How to wear Safari without going Zookeeper

On the runways at the fashion shows in Paris, New York and Toronto, the safari trend made a strong comeback this year. Have you been scared to try this trend? Worried about looking like a zookeeper or actual safari guide? No more, because here’s Senzu’s easy how-to for this awesome trend!

Senzu’s Top 10 Tips on looking Safari Inspired:

10. Wear the trend, don’t let it wear you. As with many trends, the key to getting it right is not to overdo it. Cargo capris in safari green are fine, but then don’t add more pockets on the top too.

9. Keep the silhouette clean. Use the ever-present contrasting shapes rule: if you’re going flared or wide on your lower half (think wide pants, maxi skirt or dress), then make sure your upper half is more fitted. And vice versa. You don’t want to get lost in your outfit. 

8. Go green! This is the perfect trend to go with earth-friendly fabrics. Organic cottons, the new (soft) hemp, linens and soft eco-cotton knits usually come in great designs that work the safari look fabulously.

7. Go green, again! Really! Khaki, kiwi, moss, wheatgrass, army green, beige, brown, emerald, taupe and grays are all great color options within this trend. 

6. Monotone is exciting! The safari look is one look that works really well from head to toe in one color, or one colour range. It will pull your look together.

5. Off-set your safari. Using khaki and army green for your main item and then offsetting it with a contrasting colour such as canary yellow, bright white or black will give your safari look a modern twist. This works especially well at the office!

4. Belts to Boot! Strappy sandals and wedges work extremely well with this trend. 

3. Safari looks best during the day, as it is usually a more casual look. To bring safari out at night, keep your silhouette very clean and minimalist, and accessorize!

2. Bring out the Animal in you! Yes, you can add animal print! Your most elegant option is to use it in accessories such as shoes and purse. For the daring ladies out there, try a animal print shirt, dress or skirt. It’s best to only use animal print in your outfit once, or it will look ‘tried too hard’.  

1. Go bold on accessories! Think big leather purses; wide naturally toned belts that flatter your figure, and go for statement necklaces, hoop earrings, bracelets and African-inspired pieces. Senzu has lots of hoop earrings that were just added to their Elements Collection, and also check out the fabulous natural necklaces and woven leather bracelets in the Senzu Naturals Collection.

We’ve included a great Safari lookbook here to inspire you to try this summery trend. what do you think, are you game to try the Safari trend this year? 

Your Senzu Style Insider,

Cristel


Accessories featured in this blog: Senzu Jewelry. Fashion and cosmetics by Elie Tahari, Ralph Lauren, Erin Fetherson, Revlon, Afterglow, Tod's and more.  

How To Work this Summer's all-white Trend!

This spring and summer a lot of awesome trends are hot (hopefully the weather will follow!). Today we’ll focus how to make the white-on-white trend work for you. It is easy to look fabulous in white! Here’s our Top 10 Tips on how to rock the white fashion trend this summer:


10. White is not boring! White looks great on all skin tones, and any outfit that’s all one colour will make you look leaner. 
9. Silhouettes on the shade. The white trend follows this year’s silhouette guidelines; soft fabrics, feminine shapes and flowing lines. A-line skirts, maxi dresses, flare pants, peasant shirts, linens and ultra-soft cottons are all joining the party. Layering is done without adding bulk; if you go wide on the bottom, then keep the top more fitted, and vice versa.

8. It’s not all white! Whites and soft creams or off-whites can go together. Just try to keep it to one or two tones max, or it will look mismatched. 
7. Casual of Dressy? Either one goes; a white Jackie-O style sundress with white scarf or jacket, white pantsuit, white cargo capris with a white peasant shirt or t-shirt, the trend works both for the office and weekend relaxed. 
6. Nights in white satin? The white trend will carry you from daytime into the evening hours seamlessly. To dress white up more in the evenings, minimalistic lines work well at night and try wearing it with more jewelry or sparkling accessories, or change up footwear from ballerinas to wedges.  
5. White hair? The white fashion trend looks awesome with any hair color, just as it goes nicely with any skin color. Wear hair up or down, short of long, up to you. A small hair accessory like a hair slide or clip always dresses up any outfit. 
4. Keep an eye out! You don’t want to create too much of a contrast by distracting from with your all-white outfit with heavily made up eyes. The trend emphasizes natural colors and tones, so soft pinks, beiges and complimenting tones will make you look radiant in white. Soft tones in lipstick or a glossy lip balm are both great options for lips.
3. Show your heels. This summer the trend is heavy on ballarinas, strappy sandals, wedges and natural leather tones. To lengthen your silhouette, go with matching colours (whites) or skin tone neutrals on your tootsies. If your shoes are open, consider a French Pedicure for pretty, match-the-trend nails. 
2. Belt it out! For a more dressy look, go with a thinner fitted belt that either blends with your all-white  outfit or for a bolder look, pick a very bright orange, pink, green or navy colour. The casual, all-white look is best done with a loosely worn, wider, natural toned belt that is slung low on the hips. Great with cargo pants and a peasant shirt or longer t-shirt. 
1. Accessorize white on white too! Senzu has a great range of natural jewelry, necklaces with white pendants, pearls, white Swarovski crystals, silver jewelry that will compliment your all-white outfit. 


Check out these all-white lookbooks we’ve put together to give you inspiration. The angelic models and all-white fashion courtesy of Victoria’s Secret (all rights reserved), all jewelry by Senzu. 


Let us know what you think of this trend? 
Your Senzu Style Insider,


Cristel

Senzu’s Top 10 tips for a fabulous Wedding Day.

With the Royal wedding bells still ringing in our ears, the 2011 wedding season is off to a great start. Sitting at Bronte’s Compass Restaurant recently, we witnessed at least 3 wedding parties taking pictures! Are you getting married this year or will you be attending a wedding? These tips will help you look fabulous and relaxed on the Big Day, whether you’re the bride or not!

Senzu’s Wedding Day Top 10 Tips:

10. Be a Girl Scout! Last thing you want to do is be stressed out on what’s supposed to be your special day. So plan ahead and be prepared. Keep a journal or to-do list to keep track of things to organise, and start on it early. 

9. Call in the troops! Whether you are planning a big event or a small gathering, with or without bridesmaids, don’t try to do everything by yourself. Involve your friends, sisters or husband-to-be. They’ll feel honored to be part of the big day and proud to have helped make it a success. 

8. Be Budget Savvy! Determine what you can afford to spend on your wedding and stay within it. Make a list of all the expenses related to the big day (dress, minister, flowers, tux rentals, thank-you gifts, marriage license, limo rental, entertainment, food, hall rental, etc., etc.) and figure out where to save and where you can afford to splurge. You don’t want to start your married life with a debt from your wedding day expenses. If you're in the Toronto area, this Senzu Style Insider recommends Bizou Catering for fabulous food and service at affordable prices. 

7. It’s your party, do what you want to! Personalize your big day by making it unique to you. Get married on a boat; in your back yard; in your bare feet; in a purple dress; by your uncle the priest; wearing your mom’s wedding dress from the 70s; eloping to Alaska; or whatever! Make it your unique wedding event, and you and everyone will remember it forever!

6. Take it Easy! Make sure you get enough sleep in the few days before your wedding day. Nobody’s expected to sleep well the night before (jitters!), so get enough rest leading up to the big day; you’ll feel less stressed and look better too! 

5. Smile! You’re getting married! The wedding day is just the beginning of the journey. Even if something does not go exactly to plan, take a breath and enjoy the rest of the day.

4. Dress Rehearsal. Lay out your entire wedding day outfit(s) the day before. Having everything ready for you when you get up on the day itself, including your make-up and hair accessories (if you’re doing your hair yourself), will allow you a few extra minutes to enjoy the calm before the storm, and you won’t be able to forget anything! 

3. Eat that! Make sure to have something to eat for breakfast. Preferably something low-fat (non-bloating), with slow-releasing carbohydrates, such as oatmeal with blueberries, a nice bowl of granola with nuts and yoghurt or brown toast with a bit of fruit. You’ll need your energy for this busy day, and a solid breakfast will keep you on your feet, feeling better longer. 

2. Emergency Kit: Check! It’s a good idea to put together a small kit with items that may come in handy in a pinch. Put items such as a travel-sized sewing kit (including a couple safety pins!), clear nail polish (for panty hose/stocking runs), an extra set of panty hose or stockings, aspirin in a small bag. Other handy items would be tissues, mints, tampons, hand cream, and band-aids. Have your bridesmaid, a family member or a friend hang on to it for you on the big day. 

1. Wear jewelry that you’ll use again! Senzu has a gorgeous range of pearl, crystal and natural jewelry that will allow you to express your happiness and compliment your gown and overall look completely, without breaking the bank. And you’ll be able to wear it again and again, with jeans, cocktail dress or to the office. 

Browse our extensive, 200+ jewels for the entire wedding party (they make great bridesmaids’ gifts too!), including mom and the groom!

Finally, there's The Ultimate Women's Show coming up this weekend in Hamilton. It's a great opportunity to get your girlfriends together and get some wedding shopping done, as there will be over 150 different booths with event organizers, fashion designers, wedding companies, venues, jewelry and much more. Senzu will be there also, please come see us at booth 236! For more info, check our Facebook Event Page. 

Have a great Wedding Day! 

Your Senzu Style Insider,

Cristel

How to create the New Boho Chic Look

With all the new exciting trends that came off the New York and Toronto runways recently, one of my favorites is the 'Boho Chic' look. It is a look that, if done right, can be worn for a weekend of lounging around and tripping around vintage fashion stores and markets, but you can also dress it up for at the office.

How can you put together the Boho Chic look without looking like a hobo? Here's Senzu's top tips of how to create this 2011 bohemian, city nomad look that is so trendy at the moment, with items you might already have in your closet:

10. The Shape. Boho chic does not necessarily mean baggy. But the emphasis is on soft, flowing materials that fit comfortably. Dresses, long shirts and embroidered accents are all good-to-go for this trend. To keep it chic, choose 1 item that's more hippie, but keep the overall look neat and trim. You don't want to overdo it and look like a 70's time traveller.

9. The Colors. Neutral with one accent color, like the blue embroidery in the shirt dress in our lookbook, or the bright orange top. Denim is a hot fabric for spring and summer this year, as is white. Bright colors like lime green, orange, fuchsia and yellow are perfect accent colors, but should be used sparingly in an outfit. Natural fabrics are always preferred. To recreate boho chic, go for the best quality pieces you can afford, and you'll be able to wear them with many trends to come.

8. Shoes. You'll want to keep the shoes trim and not too bulky. Great ideas are heeled sandals or wedges, sleek boots. Keep the emphasis on elegant and ladylike, not Birkenstock. Neutral leathers and soft tones are best.

7. Hair. Relaxed flowing tresses, or a sleep ponytail in the nape of your neck gives the perfect balance between boho and chic. Pixie haircuts also work great for the boho chic look. Accented with a small hairpin for the office or an artificial flower or feather for the more daring amongst us will rock the look.

6. Make-up. With your outfit creating most of the color splash, you'll want to keep make-up very natural looking. Think soft beiges and browns, soft pinks and greens. Play up your natural eye color with your shadow, soft pink blush and nude or pale lips keeps the look fresh and grounded. The key is to stay close to your natural skin tones, just enhancing it.

5. The Bag.  Soft and big for casual occasions, or more fitted for the office, you can go either natural tones or play with the accent colors mentioned earlier. There are no hard and fast rules here, except we recommend keeping the shapes soft. Leather, cotton, or woven are all fine, depending on whether you are going more 'boho' or more 'chic'.

4. Creativity & Individuality. Make your look YOU. If you're naturally a 'boho chic' dresser, try this updated 2011 look with the candy-color accents and go for bolder accessories. If you're usually a more conservative dresser, try adding small bohemian accents to your usual look to get used to the trend. You'll love it!

3. Basic Pieces. If you have any of these in your closet, you can recreate this look. Or you can use this as a perfect excuse to go shopping! Denim shorts, shirt or dress. Linen anything. Maxi dress, the peasant shirt and skirt, caftan or tunics, boots, wedges, wide relaxed belts, candy-coloured accent pieces, and of course lots of boho chic inspired jewelry.

2. Putting it all together. Make sure your outfit matches. You don't want to look like you tried too hard or are wearing everything in your closet. Keep the layers minimal, one or two is perfect. Think maxi dress with fitted jacket, or pantsuit with flowing embroidered blouse.  

1. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Accessorizing is vital to create a boho chic look. It makes or breaks it, so choose with care. Natural materials such as woods, stones, pearls and crystals are great. Go for long necklaces, layered or leather bracelets and chunky rings. Earrings should be the opposite of your outfit: if your outfit is flowing and long, go for smaller hoops. If your top half is more fitted, try larger earrings, like Senzu's large double hoop earrings, pearl or dangling leaf/feather inspired earrings. Experiment with mixing and matching your jewelry. Senzu has a collection of over 220 unique and beautiful jewelry pieces that will help you put this look together fabulously ;-)

Have fun with the Boho Chic look and style up your day,

Cristel
Your Senzu Style Insider.
PS: Follow us on twitter (@senzustyle) and join us on Facebook.

Fashion Week Look Book III- Giovanna Randall's Honor Inspired

Our third and final Fashion Week Designer Inspired installment features designer Giovanna Randall with her label Honor, which made a huge debut just a year ago. She's already opening her flagship store in the prestigious Meatpacking District in New York City, at which Fashion Week this elegant and classy design made its first appearance.

Backstage at the show, Randall explained to NBC the inspiration behind the collection: "I see my muse as having been in Paris and lived there and been inspired by her surroundings...". Marie Claire describes her fall collection as packed with '70s-inspired chiffon cocktail numbers and minimalist-chic coats, all cast in a palette of neutral grays and camels punched up with the occasional hit of emerald or marigold. Randall told Marie Claire she had been inspired by the concept of "bound movement" and of the uptown girl displaced — picture a Parisian femme stranded in the Wild West. "It's all about texture-blocking and protective layering," Randall noted. "This girl wants to be free, but she's limited by her surroundings."

This Senzu Style Insider loves the cut, pale colors and soft fabrics used, which flatter every woman's shape. A perfect base to show off elegant jewelry! Her designs are suitable for all ages, and even her runway show was attended by everyone from celebrities, business women to fashion-conscious moms with kids in tow.

In this look-book image, we've combined a design from Giovanna Randall's signature label Honor of this year's New York Fashion Week with some of Senzu's jewelry collection pieces as well as other accessories such as footwear, purse and cosmetics that will allow you to recreate this on-trend runway look.

Watch this space for all the latest from Toronto's Fashion Week Runways, happening right now! Our own Sumitra Mahakanok is on the scene to report and represent Senzu.
Styling it up,

Cristel, Your Senzu Style Insider.
Featured in this article are the following Senzu jewelry:

Fashion Week Look Book II - Rachel Comey Inspired

Continuing with our Fashion Week Designer Inspired series, following our look book post that was inspired by Chris Benz, this article is dedicated to another up-and-coming Designer that was much heralded for her current fashion designs: Rachel Comey.

Her self-professed momentary style obsession with copper hues and tones really speaks volumes in this particular design, which was highlighted on Style.com and could be described as 'preppy with a modern edge'. Her full collection slideshow is available here. 

Rachel Comey, 37, harks from Manchester, Connecticut, and loves New York for The Garment Center and advises anyone considering New York City for a place to live to give it at least a year and a half before making any final decision. 

Marie Claire recently asked the designer about the modest silhouettes and somewhat androgynous cuts she showed. "The collection has lots of visible slips and slits… It's about feminine underlayers with a menswear element," she said. This Senzu Style Insider opines that the collection is based on sleek yet comfortably fitting shapes, with lots of texture and pattern play. Plenty of femininity in the use of soft fabrics and accessories. 

Inspired by Rachel Comey's copper-infused outfit on this year's New York Fashion Week runway, we have combined some of Senzu's jewelry collection pieces as well as other accessories such as shoes, purse and scarves that will allow you to recreate this on-trend runway look. 

Senzu Style Insider's next blog post will feature the Designer Label Honor, so watch this space!

Styling it up,

Cristel, Your Senzu Style Insider. 

Featured in this article are the following Senzu jewelry: 

SZ9BR10 - Scratched Rose Gold Layering Bangle

SZ9BR4 - Scratched Rose Gold & Hematite Curved Circle Bracelet

SZ9EA36 - Scratched Rose Gold & Hematite Curved Circle Earrings

SZ9BR5 - Scratched Gold & Rhodium Cuff Bangle

SZ9EA40 - Scratched Rose Gold XL Hoops

SZFBR9 - Golden Layering Bracelets

SZFBR10 - Silvery Layering Bracelets

SZ9EA32 - Scratched 18k Gold Huggie Hoops

SZFNL41 - Play on Shapes Necklace

Fashion Week Look Book - Chris Benz Inspired

With Toronto Fashion Week kicking off this week, Senzu's Style Insider decided to get everyone warmed up with a taste of where the up-and-coming Designers of the recently held New York Fashion Week find their inspiration. 

As reported by Marie Claire's fashionista bloggers and others, among of the bright new Designers stealing the show in New York this year was Chris Benz. Chris grew up in Seattle in the 90's, attended Parsons School of Design in New York City, interned with Marc Jacob and presented his first ready-to-wear collection in 2007 to high acclaim at that year's New York Fashion Week. 

"I was inspired by Savannah, Georgia," Benz told MC during his audience-packed presentation. "I've been working so much with SCAD (the Savannah College of Art & Design, where Benz is a mentor), and the city has this haunted beauty about it… It's very old-fashioned. I was thinking about the influx of edgy art-school students into a historic place." 

This Senzu Style Insider has visited the beautiful city of Savannah many times and it is certainly a place infused with history, quirky style and old-fashioned elegance. One visit and you're sure to fall in love with it. 

Benz mentions Savannah's "gorgeous graveyards" as inspiration for this specific look. He also expresses a nostalgia for the past and his designs reflect a certain carefree, relaxed spirit and a 'don't take yourself too seriously' attitude with a decided vintage touch. 

In this look-book image, we've combined Chris Benz' signature design of this year's New York Fashion Week with some of Senzu's jewelry collection pieces as well as other accessories such as boots, purse and hat that will allow you to recreate this on-trend runway look. 

Senzu Style Insider's next blog post will feature Designer Rachel Comey, so watch this space!

Styling it up,

Cristel, Your Senzu Style Insider. 

Featured in this article are the following Senzu jewelry:

SZ9EA20 - Fuchsia Oval Cut CZ Silver Earrings

SZ9PE12 - Fuchsia Oval Cut CZ Silver Pendant

SZ9EA12 - Swarovski© Magnificent Magenta Hearts

SZ9PE5 -  Swarovski© Magnificent Magenta Heart Pendant

SZFBR5 - Black Beaded Charm Bracelet

SZFNL43 - Circles Necklace

 

Thinking of Japan

Of course we are all just glued to the television at every spare moment of our day, and Japan is I am sure in the forefront of everyone's mind, so in this blog post I won't be talking about Senzu jewelry or designs. I'd like to tell you about my visit to Japan and the impression of the people and country that it left on Brad and me. 

We have only been to Japan once, not counting the times we came just through Narita International Airport on transit.  We had the pleasure to visit Japan in the spring of 2005, during the time of the famed flowering of the Cherry trees. There were cherry trees everywhere, branches heavily loaded with pretty pink cherry blossoms. The Japanese people love taking pictures with the flowers, have a picnic below the flowered canopy and all in all it was a very jovial atmosphere. 

Via a semi-professional marathon-running friend I had been invited to run the Nagano Marathon as an invited athlete, which was an enormous honor, considering it was my very first marathon. Before we proceeded to Nagano, we had the chance to explore some of Tokyo, see the famed temples and in Kyoto the famed geisha areas, which were just gorgeous. Beautiful wooden structures, elegant ladies in traditional geisha attire and the whole artistic and graceful culture that went along with that. The Japanese temples were as historic oases in the midst of modern Tokyo, with the Zen gardens and uncluttered, calming grounds. 

The Japanese people we had the pleasure to meet were as diverse as you would find anywhere; hip, trendy and funky (especially in the cool Roppongi area), the all-work business people on their cellphones, elderly people playing games in the parks. Everyone treated each other with respect and consideration (something that even an earthquake and a tsunami does not shake, as the TV is showing us), and there was a genuine interest in getting to know you. We had a fun afternoon when I was asked to speak at an all-girls school, and rather than ask me about the upcoming marathon, the training or preparation, the girls were just like high school girls anywhere; they wanted to know about boys and life back home! 


Brad and I both came away from Japan with very pleasant memories, and with the intention to return to Japan for future visits to see more of this amazing country. 


So we join the rest of the world in praying and hoping for Japan's recovery and think of the Japanese people in this time of hardship. For links on how you can help, I recommend visiting the 'How you can help' page of CNN, for reputable aid agencies and other organizations. 
With warm thoughts,


Cristel
Your Senzu Style Insider.

Culturally Inspired, Fashionably Colorful

Wow, here we are in March already, and Spring is only 6 more weeks away! Time to lighten up the outfits along with the weather and channel a bit of Spring in your look too.  

The 2011 Naturals Collection was launched with the addition of 3 very unique necklaces, each inspired by different places and peoples of the multi-cultural, colorful and sensual continent of Africa. 

Madagascar Midnight was inspired by the innumerable stars that sparkle bright in a dark nightsky above the warmth of a wood fire, and those are the colours that come back in the necklace. It looks great on a solid-color outfit or simple dress, adding a touch of tropical and sensual élan with the depth and sparkle of the warm tones of the necklace. A true statement piece.  

The city of Zanzibar, in all its spice trade glory (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pepper), quintessential lanterns, pearlescent sandy beaches and its beautiful people was the inspiration for the Zanzibar Spice Necklace. This necklace is so versatile, it looks great on a LBD for evening events or on any daytime outfit, ranging from jeans and white t-shirt to natural tones and everything solid-colored in between.  

Finally, African Dreams was inspired by a trip Brad and I did in the beginning of 2010, when we visited Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Namibia, and had the immense pleasure of meeting different tribal peoples in all these countries. Their colourful dress, jewelry, headdresses and the simplicity of the beaded jewelry is reflected in this Senzu homage to their beautiful sense of style. I personally love the fact that there are 4 different ways to wear this necklace, and they all create a different look, with just 1 necklace. The colors are bright and really pop, yet they complement one another. 


For those who’d like to see some pictures of our trip and the people we met there, please visit Brad’s photography site, www.bradmol.com. 


I find inspiration for jewelry designs all around me, in my everyday life in Asia, traveling around the region or on trips like the one to Africa last year, and from the colors, textures, shapes and the feelings those images impress upon me. Where do you get your creative inspiration?


Styling it up,


Cristel, your Senzu Style Insider. 

'It's Elemental, my dear Watson' -behind the scenes at Senzu's Elements Spring Collection

With Valentine’s Day come and gone, and New York Fashion Week in full swing, today’s blog post we are going to take you behind the scenes of how our 2011 Spring Elements Collection was designed. 

Overlooking Hong Kong Harbour

When we sat down to determine what the look for Spring 2011 was going to be, we knew we wanted to make sure that whatever the look, the jewelry had to be light and versatile. For our Elements line we really wanted to go back to the basics; using clean, natural lines, shapes that look great on any facial shape and body type and play with texture. 

For our Naturals Collection, 2011 would be the year of warm tones, inspired by Africa and tribal jewelry. More on this collection and the trip that inspired it in the next post!

When we went to Hong Kong in early Fall 2010, our goal was to work with out manufacturers to create these looks exclusively for Senzu, and the results are now online at Senzu.  

Rose Gold & Black Hematite
plated Senzu Jewelry. 

The 2011 Elements Collection has already become a great addition to the Senzu jewelry lines. The simplicity of the shapes, being mostly round and oval shapes, flatter all facial structures and soften those with more angular jawlines (like myself!). Hoops are the most popular type of earring for most women because it is so versatile and timeless, that we included a variety of sizes and twists on the hoop theme. 

The continuing theme throughout the Elements Collection though is the unique ‘scratched’ finish on each and every piece. This finish adds interest and depth to each jewel, and gives it almost a matte look. As always, we looked for a strong and allergy-safe base material (brass) and added luxury premium materials such as 925 sterling silver, rose gold and 18 karat gold plating, as well as rhodium and black hematite. This gives the Elements Collection a great variety of colours and looks, in necklaces, earrings, bracelets and bangles. 

I’ve been wearing the new Elements pieces a lot, and both in Canada and here in Thailand there has been a great response to the collection. Which brings me to the second bit of news: Senzu jewelry is now also available in Thailand through our sister company, Senzu (Thailand) Limited! Visit our senzustyle.com contact page for all the details. 

Tomorrow night Senzu will be participating in The Wine Ladies Dinner in Support of The Heart and Stroke Foundation. In this month of love and Valentine’s Day, it is a great opportunity to support this very important organisation. Enjoy a great wine-paired dinner at Cucci, swag bags with Senzu jewelry in it, and bid on the Inori© for Senzu Stainless Steel & Crystal jewelry set in the silent auction, all for this amazing cause. 

We hope to see you there! 

Cristel,

Your Senzu Style Insider

This is not a jewelry blog post

Rene Magritte - This is not a Pipe
and this is not a post about
jewelry, or is it? ;-)

“Many of life's failures come from people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison.

I thought it would be a nice change to talk about something other than Senzu jewellery for a change (though I am always happy to talk about that!). So I thought it would be more interesting to give you a bit of an insight as to why we started Senzu, and what challenges come with building your own business. 

Playful Metal Colours Necklace
& matching bracelets
SZFNL37

The quote this post started with was tweeted by Bear Grills, one of my favorite personalities on the Discovery Channel. I love his ‘can do’ attitude towards any situation he’s dropped into or that crosses his path. In one way, he is the ultimate boy scout; always prepared. On the other hand, he improvises when he does not have a particular tool to get him out of a pickle. When he can’t have elk steak in some tundra he’s stuck in, he opts for catching something or eating bugs. Ok, I would not go that far, but the underlying idea is flexibility and adaptation to your environment. It was also tweeted the same day by Anthony Robbins, the well-known self-improvement and inspirational speaker. The bottom line is, don’t give up too soon! If you truly believe in a project or concept, the business model and the strategy, then go do it! Nay-sayers be damned ;-)

Multi-Tone Metal Chain Necklace
SZFNL45

For me, I always wanted to get back into in the jewelry industry. Many years ago, when living overseas, for a while I worked with another jewelry company that used a proven, no-pressure networking sales method and I got a taste of it, and ever since then it was always in the back of my mind to return to that industry. 

If I had given up on this idea for a jewelry business concept over 15 years ago, Senzu would not exist today. Timing is everything, and the rest is enthusiasm and perseverance! 

So if you’ve ever had the idea to start your own business, work for yourself (no boss!) or work from home, then why not grab the bull by the horns and make 2011 your year? There are lots of options out there, a Senzu Stylist bring one of them. 

Next blog post I'll talk about the advantages and challenges of being your own boss as well as working from home. 

Until then, Style it Up and Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Cristel, your Senzu Style Insider. 

2011 Spring Spirit Collection launched

This blog post brings some great news: We have just launched our new line of Spring jewelry as part of our Senzu Spirit Collection!

SZFNL42:  http://bit.ly/goNvbl

When we developed this Spring range of jewelry, we put the emphasis on fun and lightness. Our aim was to create a line that is versatile yet elegant, so you can wear it with a suit or with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.  The jewelry will work great throughout the spring and into the summer, as weather warms up and clothing layers are shed. 

There are 11 new necklaces and 4 bracelets that all follow the Senzu mandate of good quality materials and a unique design that you'd only find at Senzu. Using aluminum and other light-weight metals and materials such as cotton, brass and glass, of course all lead-free, nickel-free and cadmium-free, the line is centered around the continuing trend of metallics and plays with textures, shapes and tones within the colour ranges. 

This year's Pantone colours, Silver Cloud as well as Russet and Silver Peony, are well represented in the collection, either on its own or in combination with gold and silver tones. As the quintessential neutral that consumers can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet, Silver Cloud it is one of the most versatile colours in this year's range. 

SZFNL37: http://bit.ly/goSZc1

Senzu features it in the form of smokey, opaque glass beads that have been worked into both necklaces and bracelets. 

As Chrissy Lorenzo mentioned in her article on this year's Pantone chosen colours and their effect on mood: "Why does silver cloud seem to go with everything? This hue is multi-faceted and has many undertones. When paired with a deep purple, for example, blue-ish undertones in this color will come out for a seamless match. When paired with white, it will have a cooler, lighter look. For this reason, it's a great color to play off what's already existing in your wardrobe! Why you should wear it: gray-blue colors have a calming effect and inspire relaxation and creativity. A perfect color for a wall in your office, or a blazer for work. It will center you and leave you focused."

SZFNL38: http://bit.ly/ecfIbk

The warm chocolatey tones of Russet come back also in one of their wood and glass beaded necklaces. 

I've given you a sneak peek at some of the pieces in this blog, now go check all of them out on www.senzustyle.com! 

It is also posted it on Senzu's Facebook Page photo album, a great opportunity to 'like' our page and stay up to date on events, promos and special offers for our Facebook fans ;-) 

For daily updates and more 'insider' info, follow us on Twitter @senzustyle and @cristelmd. 

Styling it up!

Cristel, 

Your Senzu Style Insider.