"Be Creative. Be Confident. Be You."

Last week while I was in New York City, I stopped by the Chloe + Isabel headquarters in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood. My visit included a meet and greet with the talented head office team who offered a glimpse into the design process. A highlight was my one-on-one chat with our fearless C + I leader, Chantel Waterbury (pictured above, on the right).

Chantel and I share an alumni connection through SCU (we are both grads of the Retail Management Institute) and of course, we're both jewelry fanatics. She is an inspiring, down-to-earth, hands-on expert in the jewelry biz. Her passion for the product and the people is contagious. As a seasoned retail pro, she champions her merchandisers as entrepreneurs. The Chloe + Isabel mission statement, "Be Creative. Be Confident. Be You." aligns with her clear vision that dynamic, confident women can grow their personal businesses, bolstered by multiple company resources. It's a "win-win" proposition for all involved, success breeds success as the C + I buzz is growing across the country!

The company is not just about gems and jewels - its focus is also on personal development. Leaving the office, I was energized and proud to be a part of the Chloe + Isabel community. With Chantel at the helm, we have a role model who is steering us in the best direction!

Learn more about Chantel: 

http://www.chloeandisabel.com/about-us/founder/

Visit my personal C + I boutique:

eileencorrigan.chloeandisabel.com

Track all things stylish by "like-ing" my Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/eileenforchloeandisabel

Old Glory + Union Jack

 

What is the best way to show support for our American Olympians as well as the 2012 host country, Great Britain? By sporting these whimsical Repetto Ballerina Flats, of course! Although the left and right shoe differ in flag patterns, their shared color palette makes a cohesive statement. They will definitely cost you a pretty penny, but doesn't the design concept at least make you smile?

Over the next five days, kick up your heels in patriotic style while watching the Games and those cute young royals in the crowd on the telly.


Learn more about the featured Repetto Ballerina Flats here:
http://www.openingceremony.us/products.asp?menuid=2&designerid=393&productid=65014&key=repetto

Visit InStyle's Gallery for additional Olympic fashion items:
http://news.instyle.com/photo-gallery/?postgallery=121725

Birds of a Feather

My Chloe + Isabel jewelry gig is fun! Not only am I crazy about the product, but sharing it with dynamic women at my trunk shows uplifts me.

One recent C + I highlight is the arrival of the "Birds of a Feather" collection. I have been curious to see this latest C + I installment so I could choose some treasures. Once the styles were unveiled on the website this past week, I was impressed to discover that the feather-theme design has been dramatically expressed across the multiple product categories.

A personal "must have" piece from this summer refresher delivery is pictured above: the Sculpted Feather Hinged Cuff. This bracelet makes a bold statement from afar, while up close the intricate textured details come to life. The gold plated finish also allows for easy mix and match with additional accessories. 

Continue to spruce up your look with novel accessories, my fellow fashionistas... As they say, "birds of a feather flock together"!

Explore C + I "Birds of a Feather" Collection:

http://eileencorrigan.chloeandisabel.com/shop-our-jewelry/birds-of-a-feather

Look At Those Laces!

I come from a sporty family. My parents, siblings, and I are constantly on the move ~ running, hiking, biking, swimming, golfing ~ you name it. Needless to say, athletic shoes are a staple for us.

Recently, when I was with one of my brothers, I was momentarily distracted. My gaze fell to his white running shoes with their bright blue laces. For someone who is a conservative dresser, this unexpected, bold color statement made me smile... He was stepping out with a touch of pizzazz that perked up his basic accessory.

After seeing this, I researched options for myself. One of the pairs I uncovered are pictured above ~ the Nike Air Safari iD Shoes. Not only was I excited to find a feminine athletic shoe with contrasting laces, but these kicks are customizable. Made to order?! Sign me up.

As you head out the door to your next workout, ladies AND gents, be sure to loosen up - and tighten your vibrant laces!



Information about Nike Air Safari iD Shoes:
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/product/air-safari-id-shoe/?piid=26679#?pbid=9267990

Daily Candy Article ~ Colorful Summer Accessories (including the featured shoes):
http://www.dailycandy.com/everywhere/flipbook/131008/Summer-Accessories#slide=1

Intro to chloe + isabel

I have exciting news to share! As you know from reading this blog, I am an accessory fanatic. I have taken this interest one step further by becoming a Merchandiser for an up and coming jewelry company called, chloe + isabel.

Who are Chloe & Isabel? Good question. They drive the unique product assortment, which is based on The Friendship Philosophy: Chloe & Isabel are best buds, but they have very different fashion tastes.

Meet Chloe...

Chloe is the pal who is always in search for the season's hottest jewelry trends.

Meet Isabel...

Isabel is the confidant who appreciates high-quality and classic pieces.

I think The Friendship Philosophy is brilliant. It allows women of all ages, with varied styles, to find fashionable, high quality, affordable jewelry at the same place...

...That "same place" is my personal boutique: http://eileencorrigan.chloeandisabel.com/
You can also host a trunk show, where you can receive FREE c + i jewelry if you are the hostess. Please contact me for more details!

This new venture energizes me because it supports what I have stated all along... Accessories can be used as a creative outlet to express individual style in an inexpensive way.

I will leave you with a couple of more examples of what c + i has to offer ~ enjoy!

Yves Saint Laurent - The Retrospective

Earlier this month, I attended an inspiring show at the Denver Art Museum entitled, Yves Saint Laurent - The Retrospective. Viewing 200 haute couture (high fashion) pieces from the well-known designer's prolific 40 year career was a feast for my eyes. The featured photo says it all... Now THAT is a bow! This over-the-top "Paris Rose" back bow satin top with black velvet sheath skirt, exemplifies the dramatic, feminine, and artistic elements YSL incorporated into his fashion creations.

While at the exhibit, I learned that YSL believed that a woman's individual style should be celebrated, which is reflected in his diverse collections. Christoph Heinrich, from the Denver Art Museum, states, "Any woman who has worn a pants suit, a pea coat, or a safari jacket has a connection to Yves Saint Laurent. His vision changed the woman's wardrobe forever."

If you find yourself in the Mile High City anytime before the show ends on July 8th, I highly encourage you to check out YSL's works of art. But, if you can't attend this event, express your individuality by wearing a unique piece of clothing or accessory. YSL would applaud your efforts.



Here is additional information about this show at the Denver Art Museum:
http://ysldenver.com/

The Evolution of the Espadrille

Memorial Day weekend is here ~ the unofficial start to summer. It's time to kick up your heels and land yourself in a pair of espadrilles! I believe that, next to flip flops, this jute rope sole footwear epitomizes THE summer shoe. Fortunately, for all of us shoe fanatics, designers are offering multiple variations of the traditional espadrille this year. 

My latest find in this genre is shown above: Ivanka Trump's "Tally" Sandal. (Yes, the Donald's daughter now has her own shoe collection.) I am a sucker for a cute wedge (gives you the height of a heel, but is more comfortable) -- so when I came across this shoe, wedge + espadrille + accent colors, I was sold. Imagine this: neutral color dress paired with these on your tootsies. You'd be one stylish sistah in that ensemble. 

Consider adding an espadrille to your look as you head to pool parties, beach outings, and BBQs in the months ahead. There is no better or simpler way to be summer chic.

Visit this website to learn more about Ivanka Trump's "Tally" Sandal:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ivanka-trump-tally-sandal/3255914?origin=category&fashionColor=Red+Multi&resultback=0