Senzu Style Insider

HOT OFF THE PRESS RELEASE! Senzu announces new survival bracelet benefiting SISHA.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 06:58:00 +0000

Not my usual blog post, this post is dedicated to our brand new line of products that apart from looking great, these accessories actually make a difference in people's lives. Nearly a year in the making, these bracelets are one of my proudest moments with our company. It feels great to be able to share them with you, and hope you'll share them with your friends and family, as together we can have a real impact.

So it is with great excitement that I am able to share this press release with you today. Just announced through PRLOG.org as well as on Senzu's Facebook and Twitter accounts, I am now also sharing it here:

Senzu Limited, together with their sister company Senzu (Thailand) Limited, have joined SISHA (South East Asia Investigations into Social and Humanitarian Activities) in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation, with four Senzu Survival Bracelets supporting SISHA, available only through the Senzu website and through its Independent Agents (Stylists).

The idea of a cooperation was initiated by Senzu’s Chief Creative Officer, Christel Mol-Dellepoort, who felt a strong connection with SISHA’s cause and area of operations in South-East Asia.

The SISHA Survival Bracelet is a unisex-sized bracelet, available in 4 colours, made from a 9-foot (3 meter) long paracord which when unravelled and can hold up to 250kg of weight, with a stainless steel pin shackle, commonly used in outdoor and survival gear.

“The name of the bracelet speaks for itself. Senzu donates a portion of the proceeds of the bracelet to support SISHA in helping victims of human trafficking and other types of exploitation escape and survive their ordeals.

By purchasing a SISHA survival bracelet, our customers can show their support in the fight against exploitation of fellow human beings of all ages, sexes and circumstances and help raise awareness.” Christel Mol-Dellepoort explains.

“I learned about SISHA’s goal of rescue, aftercare and education and wanted to help make a difference that would reach beyond what just 1 person could do.”

The bracelets are available through Senzu’s website here:

Red Sisha Survival Bracelet: http://senzustyle.com/collections/Senzu-Survival-Bracelet-in-Red---Supporting-SISHA__SZBR20.aspx

Black Sisha Survival Bracelet: http://senzustyle.com/collections/Senzu-Survival-Bracelet-in-Black---Supporting-SISHA__SZBR22.aspx

Pink Sisha Survival Bracelet: http://senzustyle.com/collections/Senzu-Survival-Bracelet-in-Pink---Supporting-SISHA__SZBR21.aspx

Desert Sisha Survival Bracelet: http://senzustyle.com/collections/Senzu-Survival-Bracelet-in-Desert-Beige---Supporting-SISHA__SZBR23.aspx

The bracelets are part of Senzu’s growing involvement in local community charities. While Senzu already does home shows and fairs that benefit various local causes (The Red Cross, YWCA and others), this is the first time that a line of jewellery is dedicated to one specific charity.

Online the bracelets can be found in Senzu’s Stainless Steel collection, their bracelet collection or by typing ‘SISHA’ into the search box from the Senzu home page.

SISHA (www.sisha.org) is a registered Australian not-for-profit organisation that strives to ensure justice and the protection of human rights for victims of human trafficking, bonded labour, physical and sexual assault, and other forms of exploitation. Headquartered in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, SISHA has a presence in Australia, the United States, and Thailand. An increasing number of investigations are conducted throughout Southeast Asia in countries such as Myanmar, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

SISHA is comprised of investigations, aftercare, community outreach, and legal professionals, both local and international, who work on the ground and in the trenches. They train and work with the local police and work to build capacity in regions that effectively lack rule of law.

Victims are often traumatized and isolated by their experiences and require refuge, counselling, and compassion; SISHA’s short-term aftercare departments provide immediate attention, while their partner NGOs ensure comprehensive long-term aftercare services.

SISHA’s in-house legal team provides counsel and case management throughout the legal process, empowering victims to fight for justice and their rights. Outreach is a crucial component in their fight against trafficking.

SISHA offers courses to marginalized women and youth so they may better understand their rights, existing laws, and resources available so they are able to safeguard themselves and their communities against human trafficking, sexual assault, violence, and exploitation.

Senzu Limited is a direct sales company with over 300 different jewelry items and accessories comprising 5 different collections and registered in Oakville, Canada and Bangkok, Thailand with Independent Stylists in Canada, Thailand and the USA. Senzu ships worldwide.

For product photographs and more information on Senzu or SISHA, please contact Cristel.

Website: http://www.senzustyle.com

Contact: email us here.

Cristel Mol-Dellepoort, Chief Creative Officer, in Thailand tel. +66 81 552 4084

Sumitra Mahakanok, Founding Partner, in Canada tel. +1 905 599 6476

Bangkok dangerous! Don't try this at home...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 12:45:00 +0000

As an expat and woman in Bangkok I am in danger all the time...or so most people I talk to, who have not been here, seem to think. They often say things like: "Aren't you scared? Isn't Bangkok dangerous for women?" Most of these ideas come from something they may have glimpsed on the news or some report on the internet that highlighted some danger. Yes, we have had multiple coup d'etats here in the last 6 years, and certainly people died. We've also had floods, and more people died or their homes were ruined. People get killed here just as they do in the USA, Europe or Canada.

That does not stop most people from living a very enjoyable life here on a daily basis, and creating businesses in this thriving, bustling metropolis.

In fact, I feel safer here than in many other countries. For one, with nearly 15 million people in this city, there are always people around. There are very few dark alleys for evil to lurk, most streets are brightly lit, with people out and about, eating on the street, socialising any night of the week. Thais are generally polite and happy to help if you ask for it.

So when I hear that question, 'Aren't you scared?" about living and working overseas here in Asia, I wonder if it is not because the person asking it is maybe scared. Scared of unknowns, or scared of being out of their own comfort zone. It is easy to pass on an opportunity because it "may be dangerous" or "it wouldn't work anyway", or "I could never do/complete/succeed in that". I let myself fall victim to that train of thought sometimes too. It is safe and easy. Comfortable like a well-worn blanket.

Not your average commute to work...

But lately I've been doing a lot of reading about productivity, efficiency and challenging yourself. So I try to shrug off that security blanket sometimes and push myself beyond my comfort level.

Because when you think about it, when are you really the happiest?

It is when you are safely on the couch, watching that TV show, eating the same few rotated dinners, going on holiday to the same old places year in, year out?

Or is it that time when you threw caution to the wind and went on that zip line adventure, or that time when you tried sushi and found out you loved raw fish after all? Or when you went cycling through the Masai Mara, and ended crashing upside down in an aardvark hole with scratches and bruises all over, but was not that one of the highlights of the trip?

When do you feel the most alive? Tim Ferriss' book, The 4-Hour Workweek suggests that the opposite of happiness is not sadness but boredom, and that therefore excitement equates to happiness. For me, I think that's what makes me love being my own boss as well as living in another country. It forces me to get outside my comfort zone sometimes, simply because I've either never done it before, or I've never been there before. And guess what? Most times, I don't die, I don't actually fail miserably, or horribly embarrass myself. In most cases, the worst case scenario is just a good laugh at yourself. I think you'll find the same thing for you.

Try a new dish every week...?

So why not give yourself a challenge? Perhaps start small: Eat something completely new, once a week. (Eating children only recommended for fictional characters.)

Or check out this Failure Games app, which gives you challenges and 24 hours to complete each. Today's challenge: Ask a friend to write down 3 things you can improve upon, then take a photo of the list (you have to submit the proof; you're held accountable!).

In stead of re-booking last year's all-inclusive getaway, you could throw a dart at a map and go on a road trip holiday there. Imagine if you got lost! Would it really be so bad?

There are lots of ways to challenge yourself. If you're getting a queazy feeling in your gut, you're doing it right!

Hopefully this post inspired you to take a step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself. If it did, or if you have other ideas and suggestions, please share it in the comments!

Happy Halloween everyone! Spook on!

Cristel

Your Senzu Style Insider.

On the couch with a life coach (who's been on Oprah!)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 13:59:00 +0000

A few years ago, in a small upstairs room in this coffee shop in Bangkok, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott, Ph.D. and her husband Michael. We were all there for an intensive 4-day Thai reading course, in an effort to improve our Thai language skills. During coffee breaks, we started talking and it turned out that was not the only thing we had in common. Like us, they also own their own business, are expatriates living in multiple countries for months at a time, taking a variety of courses to improve ourselves, love of travel and the list goes on.

One of the things that intrigued me about Cherie and Michael is that they are professional life coaches. In fact, not only do they help people by coaching them, they even teach others to become life coaches. And yes, she's been on Oprah, check out the video here.

When she offered to give me a coaching session, I grabbed the opportunity to get a new experience. An hour with her really brought home some truths about myself and yes, it helped!

Cherie works with a lot of owners, entrepreneurs and people going into business for themselves for the first time, so I asked her if I could ask her some questions for my blog here, in the hopes that some of the answers may also help you, my dear readers, with your business or life goals in general.

She said yes, so here we go!
Q: Thanks for the interview, Cherie. Let's start with what is a life coach? It could mean anything, what is it that you do?
A: Life Coaching is a partnership between coach and client in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the client to maximize their personal and professional potential. The coaching relationship continually gives all the power to know and to choose to the client. The basic assumption is that the client knows the answers to all questions and challenges he or she may encounter, even if those answers appear to be hidden from their perspective.
Life Coaching is a profession that is profoundly different from consulting, mentoring, advising, therapy, or counseling. The coaching process focuses on specific objectives, examines what is going on right now, helps the client to discover their obstacles or challenges, and facilitates them making a choice to make their life what they envision.

Q: What have you found to be the most common obstacle that people encounter when starting out with their own business? And what advice would you give that might help them overcome it?
A: Fear of failure, or conversely fear of success. In fact, change is what makes people uncertain, insecure, and indecisive. Change for the worse or change for the better makes the client feel out of control and can in and of itself create a block to making a decision and taking action. To overcome fear, the individual must trust him or herself and believe that they have what it takes to make their life become what they envision. Secondly, they have to be willing for life to shift from good to great. They might have a good life, but are they willing to have their life be absolutely fantastic? If they want to go for greatness, it will require taking a risk. If they are risk averse, they must consider the cost-benefit analysis of their choices and consequences.

Q: You've been in business as a successful entrepreneur for quite some time now, and you work with family! How do you make that work without either killing each other or being consumed by your work?
A: It will be 40 years as an entrepreneur in 2014! We have six businesses that are all related to individual and organizational transformation. I work closely with my sister for 40 years as my business partner and my husband for the last 23 years. My closest associates are my family and friends. We need to stay current with each other at all times, no withheld communications, no secrets, no hidden agendas. In my book, If Love is a Game, I address "No Stones in the basket" which means that you don't put issues in the basket on your head, but rather on the table to be addressed. Transparency is our motto, and sometimes we need to preface the communication with, "I have something uncomfortable to say, and you may not want to hear it, but I have to say it or write it because it it is getting in the way of our relationship." Our pact with each other is to make it safe to say the "Unsayable," and clear the air regardless of how difficult it may be to deal with the content.

Q: What is, in your opinion, the first thing people should do when considering becoming their own boss?
A: There are questions that are really important for the potential entrepreneur to answer. I have attached this list to this interview. If you want to publish it, feel free (I've added this list at bottom of this blog post). I have learned over the years that this is absolutely critical to sort out before the person makes the leap. Honesty is key to this process. If the person is truthful and really knows him or herself well, answers the questions correctly with "Yes" answers, then they will succeed if they are willing to do whatever it takes.

Q: You've met and worked with a lot of successful people, whether they were entrepreneurs or not. Is there one thing you could say they all have in common?
A: They believe in themselves. They are flexible to change direction when required. They do whatever is needed and wanted without complaining. The four main components are: desire, willingness, belief, and commitment.

Q: Thanks very much Cherie, for your candour and being part of this interview! One final question: What do you love most about your job?
A: I love watching people manifest their heart's desires. I love watching them become successful. I love watching them release the stress and transform their lives into what they envision in their deepest desires. It fuels me, and since I can only ask them for what I am willing to live as an example, I am also going for my dreams, and this process has no end to it. That means that as long as my brain is fully functioning, and my body is at optimal performance there is no end in sight. You see, there will always be people in transition who want to make their dreams become reality...and that is why I am the dream midwife!
Thank you Cristel for asking! My website is: www.drcherie.com in case your readers want to give personally signed books for holiday gifts!

Dr. Cherie and I are working together on the Dutch audio version of her book 'If Life is a Game, these are the Rules'.

It has a lot of simple truths in it that you may find helpful, whether you're on your way to becoming an entrepreneur or just would like a better grasp of your own life.

I hope you all enjoyed Cherie's input as much as I have! Contact her directly through the links in the text above the interview if you would like to schedule a life coaching session with Dr. Cherie or if you'd like to learn more about what she does. If you've been inspired to become your own boss, contact me ;-)

Style on!

Cristel

Is procrastination a human condition?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The procrastination blog post, which I’ll write....tomorrow?

procrastinate
verb

To delay, put off doing something, postpone action, defer action, be dilatory, use delaying tactics, stall, temporize, play for time, play a waiting game, dally, drag one's feet/heels, take one's time; hesitate, vacillate, dither, be indecisive, be undecided, waver; Brit. haver, hum and haw; Scottish swither; informal dilly-dally, shilly-shally.

According to my Thesaurus, there are many words/actions to describe delaying doing something. Even with calendars, reminder apps and sticky notes, inevitably I end up procrastinating certain things all the time. Unpleasant phone calls for example, certain accounting tasks, even this blog sometimes falls victim to my procrastination, unfortunately. Not because I don’t like doing it; I love it! So why then?

Well, that same dictionary consulted earlier states: “fear of failure is often the reason why people procrastinate”. But research shows that’s not always the case. Other reasons for procrastination (plus how you could overcome them) are:

You perceive the job or task at hand to be unpleasant, and you’re trying to avoid having to do it. Oftentimes you’re better off just getting it done and over with, so you can continue with things you enjoy more, or with more pleasant/fun aspects of the task. Like ripping off a bandage: quicker is less painful! Also, many procrastinators overestimate the unpleasantness of a task, but many times, in hindsight, you find it was not nearly as unpleasant as you had thought.

You may be disorganised. More organised people are better able to prioritize tasks and schedule them in order of urgency or importance, and because they have prioritized to-do lists that cut the task down to manageable blocks of time, they don’t get caught with tasks overdue and avoid the stress that comes with being late to deliver.

Even though you are organized, you may feel overwhelmed by the task or job at hand. Maybe you have doubts whether you have the skills or resources to complete the job, so you delay getting started on it and spend your time on other, less important things in stead. But if that job you’re procrastinating on is important, it won’t just go away. So start with the parts of the task that you do feel confident about, and that you know you can complete succesfully. You’ll often find that once you’ve started, the rest will come too. Make a realistic schedule, taking into consideration the time needed to complete each segment, and stick to it. If needed, ask for help from people you know have the knowledge, and you’ll expand yours. There is no shame in learning along the way!

You may also fear success as much as failure. For example, you may worry that success at this task will lead to you being overwhelmed with more requests to do this type of task, or that you’ll be pushed to take on things that you feel are beyond you. Surprisingly, perfectionists are often procrastinators, as they tend to think "I don't have the right skills or resources to do this perfectly now, so I won't do it at all." Focus on one task at a time. Also look at all the potential outcomes: what's the worst that could happen? In many cases, reality is unlikely to be that bad! Learn to think more positively: it is a powerful tool to build your self-confidence and neutralise self-sabotage. If all else fails, have your Plan B ready, beforehand. No matter whether the outcome means success or failure (which is in the eye of the beholder and subjective to begin with), you are ready to deal with it.

One last reason for procrastination could be because you have an inability to decide. You just can’t make up your mind what to do, so you delay the decision, in fear of making the wrong choice. If you are really torn between your options, and your gut feeling is also not helping you, check out this guide from Mind Tools to help you develop decision-making techniques.

Are you a procrastinator? If the answer does not come to you immediately, you can try this procrastinator self test.

What's the most outrageous 'reason' you've ever given yourself to delay something you did not want to do? Share in the comments below.

Have you ever used some of these ‘reasons’ to delay doing a task or job? There are a million of them, to be sure, these are just a few:

Filling your day with low priority tasks from your To Do List (laundry, making a grocery list, organising your closet, etc.).
Reading e-mails several times without starting work on them or deciding what you’re going to do with them.
Sitting down to start a high-priority task, and almost immediately going off to make a cup of coffee (“I’ll get coffee now, that way I’m ready to sit down and work without interruption later.”).
Leaving an item on your To Do list for a long time, even though you know it's important.
Regularly saying "Yes" to unimportant tasks that others ask you to do, and filling your time with these instead of getting on with the important tasks already on your list (“Sure, I’ll help you sort your filing system!”.
Waiting for the “right mood” or the “right time” to tackle the important task at hand (“I’ll start my work-out routine tomorrow, I don’t feel in the mood to work out right now”).

I know I have on occasion used one or more of these ‘reasons’ to delay an important phone call (“I’ll call later, when they’re back from lunch”), a confrontation with a staff member (“I have to check my emails and update the Facebook page first before I reprimand So-and-So for coming in late again.”) or yes, even writing of this blog (“I need a few hours to write and I have no inspiration right now”).

Personally, I’ve found that making to-do lists that indicate priority helped me a lot. There are a lot of Apps out there that can also help with this, and Apple’s Calendar has built-in reminders that you can set, as well as a Reminders app. Those are the ones I use the most, you may have your own favourites, please share them in the comments below?

Another method that works well for me is to reward myself with something fun, once I’ve done the task I’ve been procrastinating. For example: complete a blog post, then I can go play tennis! Or update my jewelry sales spreadsheets, then spend a while (a.k.a. two hours) on Pinterest or Facebook :-)

In any case, most experts agree that procrastination is a deeply ingrained habit and is not easily broken. Like any habit (good or bad), it takes a long time to develop or break, so you should not expect results overnight.

But if you tackle procrastination at every encounter, you’ll find that over time, you start recognising when you’re procrastinating and as soon as you do, you have an opportunity to identify why you’re procrastinating and and take the appropriate steps or actions to overcome the block.

Well, I am off to play some tennis! ;-) But when I come back, I’d love to read your comments, your personal experiences and your suggestions! Thanks in advance for sharing.

Your Style Insider,

Cristel
Thanks go to www.mindtools.com for much of this post's background research.

Mad about the final season of Mad Men!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 20:09:00 +0000

"It's all about the detail. That's why I love all those vintage things. It's the details." - Christina Hendricks.

Christina Hendricks recently told The Associated Press going to be difficult when the seventh and final season of "Mad Men" starts filming this November.

"I just want to milk it as long as possible," said Hendricks, who plays my personal favourite character on the show, Joan Harris, on the AMC drama. "I want to really enjoy this last season every second that I can because it's been a really special time for me and a really special show." I couldn't agree with you more, Christina!

What keeps me glued to the show, apart from the great story lines and excellent acting, is the show's signature fashion, created by costumer designer Janie Bryant. And the style has really seen a revival in streets and offices everywhere.

When Joan got married in the show, you watched her starting to wear higher necklines, and then power suits joined the character's rotation when she was promoted at the show's advertising agency.

Thinking back when I got married (19 years ago already this month, wow!), my dress style did not change at all. Did you change your dress style when you got married? Maybe that's a 60's thing. But one thing never changes about her look: her updo!

Christina's personal style is very different. For the AP interview, she wore an Alice & Olivia zebra-printed top, teal Stella McCartney cigarette pants and neon-yellow Jimmy Choo heels. Not something you'd see Joan wearing in the show!

"For me personally, I think I'm a little bit more playful than I think Joan is," she said. "I think that reflects in my clothing. I like things with a bit of whimsy and a bit of romance."

That hasn't kept some of the "Mad Men" midcentury style out of Hendricks' wardrobe, though. "I never had a pencil skirt in my closet until I was on `Mad Men,"' she said.

Her favorite outfit during the show's run? A knee-length, belted purple dress with a silk fuchsia scarf, which was re-created for the Barbie collector doll. "It has a little kick-pleat in the back," she said.

All I know is I will savour every episode that's left in this series, and get lots of fashion inspiration from it.

Has Mad Men's style influenced your personal style? Are you experimenting with pencil shirts, form-fitting tops and scarves? Personally, my style is somewhere between Betty and Joan, depending on my mood :-)

In case you need some tips on how to recreate this iconic style, check out one of our other blog posts on that subject here: How to recreate the Mad Men Chic 60's chic today.

Let me know in the comments how you create your own personal Mad Style.

Style on my friends!

Cristel

(Interview credit: The Associated Press.)

Social Media Madness or Magnificence?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Dear fellow Style Insiders,

"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being." - Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi said we were social beings, but did he mean social media beings? The last few months I have been focused on expanding Senzu's social media presence, and with the help of Marie, who wrote my guest blog a few days ago, our group of followers and fans has grown considerably.

Being present in multiple social media outlets is a fair bit of work, and despite many apps, it is not always so integrated and automated as they may like you to believe! So where do we post and how much time does it take? Well, posting takes about an hour or so a day, not counting this blog or taking and editing the pictures. Inspiration comes and goes, so when it does, I try to sit down and write! The rest of the time, if I think of a good idea for a blog post, I note it down for future use.

Am I being anti-social when working on social media? This blogger thinks it may be. In any case, it's a fine line.

We've gone from 129 'likes' on Facebook, to over 440, in the span of a few months. Thank you all for your support! Onwards and upwards, as they say!

We are now also on Pinterest, where I post a lot of fashion picks (not just Senzu jewellery) and looks that I like. We also have an entertainment board, with easy recipes when you're expecting guests, and of course plenty of cocktails too! My personal favourite board though is our Entrepreneurship board, with tips and ideas for those of us who work from home or work for themselves.

Wherever I am, I am always looking at people's fashion expressions, their 'street style', for inspiration of what to create next, and also to further develop my own personal style. Check out Senzu's page on Chicissimo to get a glimpse into my wardrobe... Some of these looks and others also make it onto our Instagram, where I share looks, social pictures and more.

If you like to read multiple blogs, you can now also follow this one through Bloglovin.

We're also on Google+, though our account here is still in its infancy. Should we develop it further? Let me know your feedback. If there is anywhere else you think Senzu should be, please comment below!

Thanks very much for being such great supporters and see you online, everywhere ;-)

Cristel

Senzu's Style Insider loves fellow bloggers, so we're now on Bloglovin too!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 01:36:00 +0000

Great news!

If you follow multiple blogs and you like having a quick overview of all of them, you can now follow the Senzu Style Insider (this blog!) on it too!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6968395/?claim=6zppdg7yz7g">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Be your own boss… my new lifestyle!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 14:57:00 +0000

Several years ago I decided that I had enough. Enough of precious time spent commuting to my job, enough of hard schedules and most importantly, enough of doing what I just did not want to do anymore.

We all know that life is precious and we must think and take act towards where we really want to spend our energy.

I decided to work for myself, and to work from home, or from anywhere I want to be! The liberty of scheduling my time as I wish is what I like best. Who doesn’t like to do the groceries at 2PM on a Tuesday afternoon?! Being able to work from everywhere is also a great opportunity. I can host home parties in many regions and go to as many trade shows as I want. (Road trip crazy? This could be your dream job!) I personally only require an Internet connection and I can manage my web sales and orders from anywhere. The result is more quality time with my family and more fun doing things I love, like Do-It-Yourself projects and cooking new recipes!

There are challenges, of course! Keeping a good schedule that I readjust each week is key to being your own boss. Trust me, it’s easy to work crazy hours at home skipping lunch or forgetting what day it is!

Being a Senzu independent stylist has become part of my work at home strategy. Along with other web related projects and special initiatives in my community, I earn my living through direct selling. I just love selling nice jewelry and accessories that I would buy for myself. Loving what you sell is key!

There are many ways to make money working as a stylist. What I prefer is promoting on the web and earning a percentage on sales from people who buy directly on the Senzu website. It’s easy and fun! I also love to host trunk shows or home parties with friends or friends of friends! Girls only soirées, bachelor parties, trunk shows, home parties, it’s just fun to sell jewelry in those events, and I can count on Senzu to always have new items I really love to show.

Do you work from home? What is your direct selling story? Join me on www.facebook.com/MarieSenzu or post your comment below. :)

Marie
Senzu Stylist

Of sun and ice, hockey and following your passion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:21:00 +0000

So in the last few weeks, since we’re back in North America, I’ve been completely hockey obsessed. I never thought I would get addicted to the NHL Playoffs, but here I am, with Leafs on the brain. It was to be short-lived though, as they didn't win the game last night. Now I’ll have to find another team to support for the rest of the Playoffs! Suggestions? ;-)

I never grew up with (ice) hockey. I grew up in The Netherlands, where we have soccer, and field hockey (click here for a funny video about the differences between Holland vs. The Netherlands). So the rules came easily to me (yes, I make off-side calls!), as they are very similar in many ways. I also grew up on skates; in the Northern province of Friesland, which has a lot of waterways and lakes. When we were lucky, the temperatures dropped below zero long enough for them to freeze over, and we’d skate on natural ice.

If we were REALLY lucky, the ice would stay long enough to have a 200km (!!) ice skating race known as the Eleven City Tour ('Elfstedentocht' in Dutch). Last time we had one was 1997. As a girl, we simply didn’t play ice hockey, but we speed skated, and those choreographically inclined would figure-skate. Suffice to say I speed skated!

Sometimes this cold-weather sport makes me miss winters, but more specifically ice. But then I remember the other 3+ months of the year that the weather is cold, miserable, drizzly (especially in The Netherlands; in Canada it’s sleet and sludge). Then I doubly appreciate that my business doesn’t tie me to one place, but allows me to bring my business with me to warmer climates.

A dear friend of mine on Fripp Island (home town of this year’s American Idol contestant Candice Glover: watch the video of her visit to her old workplace on Fripp Island here) very recently made a similar decision. Due to a back injury, she was sofa-ridden for about a month post-surgery, and even the slightest move was extremely painful. So she spent a lot of time just laying down, with her eyes closed, in her quiet surroundings, just reflecting on her job and life.

At the end of it, it crystallized into this deep conviction that she needed to do something completely different with her life and get back to her roots in writing and travelling. So she resigned her job as a wedding and sales consultant and will be embarking on a social-media inspired experiment that encompasses her two passions. Her site will be launching very soon and when it does, I’ll share it with you all.

For me, it was quite different. I was not exactly unhappy in my previous positions or enterprises, but they did lack a level of fulfillment that I now get with Senzu. Now I truly am grateful and inspired when I see customers appreciate and enjoy my designs and creations (like at the recent Ultimate Women’s Show in Hamilton, Ontario.)

When I talk to some of our Stylists and hostesses and hear the joy in their voices when they tell me of the fun they had last night at a Soirée they held or how they’re growing their own Stylist business, it makes me feel proud and excited.

Have you made a major change in your life recently, or stepped out on that ledge and jumped off into the world of self-employment? You have a dream business you'd like to get started with but are afraid to say so, out loud, to other people (it may just happen...)? Well, here's your chance! I’d love to hear about it all, feel free to share with us below, comments are open.

A travel day in the life...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:05:00 +0000

Written on 09 April 2013, Taipei International Airport, Taiwan.

As you may gather from the above, I am in transit as I write this. We (this includes hubby) are sitting in the EVA AIR lounge in Taipei, on our way to Los Angeles. As crazy busy the last month or so has been, today has been remarkably calm and even peaceful. More on my recent activities in another post, soon.

We travel a lot, and this bi-annual transplant from Asia to North America and vice versa has become a regular pattern for us in recent years. My Senzu jewellery business allows (in fact encourages!) me to build my business internationally, and it logically follows our travel pattern: Canada, the USA and Thailand. So I will continue to nurture the international aspect of it, and enjoy being able to grow it in those places where we love to spend time and live. In addition, because my business is about jewellery, it is very mobile and easy to bring with me.

So what does such a day of travel look like for me? Well, here goes:

Curved Gold & Rhodium Bracelet
from our Elements Collection

7-7:30-ish. Check emails, Facebook and spend a little time on Pinterest (addictive!) on my iPad.

Received an email from my friend Melissa, who recently did a photo shoot for her hair extension business and shot some photos of the Senzu bracelet she bought from me. These are the shots, aren't they great?

I usually start my day in Thailand with the fresh mango smoothie our darling, yet wacky Isan maid has prepared for us. The deliciously sweet Thai mango is nearly enough reason by itself to move to Thailand.

8-9am. Game of squash with hubby. Sometimes he wins, sometimes I do. Today it is his turn to rule the court. A great workout nonetheless. Quick dip in our condo building's pool, then back upstairs to shower, dress and get some last minute packing done and get a few emails out.

Last Int'l Creators' Fair, so much fun!

10am. Email from a customer I met at the International Creator's Fair a week earlier. She would like to pick up her custom Senzu jewellery order and can I meet her at a nearby Starbucks.

We agree to meet at noon, as we've been playing tag for the last few days and this is the last chance before we depart for North America.

12-1pm. Meeting my customer at Starbucks, who loves her new necklace. When her friend joins her, we discover we know each other already from the Bangkok Photography Club. Luckily I brought some extra jewellery and she also places a necklace order with me. Yay! Always great to know your jewellery is appreciated (and even better to always have some on you)!

Custom Sterling Silver & Suede
Senzu Necklace

2pm. Got home in time to zip up the bags, hug the maid and her daughter goodbye for just for a few months and catch our car to the airport.

2:40pm. All checked in and sauntering through Suvarnabhumi (pronounced 'sue-wanna-boom') International Airport.

This is a great airport! We grab a quick, late lunch at the Italian pizza place and check into the lounge for a final few minutes of Internet and Facebook laughs.

Check out our poll about our new Facebook avatar. Like it, hate it? Let me know! Bye Thailand! See you soon and Happy Songkran (Thai New Year).

Bangkok is a crazy, hectic and crowded city, but it also is vibrant, creative, entrepreneurial and buzzing with energy. If you've never been, check out my friend Scott's company Smiling Albino for fun stuff to do while visiting. Being able to share our time between this metropolis and the calm, peaceful nature and organised small towns we find in North America allows us to appreciate both places even more. When in Canada or the USA, I certainly miss aspects of Asia (awesome food, foot massages, shopping, friendliness, nightlife).

Not lost and loving it...

When in Bangkok, sometimes we also miss things about Canada and the USA (fresh air, nature, quiet, lack of red tape). But wherever we are, that's where we make our home for the months that we are there, and enjoy all the things, people and experiences of that particular place. I love that my company is so well suited for mobile lifestyles like ours.

Still ahead of us before the day is over: an eleven hour, 40 minute flight to LAX. I don't mind the flight too much: watch movies and sleep! After that, collect our rental car and find a place to lay our heads for the night. Tomorrow is another adventure!

Styling it up in transit,

Cristel

Your Senzu Style Insider.

Senzu Jewellery & Accessories, Thailand - Canada - USA

Emerald looks good on real women!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:22:00 +0000

Well, I must admit, I have been much amiss in keeping the blog updated with posts. I really have no excuse, other than that I've had to move house a couple of times and had been pretty busy with getting our home ready for sale. Oops, that sounds a lot like an excuse.... ;-)

Anyway, I am back on the blog now, and thanks also to my dear friend and digital nomad Carou Llou (check out her blog http://www.caroullou.com), who is also in Bangkok at the moment, I've renewed my enthusiasm for blogging.

I read over my past blogs post, and while I still enjoy reading them, I thought you all might enjoy a more personal take on fashion, rather than (or at least in addition to) what is disseminated from the various Fashion Weeks throughout the world.

Because let's be honest, would you really wear this to your local Starbucks?

This Alexander McQueen creation is certainly very elegant, but can you imagine yourself walking down the street with your latte in one hand, phone in the other, whilst trying not to trip over the dress' train?

(image courtesy of deepseanews.com)

So with that in mind, I thought I would see if I could take a few snapshots of a real person, who does not walk catwalks for a living, but a woman who works hard for the money (no, not the kind of work in Donna Summer's song!), sometimes working from home, sometimes having to commute by car, tram, train or metro. In other words, you and me. In this case, I'll be me, until I can find another willing fashion victim! :-)

Having tricked my friend Carou Llou into taking the picture of yours truly, check out this 'street style' fashion pic, incorporating Pantone's colour of the year 2013, Emerald.

This was a great outfit for going out. The dress is extremely comfortable, yet flattering to any body shape. It is faux wrap, so there’s no adjusting needed and has a inner skirt below the wrap skirt. The sleeves are full length, but because this is Thailand (hot, even at night!), I pushed them up to be 3/4 length.

The accessories (jewelry) are all from Senzu Style, from their Spirit Collection. They are brushed glass beads with dark polished metal beads in light and dark grey tones and go great with most colours. I am wearing the matching necklace and bracelet. Complementing it are the large hoop earrings from their Elements line in brushed grey rhodium (brass base, plated with rhodium).

The clutch is also a pretty grey, real leather with a bejeweled clasp.

My shoes this night were made by Wealthy in Thailand, black mix of gloss and matte, high heels with thin laces and I found them at a little kiosk in Siam Square market area.

So, if you have a cool picture that you'd like to share with fashion trends for real women, or if there is a trend you'd like to see me try on, send me a comment, link or an email through the blog!

As always, keep living in style, and see you at the next blog post!

How to wear Safari without going Zookeeper

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 11:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:24:00 +0000

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

SZFBR5 - Black Beaded Charm Bracelet

SZFNL43 - Circles Necklace

Thinking of Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:10:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:44:00 +0000

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.

The LBD & other styles that never fade, literally!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:57:00 +0000

Good morning everyone,

Having just come back from Shanghai on a Senzu sourcing trip, I was welcomed by some good news out of England this morning. It just goes to show you that true style never goes out of fashion and never fades away. Now we can actually say this and mean it literally, thanks to the scientists at the University of Leeds, who came up with a black dye for fabrics that does not fade in the wash. It was about time, right? ;-)

As was reported on also in The Toronto Star a few days ago, Partick McGowan and colleagues at the University of Leeds are proud of the dress because “black is the hardest colour and the most sought after. More than 50 per cent of clothing is black.” Glad to hear I am not alone in favouring this colour as a basic! It is flattering on most people, makes you look a bit more lithe and goes with nearly anything. Plus, the little black dress is one item that nearly all us ladies have at least one of, in our closets.

Though I am not big on techie-speak, I thought it was worth quoting Mr. McGowan's process to create this little miracle (Nerd alert: science paragraph coming up!).

The eco-friendlier process behind the dress and the dyes “turns a traditional problem in polymer chemistry on its head,” said McGowan. The process uses PLA or polylactic acid, a polyester derived from renewable sources. “It biodegrades, it is carbon-neutral, and it doesn’t rely on products from the petroleum industry,” he told The Star.

“We’ve eradicated the wet-dyeing step and achieved a homogenous colouration.” Fabric dying traditionally uses oil-based material, lots of water, high temperatures, and creates considerable waste. Each type of textile needs to be dyed differently or takes the colour differently, even in the same garment. “The dye actually stays attached to the polymer. When you wash your PLA fibres, it doesn’t come out.”.

Separate research is developing hair dye “without some of the chemicals perceived to be nasty. Organic is one of our goals.” concludes McGowan. Now would that be nice, to be able to colour your manes without all the horrible chemicals?

When Sumitra and I started Senzu, we also wanted to ensure the colours and materials in our jewelry were long-lasting, which is why we love our Stainless Steel line.

It is also a recyclable, very durable, non-staining, hypo-allergenic, and long-lasting material that will keep the same beautiful sheen, look and colour for a very long time with minimal care.

Just like the non-fading LBD!

Styling it up with a wink and Senzu jewelry of course,

Cristel,

Your Senzu Style Insider.

PS: Don't forget to join our FB page too, for all the latest updates, and follow us on Twitter @senzustyle

Fashion Colour Report for Spring 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:41:00 +0000

Good morning and I hope you've had a great start to the New Year!

This blog post is all about colours. What's hot, and what's not? We asked the experts! This spring 2011, with the help of the colour 'authority', Pantone, the feature colour for all of 2011 has been named as Honeysuckle, however of course we are not monochromatic, monotone or one-size-fits-all people, and inspiration and colour-plays can be found everywhere around us.

Citing exotic destinations like Africa, India, Peru and Turkey as inspiration for Spring 2011, designers worldwide continue to satisfy consumers’ need to escape everyday challenges and dreariness with intriguing color combinations that transport them to foreign lands and exotic cultures.

“The colors that designers have chosen for the spring season present an interesting marriage of unexpected warm and cool tones,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “By cleverly combining complementary colors, those that are opposites on the color wheel, they have created a striking intensity to the palette. These unique color combinations make it possible for consumers to pair existing pieces in colors traditionally associated with fall, with new favorites to punch up springtime wardrobes.”

Senzu is also playing on the same contrasting, yet complimenting aspects of colours and textures this spring and summer. Without giving all our plans away, we will be introducing a range of 27 new earrings, necklaces and bracelet sets into our Elements Collection that will really pop. Watch our website, our @senzustyle tweets and this blog for updates when they will become available!

Of course, our Senzu jewellery already represents a voyage around the world, with pieces this year from India, The Kingdom of Thailand, China and Malaysia.

Silvers, yellow and pink gold tones, as well as the more muted black rhodium and charcoal grey hematite continue to be important base colours to bounce the brighter colours off. As the Pantone colour specialists put it in their 2011 Colour Report: "Another dependable background color, Silver Cloud, is the quintessential neutral that consumers can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet."

Which for Senzu means that we will shortly also be introducing, handmade by our jewellery artists in India, a great new line of fun jewellery for our Spirit Collection. That's all we'll say for now, you'll just have to follow us on twitter, our Facebook Page and of course the Senzu website for updates and to get it before everyone else! ;-)

Sumitra is off on a well-deserved vacation this week as she worked throughout the holidays, and I will be departing for Shanghai on a sourcing trip this Sunday, so the next blog will be from the great city of Shanghai! We've never been there before, so Brad and I are really looking forward to sharing our new experiences with you.

2011 will truly be a year of hot Senzu jewellery, travel, global influences and intra-cultural experiences! Style it up with me!

Cristel