Five Jewelry Trends Straight from the Spring 2021 Runways

In the Bag: In spring 2018, Simon Porte Jacquemus introduced his signature Le Chiquito, a bag so small that it could at most fit a tube of lipstick, an ID, and a credit card (what more do women need, really?). Over the next seasons, the French designer kept reducing the size, making it less functional and more of an adornment, a piece of jewelry.

Hammer Metals: Metals don’t always need to have a smooth finish to draw attention. Indeed, hammering gold, silver, and brass can add some oomph to simple silhouettes and cohesion to more abstract ones.

Chains: It’s safe to say that chains are not a trend. They have appeared in enough collections over several seasons that, at this point, we can call them a staple accessory.

Beach Life: For the spring 2021 season, a slew of labels showcased jewelry ideal for a holiday on a yacht or shorefront.

Low hanging earrings: From London to Paris, designer labels presented a variety of earrings that all dropped it like it was hot.

*All Images From Harper Bazaar

DRESS-ing For Summer!

Venus Swimwear - womens fashion, bikinis, bathing suits, swimsuits, clothing
Puff-Sleeve Fit-and-Flare Dress | Banana Republic Factory (gapfactory.com)

Roller Rabbit Rhody Janni Silk Blend Long Sleeve Cover-Up Dress | Nordstrom

Buffalo David Bitton Angelique Floral Print Long Ruffle Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress | Dillard's

MISA Los Angeles Dakota Midi Tiered Floral Chiffon Dress | Neiman Marcus
Coral Tides Sleeveless Shift Dress (cabanalife.com)
Sleeveless Ruffled V-Neck Swing Dress for Women | Old Navy (gap.com)

Navy/Blue/Tan Folk_Floral_Border | Gilda Midi Dress | J.McLaughlin

Cool Blue and White Dress - Striped Dress - Shirt Dress - Midi Dress - $52.00 - Lulus

Relaxed-Linen Beach Dress | Garnet Hill

Ways to Donate in Support of Asian Communities

Since the start of 2021, the Asian American community has suffered a series of violent, racist attacks. Anti-Asian crimes in the USA unfortunately have risen over 1900% . There are variety ways you can help.

• Raise awareness: Learn about the attacks that have been happening. The more people know about this events, the more change you can make.

• Get involved: Try volunteering to help escort elders

• Visit: Check out your local Chinatown and support their businesses

• Report: Share any instances you have seen at StopAAPIHate.org

• Come together: This is the time to come together and purse true community action

• Donate: These victims and families need your help more than ever. Check out GoFundmes or organizations that work on community safety.

Here’s also a list, from assisting businesses impacted by COVID-19 to providing legal aid and education. Many of the organizations mentioned on this list are national.

Asian Pacific Fund: We strive to impact and uplift Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in the Bay Area through the following initiatives:

Welcome To Chinatown: Welcome to Chinatown is a grassroots initiative to support Chinatown businesses and amplify community voices that generates much needed momentum to preserve one of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Send Chinatown Love: We are providing an online platform to low-tech, cash-only, Asian-owned small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Support local merchants by making a donation or purchasing a voucher from them.

Enough is Enough: is a grassroots initiative by Asian American business owners in New York City who came together to take action on the recent surge in nationwide hate crimes against the Asian American community. Frustrated by the lack of media coverage on the recent violence, we are rallying all the industry homies to encourage people both in and out of the Asian community to realize the power of their voice.

Think!Chinatown: Think!Chinatown, a non-profit based in Manhattan’s Chinatown, is here to listen, to respond, and to build Chinatown's capacities as a strong & vibrant immigrant neighborhood of NYC.

Asian Mental Health Collective: It is the mission of the Asian Mental Health Collective to normalize and de-stigmatize mental health within the Asian community.

Asian Health Services: AHS relies on the generosity of donors like you to change the health of our immigrant, refugee, and low-income families.

They Can’t Burn Us All: #TheyCantBurnUsAll is a movement to activate all Asians and allies to stand up and fight back against hate crimes and racism. While the Asian diaspora is incredibly diverse, Asians are generally treated the same. More than ever, there is a great need for unity and support among our communities. #TheyCantBurnUsAll aims to bridge communities and create unity among all marginalized people

SAALT: South Asian Amer­i­cans Lead­ing Togeth­er (SAALT) is a nation­al move­ment strat­e­gy and advo­ca­cy orga­ni­za­tion com­mit­ted to racial jus­tice through struc­tur­al change, which means we focus on trans­form­ing insti­tu­tions while lever­ag­ing incre­men­tal change as a means to shift con­di­tions and pow­er.

Saldef: SALDEF is a national Sikh American media, policy, and education organization. Our mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic and political participation, and upholding social justice and religious freedom for all Americans. We are grounded in our values of optimism (chardi kala), humility (nimrata) and service (seva), inspired by the community (sangat) for the benefit of all (sarbat da bhalla).

AALDEF: The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, a national organization founded in 1974, protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans.

APA Women: The Center strives to nurture our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities by expanding leadership capacity, fostering awareness of AAPI issues, creating a supportive network of AAPI women leaders, and strengthening community. 

Asian American Feminist: We engage in intersectional feminist politics grounded within our communities, including those whose backgrounds encompass East, Southeast, and South Asian, Pacific Islander, multi-ethnic and diasporic Asian identities. Through public events and resources, we seek to provide spaces for identity exploration, political education, community building, and advocacy.

There are MANY more other organizations you can help and you can check them out here: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-to-help-asian-communities-2021.html

Here are some local businesses you can help:

• Franca is a Brooklyn-based ceramic shop with playful and modern handmade mugs, planters and even dog bowls.

• Rooted is an online plant-shop where you can shop for rare plants (with actual names like Elton, Bianca and Hermes), supplies or a DIY potting kit.

• Nguyen Coffee Supply is a woman-owned business that sells specialty coffee with arabica and robusta beans straight from Vietnam.

• Live Tinted is a beauty brand that offers products catered to all skin tones, like the Huestick, HueGlow and Unity Balm Gloss.

• Capsule creates thoughtfully designed wallets that are both multifunctional and minimalist.

• Covry Founders Athina Wang and Florence Shin met in high school and reconnected to tackle a problem they both saw: Glasses were manufactured with industry-standard measurements that didn’t fit all face sizes and shapes.

• Ren is a family-run studio that specializes in fine jewelry made to last “a lifetime and beyond,” and its made-to-order pieces showcase jade, a gemstone to which founder Crystal Ung feels a deep connection.

• Hoo Ceramics Heidi Woo is the artist behind the meticulously handmade creations of Woo Ceramics.

• Ying & Kang For jewelry with a personal touch and positive energy, New York-based jewelry studio Ying & Kang has you covered.

• Nimble Made- Wesley Kang, co-founder of Nimble Made, was tired of the ill-fitting dress shirts he had to wear to his finance job every day.

• Pepper -Another brand created through firsthand experience of a need, Pepper is for women who are tired of bras that gap, slip, or otherwise make them feel like they are not enough.

• Sorah Yang-Her apparel line specializes in clothing for dancers, and each piece is comfortable, breathable, and fashionable.

• CLE-Founder Lauren Jin set out to create top-notch skin care and makeup for modern women

• Glow Recipe- Cofounders Christine Chang and Sarah Lee put together 20 years of combined work at L’Oreal to create their own brand, which went from Shark Tank in 2015 to CNBC’s Upstart 100 list in 2018.

• Velour excels at all things brow and lash. Founder Mabel Lee has perfected the art of the lash with products that are vegan, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free

Brands Giving Back For International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day. Below, here are some of brands that are recognizing International Women’s Day by donating a portion of their proceeds to organizations that empower women.

Anthropologie: One percent of dress purchases made at Anthropologie during March will be donated to the organization.

Saks Off 5th: Saks Off 5th will donate 15% of net proceeds from the sales of its exclusive 14K Yellow Gold Vermeil Paperclip Chain Bracelet to Girls Inc., a non-profit organization that mentors and supports the development of girls ages 6 to 18.

Intoxicated Cosmetics: Intoxicated Cosmetics, a cruelty-free, venom-based skincare line founded by female entrepreneur Rachel Sommers, is honoring International Women’s Day in two ways. Each serum on the site is buy one, get one 50% off, and for every order placed through Monday, Intoxicated Cosmetics will donate $15 to Casa Myrna, a Boston organization that promotes domestic violence awareness efforts and offers shelter and supportive services to survivors. Use code GIRLPOWER at checkout.

Thinx: Thinx supports women all year with the GiveRise campaign—an initiative aimed at ending shame around reproductive health, promoting inclusivity, and fighting for menstrual equity by advancing access to period products. Any time you purchase Thinx, a portion of your proceeds will go directly toward the cause.

L’Occitane: L’Occitane is launching a new solidarity hand cream in honor of International Women’s Day. One hundred percent of the profits will be donated to finance NGO projects to promote women’s leadership in Burkina Faso.

Outdoor Voices: Activewear brand Outdoor Voices will be donating 15% of its sales on March 8 to the ACLU Women's Rights Project.

Missoma: a jewelry and accessories company founded by Marisa Hordern—will donate 50% of proceeds from the Pendants of Power collection to The Prince’s Trust #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign—a UK-based charity dedicated to helping young women gain the necessary skills needed to “live, learn, and earn.”

Ba&sh: Ba&sh is selling its limited edition t-shirt designed in partnership with Woman Safe. All proceeds will be donated to the Institut Woman Safe & Children.

AHAVA: Now through March 9, use code TOGETHER to take 20% off sitewide at cosmetics retailer AHAVA. If your purchase is $50 or more, you’ll get a free deluxe hand cream.

Bloomsybox: Now through March 12, use code IWD2021 to take 20% off the Sweet Love Premium Bouquet at BloomsyBox.

Kendra Scott: Now through March 8, if you purchase bracelets from Kendra Scott’s Giveback Stack (the Jenna, Everlyne, and Ari Heart bracelets), 20% of the proceeds will benefit The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at UT Austin that seeks to empower the next generation of female entrepreneurs.*

Image credit: Angelina Bambina | Getty Images

*All information founded from Forbes.

Virtual Fundraiser and Fashion Show on April 8th at 6:30pm!

Here’s to another RSC Show Productions, LLC Event!

What is Legacy of Love?

The Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Plano will be hosting the first ever virtual Legacy of Love Benefit & Fashion Show on Thursday, April 8, 2021 benefiting Children's Health. While we could not be together this past April, we hope you will join us in 2021 for a new and reimagined experience. For more information on sponsorships or tickets please click here or email legacyoflove@childrensauxiliary.org with any questions.

How can I watch the fashion show virtually?

There are two options for viewing:

1. Purchase a ticket to view the fashion show.

2. Purchase a 'Bubble Party' ticket that provides access for 1-6 people to view the interactive event. Along with viewing the show, you'll also receive refreshments, heavy appetizers and a special 'Legacy of Love Bubble Box' mailed to your door.

Featuring local designer talents, FERRA by Lela Orr! You have seen her climb to the top tier at Project Runway, now see her new collection! Lela Christiana

Here's how you can help Texas!

As you know, everyone is really struggling with this horrible winter storm that has hit Texas. The President has declared a state of emergency, which allows assistance federally. However, there is still a lot of need for help like food, water, and warmth.

Here’s how you can help:

The Salvation Army provides shelter, food, and other necessary items to those in need throughout Texas.

• The American Red Cross is supporting at least 35 warming centers with cots and blankets across the state.

• In Austin, the area Urban League has started the #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign to raise money for hotel rooms, food, water, clothing, and other basic needs of the housing insecure communities.

• Local small business Free Lunch is making deliveries of home-cooked meals, blankets, hand warmers, and hygiene kits to the Esperanza Community residents, a state-sanctioned shelter/campsite in the city.

• The Other Ones Foundation is also providing resiliency kits for residents of the campsite. The kits include basic needs for those experiencing homelessness.

• Dallas-area organizations Austin Street Center, OurCalling, The Stewpot, Union Gospel Mission, and Oak Lawn United Methodist Church are pooling funds to help pay for temporary shelter as well as Covid-19 rapid tests for those in need.

• Lucille's 1913 Community Kitchen is preparing and distributing meals in the Houston area.

• Caritas of Austin also helps those experiencing housing insecurity in the Austin area. You can support their work by making a monetary donation or ordering items from their Amazon wish list to be shipped directly to the center.

• Austin Pets Alive! is working to keep pets across Texas warm and safe during the freezing conditions. The group needs heating pads, Styrofoam coolers, dog beds, heat lamps, and monetary donations.

• Donate to a mutual aid fund, such as Mutual Aid Houston, Austin Mutual Aid, or Feed the People Dallas. All three groups are working to provide housing, food, and other support systems to those in need.

• Donate to a food bank in Texas. Feeding Texas has a comprehensive list of food banks across the state, searchable by zip code.

• Donate to national organizations, such as the Salvation Army and American Red Cross in North Texas, Central and South Texas, and the Gulf Coast region of Texas.

• Donate to or volunteer with disaster relief organizations like Crowdsource Rescue, which has been activated to help those in Texas.

• Help animals in need by donating to organizations such as Austin Pets Alive!, SPCA of Texas, and Operation Kindness. Note that some facilities, such as Operation Kindness in North Texas, may be impacted by power outages.

• Support local journalists as they respond to the crisis and get the word out by donating to a GoFundMe for the Austin American-Statesman, the Dallas Morning News, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

• Live in Texas or nearby? Participate in AirBnB's "Open Homes" program by either opening up your spare space to those in need or by donating. NoirBnB is offering a similar service, asking users to open up their homes if they are able to. NoirBnB can be reached by email via Concierge@noirbnb.com.

• Conserve power if you're in Texas by following this handy guide from the Austin American-Statesman.

Rhonda's 2021 Wishlist!

2020 was a very difficult year, but its a new year and a new you! Today, we are going to share Rhonda’s current wishlist. The items she is going to share with you include some self love, helps give back, and hopefully inspires you!

Shop Local Businesses & Shop Black Owned Businesses

• indigo1745 in Bishop Arts District

• TRUE Kitchen + Kocktails in Downtown Dallas - Home - Kitchen + Kocktails (kitchenkocktailsdallas.com)

• Chocolate Secrets - A Boutique Chocolatier with Jazz Bar, Wine, Ice Cream, Truffles and Bon Bon's - Chocolate Secrets - 3926 Oak Lawn Ave.

• FERRAH/Lela Orr at SEPT in Trinity Groves - 2900 Herbert St Suite 4102, Dallas, TX 75212

Novels

• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

• History of Marcus Aurelius: The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

• Meditation - Study your Inner Self

Listen to calming music, light a candle, get comfortable, wear a lavender scented eye mask, focus, listen to your heart, shut off the noise in your mind and relax

Recipes

Try new foods from other cultures and far away lands

Chicken Makhani

Image: http://www.littlekitchenbigworld.com/butter-chicken-murgh-makhani/

Italian Wedding Soup

Turmeric & Ginger Tea - I add ginger powder to this elixir

Ginger-Turmeric Herbal Tea Recipe

Make your own tea!

Self Care

Home Facial Masks with Paprika and Honey:

This is for age spots, dullness, blackheads, blemishes and fine lines.

One tablespoon of Paprika and 2 tablespoons of honey, let sit for 20 minutes. Sensitive skin, test first in a small unnoticeable area to see if you have a negative reaction, and/or lessen amount of Paprika.

Eminence Organic Skin Care | #1 in Professional Organic Skin Care

Commit to a Skincare Regime - I've gone totally to Eminence Organic Skin Care for 2021, it takes time but worth the results

Support Local Non-Profits

Giving of your time and tithing 10% of your income to those in need. Hope's Door, Bryan's House, DIFFA, Texas Eating Disorders Association, Children's Medical Center

Baked Feta with Olives and Tomatoes By Last Ingredient!

Looking for an easy appetizer? Serve this baked feta with tomatoes and olives warm from the oven with toasted baguette slices or crackers. It is guaranteed to be a hit.

INGREDIENTS

1–6 ounce block feta, drained

1 cup assorted olives, pitted or with pits

1/3 cup chopped marinated roasted tomatoes

1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Chopped fresh parsley and oregano leaves

Toasted baguette slices or crackers for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Arrange a top rack in the oven 4-6 inches from the broiler.

Place the feta in a small baking dish. The cheese should have some space around it for the olives and tomatoes.

In a medium bowl, combine the olives, tomatoes and garlic. Then spoon them around the feta.

Whisk together the olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in a small bowl.Pour the olive oil over everything in the baking dish.

Bake the feta for 15-18 minutes, until it just starts browning at the edges. Turn on the broiler, and brown the top of the cheese, about 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and oregano leaves before serving warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers.