A little over a year and half ago I was the guest speaker at a "
Girls Lunch Out" event in Red Bank sharing my style tips and business model. I took away a few clients and some great new relationships with fellow Jersey Shore bloggers. A few weeks later I get an email from Meridian Health, the largest health system in New Jersey. They were looking to add a fashion and style component to their
Meridian Momtourage site, a community where moms could turn for conversation, health tips, fitness, vacation ideas, and potentially some style. Two of the ladies I had met at the Red Bank event were also part of this "team" and recommended me. With a growing business and two adorable kiddies, I can't say yes to everything, but this seemed like such a unique community and having delivered both my children at a "Meridian" hospital, I was compelled to say yes! I have been blogging away (latest
here) and have attended some really great events like the "Red Dress Event" supporting heart health but my jaw almost dropped to the floor when I got the email that Meridian was hosting Giuliana and Bill and the momtourage team would have the chance to interview them! If you follow on
Instagram you saw alot of pictures from that evening already, but I have to share them again...because....it is Giuliana and Bill people!!!!
They hosted an evening called "The Little Things" which was part of the month long celebration of breast cancer awareness and research entitled "Paint the Town Pink", the brainchild of Meridian Health. For the main event they shared with a large audience their difficult journey through infertility, breast cancer and then the amazing joy of beating cancer and having their beautiful son, Duke (who by the way was born on the same day as my Preston). The message I took away is that anyone can choose to be positive, no matter what difficult card you are dealt. In this case, sharing her story publicly and using her platform to motivate women to get mammograms (have you gotten yours yet?) would ultimately help her heal emotionally. She described Bill as "Superman" and it does sound like his love and support during this time was probably one of the determining factors in her getting well. If you were ever questioning, I can confirm, they ARE an inspirational couple. Before the main event, in a small room next to the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan myself, along with ten other press individuals, were able to meet with them, ask some questions and take photos. They couldn't have been more down to earth and genuine. Most asked "health" related questions about what Giuliana and Bill have been through so I felt a little funny asking about fashion, but that is what I am always focused on and her collection with HSN
G by Giuliana Rancic is relatively new, so it seemed like the perfect topic.
Bill: Burberry Suit, Pink Shirt Giuliana: Haute Hippie Blazer, JBrand Skinnies, Valentino Shoes
Me: What are your mom and dad uniforms when you know you are going to be with Duke all day?
G: Leggings (from her
HSN line), Exhilaration thermals from Target and a layering vest.
B: Nike Sweats
* I, of course, was supposed to only ask one question, but had to tell her I adored a particular piece from her line, the
Ikat Maxi and she excitedly starting talking about it, mentioning that Bill thought she looked like a hippie in it (something my hubs would say too) and she also shared that it can be worn as a tube dress if you pull it all the way up. It was more than apparent she has a passion for the line and I truly hope it is successful. I am planning to add the Ikat maxi below to my wardrobe, the colors are just so vivid! A few other favorites are
this white blazer and
this pink ponte dress. Happy Shopping!
Ikat Maxi (can also be worn as tube dress) affordably priced at 79.90 and available
here
