Although we’ve featured bits and pieces of Ruche here before, I wanted to do a full post on some of their lovely women’s fashion trends today.  Have you spent time looking through ShopRuche.com?  It’s one of the greatest things since sliced bread (not even exaggerating).  I love their indie/vintage looks.  My fashion dreams now consist of filling my entire closet with Ruche items… and their JEWELRY is so dreamy, too.  But, alas… I need to quit typing and start showing you why I’m so crazy about them!

Sprouting Up – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-sprouting-up-c-24_114.html

Even though this shirt has sold out, I had to feature it.  Isn’t it lovely?  And I think it could work beautifully to be made modest with a pretty v-neck/scoop-neck shirt underneath, especially with sleeves that end at the elbow.  It would also look gorgeous with a simple cardigan on top.  You’d want to leave it open, though, so the lovely embellishing could shine through.  I think the thing that draws me most to this outfit is the simple colors (tan/khaki with white linen pants) with the bright pop of blues in the embellishing.  This top would also be fabulous for people like me that need some proportion-compensating for not being as well-endowed in the chest region (a.k.a. members of the “flat like a wall” club).

Picture Frames – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-picture-frames-c-24_116.html

This is a really great outfit, combo.  I especially am crazy about the belted look in the final picture.  The top is quite loose fitting, but it’s well-balanced by the form-fitting leggings.  This looks like such a comfortable outfit that wouldn’t look sloppy.  It could work well for a day running errands with the kiddos or even a get-together with friends.  Since I’m a food photographer by profession, I have this vision of things that work well as a “photographer outfit” and this would definitely classify as something I’d wear to a shoot.  It would look professional, but still casual enough for my clients to feel comfortable (even though I’d be so drop-dead sexy they’d have a hard time focusing on the food – always a problem… ha, ha).  Just fabulous.

Orange Sherbet – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-orange-sherbet-c-24_100.html

I also have a BIG thing for orange… oddly enough my high school’s colors were green and orange (lucky, right?).  This orange top is just gorgeous.  I love the pin tucks along the bottom, as well as the vintage embroidery across the bodice.  They’ve paired it perfectly with the chocolate-colored cardigan and sailor pants (aren’t sailor pants AWESOME?!!).  Yes, I’ll take this whole outfit right away please.

Here’s some of my favorite tops: Celestial Embroidery Tank, Poplin Zipper Top, Daisy Wings Cap Sleeve Top and the Bella Embroidered Striped Tunic

And a few fun shoes: Pink Studio Leisa gray platform wedge sandals, Gray Studded Pointy Heels and Rocket Dog “Dart” frayed canvas ballet flats (I love Rocket Dog shoes!!)

Here’s some of their sexy earrings: Up Up and Away Dangling Earrings, Coral Moondrop Swarovski Earrings, Mini Mesh Rose Earrings in Silver, Golden Flower Drop Earrings, Jaded Dangling Hoop Earrings by Ollipop and Golden Daisy Sparrow Drop Earrings

A few rad bags: Box Pockets Purse in Chestnut, Leaf Bag in Avocado and Take Me With You Clutch

I love these necklaces: Not So Typical Diamond Locket Necklace by Thursday Island, Cream Rose Indie Necklace, Cherokee Feather Necklace by Thursday Island and All in a Dream Sparrow Necklace

To-die-for accessories: Chenin Grape Scarf in Chocolate, Sweet Sage Flower Headband, A Straw Hat for Huck’s Girl, Grey Berriflower Headband, Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf and Astrantia Melody Headband

And now, the grand finale… yummy rings: Flower Child Oval Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Purple Quartz Daisy Ring by Ollipop, Baby’s Breath Ring by Ollipop, Lost in Time Capsule Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Lorelei Pearl Ring and Green Leaf Flower Ring

So…. are you loving Ruche like I am?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

This post is a continuation of my previous Fashion Friday post.

Increased consumer education in a shaky economy is a common cycle or trend throughout fashion history. We are headed for some really amazing times in fashion and in our future! I can’t wait to see the creativity and intelligence that burst out of the ashes of the economy!

Tuesday Morning Hairpin Set by Hot Pink Chick – $14.00

Handcrafted, One-of-a-Kind
Because we value supporting our economy and neighbors, consumer education is going up. We want to know that we’re getting quality items that will last. We want to know who makes it – that there is a real person behind it that we can trust, because we have a distrust for the “too big to fail” companies and their motives. Quality is important now – not quantity. You know you aren’t wasting money on corporate handouts and large overhead.

Large Boulder Opal Necklace by Sandrandan – $24.00

Though we will see a variety of items from the internet moving across the country, we will see the spectrum moving closer and closer to home. We have already seen the influence bloggers can have because we trust them. It will just get closer to home as we want to meet those we are putting our trust in. We need to get to know people so that we can understand their motives. Are they just out there to make a buck? Or do they really care about and understand their customers and products.

Rosette Jersey Scarf by Sue Bradbury – $24.00

We will also move toward locally-made because the well educated, jobless people in our communities will start making better products of their own, with higher quality, cutting costs. Sellers will look at “how low can I get the price?” instead of “how much can I charge?” We will get a lower cost, better quality item from someone we trust. Basically it is BACK to the AMERICAN WAY.

Monument Earrings by LKFarnsworth Studio – $19.00

Be sure to subscribe and Google Friend Follow CreatedByChicks.com to never miss a Fashion Friday installment!

I’m so excited to feature Sarah Ward’s jewelry company, Blue Bijou jewelry, today!  I realize that I’ve been featuring a lot of jewelry recently, but I think you’ve GOT to see some of the Blue Bijou pieces.  Don’t you just love jewelry, though?  I mean, honestly, it’s like shoes – no matter what your weight, it always fits.

Also, in so many cases it seems that the jewelry makes the outfit.  I spoke with Sarah recently about this and am sure she agrees.  Sarah is a professional image consultant and specializes in helping people look their absolute best.  Also, Sarah is always up-to-date on what trends are happening and incorporates this into her jewelry pieces, so you can be sure that anything at Blue Bijou is going to fit the 2010 fashion, style and color trends.

So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite Blue Bijou jewelry pieces (click on the pictures to be redirected to the item in her store):

Joy – $25.00 – Gold leaf with 2 Swarovski bicone crystals on gold 16″ necklace with lobster claw clasp.

Sarah – $15.00 – Dazzling circular filigree earrings with gold shepherd hooks.

Brindee – $20.00 – A new twist on the classic Y shape necklace, this leaf lariat with green and pink faceted beads will compliment your V-neck beautifully!

Ruth – $36.00 – Glorious Amazonite and Sterling Silver Bead Bracelet with a Sterling Silver Toggle Clasp.

This last piece is from her Turquoise Color of 2010 collection.  There are many more lovely turquoise pieces that would be such a fast, easy update to any wardrobe.

It was SOOOOOO difficult to only select a few of Blue Bijou’s pieces to feature as I love so many of them!  Be sure to take a peek at Blue Bijou and I’m certain you’ll fall in love with them, too.  Thanks, Sarah, for your lovely creativity!!!

Today I’m featuring the creative work of Mermaid Charms.  This is a perfect example of how leaving comments on my posts, telling me how much you love my blog on Twitter and having a fabulous product can get you featured here.  I really love to pull creative chick features from our readership.  I met this darling creative chick via Twitter (@mermaidcharms) – she was saying something totally sweet about loving CreatedByChicks.com.  She also left a comment cheerleading something I featured.  I decided to check out her site and WOW!  I just LOVED everything I saw.  I knew I’d have to share her sea glass handmade jewelry creations with the creative little world who follows this blog.

Here’s some of my very favorite designs (click on the pic to be redirected to her store):

Bubbles Under the Sea Earrings – $36.00

The Weston Sea Glass Necklace – $79.00

Winter Wonderland Dangle Earrings – $49.00

The Aqua Lariat – $124.00

Joy Love and Happiness PMC (precious metal clay) Bracelet – $79.00

I’ve never really attached myself to the sea before.  I’ve lived most of my life very far inland and have only visited the ocean on a few rare occasions.  However, I’m falling in love with the simple sweetness these sea-inspired handmade jewelry designs have.  My good friend, Vanessa, loves the ocean and it really fits her.  I bet she’d love these designs.  My other sweet friend, Emily, is from California and I bet she’d love these, too.  Honestly, maybe what I’m falling in love with is how these oceanic pieces remind me of things I love about these two friends.  Also, my family is still under major financial turmoil (DH is still on the job hunt) so maybe I’m craving the peaceful serenity of warm beaches with the sounds of the waves and birds in the background.

Whatever the reason, I love these designs!  Isn’t the Aqua Lariat Necklace sooooo gorgeous worn with that blue tank underneath?!  Ooh, la, la.  I love it.  I dig that look; it’s simple, classy and sweet.  Thanks, Mermaid Charms!!!

And speaking of seeking peaceful serenity, I’m certain we’re all praying for the people of Haiti right now.  If there’s anything they could use, it’s that.  Some good posts that outline ways to help: You Too Can Support the Relief Efforts in Haiti, Haiti Earthquake and Got Donations? Here’s how to help Haiti.  We can all take a moment today to thank God for the abundance in our lives and to pray for all those in Haiti who are in need – hearts strung together in love and unity.

— Part 2 in a 2-part series: Part 1 – Fashion Friday Bring in the New Year with Color! (due to technical internet issues, this post is showing today, rather than Friday when it was originally intended) —

As we move from 2010 Spring/Summer weather into Fall/Winter life, the tone in color obviously has a cooler mood. But mentally we don’t totally change from one color to another. So our muted lilac from summer now has a little gray added to neutralize it and calm the intensity. This new deeper purple is called eggplant.  (Click on pics to be redirected to the item in their store).

Hand Woven and Hand Dyed, Pure Wool Shawl by SR’ design – $40.00

The vibrant bold blues will move to a sustainable navy. Navy is a classic for business and most other occasions. More women will be joining the workforce to try to supplement reduced family incomes or take over where a job has been lost. The mature business mentality of both navy blue and dull lilac will be admired for sophisticated occasions.

Stylish soft jersey V neck wrap dress in navy blue and plum by Daniella Besso – $120.00

Velvet Millinery Flowers in Midnight Blue for Fascinators, Hats, Corsages, Brooches, Altered Art by Mary, not Martha – $6.95

The vibrant Raspberry or fuchsia of the summer will be lightened, softened, and toned down to almost a pink; but you can still see the blue undertones that give it a raspberry feeling. This will be idealistic for casual activities. It has a younger, more spontaneous, yet feminine look for daytime clothing.

Crocheted Raspberry Newsboy Cap by Winona Min – $36.00

The vibrant tangerine will also tone down, so much in fact that it will seem more like a vibrant, skin tone. This will be great for layering in different weights with a stark white for contrast and to show off its color.

The eco-friendly green that was so playful in the summer becomes almost a seafoam teal. This color will soften the sharper business cuts of clothing.

Green and Orange Flower Clip by Blue Yodey Baby Boutique – $2.75

Opal is the gem that will tie in any color from this palate – so any piece of jewelry containing this iridescent stone will be the crowning touch of your wardrobe.

Precious Stone Blues by Jellies Jewelry – $188.00

CHA–CHA CELESTE. luminous gemstone charm Ring by Beijo Flor – $49.00

All this month I’ll be talking about 2010 color and fashion trends, so be sure to subscribe and Google Follow (sidebar) CreatedByChicks.com so you don’t miss any of it!

Today I’m so pleased to feature the amazing jewelry from creative chick, Kat, at Self Symmetry.  Not only are Kat’s designs stunning, they have the “healing touch.”  Kat uses gemstones (and/or crystals) in her jewelry that are believed to “attract certain things or repel unwanted energy.”

I first met Kat through my first business, CreatedByMom.com.  She emailed, wanting to sell her jewelry at CreatedByMom.com.  Since the application process requires sending a sample, I got to see first-hand just how beautiful Kat’s designs are in person.  When I tried them on, I immediately fell in love with them.  They felt so light and beautiful.  They are gold with pink stones.  Right away, the sample Self Symmetry earrings became my favorite piece of jewelry.  I would wear them with everything.  Each time I wore them I felt inner peace and a sense of beauty regarding my life.  That may sound crazy, but I really believe it was the earrings.

Then, one day when I was wearing them I was completely exhausted and took a nap – while wearing them.  I don’t know if it happened before or after, but when I woke up, one earring was missing from ear and I’ve been heartbroken about it ever since.  I keep meaning to email Kat to see if she could remake an earring to replace that one… this post is reminding me to do that.

Not only have I had a business relationship with Kat while completely adoring her products, I’ve found that Kat is the real deal.  She is kind, she is lovely and she spreads joy and happiness wherever she goes.  Whenever I’ve had a bad day, Kat has been right there to offer words of encouragement and kindness.  It’s an honor to know Kat and to feature her beautiful jewelry today.

Here are a few of my favorite designs (click on the pic to be redirected to that item in Self Symmetry’s store):

Big Stone Carnelian Earrings – $20.00

Carnelians are a stone of strength, self worth, and satisfaction. They bring luck and opportunity, while awakening talents within. It encourages creative visualization, motivation, and endurance. The Carnelian stone is associated with the belly chakra. – Sterling Silver

Charm Circle Earrings – $34.00

Because it has a stabilizing effect on the body, Jasper is associated with relaxation and contentment. Chrysocola brings balance, cleanses all negativity, and brings inner peace and contentment. And Pearls remind the wearer of the simple, honest things in life! These earrings are 14kt gold filled.

Triple Strand Onyx Bracelet – $45.00

Black onyx is said to repel negative energy. It promotes increased vigor, strength, stamina, and self control. It helps to calm fears so to leave you feeling stable and secure. Wear onyx for inspiration and protection. A gorgeous piece of Tourmaline hangs from this triple strand bracelet. It is said to aid in sleep and has a strong protective influence. The charm is double sided. One side says “Trust In Your Dreams” and the other side says “Be Free”.

Triple Strand Turquoise – $115.00

Often called the “stone of health”, Turquoise is a healing stone that strengthens the entire body. It is associated with the throat chakra, and soothes the throat and nervous system. It assists in the digestion of proteins and thus aids digestion. Turquoise also promotes protection, wisdom, energy, balance and love.

Tiger’s Eye Smoky Quartz Necklace – $66.00

Tiger’s Eye promotes clear-eyed vision. It helps us see ourselves and the world around us more perceptively. It’s there to remind you: stop, look and listen before you do any leaping. Smokey Quartz fosters serenity, calmness, and positive thoughts. A Rutilated Quartz hangs from the center of this double strand necklace. It is worn for balance and stability.

And I could go on and on and on selecting more and more favorites.  I have about a billion more favorites.  Aren’t the descriptions sooo cool on all the jewelry, too?  Each time I read them I think, “oh, yup.  I need that one, too.”  LOL.  I must be very unbalanced, but if buying jewelry will help, I think I’ll go for it.

Thank you for your beautiful soul, Kat.  I’m inspired by your creativity!!

Check out Kat’s designs at SelfSymmetry.com or CreatedByMom.com

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Design Note: My schedule is already full up to Thanksgiving!  Hooray!  Contact me today to get your blog/blogsite on my schedule to complete before the New Year – $50.00 off this week only, remember?  quinn{at}createdbychicks{dot}com.