Breast Cancer... What?!...You Can Beat It!

Hi there,

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I am going to veer off my usual topic and talk about my cancer and being a survivor and why in the heck I designed this necklace.

First of all, I try to never think about having breast cancer. ( I am afraid to jinx myself and have it come back - I know...crazy huh?).  I was watching Parenthood on Thursday. (I love that show but couldn't watch it last year when Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was too soon for me. My friend Ellen was kind enough to keep me updated - thanks Ellen!)
 On the show the other night when Christina said that she wasn't "cured", and that the doctors don't say that until you survive 5 years cancer free, it really made an impression on me. I realize that I am only two years in and still have three more to go.

Wow. BUT I CAN DO IT!

It already seems like a lifetime. Three more years, holy crap! Let me tell you, for a girl who is not afraid of much, the thought of having it return terrifies me.
No matter what anyone says, cancer treatment sucks!
You know you are deliberately poisoning yourself in order to survive. What sane person does that? Yet you keep on going to chemotherapy because the will to survive is stronger that anything. You do it for yourself, your kids.. whatever. You learn what you are made of, that's for sure.

www.abitofecletic.etsy.com

I was lucky enough to have a great support group. I had a great friend who went with me to every treatment and even made it, well I don't know bearable, memorable, ?fun?. How about that? (Thanks Jackie - couldn't have done it without you).  We even designed special wine charms for the occasion. 

Even now, as I write this, the thought of those treatments is enough to cause me to have a meltdown. 

There were the girls at work that were so supportive, ( you know who you are - hint, hint, 6th grade team & MJL & EH), making sure I got out of the house,  that the bills were paid, and that we had stuff to eat.  (I love you guys for that!) Not to mention, my two friends that were with me through the surgeries and doctor visits, holding my hand and keeping me upright-Chris & Teesi, this one's for you!

I have to mention my sister Laura too, while I am going on and on..  She has become my biggest cheerleader and supporter. As much as it sucked, cancer brought us closer together than I ever thought possible and my day is a little more lonely when we don't talk at least once.
And don't think I forgot, but I need to really thank the two greatest kids in the world! I would not have made it through this without their never ending love and support! I love you boys!

This all brings me to my point, however. (Whew...you are probably thinking.)   While at chemotherapy, we saw so many women, who had no support system and were going through this terrible ordeal all by themselves. I can't even imagine. It is hard enough to lose your hair, be sick all the time, have terrible reactions to the medication, have to take more medication to counteract those side effects, and become a ghost of your former self, but to do that and be all alone? 

So I designed the "Because You're Beautiful" necklace in honor of every woman who is going through or had to go through this treatment. It is a way for YOU to show your friend or loved one, that SHE is beautiful to you, no matter what.  When you have no hair, and you are looking pretty pale, sometimes the only way to feel attractive is to put on a great piece of jewelry when you have to go out. I understand this better than most. 
This necklace comes with a card for your friend and a matching bracelet for you. 
Even if you don't know anyone going through cancer treatment - get one and take it to your local treatment center and brighten some one's day!

Wow, you might think. What a bitch...using this as a shameless plug. Well, not really. I am donating 10% of the profits from the sale of this necklace to the Look Good Feel Better program. If you are not familiar with this it is an organization that holds group workshops that teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients. These workshops help women minimize the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
They state on their website that "Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence." I couldn't agree more! My friend Kelly told me the other night, that "I handled the treatment like a champ and that if she didn't know it, she would never have guessed what I was going through" My God is she kind or what?  I decided to live my life as best as I could, while vowing that this disease would not break me!  I was able to do this because, well..,I am a pretty strong lady, but also because of what I learned at this class.
So if you are interested, you can get more information on the "Because You're Beautiful" necklace at www.designedinstone,etsy.com

If you have a survivor support story to tell, I would love to hear it. If you are going through treatment, YOU CAN DO IT!

Hang in there and remember, YOU can do anything,
Deborah E 

***I also want to give a "shout out" to the good people at DAKOTA STONES who were kind enough to choose me as their designer of the month for October and ask me to create something for Breast Cancer Awareness and provided me with a sample of stones that I turned into the friendship bracelet! 

5 Fall Fashion Styles..YOU Can Actually Wear (& Afford)

Hi Everyone,

It's that time. Fall is in the air, leaves are changing and the runways of New York and Paris are full of half-starved models wearing things you couldn't possibly fit your big toe into, not to mention cost as much as your house payment.  believe me, I get it. So I am here to help you put your best fashion foot forward this fall in styles you can both actually wear and afford!

So let's get ready to be fashionable...

1. American Pastoral

Marc Jacobs

 Fall is making a move back towards nature. In cozy knits, high boots, fur-trimmed outerwear and tweeds, this fall 2013 trend is not only comfortable but easy to pull off.                                                                             However....while we LOVE Marc Jacobs, most of us are going to wear pants with this look. (Please, please wear some pants). You can pair a plain dark cable knit sweater, like the one pictured, with your animal print (yes always a classic look if used sparingly), or with a houndstooth trouser or scarf . Both of these are available right now at Kohl's, and are both on sale. (Scarf - Croft & Barrow Cashmere under $20 and Apt 9 Trouser under $30). So there you go. YOU look great, didn't have to spend a lot of dough, and... you are wearing pants!

2. Color Blocking

Rag & Bone

This is a great trend..and one I love! (As long as you don't practice this with your hair or make-up). Also, here's the GOOD NEWS..it is a carry over from spring/summer. So you are already halfway there! According to Harper's BAZAAR, "Colors are made to be mixed, and for the coming season that means layers of hues that are just a touch off or black, white, camel and navy styled graphically. So take that great orange, purple, or 

Any one of these tops or jackets can be paired with last weeks' trousers!
( See "Yoga Pants" blog)

blue, and pair them with black pants and a sweater, or with a camel top or bottom, depending on the piece. Or shop TARGET for a great B&W look or Phillip Lim black and white accent piece at an affordable price to achieve this look.

So there you go. You look great and  I saved you from wearing a really boring ALL black look.

3. Statement Jewelry  
This is VERY important ladies.... A great piece of jewelry provides a clear focal point that accentuates the beauty, and overall balance, of an outfit! 

Designed In Stone

 REAL stone jewelry 

at affordable prices!

 www.designedinstone.etsy.com

With the fashion trends for fall 2013 indulging in everything from Gothic romance to punk, minimalism to opulent regality, there’s plenty of room for jewelry that speaks volumes. As the runways showed, one of those growing trends is the the choker necklace, now in new and exciting forms. Think REAL, big chunky stones, metal 

spikes, and bright bold colors. A great piece of jewelry will leave you looking "finished". My motto is " No more naked necks". Learn it, chant it, LIVE IT!

4. Sleepwear as Daywear

Now we are not talking terry cloth here or your flannel bottoms with the hole in the butt, but more like satiny fabrics take your look to a more sophisticated level. If you are going to do this look, you should never leave the house with bed hair and looking like you literally rolled out of bed and were too lazy to get dressed. Just use this photo as a guide of a way to NOT wear this look.
Now, Mr Armani knows how to do the "Sleepwear" look, with this velvet pant paired with a sparkly top.

Giorgio Armani/The Row

As does The Row, but your budget probably is not theirs, so I have a couple affordable option for you! First of all, break up the look by pairing a fluid piece with something more structured, especially for day. A silky pajama-style shirt or blazer will look sharp with a pencil skirt or slim trousers. Try a pair of subdued pants for work. Pair them with a blouse and blazer.  - Think the "pastoral look"mentioned above.

Floral Jacket $40;zara.com & Joe Fresh Pant $29;joefresh.com

5.  A Really Great Jacket

A lot of notice will be given this fall to your once under looked coat.  This means if you are usually mistake for the Goodyear tire guy, even though he is cute, while wearing your faded  down coat, it is time to trade it in. And for those of you,who think you have been being thrifty by wearing the same coat for the last 20 years, thrifty is no longer the term we use to describe you. (Hint, hint..think cheap, unfashionable, threadbare...need I go on. Really).

The plain fall/winter has suddenly been revamped and has been roaring down the runways from New York to   Paris in versions beaded, zippered, embellished, and richly plush. 

While these are beautiful, many of us aren't celebrities, (I love ya, but really your probably not), or don't have $$$$$ just laying around the house, Kohl's has a great selection of great coats this year!

Most for under $200!

Follow these 5 tips and you too will sail into fall in style!

Whew! With all of this fashion advice, I find that I must replenish myself with a good glass of wine....then off to GO SHOPPING!

Until next time,

Deborah E

****October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In honor of that and as a breast cancer survivor, I have designed  a special necklace. During the month of October, Designed In Stone will feature the "Because YOU'RE  Beautiful" necklace.  It is a one of a kind piece for the survivor in your life with a special pink Riverstone bracelet just for you. (Photos and more info coming soon!)

**I would love to hear your story of the "beautiful survivor" in your life, and if I use your story in my blog during the month of October, I will send both of you a matching pink Riverstone bracelet. Hope to hear from you soon.

Yoga Pants, Really....Have You Looked In The Mirror?

Hi Everyone,

It is time again to talk about one of my fashion "dont's" - Yoga Pants.

While I know this topic might upset many of you because you are guilty of this fashion faux pas,  don't worry,  I am here to help you out!

The thing with yoga pants is this: if you are over the age of 21 or 200 lbs, these should not be a fashion staple in YOUR wardrobe. Hello... YOGA PANTS AREN'T FOR YOU!


Here's the thing - tighter doesn't always = thinner!! If you have more peaks and valleys than the Alps or more rolls than a bakery, yoga pants are not a good idea. (Unless you are doing Yoga, of course). And in case you didn't know it, you could be inflicting great  psychological damage on your family and friends who are too afraid to tell you and have to live with the visual.

FYI. The material in these pants is thin. Thinner than leggings or trousers. This is to wick away the sweat when you are exercising or doing yoga.

My sister and her boyfriend where in the grocery store a short time ago and got stuck in the vegetable aisle behind a women in these pants. The material was stretched so thin, that her butt was shining through like two glowing moons. Well, the rest of us don't want to see your "moons", cracks or craters...or whatever. And we DON'T want our significant other to see them either!  ( You really should know  that while you think you are all that with your ass shining out, we think you look like a hooker and not a very attractive one!)

You might think to your self, while donning your pants, "Wow, I look great and thin." Well, I am here to tell you a hard truth, you don't look all that great. You look sloppy and like it was to much effort to spend a little time and thought on your appearance.  As for the thin thing...really. Take a look in the mirror. A good look. All the way around. 
( I know these are tough economical times, but we should all have at least one mirror.)

You may be sitting there thinking "What do I do now, I have all these yoga pants", or "Wow, she sure is a bitch", well whatever, I am here to help. If you have a lot of yoga pants...TAKE UP YOGA!  Wear them there.
In the meantime, I have done some research for you, ( Thank you me), and have found the perfect pair of pants. Target has these great Merona Women's Tailored trousers. (Some are even on sale right now!)
They are affordable, in a great variety of styles and fits, and even come in great colors and patterns. Also, these trousers have some SPANDEX in them, so as to satisfy your need for stretch.

They fit great and can be dressed up or down. You can wear them with a beautiful girly shirt for evening or with a tee for running errands! The best way to finish off your look is with the versatile and affordable necklaces from Designed In Stone. ( www.etsy.com/shop/designedinstone ) The magnesite pendants have been deliberately designed to be worn

dressed up or down. If a choker is more your style check out my 3 strand multi-colored magnesite one. It it truly one of a kind and the colors are spectacular. Especially for fall!

So there you go ladies. I hope I have helped you out with this weeks fashion styling tip. You can look great at any size without spending a lot of money! And remember...don't give your family and friends psychological trauma  and stop showing your "moons". Buy some trousers and a great piece of jewelry from Designed In Stone, and impress your friends with your new sense of style!

Until next time,

Deborah E

****October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In honor of that and as a breast cancer survivor, I have designed  a special necklace. During the month of October, Designed In Stone will feature the "Because YOU'RE  Beautiful" necklace.  It is a one of a kind piece for the survivor in your life with a special pink Riverstone bracelet just for you. (Photos and more info coming soon!)

**I would love to hear your story of the "beautiful survivor" in your life, and if I use your story in my blog during the month of October, I will send both of you a matching pink Riverstone bracelet. Hope to hear from you soon.

So Many Naked Necks ......So Little Time (Sigh)

Hi out there

As I was previously undecided about what track to take with this blog, ( and determined to continue because I love to write), I have decided to become a SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTER, like so many others in this world, of my jewelry line Designed In Stone, while helping you become better accessorized and more fashion savvy!

Designed In Stone uses all REAL stones. No plastic please. Each piece is an original, one of a kind design. No copies here.

I am going to try to put up a new design tip or fix a fashion blunder at least once a week. In between my shopping, jewelry making, wine drinking and fashion spying at the local mall.  Unless a see a real fashion faux pas or wardrobe blunder. Then I will run right here and share it with you!

I am going to kick it off with a fashion no no that i really hate. The "naked" neck. Come on ladies...I see so many well dressed women walking around with no jewelery on. Really! Can you believe that. Just the other day, I was watching NBC 5 news here in Chicago and Lee Ann Trotter was talking about something. All I heard was blah blah blah, because I was so flabbergasted that with the gorgeous orange dress she was wearing - she had a NAKED NECK.

With Designed In Stone, (here is the shameless self-promotion) constantly creating original pieces and at really affordable prices, why oh why was this girl not accessorized?

I wanted to give you an example of how a stylish necklace can rally make an outfit, so I asked my friend Chris to come over in a white tee and jeans to help me prove my point.

Pay attention all you naked necks out there.

So happy to be getting a necklace
to wear,  from Designed In Stone
 Whewww

I chose Chris because she is a great example of a woman who knows the value of ACCESSORIES! No matter where she is going or what she's wearing, she is always styled to the nines, (with Designed In Stone pieces of course). She is a master at finishing off every outfit with a great jewelry piece. From where else? You guessed it - D. I. S. She knows that you can elevate any look with the right accessory.

Wow. I really feel relaxed now that I
am so well accessorized.

Take a look at my before and after photos. In the first photo - no jewelry. The white tee and jeans are plain and are rather forgettable. (Why is she looking so happy then you may ask? Well, it was either the case of jewelry or the bottle of wine I opened. You tell me...)

In the next two photos, you can see the difference. See how polished the same white tee and jeans look

with a coordinating necklace like the blue lapis lazuli or the sea sediment jasper. Both necklaces available at my store - www.etsy.com/shop/designedinstone . Thank you Chris for being such a great model for today's fashion tip!

So if you take anything away from this ladies, it is please, please take the time to snap on a great piece of jewelry before you leave the house.
Of course you will look so much better, and BE THE ENVY OF ALL YOUR FRIENDS, if you are wearing an originally designed, REAL stone necklace from Designed In Stone.

Let's try and stamp out naked necks everywhere!