Monday, November 7, 2011

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!

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

The print on that blouse is so cute!

fifi said...

love this outfit you look adorable!

Content Director - Strong Female Leaders said...

Very cute shirt. I like this girl already. She is very down-to-earth.

http://www.thegirlieblog.com

Anonymous said...

Sorry, but I just have to comment on that reversible bag of yours b/c it is way too awesome!!

Unknown said...

love your blouse sweetie u look so chic and elegant u look splendid kisses Gorgeous
www.preppyfashionist.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Great blouse, dear. Lots of fabulous things over at 11 Eureka!

XO

Diane said...

you look so pretty! great blouse...and great jeans! :) hope your having a fantastic week thus far.

Laura said...

You look very cute.
The bag is so original with those 2 sides.

xxx

Sammie said...

the blouse is so cute :) you look fabulous in it :)
i really like the way you style your hair :)

sammie
from
fashionbarbecue.com

Anonymous said...

In love with your bag, as a leopard fan I'm literally drooling ha ha! It's funny that my first memory with fashion includes my mom and my grandma too, they must have a great style like you!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

Sandy a la Mode said...

i love that shirt! it is soo cute and fun!!

Schnelle said...

Cute top. Love the handbag, I love how it's reversable- such a great concept!

Heidi said...

Gorgeous blouse and it fits you well! :)

oomph. said...

thanks for the intro to the shop! the top is cute, but i'm a sucker for flares. those jeans are NICE!

[oomph.]
What's the next line? Help write the story!

Bronzed Humanity said...

Great post! Love the top and those pants are awesome!
xx

Hot Pink Day
Shop Blue Vanilla

Jackie said...

You look great love, this top and pants is killer on you!

Mae Lu said...

Renee sounds absolutely delightful!

Love the bag, and I love how totally Asian That 70s Show you are right now. Adorbs!

xx{ish}.,
Mae Lu @ ~thereafterish.!

mommamac said...

this outfit is my fav

Mónica C. Welton said...

really nice bag!!

Love,
www.chicksinfeathers.co.cc

Haus of Style said...

Very cute blouse - love the print! Your bangs look awesome in these photos!

Stevia said...

fabulous bag
love your hair :)

<3
http://escapesweetest.blogspot.com/

Courtney said...

You're right! That print is so versatile and sweet! I love it. What a cute top! Lucky you!!

Courtney
I Can Be Many Things

whitney said...

Great post and adorable outfit!

Style-Pursuit said...

Huge YAY for the animal print bag! It's an absolutely perfect accessory! :o)

x

Julia, the Thanksgiving Girl said...

Wow, has your hair always been that long? I'm seriously blown away right now :)

P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway... Wanna come take a look? ;)

Sabrina said...

I went to UH, Manoa.. and man I wish you were there then! You wear those jeans proud, so hard to look so stunning in such wide flares- and you kill it. LOVE.
ALOHA
xx-

www.samplesize16.com

Isabel.L said...

Nice style! I love the prints on the top, very pretty :)

http://foreverunderstated.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I looooove your top! cute.

xo

Alexandra said...

LOVE the flares!

Annabel said...

wow, great blouse and I'm obsessed with the pants!

pepperandchips.blogspot.com

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