Everything's Coming Up Roses

OK, well rose gold, that is!  If you haven't noticed, the Christmas retail season is in full gear - I know that because the entire population of Edmonton was coincidentally shopping in the same stores as me this weekend and yes, we now have two radio stations that are dedicated to 100% Christmas music until we wish in 2012, much to my husband's disapproval.

However, that also means the Stella and Dot Christmas capsule is out for all to love, adore and covet.  Although the capsule has several styles with varying metals, the major trend happening is the return of rose gold.  Don't worry about having to replace your white or yellow gold, this trend has been incorporated  with your favorite silver or yellow gold, stones or pearls.  I've taken some snapshots of the best of our rose gold collection, both new and not-so-new, to share with you:

Annablle - from the Christmas Capsule

Caroline - from the Christmas Capsule

Stunning Eternity band - wear it alone, or stacked with both white and yellow gold options

Goddess Drop Earrings - from the Christmas Capsule

Simple, but dazzling Soiree Stud in gold with rose crystals

Go ahead and take a look at the entire Fall 2011 line as well as the recently added Christmas Capsule (just click on the STELLA! tab in the navigation bar) - there is sure to be a few pieces that will make your sparkle and your season shine!

Renegade

Whoa!  It's been a month since my last blog!  Who knew time could pass so quickly, though with a new job, a promotion and family travel, I can only hop back on the bandwagon and get going again!

And on that note, I couldn't help but share my wares and my excitement when Purolator Courier left that magical white slip at my door yesterday to collect my latest shipment of Stella and Dot goods!  Renegade has been released and is now safely secure in my own personal collection - and I couldn't be happier!

So last night I opened the box...

A great new packaging look in preparation for Fall 2011...
You can't help feel great and even...fabulous, opening these whimsical boxes with your treasure inside!

Here is the full Renegade collection:

Cluster Necklace

Layering Necklace

Mini Hoop Earrings

Cluster Bracelet

Cluster Ring

Mini Cluster Earrings

Spikes and sparkles, shiny gold and organic shapes - it continues the beautiful trend of mixing edgy and pretty.  LOVE IT!

Great Offer for the month of April!

Need another incentive to start your own social selling business?  Stella and Dot are rolling out the red carpet for individuals ready to launch their business in the month of April!  Your upfront cost of $199 to become an official Stylist gives you the "business in a box" (everything you need to get your business going), $350 of free jewellery to start your collection and now, a free Rio Coin bracelet - one of the hottest selling items from the Spring/Summer 2011 line!  That's an additional $89 dollars worth of jewellery!

What are you waiting for?

Sign up at:

www.stelladot.com/sites/thegoods1

Next Generation Entrepreneur: Social Selling

So, I am about 4 months into actively running my own Stella and Dot business and I have to say - I made the right choice!  Not your average direct selling business with high pressure sales, tedious "parties" and countless hours making a buck - this is the next generation: social selling.  And guess what?  It's simple, fun and all about having a great time with some killer jewels!

Stella and Dot offers a way for women entrepreneurs to quickly become profitable and use media, technology and product as the foundation of their empire.  In fact, earlier this year, Sequoia Capital, one of the most respected venture firms in the Silicon Valley did something very unexpected: they invested almost $40 million into Stella and Dot!  With the majority of their investments dominating the public market - think Apple, Oracle and Google - they are a powerhouse, but a technology one, not a jewellery investment firm.  WHY?  Look no further than the founder of Stella and Dot, Jessica Herrin, or better still, watch this short clip from CNBC to find out:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232/?video=3000011200&play=1



Social selling is a few steps past your mother's Mary Kay or Avon business.  Get some on trend, high quality jewellery and then build a platform to sell that reaches an enormous amount of people.  Give the Stylists the ability to access marketing and training at the click of a mouse, sell their business over giants like Facebook and set up their own e-boutique (in about 5 minutes) that is consistently updated and allows online easy purchases and you've got a start.  And a great start it is!  Finishing off year three, Stella and Dot averaged $104 Million in sales and is expected to blow away that mark in 2011.  Hedging their bets that Stella and Dot will be the first direct sales business to break the $1 Billion mark in five years, the Executive have added the Publisher of IN Style magazine as their new CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) and recently scooped several designers from such fashion houses as Mark Jacobs to lead the way into their extended line of handbags - expected to launch Fall 2011!

In it's infancy still, Stella and Dot has only reached 0.5% of it's targeted audience in North America, so this is still ground floor opportunity.  Finally, after a successful launch in London, UK and interview with British Vogue, Stella and Dot is set to launch in the UK by September 2011. 

Interested in learning more or better still, jumping on this wagon?  I'd personally LOVE to help you!  I am opening the borders for anyone in Canada, The United States or the United Kingdom to reach out and join my team!

http://home.stelladot.com/luxejewels/stylist_info/opportunity

www.stelladot.com/sites/thegoods1

Expansion to Europe!

Here is some exciting news for followers of THE GOODS in Europe (France and England, especially):  Stella and Dot have plans to move into the European market in 2011!  Fantastic!  World domination by 2013, I suspect!  For those interested in learning more about this fantastic line, simply click on the Stella! tab in the navigation bar above.

Stella and Dot is a vintage inspired, high end jewellery line with some fantastic brain power.  The little company that could boasts Jessica Herrin at the helm as CEO and Founder, a serial entrepreneur who also happened to be the brains behind wedding.com!  The Chief Creative Officer (Blythe Harris) is a designer educated at the Parsons School of Design in France and held top position in DeBeers, LVMH and Banana Republic.  And the resumes go on and on...  In total, they have created a superstar company that is on the move!

I encourage anyone from Europe who is interested in learning more about this opportunity, be it just to get out and meet people, earn some additional money on the side or completely transform their lives with a flexible and fun job, to drop me a line!  I will be adding more stylists to my team this year and would love to help you and branch into Europe.  Hey, with Skype, Facebook and the Internet, there are no borders anymore!

Take a look behind some of the designs for Spring 2011; the line is filled with intricate designs, hand crafted pieces and original designs:

The artisan Rio Coin collection: each coin in hand polished in a couture workshop, bringing a unique quality to each piece.

The Medina Bib necklace is fantastic bang for your buck!  A true statement piece that works well over fabric or bare skin, that is a lacy and intricate filigree medallion combination - the workmanship in this piece will amaze you - that's probably why it is currently the hottest selling piece in the entire collection!  Such a detailed piece pairs well with some of our delicate layering bracelets and earrings.  One must have, is the Essential Stud earring, hand hammered in sterling silver or gold vermeil:

Comes in silver or gold - elegant and simple

My favorite style (so far) is the Camilla, which comes in a statement necklace and fun cocktail ring.

Semi-precious stones, including the ring stone being adventurine in brass; a little bit ethnic, a little bit chic and spot on trend!  The hues are so different and universally flattering.

And finally, do you adore the simple but elegant designs of Tiffanys and Cartier?  Adding this season to the already popular Deco line with stackable bands, is the new Eternity collection of bands, in silver, gold and rose gold.  Wear them stacked for a statement or add them with your wedding rings for a different look!

Whatever your style, there is something for everyone!  So... what's your favorite piece?  I'd love to know.  Send me your comments and enter to win a great essential piece from the line!

Finally Here!

Well, after a painful delay from Canada Post due to weather, the Spring 2011 Look Books from Stella and Dot have finally arrived!  Very easy to tell by the lay out that one of the Stella and Dot Executives was the past InStyle Editor!  Beautiful jewels and stylish ideas - like a Look Book?  Send me an email with your address and I will mail one out to you!  ANYWHERE in North America! 

My Referral Program has just kicked off!  Refer a friend and when a Trunk Show is booked, you receive a $50 credit to any piece of jewellery from the line!  NICE!

Happy Weekend!

Spring is Here!

OK, so maybe it doesn't feel like Spring when you look out the window and see the knee-high snow awaiting shovelling from a continuous stream of snow.  And looking at the weather forecast, our balmy weather currently at -15 will reach a high of -25 by Thursday.  YES, a high of -25.  But weather doesn't stop fashion, in fact, doesn't even put it behind by a blink.  And yesterday was no different when Stella and Dot released their much buzzed about Spring 2011 line!

So, here are the three inspirational platforms this year:

Destination Morocco

Viva Brazil

The Palm Beach Collection

The biggest switch of the season?  Silver has taken a back seat to gold.  And not white gold, but back to yellow and even pink gold.  Not a surprise, really, when you see the colours of coral, pink and turquoise everywhere!  And of course, being so stylish and so on trend, the colour of the year, honeysuckle is scattered throughout Stella and Dot's new collection!

I already have some favorite pieces and can't wait to receive my order in the mail!  For all my customers and hostesses of 2010, thank you for supporting me in my launch of Stella and Dot!  In appreciation, mark your calendar for January 20th!  From 7- 9 pm I will be hosting the Spring Blitz and Soiree in Edmonton!  It is a chance for you to take a look at the Spring collection debut while getting some fantastic offers on many pieces of jewellery.

In fact, here are the specials for the evening:  

• Place an order that evening ($50+) and have a chance to win the beautiful statement necklace, Sadie Link, designed after DVF
• Anyone booking a January trunk show that evening gets a free piece of jewellery to have and covet, immediately!

And just one last note about the awesome deals happening this month at Stella and Dot:

• Want to host a trunk show?  Now is the time with regular hostess rewards, you are also eligible for an additional $75 of free jewellery which, you can use to purchase new favorites from the Spring 2011.  Plus, be the first on your block to debut the Spring line!

• For those who love Stella and Dot and are interested in becoming a Stylist, I'd love to talk with you about everything you need to know!  In fact, for those "new stylist" who join Stella and Dot in the month of January, I'd love to sponsor you.  There is also additional icing on the cake with signing up this month - receive additional free jewellery to kick start your career - $450 worth!  I'd love to help launch your business.  Contact me for more information!

Now, to the end of business and back to this fabulous new line!  Here are some I have my eye on so far:

A slew of new delicate necklaces - wear them alone or layer for an individual style!

The Bardot bracelet in gold (also available in silver)

Add to your last collection with a hint of turquoise and natural products juxtaposed with soiree crystals - dress it up or wear it casual!

Bamboleo Necklace

I hope you'll take a look and fall in love with this new line - I know I have!  Just click on the Stella! link above, or visit my website at:

www.stelladot.sites/thegoods1

Great deals: New Year, New You, New Style

I am putting on my stylist hat once again, because I couldn't keep such great deals to myself!!

First off, until December 31st, get a little something for yourself (or someone on your list) and receive 20% off ANY one jewelry piece with your first online order at Stella and Dot!  Simply click on the STELLA! tab in the navigation bar under THE GOODS title and shop away!  Use the promo code SHARE10 at the checkout!

Secondly, Hostess Bonus Days are almost here! Receive an additional $75 in free jewelry when you Host a Trunk Show between December 23rd – January 31st…that means the average Hostess gets $325 in free jewelry! To get you even more excited, here’s a SNEAK PEEK video of the amazing new Spring line. In love? Host a show and get the look you love for free! Click here: http://bit.ly/erUQff

http://home.stelladot.com/luxejewels/pdf/HostessBonusDays.pdf

AND, lets make this offer too good to pass up, because hey, it is Christmas!  Hold a trunk show between December 26th - January 9th and receive another perk from me: I will supply the bubbly for your gathering!  This makes it even simpler to host that show you have been putting off - just invite your friends and family, put out some cheese and crackers and I bring the bubbly and baubles!  Lets just call it the "get what you really wanted" event!

Not sure if you want to open your home to a show?  No problem - you can have it at your favorite wine bar, Chapters or restaurant!  OR, you can choose to have an office party - where you simply take a tote with some beautiful Stella and Dot samples, fabulous Look Books and order forms, place it in your office for a few days and let your colleagues shop over lunch or coffee!  Not in an office?  How about an e-show, a tote to your club, mom and tot group or friends house!  There are so many ways to have your own show either at home or on the go, but the best part, is all that free jewelry you earn!

Now is a great time to think about the New Year and a new style!  If you are interested in hostessing, please let me know as I am taking bookings now, and if you'd like to sign up to be one of the first to host the new spring line, send me an email!

Simple ideas for fantastic Trunk Shows!

It is a busy time of year for everyone - networking events, Christmas cocktails and parties, excuses for gathering and eating at every corner and schedules crammed, trying to get everything done before the before the season ends!

I am still booking in tight for Stella and Dot Trunk Shows up until December 17th - the final date for Canadians to order SD items in time for Christmas.  With that, I can't believe how many people are raving about the line and interested to host their own trunk show!  Of course, it is always a great time to get together with friends and who doesn't like trying on jewellery in the comfort of their own home, with their own personal stylist and personal shopping experience?  The one hurdle people typically vocalize is that they think hosting a Trunk Show is a lot of work, preparation and expense.

Well, this blog is aimed to illustrate how easy a Stella Show can be!  We focus on several types of Trunk Shows when marketing your trunk show:

• The "girls night out" theme, typically held on a week night between 7-9pm
• The "kids and coffee" theme, where stay at home moms gather in the morning with or without their children, typically held during the week between 10am - 12pm
• The "get together" theme, typically held on the weekends between 2-4pm

Different themes for different audiences, and different preparations are no exception!  Here are a few examples of hosting for each theme:

• Girl's night out?  Think wine and cheese, literally!  Pick a favorite bottle of wine, be it sparkling, red or white and have a simple cheese, biscuit and fruit tray.  Done.

• Morning trunk shows scream for tea/coffee with a simple cookie, tea cake or biscotti.  Done.

• There are endless possibilities for the weekend trunk show.  From a brunch theme with mimosas and fruit or crepes, to coffee with coffeecake.  For an afternoon gathering, try a French theme of sparkling wine with a tart or dainty tea cake, Italian prosecco and biscotti or a Spanish cava with ham and cantaloupe.

You might want to consider either savory food or sweet food - not both.  For example, my last Trunk Show was French themed, with a sparkling wine cocktail and an arrangement of french treats.  Savory might be a dip with vegetables, bruschetta, flatbreads or a simple appetizer!

Here are some simple dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

DON'T take too much time and effort - it takes away from the Show and the enjoyment of catching up with your girlfriends!

DON'T spend lots of money on expensive and extensive foods - people tend to graze happily on whatever is put out - they don't expect dinner to be served!

DON'T limit your guest list to fit your space.  Experience shows that only 1:4 will show up to a party during the busy holiday season, so invite everyone and you will not be disappointed!

DO enjoy a few hours with friends while knocking off a few items on your Christmas lists

DO invite as many people as possible - the more that come, the more order and the more earned jewellery for you!

DO expose your friends to this delightful, fun and classic line with it's no pressure sales shows - share the secret of the Stella and Dot line: an on-trend, NYC designed line!

If your December is booked already, do consider a January trunk show, where, believe it or not, sales can be quite high!  Why? Ladies often are in the mood to pick up what they didn't find under the tree, a great accessory to go with a newly acquired piece of clothing and take advantage of some great sales before the Spring line is launched!

If you are interested in booking, I'd love to throw the party for you!