Girls Don't Spread Gossip They Spread the News

In anticipation for the upcoming season of Gossip Girl here are some of our favorite fashion moments!

Blair Woodruff and Serena van der Woodsen are making a statement with their dresses that are complemented by their handbags. You can find Serena's eye-catching handbag at Chanel. You can make a statement too by matching from head-to-toe like Blair or mixing it up a la Serena. Accessorize your outfits with classic pearls or big gems!



Look for these fashions and you could have the head-to-toe look of a gossip girl for back to school.



What's your gossip?

"Girl's don't spread gossip, we spread the news" quote by Always a Girl's Girl

Indulge your inner fashionista!

Check out vfish in their new store at 2937 N. Clark-opening soon-stay tuned. Here's a peek at their fall collection, all priced under $200! These chic, modern designs are perfect for casual days or nights out.

Pair this chiffon mini dress with a pendant necklace and a pair of cowboy boots or ballerina flats.

Check out the gossip tomorrow!

Cinderella's Dream Come True...

Kathryn Kerrigan was inspired to create shoes after many years of not being able to find stylish shoes in her size. A local Chicago designer, Kathryn graduated from Lake Forest College and went on to Loyola to get her MBA. You can find her shoes in her store located in Libertyville and in stores nationwide. You can call 847-557-5067 to schedule an appointment with her sales representative. Visit her website to view and purchase these fabulous shoes!

This dark plum open toe pump is one her many designs. All shoes are available in sizes 6-15. Handcrafted in Spain, this pump is a chic, modern design perfect for a night out on the town or a day at the office.

Little Black Dress-Every girl needs one!

Check out Emma Stone's little black dress!

Photo courtesy of Instyle

Emma Stone was stylin' at MTV's TRL in New York.

The actress, who was promoting her new film The Rocker, added Jimmy Choo gladiators and a wraparound belt to her shoulder-baring frock.

"The Rocker" tells the story of a failed, over-the-hill drummer who gets a second chance at fame. Robert "Fish" Fishman is the extremely dedicated and astoundingly passionate (not to mention sweaty) drummer for the eighties hair band Vesuvius who is living the rock 'n' roll dream until he is unceremoniously kicked out of the group. Unfortunately for Fish, this h appens right before Vesuvius becomes one of the biggest bands in the world. Fish is then forced to get a 'real' job and abandon his dream until an unlikely opportunity arises. Twenty years after getting booted out of the band he helped create, just when Fish has finally given up hope, all of his wildest fantasies come true.

To learn more....

Feel free to comment and send us your favorites celeb pictures!

Every little black dress needs the perfect accessories and shoes!

Tomorrow, we have the perfect shoes for all occassions...

Upcoming Events with Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry

Saturday, July 26th, 2008 –Sunday, July 27th, 2008 11am-7pm
Trunk Show at Malabar Boutique-1880 N Damen Ave Chicago, IL
Join us for a Chic Gems, etc. Trunk Show at Malabar Boutique.
Enjoy special discounts during the Summer side walk sale on Damen Ave.
Find the latest gems from Chic Gems, etc. jewelry and meet the designer, Sarah Radford.


Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 3:30-8pm
Girl's Night Out Party at Red 7 Salon-210 W Kinzie Floor 2 Chicago, IL
Enjoy Girl's Night Out at Red 7 Salon with champagne, complimentary Aveda Rosemary Mint hand treatments, and shop the newest jewelry from Chic Gems, etc. to complete your summer look.
Truffle tasting by Katherine Anne Confections.
http://www.katherine-anne.com/
Enjoy 10% off all jewelry during the event.
Try out a new look from Red 7 Salon while you're here.
Event is open to the public. http://www.red7salon.com/ 312.644.7337
Red 7 Salon has been rated one of the top 200 salons in the U.S. in 2008.


Thursday, August 21st, 2008 6-9pm
Aniko GLAM Chicago at Aniko Salon and Spa-1109 S Wabash Chicago, IL 60605
Join the Aniko Salon stylist team while they glamorize models with hair design and makeup and are fully transformed with body painting. Enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live music, red carpet with photo ops, boutique vendors, complimentary glam bags filled with our sponsor¹s gifts and a post-party. 10% of all membership sales, gift certificate sales and services booked atthe event will be donated to the Chicago Fashion Foundation.
Shop Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry and meet the designer.
The mission of the Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to provide academic scholarships to Chicago-area college students majoring in fashion related studies and coordinate educational programs for the Chicago fashion community. CFF's goal is to maintain and develop the fashion industry in Chicago through an annual scholarship competition, yearly fundraiser, continuous professional networking events, and mentoring programs.


Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 –Sunday, August 24th, 2008 12pm-11pm
Shop Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry at the Taste of Greece
Halsted Street Between Monroe-VanBuren Chicago, IL
Join us for a celebration of Greek heritage includes food from area restaurants, live music on two stages (5 p.m.), beer and wine, dancing, games and more. With nightly performances by the Macedonian Dance Troupe and Orpheus Dancing Group.
Shop the newest jewelry by Chic Gems, etc. to compliment your fall wardrobe. Meet the designer, Sarah Radford.
We will be featured with Lucky Day Boutique. http://www.luckydayboutique.com/
Free admission, open to the public. Questions? Call 847.509.8050

These are the coolest wallets on the planet!

Check out Oogon Wallets.

They come in 9 colors and are made of aluminum.

Find them online at Lucky Day Boutique

We thought they were by far the coolest wallets!

Enjoy!

Tomorrow, check back for upcoming shopping events in Chicago!

More designers from Chicago that you should know!

Here are some more Designers from Chicago that you simply cannot miss!

Baby Jane Handbag by Diego Rocha

Loungepants by Evlove Intimates.

Can we say comfy?

Tomorrow we will tell you about the coolest wallets on the planet!

Need accessories?

Looking for something unique from Chicago?

We found some of the best designers in Chicago and thought you would want to see why we were wowed by their work!

Above: Handbag by Brynn Capella

Golden Sunshine EDIE carryall. We love it, have it, and it really holds everything!

Vika Brown Signature Stretch Silk Blouse. We love it! Chic, gorgeous, and modern!



Cyndi Chan's Couture Collection is not to be missed. We'd love to have Breakfast at Tiffany's.
By the way, these Pearls are by Chic Gems, etc.

Tomorrow....We have more Chicago Designers in store for you!

What's in your bag?

What's in your bag?

We found this bag at Bess and Loie You'll be stylin' with this hot new phone by LG. Great for texting and jamming to your MP3.

MAC Lip gloss will make your lips look and feel fabulous. No fashionista should leave home without it!!!

Don't forget to try out new 5 Gum by Wrigley. It is delicious!

What is in your bag?

We want to hear your must haves....

What's your bag?

Bag by Aridza Bross Marie

We found these bags at http://www.bessandloie.com/

Bag by Hayden Harnett Mercer

Make a statement with these colorful bags.

Pair with your favorite 7 for all mankind jeans, tank, sharp stilletos, and accessories.

Tell us about your favorite handbags for the summer! Post some pics.

Tomorrow, what's in your bag?

Shoes we love!

We love shoes. Shoes (and accessories) can make or break any outfit.
You can never have too many pairs of shoes. Just ask Carrie from Sex and the City.
(Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.com)


Here are some places we like to shop:

http://www.nordstrom.com/


http://www.zappos.com/


http://www.kathrynkerrigan.com/


http://www.barefoottess.com/

We love denim!

Denim by 7 For All Mankind Flynt Stretch Jeans

Joe's Jeans Wide Leg Gatsby Jean



Denim is always a great choice! Dress them up, dress them down. Add the perfect accessories and cute top and you are rockin'.

Here's the scoop-skinny jeans are still in high demand (caution they are not for everyone), flare jeans, wide leg, and trouser jeans are all the rage and look great on almost everyone!

Tell us what your favorite brand of denim is? What is your favorite cut?
We'd love to know....

Tomorrow...our favorite shoes!

More on the History of Pearls

The dawn of the Christian era saw the continued popularity of pearls. The bible refers to pearls several times, and the value still placed on the gem. Following the sacking of Rome, Constantinople became the most important centre of wealth and, indeed, pearls because of its strategic position between the source and the consumers. Pearls continued to be featured in jewellery and clothes as well as art.
The early 1700s saw a decline in the demand for pearls. The discovery of diamonds in Brazil made diamonds for the first time more affordable and demand soared. Pearl supplies from traditional sources became unsteady, and cheap imitations appeared on the markets. All these factors led to a decline in the demand for pearls.
The late 1700s saw a reversal in fortunes. Good harvests from several established pearl sources and the discovery of new ones gave the pearl industry a much needed boost.
The early 1900s saw trade affected by a supply shortage and the appearance of cultured pearls on the market. Cultured pearls were not accepted immediately, it took several years for consumers and the industry to accept this new kind of pearl.
Since then, cultured pearls have replaced natural pearls and now many different countries participate in the cultured pearl industry.
Information courtesy of http://www.costellos.com.au/pearls/history.html
Special Deal for Readers: shop online www.chicgemsetc.com and use coupon code "blogger" to save 20%.

History of Pearls Part 1

HISTORY OF PEARLS
Pearls are amongst the oldest and most universal of all gems. They are the oldest jewels know to man, and the only gem made by a living animal. The oldest surviving pearl necklace is nearly 2000 years old and was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian Princess. In many countries pearls were worn as a declaration of wealth and power, and also used as a talisman to bring good fortune, to ward off evil spirits and to cure illnesses. Pearls were symbolic of purity, chastity and feminine charm.
Pearls were worn in civilised Middle East and Asian societies as early as 3500 BC., and continued to grow in popularity during Roman times when pearl fever reached its peak. A pearl earring reportedly paid for one Roman general's political campaign, and Roman women were richly covered in pearls. Pearls found a place in Julius Caesar's heart, and Cleopatra dissolved a pearl in wine and drank it to prove her love to Marc Antonius.

Information courtesy of http://www.costellos.com.au/pearls/history.html

Shop online for Chic Gems, etc. Pearl Jewelry http://www.chicgemsetc.com/products/necklaces/prod113.php

More on the history of pearls tomorrow!
Sarah

Pearls are what every girl needs

We can all remember seeing images of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Coco Chanel decked out in a fabulous set of pearls! Pearls should be worn in an odd number of strands.
Take an opera length and create a wrapped and layered look that is chic and sophisticated.
Check back in tomorrow for a brief history of pearls.
Enjoy your gems,
Sarah
http://www.chicgemsetc.com/products/necklaces/prod113.php

Introducing Chic Gems, Etc Jewelry

Hi,
I am Sarah Radford, the designer behind Chic Gems, etc. jewelry.
I am a designer from Chicago, IL. You can find my line of fashion jewelry designs at various stores around Chicago as well as in St. Louis, MO and Cleveland, OH.
Check out my web site.
Here is a special offer just for you!
Use coupon code Blogger to save 20% on your purchase right now!
Go to http://www.chicgemsetc.com/ to begin shopping!
Enjoy your gems,
Sarah