Winter Vibes

Don’t let the Artic air get ya

The Winter air is blowing in - well, not technically here in Seattle - but some parts of the US is waaay too cold for me. But if you are enjoying the snow and the sweaters and boots, then I have just the thing for you!

A few years ago, Chloe + Isabel featured the Northern Lights collection and several pieces from that collection have stood the test of time. Unlike those sweaters and boots, jewelry is seasonless! This pendant necklace is going to look just as beautiful with your summer dress or your tank top and shorts.

There’s only 2 days left until the end of the January. And then only 14 days until Valentine’s Day! Pick yourself up something pretty to wear out to dinner with your LOVE, or just because you need to spoil yourself a little. Either way - you can’t go wrong with a little sparkle.

Facebook Live on Thursday

Cross Your Fingers

Facebook Live Unboxing

Join me on Thursday for a Sseko Facebook Spring/Summer Unboxing

If the stars are aligned I will receive my Sseko Spring/Summer 2019 shipment by Thursday! It’s all up to the shipping company at this point and with all of the new weather happening in the midwest, there’s a big chance that it could be delayed. BUT even if I don’t get the shipment in my hot little hands by the party time on Thursday, there’s still plenty of graphics to share with all my guests! And of course, I’ll have lots of time to answer all your questions about fit, quality, impact and help you place your orders.

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and Sseko shipping generally takes less than 4 days for customers.

I’d love to see you online on Thursday!!

Party Starts at 6pm on Thursday, January 31st!

Contact me if you’re not already invited to my Facebook Event!

Who's ready for a little 2019 trends?

Five Fashion Trends for 2019

Mom always said “Everything comes around again”

2018 and 2019 are taking us back to my high school days. I’m not entirely sure anything that came out of the late 80’s early 90’s were worth repeating - but designers have taken the best and made them not so embarrassing. Let’s take a look how you can join the movement without looking like Boy George or Cyndi Lauper.

The Fanny Pack

My husband is so excited

Funny story about the FANNY PACK is Dave’s friend Chris vowed never to be seen with Dave with a fanny pack. He LOVES them! We still have a few tucked away in a closet for vacations or big community events. I was completely onboard with Chris - fanny packs were a thing of the past and should be left there - until I saw the one sold by Sseko Designs last year! I fell in love and hunted a tan one down after they sold out. I then gifted a black one to each of my sister-in-laws for their birthdays in December because they’re always on the move with little kids.

Not only is Sseko completely on the mark, but fashion designers like Gucci, Rebecca Minkoff, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, JJill are all creating some trendy and updated styles. Sseko is once again bringing back the fanny pack - and if you’re still not sure - ours is convertible. The skinny leather belt can be removed to be worn separately and the bag used as a clutch or wallet in a pinch.

Whatever your style or need - there’s no better time to be “hands free”!

The perfect flat

Sensible & yummy

While not quite the jellies of the 80’s, but still this is a fashion trend that everyone can do and do without any pain. I’ve been wearing stacked heels and wedges for so many years - I have to watch myself in flats - I tend to trip! But I recently purchased a pair of beautiful navy blue, patent leather, pointed toe flats. Reminiscent of Ducky Dale’s loafers from Pretty in Pink.

If your job doesn’t require dressy attire in the summer - I would suggest you take a look at Sseko’s beautiful leather summer sandals. Full leather uppers and ribbon sandals can be dressed up or down and are convertible, comfortable and beautiful.

Oversized bags

The carryall that goes from office to beach and back

I don’t remember this being a specific trend, just that an oversized bag made me look skinny. When the kids were little, I always carried an oversized bag and it was generally filled with my wallet, diapers, toys, snacks, a random kid sock, cell phone rolling around the bottom with my keys and my calendar. Let me tell you that I never carried a diaper bag - I have my standards. LOL

I have a beautiful red & white striped Kate Spade bag and a gorgeous navy blue canvas Dooney bag in my closet. The Dooney is my favorite travel bag and Kate comes with me on our boat or the beach. For everyday, I stick to my Sseko leather pieces. Later this month, I’m receiving the latest Spring collection including a marvelous magenta Shopper Tote, the Shopper Crossbody, the goregous Eden backpack, the Bucket Bag in the new slate blue, Market Tote in Plume … oh and the Day Tote in the black & ivory stripe woven design from the partners in Ethiopia. (Geez, now that I see it in print, that seems like a lot of choices!) LOL - I guess I’m going to be ready to take this trend by storm!

Pastel Florals

Miranda Priestly would be so underwhelmed

So cliche, I know. Florals for spring. However, designers are making sure these florals last way beyond the spring season. Pastels are definitely not my thing - never has been - but I have my ways of being trendy. I even purchased a really pretty pale pink sweater from JJill recently - my mom’s favorite color. Any color can be pulled off with a great pair of jeans to tone down the pastel of it all. And while I try to avoid small floral prints, a beautiful monochromatic or two-tone floral will do wonders for 2019.

Geometric gems

Can’t get more New Wave then this!

Get ready for crazy colors in bold geometric prints! Look out for Boy George and New Wave boy bands to come out of hiding. My daughter and I found a great sweatshirt in Victoria at the Roots store that is SOOOO 1980’s ski lodge chic. A boxy, short, red number that looked like something out of the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine”. Of COURSE we picked it up and she’s been looking completely trendy all over her college campus.

I may have picked up 4-5 things from the new Sseko spring line with the most beautiful geometric print. It’s called Plume and the background of navy is my jam! Pile on the beautiful green, peach, slate and purple geometric floral-like designs and I’m in love. Sseko also graces us with 2 other floral prints, the Blossom which is a thin black large floral pattern over a cream background with touches of pink and Secret Garden, a beautiful display of green and yellow over a pale peach base. Both are swoon worthy and fit the bill for both floral and geometric trends.

I’d love to hear your worst and best 80’s fashion memory! Let’s hear it and then give 2019 trends a run for the money!

Chloe + Isabel Spring Launch

Spring-Summer 2019

It’s a brand new year so I checked in with my Chloe + Isabel dashboard and realized just how close I am to reaching $100,000 in lifetime sales. Over 300 customers over the past 4 years fell in love with Chloe + Isabel, it’s quality, it’s warranty and the gorgeous designs. Nothings changed - so why not take a look at what’s new? Update your wardrobe with a fantastic new necklace or pair that new Apple Watch with some fancy bling. How about a new pair of earrings to go with that new 2019 haircut? Come look at what’s new and fresh!!

I’m booking weekend dates for Pop Ups. In home or business always work best. On average, guests will spend $125-$150 when attending a jewelry party. 8-9 friends, either in person or via catalog, will bring you a $1000 pop up which allows you to shop your bling for free.

I remember when I was a kid and mom’s Avon lady, Ione Bannister, used to come and meet up with the neighborhood ladies once a month around our kitchen table. They’d drink coffee and chat and shop.

When my kids were little, us moms used to get together for Stampin’ Up card parties, Creative Memories scrapbook parties … anything to allow us to gather in friendship and cookies. I miss those days!

You know me, I’m not a pushy, crazy sales person and I’ll never ask you or any of your friends to become part of a team. I bring beautiful things to your beautiful people and we all come away feeling a little sweeter and relaxed.

I’m booking dates this spring before the busy summer sets in … so don’t delay in contacting me for dates! Let’s get something on the books, and we can always change if need be.

💖 Thursday's Customer Launch 💖

Join us for our customer-facing Facebook Live on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 6pm PT/9pm ET. Youll get to meet our NYC designers, see some hand-picked favorite styles from among new arrivals + have the chance to win jewelry prizes just for attending!

Join us on a Facebook live event: candi.ly/ss19corelauncH

Let’s plan something fun!

It's a GREAT month for a sale ... apparently!

Time’s Running Out

On 2 of the best sales of 2019

I wouldn’t normally hit this 2 for 1 on my social media … but I’ve been pretty busy and so here it goes.

Both Sseko & Chloe + Isabel are having sales!!

Two of the loves of my life have been put on the back burner for awhile, but that doesn’t make them any less amazing.

Chloe + Isabel is having it’s Semi-Annual sale until Saturday, January 12th. Up to 75% off some of some gorgeous styles from the last few years. These are not pieces that are going out of stock, but clearing out warehouse space for new spring styles.

I’ve always said that C+I is home to some of the most gorgeous designs backed by amazing quality and lifetime warranty. I still wear mine daily … you can be assured that each piece is heirloom quality and you won’t be sorry (especially at 75% off!)

Sseko is the latest love of my life and the Sseko Ssisterhood grabbed my attention with it’s story and handmade goods. I never leave home without a Sseko purse - and am holding my breath for all the new beautiful spring collection pieces I’ve pre-ordered. But, the Fall/Winter pieces are calling my name! I can’t believe there are so many gorgeous designs left in our warehouse - because with Sseko - often times when inventory is gone - it’s gone!

I actually can’t believe that the Eden Backpack is on sale! That baby is only $162! That’s incredible since it retails for $250! This is a HUGE fine leather backpack, pretty much good for any occasion. Made with so much love by artisans in Ethiopia. My favorite Sheba Purse is also on sale … the last time it was on sale I easily sold 5 of them! Everyone loves them - I carry mine daily.

Can we talk about the clothing for a bit - I never in a million years thought I’d wear a Kaftan but I have jumped in that pool with both feet! This is a beautiful dress that I have worn like crazy since I took a chance.

• Summer with sandals - check!

• Summer with wedges - check!

• Wedding - check!

• Swimsuit cover up - check!

• Lounging around the house - check!

• BBQ - check!

• Church - check!

• Movies - check!

• Shopping - check!

• Flight - check! (can you imagine showing up for your next flight ready for the upgrade to 1st class looking fully put together in a beautifully comfortable dress?)

So pretty much this dress can go anywhere. Now currently available in the Monet and the Dandelion prints on sale.

I want to talk about 1 more piece - the reversible longer blazer in black/dandelion print. It’s worth checking out and adding to your spring/summer/fall/winter wardrobe. Great for travel and I could easily see this being worn with shorts or skirts or pants or a dress for any occasion. Perfect for office or a night out with the girls … on sale now while supplies last!

Start Shopping Today!!

Final Day 7: IT’S RIBBON SANDALS!!

Ribbon Sandals - where it all started!

The sandal that started it all!

The sandal that empowers women in East Africa and in the United States.

The sandal that sent 106 women to the university.

The sandal that helps women in East Africa earn a fair wage and protects them from exploitation.

Sseko Designs is entering our 10th year as a world leader in ethical fashion!! Celebrate our birthday by picking up a pair of our super comfortable ribbon sandals and today you can get them for 35% off!!

And you know I'm all about convertibility - so grab a few extra fun ribbons and you'll have unlimited ways to tie and match these sandals in your every day outfits. Dress them up or dress them down. Clean with damp cloth and throw the ribbons in the wash, they'll be grand once again.

Sandals are priced differently for stitched soles and non-stitched soles - but incredibly comfortable and fun! Try a pair today!!

Stitched $65 (sale price $42)

Non-stitched $45 (sale price $32)

Sseko Day 2 Birthday Sale

““We were impossibly naive and hopeful about the future and the impact that a single girl and a pair of sandals could make in the community and our world. Turns out, we weren’t wrong.””

— Liz Bohannon, Sseko Founder

I cannot wait to meet Liz next weekend at the Sseko Summit in Portland, OR. Her vision and energy lift the Sseko women, both in East Africa and the US to work together to make our world a better place for women. Not only that, but she seems like the perfect mix of your best friend and bohemian Portlandian!

30% off select bags today only

Today's Flash Sale is features select leather + textile bags. All of these bags are now discontinued so when they're gone they're gone! Shop the link above for all the pretty colors and fun tropical fabrics.

NOTE: The Moon clutches would make EXCELLENT gifts!!

Here's a list of the specific bags that will be on sale:

• Ring Tote in Pebbled Quail $139 SALE
• Ring Tote in Pebbled Mint  $139 SALE
• Mini Ring Pouch in Pebbled Mint $48 SALE
• Drawstring Backpack in Tropical Palm $34 SALE
• Circle Bag in Tropical Palm $48 SALE
• Small Moon Clutch in Mint & Gold $13 SALE
• Medium Moon Clutch in Mint & Gold $20 SALE
• Mint & Gold Moon Clutch Set $30 SALE
• Small Moon Clutch in Coral & Gold $13 SALE
• Medium Moon Clutch in Coral & Gold $20 SALE
• Coral & Gold Moon Clutch Set $30 SALE

Day 1: All about sandals

Read my lastest newsletter to find all the deets on the 1st Day of the Sseko Birthday Sale!