Sparkle With This Chloe + Isabel Giveaway!

One of my dearest friends, Sarah and I have both been feeling the urge to start our own side projects.  I decided to finally start my blog and my friend, Sarah, has become a merchandiser with Chloe + Isabel.  To celebrate Sarah's new venture, she has partnered with, "See Her Sparkle," for our first ever giveaway, but first, a little back story on, Chloe + Isabel...

The Chloe + Isabel Story...

The company was started by Chantel Waterbury.  After her college graduation, Chantel started a 15 year career in jewelry design at large retailers that included, Target, Gap, and Tiffany.  Despite landing her dream job in 2010, Chantel wanted to do something more and that's when the idea of Chloe + Isabel was conceived.  She wanted to create a unique business model where young women could strive regardless of their skill-set.

How Does Chloe + Isabel Work?

 Chloe + Isabel operates on a network of merchandisers.  The Chloe + Isabel merchandiser is able to customize their jewelry business both online and in-person.  Individuals can shop a merchandiser's custom shop via their website or through jewelry parties.  Here are a few of the merchandiser perks:

  To learn more about the process and perks of becoming a Chloe + Isabel merchandiser visit here.

Let's Accessorize!

I love jewelry, especially statement necklaces.  I can't get enough!  Chloe + Isabel has a great selection of statement necklaces, but they offer other beautiful pieces as well.  Here are a few of my favorite items from Sarah's online boutique...

Bellflower + Pearl Collar Necklace $88

 

Terrace Blooms Drop Earrings $48

  

Deco Bow Leather Double Wrist Wrap $58

*If you are interested in hosting a pop-up shop online or through a house party, please contact Sarah at sarahchloe.isabel@gmail.com.

Now For the Giveaway!  YAY!

Sarah has been kind enough to share this beautiful limited edition bracelet from Chloe + Isabel!  This is a bright, colorful piece that can be dressed up for a night out or a dressed down for a day at the office. This is a limited edition piece that won't be available for long.  This bracelet retails for $58, but can be yours for FREE by entering our giveaway below!  The giveaway will close on Wednesday, April 16th.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Put a Bow on It! A Bow Clutch DIY

What's more feminine than a bow?  I love bows on anything-shoes, handbags, hair accessories, you name it.  I also believe you can never be too old to wear anything with a bow on it.  I plan to be a fashionable, bow-wearing lady even when my hair has gone gray.  Today, I'm going to share a quick, weekend DIY with you for a super cute bow clutch!

 What you'll need...

 

*1/2 yard of exterior fabric

*1/2 yard of lining fabric

*1/2 yard of fusible interfacing

*14 inch zipper

*Thread

*Dressmaker pins

*Scissors

*Iron 

*Sewing machine

The First Steps...

1. Measure and cut two pieces of exterior fabric and two pieces of lining fabric into 14"x11" pieces.

2.  Cut a larger, 22"x17" piece of fabric.  This will be for your bow.

3. Cut a 5"x5" square.  This will be the knot of your bow.

4. Measure and cut two pieces of fusible interfacing to 14"x11".  Adhere the interfacing to your two exterior fabric pieces.

5. Take your 22"x17" piece and fold in half width-wise with right sides together.  Press.  Stitch the long edge with a 1/2" seam allowance.  Press open seam and turn right-side out.  Center your seam.

6. Take your 5"x5" piece and fold in half with right sides together.  Stitch the long edge with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press open seam and turn right-side out.  Center your seam and with right side together, stitch another 1/4" seam on short side.  Turn right-side out.

Putting a bow on it...

7. Fold your sewn 22"x17" piece, accordion-style and slip through the knot piece, forming a bow as shown in the first photo.

8. Take your bow and pin it to one of your 14"x11" exterior pieces.  If your bow is too large, you can trim the ends to match your 14"x11" piece.  Stitch the raw edges of the bow to front of clutch using a 1/4" seam allowance.

9. Place the zipper face down along the top of your exterior piece.  Place a piece of your lining fabric, right side down on top of your exterior piece and zipper.

10.  Using a zipper foot, stitch the zipper to the lining and exterior piece using a 1/4" seam allowance.  

11.  Your lining, zipper, and exterior fabric should look like the last photo when you are finished stitching.

12. Repeat steps nine and ten for your remaining lining and exterior pieces.

The Finishing Touches...

 

 

13. Once the zipper has been attached to the top of your clutch, create a large rectangle by matching the right sides of your exterior fabric and right sides of your lining.  *Ensure that your zipper is unzipped before sewing or you will not be able to turn your clutch right-side out.*

14. Leave a six inch opening at the bottom of your lining.  Stitch a 1/2" seam allowance around your clutch, leaving the six inch opening.  Trim your seam allowances and clip corners.

15. Turn right-side out through the six inch opening in lining.  Slip stitch opening.

You're done!  I've made two clutches and I've been experimenting with different sizes.  I plan on using the blue clutch as an iPad case and the smaller one as a makeup bag.  Try experimenting with different fabrics and prints, too!

Get to the Pointe...Shoes for the Ballerina on a Budget

Who doesn't love a pair of fancy shoes?  I know I do and while I adore a beautiful pair of Louboutins, I also love finding an amazing deal on unique footwear.  Last week, a friend of mine showed me an adorable pair of flats she had purchased from DSW.com.  Obviously, I had to browse myself and that's when I found a pair of flats that needed to be mine.  I had been lusting after the nearly $500 version of these shoes for months and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a nearly identical pair for only $60!  So what are these designer dupes you ask?  They are the Audrey Brooke version of Chloe's Ballet Flats!  Shoe perfection for the ballerina on a budget!

These are the original $485 version from Chloe.  They can be purchased here.  These are made from leather and are available in black, gray, and pink.

 

BUT, if you want a deal, here's the $60 Audrey Brooke version from DSW!  Like the Chloe originals, these are made from leather and have soft, suede, padded in-soles.  In addition to black, gray, and blush options, DSW also offers a silver version.  

I will admit, I was nervous to see these shoes in person, but I am very pleased.  They're almost like wearing a pair of real ballet shoes, but are a step above your standard pair of flats. DSW sent me a coupon in the mail yesterday, so there's a chance I'll be adding the silver pair to my shoe collection soon!