Playful Sophistication

Renee', owner of 11 Eureka Boutique generously sent me this blouse.  Isn't it adorable?  The whimsical print exudes a playful sophistication, perfect for the office.  And it can easily translate to weekend-time-fun with a pair of cut offs and ballet flats. 

{blouse: gifted from 11 Eureka | jeans: ON | purse: Kenneth Cole | watch: Michael Kors}

I adore the unique treasures her shop has to offer. With a lot of hard work, passion, and a great support system, Renee' was able to make her dream become reality, and thus 11 Eureka was born! Let's get to know Renee' a little better.

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Renee' and I am from a charming town 30 minutes outside of Chicago. I live with my boyfriend of 11 years who is the love of my life as well as my rock. We have two girls (our dogs) who we are obsessed with. Gretta is our feisty Jack Russell who is the worst behaved dog but somehow has the biggest place in my heart (shhhhh, don't tell Marley), and then there is Marley, our 3-legged Cattahoula Leopard Dog. We love to travel, but who doesn't? We love getting together with our friends around campfires or karaoke-ing at our favorite place.

What made you decide to open up an online shop?
I was given the opportunity to manage a local boutique for two years and quickly fell in love with the possibilities. The town where I am from is very simple, so our store fashion choices had to be toned down a notch. I love pattern, color, nature inspired things, and needed to spread my wings a little with others who could enjoy the same. After much consideration, I decided to just take the leap and take this chance on my own. I will have to give many thanks to my friends and family who completely backed me up and practically made me go for it!

Your first fashion memory? Favorite piece from your own wardrobe.
My first memory is picking this thick wool black and white plaid dress that my grandma made for me and insisting on wearing it in the summer. I had to of been 4 or 5 years old, but my mom always let me express my fashion and never argued about what is acceptable or not. Thanks Mom! My favorite piece in my closet would be......this Betsey Johnson Sequin shrug that I have never worn, but have had it for 8 or 9 years now. I love looking at it, trying it on, but at the end of the day, I never can find a place to rock it out with.

What or who inspires you?
Oh, this ones very hard. On a daily basis, my friends. Most of them are very creative people (florist, graphic designer, painter), I always love an Anthropologie visit since they have the most creative displays as well as pattern choices, and once in a while I stumble across an individual who just blows me away. My latest discovery....Sibella Court from Australia

Do you have a favorite designer?Well, I usually do not follow major designers, but I seem to have a lot of Tracy Reese dress's. I really like her color and pattern choices.

What type of girl do you envision wearing your pieces?
A girl like me. Someone who wants to incorporate a little bit of color and pattern into their daily wardrobe. I have worked in almost every environment from casual to stuffy work spaces, and there is NO reason you shouldn't be able to express your self through fashion. It could be a hair accessories or a blouse, but I try and choose pieces that you wont be able to find at your local department store. Isn't that why people shop at boutiques? To find a little something special.

If you could splurge (guilt free) on any fashion related item, what would it be? (sky's the limit!!)
Oh, I do splurge way too much, but if sky's the limit........I have been eying this coat from Free People (http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-jackets-outerwear-2/fp-one-reversible-fur-coat/). I can't justify another coat in my closet, but I really really want this one. Its a little pricey for my budget (ok, its way too pricey for my budget), but maybe the fashion gods will smile upon my and it will be marked down to say, $49.00 by Christmas? Probably not, but here's hoping!

Isn't Renee' awesome?  Thanks again Renee for being so sweet!  Don't forget to swing by her shop, grab some goodies for yourself, and a friend or two. :)  Have a fabulous week, lovelies!

Love, S

**One more day to enter my GIVEAWAY!