Style Essentials has Moved

I have moved! 

Come visit me at www.style-essentials.org to find the latest offerings and tidbits on natural healthy style. 

I think you will like my new home.

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What is hiding in 'fragrance'?

This is the third in a series of posts about ingredients to avoid in cosmetics and personal care products.

When a personal care product lists 'fragrance' as one of it's ingredients, run for the hills (and leave the product behind); for hiding there is another ingredient that we are better off with out.

Phthalates (pronounced THAlates) can be used to moisturize as well as to help chemicals absorb into the skin. It will show up as dibutyl phthalate in nail polish; however, it may not show up at all on most of your cosmetic & personal care product ingredient labels since companies are not required to list the ingredients in fragrance mixtures, and that is where it is hiding, inside the 'fragrance' mixture. It is most likely to be in most anything that contains artificial fragrance, especially cosmetics and body care products.

This does not mean, however that if a product has an aroma, it has Phthalates in it. It may be that it contains cucumber, hence has the scent of cucumber, or contains the true essence of lavender and so hints of lavender. THAT is a good thing and can have therapeutic value.

It is the synthetic fragrance that you want to avoid, that is where you will find Phthalates, and Phthalates can interfere with hormones in the body, posing potential risks to the reproductive and thyroid systems.

So, if your product lists the word 'fragrance' on your label, pass it up.

Because Phthalates are found in many everyday plastic products (it softens plastic) exposure is unavoidable. One good way to reduce your exposure is  is to choose phthalate-free cosmetics and body care products. Choose products that do not list "fragrance' as an ingredient and nail polish that does not contain dibutyl phthalate. You could also choose fragrance free cleaning products, and of course, use less plastic.

This information taken from Environmental Working Group.

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Is it Organic?

I often get asked "Is your mineral makeup organic?" I find this a very interesting question, and the answer is something that I had not considered until I really thought it through. Let's look at that....

The answer to that question is actually... well...No.
The question does not really make sense when applied to true Mineral Makeup.

Here is a definition of 'organic' from a google search:

• relating or belonging to the class of chemical compounds having a carbon basis; "hydrocarbons are organic compounds"
• being or relating to or derived from or having properties characteristic of living organisms; "organic life"; "organic growth".
• of or relating to foodstuff grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides or hormones; "organic eggs"; "organic vegetables"; "organic chicken"
• simple and healthful and close to nature; "an organic lifestyle"
• a fertilizer that is derived from animal or vegetable matter

Of course, the term 'organic' can mean different things in different contexts. However, minerals, by their very nature are inorganic.

Typically, when asking the question "Is this organic" we are talking about 'organic' that comes from a practice of farming that does not use pesticides, but instead works with rotation of crops and healthy soil practices. That is not the case here. For minerals are not farmed. Therefore, they cannot be organically farmed. They are rocks...and there are no chemicals used in the growing of the rocks. (!)

Style Essential 

Scarves 

I dont often go anywhere without a scarf of some type somewhere on my person. Usually it is a large pretty pasmina type that I can throw over my shoulders or wrap around my neck if the weather turns colder than I am prepared for. It makes a great leg warmer in a theater too. A scarf, small or large, can be a fun and functional accessory to grab on your way out the door.

Share YOUR style tips...Go ahead, comment and share. I love to hear what you have to say!


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Inspired

I have found myself inspired from being around all this jewelry all the time, and by my two jewelry designing friends Marcy (of course from Marcy's Designs who many of you know is the jewelry line that I share and just LOVE) and April of Beadcentric in San Carlos with her gorgeous designs (thanks Marcy and April, and April..I hope you bought those very cool 'glow in the dark' beads!). The result of this is that my daughter Kasey and I have started to design and make some jewelry of our own. I set up a table for the two of us with all our supplies, she on one side and I on the other, and we have been enjoying ourselves!  I have always done a bit of beading, but only for myself or for friends, and my kids are suprisingly good at. (My son, when he was 10 or 11 spent some time jewelry making and I was quite impressed with his design skills. He has since moved on to designing web sites ;).
Well, the other day I found myself googling for the next bead and gem show in the area and, lo and behold, there was one just one week away.
So today, off we went to spend three hours exploring all the glittery, shiny baubles. And goodness, we had to take a few breather breaks so I wouldnt get over stimulated with rows and rows of beading vendors! Phew!
I thought you would like to see what we ended up with for our days haul:

Glass pendants with coordinating swarovski and czech cyrstals, I wish you could see the sparkle here!

I am thinking a ribbon added to this would be beautiful...What do you think?

Howli beads, and beads that look like those little chewing gum rocks. Do you remember those?

Turquoise, pearls and crystals. I just had to have those rainbow crystal beads. Can you imagine the possibilities? I can not wait to sit down and play.

If you see anything you would like or have any ideas for me, please comment below. More inspiration is always good!

Black onyx, garnet and cherry quartz crystal

I am really enjoying reds right now...

I dont know where this is taking me, but you just may find a few of these beads turned into jewelry on my boutique shelves or on my online catalog (or, I just may keep them for myself ;).

By the way, I have also felt the tug to make my own makeup....hmmmm.....

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Be sure this ingredient is not in your cosmetics....

Have you been purging your parabens? Keep going, it is well worth it. 

The next ingredient on the list to avoid is Triclosan. Triclosan is an artificial antimicrobial chemical (say that three times fast) used to kill bacteria on the skin and other surfaces. It is the most comon ingredient found in antibacterial hand soaps and you will find it in skin care and cosmetics as well. In skin care, it tends to show up in your facial cleansers. You will also find it in a number of everyday items such as dishwasher detergent, toothpaste and deoderants.

Because Triclosan is stored in the fat cells and can build up in our bodies over time, it is important to avoid it where you easily can. Your cosmetics and skin care is an easy area to start. Recent studies indicate that the thyroid function is effected by Triclosan and potentially other hormone systems can be disrupted. There is also evidence that it can react with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform, another suspected chemical that can be damaging to our health. 

Blech.

The Environmental Working Group is working hard to share this important health wise information. Please check them out at www.ewg.org
Another nasty ingredient will be shared on the next post...be on the watch for what to stay away from..but for now some Style Essential News.

Come see the gorgeous silk, cotton and wool scarves, in many styles. Some warm and cozy for those chilly days coming up, others stylish & light enough to wear around your neck all day. 

Join me at the San Carlos Art and Wine Festival on October 10th & 11th downtown San Carlos.
Saturday I will join Yesi's Imports, a new womans & kids clothing store at 653 Laurel Street and will be doing makeovers with the natural minerals. This is a good opportunity to have a fun day out and try the minerals on, or try on a new look. To book your appointment contact Yesi at 650-394-4690, or me. The $15.00 appointment fee is refundable in product.

You know, it occured to me that Dash Minerals are so new to California, there are only three woman who sell it direct here and Yesi's Imports is the first retail store to be carrying the line. You get to watch it grow with me ;)

Sunday I will be sharing my jewelry at the fair, exact location to be determined, either Yesi's Imports, Glinda's Fudge and More, or Bloomingayles. All on Laurel Street in San Carlos and all my wonderful friends!!  

Please come say hello.
Pink Agate with Smoky Quartz & Pearl. Chunky and Funky! Necklace $36.00, Earrings $12.00

Other News...

Style Essentials on line catalog is now open and ready to use for your convenience! I am very excited about this and we have been working very hard to make this happen because so many folks have asked for it. So, please, take a moment to look through the website shopping (currently only the full line of mineral makeup that I offer can be purchased on line, but more is on the way) pages and tell me what you think.
We are really in the 'beta' phase and wanting to improve as we go along so we welcome your suggestions and loving comments. My wonderful son has done a great job on the storefront so when you see him, please congratulate him on his work. Thanks!

Gift with Purchase through the holidays.

Purchase $35.00 with Style Essentials and receive this silver cosmetic bag (or 'anything' bag!) as your gift. After the holidays, if there are any bags left, they will retail for $12.50. Quite a steal!  The bags measure 6 1/2 by 3 1/2, have a nice soft feel, are 'pleather' and can hold quite a bit of stuff! They make sweet & gift giving with say... a lip gloss or pair of earings inside.

Tidbit of essential style: I have taken to carrying a fabulous pink or purple pen with me whereever I go to use when signing or writing anything. 

What about you? What is your style essential?
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Fall Beauties ~ New Jewelry Just Arrived

A new shipment of beautiful jewelry has just shown up at my door. Many pieces that match the mood of fall that I have begun to feel. Do you feel it too? I have had such resistance to this summer ending, but now I feel a shift and I am eager to get out my soup pot and try a new bread recipe too. And of course, the fabric shop is calling my name so that I can get started with my daughters Halloween costume!

Several of you have asked, so over the next few days I will post some of the newest styles that have just arrived. Keep checking back AND Please contact me for a private viewing, or you can host a private party here, to come see what is new. Photos just dont do these pieces justice!

As always, when you stoo by I will put on a pot of tea for us. Chamomile?

Hand knotted bronze freshwater pearls on brown crocheted cord with an antique chinese coin clasp. This comes in two lengths, 16 inches & 36 inches. It also comes in white freshwater pearls on a black crocheted cord. Short style $29.00. Long style $48.00

A bit of stone lore; Amazonite is thought to improve skin, alleviate stress and exhaustion.

V neck style, Amazonite stone and freshwater pearl necklace $34.00

Matching Amazonite drop earrings with sterling silver ear wire $10.00

Amazonite stone bracelet with pearl drop and antique coin clasp only $22.00

(These stone braclets are so fun!)

One of my favorite sets!

A statement piece. Gorgeous! Great for the holidays. Or ... with jeans.

Five strands of light and dark bronze freshwater pearls with smokey quartz and crystal. So sparkly.

$52.00

Matching earrings with sterling silver ear wire $12.00

Hand knotted necklace and bracelet with hematite, black onyx, and tiger eye. 

Necklace $67.00

Bracelet $28.00

There are lots more to see, including those great gift items under $20.00. More photos of new jewelry to come (as well as the next 'stay away from these' ingredient post for makeup... now off to pack for Disneyland (ahhh the last of the summer vacations ;)

Next Open House is a 2 day event 

 November 13th 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

and

November 14th 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.

Mark your calendars!

Host a party with your friends here, in my home and boutique. 

I will provide appetizers, drinks, music and gorgeous handmade jewelry at hard to believe prices, quality mineral makeup, candles, scarfs, oh all kinds of great gift items for your loved ones and yourself! You get to leisurely shop with your friends and family in a cozy home atmosphere.

Or, I am happy to set up shop in your home for a few hours.

Fudge!

With any $50.00 purchase at Style Essentials be gifted with a $5.00 off coupon at Glinda's Fudge & More in downtown San Carlos. I just love this candy shop; it reminds me of the old fashioned candy retailers from Little House on the Prairie or some such bygone era. Support a small local business and a mom by making your candy purchases at Glindas. Compliments of Style Essentials. Say hello to Linda for me!

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And the winner is.....

The winner of our drawing for a pair of beautiful and fun earrings is....

Julie Noonbarg!

Fun green stone earrings with sterling silver ear wires

Julie, please contact me so we can arrange delivery/pick up of your new earrings. Congratulations!

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