The Pinnacle of Network Marketing - Paris in the Spring

About this time 2 years ago I found myself frustrated with the task of looking for the perfect job. Healthcare beat me down and wasn't worth the commute and cost of child care. And my first work from home job with Stitch Fix felt just as demanding as a "real" job, locked in to hours and quotas. I was working hard trying to figure out how to monetize my blog, reading endless articles about ways to improve my Etsy shop. Some days I wondered if going back to work was eminent.

That's when I bought the magic beans. Did ya'll grow up watching Mickey & the Beanstalk? I was obsessed.

It seems the perfect metaphor. Network marketing sounded so ridiculous to me at the time that rather than pursuing it directly, I went about representing Chloe + Isabel as a blog affiliate rather than just buying the Koolaid.

I like Kool-Aid, by the way. I grew up drinking the Kool-Aid, both literally and metaphorically. My mom sold Avon, and I thought those tiny tubes of lipstick were the greatest thing ever. And I still call anything that keeps food in the fridge Tupperware.

But then, with this company? Why am I so giddy about Chloe + Isabel? It could be that I finished my taxes and see that I made 5 figures last year from this crazy thing. Perhaps it's the check I just wrote to a friend, made possible by fundraising. Or it could be that I just got back from a trip to Paris my company paid for. I truly found the perfect "job" as a Chloe + Isabel merchandiser.

Want to see pictures of Paris? It was so magical! Monet's Gardens....

Proof I was there.

The waterlily pond

Endless flowers

Monet's home, Giverny

I did all kinds of other magical things in Paris, I spent a whole week there with my CandI sisters visiting museums, shopping, and eating everything you can imagine. And I woke up every morning, to this!

And, of course, I saw this.

And this.

Obviously this.

I bet you're wondering how you earn something like this. Is it plausible? Could YOU do it? Do you need magic beans? I've never been able to say with more confidence - you can do it!

Did I mention I have 4 kids? Did you catch the part about me running my own Etsy business? If I can do this, so can you!

You really must have 1 million questions, I know I did. I've written several posts on the subject. In short, I don't throw endless home parties or peddle my wares around town; I almost exclusively sell online. I don't pester friends & family. We have minimal quotas, no hidden fees. We enjoy 25-40% commission on sales, a 30% discount (50% when new items launch), get a ridiculous amount of free jewelry and clearly have the best travel incentives in the business.

Regarding our product, it's gorgeous jewelry with a lifetime guarantee. Our designs are exclusive, have unique convertible features and are ahead of the trend while somehow remaining timeless. Our finishes are lead free,  hypoallergenic, and made to last.

We treat our customers like royalty awarding 15% back in rewards and have the most competitive host rewards program around.

If you're thinking about joining at this point, send me a message? You are welcome to click to apply, easy peasy. But talk to me, I want to make sure you're getting the best incentives for joining! Timing is key. If you're reading this May 2018, you really don't have to write. The timing is THE best; if you reach $500 in sales come end of June, receive a full rebate on your kit!

It happens to be pretty rad right now. Come May, we started the earning period for our fall trip to Charleston, South Carolina. The kit is just $175 and includes all this goodness.

Don't hurt your eyes, I did the math. The jewelry in the kit is worth $725! Dude, I wish this was my kit. Silver, gold, rose gold goodness!

There's something though, not quantifiable, about the beauty of this thing. A culture, a community you won't find anywhere else.

If you need to know more, you're longing for adventure, hoping for success, let's talk! Find me on Facebook or click on this link: Magic Beans Let's make some magic today. I can't wait to meet you!

If you need to try before you buy, come shop with me! Discover our latest summer collection, Côte d'Azur. We're taking is to the south of France where the sand meets the sea and it is to die for!

Come hang with me, join a party and enter to win prizes for shopping in my VIP group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChloeandIsabelInsideScoopVIP/

Hope to "sea" you there!

Stitch Fix Review #7 July 2015

 This Stitch Fix came just in time for a very patriotic, 4th of July reveal!

I asked for some red, white & blue and I received a boxful. So much so that when my husband saw it sprawled out on the bed he asked if they'd sent me Nancy Reagan's wardrobe, hahahahaha.

Isn't this a lovely combination? I really love the care that goes into the Stitch Fix packaging.

I feel like I'm opening up a Christmas present every time.

I also love seeing the style cards with recommendations for how to wear every item.

It's nice to be able and request items for special occasions, too.

I requested red, white and blue for a patriotic concert.

I think I always try my favorite thing out of the box on first, so naturally I reached for this lovely Daniel Rainn Croft Button Down Blouse I'd pinned. I'd spotted this on the Stitch Fix blog and loved the floral print and cut of the top. It has a great texture, and is super soft. It's also fully lined, and added bonus.

Here's the pin:

I really love to wear white, but solid white tops wash me out. This print is the perfect answer to that dilemma. Trying florals is completely new to me, and this one is feminine and sweet, not bold and trendy, keeping it in my comfort zone. Is has quite a few of my favorite colors to wear in it, too.

Here's a close up of the material. See the chevron pattern in the fabric behind the print? It's subtle, adding a little dimension. This feels like an expensive shirt.  I was going to send it back because it's too small (some Daniel Rainn runs on the smaller side), but Stitch Fix for the win, they sent me a medium! I couldn't let this one go, I knew I'd regret it.

I also requested another pair of jeans. My personal stylist knows I'm a dark wash kind of gal, and I am totally wearing out my go to Loft modern straight jeans. These are the DL1961 Saira Straight Leg Jeans, $98.

Unfortunately, these were more skinny than they were straight. I know a lot of women these days are wearing skinny jeans but I don't think they flatter my pear shape. Here they are with my next item, the Daniel Rainn Hal Crew Neck Blouse in Cobalt, $68.

That photo just didn't capture the color well, both the jeans and the top have a lot more indigo to them. Here's a close up of the top.

Can you see the unusual neckline on the back of this top? I've never seen it before, and I've done a lot of shopping! This top is also textured. One thing I really appreciate about this top is that you can wear it without a camisole or any special undergarments.

As much as I love blue, I sometimes find it difficult to wear. I considered wearing this for a patriotic concert but couldn't decide on pants or a skirt to go with it. I decided to send it back and save my money for my next fix.

The next top I tried on was the 19 Cooper Camio Wrap Tie Blouse in red, $58.

I really love red, I think it looks good on almost everyone. I think my wintery completion does well in primary colors. Unfortunately, I don't have the figure to fill this top out.

On the right person, I think this blouse would be great with a pencil skirt or some high waisted denim. But there was just way too much material for me to pull it off. 

I LOVE this fabric and I'd love to see more from this brand.

However, I think for the summer I'm going to need to focus more on casual pieces.

The last item is the most patriotic of all.

It is the Pixley Alston Bow Strap Blouse in red, white and blue, $48.

Unfortunately, this tank didn't work for all the same reasons a very similar top didn't work in my last fix. It's sheer, which I have no problem with because I always wear a camisole. But finding undergarments is difficult for the narrow cut on the shoulders on this one. Also, the wide stripes aren't flattering on my shape.

Even though I am sending back most of the box, I am very happy to have another great Stitch Fix top to add to my wardrobe. Stitch Fix makes returning really easy, I just threw the items I wasn't keeping in the prepaid envelope and put it in my mailbox. 

The Croft top I kept was $68, but because a friend signed up for Stitch Fix I received a $25 credit so I spent $48 after taxes. I think this is a great price for a name brand piece I know is going to last.

If you think you'd like to try Stitch Fix I would love it if you used my referral. I receive a small commission which allows me to keep trying out new subscription box services. Here's the link:

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/melanierhoades?sod=w&som=c

Let me know if you try it, I hope you love it as much as I do!

Have a glorious 4th of July!