Trendy Thursday: TRENDSETTING MOM ~ EVERYDAY STYLE

As a Mom it is important we make the time to take care of ourselves as well the kids, husband, house, bills and so much more. For many of us this concept somehow became foreign the second we changed our first diaper and engaged in the endless years of sleepless nights. As a new Mom even this Fashionista found her style undefined. Desiring a look that was stylish & versatile yet comfortable while on play dates or at the bus stop but could easily transcend to a workout at the gym. And for sometime this seemed like a tall order until I met Janet the Jockey Lady!

Janet Gallagher is an Independent In-Home Sales Representative for JOCKEY Person to Person. I know you are thinking is “she nuts she went to the bus stop in stylish under garments”????? As much as that look would make for great neighborhood fodder, I promise you my style is much more subdued! So what is JOCKEY Person to Person? Jockey is not just underwear anymore, but a high quality, comfortable, versatile, fashionable line of clothing that go can go from the gym to the bus stop, lunch or a play date looking poised and polished. The fashions are sold exclusively through home parties, while having a fun ladies night out with your friends you can indulge yourself in a fun shopping spree for one of a kind fashions.For most of the winter I live in my Jockey clothing, my favorite pieces are the bootleg pants with coordinating jacket. As I mentioned the styles are versatile, throw on a T-shirt and sneaks and head to the gym, change into your favorite flats and add few accessories and you are ready for a play date with your unique style defined! Now I must admit being a stay at home Mom, clothing purchases are not always in the budget! So how can you make Jockey budget friendly? Host a party and enjoy the fantastic host benefits! Every month the hostess gets 15% of her party sales in free clothing, one half off item for every $200 in sales and one 70% off item for every future party booking! In addition for the month of September if you have a $600 party, you also get 75% off a jacket or hoodie PLUS for a $600 party you can select up to 7 items on the clearance style list for 75% off! You will fall in love with Jockey’s Runway inspired line for Fall 2011 line. Featured below are the cape and aviator jackets both are $169 but a hostess can get them for $50. Not to mention the new jeans with 4way stretch look fabulous on everybody!
Janet Gallagher is my Jockey lady who is also a Mom! Janet elected to leave a career in engineering to be a Stay At Home Mom. But like many of us Janet needed something else, she started as an Independent Sales Rep and now is a Group Vice President. Jockey was attractive to Janet because they partner with entrepreneurs, self-motivated women to deliver high quality fashions along with a substantial income potential that is tied to independent business ownership. She loves what she does and it shows in the relationships she develops and the energy she brings to the shows! Define your style today with Janet. E-mail: janetthejockeyrep@gmail.com or Phone: 1-302-598-3414.

Bridget Burns-Walsh is the Owner of Bridie’s Baubles
A Unique Jewelry & Accessories E-Boutique ~ PHILLY HOT LIST for BEST WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES – 3rd Place 2011

Trendy Thursday: MY SUMMER WAS….OH SO COUTURE!

COUTURE is defined as the business of designing, making, and selling high fashion custom-made clothing & accessories. On Bridie’s Baubles my Jewelry & Accessories Boutique, MEG Jewelry is our top selling couture line. This summer I had the honor to assist the designer Meg Lammers of MEG Jewelry at a Kleinfeld’s Trunk Show in New York City. Kleinfeld’s is a world renowned Bridal Boutique offering the largest & finest selection of bridal gowns worldwide. Over the past few years Kleinfeld’s has become a large part of Reality Pop Culture with the TLC TV Show “Say Yes To The Dress”. And yes they were filming while I was there, as well as preparing for a wedding segment on ABC’s “The View”. It was captivating to be behind the scenes watching beautifully statuesque models being fitted in designer wedding gowns than accessorized to perfection! And even more exciting to see both shows play out on television this past summer!

Kleinfeld’s is definitely all about “The Experience”. From the second I stepped out of the cab in Manhattan, the famous Kleinfelds windows greeted me. Proving that Fashion is simply a beautiful form of art! As I opened the very tall and impressive glass doors I walked into a beautifully manicured oasis. For this fashion maven it may not have been about my experience as a Bride but more about the mystique! I spent my two-day hiatus from Mommyhood in the accessories boutique downstairs at Kleinfelds. The downstairs boutique is where the brides arrive for their fittings and are greeted by fabulously sparkling baubles and luring shoe walls filled with the likes of Jimmy Choo! I was in an accessory heaven!

Amidst the bustle of seamstress fittings, where the bride to be is surrounded by family & friends. She is swiftly transformed into a bridal version of Carrie Bradshaw in oh so glamorous shoes, veiled and baubled to perfection. Meg and I greeted these strong self assured brides to be and draped them in stunning designs like this Penney Necklace and the Abeye Bracelet & Abeye Earrings (My Boho side adores Abeye pearl less!).

But as I said it was all about the experience and for this stay at home Mom it was nice to get swept away in NYC for a weekend of fun. I styled my heart out, took in a show (Burlesque actually & LOVED IT!), enjoyed a few cocktails on the town with a few other fun and fearless women and hopefully added a sparkle to someone else’s dream day. All in all it reminded me I am not just Mommy but a sassy business woman. And when I am ready and that day is arriving sooner that later, I will have the option and the courage to jump back in and COUTURE MY CAREER, customizing it to fit me perfectly!

Bridget Burns-Walsh is the Owner of Bridie’s Baubles

A Unique Jewelry & Accessories E-Boutique ~ PHILLY HOT LIST for BEST WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES – 3rd Place 2011

TRENDY THURSDAY: A SPARKLING GEM ~ MARINELLA jewelry

It is no secret I love Jewelry! And from time to time I stumble upon a designer that inspires me with the ability to make pearls, crystals and fabulous forms of mixed media come alive on a beautiful canvas of a fearless strong woman. A local Mom and Jewelry Designer Marinella Kelly of MARINELLA jewelry offers a unique line of custom made jewels that will put a sparkle in your eye and glimmer on your wrist! I recently interviewed Marinella to find out how this Momprenuer became inspired to start her own business !



Tell us how MARINELLA jewelry was started? Whenever asked this question I instantly blame my sister! Searching for unique bridal jewelry for her wedding, my sister Florence turned to me for creative advice. After her aue over the bridal jewels and accessories I created for her, she planned an in home jewelry show featuring my designs and Voile’ MARINELLA jewelry was born.

Can you give us a glimpse into the styles & types of couture jewelry you design? Marinella jewels are designed to wear everyday and to every event. Pearls are the essence of MARINELLA designs, what can I say I have a passion for pearls! Most of my designs incorporate freshwater pearls with other mixed media; such as semi-precious stones, blown glass, carved or manipulated wood and vintage elements, Swarovski® crystals, shell pieces, handmade pottery beads, the list goes on! When you put on a piece of MARINELLA jewelry you will “Be a princess all of the time.” (MARINELLA ‘s Motto)

What makes MARINELLA jewelry designs unique? Outside of my family, my passion is jewelry. There is no piece that is insignificant in my collection. Whether it is a bracelet for a mother to be, made from the baby’s birthstone, or a special piece like a vintage locket necklace for an anniversary or birthday, MARINELLA’s signature is on it! MARINELLA jewelry specializes in brides and bridal parties, working closely with the Bride to recreate her vision. I recognize that each client’s personality and budget is unique. I consider it a privilege to design jewelry for her, and work to personalize her couture design experience to exceed expectations.



So you customize jewelry for your clients? Absolutely, I customize jewelry & accessories! One of my favorite things to do is collaborate with my clients on one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry they can wear forever. Recently I completed a bridal necklace incorporating a vintage pin of the bride’s grandmother creating a beautiful memory piece of jewelry not just of her wedding day but of her grandmother as well.

Where can I purchase MARINELLA jewelry? My ready made designs are available at www.MarinellaJewelryShop.com. Check out our Best Selling QSB’s, (quality stretch bracelets). They come in a myriad of colors and make great gifts for any occasion or a fun Mommy & Me set!



Marinella Kelly is the owner & creator of MARINELLA jewelry. A custom made line of everyday & wedding jewelry. Host a MARINELLA jewelry show in your home or schedule an appointment to browse MARINELLA’s in-home studio. Email Marinella or call 484.354.4990

Bridget Burns-Walsh is the Owner of Bridie’s Baubles ~ A Unique Jewelry & Accessories E-Boutique

TRENDY THURSDAY: PRINCESS BRIDES

This summer has been a little girls dream as we have watched Kate & Charlene both commoners become a Duchess and Princess. Society has been tabloid happy, as we have been captivated by the elegance and style of these ladies. Kate steps out each time with a sparkle in her eye, she is young and refreshing with an eagerness to love and learn as she proudly stands by the Duke of Cambridge. Charlene offers a more refined elegance with her meticulous Olympic composer she is confident, alluring and mysterious as she graces Prince Albert’s arm.

There have been many comparisons of their wedding day gowns but for very different ladies with vastly varying life experiences their wedding gowns were appropriately individually significant. Both ladies adorned two gowns for their wedding celebrations. Going to the chapel Kate sparkled in classic British craftsmanship designed from the house of Alexander Mc Queen, a classic Chantilly & English Cluny lace gown with a full a-line skirt. She looked happy and in love but overall I found her style to lack the personality of her spirit. And where I loved Kate’s bodice the skirt of her dress, hair and accessories were a bit matronly. Maybe, her dress was too close to its Grace Kelly inspiration that left me feeling a bit incomplete. But then again how do you top an iconic masterpiece of fashion! A bride of a different style, Monaco’s new Princess Charlene exuded elegance with her tall statuesque figure draped in an off white, off the shoulder straight silk Duchesse Giorgio Armani Prive finished with a dramatic train. The gown was embellished delicately with floral embroidery accented with mother of pearls and hues of gold crystals and stones. Charlene donned elegant accessories with a long silk veil and a spectacular diamond hairpin set back slightly defining a style that was alive and stunning from all angles.

Now a Royal Weddng would not be complete without a bevy of looks for the new Monarchy! Kate transended beautifully into the night in an elegant Mc Queen strapless silk white dress with an embroidered waistband and fabulous shrug. Kate’s innocence and fun side shined through as she let her hair down to dance her wedding night away! Charlene’s Civil Wedding Service attire was intriguing. She celebrated in a soft yet seductive Chanel Robin’s Egg Chiffon pant suit. This unique confection was detailed with crystal buttons and a lace trimed pant legs. This conservatively edgy ensemble appeared to drape in a skirt fashion yet flowed elegantly with wide leg pants as Charlene stood before Monaco as their new Princess. Both ladies looked beautiful and happy and I know I will enjoy watching their indiviudal styles dazzle and transcend over time! Did you favor Kate or Charlene’s look and why?

Trendy Thursday: FESTIVE 4TH OF JULY STYLE!

This weekend is one of my favorite holidays as we celebrate America’s 235th birthday. In our house this holiday is a family event as we pack up and head to Cape May, NJ to join our extended family for a fun filled weekend. But when it comes to packing I want my wardrobe to be as fun & fabulous as the events of the weekend! This may not be my weekend ensemble but check out these fabulous 4th of July finds!

This fun and versatile Ready Made dress from Anthropologie is the perfect casual dress that will look great chasing the kiddos yet can be dressed up when heading out for a few cocktails! Add a little pizazz to this dress with this sassy crocheted cotton cinch belt accented with leather blooms! Than assert your independence and step out in these show stopping Charles David Kick red suede stacked espadrilles from Zappos. How fabulous are these shoes?

Complete this fun and festive style with a few accessories like this dazzling 32″ cluster necklace and pretty red crystal drop earrings both from Bridie’s Baubles E-Boutique. Have fun creating your festive style for this weekend! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Bridget Burns-Walsh is the Owner of Bridie’s Baubles ~ A Unique Jewelry & Accessories E-Boutique

Trendy Thursday – Kalon Hair Studio: Hair’s to the beauty of You!

A hairstyle can make or break your appearance. Some days my hair is my best asset as I try to hide the tired bags under my eyes from long days and sleepness nights that often comes with being a Mom! Finding a good hairstylist is like a dating game. For me my relationships with my stylist mirrored the fleeting male relationships of my single life, they were never good enough. Then, one day another Mom passes me by at the gym and her DO was love at first site! A breathtaking clean cut yet edgy inverted bob that said Sassy Mom! Finally, I built up the courage in a sea of crazy kids and popped the question! WHO DOES YOUR HAIR???? My first brush with hair destiny occurred as she responded; KALON HAIR STUDIO, located at 138 W. Market Street in the Heart of downtown West Chester (next to Carlino’s) and conveniently located near the parking garage across from the new court house. The girls are amazing; just ask for Carla Thomas or Kelly McComsey. Okay, so maybe she was not so detailed but you get the picture! My first hair date was with Kelly, for an Inverted Bob and sure enough she blew my locks away. I strutted my stuff up Market Street grinning from ear to ear with my perfectly styled coif and the start of a stylish new relationship!

Kalon Hair Studio is a hidden treasure in the heart of downtown West Chester, PA. This boutique style salon offers a friendly and professional ambiance. The focus of Carla, the owner, and Kelly, her lead stylist, is to provide an intimate atmosphere that makes the client feel comfortable while offering exceptional personalized service. Offering services for Men and Women, Hair color, Highlighting, Straightening/Perms and Facial Waxing as well as styling for special events. Haircut prices for Women are $43 and Men $25. Kalon proudly uses Redken Color and offers Redken Styling Products. They are open Tuesday-Saturday with Evening hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Here are a few tips on deciding who may be the best fit for your locks. Carla is known for her variations of the chic layered bob and creating the perfect hair color specific to each client is a passion. Kelly is hip and fun; her specialty is creating stylish layers in long hair. She enjoys working with each client’s unique personality and the challenge of creating an individualized cut and or color. It is evident these ladies LOVE what they do and they are happiest when you feel fabulous!

Your hair destiny awaits,call KALON HAIR STUDIO today and book your next appointment 610-344-7747. COUPON!!! Purchase a Woman’s Haircut & receive a FREE Child’s haircut.(You have the option to schedule your Child’s appointment at a later date.)

Already a Kalon Hair Studio client, then tell us what you love best about the salon?

Bridget Burns-Walsh is the Owner of Bridie’s Baubles ~ A Unique Jewelry & Accessories E-Boutique

Trendy Thursday: THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR STYLISH COMFORT!

It is no secret I have a passion for fashion and get dreamy eyed over the vision of fabulous baubles defining a style! I spent this past weekend styling Bridal Accessories at Kleinfelds Bridal in NYC and truth be told 9 out of 10 ladies are defined by the shoes they wear! A stunning accessory distinguishes a personal style and plays an important role in completing any outfit. Whether it be earrings or shoes choosing the right accessory is a must as is finding the perfect balance between colors, comfort and design! The Spring/Summer 2011 Runways Shoe Trends are showing studded Platform Sandals, bright Strappy Heels & daring Vintage Styles. But as a Mom these styles are saved for the rare night out with the girls or a hot date with Dad! So how does a Mom look amazing day to day and assure she will still step out in style at any cost?

Trendy Moms do not fear but Dansko shoes will add a touch of Fabulous to your step! They may not be a show stopping shimmering pair of Jimmy Choo’s but as a Mom we have sacrificed much more than our shoe fetish! Dansko’s are a stylish union of color, comfort and design! So let me introduce a few of my favorite pairs of Dansko Summer Shoes. My platform Blue leather sandals, my adorable leather red flower strappy wedges and my dressy bohemian styled leather flip-flops! Admit it you are surprised fashion could be so practical and cute simultaneously.

The best part for our Philly Burb Mom’s; is the Dansko Headquarters & Factory Outlet is located 8 Federal Rd, West Grove, PA 19390. About a ½ hour drive from West Chester, PA. The factory outlet offers shoes for Men, Women and Girls with production and test samples available. The prices for women’s shoes range from $55- $75. What a fun bargain for a pair of shoes that will have you style stepping for seasons to come. Sign up for the Dansko Outlet newsletter and get fun updates on sale specials. So make your own fashion statement in a fabulous pair of Dansko shoes!

Happy Stepping!
Bridget

Bridget Burns-Walsh is the Owner of http://www.BridiesBaubles.com ~ A Unique Jewelry & Accessories E-Boutique

Trendy Thursday: Introducing our Newest Philly Burb Mom Contributor

We here at the Philly Burb Mom sites are REALLY excited to introduce you to our newest contributor, Bridget Burns-Walsh. Bridget will be bringing us up-to-the-minute fashion trends, tips for dressing stylishly on a budget, and spotting steals and deals as part of our bi-weekly Trendy Thursday column. We welcome Bridget into the Philly Burb Mom family and look forward to being just a bit more fashionable here in the Philly ‘burbs!

We asked Bridget a few questions so that our readers could get to know more about her and her background:

1. Hi Bridget! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family?

Born & raised in NE Philly, a graduate of Philadelphia University. I earned a BS in Fashion Merchandising/Apparel Management & Business. I have worked as an Assistant Buyer, Trim Designer & Visual Merchandiser. The eight years prior to becoming a mom-prenuer, I managed Call Centers in the US & Canada as a Director of Client Services & Operations. The most rewarding path to date has been raising my two fabulous lil men (ages 3 & 5) and being married for seven years to my amazingly kind & supportive hubby. Presently, residing in West Chester, PA. I love to explore with my boys, discover new wines with my hubby, laugh with good friends, decorate, cook, style, shop, read and just be creative! My newest adventure Blogging!

2. When did you start Bridie’s Baubles? How did you get the idea to launch this type of store?

Bridie’s went live in November 2006! Owning my own boutique is the dream of a thirteen-year-old teenager captivated by big cites, upscale boutiques & large department stores!

While planning our wedding and always in search of unique accessories I found a lack of upscale accessory boutiques. Looking to retire from corporate America and end the sixty-hour traveling workweeks to raise my family, the concept of an E-commerce boutique was born! Our name Bridie’s is a Diminutive form of Bride, and Anglicized form of Bridget. And well a Bauble is a showy shiny trinket so the two were married!

3. What do you like best about being an independent store-owner?

This career choice allows me to keep my family as my first priority while enjoying the fringe benefits of great accessories! I am afforded the opportunity to learn and grow in a career I love. I am the master of my own domain, defining my own style one day at a time.

4. Tell us a little bit about what trends you are seeing in the bridal accessory industry right now.

Romance and dreamy style is key this Spring, it was all the buzz at the Bridal Market week. It is all about dimension, soft fabrics & texture, organza, tulle & lace with lots of texture, ruffles, layers & flowers. Surprisingly enough many designer dresses are donning Pick up skirts accompanying the runway with Trumpet & full flirty skirt styles! Accessories are dramatic necklines, cuff bracelets, feather fascinators, hair accessories & hats. Black & white weddings are making a large imprint this Spring as are saturated bright colors like turquoise & kelly green matched with yellow for a little eccentric touch! Peacock inspirations and hair accessories are bold new looks turning an average Bridesmaid into a Trendsetter!

5.You also sell jewelry to people other than brides, right? Tell us about that.

Bridie’s offers Fashion & Couture styles. Our objective is to offer affordable unique accessories that transform from the “I Do’s” to a Night on the Town or Everyday Chic. Bold Swarovski crystals & funky pearls both full of color and edgy styles, unique satin ribbon & cuff bracelets, statement necklaces & monogram jewelry & gifts, fun hair accessories, lil girl sparkling jewels &, fashion forward purses & chic bolero jackets. Most of our items are customizable and Bridie’s offers free style consultations for your everyday style or special event!

6. So, here’s the age-old question Bridget, How do you manage being an on-line store-owner and consultant with your duties as a mother and wife?

Let me know when you figure it out! Each week I set out with a To Do list by day and it is driven by my lil men’s schedules. From there I fill in the blanks. Some days are dedicated to merchandising the boutique with new lines, others to social media or bridal consultations. Life moves fast I guess I just jump on board and juggle just like the next Mom!

Bridget, we can’t wait to read your bi-weekly Trendy Thursday column here at Philly Burb Moms. Thanks so much for sharing your industry experience and eye for fashion and trends with all of our readers!

Bridget’s first article will be posted here next Thursday, March 10th. Make sure you come back to check it out!