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Who's ready for a little 2019 trends?

lifestyle, Fashion, SsekoGabby JacobsenComment
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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.

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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”!

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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.

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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!


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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.

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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

Chloe + Isabel, FashionGabby Jacobsen
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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!

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

Fashion, Chloe + Isabel, SsekoGabby Jacobsen
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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.

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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!)

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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.

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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.

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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!!

2019 ... what's next?

lifestyleGabby JacobsenComment
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Be Organized

Putting it out there makes it real … right?

Do you make resolutions?

As always, I’m in awe of friends who set such ambitious resolutions. Eating healthy, sticking to their budgets, being kinder, finishing school, being a better mother … I’ve spent years trying to chase resolutions. Some work. Some don’t. Instead, I am choosing to set a theme for 2019 …

BE ORGANIZED

It’s a simple step forward, and yes, I am generally organized. There are areas of my house that could be better. There are areas of my life that could be better. Organization doesn’t just stop at a clean home, but in the way you live your life.

I read somewhere that if you want to get into the habit of something, you should write it in your calendar. Here are a few things I’m going to add to my monthly calendar:

  • Clean the refrigerator

  • Deep clean both bathrooms

  • Clean interior of my car

  • Make monthly run to donate items to a non-profit

  • Clean out junk drawer(s)

  • Knock 1 item off our home fix-it list

  • Weekly budget review

My husband and I love our couch time and visiting with friends always way-lay us from getting things done around the house. But if it’s on the calendar, perhaps it will help us better plan our week. I’m hoping the above list doesn’t automatically make you think “do these people ever clean”? I tend to tackle light cleaning on a weekly basis, but hate the chemicals and down-and-dirty deep cleaning that is often needed every few months. I hoping by adding it to my monthly list, it will avoid having to call out the big guns and I can feel better about the space we call home.

So when you get ready to set your resolutions for 2019, be kind to yourself. Set attainable goals. Build in check points throughout the year and definitely break it down in steps. Don’t get discouraged either, if you get off track, you don’t have to wait until January 2020 to start over, everyone deserves a fresh start any time during the year.

Happy New Year to all my lovely friends and family!

2018 What a ride!

Chloe + Isabel, DIY, lifestyle, Sseko, SunDazeGabby Jacobsen
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Goodbye 2018

It’s been memorable!

It’s coming up on a year ago last February that I started this Blog. My original idea was to combine my family news, Chloe + Isabel sales and our new SunDaze Airbnb rental all in one social media space. It can be exhausting tagging multiple social media outlets as well as getting a newsletter together every week.

A few life changes took my blogging on a weird tangent. Sadly, the business that had saved me from my depression following mom’s death had taken a bit of a turn. The company had been sold by the founder and was following a more traditional “team building” business development. Gone were the days when I could be supported to just run my own business and gain recognition and incentives within the company. I still am in LOVE with the designs and quality, but part of my drive is in hitting goals and attending conventions with the wonderful friends I’d met. So many of whom left the company and left me brokenhearted.

In walked Sseko with it’s gorgeous leather designs and ribbon sandals! The Sseko story is one of a beautiful sisterhood of support here in the US and worldwide. Unfortunately, these big ticket items weren’t a huge hit for my original 300+ customer base.

Despite these negative blips, 2018 was really quite remarkable.

Dave was extremely busy this year with adding new Teamsters to his Tank Haul roster, negotiating first contracts, adding more groups to his plate, renewing old contracts, contemplating strikes … but this also took any big vacation off the table. We just couldn’t come up with a week of uninterrupted work for him. So, the girls and I spent much of our summer east of the mountains at SunDaze. I traveled over nearly weekly, running our Airbnb business and enjoying the summer weather and time with friends. It was the first summer of “no work” and just enjoying our new place. Many of the kids’ friends joined us and filled the bunkhouse with happy sounds. Card games in the carport, movie nights, floating on the river, 6 people in the golf cart, and coming up with new rules like “What happens at CB stays at CB.”

We had some great guests and the Airbnb thing was a big success! Great reviews from our guests and I’ve had about a dozen requests already for next summer. We earned enough to pay for 6 months of our HOA dues - a big relief since my new Golf Wagon was developing a serious relationship with the mountain pass and long drives back and forth from Seattle.

Overall, 2018 was one for the Jacobsen record books:

  • 1 kid graduating college

  • 1 kid graduating high school (and no private school tuition)

  • 1st summer of Airbnb

  • A little forgiveness

  • Lovely new friend groups

  • Leading a healthier life

  • Living my best life in cut offs and Berkenstocks!

  • New job

  • Following the start of my baby’s career in film production

  • Sending a kid away to college

  • Big steps and accolads for my husband in the Teamster union

  • Sseko summit in Portland

  • Trip with my husband to Vegas for Teamster convention

  • OMG - finally putting up railings on the back deck and completing BBQ area

I am forever greatful for my wonderful husband for allowing me time at home with my girls. It was such a joy getting the chance to really be there for my daughter’s last year at our alma mater and enjoying all the “lasts” that she was going through. Getting time to spend with my older daughter as we working on healthy habits and making plans for when it will be just the 3 of us at home again in the fall. Living my best life in casual clothes and optional shower times is really where I lived the dream. My makeup optional, growing out my hair and yes, even braless days are what I look forward to in my retirement years.

So on this, the last day of 2018, the Jacobsens say goodbye to a year of great new beginnings and get ready to set goals for 2019!

More to come soon!!