my annual review

So thrilling to see your name in print (remember Steve Martin in The Jerk, when he saw his

phonebook listing: "I am somebody!") The Chick's Picks' products that appear in Country Living Magazine is sorta my Annual Review. When you work for yourself, there is no boss that schedules a meeting to tell you how you are faring .... succeeding, or failing .... at your job. No one to review how you did on last year's goals, and ask what you are planning next year. No

body language to read, paperwork to sign, raise to get excited about. So, when a national home, (and starting to be more fashion) magazine gives a nod in my direction ... that about sums up my work, my year, my relationships ... my little business' success.

I actually want to thank all of you who support Chick's Picks ... you give me the nerve to keep going ... and give me my TRUE annual review!!

~ Hillary ~

"Specializing in creating, discovering & showcasing hip, vintage, & unique fashion & home accessories. Online Store & Private Boutique Shows highlight original creations"

Browse my online store!

350. products.pictures.uploads.descriptions.

Took pictures for my web site yesterday. 350 of them. Wore bare feet. That was a mistake. Seeing the results of 12 hours of shooting & editing was not. Truly, women are so creative and so talented. It is my daily joy to bring these fabulous products to market. So many of these products I take personally as they are collaborations -- pics above. Maybe one of my fav things to do is sit at my dining room table with the designers and create on the spot. Ok, Trina and I go to Starbucks, ok Dara and I ... over Thai food, Shelley and I ... facebook, Anne Marie and I ... on the phone, Amy and I text, Jean .... while we are at her house looking at buttons, Lane ... in beach chairs, Teressa & Michelle ... via mail, Jules ... via Iphone pictures, Deb ... while we are unloading our trunks, Kristen ... while her kids are petting my beagle, Cheryl ... at the salon, Barb ... in front of Tiffanys....I mean it is 300 designers ... you get the idea. (Isn't that weird, I didn't mention wine? I save that for Beth.)

Women should run the world.

~ Hillary ~

"Specializing in creating, discovering & showcasing hip, vintage, & unique fashion & home accessories. Online Store & Private Boutique Shows highlight original creations"

Browse my online store!

Chanel means success.

It happens on occasion, some of the best jewelry arrives the day after the show. Thank goodness our quest for gorgeous Chanel Button rings is not satiated. And the fact that I have a web site, that goes to thousands who cannot make the show. These rings are one of the main reason I have a relationship with Country Living. Which has totally meant success for the designer, and for my web site.

I was wearing one of the original CCs when I registered at the CL Women's Entrepreneur event in Chicago last spring. The CL staffer had a keen eye --- hundreds registering, very loud, eye candy everywhere ... but she saw my finger. And the rest is history. I will be having my 6th product placement in the July CL magazine that comes out ... well, any day now!

~ Hillary ~

"Specializing in creating, discovering & showcasing hip, vintage, & unique fashion & home accessories. Online Store & Private Boutique Shows highlight original creations"

Browse my online store!

One door closes, Another opens.

As exhausting as a Chick's Picks show is -- 60 vendors, 500 ladies, 4 days of videotaping, greeting, talking, standing, SMILING -- I was so sad saying goodbye to customers for the summer. I usually take a few months off to play, regroup, find and interview new designers! But when the door shut -- and you know me, my door never shuts!!-- for the last time on Saturday, I was feeling a bit melancholy. The creative energy isn't in hibernation, my interaction with you is.

So, I am starting a blog. And, I hope you post, so I can still talk to you!

~ Hillary ~

"Specializing in creating, discovering & showcasing hip, vintage, & unique fashion & home accessories. Online Store & Private Boutique Shows highlight original creations."

Browse my online store!