Accessories CAN Save The World!

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that some days end on a high note, and you feel generally amazing about life...and then some days are the opposite...and all you want, is a bowl of ice cream and some mindless, reality television. Yes, life gets challenging...but when I complain about my VERY fortunate life, I can't help but feel ridiculous, considering the situations that so many others are facing in the world.  I get impatient when my elevator stops 10 times on the way down to the parking garage, yet thousands of people in Japan had their whole lives washed away in an instant.  

As a business owner, I hold a responsibility to give back to the world that has given me so much. No one has placed that on me, I just feel it.  And what immense joy there is in meeting others who feel the same way, and who take it many steps further to organize events, and bring people together who feel the need to contribute.

I have recently been given the opportunity to give back through some great initiatives that are worth mentioning.  Although no one really NEEDS accessories, our accessories have been able to help those IN need. 

Shop for the Cause 

Nathalie-Roze Fischer, owner of amazing shop Nathalie-Roze & Co. is a superstar.  Shop for the Cause: A Pop Up Sale for Japan, is the third Pop Up Nathalie-Roze has organized, in an effort to send relief to those who have been affected by Tsunami. Her ability to gather communities and shed light on an issue never goes unnoticed. This is the second time we were able to donate some of our goods, to be sold and have profits given to The Canadian Red Cross.

Corsage Project

The mission of this amazing charity, is to provide formal gowns and accessories, free of charge, to Toronto area high school girls who are unable to purchase their own prom attire.  Every year, we focus on selling prom attire, but why not focus on giving it? This is the first year we participated in The Corsage Project, and are happy to continue this trend.

 Hot for Hope

Tamika Auwai of Shop Socials, is an Event Planning Guru, and her next big thing is Hot for Hope, an evening of SPA-ing and SHOP-ing in uptown Toronto. Proceeds from the event are being donated to The Canadian Red Cross in support of Japan.  I Heart Accessories is of course, taking part in the shop crawl fun.  Click here for more info! 

If you know of a charity, or initiative that you think we should also know about. Send us an email! My heart goes out to those in need, and our accessories go out in support of them.

xoxo
With Heart,
Natalie

Birthday Week Love

Every year, I have a birthday week. There's a friend party, a boyfriend party, and a family party. And then of course there are dinners and coffee dates with friends here and there.  Before you know it, a week has gone by and I'm feelin' good about the extra year.  This year, my store stole my thunder in celebrating her first birthday, however, it was with extreme pleasure that I handed it over. The gal's been good to me.

We started off I Heart's birthday week with a fab 3-day sale of Buy 1 Get 1 50% off.  Hats and scarves were flying out of here like nobody's business, and with our already amazing prices, lovelies had the chance to stock up for prezzies and stocking stuffers.

Later on in the week, we had a date with Shop Socials for our 1st birthday party. Maggie, our most favourite personal baker from Lovin' from the Oven, supplied us with deliciously pink and white cupcakes (dusted with real gold flakes), and guests shopped with a whopping 25% off everything in the store and free gifties.

Above, two of our happy shoppers. The expressions on their faces says it all. Am I right?

A great time including good deals were had by all, especially me. The $5 martinis only had a *little* to do with it. 

Big hugs and kisses go out to Tamika from Shop Socials for throwing us such a great bash, and bringing her group of gals to celebrate with us. We also heart bloggers Laura from For Those about to Shop, and Natasa from The Stiletto Twins, for coming out and covering the event.  And of course, a big smooch to Baily and Graham from Snap North Toronto.  We can always count on them to snap some pics and let the world know we exist!

Those who attended: thank you for taking part in our first year and for all of your love and support.  I truly am so grateful for the people that walk through that door each and every day. We wouldn't have been able to make it here without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

xoxo
With Heart,
Natalie

Socialite Perks for Everyday Gals

Happy November Lovelies! Tis the season to get your shop on.  Ready for this? there are only 54 days left until the big day!  I KNOW!

This is going up tomorrow!

If you're reading this, you probably enjoy shopping. If you enjoy shopping, you most likely love when you find something fab for a fraction of the regular price. Regardless, I love having gorgeous items as much as I love to sell them, and what's not to love about paying less for more?  So, when I came across Shop Socials, I was instantly drawn to this brilliant concept combining all the things I love.  With just the right touch of fun, fashion, beauty, and discounts, founder of this amazing company, Tamika Auwai, organizes fabulous gatherings for women.  Tamika has made it a point to collaborate with independently owned Toronto boutiques, spotlighting hidden gems and designers that often go unseen. Also, martinis are usually involved.  Just sayin.

Showing off their goods below, some lovely socialites who attended our last event in May. 

Uppin' the anti of your discount socialite shopping is Shop Socials first born: The Socialite Card. Not necessary to attend events, but TOTALLY worth getting, this card grants you continuous discounts at boutiques in the Toronto area, private invites, free swag...ah...the list goes on.

Lastly, the newest service being offered by Shop Socials is their Girls Night In packages. With all of her amazing connections, Tamika brings a personalized boutique to your home (including I Heart Accessories goodies), providing you and your gal pals with the best in shopping in the comfort of your own home.  Have a few friends with little ones on the way? A pop-up including maternity wear is at your place in no time. Seriously...she's that amazing.
 

With our first Shop Socials event being a smashing success, we decided to ask them to help us out with our first birthday bash. If you're sentimental and wish to call us on the day, it's the 14th of November, however if you're like me, and just wanna come, enjoy a bevy and a cupcake (which will be generously made by our friends Lovin' From the Oven), Thursday the 18th is when it's all happening. Major discounts, free gifts and goodies galore are to be had, not to mention, shopping like a socialite at an invite only event.

So if shopping like a socialite is something you could get used to, I urge you to check out the Shop Socials website, and/or their facebook page for constant updates on new events.

If you've never been to I Heart Accessories, we'de love to see you at our birthday party, and trust us, you won't regret coming after shopping with 25% off everything in the store!

See ya then Sugar Plums.

xoxo

With Heart,
Natalie

This Time it's Personal

October 1st, a time for reflection. 

It's been a busy few weeks at the boutique, and in life in general.  There have been some quiet days (as there are in all businesses), but those days have been spent making new connections, rearranging, filling orders and doing a general tidy-up of the boutique. Things can get pretty cluttered really quickly here...and setting everything straight always feels so much better!

It's really hard to believe how far I have come in such a short time. I will soon be hitting my one year mark at the shop complete with a party hosted by Shop Socials!  I am SO looking forward to inviting all of my pals - old and new - who have been so supportive in my little endeavor.  Really, if it weren't for the amazing people I have met along the way...I can't imagine where I'de be.

Last week I had an amazing email from my friend Erin, who talked about how incredibly happy she was for me and all that I have accomplished with my business!  It's difficult for me to toot my own horn, as I always think there is so much more I could be doing. Sometimes, you think you're the only one who notices the things you have accomplished, so reading her email brightened my entire week.

I've also been thinking about my repeat customers lately.  There are a lot of familiar faces who walk through my door everyday and every time I see one of those faces, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling.  Many have mentioned that they skipped the big conglomerates who carry the same items, so that they could support I Heart Accessories!  Really...? Could I be any more fortunate?

Sometimes I just need to step out of my life, realize all the awesomness that surrounds me and soak it all in. If you are reading this, thank you. Know that you are appreciated. 

xoxo
With Heart,

Natalie

I Heart gets Divafied

We were lucky enough and so very excited to be part of a fantastic event on August 5th: Divalicious 2 at The Roosevelt Room. Hosted by Divagirl Inc. and Shop Socials, this event gave women a night of exciting entertainment and fabulous shopping topped off with martinis...seriously...is there anything better?

Danielle and I were so happy to have a booth and showcase our fab finds at extra special prices.  Divas were swooning over our jewels...and at a couple points in the night, we had little lines forming while others made their picks!

Here's a snapshot of our booth before everyone was let in...

A short time later...let the "Bling Buying" begin...

Of course, it wouldn't have been a Divalicious night without a Divafied Fashion Show.  We were so very excited to be a part of this gorgeous display of incredible designs. Labels included TFNC London by Studio Beba, Samantha Stoncius, and N.S. Designs.  How did we fit in? I Heart Accessories topped off all the looks!

Major thanks go out to our amazing and talented hosts, Tamika Auwai of Shop Socials and and Laura Furtado of Divagirl Inc. These ladies know how to throw a party and make it fab! Also, can we just pay a little attention to how absolutely stunning they are?!

And of course, an extra special thank-you to the other half of the I Heart Dream Team, Danielle. Here we are, all bright eyed (Pre ransackage and Red Bull highs/lows.)

If you haven't already treated yourself and your friends to events by these amazing gals, you should definitely check them out...we CAN NOT wait for the next one!

xoxo

With Heart, 

Natalie