My Namesake

Every time I pass the above photo in my hallway, it makes me smile. This Kodak moment captures my aunt, Eileen Donovan, with her studly date at her 1968 Senior Ball. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet my beloved namesake, but her spirit and spunk are definitely running through my veins. One way I know this to be true? The fact that she is wearing bright yellow heels with her daisy embroidered dress. This pop of color represented on her tootsies is cheerful and whimsical ~ two attributes that I aim to express through my personal style, interactions and more!

Needless to say, I am honored to share the same name as this wise woman and I am inspired to carry on her fun-loving ways every day. 

Food for thought: who inspires you?

Staying Hydrated

I thought I would mix it up & write a blog entry featuring a different kind of an accessory. As an active gal, one of my goals for 2013 has been to drink more water. Due to this, I have had a water bottle by my side on a daily basis. But, I have to admit... Only 25 days in and I am getting a bit bored with this beverage! 

Fortunately, a fellow Beachbody fitness team member recently introduced me to the ingenious water bottle, the CitrusZinger, represented in the above image (thank you, Langley!). Place half of a lemon, lime or clementine at the bottom of the water bottle. The juice from the fruit is then infused in your water for a refreshing citrus experience! Isn't that brilliant?! The product design is even on trend with the neon color accents. Convenient, healthy and trend-right. All good things.

Drink up and enjoy!

Learn more about the CitrusZinger here:

http://zinganything.com/product/citruszinger

Additional Zinger Products include AquaZinger, VodkaZinger (!) & SaladZinger: 

http://zinganything.com/shop

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

As we are now in the heart of the winter season, cold weather accessories are a necessity. These Kate Spade "Big Apple Pop Top Gloves" caught my eye thanks to the trend-right stripe pattern, whimsical pop of color, and functional fingerless glove detail with a mitten overlay. And get this... they are now on sale!

Stay toasty, my friends.

Product Information for the featured Kate Spade gloves:

http://www.katespade.com/big-apple-pop-top-gloves/PSRU0888,default,pd.html

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