It’s not always about Fashion…

What comes with Hurricane season here in Florida… is a lot of rain! Sometimes it’s fun not to get all glammed up and just throw on some comfy clothes and take advantage of those rainy days catching up with a great book. I just finished two of Emily Griffin’s books within a week. Yes, it rains a lot here!

I love hearing about great reads, so I thought I would share my new favorite books.  Something Borrowed and Something Blue (read in that order). They are quick reads which is great and even better I couldn’t set either of them down!

Emily Griffin is the author of five New York Times Bestselling novels, including Something Borrowed which is now been adapted as a major motion picture. These Books are both about Betrayal, Redemption and Forgiveness.

Something Borrowed

Something Borrowed tells the story of Rachel,a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl—until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend, Darcy, throws her a party. That night, after too many drinks, Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy’s fiancé.

Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for the one guy she should run from. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel knows she has to make a choice. In doing so, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren’t always neat, and sometimes you have to risk all to win true happiness. Something Borrowed is a phenomenal debut novel that will have you laughing, crying, and calling your best friend.

Something Blue

A novel that shows how someone with a “perfect life” can lose it all—and then find everything.

Darcy Rhone thought she had it all figured out: the more beautiful the girl, the more charmed her life. Never mind substance. Never mind playing by the rules. Never mind karma.

But Darcy’s neat, perfect world turns upside down when her best friend, Rachel, the plain-Jane “good girl,” steals her fiancé, while Darcy finds herself completely alone for the first time in her life . . . with a baby on the way.

Darcy tries to recover, fleeing to her childhood friend living in London and resorting to her tried-and-true methods for getting what she wants. But as she attempts to recreate her glamorous life on a new continent, Darcy finds that her rules no longer apply. It is only then that Darcy can begin her journey toward self-awareness, forgiveness, and motherhood.

Something Blue is a novel about one woman’s surprising discoveries about the true meaning of friendship, love, and happily-ever-after. It’s a novel for anyone who has ever, even secretly, wondered if the last thing you want is really the one thing you need.

What are some of your favorite books?

Enjoy!

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For $6, you can purchase a voucher good for 60% Off Your Entire Order at our boutique.

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What’s hot for fall? Every year, thousands of women scour through magazines and search online to find out what’s hot for fall.  Vogue’s September issue is one of their most popular issues because of the fall and winter introductions. If you think about it, fall and winter purchases tend to be more expensive…that is why many tend to research must haves before they make purchases. Pretty true… boots and jackets are pricier than buying simple flip flops and sun dresses.

After just placing our first fall order, I wanted to see what some of the predictions were.  Here is what I found… lots of safari/military inspired styles to include green and camel hues.  Animal prints, animal fur, leather and feathers are all what’s hot for fall. Also 50’s and 60’s inspired wear. Red lips, fuller skirts, kitten heels and clutches are in. Look for tops or jackets with collars on them!

Here are a few items we just received that FALL right in line with many’s must haves!

1. Ahead of the Flock Fascinator: This heart stopping handmade fabric hair accessory is fabulous just like you. It features a cream silky cotton blooming flower, accented with earth-toned feathers. Top off your most classic cocktail attire with this vintage fascintator or pair it with your unique everyday outfits for an extra dose of flair.

2. Office Chic Necklace: Just another day at the office but today you are bursting with beauty as you don this metallic double-stranded clustered pearl necklace. Clearly you have taken the traditional strand of pearls and stepped it up a notch. You chose to wear this metallic number with a simple drapey white blouse, fitted pencil skirt and patent pumps knowing your necklace screams glamour enough on its own.

3. 20′s Inspired Cloche Hat: What’s hot for fall? This 20’s inspired canvas cloche hat will draw all eyes to you and your picture-perfect attire this fall. Whether paired with a vintage inspired dress or a chic pair of wide-leg pants and a chiffon tank, the delicate ruffle rosette detail on this ruby red hat will elevate your attire to new levels of sophistication. Perfect topper for everyday wear!

4. Foxy Nail Polish: Rich and warm like the fur of a fox, this classy chic eco-friendly nail polish from Megan Miller Collection provides an elegant finish.

5. Cayenne Cabaret Ruffle Leggings: You are smart, sophisticated and sexy with no style to spare…which is why these cayenne cabaret ruffle leggings are a must! These soft, medium weight ruffle leggings feature six rows of ruffles at the hem and a silk bow. Mix these leggings with a tank top, cropped blazer, peep toed shoes and a slouchy bag for a chic outfit to wear while trying out the new bistro that just opened up in your neighborhood!

6. Ravishing Rosette Envelope Clutch: Are you tired of the same old oversized totes? Are you trying to cram your life into your purse? We know it all too well. It’s time to free your mind – and your shoulder – Instead carry this enchanting envelope clutch tonight! Crafted in gray faux leather with a rosette embellishment. Who knows you may just love your new found freedom and ditch those oversize totes for good because you just can’t imagine putting this clutch down.

7. Wear Your Heart Skirt: For a perfect mix of feminine and rocker, it doesn’t get much more awesome than this heart skirt! I don’t know what’s hot for fall if this isn’t!  Dainty black hearts on a truffle background makes this piece perfect to wear with tees or blazers. This comfy 12 gored heart skirt features front pockets and a knit waistband. This wardrobe essential is fitted at the waist with a full fluted hem which takes this skirt even further beyond ordinary. Pair it with black tights and a cropped blazer!

8. Ivory Adore You Handbag: Armed with this beautiful ivory bag, your fabulous sense of fashion will bring a bit of joy and sparkle wherever you go! Its varied textures of faux crocodile leather to lace and silver hardware will put you on the path to style satisfaction. Try donning a fitted blazer, satin blouse and a structured pencil skirt, then add the purse’s attachable shoulder strap to make a statement at the office on Monday. Whatever you choose to pair it with, this handbag will have you stand out stylishly from the 9 to 5 crowd.

Though the name might sound funny, fabric flower bib necklaces…they make quite a feminine fashion statement.  These necklaces can make the simplest of outfits look fabulous. If you are looking for a statement necklace, then fabric flower bib necklaces are just what you need.

Fabric flower bib necklaces feature romantic flower details that bring a vintage appeal to them.  Pair them with a simple black shirt for a day running errands or dress it up for a night on the town.

Here are a few drop dead gorgeous fabric flower bib necklaces we had to share!

ALOHA Necklace! You don’t have to be in Hawaii to wear an array of flowers around your neck, although a trip there would be great. You don’t mind pretending with this gorgeous chiffon fabric flower bib necklace in one of your favorite colors! This cobalt blue necklace features delicate blue rhinestones in the center of each flower and a self tie with satin ribbons making it all the more a statement necklace! While you are dreaming of your getaway accentuate a simple sleek dress with this fashionable focal point! Aloha!

FLOURISHING IN BLUE Necklace! This ivory braided rope necklace with flourishing blue flowers is just your style! You of course are a girly girl and know that a strapless dress and heeled T-straps will create the perfect ensemble when wearing this fabric flower bib necklace. You love just how easy it is to adjust its length with its knotted pull, so it will always sit perfectly on any outfit. The beautiful flower adornments create such a lovely feminine look that will be just perfect for your next soiree.

FLOURISHING IN BLACK Necklace! This ivory braided rope necklace with flourishing black flowers is just your style! You of course are a girly girl and know that a strapless dress and heeled T-straps will create the perfect ensemble when wearing this fabric flower bib necklace. You love just how easy it is to adjust its length with its knotted pull, so it will always sit perfectly on any outfit. The beautiful flower adornments create such a lovely feminine look that will be just perfect for your next soiree.

FRESHLY PICKED Necklace! Your style will bloom the moment you plant this necklace in your closet! This features a silver chain, ivory pearls and animal print fabric flower bib necklace with rhinestone in the center of the bud embellishment. Wear this accessory to create the look of a freshly picked trend. Pair this animal print flower necklace statement piece with a sultry black dress and stylish pumps for a look that’s blooming with style.

I absolutely love cooking, especially anything Mexican!  I usually get my favorite recipes from AllRecipes.com. Typically I am a huge health nut, but love to splurge once in a while when it comes to anything Mexican.  Trust me this chicken enchilada recipe is worth it!  It just so happens my in-laws found this recipe on AllRecipes.com and shared it with me.  Boy was I excited because they were amazing!  I love getting a great new recipe and sharing it. So I hope you all enjoy this chicken enchilada recipe!

Chicken Enchilada Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat – cut into chunks
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package mild taco seasoning mix
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped, divided
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 5 (12 inch) flour tortillas
• 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives

Directions

1. Place the chicken in a large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the chicken pieces are no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Shred chicken by placing two forks back to back and pulling meat apart. Set the shredded chicken aside. Meanwhile, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chili powder in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, then turn off the heat and cover to keep warm.
2. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, chopped green chilies, taco seasoning, half of the bunch of chopped green onion, and water. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the lime juice, onion powder, and garlic powder; simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
3. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir 1 cup of the soup mixture into the skillet with the chicken mixture. Spread the remaining soup mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the chicken filling before folding the tortillas, reserving half of the shredded cheese for topping the enchiladas. Fold tortillas over the filling and place seam-side down in the prepared pan.
5. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Cover with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the reserved chopped green onions and the sliced olives on top of the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 25 minutes.

Tip: Shredding the chicken is somewhat time consuming but well worth it! Serve these chicken enchilada’s with sour cream and aside of spanish rice! Yum!!!

Prep Time: 45 Min / Cook Time: 1 hr

Enjoy!

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Meet Jessica…

Jessica is a successful public relations specialist and is always on the go! She looks gorgeous (as usual) wearing this ultimate ivory necklace and earrings set! This set features strands of silver and ivory-hued beads interlinked by silver loops. This everyday luxury of an accessory will place you at the top of present-day fashion! Truly a cutting-edge necklace for a stand-out girl!

By the way, Jessica was just named President Elect for the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA. Way to go, Jessica. Congrats!!

These unique womens tops offer a true vintage feel that is chic and comfy! Shown below in charcoal, this unique top features a yellow route 66 graphic we just adore!  It reminds me of the unique womens tops Savannah Buffet is now selling from her A1A clothing line.  Tops that are chic, casual and comfortable.

This burnout v-neck long sleeve shirt is 60% cotton and 40% polyester and comes pre-shrunk!  Pair this Choose Nostalgia top with your favorite jeans, a matching yellow tank and your flashy yellow pumps, just because you can. And head out to the local bar to catch the game with your main man!

These unique womens tops come in 2 other styles.  Choose strength or Choose Elegance.

Also, fairly new to our collection of unique womens tops are these fabulous tee’s made of 100% cotton!  So not only are they comfy, they are super trendy too!  Love them.  If you do too, they are available at ChiChi Collections!

A statement necklace for mother of the bride is all about that, making a statement!  This particular collection just radiates glamour and is perfect for a mother of the bride! This timeless elegant statement necklace for mother of the bride makes such an impression with its bold gold chain and the fabulous oversized rhinestones. You can easily accentuate a mother of the bride dress with this fashionable focal point.  It makes an extremely chic and glamorous look.

The striking sparkly rhinestones just come alive in the presence of light, making this statement necklace for mother of the bride unforgettable.  Pair with the matching earrings for a completely lovely look !

These statement necklaces for bridesmaids are available in:

1. gold with black rhinestones

2. silver with clear rhinstones (currently sold out)

3. gold with clear rhinestones (currently sold out)

Featured in Gold with Black Rhinestones

Featured in Silver with Clear Rhinestones

Featured in Gold with Clear Rhinestones

Currently out of stock in silver with clear rhinestones and gold with clear rhinestones, but hopefully only for a short time…this great statement necklace for mother of the bride also comes in gold with black rhinestones.  Please contact us if you are interested and we will be happy to let you know when they arrive.

We have also had several brides purchase these as statement necklaces for bridesmaids!  They are a really great option for mothers of the bride or bridesmaids!  We look forward to helping make yours and your daughter’s big day extra special!

Pops of colorful flowers and faded navy chevron are a breath of fresh air! These two looks are pieced together perfectly with the one shoulder. This chevron dress was created solely for our “On the Go” gals!

This adorable chevron dress looks stunning on.  The romantic fabric flowers give it that feminine look and the chevron pattern is very slimming! This chevron dress is so versatile…a fabulous dress you can wear in the spring, summer & fall! Pair with simple tan wedges and you’ll be ready for anything the day might bring!

ChiChi Collections is so excited to announce we are now selling fabric hair accessories from Autumn Lynn Designs! Jessi is the owner and very talented designer of Autumn Lynn Designs.  She and I met in high school, although just recently reconnected through Facebook.  She introduced me to these fabulous fabric hair accessories and I was more than impressed when I checked out her website!

As most of you know, that see my sister and I on a regular basis, we LOVE accessories.  I feel like it is the finishing touch to your outfit, it can make or break it.  With that being said, these unique fabric hair accessories were exactly what we have been looking for and we couldn’t wait to start selling them.

Check these out!!

Jessi has been a hairstylist for the past 10 years and recently started designing and creating these vintage hair accessories. Each unique piece is completely handmade and constructed with amazing fabrics and vintage brooches. These unique fabric hair accessories go with everything from jeans and cute cardi’s to weddings and formal affairs!

We are so thrilled about our new relationship with Jessi and to be selling her fabulous fabric hair accessories here at ChiChi Collections!

Thanks Jessi…we love your designs and wish you much success!