STYLE PROFILE-Chantel Waterbury- CEO of Chloe + Isabel

Today's style profile features Chantel Waterbury of Chloe + Isabel. I was recently introduced to this beautiful line of jewelry and love it! The pieces are colorful, affordable, and so fun. 

Chloe + Isabel is a fashion jewelry brand and entrepreneurial opportunity providing customers with unique, beautiful jewelry that is well-priced and high quality. When Chantel Waterbury founded Chloe + Isabel her goal was not only to design beautiful jewelry but to build a business that would empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through technological innovation and social integration the New York-based company has done just that by reinventing the direct-sales model. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

As a start-up, I have to be flexible as no day is like the last. My mornings usually begin pretty early where I like to start the day as a family with my son and husband at breakfast. I get online from home to check emails and make calls before heading into the office which tends to be steady stream of meetings from design to tech ideation to planning. The day is usually long but I love what I do so I never think of it as work. Once the office quiets down and my list is all checked-off, I head home for bedtime story time with my son followed by quiet night with my husband who also happens to be a stellar chef. It’s busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

How would you describe your personal style?

What has always inspired me about fashion is the breadth of all the style personalities out there. How we dress and accessorize is always telling a story about who we are. The concept behind our brand, and close to my own style personality is that Chloe + Isabel are best friends but opposite. ‘Chloe’ is trendy while ‘Isabel’ is a bit more timeless. That concept is a perfect reflection of my style personality, romantic and classic and also a little boho-chic.

What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

I have been collecting hats for as long as I can remember. It is one of my go-to accessories in any season. I always have a pair of Chanel flats in my closet - great for walking the streets of Manhattan as well as for travel. And of course - vintage jewelry! I have a real passion for vintage pieces and am always searching antique fairs and shops to add pieces to my collection. I've loved jewelry since I was little girl playing with my grandmothers jewelry box which was filled with beautiful old costume pieces from France.

Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

I swear by Sk-II moisturizer. It is the perfect balance, light enough for humid hot weather and strong enough for dry winters. It keeps my skin glowing and looking refreshed and is my daily staple in my beauty regimen. You have to try it!

How do you spend your "me" time?

“Me” time is usually family time for me. I give 100% of myself to Chloe + Isabel during the week, so my family time is very important to me. Weekends and my days off are spent building memories and meaningful experiences with my son going to the park, visiting museums, having playdates; and evenings are for my husband and me to spend time together talking, laughing and of course catching-up with friends!

What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

Building and scaling a business ultimately comes down to the people. Understanding the importance of company culture when building out your team will help you hire the right people but also quickly identify who isn't a fit. It is a truly a team effort so you want to surround yourself with the right people for your business.

What is your mantra?

Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life!

Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day.   

Collection To Covet-Loren Hope Jewelry

Today I want to share with you a beautiful jewelry line I recently discovered. Created by designer Loren Barham, the Loren Hope collection offers an evolving line of upscale, contemporary, handcrafted jewelry. The pieces are beautiful and so colorful. Check out the entire collection here. 

On another note,  I have not been quite as attentive to the STYLE'N blog lately but for a good reason. I have been consumed with exciting styling projects and also networking and meeting so many amazing women and entrepreneurs in the DC area. And to be honest I could use some fresh new ideas for the blog. So I would love feedback from you about ideas and topics you would like to see on the blog.  Do you like the STYLE'Notes series I have been doing? Would you like to see more of my clients featured {before/after looks} and more style tips? Please share your ideas in the comments section below. Thank You! xx

Tiffany & Co. Atlas Launch Party

 

Ann Taylor faux leather panel dress and shoes  {similar here}| Angel & Roi mini black crossbody bag {c/o} | gold necklace {vintage and gift from my mom}

Last week I attended a party at Tiffany and Co. for the launch of the new Atlas collection. {see entire collection here} It was a fun evening hanging out with friends and meeting some wonderful new people. The event was hosted by Refinery 29 and Aimee Song of Song of Style. The entire Atlas collection is gorgeous and I especially love the layering of the rings and bracelets.  

I wore this black faux leather dress I got on sale from Ann Taylor and decided to pair up a pair of booties and one of my favorite vintage necklaces from my mom.  I love wearing Indian jewelry but usually I reserve those pieces for events where I wear traditional Indian attire.  But lately I have been mixing things up a bit and dressing up and styling more of my daily outfits with Indian jewelry. This is a fun and unique way to accessorize and to get more use out of these pieces. 

STYLE TIP:

The key to wearing Indian jewelry with western outfits is to not go overboard with the jewelry. If you're going to wear a colorful Indian statement necklace then forgo the matching earrings. Keep the look simple and stick with one eye catching piece.   

Photos above by Bonnie Sen

Collection To Covet - La Kaiser

Designed in Zurich. Handcrafted in the USA. Helping Africa. 

A few weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Cindy Kaiser, designer and founder of La Kaiser jewelry. This gorgeous jewelry line is made up of sophisticated and unique jewelry pieces handcrafted in the USA and helping Africa. 

Cindy grew up in Zimbabwe and saw first hand the poverty and social upheavals it can cause and this is why she is so committed to helping people in Africa find stability and economic prosperity. Cindy donates a percentage of the proceeds to a scholarship foundation in Zimbabwe, helping underprivileged children receive an education, that they otherwise would not have the opportunity.  Cindy combines her love of jewelry/fashion with business and giving back to Africa. 

Be sure to check out the new Zambesque collection and my favorite piece {and latest purchase} from the collection. 

Style Tip: Use A Frame To Display Necklaces

Photo by Bonnie Sen

I love how my client Bonnie organized and displayed her necklaces onto a stylish frame.  She was "saving" or storing away her jewelry and only wearing them on special occasions. But now her necklaces are out in the open and she can easily see them and incorporate them into her everyday style.  

How do you organize and display your necklaces?