Especially during these rough economic times, it is even more important to set a wedding budget and really try to stick to it as much as possible.  A lot of time you don't realize how much things add up until you put it all on paper.

If you're planning a spring wedding, February will be a very busy month for you.  Even though it still seems like winter, your wedding is just around the corner!

If you haven't already set your wedding budget, or just haven't formalized the budget yet, check out this great wedding budget planning worksheet from Real Simple magazine.

I like this budget worksheet the best because it gives you some standard percentages, like 10% of your wedding budget will probably be spent on floral.  That's a good way to make sure that you are staying on track.  Good luck with planning your spring wedding budget!

One of the hot spring trends on the runway right now is color-blocking.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out this article at MyFashionLife.

Their tips are really great, and honestly apply to some of the new spring jewelry that we're seeing introduced this season.  Stacking those bold bangles or necklaces is a ton of fun, but just like the MyFashionLife article mentions you have to 'keep it simple'.  too many patterns or materials can make your outfit look too busy.

Ready to jump into these new spring fashions?  Here's some of my favorites:

I'm so excited to announce this new product line that we have added for 2009: Finders Key Purse.  These are the original, patented key finders that have quickly become a must-have for every lady.

They are easy to use (just clip to your keys and hook on your purse) and extremely useful.  No more digging to the bottom of your purse trying to find your keys.  If you're like me, your hands are always full with groceries, etc. so this really comes in handy more than you would think at first.  I also like the safety aspect of Finders Key Purse - no more digging in your purse in a dark parking lot trying to get in your car.

The best part is that Finders Key Purse are so affordable.  They make great gifts for any woman.  And with so many great designs, you can change your look often.  There are even Collegiate designs for many Universities!

So what are you waiting for?  Order your Finders Key Purse from CharmingChick.com today!

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, love is in the air here at Charming Chick.  I recently found out that Garnet is known as the gemstone of commitment, making it the perfect gift for a girlfriend, fiance or wife.

We've added a beautiful new collection just in time for Valentine's Day called Forever Love.  These items are hand-made here in the U.S.  Since they are rare (only a limited number are produced) and they are exceptional quality, these stunning Sterling Silver jewelry pieces are the perfect gift for someone you love.  Below are the Forever Love designs that feature Garnet:

I'm really excited about one of the new lines that we'll carrying this year.  For a couple years now our Picture Frame Sterling Silver Charm has been one of our best selling charms.  So we've expanded in several new jewelry items that can be customized with your favorite photos.

Starting at just $9.99, we have a great selection of photo bracelets that can hold 1-6 photos.  These make great gifts for new mom, new Grandmothers, etc.  There's even one that is made for a photo of your dog!

Check out our complete selection of picture frame jewelry here.

Planning a spring wedding?  Well then you only have a few months left to put the finishing touches on your fairytale wedding.  Here's some top spring wedding tips that every bride should know:

• Spring weddings are the perfect way to 'get away' with a more relaxed theme.  Spring wedding themes, like butterflies, flowers, and pastel colors, are natural and easy-going.  Take advantage of this!
• Don't be afraid to keep your color scheme going by adding a splash of color to your Groom and Groomsmen.  While guys don't typically wear some of the most popular spring wedding colors, adding a touch of color (like a tie) will make everything come together seamlessly.
• Take advantage of the full array of flowers that are available during the spring.  Ask your florist for some ideas that will incorporate more rare flowers in addition to classic spring flowers.
• Add floral details, but don't go overboard. A few flowers in your hair or your bridesmaid hair is a nice spring wedding touch, but it would be easy to go too far.  Make sure that you and your wedding party don't look like a walking flower garden.
• While spring weather is typically ideal for an outdoor wedding, be prepared for those spring showers.  Have a backup plan, like a tent or an inside location.

Have fun planning your spring wedding!

One of the hottest accessories for 2009 is animal print handbags.  I'm loving the giraffe prints, leopard prints, and snake skin styles.  Animal prints are really a classic style, but this season I'm seeing them cleverly combined with bright colors, shiny metallics, and shiny patent leather.

We've been stocking up on animal print handbags, so here's some of my favorite newest handbags:

Whether its what to wear to work or to a party or event, I get a lot of questions about "Business Casual".  It kind of seems like an oxymoron, so I can see why we're all just plain confused.  I did some research to find out a little more about this mysterious way of dressing that so few have mastered.

If it's wear-to-work, its always best to just check with your employer.  They'll usually have a list of what to do and what not do, like Yes on cotton chinos, no on sandals. You can also take a hint from your boss or even your bosses-boss.  If you want to move up the ranks, dress accordingly.

If its for an event or party though, its a bit more complex.  I always say that if it involves business at all (even a coworkers birthday party) you should dress like a business-person.  That cute summer dress may be totally appropriate as far as dressing up, but no one in the office is going to take you seriously as a business-person.  Women unfortunately already have a hard enough time trying to be taken seriously , so don't put yourself at even more of a disadvantage.

Business casual generally implies that you should be "well covered" as I like to put it.  No super low tank tops, mini skirts, etc.

As for jeans, well if you do decide to wear them, make sure you are dressing them up.  A nice blouse, some sparkling jewelry and dressy shoes.

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts on defining Business Casual.

As you may be aware, Charming Chick supports a variety of Awareness causes, including Ovarian Cancer Awareness.  Through the years I have met many inspirational woman who have survived Ovarian Cancer.  Therefore I wanted to pass along the following information regarding a free course for cancer survivors, friends and family members.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation will be sponsoring an Ovarian Cancer Survivors Course on Feb. 7th, 2009.  This is a free, full day course where you can hear from some of the nation's leading ovarian cancer experts.  The event will be at the Hnery B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX.

To register please visit www.thegcf.org

I apologize for the lapse in blog posts the last month, and thank you all for your thoughts and prayers while I was recovering.  I'm officially back to work now, and excited to be here!  This is a wonderful time of year for anyone in the retail industry, as we attend the various markets to check out the latest fashions and designs.  The last few weeks I have been talking to jewelry designers from around the world about the new styles that we'll be carrying in 2009.

Here's my early outlook on some of the hottest trends from Spring 2009:

• White, white, white - It was popular last year and will continue to be hot this Spring
• Going Green, literally - with the rise in "green" items that are environmentally-friendly, I'm also seeing a rise in the color green.  Not that bright, blinding green from last year, but a more natural light green
• Animal prints - Don't worry about this trend fading quickly, there's still tons of new animal print designs to choose from this spring
• Peace symbol - We caught this trend early, and looks like we predicted it perfectly.  Peace sign jewelry is already one of best sellers, and will continue to be hot throughout the new year
• Bigger is better - I'm loving the large beaded necklaces and thick bangles that are going to be hot this spring. The most clever designs are still lightweight and comfortable, but really make a statement

That's all for now, but now that I'm back at work I'll be posting lots more fashion news, gift ideas, trend alerts, and so much more.  This is going to be a great year!