BeBuddhaJewelry

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry Pom poms are everywhere this season- hats, shoes, & keychains.  I’ve even seen pom pom bras :\  Everywhere I looked pom pom shoes were between $70-$100.  I really didn’t want to spend that much so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I am literally at Michael’s every week grabbing something for my jewelry business or…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry Styled by Sal.  The Father of Style. Sals So Groovy. Sal Yvat is a Chicago based image architect and web designer that aids in the production and supervision of digital shoots.  I met Sal a couple of years ago when she asked me to borrow jewelry for an upcoming shoot and let me tell y’all- this girl is talented.  She has…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry All this snow has me missing the long sunny days of summer in Chicago.  Summer in Chicago never lasts long enough.  I shot this look back in September with my fashion blogger babies – The Rose Reserve & Big Red Babe.   My mom gave me this Calvin Klein blazer a couple of years ago and it has become a closet staple ever since.  I…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry IM {‘not’} + PAVIDUS {‘fearful’} from Latin, IMPAVIDUS.   It seems like urban wear and athleisure have never been more popular.  Superior quality of materials and flattering cut give Impavid the edge above it’s competition.    My favorite part about the Chicago based brand isn’t just the clothes (although I’m slightly obsessed,…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry Idk about y’all but I love me a good DIY project. I remember when I was in the 3rd grade at Michael’s with my mom and there were cool smily face retro patches lining the isles near the cashier.  I begged her to buy me one and I immediately ironed on to my favorite pair of jeans.  Fortunately for me, the 90’s ARE BACK BABY!!! AND…

What’s up, baddies?!  I am SUPER stoked to announce my next event- BeJolly. Chicago’s Hottest Pop Up SHOP!  I am honored to share that WhatRUWearing is co-hosting.  WhatRUWearing is the ultimate resource on what’s trending in fashion, beauty, pop culture, and lifestyle.  It is Chicago’s premiere digital community for it-girls! 

The idea for this event was born out of frustration.  I have participated in many art markets around the city and an overwhelming number of them simply have too many vendors.  The goal of the pop up is to create a smaller art market which highlights local designers, artists, and businesses.  I am also partnering with CorePower Yoga (West Loop) to provide a free C1 community class from 12-1pm!  Hope to see you all there! 

A little bit about the event:   

Date: 12/11/2016 

Location: The Hair Loft {33 W. Carpenter}

Time: 11-5pm 

Yoga: 12-1pm 

Bubbly provided by Social Sparkling Wine!

FEATURED DESIGNERS & ARTISTS: Be Buddha Jewelry Phomaz Handbags Big Red Boutique Fitting Mood Blog Impavid 312 4strs The Bombox Marmalade Mood

Always BeBold.BeBeautiful.BeBuddha! <3

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry On October 8th, I departed from Chicago at 3am on an epic road trip:  Chicago – Santa Fe – Tucson – LA – Lake Powell, AZ – Pegosa Springs, CO – Denver.  All in all, it was 16 days, 4,671.1 miles, and only 1 speeding ticket :).  While I was driving from LA to Lake Powell, AZ, through the Nevada desert, I saw a sign on the side of…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry I have always felt I was born in the wrong decade. The 70s were a time of great political and culture significance in the good ol’ US of A.  We were in the middle of a horrifically unpopular war in Vietnam,  there was a worldwide economic recession plaguing industrialized nations, Second Wave feminism was flourishing, and new…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry As I was checking out to buy these shoes at the Forever 21 in Water Tower Place, one of the cashiers goes, “Is someone actually buying those shoes?!”. {insert middle finger emoji}  I looked her square in the face and said “Yes, I AM.”  Earrings: BeBuddhaJewelry Sunglasses: RayBan Aviators Dress: H&M Bag: Aorta Vintage Shoes:…

  Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry My grandmother, Adele Dall’ Ava Tarrillo, was born on a little farm in Nogarole, Italy.  She was the youngest of 13 children and hands down the strongest women I’ve ever met.  When she was 23 years old she packed her bags and boarded a boat headed to Boston.  She didn’t speak a lick of English or know anyone in America but…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry Starting a fashion blog is something that has been in the back of my mind for a while now.  I always got caught up thinking- but who is going to read it?! I finally just said to myself “Fuck it, I don’t care if anyone reads it, I want to do it!”   Fashion is about more than just clothes.  It is art.  It is self expression.  It…

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry The BeInspired Series was created at the realization that I am surrounded by exceptional and inspirational people from all walks of life.  I decided to dedicate a blog series to learning a little more about these wonderful people and sharing why they inspire me with all of you.  Hope you enjoy! Arabel Alva Rosales ||| The Tech…

About 6 months, I got a super random email from Nailah asking to feature my jewelry in a photo shoot was she was styling for.  I said yes and the photos came out more beautiful than I could have imagined.  Shortly after the shoot, Nailah moved to NYC to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion stylist {and we know she gone kill it cuz she got style comin out her toes!}   Below is a peak into Nailah’s life!

Note:  The editorial Nailah and her team put together (with my jewelry!!) landed a webitorial at 7hues magazine- check it out HERE!

From a tender age, I was drawn to fashion. I come from a lineage of entrepreneurs, tailors, seamstresses, and garment designers.  In a sense, I feel like having such strong ties to the fashion world made me want to go in a different direction, but style is something that effortlessly sticks no matter where you go.  

I headed into a different form of artistry- culinary arts.  In high school I split my time between traditional academics and a technical high school where I studied culinary arts. My senior year, I set my eyes on New York.  I attended the prestigious Culinary Institute Of America in Hyde Park, New York.  What an amazing experience that was!  However, between my chef coats, toques, and checks, all I really cared about was fashion.  When I graduated college, I felt at such a loss.  While so many of my colleagues were off to start their careers in hospitality, I felt there was no place for me in that field.  I moved to Chicago, and I began working in restaurants and eventually as a personal Chef.  I felt like I was stalling.  I met a fashion photographer and started styling editorial shoots in tandem with a creative team.  For the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of awe inside of me.  I started facing my eyes towards the nearest fashion capital, New York City, and on a whim drove cross country to my new home.

  I have always been inspired by the past. It is so true that life comes full circle.  Fashion does too. There’s nothing new under the sun.  Just as life goes in cycles, so does fashion.

  With all that being said, lately I have been so inspired by color.  It sounds so simple, but often the simplest things are the hardest to understand or to master.  When I first discovered minimalism I was completely disciplined in a capsule wardrobe.  I decided mine would be all neutrals.  Mostly black, white, denim, and gray.  Literally. I got rid of so many clothes, but the simplicity of it all suited me. When I moved to New York, my life felt regenerated.  It was spring, and I felt like I had been reborn.  Suddenly, the thought took root that all black is always sexy, but all black ALL the time can get mundane.  Now color pairings and print pairings are my sure fire style inspiration.

  I am also so lit about prints, in particular African prints.  I found an amazing reversible African printed jacket at a thrift store in Queens, and it is immaculate.  It is a statement all of its own. When I wear that thing I feel regal, and get so many positive expressions from people on the street.  I have been digging the ease of adding more prints in the mix by adding a head scarf or even just a funky pair of socks.  These days there’s something from everyone. I like to go downtown and people-watch too.  Never ending supply of inspiration!

  Below are some of the pieces Nailah styled with pieces from BeBuddhaJewelry.

Garavicchio Earrings

BeBuddha X Amanda Gregus – Full Hand pieces

San Remo Necklace

  LA Earrings

Model & Hair: Sonseeahray McHenry, IG: @sheis.sam MUA: Stephanie Espinoza, IG: @stephanieespinoza_makeup Stylist: Nailah Marie Ellis, IG: @nailahmarie Photographer: Melissa Morley, IG: @melissamorley

Always BeBold. BeBeautiful. BeBuddha <3

Contributor: Erin Leary Owner & Creative Director of BeBuddhaJewelry  Sunday June 12th, 2016 This day was a little surreal.  I have wanted to create BeBuddha apparel for a long time….and guess what??! I DID!  I picked up all the clothes from the screen printer on Saturday, just in time for a photo-shoot on Sunday!  It was one of those days, when you are freaking out the 24 hours before hand THEN…

AMANDA GREGUS ie. BabyBuddha, although sometimes I call her my little elf because she magically helps things get done. 🙂   She grew up in Riverside, IL and attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Fashion is literally her PASSION!  While majoring in Apparel Design, she had the opportunity to study in Colombia and London.  Of course, she fell in love with London and hopes to move back one day to pursue a career in high fashion.  She even worked with one of Beyonce’s (YES, I SAID BEYONCE!) designers while she was there!  Amanda also works for Christina Karin, a Chicago based designer.

WE SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST!  Our designer, Erin, is a 90s FREAK.  The 90s were truly a unique time for fashion.  It wasn’t about fitting in or being trendy: the outcast was the trendsetter.  WEIRDER WAS BETTER- and in case you haven’t noticed, we are all about the weird at BeBuddha!   Fashion gods, Alexander McQueen & Marc Jacobs, turned the fashion industry upside down and challenged our conventional thinking of beauty.  If you love them as much as we do, check out the book, “Champagne Supernovas” by Maureen Callahan, you won’t be disappointed!  Needless, to say the 90s continue to be a huge source of inspiration for BeBuddha.  

Every true 90’s girl looks back on this decade with fond memories and a few cringe-worthy fashion choices, but the 90s are back in a big way!  This style is all about color, ripped & embellished denim, funky accessories, and more color.  Smiley faces, aliens, and flowers are popular motifs- found on patches, shorts, backpacks, hats, and anything else you can fit them on.

To pull off this style, try pairing a patch covered jean jacket with floral overalls, a patterned tee, and some converse or vans.  Top it off with buns, a choker, and some vinyl and you’re ready to go.  BeBuddha’s PAROLE series (parole means words in Italian) is perfect for any 90s girl with its alphabet beads, colorful stones, and fun tassels.  Drop Erin a line for CUSTOM OPTIONS!

BeBold.BeBeautiful.BeBuddha <3

AMANDA GREGUS ie. BabyBuddha, although sometimes I call her my little elf because she magically helps things get done. 🙂   She grew up in Riverside, IL and attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Fashion is literally her PASSION!  While majoring in Apparel Design, she had the opportunity to study in Colombia and London.  Of course, she fell in love with London and hopes to move back one day to pursue a career in high fashion.  She even worked with one of Beyonce’s (YES, I SAID BEYONCE!) designers while she was there!  Amanda also works for Christina Karin, a Chicago based designer.

The Rocker babe just might be the baddest of the bunch- she is there for one reason- THE MUSIC.  And please don’t call her a groupie cuz she knows her festival game plan inside and out. This isn’t her first rodeo, and she knows how to make a band tee and ripped jeans look like she pulled them off the rock gods themselves, Steven Tyler or Stevie Nicks (the original rocker baddie).  She is the epitome of effortless cool.

Leather, denim, band tees, flannel, and lots of jewels are key when it comes to nailing the rocker style. Lace up leggings, hair rings, and a weathered hat keep you on trend while still keeping the look classic rock n’ roll.  Look for vintage items to make your look even more authentic and unique.  Channel your inner rock star with BeBuddha’s London Spike earrings, the perfect accessory to send your look to the top of the charts.

BeBold.BeBeautiful.BeBuddha <3

‘I could never wear that.’ ‘I can’t pull that off.’ ‘That looks good on you…but would never look good on me.’

These are things I hear my customers, friends, and colleagues say all the time.  And I’m here to do something about it! 

My Brand Manager, Amanda Gregus, recently went to San Francisco for a little R&R with her girlfriends.  While she was there, she shot the invite for our upcoming LOOKBOOK Release Party!  I love Amanda like a little sister so I am slightly biased BUT DAMN girlfriend looks amazing in these photos!!!  Amanda has paired the BeBuddha MILAN necklace with the Christina Karin Color Block Shirt Dress.  And I’m going to let you in on a little secret…Amanda absolutely slaying this outfit has nothing to do with the clothes or accessories (though they are quite fabulous)! :O!

It is all about her confidence, attitude, and inner energy.  She FEELS confident and beautiful in this outfit and it shows.   Self talk plays an important role in all this.  If you tell yourself you can’t pull it off or that you look ugly that energy is reflected in your physical appearance via facial expressions, body language, and general energy.  Sure, sometimes our outfit, makeup,and accessories can hide what you are really feeling on the inside but when you feel great you usually look great too.  So embrace your inner self and just BE YOU- whatever that may mean! 

BeBold.BeBeautiful.BeBuddha <3