SNACKSNACKS

Slice of mint green, I love you.

For weeks we’ve been swirling on bits of info that have finally led us to the ground breaking discovery we bring to you today. Madewell is in fact opening on Rush Street.

J.Crew’s little sister Madewell already has shown both coasts maximum love and we can finally sleep tight at night knowing they’re opening soon. The space is the famous Rush Street Starbucks which we brought to your attention over a month ago.

Madewell is known for their on trend but still accessible apparel and accessories. Madewell’s 17 existing stores stock clothing and accessories of which about 80 percent sells for under $100. For instance the store’s summer line includes items like checked pemberley shirts at $69, striped gardengate cardigan at $72, chambray coveralls at $145, and a painted silk maxidress for $225.

We’re not sure if you saw when the head designers for J.Crew, Frank and Jenna were in town (and what they had for dinner) - but we bet we’ll see a lot more action at Le Colonial and Balsan.

Just a dino cuff please.

I love it… and so would my two year old neice.  Found on PIXIEMARKET but no longer available!  If anyone knows where I can get my claws on one… HOLLER.

xoxo, 

Betty Rubble

Handmade love by Marzipannn.  Now available on I-ELLA. 

I-ELLA makes it easy for you to share your closet with other fashion savvy people around the country. Whether you’re looking to buy a great pair of black pumps, or trying to sell your old Lacroix cocktail dress, we take the stress out of shopping and selling online.

I-ELLA charges a 10% transaction fee on every item sold on our platform.  10% of this fee is directed to a charity selected by the buyer. For celebrity auctions, 75% of the fee is directed to charity.  Featured Insiders may give (and they have) 100% of their proceeds to the charity of their choice.

Shop + Give is alive and well at I-ELLA.com!  Join today!

I-ELLA: Tell us a little about what you do.

MARIEL B: I have my doctoral degree in clinical psychology and I’m currently working towards licensure. Presently, I am working as a mental health consultant and an adjunct instructor at Columbia College. I’m also the creator of Moonbaby Jewelry.

I-ELLA: What’s the ‘coolest’ part of your job? 

MARIEL B: I would say the coolest parts of my job(s) are the helping and teaching aspects of it. Providing individuals with meaningful information and guiding them through a learning process is rewarding in so many ways. It is a great way to “work” and contribute to the bigger picture all at the same time.

 I-ELLA: What inspires you when you’re making new pieces for your collection?

MARIEL B: I get inspiration from all over, however nature and indigenous culture are probably the most influential for me. The shapes, colors, and textures from all things natural such as (but not limited to) plant life, minerals, and everything related to the ocean, are among the most beautiful in the world. In terms of culture, I am very much inspired by my Filipino culture. As a younger girl, I used to wear very intricate 22 karat gold jewelry imported from southeast Asia. There were a lot of delicate diamond cut charms, bells, and, colorful gemstones such as ruby, emerald, and jade. I am also very influenced by the different indigenous cultural groups of the Philippines that are known to sport brightly colored garb, geometric patterns, and intricate jewelry. My goal is to create affordable and modern jewelry that integrates many of the things I’m inspired by.

I-ELLA: How would you define your personal style?

MARIEL B: My fashion sense is a little all over the place and I am inspired by a variety of influences. First off, I love style (especially the feminine shapes) from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, so I have a special place in my heart for clothing and accessories that are vintage or at least vintage inspired. In terms of my personal style, I would describe it as “street smart” if that makes any sense at all.

As a professional in a field that I wouldn’t consider very “fashion forward”, I have to be creative finding ways to be able express my quirky stylish side while remaining practical all at the same time. It’s a challenge. For example, I like combining my cutest pair of high waisted skinny twills with a tucked in button-up shirt and my favorite cardigan or blazer. Throw on a pair of edgy eyeglasses and the perfect accessories, and that’s my version of a workin’ gal who is stylish, understated, and comfortable. 

My style has both a masculine and feminine feel to it as well, where I like to round off a feminine look with some menswear aspects. Lastly, I love mixing patterns, shapes, and textures, and usually I tend to combine neutrals with a bold print or color. 

I-ELLA: What always catches your eye when you’re shopping?

MARIEL B: Versatile pieces that can be worn both casually and in the work setting. Anything with a bold pattern, especially stripes. And reasonable prices are always a plus.

I-ELLA: What’s the most meaningful thing in your closet and why?

MARIEL B: Currently, it’s a vintage (circa early 80’s) Gucci purse handed down to me from my mother. Pretty much anything given to me by mother is deemed important and meaningful in my book.

I-ELLA: Who is your favorite designer/brand and why?

MARIEL B: I love Marc by Marc Jacobs. It’s the perfect combo of feminine, color, patterns, and great shapes. It’s quirky, but not too quirky. It’s feminine, but not too feminine. It’s just right.

I-ELLA: What’s the most important piece of fashion advice you’ve ever been given?

MARIEL B: The most important fashion advice I’ve ever received was from my mother. “Stand up straight!” and “Smile”, she would always tell me. Otherwise I look sloppy and miserable. Good posture and a smiling face really does make a big difference in how you carry yourself. And how you carry yourself really does make the outfit.

I-ELLA: How often do you clean out your closet? Do you have any editing tips for our users?

MARIEL B: Honestly, I am not the most organized and tidy person, but I try my best. At least semi-annually I go through my closet and weed out items I no longer use or need. I make a bag for donations and a bag to bring to a resale shop.

My suggestion to users would be to reassess your closet on a regular basis and get rid of anything that you don’t use, is not on-trend, or does not fit you correctly. Donate, give away to friends, or try to resell your on-trend pieces. It is better to have a smaller and more concise collection of clothing rather than a hoarder-worthy collection.  

I-ELLA:  Could you share your 3 simple rules to live by?

MARIEL B:

1. Be kind to others

2. Express yourself

3. Be genuine and passionate in everything you do