About Corbett's World —
Being the owner of French Start Consignment, can you tell us a little about what makes this company different and why you are passionate about it?
It is a high end luxury fashion consignment shop. Linking previously owned luxury goods from around the globe with it’s new forever home. I love the fact that everything that I sell is already here. Buying from me has no impact on the environment as far as dyes and fuel from factories. The types of items that I sell are designer high end pieces that can again be collected and passed on just like jewelry. I feel very strongly about protecting nature and the garment industry, especially because fast fashion has a huge negative impact on our clean water, fossil fuels and air. I also try to buy things that are made in the United states and are white or low dye garments.
Where did you grow up? What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
I grew up in Huntingdon Valley PA, a north eastern suburb of Philadelphia. I would have to say that my favorite childhood memories would have to be those involving my grandmother Isabelle who we named our daughter Ivy for. She took me back to school shopping every year which I have to say was the best! loved coming home from shopping and looking at everything we got.
What does Courage mean to you?
Courage is something that I strive for and it's a daily mantra for me. I choose to be courageous every day and to go forward with positive attitude and desire to make each day and situation better. Courage is a new day and a deep knowledge that you can always add light to any darkness if you make the choice to do so.
"Courage is a new day and a deep knowledge that you can always add light to any darkness if you make the choice to do so."
What is one of the biggest challenges you face and what gives you the courage to face that challenge?
My biggest challenge is really my Animal Soul which tends to put negative thoughts into my head the (Animal Soul is the I can't I should not, they don't like me, I'm not good enough). I have to use my inner Godly soul to over power and to see things in positive way. Once I recognize that I am in control of my thoughts I gain courage. I do have friends that I rely on that can help me if I am having a bad day and need a pep talk.
Tell us something you believe in.
I believe in love and in positive feedback. I keep my heart open and take the chance of it getting hurt. I would rather have pain in an open heart than to be shut off.
Any fun "behind the scenes" of your life you can share with us?
I now co-sleep with my daughter! ha! I was trying to fight it but now I just realize how deeply important it is for her and I just embrace it.
"It is so vitally important that we enjoy our lives and do not go looking for trouble, stress or drama and just enjoy life."
Words to live by:
You only live once. I know its used quite a bit but it is so vitally important that we enjoy our lives and do not go looking for trouble, stress or drama and just enjoy life.
Corbett’s Take on Beauty —
What’s your point of view on beauty today? What makes a woman beautiful?
My point on beauty is really changing lately. I feel beautiful now when I am comfortable and with people I love. I think a woman showing her truth is so beautiful. This is why I think Tracy Anderson is the most beautiful woman I have ever met. She literally wears her heart on the outside of her body and this is beauty in physical form.
What Inspires your style?
Lately it is all from posts on instagram. I have made it my mission to buy from small boutiques owned by women. I find it so important to support other women like myself and to buy from actual stores so that the internet does not take over all aspects of shopping and that brick & mortar boutiques can survive. I shop from boutiques all over the country through IG and have personal relationships with the owners.
What are your everyday jewels?
Well in addition to my Roman I always wear a wedding band which I rotate through a nice collection including my Cartier rose gold band & my mother's ring which we had re-set its 6.5 karats of diamonds and that was her every day ring. My father bought it of her when they were 22 years old on a snow day. My father loves to tell me this story and always tells me I shoulder the ring and enjoy it.
What's your favorite family heirloom?
This is a very hard one because my mother passed away so her jewelry has so much sentimental value to me. I have to say her engagement ring and wedding band are my favorite. Sometimes when I look down at my hand I can actually feel her and often even hear a message from her when it is most needed. I feel jewelry holds on to a person's energy through the tests of time.
"I feel jewelry holds on to a person's energy through the tests of time."
What is your daily uniform?
I absolutely love clothes! In the morning I start off in workout clothes from my favorite fitness boutiques such at Flying Lizard in Miami and that includes leggings and a sports bra. Then I transition into a great pair of high waisted jeans and a great sweater or feminine blouse. Love a pretty lacy feminine lingerie set from Journelle which always lifts the mood! My go to shoes are always my Mou wedges or my Rag & Bone Newbury booties. love a little heel! Then at night I love super soft cotton pajamas from my favorite boutique in Manhattan Bonne Nuit. Pajamas in soft natural colors guarantee a good night sleep.
Favorite TN piece?
You made me a custom one for my birthday that my husband special requested from you which I layer with my rose gold & diamond Roman not sure if you remember but it is the large Roman in rose gold with amethyst which is my birthstone. I love wearing those together because he knew I wanted the rose gold diamond Roman but made it extra special by adding the second piece. When I wear both together I can feel the love radiating from them!
A fun question we ask all of our “Women of Courage,” If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be with and what would you eat?
This is so difficult. I would say a female artist maybe Georgia O'keefe. I would love to hear her talk about her paintings and what it took to be prominent woman artist when it was mostly men that were recognized. I have trouble eating in these types of situations because my stomach literally shuts off when I get nervous or excited. Maybe with Georgia it would be something South Western and colorful like tacos with bright spicy shredded red cabbage & cilantro. She probably liked colorful foods you could eat with your hands if I had to make an assumption.
Women of Courage: Corbett Hoffman
Owner of French Start
Instagram @turbocorbett
Favorite Instagram Accounts:
@Mikinola
@flyinglizardboutique_hp
@Skirt