Christmas Belle - Sailor's Omen Holiday Lookbook Pt 1 of 3

After our computer crash in November, we weren't sure how we would be able to release our holiday lookbook! So we decided to break it up into three parts. We're proud to release part 1 of Christmas Belle - a visual display of a fashionable babe and her trusty companion Faeya exploring the meaning of the holiday season! Also, feel free to visit our Pinterest page to pin your favorite pics from the book :)

Ready Gypset GO!

There are a few trendsetters that really can't go wrong...  ever.  Sarah Loven is one of those independent beauties that inspire us in both the work and play areas of our lives.  And... right in step... we are so completely and utterly enamored by the first post on Miss Loven's fashion blog Ready Gypset Go, featuring our White Bohemian buddha necklace.  Check out a little preview of her images below:




Halloween Shoot with Admyar Photography

A week ago Nicole from Admyar Photography contacted me and asked me to style a last minute Halloween shoot she dreamt up.  I jumped at the chance to take things a little darker for the holiday, as well as give you a sneak peek at what I've been working on for Sailor's Omen Holiday collection!  I introduce to you the "Season of the Witch" shoot:

~ Credits ~ 

Photography: Admyar Photography

Model: Kristin Byerly

Hair: Tami Tombroff of The Look Organic Salon

Makeup: Angie Green

Wardrobe (hooded cape): Crossfox

Styling & Jewelry:  Sailor's Omen


Understanding Stones Part:9 Howlite



Images taken from pinterest.com
Stone Name: Howlite

Birthstone Month: None

Zodiac Association: None

Affected Chakra: Crown


History of Use:  Howlite was originally discovered in a gypsum mine near Windsor, Nova Scotia in 1868 when Henry How, a 19th century Canadian chemist, mineralogist and geologist was called in to identify the unknown nuisance mineral.  He named the soft white cauliflower-like stone "silico-boro-calcite" but it was shortly renamed howlite by James Dwight Dana.  

Sold in its natural state, howlite can sometimes be called "white buffalo stone" or "white turquoise."  Because of its porous texture, howlite can be superficially colored to imitate other minerals, especially turquoise because of the similar veining patterns.  Dyed howlite is commonly called magnesite.

Due to its low hardness and high porosity means that special care should be taken when dealing with howlite.  Avoid drastic temperature changes that can weaken the stone, like ovens and stovetops.  Keep it away from other gemstones that are likely harder than howlite, because of the potential for scratching or denting.  Clean with lukewarm water and if necessary, use a soft brush or cloth.  Do not use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner nor a steam cleaner, because these will likely damage the stone beyond repair.  

Spiritual Properties:  Howlite is a calming stone - helping to ease upset states of mind and emotion.  It is also used to heighten creativity and expand self-expression.  Spiritually, howlite is a stone of awareness.  It can prepare its wearer to receive wisdom and attunement, which can do wonders for healthy meditation.  

Physical Healing Properties:  Howlite is used in crystal healing for anxiety disorders and stress-related illness.  This calcite mineral can also aid in strengthening your bones and teeth. It is claimed it can assist with insomnia too.

Up Next: Jade

My Little Sister's Wedding: Part 1

Last week I visited Pennsylvania to attend my little sister Shana's wedding!  I thought I'd share some photos and experiences I had during my trip:   :)

Everything started out rocky.  I got a call from a co-worker the night before my flight.  "Are you going to make your flight?  I think they shut down the JAX airport!"

My heart stopped.  The only think I could think is I cannot miss my sister's wedding!  I immediately looked on the news and apparently the airport had been evacuated due to suspicious packages found in various parts of the parking garage and terminal.  One of the packages had to be removed off the premises due to it's "dangerous nature."  Luckily it was caught in time and no one was hurt!

The airport reopened and my flight was rescheduled.  The new flight time was later, so I didn't need to leave at 4:30am, but it was late enough I had to find a new ride.  Thankfully Nicole (my friend and Sailor's Omen collaborator) was able to drive me!  The flights went smoothly and I felt safe because after the threat at the airport, I assume it was the safest time to fly!  Unfortunately the flight was late enough to not be able to meet up with friends in the Philadelphia area and I got into my hometown around 10pm.

The next morning I got up, went out onto the back patio and welcomed the cool morning fog and played with my parents' dogs Meiling (pronounced May-ling) and Gucci.  For the next two days, my family and I would run around completing last minute errands before the wedding day.

Ready to touch down!

My wings today

1st destination in sight: Philly!

The skyline feels like home

Meiling


Gucci
Gucci hanging out in the backyard


October 5, 2013: Wedding Day!  The party began at 9am with the bride, mother of the bride (aka my mom), and the bridesmaids meeting at Sculptures Island Salon for hair, makeup, and mimosas.  The staff were sweet and accommodating, as we pretty much took over the place.  Everyone was in good spirits (the mimosas may have had a hand in that) as we laughed, joked, and swooned over each other's hair and makeup.

Bridesmaids' flowers
Bridesmaids' flowers
Bridesmaids' flowers, bride's earrings and rings
The rings
The bride getting makeup with Ella, her daughter, watching intently
Bride getting her hair did
My little sis - the bride!
MOTB
After mimosa #2 :)
Ella - the flower girl princess!
How many people does it take to get the bride's pumps on? Answer: 1.5
In the limo on the way to the church!
 In wedding post part 2, I'll give you a glimpse into the reception.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to take pictures during the wedding for you, but I'll be able to share them once the wedding photographer has gone through them :)


Remedy - Our Second Fall Lookbook Release

We are excited to introduce to you, our second fall lookbook for 2013 "Remedy."  Influenced by the transformation from outward to inward growth with the changing of the season, our fashionable bohemian beauty uses home remedies and natural crystals to improve her body and mind.  

"Magic can be found in stolen moments"
"Always stay on the bridge between the visible and the invisible"
 "The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper"

Check out the rest of the lookbook below!  Each page is linked to its' respective pinterest page, so if you see an image you like, click on it and pin it!

Visit our Pinterest page to pin all your favorite images!

Also, just a quick note we are only TWO Facebook likes away from sharing with you our best coupon code ever!  If you haven't yet, "like" us on Facebook now to stay up-to-date on current promotions and what we're up to!

Understanding Stones Part:8 Hematite




Stone Name
Hematite, "Stone of the Mind"

Birthstone Month
March

Zodiac Association
Aries

Affected Chakra
Root Chakra


History of Use: The name Hematite comes from the Greek word for blood.  Because of the high iron oxide content in hematite, it can not only be a silver-gunmetal-colored stone but a red stone as well.  Native American folklore states that war paint made from hematite will make one invincible in battle.  Hematite's popularity in jewelry was at its highest in Europe during the Victorian era.  People in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries wore hematite jewelry during mourning.  Scientists of the Mars Exploration Rover Project believe that deposits of hematite on Mars may help prove whether large amounts of liquid water ever flowed on Mars' surface.  Magnetic hematite jewelry is popular but is actually a synthetic material called Hematine.  Although it is claimed to be made from ground hematite mixed with resin, analysis has demonstrated it to be an entirely artificial compound.

Spiritual Properties: Hematite dissolves negativity and prevents others' negativity from being absorbed.  It focuses a high quality grounding energy and subdues erratic emotions to create a balance between the mind, body and spirit.  It strengthens our connection with the earth, helping us feel safe and secure in our environment.  The hematite stone also stimulates concentration and focus, enhances memory and independent thought.  It can help overcome compulsions, overindulgence, and improve relationships.  

Physical Healing Properties: 
+ Restores, strengthens and regulates blood supply
+ Supports kidneys and regenerates tissue.
+ Stimulates the absorption of iron in the small intestine, which in turn improves oxygen supply to the body.
+ Helps the formation of red blood cells.
+ Treats leg cramps, anxiety and insomnia.  

My experience:  To be honest, I've never been attracted to hematite - at least the larger stones.  I can handle smaller stones (much smaller... think half-pea size), but anything bigger tends to overload me.  I tend to feel more susceptible to gravity and have a hard time breathing.

Up Next: Howlite



Understanding Stones Part:7 Red Coral


Images in collage taken from Pinterest.com
Stone Name 
Red Coral

Birthstone Month 
N/A

Zodiac Association 
Pisces

Affected Chakra
Root Chakra

History of Use:  Throughout history, coral had been thought to be a plant and has been called the 'garden of the sea'.  Coral is actually the accumulated skeletal remains of marine animals called polyps.  These tiny creatures live in colonies that grow to form branching structures.  Coral has been used in decorative art objects and jewelry dating back thousands of years.  Legends have been interpreted that ancient peoples once believed Mars was composed of red coral due to its striations and color. According to Greek mythology, when Perseus chopped off the head of Medusa, some drops of her blood splashed into the sea and solidified into coral.  Coral is considered by the Hopi and Zuni Indians to be one of the four element stones (the others being jet, abalone and turquoise), a symbol of the Road of Life (a journey through all seven universes created at the Beginning).  Coral has played an important role in the religious rites of many cultures throughout the Pacific Islands.  Often placed on graves to guard the deceased, and temples were often built of lava rocks and coral.

Spiritual Properties: Coral is said to quiet the emotions and bring peace to its wearer.  Worn publicly as an amulet, coral is thought to bring safe travel over water.  Because of coral's organic origin, it can be used to reconnect with nature and assist to unveil its wonders.  Coral symbolizes joy, happiness, blood force energy and enables it wearer to enjoy a natural life.  Dreams about coral are believed to foretell recovery from a long illness. 

Physical Healing Properties: Red coral will protect against depression, despondency, hiccups and heartburn.  It helps strengthen the circulatory system and bones of the body.  It stimulates tissue regeneration, nourishes the blood cells, and aids in the release of impurities from the muscular system.

My experience:  Often called "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.  Coral is a precious resource and is home for 25% of all marine species, including fish, sponges, mollusks, crustaceans, etc.  However, coral reefs are fragile and are under threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, overuse of reef resources, and harmful land-use practices, including urban and agricultural runoff and water pollution which can harm reefs by encouraging excess algal growth.  It is imperative to save this precious resource and only reuse what has already been taken instead of encouraging coral farming.

Up Next: Hematite



Understanding Stones Part:6 Crystal Quartz

I've been putting off writing this post for two weeks now.  I can't quite put my finger on why, but I just feel this stone has so much to tell  ..., I suppose it was intimidating.  Such a perfect and powerful stone leaves a lot to be described, explained and pondered.  Please believe me when I say this post is only a fraction of the history and possibilities of the stone crystal quartz.


Images from collage above taken from Pinterest.com
Stone Name 
Crystal Quartz, "The Universal Crystal"

Birthstone Month 
April

Zodiac Association 
Scorpio


Affected Chakra: Crown

History of Use:   The word "quartz" is derived from the German word "Quarz".  Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on the earth. Quartz is an essential constituent of granite and is found in sandstone and shale.  Major quartz varieties include agate, jasper, amethyst and carnelian.  Clear Crystal Quartz has forever carried a place of importance in spiritual and religious beliefs.  The Japanese call it tama, "the perfect jewel."  In Buddhism, it is one of the seven precious substances.  Tibetan Buddhists use clear quartz on their alter to symbolize the perfect Buddha nature - a visible nothingness.  Indigenous cultures in North America and Burma believed Crystal Quartz to be living entities - taking a breath every hundred years or so.  Nearly every culture has used quartz for healing.  In Rome and medieval England it was used for cases of dysentery, glandular swelling, pain and fevers.  Also, ladies of luxury carried crystal balls in the hands for cooling during summer weather. In the Scottish Highlands, a crystal set in silver and worn around the neck was considered effective for diseases of the kidneys.  It has been carved for vases, cups and ornaments, placed in tombs and scepters of royalty, valued as amulets and catalysts for healing.  "Sir Isaac Newton discovered the color spectrum by refracting sunlight through a natural crystal.  Reflecting the rainbow on his wall allowed him to measure the different lengths of the rays of the visible light spectrum." - Dorothee L. Mella, Stone Power II

Spiritual Properties:  Crystal quartz (sometimes known as "Rock Crystal" has a similar vibration as humans and helps us understand our spiritual lives.  Because it radiates all the color vibrations within the spectrum of light, it can be used for a variety of purposes.  Crystal Quartz produces a force field of negative ions while clearing the surroundings of positive ions, protecting the aura.  It is most often used in healing to amplify the energies of other healing stones, but can draw in energy as well.  During meditation, a crystal ball or crystal point can be used to connect with higher consciousness.  Quartz can be clear or cloudy, but this doesn't affect it's energetic qualities.  This important stone enhances energy by absorbing, storing, balancing, amplifying, focusing and transmitting energy.  Quartz will protect one's spirit during growth of emotional processes.  There are times that crystal quartz does not work for negative-minded people.  If this is the case, use crystal quartz to amplify the energy of healing stones that promote peace and positivity.  "To benefit from Rock Crystal's blessings, one must feel in harmony with it and deserve its gifts.  Intent other than for good inevitably brings harm back on oneself" -Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals

Physical Healing Properties:  Stimulates the immune and circulatory systems.  It has been used to treat migraines, vertigo and motion sickness.

Up Next: Red Coral



Celebration Week

This week is just full of celebration!  Tuesday was founder Ashley's beautiful little sister Shana's birthday.
Shana and her adorable daughter

Wednesday was Sailor's Omen's one year anniversary!  We painted our nails gold and spent the day with Nicole from Admyar Photography drinking wine and working on our latest lookbook collaboration.

One of our first pieces!

And then we got the first update from Saint Augustine fashion blogger Meaghan Mulligan ....ahem, we mean Meaghan ALVARADO! about her (somewhat) last minute intimate destination wedding in Jamaica.  Read about it in her blog post here!


To continue the celebration, we're having a FLASH SALE of 20% OFF!  Go to Sailor's Omen eBoutique and use promo code FLASHSALE at checkout.