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

A Matter of Taste

Accessories, food, and flowers are a few of my favorite things in this world. You can only imagine how excited I was when I opened an email from my aunt to see these incredible images by Fulvio Bonavia from his book, A Matter of Taste. How creative and clever! 

Enjoy perusing through these photographs. I am certain that they will be a feast for your eyes.

To see additional images, visit this website:

http://www.fulviobonavia.com/

A Spring Snood

Every Spring I feel the need to amp up the color factor in my wardrobe. This may be triggered by the abundance of vibrant flowers at every turn - who knows?... But want I do know, is that when I found the pictured "Nola Snood" by Pieces, I was thrilled. What a fashionable way to sport a piece of Spring!

So, you may be wondering, "what in the world is a 'snood'?!" Good question. I discovered that historically, the term was used to describe a close-fitting hood. But in modern times, the term refers to a tubular neck scarf.

The "Nola Snood" is seasonally-appropriate not only because of its' artistic tulip smudge print, but also due to its' lightweight nature. Since Spring is normally a temperate time - not too hot, not too cold - this type of layering is ideal.

This garden of delights accessory brightens up any outfit and serves as a reminder that April showers will bring a cascade of even more May flowers.



For more information about this Spring Snood, click here:
http://us.asos.com/Pieces-Nola-Snood/y0t4l/?iid=2007926&cid=4174&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Yellow&mporgp=L1BpZWNlcy9QaWVjZXMtTm9sYS1Tbm9vZC9Qcm9kLw.

An Easter Bonnet

In recognition of Easter, I thought it would only be appropriate to showcase the classic accessory associated with this holiday: a bonnet... or in layman's terms, a hat. An Easter bonnet heralds spring and honors the tradition of wearing new clothes on the day in which renewal, rebirth, and redemption are celebrated.

Fortunately, these days there are a multitude of hats to choose from at various price points. One of my recent finds is pictured above - the "Colorblock Trim Floppy Hat" an understated straw chapeau from Forever 21. This simple design is on-trend due to its' floppy, wide brim silhouette and colorblock element. The cheerful yellow trim color is my top pick, but additional accent colors are also available (hot pink and turquoise). 

Whether you are attending a church service, having brunch with loved ones, and/or hunting for the treasured golden egg, enjoy your Easter Sunday ~ bonnet and all!

Click here for details of F21's "Colorblock Trim Floppy Hat":
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_hat&ProductID=2000038941&VariantID=

Additional historical information about the Easter bonnet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_bonnet