate the love and support from you.  I see you as an individual, with a name. I know you.  You are not a number, a part of a demographic or statistic to be tested and evaluated based on your likes and dislikes or shopping habits.  I want to give you the personalized, friendly customer service that you deserve.  I want to make my designs for you, your style and your budget.

On behalf of all the independent artists all over the world, thank you for supporting.
xoxo

Getting Started

Hi! Yay, my first blog entry...in two years.  Today feels like a rebirth for me.  I just launched my new line of statement necklaces and they are available on ETSY.  I've been getting a lot of good reviews and it just fills my heart.  No sales as yet! But that will come, I have faith.  I put my heart into each piece and I know the Universe will reward my efforts.  I will keep you guys updated on the journey! Thanks for the support everyone, I appreciate it more than you can ever know.
xoxo
Raquel