Who do YOU love?

Well, it's official. February is upon us. The month some people love, and some people love to hate. With hearts, flowers and cupids all around, it either makes you gush with love, or want to poke the next person who says "awww" in the eye.

We hear ya...and although we are all about the love and mushy stuff, we think it's equally important, if not more, to show love where it matters most. To yourself.

As Buddha put it: 

You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection. 

Self-love is my thing this year. As much as I have an abundance of love and affection from my Mr., I know that in order to truly be happy, that love must come from within. In an effort to stop being so hard on myself, take pride in the things I have done, and pat myself on the back every once in a while, I've realized it's not selfish to sometimes be selfish. It's essential. 

So - If you're feeling the same, I encourage you to take all the Love Day hoopla and run with it. Be inspired to love YOU. Indulge in a spa day, get a new hair style, or buy yourself something pretty.   We've got that last one covered - which hasn't been a challenge with all the amazing, meaningful pieces that have been spotted on our shelves lately. Here are some of our favourites that add just the right amount of jewel, with a little pinch of self-love.

These wrap-around leather bracelets from Foxy Originals, serve as delicate reminders to live your best life and love YOU.

 

Our new line of bracelets entitled "Life Charm Bangles", each come carded with a different quote/meaning. Growth, happiness, and love are the common themes.

The Wearable Words Collection (necklaces and bracelets) by Foxy Originals, is great for adults as well as little ones. Our favourite in this line is "Dreams Come True".

So, whatever the case may be for you this February, we hope you indulge in a little "self-love" and give your heart the attention (or bling) it deserves.

XOXO
With Heart,

Natalie

HI!

Hello Friends!

I know what you're thinking. FINALLY! A POST! If you follow us on facebook (click the sidebar to join the party), you know we are still alive and well and hearting accessories more than ever. We've just been a lil busy getting the beginning of this blissful year organized...we promise to pay more attention to our blog and keep you up to date on all the happenings from here on in.

That being said, there's a LOT to catch up on since December - so, I just wanted to shine a little light on our media attention as of late. We kinda get overly excited when people call and want to feature us in their spots/mags/newspapers....and we do LOVE the attention!

Take a little lookie-loo at our recent exposure. I'm a very proud mama!

Below: A recent interview done by the lovely Wyndham for The Grid. That's me there.

MID

Yonge & Craighurst

Tue Jan 17, 2012
Advice

My Job Could Be Your Life: Natalie Colalillo of I Heart Accessories

In this week's edition of our career-advice column, we learn the pros and cons of going into business for yourself.

BY: Wyndham Bettencourt-McCarthy

Name: Natalie Colalillo
Age: 30
Job: Owner of I Heart Accessories (2646 Yonge)
In 30 seconds or less, tell me what you do all day at work.
I’m the store’s sole owner, so each day I check email, order new stuff for the store, merchandise, serve customers, update the website and manage social media—everything, really.
How did you first become interested in starting your own business?
When I was in university, my parents—who have been in the home-décor retail business for 20 years—helped me start up a little side business. It kind of stayed with me; whatever I was doing, I sold jewellery and accessories on the side as a hobby. My parents had an in with a lot of suppliers, and they would take me on their buying trips, so that really helped. I became familiar with where to go and what to get. And then one day I just decided that I needed to be my own boss, and I had always pictured myself owning my own shop. I work in the store five or six days a week, and I have a part-time employee who helps me one or two days a week.
What is it about accessories in particular that inspired you to go into retail?
I’ve always been really interested in accessorizing outfits I have rather than shopping for new clothes. I’ve always shopped simple in terms of clothing, and then used accessories to make my outfit exciting. I find it really fun. Here, we offer a wide range of accessories rather than just jewellery, as a lot of other stores do. My customers know that they can bring an outfit or a picture of an outfit into the store, or they can describe an outfit to me, and we can accessorize them from head-to-toe.
Once you decided what kind of business you wanted, how did you go about finding a location and establishing the store?
I took a year to write a business plan, and then it came down to deciding what size of space I was looking for and what kind of neighbourhood I wanted to be in. I really wanted the store to be a bit more high-end than your average cheap-accessories store, but not so high-end that people couldn’t afford it. I was looking for something much larger, but then I found this space (on Yonge, north of Eglinton) and I realized that it was actually the perfect size for what I want to do. Now, it’s actually worked in my favour; a lot of people call the store a “hidden gem,” or say to their friends that they have to check it out because it’s so small but has the greatest things.
When you first opened for business, how did you build a customer base?
It took a little while to get busy; even now, people are still finding out about us. I still get people saying, “Oh, I didn’t even know you were here,” and we’re in our third year. But the good thing is that customers keep coming back. In our first year, it was all about people finding us, and now our focus is on our really great base of return customers.
What’s something people should know before they open their own business?
It’s really important to have a plan, and to set goals that are attainable. It’s also important to keep in mind that it’s a life-long commitment. I always say that it’s equally as challenging as starting a family, because it takes up all of your time. I don’t have kids, but, as with a family, you have to be a 100 per cent committed to make a real go of it.
What are you favourite and least favourite parts of your job?
My favourite part is that I get to wake up every day and work for me; my least favourite part is that I have to wake up every day and work for me!  It’s a challenge when you’re the only owner, because you don’t have partners or people to bounce ideas off of, so I try to seek out mentors in order to do that. But actually, the challenges have become my favourite parts of the job.

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More news and posts coming soon! In the meantime, check out our online shop - new gorgeous pieces added daily!

xoxo
With Heart,

Natalie

Laura's Top Three Wish List

Christmas is creeping up on us quickly and is just around the corner! Coincidentally, the month of December is when I start noticing more and more things that I suddenly decide I absolutely need. Normally, I would try to convince myself I don’t need to get that sparkly necklace even though it would look perfect with that outfit in my closet. But with Christmas, I don’t resist temptations. I just take detailed notes about the item, and with my fingers crossed, casually slide the page across the table to a loved one. The new arrivals at I Heart Accessories have definitely caused me to start making mental lists of things I want for myself, and for others. After all, it is the season of giving, it's not ALL about me. However, this post is. Here is my "Top Three Wish List" from I Heart Accessories.

1. Scarves

I love scarves. Soft, silky, patterned or plain, I love them all. Many times the perfecting detail of an outfit is a scarf in a matching or contrasting colour. Every time I Heart Accessories gets new scarves I get a little excited and look them all over. This is why I definitely have to include a scarf on my wish list. 

Our new infinity scarves are so soft and plush that I immediately knew they would be perfect for filling this gaping hole in my accessories. You really can’t help but want to cozy up with one and I know they would not only look amazing, but also help keep me nice and warm.

2. Pom Pom Hats

Now why ask for just a scarf when you can get a hat too? It's Christmas, remember? When I first saw our pom pom hats I just couldn’t figure out how I have survived this long without one. They come in a variety of styles and colours. With one of these and a matching scarf, I can relax knowing that not only are my ears warm, but I look pretty great too. Was that vain?

3. Feather Headbands

This is the last thing on my list (at the moment). They have a sleek black band with a feather detail on top in a variety of colours and patterns. With all the style options, it has been impossible for me to narrow it down to just one. When I am at school working in the studio, I always have to wear my hair in a ponytail for safety reasons and because it is easier to concentrate. One of these hair bands will take my ponytail to the next level and make it less a matter of safety, and more a style choice. Who says you can’t look good while following the rules and being safe? I'm taking a stand.

I usually never know what to ask for at Christmas, but being a part of I Heart Accessories definitely helps with that. So, if any of my family and friends are reading this, consider this my subtle hint at what I would like under the tree this year. 

xoxo

With Heart

Laura

Winter Snapshots

AHHH! IT'S WINTER! Almost. Good thing we have some stylish cozies to ease us into the the frigid temps. We snapped some pics of our new arrivals, as well as one of yours truly. I tend to do this once in a while...but only with winter wear...?! Not sure why. Anyway, stay cool. And by stay cool I mean, stay warm.  

xoxo
With Heart,

Natalie

HUE to the ResCUE!

Fall is here. As much as you don’t want it to be, it’s here. And although bare legs and sandals just won’t work anymore (this past weekend was an exception), this doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your cute skirts and dresses, it just means you have to add a little extra warmth.  This is where we save your life: we have a bunch of new Hue tights and socks that will complete any Fall look. Feel better? Good.

Either patterned or plain, adding a pair of tights underneath your dress, skirt, or even shorts, can add the extra warmth you need to brave the changing seasons. Our Hue tights come in a range of neutral colours that are sure to go with any outfit you have. We are carrying opaque tights, sweater tights, and if you overdid the turkey this past week, we’ve got some control top.  Here are a couple recent looks we like, paired with a simple black opaque tight. Nicole and Zooey know what's up.

Faves of the moment: our HUE Pointelle Tights in Grey

So you’re thinking – “what if my legs are already covered with those things called pants?”. Don’t worry, we’ve thought of you too.  Last night as I ran to and from my car multiple times in the rain storm, with nothing but ballet flats on my feet, I was really wishing I had some cozies on my tozies.

Luckily, we have some socks that feel just like your favourite baggy, cozy, knitted sweater which are perfect for under boots, and others that you can wear with flats or a dressier shoes.

Here's the deal. HUE socks and tights are made with incredible quality. We are pretty loyal to this brand, since we have personally fallen in love with everything we've ever tried from them. In a nutshell, they don't ride up, fall down or run. They do what they're supposed to do, feel most comfortable, and they look great. What more could you ask for? 


Let us fulfill your leg/foot wear needs this fall. We've got you covered.


xoxo
With Heart, 


Laura

Accessa-Mess

 

Does this look similar to your accessory collection?

It’s okay, you don’t need to feel ashamed. We all have the balls of tangled chains, missing earrings, bracelets strewn across our table, and rings scattered throughout the room. It is a fact of life really, something all accessory lovers have to find a way to deal with. Half the time we spend getting ready can be on hunting down and untangling the accessory we desperately want to wear. When you are strapped for space and time, sometimes keeping everything in little dishes and drawers just isn’t an option, and organization seems impossible to achieve. It is time to take a stance, time to teach your accessories whose boss and as much as they want to, they can’t take over your entire room. Claim back that time spent searching and untangling. Your schedule will thank you for it and suddenly, getting ready will flow much smoother. Hey, you may even be able to reunite a few earrings with their pair during the process, or discover the long lost ring that you’ve always loved. I know we really don't have to tell you this, but I Heart Accessories is here to help you with all your acessa-mess woes.

We recently restocked on a wide range of jewellery stands and accessory organizers in a bunch of styles. Some are whimsical and fun, while others straight to the point and very serious about their job, but still look good. The great thing about these pieces, is that they display all your things so you can see everything in one glance. Often, when things are kept in dishes or drawers we have to search through them to find what we want and a lot of the time we even forget about some pieces that we own. Our organizers can help you quickly see what your different options are for completing your outfit and make sure that nothing great gets lost in the crowd.

My favourites of the bunch are the tree shaped ones that come in three different styles. We have used these to display our jewellery for quite a while and have always gotten compliments on them.  They have twisted branches so your necklaces, bracelets, and rings don’t slip off as well as loops to hook your earrings into. Pick up a tree and have fun decorating it with all your jewels, the final product looks amazing and almost like a little art piece.  

We also have a range of holders in silver that can be for more specialized purposes. For those of us that have more earrings than we can count, there are holders that have rows of holes perfect for all styles of earrings. With these, you can easily keep track of all you have and not worry about missing pairs. There are also some with straight bars that are great for sliding bracelets onto or hanging and looping your necklaces so you don’t ever have to frustratingly untangle some chains. 

De-cluttering the accessa-mess can be a headache and often falls to the bottom of our list of things to do. It is easy to just toss items on the table or in a drawer while rushing to get ready, but this just results in scratched, lost, and tangled things that cause even more pain later. Save yourself the heartache, and come take a peek at how we can help your life. At least in the accessory department.  

xoxo
With Heart, 
Laura

Time for a Change

My most recent personal accessory choice has been inspired by this week's back to school extravaganza.  Maybe it's because all those Staples commercials got me in the mood, or the fact that I never know what time it is...? but recently, I have decided to wear a watch. This is a big deal for me, as I've actually never been a watch person. The Mr. in my life is the opposite. He has an entire collection of watches that he perfectly matches with each outfit, as well as their very own case, with leather interior to boot. He's got this whole watch thing down...and I must say, I enjoy knowing that even if I don't know what time it is, he always will.

I have purchased myself many watches...and even remember my dad giving me a Snoopy Tennis watch exactly like this one:

But I never cared that it told time. I just enjoyed watching Snoopy hit the tennis ball. This watch is pretty cool, am I right?

Evidently, I haven't changed a bit. When we received our new shipment of watches last week...I excitedly unwrapped each one just to see the beauty of shiny newness. "Which one will I buy myself ?!?" went through my mind a few times. Then "Who am I kidding?...I'm not a watch girl." Which is true, I'm totally not. Call me a rebel, but I just don't feel as though I NEED to know what time it is badly enough to wear it on my wrist at all times.

I do however, enjoy bling. So naturally, when I saw this sparkly baby, I knew it had to be mine. And it is. It's on my wrist right now. I don't even know if the time is right on it, nor does it matter. It's just so pretty.

So - necessity or not, I have decided to follow in the footsteps of my significant other, who clearly knows the drill when it comes to timepieces. Meaning, I'll need to treat myself to more of these lovelies, to go with more of my outfits. It just so happens that we have quite the nice collection on our shelves at the moment. Here are a few that I've been spying with my little eye.

So, maybe I've become a watch girl. People can be watch people for different reasons, and those reasons don't always have to include knowing the time.  Once I find my Snoopy watch, I will have started a collection of two...soon to be many. This is a milestone.

xoxo
With Heart,
Natalie