What's In My New Chloe + Isabel Essential Kit

Remember the other day when I was talking about my new found love for Chloe + Isabel jewelry? Well, shortly after writing about it I popped over to Candice's house and picked up the summer catalog featuring the Amalfi coast. She happened to have her jewelry on display from a recent Pop-Up Shop and I got to see her amazing jewelry collection. What was meant to be a 5 minute hello turned into me asking a ton of questions and trying it all on.

(Enter, spoiler picture)

When I got home I looked through the catalog several times and got to thinking about this unique opportunity. You see, recently I gave up my job as a stylist with Stitch Fix because the commitment became too much. While I do run a successful Etsy shop, there are times when money is tight. I wondered, could this be the perfect work-from-home job for me?

The more I looked into it the more I realized that the risk was worth the potential reward. For just $175 Chloe + Isabel sets you up with the Essential Kit, a starter kit full of gorgeous jewelry and supplies to get you up and running.

(If you came here to see what's in the kit, I've written a more recent blog post with updates for fall 2017 here)

I've also come to a point where I want work to be fun. So, I took the plunge! My kit just arrived on Friday and I can't wait to show you the goods.

Everything came packaged in this fun little tote complete with 15 catalogs, order forms, wishlists, a display board and a bracelet display.

Wowza, there are 17 pieces in the starter kit! I realize they have varying values, but that's just $10 a piece. That's impressive, and I'm not even counting the non-jewelry stuff.

I realize most of you are just here to shop, so I let's get on with it. The piece I was most excited to get in the mail was the Morningtide Convertible Collar Necklace.

 I wore it to church yesterday with my light pink Loft Vintage Tee, my striped blue and navy Staccato cardigan and my favorite Dear John jeans from Stitch Fix.

It's definitely a statement piece, but the delicate colors and antique brass finish are subtle and easy to pair with everyday outfits. I switched out the chain for the rope and was surprised at how lightweight and comfortable it was to wear.

Find the matching earrings here.

My daughter wore the Pearl + Crystal Drops Long Necklace (shown below with the Pearl + Crystal Floral Filigree Earrings) over a navy fit and flare dress from  Forever 21 and she got a ton of compliments. 

She also had her eye on this one, the Mirabelle Petite Collar Necklace.

This is from our vintage inspired collection, a timeless piece I can see a modern bride choosing for her bridal jewelry or bridal party. The drop earrings can be found here.

The pieces all coordinate so well. Here's a look at gold toned jewelry from the collection together. The sneak peek at the top of this post gives a better close up with detail on the Tresors Toggle Bracelet. There are a ton of cute charms you can add to it, but I love the C+I charms that came with it. It coordinates well with the Retro Glam Square-Cut Crystal Bracelet just below it here. That one comes in a few other colors.

From the Sculpted Essentials collection they included the Interlocking Double Teardrop Necklace, Organic Link Toggle Bracelet, and La Lune Sculpted Click-Top Hoop Earrings.

Sometimes the best things come in small packages, like these gorgeous glam studs, the Beau Monde Stud Earrings.

 

It's difficult to capture the beauty of the stones in the Minaret Three-Row Convertible Necklace but in just the short time I've been working for Chloe + Isabel it's probably the most talked about piece. It comes in a few different combinations, something for everyone.

The convertible factor is absolutely my favorite feature on several of my new favorite pieces. You can wear the Minaret Necklace altogether, or separate each pendant.

I almost forgot to take a picture of the Bead + Chain Multi-Wrap Bracelet because it was the first thing I put on! This is the navy version, but I desperately want the Limencello version and the Rosegold.

All of the C+I bracelets I've come across so far have adjustable sizing, something I genuinely appreciate as a person with very small wrists.

Last, a special piece exclusive to Chloe + Isabel Merchandisers, the branch chain necklace. I'm wearing it right now! Here's a little sneak peek at my display post, coming up soon.

I love that the kit comes with a good mix of both silver and gold jewelry, everyday essentials and statement pieces to fit a variety of budgets.

So for $175, I received $700 worth of jewelry!

I think it should also be said that chloe + isabel, unlike many other direct sales companies, has absolutely no sales quotas. I honestly couldn't believe that so I think I asked half a dozen people to confirm it. Turns out it's true.

If you're thinking about becoming a Chloe + Isabel merchandiser, send me a message on Facebook so we can chat about how to get the most out of joining.

Not to sound hokey or typical, but I love being a part of something I believe in. All of our jewelry is backed by a lifetime guarantee and is nickel and lead free.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my Essential Kit and supporting my latest venutre. If you'd like updates on sales and promotions or just want to see more pictures of pretty Chloe + Isabel jewelry, follow my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/chloeandisabel.melanierhoades/

Finding this post circa Fall 2017? Follow this link to the next. 

Happy Shopping!

Stitch Fix Does Casual Chic for the Work from Home Mom

Oh that I had written this post yesterday when I was bursting with creativity! If only I could find the perfect formula to achieve that everyday. Perhaps I was inspired by my rockin' 15th Stitch Fix box? I spent the day filling Etsy orders, networking with fellow shop owners, and brainstorming ideas for my Etsy shop. I've almost finished a blog post about all the changes I've seen in Etsy recently.

With all the time I'm spending building my small business, and raising a family, I just don't have time to shop. I actually tried going a few times this last week, and was just too pressed for time and couldn't find what I was looking for. I've really come to rely on my Stitch Fix shipments to fill the gaps in my wardrobe.

This time around, I was looking for casual chic layers for this colder than usual SoCal winter. Seriously, you'd laugh at me if you saw how warm it was yesterday when I picked up #2 from school. Regardless, I'm always cold. Here's what showed up in my first Fix of 2016!

Doesn't it look cozy? 

First up, the Mystree Almada Faux Shearling Vest in tan and white, $78

I thought maybe this time around I'd share the fabric content of the pieces. I was surprised to find this was a polyester spandex blend! It is super soft and delicious, in case you were wondering. My love for this piece affirms my definite love for boho styles.

I tried it on with nearly everything in sight. First, with a sweater I happened to be wearing that I'd just picked up from Marshall's (my only shopping find in nearly 6 hours of shopping).

Sorry for the weird lighting, I was using my mom as a tripod :)

I love the brown on black and white stripe combination, don't you? Mixed neutrals are really big this season. It's funny, when I bought this sweater I kept thinking it needed something. I tried it on with every scarf I owned the day before my Fix came, and nothing was really working. I can't wait to wear this to church next Sunday!

Here's a close up with better lighting.

Here's a picture of the back.

My mom wasn't a fan of the back, but I don't care. I wear clothes for me, and from the front I love this piece.

I thought the vest looked great with solids, too. Here it is over the next item from my Fix, the Papermoon Alecka Lace Sleeve Knit Top, $54

This one is a polyester spandex blend as well. I have a love hate relationship with this type of material. It's super soft, stretchy and comfortable. Unfortunately, it emphasizes every lump and bump.

Photo credit: #1. Thanks for making me look better than I really do kid.

I desperately wanted it to work because it looks so cute with my Kut from the Kloth Maribel Straight Leg Jeans. I don't know why, but I often have trouble finding something to wear with them. I received them in my 13th Fix, so I really haven't had long to experiment. Regardless, I wasn't about to send them back. They are SO comfortable and smooth as butter.

Back to the shirt, I love the romantic meets boho detail. It was the perfect length to cover my rear, too. Bye bye, beautiful top, I will miss you.

This is another one I was hoping would work with my Maribels, the Loveappella Cholame Split Back Knit Top in burgundy, $54.

This one is made from a rayon, polyester, spandex blend. It's a heavier weight, but very breathable. Isn't the split back detail fun?

   

Well, sadly I would've needed a size up in this one. It was tight and a tad bit short in the front. I wasn't sure enough it was going to work for me in a medium to request an exchange, so I sent it back. I really loved it though. Great color and style, and machine washable!

The next piece coordinated well with the Loveappella Cholame Top. This is the Skies are Blue Lowry Open Cardigan in black and white, $58. 

     

I also have to give photo credit to #1 for these, too. Because, the sarcastic faces. But also because you caught good hair shots. 

I loved a lot of things about this cardigan. It's 100% cotton, has a gorgeous open weave, and I love the length and fit. I just realized it was too similar to the cardigan from my very first Fix.

Here's a close up of the detail. Ughh..I can't believe I had to send this one back. But I just did a closet purge and am really trying to restrain from buying every single thing I like to make room for future loves. I know it's going to make someone very happy. Maybe you?

The last piece was the Papermoon Fausta Elbow Patch Raglan Knit Top in navy, $54.

The material, a polyester, spandex, rayon blend, reminded me of the space dye slub knit on the Market & Spruce Sawyer dolman my mom received and the Corinna dolman I had in my box last April.

Unfortunately, that material is just too scratchy for my dish pan hands and it wasn't quite long enough even in my size up. Boo, I actually really liked the elbow patch detail.

So, I ended up just keeping the vest, which I am happy about! Not only did I find a new favorite, I now have an excuse to order another box.

If you'd like to give Stitch Fix a try, I'd love it if you used my referral link!

It's super easy to sign up, and there are no long term commitments! You simply fill out a short questionnaire, select the date you'd like to receive a box, and pay a $20 styling fee. If you decide to keep any of the items, the $20 fee is applied to the price. Send back what you don't like in a prepaid envelope from your very own mailbox.

You can read about my previous experiences here:

Subscription Box Reviews

In case you missed my last post, there are additional pictures of these items from the Stitch Fix iPhone App. Just click here:  How to Get Your Best Fix: Tips & Tricks

You can also pin the pictures from this post here:

Modern Typography on Pinterest

I'd love to hear what you thought about this Fix. Leave a comment below!

Happy Tuesday!