Pantone Color of 2013: Emerald

Pantone, the global color leader, designates a specific hue for every year. They make their decision based on color influences found in entertainment, art, current events, technology and more. Recently, Pantone announced that Emerald is their color of 2013.

As you can see in the above image, Emerald has a multitude of meanings. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, explains: "Green is the most abundant hue in nature - the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum. As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world."

Throughout this year, I will feature various Emerald fashion accessories to brighten up your wardrobe. For starters, I found a couple of Chloe + Isabel earrings, accented with a wee bit o' green, which add color and sparkle to your look. Enjoy!

Sweeping Feathers Chandelier Earrings ~ $58

Chandelier Stone Earrings ~ $38

Learn about Pantone & their 2013 color choice:
http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21055

View these featured Emerald jewelry designs & more:
http://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/eileencorrigan

Sock it to Me!

I am a sucker for new running gear ~ especially products that enhance my performance while making a fresh statement. One of my favorite places to uncover such finds is at the Big Sur Half Marathon Expo. Various vendors are present, eager to sell their latest and greatest wares to race ready participants. While meandering through the aisles at this event last month, I stumbled upon the Running Skirts' booth. Their colorful and whimsical designs were a feast for my eyes ~ from women's running tops to running skirts to... compression socks?! 

Yes, compression socks. These knee high wonders are now a popular accessory among runners. Why? Their snug fit increases circulation in a wearer's calves, helping legs recover faster from a run. Running Skirts has put their own playful, feminine twist on this functional item, which is evident in the above image. The bright pink sock accented with the bold heart graphic is perfect for the girly girl who is ready to hit the pavement! 

Needless to say, I was compelled to purchase a pair of these for my tootsies. I voted for the black and white stripe design with a pink heart that I wore during the 13.1 mile trek. You can catch a glimpse of them in the photo below...

Running Skirts notes on their website, "increased circulation = happy legs!" As you can see, I was a happy camper when this photo was taken. Happy to have completed the half marathon, to have shared the experience with my family and to have sported my newfound, lighthearted accessory.



Running Skirts ~ Women's Compression Socks:
http://store.runningskirts.com/accessories/compression-socks

Mixed Metal Madness

Are you a golden girl or a silver stylista? If you looked in my jewelry box during my school years, you would have gazed at a sea of silver. Over time, I slowly began introducing a few gold accents into my collection. But, being the Virgo that I am, I was adamant about maintaining order by separating the metals when accessorizing. And then the mixed metals trend happened... Hallelujah! My accessory options were limitless.

Over the past few months, I have been on a hunt for key mixed metal baubles. My first find is featured in the above photo, the DKNY 'Street Smart' Notched Bezel Chronograph. This watch is a life changer. The winning combination of the gun metal with gold accents is a show stopper on its' own, but it also complements just about all of my existing treasures.

I am also excited that Chloe + Isabel currently offers multiple mixed metal options. A few examples are displayed below, including the Set of Six Stackable Rings, Two-Tone Fringe Earrings and Two-Tone Metal Round Stretch Bracelet.

Happy Mixing!

DKNY Watch:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/dkny-street-smart-notched-bezel-chronograph-watch/3304247?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=5341&pprd=0

C + I Stackable Rings:

http://eileencorrigan.chloeandisabel.com/products/R028CL/set-of-6-stackable-rings

C + I Two-Tone Fringe Earrings:

http://eileencorrigan.chloeandisabel.com/products/E041/two-tone-fringe-earring

C + I Two-Tone Bracelet:

http://eileencorrigan.chloeandisabel.com/products/B091T/two-tone-metal-round-stretch-bracelet

Polka Dot Explosion

As you know from a previous blog entry, polka dots are one of my favorite patterns. The dot trend is rolling right into the Fall fashions, too. While in New York City last month, I was reminded of its presence and popularity. As I turned the corner on 5th Avenue, a polka dot explosion caught my eye. The facade of the building where the Louis Vuitton store is located was blanketed with this circular design. I broke out in a BIG smile! Then, I mused... how will retailers represent this timeless subject matter in an updated way this season?

Check out the latest find! The Fold-Over Canvas Tote by Old Navy (shown below) with a watercolor-style dot print represents a unique approach to a classic motif. This, along with the multiple convertible options thanks to the removable shoulder strap and fold-over feature, is both a fashionable and functional addition to your wardrobe!

Information about Old Navy's Fold-Over Canvas Tote (available in 3 color ways):

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7374&vid=1&pid=330073&scid=330073002

"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