Posts Tagged Style
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Most moms no longer have the same shape they boasted as teenagers. It makes sense, then, to switch out of the jeans worn by those with youthful bodies.
“Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are cut to make the most of a woman’s body,” says Claudine Scanlon, owner of Sassy’s Originals in Bloomingdale. NYDJ fit well because they have a missy rise and a tummy control panel, says Scanlon. They also “magically” offer an instant butt-lift, with the lycra content hugging the jeans close.
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans come in straight leg or boot cut styles, with plain and embellished pocket detailing.
Sizes 4-16 in denim and black are in now at Sassy’s Originals, 360 W. Schick Rd., Bloomingdale. (630) 894-139, www.sassysoriginals.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010

“A quality watch is usually the core of a man’s jewelry wardrobe, along with cuff links–if he uses them–and a fashionable ring,” says Steve Woodworth, owner of Matthew Erickson Jewelers in Aurora,“For partying, though, a man can let his imagination go a little further. Necklaces and bracelets–and even earring studs–have all gained acceptance, especially among younger men.”
Daring designers are making men’s jewelry from materials that aren’t associated with gold or precious stones. Leather and rubber, for instance, are finding their way into fashionable men’s jewelry. Men are also discovering platinum; and titanium provides a very modern look. Even stainless steel is being used for necklaces, rings and cuff links in combination with gemstones, for a look that’s both stylish and masculine.
It’s conventional for men to favor dark-hued colored stones, such as onyx and black star sapphire. Diamonds and more vibrant colored stones are gaining ground though. A diamond or ruby stud in the ear can add extra flash on a Saturday night; and cuff links with small diamonds or colored stones go well with a business suit. For formal wear, setting cuff links and shirt studs with pavé diamonds is a modern idea. Even black Tahitian pearls and other pearls are now finding their way into high-fashion men’s jewelry.
Matthew Erickson Jewelers is at 4421 Fox Valley Center Drive (on the outer ring at Fox Valley Mall), (630) 820-0300 and www.matthewericksonjewelers.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
It’s Our Earth in downtown Wheaton is holding a Spring Fling Wing Ding on Saturday, March 20, 11am to 4pm. Children (grade school age and above) will do paper-weaving crafts using food packaging, candy wrappers and chip bags. Kids will also do record-painting, using acrylics on old records to fashion decorative art. Craft sessions are free, no reservations necessary.
Jewelry Artist Lisa Streker will present her jewelry collection. Streker takes vintage jewelry from the 1800s to the 1960s and refashions it into unique, one of a kind, new designs featuring crystals, stones, beads and more.
Raffle prizes will be given out hourly, and there will be give-aways galore.
When clearing out clutter around your home, don’t just toss stuff in the garbage to get rid of it. Donate it to an enterprise that will recycle it and minimize unwanted items going into landfills.
It’s Our Earth accepts many donations of unwanted items that can be repurposed into new ones–or can direct you to another business accepting donations.
It’s Our Earth is at 127 N. Main St., Wheaton. (630) 668-3800. www.ItsOurEarth.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on March 14, 2010
Many engaged couples choose to express their individuality (and the uniqueness of their relationship) by working with their jeweler to create a truly special, one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Here are some pointers:
The Stone–Round diamonds continue to be the most popular shape, but more brides-to-be are considering fancy options, including princesses, ovals, pears and marquises.
The color– Forward-thinking couples are stepping out of the box by choosing fabulous colored diamonds (often pink or yellow) as a center stone of their engagement rings. Others are looking at fine colored gemstones. If this option sounds intriguing, here’s a tip… Consider the bride’s coloring. An emerald might look especially elegant on a red-haired woman; a woman with bright blue eyes might favor a sapphire. A colored gem centerstone in a pave diamond setting is considered very stylish.
The Metal–For most of the 20th century, platinum or white gold were considered the most proper metals for an engagement ring, with yellow gold gaining popularity in the past couple of generations. Today, the style pendulum has swung toward white metals again. Progressive designers are supporting this trend by offering alternative white metals, such as tungsten, titanium and palladium. Another fashionable and interesting look is the combination of metal colors, where platinum is teamed with 18-karat gold.
The Design–While some couples prefer a timeless, classic design, others like an engagement ring that’s very much in step with contemporary fashion.
Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll be happy help you to design a ring that incorporates style elements, themes or symbols that define who you are!
Matthew Erickson Jewelers is at 4421 Fox Valley Center Drive (on the outer ring at Fox Valley Mall). (630) 820-0300. www.matthewericksonjewelers.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Claudine Scanlon, Owner, Sassy’s Originals
Weddings remain one of the most formal occasions in custom and apparel. The rules are relaxing, though, says Claudine Scanlon, owner of Sassy’s Originals in Bloomingdale. Mothers of the bride and groom have great flexibility in their choice of what to wear for the big day.
“Just a few years ago, mothers wore a silk suit during the daytime ceremony, and then changed to a beaded gown for the reception following,” says Scanlon. “Today, most moms wear the same gown all day long,” she says.
According to Scanlon, mothers are choosing youthful and figure flattering styles this season with rouched waistlines and shorter jackets. A jacket or little bolero gives the gown a different look throughout the event. Colors for spring are moving to deeper tones than traditional pastels. Lace details continue to be incorporated.
Destination weddings have increased the popularity of tea-length gowns, says Scanlon. Many floor length styles are also suitable for alteration to tea-length. Dresses with tiered skirts have been especially popular.
Sassy’s also offers crystal and rhinestone jewelry, beaded evening handbags and formal shoes to complete wedding ensembles. Sassy’s Originals is at 360 W. Schick Rd. in Bloomingdale. (630) 894-1395. www.sassysoriginals.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009

Chana Bernstein, Founder, Saret Charitable Fund
For the person on your shopping list who loves jewelry, be sure to visit Saret, Treasures of Hope, in Glen Ellyn’s Baker Hill Shopping Center. The shop is chock full of work from artisans in Italy, India, Nepal, Israel, Peru, China, and the United States.
Italian art glass necklaces and pendants sparkle in a rainbow of colors. Semi-precious stones in unique designs are abundant. The jewelry sales, along with natural body and home care products, all support the Saret Charitable Fund.
Saret is a grassroots, not for profit, philanthropic organization that assists DuPage residents in need of immediate assistance. Saret helps homeless families secure housing, offers financial assistance to people who are desperately ill and unable to work, makes temporary loans to those in need, and helps people find work to support themselves.
Chana Bernstein is the founder and president of Saret Charitable Fund, and has guided the group for 24 years. The organization’s name comes from a two year old Cambodian girl living in Wheaton. While Saret Yann was being treated for a liver disease that took her life, volunteers assisted the family and later founded the charity in her name.
Today, the retail store is just one part of the fundraising effort that helps local residents. Other programs include an Adopt a Family Project, and Car Donation. Volunteers are always welcome.
To learn more about Saret Charitable Fund, contact Chana Bernstein at (630) 842-8876 and visit www.saretcharitablefund.org.
Saret Treasures of Hope is at 866 Roosevelt Rd. in Baker Hill Shopping Center, (4 doors down from Chicks N Salsa), Glen Ellyn. (630) 790-4600
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