Adios 2014!

Hi everyone!

I hope that you all had an amazing Christmas!

Can you believe that 2014 is finished? Finito! Gone forever! Well not just yet, there are a few more hours left until we ring in 2015. Naturally, everyone will reflect on the year gone, and resolve to try and do things differently in the year ahead.

Here at Willow & Clo it has been another fantastic year, although not without the odd challenge here and there of course!

The ultimate high was winning Best Accessories Designer at Kerry Fashion Week. I was absolutely astounded! To be the recipient of such a prestigious award was the ultimate career high and I'll never forget it!

Absolutely thrilled - Hannah and me at KFW 2014 after I won Best Accessories Designer!

Another memorable moment was seeing Princess Eugenie wear the Willow Leaf Earrings from the Willow collection at a fundraising event in New York. Seeing them dangle from her ears as she embraced the Duchess of Cambridge, right there in the world famous Metropolitan Museum of Art..........that was a pinch myself moment!

Princess Eugenie greets the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the Willow Leaf Earrings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

My love of stories and storytelling came to life in my new collection, 'Ogham.' I wanted to design a collection that embraced and paid homage to the tradition of storytelling in Irish heritage, and where better to look for inspiration than our earliest example of storytelling - the Ogham alphabet!

Some pieces from the new 'Ogham' collection - 'Wise and Pure' bracelet and 'Alive like Fire' necklace

More recently, I loved opening up the studio to my customers over the Christmas period! We decorated the studio to look as though it was a treasure trove, a hidden gem amidst the hustle and bustle of Dublin's city centre, full of wondrous and glorious pieces ideal for Christmas gifts and style inspiration. The Christmas tunes were hoppin' throughout the course of each day and a few people commented that it was the most Christmassy establishment in town!

'Most Wonderful Time of the Year!' Christmas prep at Willow & Clo Atelier

I'm so happy that I decided to open the studio and had the opportunity to meet my customers. That's the best thing about what I do - meeting people and hearing their stories about Willow & Clo, the reasons why they bought Willow & Clo jewellery for that special someone, or indeed for themselves!


As the year draws to a close, it's fun looking back at those special moments throughout the year. But.....time to look ahead and write a new chapter in our lives.

As far as 2015 is concerned, I have a stone buying trip to Peru planned in early January, and I have a feeling that 2015 heralds the advent of so many new, wonderful and exciting things! New inspiration, new designs, new opportunities!

So let's all start the New Year with a positive note! I hope that for all of you 2015 is filled with happy and exciting events, moments and stories - I hope that it will be a real page-turner!

Wishing you all the best for 2015!

Clo xxx

'Ogham' - My Latest Collection

Hard to believe there's a week left until Christmas! So exciting! The Christmas atmosphere here at Willow & Clo is incredible, with sparkly lights, chocolate, and Christmas tunes! It's been amazing having the studio open over the Christmas period. I have absolutely loved meeting so many of you over the last number of weeks and helping you to choose pieces from the range, be it for a loved one or for you. It is exactly why I do what I do - for me, jewellery is so personal, and is such a special gift to give to someone, so being part of the selection process means so much to me!

Sparkly lights at the Willow & Clo studio

On to more exciting news - I am delighted to be releasing the new 'Ogham' collection. I have always been fascinated by Ogham stones and their inscriptions.I think it's amazing that they, along with their stories, have been in existence for thousands of years. Storytelling is integral to the Willow & Clo brand, so it felt right to release a collection based on one of the earliest examples of storytelling in Irish culture.

When designing the collection, two Ogham inscriptions were my main sources of inspiration: 'Alive Like Fire' and 'Wild and Pure.' The collection is based on both of these sayings and feature these inscriptions in the Ogham alphabet itself.

'Ogham' has a contemporary, understated feel, and will be the perfect gift for any jewellery enthusiast.

'Alive like Fire' Long Wrap Necklace from the Ogham collection

The 'Ogham' collection is available online at www.willowandclo.ie

This is likely to be the last post that I do before Christmas, so for that reason, I am taking this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas!

Clo xxx

Willow & Clo - The Latest!

Hi everyone,

I hope that you're all keeping well and that your Christmas prep is running smoothly. As far as I'm concerned, you're one of two people: the kind who is incredibly organised and you have had all of your shopping done since May, or the kind of person who is running around like a headless chicken come Christmas Eve, rushing around trying to do all of your shopping within the space of two hours!

Either way, it really is the most exciting time of year and it's important to remember to enjoy yourself and not get too stressed out!

It has been a busy few weeks here at Willow & Clo. First bit of exciting news - I'm off to Peru come the new year for a stone buying trip! I'm so excited about visiting somewhere new, especially as Peru's history and culture is so deep in Aztec and Inca tradition - perfect for jewellery inspiration.


Willow & Clo has had some great coverage during the last few weeks. The new 'Ogham' collection was featured in the wonderful Her.ie's 'Fashion High Five.' Huge thanks to Michelle McMahon who wrote the piece. If you didn't see it, you can get it here .

Some pieces from the 'Ogham' collection, as featured on Her.ie

There was also a fantastic piece on Spanish blog The Petticoat, who recently collaborated with the amazing Irish online jewellery boutique, Coldlilies. The gorgeous Cristina Fernandez wore the Multi Layer Necklace from the Twig collection. She teamed it with a black velvet blazer with satin lapels from ZARA, and the finished look is sharp, sleek and androgynous, yet feminine and sexy. You can check out this amazing blog post for yourself here.

The Multi Layer Necklace from the Twig collection as seen on Cristina Fernandez, The Petticoat

Finally, Willow & Clo was thrilled to achieve over 1000 likes on Facebook this week. It is so wonderful to know that Willow & Clo has so many fans, and I am so grateful for all of the support and love. The Facebook page is updated regularly with style inspiration and stories, as well as the latest Willow & Clo news, so make sure to have a look!

Chat soon!

Clo xxx

The Christmas Party Outfit - Accessorise with Willow & Clo

It's that time of year again. Christmas. It comes by so quickly! While it can be the most stressful time of year for some, it's also without doubt the most fun. As it's a time when most people catch up with friends and family, there is a constant stream of parties and get-togethers and a never-ending buzz of social activity.

Herein lies the dilemma - what to wear? The key is to keep it simple, and choose a look that can be easily adapted and modified with some glam accessories. Black is perhaps the most elegant and sophisticated colour that can be worn all year, and is no more appropriate than during the Winter season.

I love this black shirt from ZARA, which looks fab when paired with some skintight, showstopping skinny black jeans such as these ones from TOPSHOP. Nothing beats a pair of pointed toe stiletto court shoes, and these ones from RIVER ISLAND are affordable and simple, but also very classic. A pointed toe court shoe has the added bonus of elongating the leg, thus ensuring that your pins look ultra svelte!

To top it all off, make a real statement with the Long Chain Earrings in yellow gold from Willow & Clo's Twig collection. The gold will look so striking against the black, and have maximum impact when accessorised with a plain black outfit.

It's That Time Of Year Again

Hi everyone! Apologies for the lack of posts recently. It's been a busy few weeks! And things are about to get busier ahead of Christmas!

I hope you're all excited - I know I am! I adore Christmas, and one of my favourite things about this time of year is, without any doubt, Christmas shopping! I love everything about it - the buzz around the shops, the lights and decorations, the Christmas songs blaring from every store within your proximity.....the list goes on!

With this in mind, I decided this year to share the Willow & Clo Christmas atmosphere with customers and give them a unique and personal shopping experience. So, I am delighted to announce that as of 25th November, I will be opening the doors of the Willow & Clo studio to customers!

 If you're looking for gift inspiration, for a loved one or for you, or something to accessorise those carefully planned outfits for the busiest party season of the year, then be sure to pay Willow & Clo a visit.

The studio is located on the third floor of 29 Wicklow St. Anyone is more than welcome to come in, browse the collections and experience the very Christmassy atmosphere here at Willow & Clo! For further information, see www.willowandclo.ie .

Clo xxx

Launching The Silver Linings Collection at The Jewellery Show London!

Hey everyone!

I'm just back from a busy week in London where i was exhibiting at the Jewellery Show London in The Saatchi Gallery! The Gallery itself was so nice and like last year I met so many amazing people, it was brilliant to have such fantastic weather for the week!

The new Silver Linings collection was launched at the show which was really exciting and it was fantastic to get such a great response!

The Silver Linings Collection: 

The Silver Linings Collection features  the ‘Hidden Message’ trend which proved hugely successful in Willow & Clo’s Soundwave collection.  The collection illustrates the power of jewellery to tell a story, which is central to the Willow & Clo brand.  The Silver Linings Earrings and Necklace are engraved with the proverb ‘Every Cloud has a Silver Lining’ as the collection embodies this optimistic outlook on life and seeks to remind the wearer to stay positive and look on the bright side of life!

 I've another few busy weeks ahead with lots of exciting projects in the pipline so I'll be sure to keep you all up to date! Hope you've all had a great week in the sunshine! 

Clo xx

Getting Ready for the Jewellery Show London!

Hey Everyone,

I'm very excited to be heading over to the Jewellery Show London in The Saatchi Gallery next week! Willow & Clo was exhibited at the Jewellery and Watch Show London in Somerset House last year and was a great success! 

I'm buried under a pile of Lookbooks and  jewellery at the moment trying to get everything organised but really looking forward to the show! I'll update you all next week and let you know how it goes! :) 

 

                                        

Hope you all have a great weekend!

 Clo xx

KFW Irish Fashion Industry Awards

Hey Everyone,

It's been a while since my last post and I have some very exciting news to share with you all!

The 6th Annual Kerry Fashion Week took place back in March with the prestigious KFW Irish Fashion Industry Awards, in association with IMAGE magazine, taking place in The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney.

I was fortunate enough to be nominated and I am so delighted to have won KFW Irish Accessory Designer of the Year!!

 Over 200 guests gathered to celebrate the best up and coming Fashion Designers Ireland has to offer. I had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing and talented people! It was such a great weekend, thanks so much to  everyone involved! Special thanks to Melanie Morris, Ingrid Hoey and Lisa Brady  :)

Clo xx

Christmas Gift Guide For Her

Hey Everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. With Christmas fast approaching I thought I would do a quick Gift Guide post to give you some inspiration for presents this festive season:

1. The Body Shop Gift Sets:

The Body Shop always has amazing gift sets at this time of year. If you are buying for a beauty lover or just someone who deserves to pamper themselves these make great presents. This White Musk Set contains three products from the range all contained in a beautiful tin.

2. The Fashion Book:

If you're buying for a fashion lover you can't really go wrong with this book. There's so many out there that you are bound the find the perfect book for anyone. If they are not the book type then there is always a gift card to their favorite store or picking out a party dress for the festive season.

3. Create Your Own Gift Hamper:

A gift hamper is a lovely idea for a loved one that you're just not sure what to buy for them. This unique gift can be filled with lots of their favourite things and a combination of food, clothing, candles, decorations, DVDs, beauty and Makeup. 

4. A Luxury Lipstick:

For all the beauty lovers you can't go wrong with a beautifully packaged lipstick. This YSL lipstick is ultra glamorous with amazing packaging and comes in a range of shades to suit everyone. 

5. Willow&Clo Gift Sets:

We are very excited to have realeased our first Gift Sets this Christmas at Willow&Clo, with 13 to choose from there is something to suit everyone. Each set has two pieces from one of our collections. This set is the Lotus Gift Set it is perfect for the festive period with the clear crystal sparkling among the gold metal, and it will dress up any outfit. 

What are you getting you're loved ones this Christmas?

Clo xx

Styling A Winter Coat With Willow&Clo Accessories

Hey Everyone,

as the cold weather begins to set in I thought I would show you three different winter coat styling ideas:

Winter Nudes:

 Oasis Coat/ Willow&Clo Raindrop and Puddle Collections

Winter Brights:

Zara Coat/ Willow&Clo Soundwave Collection

Find Your Inner Rock Chic:

Warehouse Coat/ Willow&Clo Twig Collection

Clo xx

Social&Personal Weddings Magazine - Winter 2013

Hey Everyone, 

another exciting feature today in Social and Personal this time in their fabulous wedding magazine. They featured our Tiny Dream Necklace from the Soundwave Collection as well as an array of bridal appropriate jewellery... Such as the Raindrop Pearl Earrings with Crystal Surround and both the Puddle Pearl Cluster Earrings and Puddle Pearl Ring!

Clo xx

Social and Personal Magazine - October 2013

Hey Everyone,

we are delighted to be included in this months Social and Personal Magazine. I am included in the feature "My Little Luxury" which is a huge honor and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Clo xx

Dublin Fashion Festival 2013

Hey Everyone,

this month saw the return of Dublin's Fashion Festival. With lots of fashion and beauty goings on there was so much to see and do around the city!

Events included Luas Fashion Show, DFF Street Fashion Shows, Stylathon, Samsung Young Designer Event and many more. One event we were delighted to be included in was Irish Designers CREATE in Brown Thomas which is running from 27th August till 27th September. Create is a exhibition of Irish designers creations. It is still ongoing so if you haven't had a chance to visit yet, its a great opportunity to see the amazing work.

Here's a few photographs of different event's in the festival! For more pics and videos head over to our facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willow-Clo/162058460602928

  

Clo xx

The Irish Independent

Hey Everyone, 

With the exciting launch of Brown Thomas’ month long CREATE event last night (more information to come) we were so thrilled to be featured in the independent twice this week. 

On Sunday we were listed as one of the Irish designers to be featured in this amazing event.

 Then yesterday added to our excitement even more when we saw the lovely article by BAIRBRE POWER, also in the Independent. She wrote such a lovely piece on myself and Willow&Clo I can’t thank Bairbre enough for her kind words. If you want to see the full article you can do online here:

http://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/chloe-aims-to-shine-bright-in-a-family-full-of-gems-29529743.html

The Create event featuring Irish designers is running for the month of September on the first floor in the Grafton Street Brown Thomas store. I am so delighted to be a part of this event… Pictures and details of this event will be up soon.

Clo xx

Behind The Scene's Of Willow&Clo Photoshoot

Hey Everyone, 

On Saturday 11th August (2013) we packed up our jewellery and headed out to Donabate for a day long photoshoot with amazing photographer Ivan Cummins.

Thankfully the sun was shining and the rain stayed away long enough for us to get the shots we needed. We had three beautiful models, a great wardrobe including a fabulous backless dress from Dawn Fitzgerald, and the perfect locations.

Here are some pictures from behind the scenes of the photo-shoot:

 For more behind the scenes pictures of the day visit our Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.278921758916597.1073741827.162058460602928&type=3

I can’t wait to get the professional photographs back, and I’m sure you will see a few soon! 

Clo xx

One Fab Day Bridal Website Article

Hey Everyone, 

last week we were luck enough to feature on the amazing "One Fab Day" wedding Website. It is a one stop shop for all your wedding information and inspiration needs. Featured was the raindrop collection  in the beautiful pink stones, that is increasingly popular with our bridal customers.

 Thank you so much to "One Fab Day" for this amazing feature, we love your website and would highly recommend it to anyone. 

To read the full feature you can go to "One Fab Day" here:

http://onefabday.com/willow-and-clo/

Clo xx

Retail-Jeweler Magazine

Hey Everyone,

This month we are delighted to be featured in Retail-Jeweller Magazine. The article was a review of The Jewellery Show London and the pieces and designers to look out for the in coming months. 

Thank you so much to Retail-Jeweller Magazine for including Willow&Clo,

Clo xx

Coldlilies AW13 Collection Press Preview

Hey Everyone,

In July Coldlilies held their AW13 Press Preview event at the South Studio's in Dublin 8, and I went along. It was a lovely evening with some amazing designers and of course it was great to finally meet the Coldlilies team. 

 On the night there was pieces from designers such as Úna Burke, Loulou Grenelle's, Kat & Bee's, Muireann Walshe's, as well as Melissa Curry, Anna Byers, Daniela Cardillo, Tatty Devine, Chupi Sweetman-Pell, and Christina Belle. 

I thought the event was a definite success... the jewellery was beautiful, it was lovely to chat to Kim & Ciara, and I really loved the video showing Coldlilies pieces being modelled which was projected on the wall! There was even an instagram competition, my picture (below) was of a few of Anna Byers pieces as I love her edgy, geometric style.

As if that wasn't exciting enough, some extra exciting news is that I will soon be available on Coldlilies!

Clo xx

Willow&Clo Now Stocked On GemAlley

Hey Everyone,

Today we have some very exciting news we are now stocked on the brand new online jewellery store GemAlley. GemAlley is a great new website stocking some amazing designers and we are on there too. You can browse the different brands and pieces and even purchase items.

If you would like to visit our page on GemAlley you can do so by clicking this link:

https://www.gemalley.com/willowandclo?page=1 

Clo xx

Social&Personal Grey Goose Summer Cocktail Party

Hey Everyone,

on Tuesday evening we went along to The Marker Hotel for Social & Personal's Grey Goose Summer Cocktail Party. We had a fabulous evening being greeted by some very yummy cocktails and chatting to some friendly faces. It was a lovely evening helped of course by the amazing weather we've been having recently. Social & Personal could not have picked a better spot, The Rooftop Bar was incredible with amazing views of Dublin. It was the perfect place for their summer cocktail party. 

Thank you so much for inviting us, a lovely time was had by all! 

We are also thrilled to be in Social & Personal Weddings Autumn issue:

Thank you again,

Clo xx