About Lexie

                      I am a native to Phoenix and live  and work in the Phoenix & Scottsdale,AZ . I love fashion and have worked in the fashion industry for years as a retail manager and a merchandising manager for apparel companies.Today,I am a Bridal Jewelry Stylist + Boutique Owner for Chloe + Isabel by Lexie.  I am a mommy to a beautiful special needs child,college student,blogger, and I have  Ehlers – Danlos Syndrome . Let me start out by saying that I love Chloe + Isabel because I can wear so many hats. Mommy,Entrepreneur,Philanthropist,Fashionista . 

                 I had the opportunity through Chloe + Isabel, to hold fundraisers for  foundations such as Autism Speaks in April 2014 and The Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome National Foundation in May 2014. I am able to bring awareness to the  rare genetic condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which my family and friends suffer from.There is so much to the Autism Spectrum as well but many of you are somewhat versed and it does not need as much explaining. I can make you aware.I have been impacted greatly by both by both Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorders and consider those , as well as elementary education are part of my platform. It is really hard to choose,you just have to juggle.

                   Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a congenital connective tissue disorder that is a spectrum disorder. Meaning,there are different types and each type can have sub-types or cross-over symptoms from the other types. There are 6 clearly defined types but a few others have not been discussed in this explanation but have been discussed  in depth other publications. More subtypes will come up as long as research is funded.I am primarily affected by types 3 and 4.The most painful is type 3 Hypermobility. This type causes spontaneous dislocations or partial dislocations called subluxations. I am not talking about a football injury,I mean you bend to tie your shoe and you dislocate your rib. Hypermobility EDS primarily affects the large joints but as I said before , everything crosses over

           My ligaments,tendons,arteries,and organs are made of faulty collagen . Those ligaments and tendons tear without trauma related accidents. Meaning they are not strong enough to support my bones. If they cannot support my bones then the bones break or God forbid tear through an organ. That was the first story that I read about EDS,the thought of a ruptured organ hit me so hard . I  felt connected but because it was so rare, I thought ‘I could not have this’ but cried so hard for the people …these people who lost their loved ones doing something everyone takes for-granted.I live in a proverbial bubble. I am strong and speak my mind. I love my son and he is who I fight for.

             My shoulders,left elbow,knees,ankles,right hip,my c-spine and vertebrae sublux along with my other joint. My fingers and toes dislocate ( those are small joints listed under type 4 symptoms). At times I have simultaneous dislocations.  Type 4 vascular affects the cardiovascular system but they all can. Yes ,my heart is affected. People with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or as we call it VEDS have a limited lifespan due to complications related to the condition or related illnesses such as;organ prolapse,organ rupture ,arterial rupture,aneurysms. Many people do not even know they ave the condition until it is too late and it is at the time of their death. Most have a life threatening event by the age 30 with the med lifespan of a mere 49 but people are beating the odds with medical treatment . EDS is collagen deficiency and is  treated symptomatically. What does this have to do with fashion?

           The fundraisers I have been able to create through my fashion jewelry online boutique benefit many areas and not just our savvy fashion sense.These fundraisers are done online through my jewelry boutique http://www.chloeandisabelbylexie.com Proceeds are then donated to the foundation.Though they may be over officially, if you would like to make a purchase from my online boutique and have proceeds donated to this foundation to benefit further research of this rare genetic condition just email me add EDS to the subject line or if you are interested in donating toward Autism Research I will happily donate as well.I will always donate a portion of the proceeds from my boutique upon request to any foundation that I feel passionate about. If you are in need of a fundraiser for personal or for a corporation please email me at candibylexie@yahoo.com with the subject Fundraiser to be considered.

             What else does Chloe + Isabel have in common with my condition? Many people with my condition have skin sensitivities,our skin tears like tissue paper in water upon contact. I have been able to wear Chloe + Isabel jewelry because it is hypoallergenic and nickel-free . The earrings are either french hooks (which is often found in high-end jewelery)  these fantastic bullet backs that are very easy for my fragile fingers to use.In fact, they would be perfect for a women with arthritis who has had trouble putting on stud earrings. We also have a 2 ” extender on all necklaces and I find that this changes up the look ,especially for the taller woman. They have our signature branding c+i and our signature closure with the birds.

 We design all of our jewelry in our fabulous design studio in Tribeca in  Manhattan, New York. C+I is produced by the world’s best-known fashion manufacturer, who creates fashion  jewelry for brands such as; Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf  Goodman, and  Barney’s.

              Many of you may ask  “Who are Chloe + Isabel”?   CEO and founder, by Chantel Waterbury  based her company on a friendship philosophy  in 2011 when it was first established. She had an extensive history as a jewelry designer,buyer/merchandiser for fine jewelry . She created two best friend persona’s.  Chloe is the Fashion Forward,Daring,Trendsetter…Think Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City or Blake Lively.We have our Isabel who is Classic,Romantic,and Timeless, think Charlotte from Sex in the City or Jessica Alba. However,as the company has evolved a whole new woman or persona has emerged…Me, Ha, the Chloe-Bel, she is a Mix of both styles. She is eclectic and  chances are…she does not know what she is wearing to an event unlike the other two who would plan their attire.The Chloe-bel is a mix of both worlds so she bases her fashion choices by inspiration or mood.I am a Chloe-bel…What’s your style

                I  have styled women for years and have branched out into the bridal industry due to the gorgeous creations that Chloe + Isabel has created. For the classic bride,vintage bride,or bohemian bride I can find the perfect piece of jewelry for you! I am available for private styling consults available by appointment only,can provide jewelry for engagement,bridal,or boudoir,photography sessions (with several changes ). If you are a blogger who would like to partner and do an online trunk show for your followers (free jewelry) feel free to contact me candibylexie@yahoo.com It would be my pleasure to style you for your wedding day & every day.

            Cheers x o  Lexie

Chloe + Isabel by Lexie  The website/boutique     http://www.chloeandisabelbylexie.com

Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation     http://www.ednf.org/eds-

Autism Speaks  http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Facebook Chloe + Isabel by Lexie https:www.facebook.com/chloeandisabelbylexie