Meet Amy Fabulous-The Style Muse of Chicago

Visit the Style Muse Online

The Style Muse

~Amy Fabulous Bio~

Amy Lechelt-Basta has been in the fashion and design industry for over 25 years. Most recently, as former owner of Ciao Bella Chicago boutique, Amy had the pleasure of selecting and buying clothing and accessories from throughout the world for her customers. Whether assisting with their personal style for everyday living, a special event or the how-to’s of new trends, or filling a suitcase full of interchangeable pieces for their upcoming trip, Amy was there for her clients! In addition, Amy created an event company in 1996, The Whole Big Thing, in San Francisco, which she later sold to a former client (it’s still up-and-creating today!). As an Event Designer, Amy produced, designed and collaborated with some of San Francisco’s finest. She also won several awards from The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) while acting as Program Chair for the San Francisco chapter, as well as on a National level. And, let’s not stop here…Amy was also a Flight Attendant for United Airlines, where she learned the valuable practice of packing the perfect suitcase (not to mention wonderful “fashion-spectating” and shopping around the world!). Throughout the years, whether Amy was honing-in on her craft during her junior years working at various boutiques, performing in theatrical productions, modeling, or creating companies, one thing is clear, Amy’s style experience is well-rounded. Stylist, personal shopping, in-store merchandising, musing a space, or packing strategist, Amy Fabulous knows how to muse a stylin’ opportunity into reality!

A Special for Chic Gems Blog Readers~

Enjoy $50 off your spring wardrobe makeover! A $275 value for only $225. Be sure to mention Chic Gems when you call Amy to schedule your appointment.

Call Amy today at 847.331.9790.

Happy Shopping!

All the best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems Jewelry

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems Gal Profile: Janet of Sutherland Media

Chic Gems Gal Profile:

Meet Janet Sutherland
Owner of Sutherland Media

Chicago, IL

Janet modeling Chic Gems Design Your Own Pearl & Crystal Necklace

Janet modeling Chic Gems Couture Purple Quartz Necklace

I'd like to introduce you to my friend and fellow entrepreneur Janet Sutherland. Janet is a talented media professional. Allow me to tell you about Janet and why she is someone you should know.

Sutherland Media is owned by Janet Sutherland. Sutherland’s passion has been radio for decades. Her background includes years of radio experience as a bureau chief, reporter and a top tier ad sales rep. Additionally Sutherland has an affiliate sales background which includes the Illinois Radio Network, Westwood One and Air America Media. Janet has affiliated CBS News Networks and has helped launch both Westwood One and Air America Media talk shows such as Rachel Maddow and Montel Williams.

Janet Sutherland’s ten plus years experience in business marketing through newspaper, radio and cable television. Sutherland’s writing background includes developing news stories focusing on education, politics, health and Illinois courts. Sutherland has created and developed special sections in The Chicago Sun Times. Sutherland Media assists local businesses like Chic Gems, Gameplan Entertainment, the Chicago Chapter of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation in their advertising efforts which includes radio,print and internet marketing.

This past year, Sutherland Media has also been instrumental in affiliate syndication of The Ben Ferguson Radio Show, Ross Crystal Showbiz Express and will add a new Beatles Radio Show in 2010.

About Janet: Janet lives in her Kenwood /Hyde Park loft with her corgi Andrew Sutherland. She spends her spare time exercising, gardening and spearheading awareness efforts for the Chicago Chapter of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Janet plans to write a book about her near death experience with a brain aneurysm. Janet has authored successful legislation in Illinois and in Ohio to promote brain aneurysm awareness.

Thanks for reading!

Contact Janet:

Janet Sutherland , Sutherland Media

"Success driven talk entertainment radio representation and media consulting"

Office phone (773) 268-6108

Fax # (773) 409-9588 cell

Mobile phone (773) 633-8006

www.Sutherland-Media.com

www.ShowBizExpress.net

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Holiday Shopping Event with Chic Gems at Aniko Salon & Spa

Hey Chic Gem Gals,

Get ready for all your holiday parties with Chic Gems and Aniko Salon & Spa!

Aniko Salon & Spa will be hosting a fantastic shopping event with Chic Gems at Aniko Salon & Spa on December 8th, 14th, & 18th from 1pm-7pm and again on Saturday December 19th from 9am-6pm. This even is open to the public and FREE to attend!

Come get your last minute holiday shopping done at Aniko Salon & Spa! Shop Chic Gems, Etc. and meet the designer Sarah Radford. Chic Gems will be offering exclusive discounts and gifts with purchase for Aniko Salon clients. Additionally, guests will enjoy the "Give & Receive" promotion, spend $100 on Chic Gems and receive a $10 Aniko Salon & Spa gift card for you!

You will discover an array of stylish & affordable fashion jewelry that is perfect to wear at the office or out on the town. Chic Gems offers several Collections to choose from: Bridal, Signature, Design Your Own, and the NEW Couture Collection. There is something for everyone.

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, Etc.

Designer Jewelry For Professional Women

Chic Gems Gal Profile: Marti Goyal of Aniko Salon and Spa

Chic Gems Gal Profile:

Marti Goyal

Owner of Aniko Salon & Spa

Chicago, IL

Visit Aniko Salon & Spa Online

Marti Goyal-Wearing Chic Gems Couture Layered Pearl & Quartz Necklace



Marti Goyal

Hey Chic Gem Gals~

I’d like to introduce to you, my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Marti Goyal.

Marti is the owner of a fantastic salon called Aniko Salon & Spa located in Chicago’s South Loop area. Allow me tell you a little bit about her and why her business is so great! Marti was brought up in an entrepreneurial environment and from a young age had a passion for following in her mother’s footsteps and starting her own business. She is inspired by bringing out the best in others and furthering growth in her. As an entrepreneur she has a natural passion for giving back to the community and neighborhood and inspiring others to do their best.

Prior to establishing Aniko Salon, Marti held a position of Director of Marketing with impressive clients such as PepsiCo, Blockbuster, Texas Rangers, Frito Lay, Brinker International, The Houston Texans and many more Fortune 500 companies.

Aniko Salon and Spa was opened in November 2007 when Marti was only 24. Aniko Salon offers unique amenities and exceptional guest services. Aniko Salon has been recognized as #1 Salon and Spa in the South Loop by Best of Yelp.com 2009, Top 5 Salon and Spa's in Chicago, Best of Citysearch 2008 for Haute Haircut, The RedEye, Time Out Chicago, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Yelp.com, The Local Tourist, Style Chicago, NBC Street Team, Metromix, NBC Chicago, Telemundo, Insider Pages, CRAVE Chicago, Salon Today, City Woman Chicago, Suburban Woman North Shore, PoorLittleRichGirls.com, Chicago3Media, The Examiner, Allure, Glamour, Shape, and Daily Candy.

Marti was recently featured in the October 2009 Issue of Salon Today Magazine-click here to view and will be featured in the book CRAVE Chicago, an urban girl’s guide to all that you CRAVE, celebrating stylish women entrepreneurs in Chicago-click this link to view

Marti is in the process of writing her first book about being a young female entrepreneur, the challenges, the rewards and everything in between. It is a fun version of an MBA textbook that everyone will be able to relate to. She hopes to have the book published in 2010.

Marti Goyal, a fabulous gal you should know. Aniko Salon & Spa, a place you should be.

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems Gal Profile: An Entrepreneurial Story

Chic Gems Gal Profile: An Entrepreneurial Story

Featuring Kerry Knee from Flirty Girl Fitness


Kerry Knee has revolutionized women’s fitness with a chain of exercise and entertainment studios, called Flirty Girl Fitness, which she opened in partnership with her sister, Krista Knee. Born in Newfoundland, Kerry spent most of her upbringing in Halifax before moving to Toronto, and now Chicago where she just opened the flagship US Flirty Girl Fitness location.

An MBA graduate from Concordia University in Montreal, Kerry had 12 years of experience working with business start ups, focusing on marketing, business development and product development for both large and small companies before deciding to launch her own business. Prior to Flirty Girl Fitness, Kerry’s specialty was in taking industry-first products to market and forming partnerships with Fortune 500 companies like HP, Microsoft, Pfizer, Merck, and Sanofi-Aventis. Kerry’s executive experience has spanned a variety of business sectors and includes such product launches as: a sales force effectiveness program for the pharmaceutical industry, a consumer ASP application for a leading communications company, a human resources enterprise wide management application, an oncology interactive education program for hospital networks, an online pharmaceutical community network for a government run physical portal, and a grassroots training and marketing program professional sports team.

Kerry’s move into fitness began in 2005 after watching an episode of Oprah with Desperate Housewives’ Terri Hatcher demonstrating a sexy workout class using a pole. Kerry thought it looked fun and wanted to try it, but she couldn’t find any classes available outside of CA. Because Kerry couldn’t find anywhere to learn the work out, she bought a pole and taught herself. She loved it so much that she talked her sister Krista into leaving a management IT position in Halifax to join her in Toronto to develop and launch Flirty Girl Fitness.

Today, Kerry and her sister, who were finalists at the 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, have more than 125 employees at their two studios and plan to open dozens more studios across Canada and the U.S. The sisters have also designed and manufactured their own removable fitness pole and produced a series of instructional fitness videos which have been run in nationally syndicated infomercials across the US since January 2009 and are being test markets in several countries around the world. Kerry and her sister further built on their success by designing and creating a full Flirty Girl Fitness apparel line which launches in October 2009.

To learn more about Kerry and Flirty Girl Fitness visit Flirty Girl Fitness Online. Check back soon to learn more about other Chic Gem Gals and to hear our latest news about Chic Gems, Etc.

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, Etc

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems Featured at Peace Journey Event, Juvenesse Spa

Chic Gems and Peace Journey Event

The Peace Journey Event took place at Juvenesse Spa to launch the EcoChallenge2020 Peace Journey Brazil 2010 on the United Nations International Day of Peace, September 21, 2009. At the launch party, there were wines by Mionetto USA, delicious treats from Carnivale, music, a silent auction, and a raffle.

Chic Gems not only created two special "Peace" necklaces for the event but also 20% of Chic Gem's sales from the evening were donated to the Peace Journey Brazil 2010.

Here are pictures of the two necklaces at the event.

"Peace" Key Necklace by Chic Gems

"Peace" affirmation necklace by Chic Gems

We had a great turn out at the party and were entertained by a selection of "peace songs" performed by children of the Skinner School. Here are a few more pictures of the party.

For more information, visit http://www.ecochallenge2020.org/.

All photographs were provided by Seth Kammueller.

Don't forget to check back here soon for more Chic Gems, Etc. events, promotions, and updates!

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, Etc. Jewelry

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Meet Agnes Miles Designer for Love Lulu Mae, Review by Sarah Radford

Agnes Miles

Hello Chic Gems Gals!

I recently had the opportunity to meet Agnes of Lulu Mae.

I love her designs and she is an inspiration.

~Here's her story~

Born with an innate talent and a deep love for beauty and design, Agnes “Lulu Mae” Miles developed her creative instinct and appreciation for the arts at a very early age. While growing up in a household of six sisters; fashion, style and an eye on the latest trends were always abound. As a result, she quickly learned how to combine art and fashion to create a style of her own; fine tuning it over the years.

She continues to express herself artfully and fashionably through the pieces she designs and creates for Love, Lulu Mae. She believes every piece she creates has a unique and one-of-a-kind beauty as the women who wear them.Inspired by the strength and impeccably elegant style of the women of the 1930’s and 1940’s; Agnes models every piece she designs and creates after them. To her it is more than just vintage, it is a style of an era that represented a turning point for women and what they were capable of enduring. It gives her a great satisfaction to know her wearable art makes someone feel beautiful confident of her style and of who she is. After all, self-confidence, assurance and poise is what makes the modern woman sexy and sophisticated.

Originally hailing from St. Louis, MO; Agnes currently resides in the beautiful city of Chicago, IL with her loving husband and two Boston Terriers. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre from Columbia College Chicago.

Click here to visit the Love Lulu Mae Website

Click here to visit the Love Lulu Mae Fashion Blog

We hope you enjoyed this inspirational entrepreneurial story!

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

New Press from Chicago 3 Media at Chic Gems Couture Trunk Show

NEW! Chic Gems Couture

by Sarah Radford

Thank you to everyone who joined us for my first Chic Gems Couture Trunk Show!

The event took place this past Saturday at Claudia Kleiner's Malabar Collection in Chicago.

Our shoppers enjoyed purusing the newest designs from Chic Gems.

Chicago 3 Media stopped by to visit with us

click here to watch the Chicago 3 Media coverage

Visit our newly revamped Chic Gems website-click here to shop.

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems is a Sponsor for Taste of the Gold Coast

Chic Gems is a Proud Sponsor of Taste of the Gold Coast

Hosted by Raymi Productions

Wednesday August 26th from 6pm-9pm

The Sutton Place Hotel

21 E Bellvue Place

Chicago, IL

For more information:

Call 312.730.8262

Visit Raymi Productions

Tickets are $60 in advance, $70 at the door.

Click here to purchase your tickets to Taste of the Gold Coast

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Click here to purchase your tickets to Taste of the Gold Coast

Chic Gems Featured at Diva Series Reunion Party in Chicago Hosted by Maven

Sarah Radford of Chic Gems Featured at The Diva Series Reunion Party

Thursday August 20, 2009 from 8pm-11pm

Boka Restaurant

1729 N Halsted

Chicago, IL 60614

Sponsored by Maven and Chicago Social

Enjoy passed select hors d' oeuvres

Special Diva Cocktail

Special gift bag for Divas

Special giveaways for Divas

$20 ticket with proceeds to benefit PAVE

A special event for past & future Divas-celebrating a year of honoring influential women in Chicago

Chic Gems will be for sale at this event-shop the newest Gems from the Signature and Couture Collections

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems Featured at River City to Benefit PAVE and Factio Magazine

Designer Sarah Radford, of Chic Gems, at River City Condos

Hey there Chic Gems Gals,

Thank you to everyone who attended the Chic Gems trunk show to benefit PAVE. PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment) is a national grassroots non-profit. PAVE uses education and action to shatter the silence of sexual and domestic violence. PAVE's work has been featured on the Today show, CNN, and in TIME.

To learn more about PAVE, visit them at their website PavingTheWay.net

In other exciting news, we were recently featured in Factio magazine. Chic Gems, Etc. was chosen to be showcased in a editorial shoot with Malabar Boutique.

Chic Gems Featured in Factio Magazine

To purchase this Rose Quartz Necklace, from Chic Gems, click here

Finally, here are a couple pieces to get you pumped for the couture line which will be available online this fall.

Chic Gems Couture Pearl & Flower Necklace

Chic Gems Couture Black Onyx & White Quartz with Pearl Necklace

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Maison De Couture Summer Trunk Show Featuring Chicago's Top Designers Including Chic Gems

Check out Maison De Couture Online-Click Here

Maison De Couture Summer Trunk Show

2032 W Rice St

Chicago, IL 60622

Thursday July 23, 2009

6pm-10pm

Maison De Couture Presents

The Ultimate Jewelry, Fashion, & Accessories Summer Trunk Show.

Economy got you down? Grab your Gals and de-stress at Maison De Couture's Summer Trunk Show - the only event where you can attend for FREE, sip complimentary cocktails all night long, shop distinct collections at amazing prices, receive complimentary beauty services and score FABULOUS freebies inside Maison De Couture's Famous Eco-Friendly Bag that's full of tons of Swag - all under one roof!

FREE Admission & Beauty Services

SHOP Emerging Designers

SIP Complimentary Cocktails

SNAG a Bag FULL of Swag With EVERY Purchase

(no minimum purchase required - while supplies last)

Visit the Ulta Beauty Room to receive a complimenatry hair and color consultation & freshen up your look with a make-up touch-up from an Ulta Stylist.

Stop by the Relaxation Room for a massage.

MUST RSVP for this event, you can do so by clicking here.

Visit Maison De Couture.org

*Must be 21 & over to attend - valid ID required for entry

EXHIBITORS: Beijo Bags, Chic Gems, Etc., Guava T's Childrens Clothing, SWABY, See Jane Sparkle, Carluci Millinery, Divine Sole Boutique, Mon Jolie, and G. Lorin Jewelry.

Preview the NEW Chic Gems Couture Collection and shop the Design Your Own Gems Collection. Designer Sarah Radford of Chic Gems will help you choose the perfect jewelry for your wardrobe and lifestyle.

Special Discounts for this evening only!

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry

Coming soon....Chic Gems Couture

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Meet Cece and Melinda with Raymi Productions-by Sarah Radford of Chic Gems

Raymi Productions

Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions

Melinda (on right) is modeling the Chic Gems Pearl Necklace in Oyster

Cece & Melinda are hosting an extraordinary Chicago networking event!
Wednesday June 24th, 2009
From 6:30-8:30pm

Join Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions and TheChiGuide on an amazing boat that exclusively holds only 150 people!
Enjoy the amazing view of the Chicago skyline while mingling with business professionals.

Delectable passed hors d'oeuvres prepared by Jordan's Food of Distinction, the food-centered event planning and culinary company that provides a fresh and innovative alternative to the Chicago catering scene in addition to plentiful drinks served by Hpnotiq and Bud Select. This will be a professional networking event. Tickets will only be sold in advance, not at the door.
This is a networking event not to be missed.
Dress is Business Professional.

Click here to purchase your tickets!

All the very best,
Sarah Radford
Designer
Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry
Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems Jewelry Featured at Berry Beautiful, Hosted by Blinc Mascara

Berry Beautiful

Hosted by Blinc Mascara

At A Beautiful You

25 E Washinton St., Suite 825

Chicago, IL

Sarah Radford of Chic Gems is proud to be a part of Berry Beautiful, an event hosted by Blinc Mascara at A Beautiful You on

Wednesday May 13, 2009 from 5-8pm

This event focuses on women relaxing with their beautiful friends, while having the opportunity to try blinc mascara-see for yourself what Rachel McAdams and Eva Mendez are raving about!

Guests will receive specially discounted microdermabrasion treatments, Botox®, and other skin care treatments-for this event only. Enjoy chocolate covered strawberries, sip sparkling cider, and receive a complimentary goody bag!

The latest jewelry from Chic Gems, etc. will be for sale at this special event. Guests will enjoy 20-50% off regular retail price. Sarah designs every “Gem” with one common goal, to make the women who wear her jewelry feel instantly chic and walk a little taller! Chic Gems is perfect the perfect accent at the office or out on the town.

A Beautiful You, located in downtown Chicago, was founded by Debra Tamblyn with a passion and mission to help clients like what they see in the mirror.

Special discounted services for the evening include microdermabrasion, nonchemical and chemical facials, laser hair removal, permanent cosmetics, Botox®, and more. All products and services at the Berry Beautiful Event are overseen by Debra Tamblyn, a licensed practitioner.

Guests must RSVP to DebraTamblyn@gmail.com by Monday May 11, 2009

Chic Gems Jewelry featured at Designer Shopping Event at the Chicago Metropolitan Club, hosted by Raymi Productions

Exclusive Pre-Mother's Day Shopping Event

FREE admission

Raymi Productions invites you to shop the TOP designers and boutiques from Chicago at the Metropolitan Club.

Tuesday April 28, 2009

5pm-8pm

The Metropolitan Club

233 S Wacker Drive, Suite 6700

Chicago, IL 60606

This spring, Cece & Melinda, of Raymi Productions are hosting an exclusive designer shopping event at the Metropolitan Club, just before Mother’s Day.

The Metropolitan Club has become known as "the" place to conduct business, meet Chicago’s Who’s Who’s and has developed a reputation as Chicago’s finest Business Club. The Club continues to be known for these things and is celebrating its 35th year of serving the Chicago community.

The most reputable and talented Chicago designers will come together to sell their merchandise. Enjoy up to 50% off retail prices!

Designers include:

Chic Gems, etc., Brynn Capella Handbags, Beijo Bags, K. Amato, Five Accessories, Ellu Handbags, and more!

Sarah, designer of Chic Gems, will be showcasing her newest Jewelry Collection and unveiling her NEW Custom Jewelry Collection.

The NEW Custom Chic Gems Collection allows shoppers to choose their

pearl & crystal colors and Sarah will make their own fabulous designer gems!

Dior will be providing complimentary make-up applications.

Raffle proceeds to benefit PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment).

Event is open to the Public and is FREE to attend.

Please RSVP to Cece@RaymiProductions.com

All the best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems Featured Jeweler at Battle of the Boutiques by Poor Little Rich Girls

Chic Gems Jewelry Featured at Battle of the Boutiques
Fashion Show
by PoorLittle RichGirls.com

Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry

The Featured Jewelry at Battle of the Boutiques

PoorLittleRichGirls.com

Chaise Lounge~Chicago, IL

Here's the scoop about the Event:

They came. They saw. They posed. In a stunning victory le Dress swept the first annual “Battle of the Boutiques”, taking home both the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards. This means they’ll be back next year to defend their title as Chicago’s “most stylish yet affordable” boutique. Congratualtions to le Dress!In case you missed us for the show and dinner last Thursday at Chaise Lounge, we’ll fill you in. Le Dress is a haute new dress-only boutique located on Division in Wicker Park created by two sisters-in-law Eva and Robyn Anderson. Their mutual love for fashion inspired them to open a boutique… but definitely not your store next door. Le Dress is a place where the perfect dress and everything that goes with it can be found. Whether it’s for the party on Friday night, the shower at the botanical garden or the wedding at the Drake, Eva & Robyn believe that dress shopping should be exciting no matter what the occasion.Their winning fashions are shown below, but if you’re looking for more photos of the event check out the Gallery. There, you’ll find photos of all the boutiques’ looks, our guest judges, Showbiz Shelly, the PLRG team and maybe even you!

Vist Poor Little Rich Girls.com-click here

All the best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems hosts Online Charity Trunk Show to benefit the Brain Aneurysm Foundation of Chicago

Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry and The Brain Aneurysm Foundation of Chicago invite you to an Online Trunk Show with 20% of all Sales to benefit the

Brain Aneurysm Foundation of Chicago.

Simply Shop Online at Chic Gems and use code BAF during checkout to receive 10% off all purchases and 20% will be donated to the Foundation.

Visit Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry Online-Click Here

Learn more about the Brain Aneurysm Foundation-Click Here

Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry is pleased to support the Brain Aneurysm Foundation of Chicago, during the Month of March, by hosting an Online Trunk Show to benefit the Foundation.

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation was established in Boston on August 19, 1994, as a public charity. The Foundation developed from a close relationship between patients and healthcare professionals who identified the need for comprehensive information and support for brain aneurysm patients, their families, and the medical community.

OUR MISSION:

To provide support and educational materials to the medical community, the newly diagnosed, survivors, family members, friends and the general public regarding the facts, treatment options, and recovery process for brain aneurysms. With the help of the medical community, remain steadfast and earnest in the pursuit of brain aneurysm research that can directly benefit those affected.

This mission is accomplished through the following goals:
•Raising public awareness about brain aneurysms through the dissemination of educational literature geared to topics surrounding this medical condition.
•Easing the recovery process for survivors and families through support groups, the website, and the Foundation's continued presence.
•Assisting medical professionals, health institutions, and other individuals to set up local chapters and support groups around the country.
•Raising money for the Foundation to expand the educational library, coordinate symposiums, enhance support groups, and provide money for research.

Click here to visit the Brain Aneurysm Foundation Website and Learn More.

Don't forget to shop online at Chic Gems and use the code BAF, during checkout, to help raise needed funds for the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

All the best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc. Jewelry

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Chic Gems Jewelry will be Featured at Nights of Style Hosted by SeeMore Shopping & THE MIX

Germania Place

108 W Germania Place Chicago, IL

Thursday November 6 from 6:30-9:30pm

Join SeeMore Shopping and THE MIX 101.9FM for the Nights of Style Shopping Event!
The event will be hosted by Melissa McGurren, from the Eric & Kathy Show and co-sponsored by Little Black Dress Wines.

Gift giveaways every 15 minutes!

Chic Gems will be giving away 4 $25 Gift Certificates!
Shop the latest in fall jewelry trends from Chic Gems, etc. and meet the designer, Sarah Radford!
Shop local Chicago designers and Boutiques.
Private Event-MUST RSVP to attend.
If you would like to attend,

please RSVP to Liz@Seemoreshopping.com

by Monday November 3, 2008.

All the very best!

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Meet Allyson from Bess and Loie, Being an Entrepreneur is her Bag. Review by Sarah Radford, Chic Gems, etc.

(A view of the beatuiful Bess & Loie Boutique)

I had the chance to meet Allyson Holleb, a charming Entrepreneur, over one year ago.

Since then I stop by to see the latest bags anytime I am in the area.

You will find my line, Chic Gems, etc. sold there at certain special occasions.

What could be better than handbags and jewelry?

You can count on a relaxing experience at Bess & Loie. Ally is the absolute best hostess. She has all sorts of snacks and cushy chairs to watch tv. You almost forget that you're in a store.

It is simply a nice experience to shop at Bess & Loie. No high pressured sales people here-it's delightful and anyone visting Chicago should come see for themselves.

The store is named after Allyson's grandmothers, Bess and Loie.

A little bit about this Entrepreneur-

Allyson grew up in Chicago, went to Paris for her junior year of college (at UW Madison), and moved to NYC (She needed a City!) after college.

So what did she do in NYC?

Allyson worked as an event planner and then changed her focus, where she became a part of the retail buying team at Eileen Fisher, buying for the Eileen Fisher retail stores.

"I was there for four years, learned a ton about the industry, as I worked with all aspects of the business.... design, merchandising, warehouse, factory, etc. And then I decided to come back home to Chicago and open the shop."

What inspired you to start a business of owning a handbag boutique?

"While living in New York, I spent most of my shopping time searching for bags that were different, not your typical "labels", and that didn't cost me a complete arm and a leg. When I decided to move back to Chicago, it was to open a store focusing on these amazing, independent designers, whose work, I felt, was not being showcased yet in Chicago.

What challenges have you faced?

"Being an entrepreneur means that you're having to take care of every single aspect of your business, from cleaning the windows and floors to determining the product assortment to marketing the business to making sure that there's enough toilet paper in the bathroom. It's really been a learning experience. Also, just getting the business' name out and driving traffic into my boutique, which is definitely in a location that's a destination.

How are you overcoming those challenges?

" Just keep on working, and not letting the enormity of everything get me down. And taking the little victories and really enjoying them- helping a customer find the exact right handbag or piece of jewelry, and seeing how happy that it can make someone- it means that I've done my job. And all of the amazing people who I've met along the way."

A final note from Allyson
Bess & Loie is packed with beautiful bags, and I’ve tried to make it an inviting place where customers feel welcome and relaxed. On any given day, you’re likely to find people hanging out on the comfy chairs, kicking back with a glass of wine, some chocolate and licorice, watching a Bears game or an old episode of Beverly Hills, 90210.

So that's her bag. Shop in the store or online.

All the very best!

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women

Meet Amy of Ciao Bella Chicago, a True Entrepreneur. Review by Sarah Radford, Chic Gems, etc.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Amy Lechelt Basta for almost 2 years. She has an upbeat and charming personality. She has been an entrepreneur all her life, so I thought it would be fun and inspiring to hear her story and her perspective on owning a business, dealing with challenges at work

and in life, etc.!

So why did you start your business, Ciao Bella Chicago?

I started my biz, cuz I could! Ha-ha! Actually, Jerry, my husband and I, had always thought that I should own a boutique because I was very enthusiastic when leaving my other boutique sales jobs, telling stories every day for hours (really!). And, not only did I have 25 years of experience in retail, but I also became very good at "styling"! Who knew? Finally, I have been an entrepreneur all my life! I took all of my background and joined it together into one location! Event Stylist/coordinator, model/actress/singer/performer, artist, sales manager/sales/bookeeper, flight attendant! I love the challenge of business!

What are the challenges you're facing?

The economy! It couldn't be a worse time to open a biz than when we did! However, the fact that we are still here shows we're doing something right! But, it inihibits "taking it to the next level". And, secondly, to my surprise- employees. Everyone told me this, but I didn't believe it. Even if you have the best employees possible, you still need to deal with all employees "issues", whether work related or personal- on a daily basis.

How are you overcoming those challenges?

Remember to keep a positive attitude, even if it means you need to "adjust it" from time to time. "Everything happens as it should...." It's a business, not your health or life! And, if you run a good, honest life/business, you will have always know you did the best you could- by all!

What brands will shoppers find at Ciao Bella Chicago?

For Women:
Gant, b. chyll, Body, Lucky Brand, Tommy Bahama, Billy Blues,

Majestic Bernadette Conte, Panda Snack, City Lights, Spanx,

JWLA , Johnny Was, Be present, Adea, Bailey 44, Victorinox Swiss Army,

Daftbird, Vintage Glam, Iodice, Sarah Pacini, Lauren Vidal
Hard Tail, R jean, Pursuit of Harmony, Cino, Oramomi
Uncle Frank, Level 99, Tag Jeans, and more.

For Men:

James Perse, Rosasen, Splendid Mills, Victorinox Swiss Army
Lucky Brand, Indigo Palms, Jet Lag, Gant
Generra, Modern Amusement, Bugatchi, J Brand, and more.

Accessories:

Hobo, Matt & Nat, John Wind, Baggallini
Love Quotes, Karen Weiss Belts, eye bobs, Seril
Nundies, Sassy nips, Chic Gems, etc., and more.
Pure Style Girlfriends-Stay Put, Gather the Girls, Haute Stuff, Smooth 'em

Press:

Women's Wear Daily, Daily Candy, Time Out Chicago,

Chicago Mag.com, and Chicago Scene.

Thanks Amy for your insight!

Ciao!

Check out Ciao Bella Chicago online!

Be sure to stop by the store if you're in Chicago.

They are located at 3829 N Southport, one of Chicago's hottest shopping blocks.

The store is steps away from the historic Music Box Theatre!

All the very best,

Sarah Radford

Designer

Chic Gems, etc.

Designer Jewelry for Professional Women