Monday, October 25, 2010

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?

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

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.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Saturday, October 16, 2010

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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Friday, October 15, 2010

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.


    Thursday, October 14, 2010

    Pearls

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

    Monday, October 4, 2010

    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.

    Sunday, October 3, 2010

    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/

    Friday, October 1, 2010

    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