Stella & Dot is a brand I have been hearing about more and more lately. Some of the pieces have really caught my eye. So when Julie Smith, stylist for Stella & Dot, contacted me about doing a feature, I welcomed the opportunity to see and hold some of these pieces myself.
I was impressed with the quality. I was also impressed when Julie told me that at least 50% of the line is less than $50.
For our little play date, we decided to take a basic black dress {something every woman owns} and polish it up for a special occasion, like New Year’s Eve, with a little Stella & Dot shimmer.
Below, Julie gives us a little background on the Stella & Dot brand and what attracted her to the notion of becoming one of their stylists.
SWF: Tell me a little bit about Stella & Dot.
JS: Stella & Dot is a custom designed line of women’s accessories. Our jewelry and handbags are designed by a New York City-based team with decades of experience from the finest brands such as LVMH, Marc Jacobs and Coach. This year, we’ve been featured in VOGUE, InStyle, Women’s Wear Daily and other top publications. Celebrities from Kelly Ripa to the Kardashians and even Betty White (!) wear Stella & Dot. Our line is sold exclusively through a network of stylists across the US, Canada and the UK. You can shop with me by hosting a trunk show or via my personal website. I also meet individually with customers for private styling sessions.
A Stella & Dot trunk show is not your grandmother’s or mother’s home party. They are very low key - no presentations or sales pressure - just the jewelry, handbags, a few hours to try on new looks with your friends and maybe have a cocktail or two. I offer styling advice for all guests based on her personal look or special needs. Trunk show hostess earn credits for their favorite pieces and shop at half off.
SWF: What motivated you to become a stylist for Stella & Dot?
JS: I heard Stella & Dot founder, Jessica Herrin, speak at a women’s conference in the fall of 2010. I checked out the company and was impressed by the design and quality of the jewelry. I kept going back to the website and just fell in love with the line. In the spring of this year, I finally did my research on what it meant to be a Stylist. I wish I had started sooner! It was a perfect fit for me - I could have my own business, wear fantastic, fashion forward jewelry and socialize with new people. I signed up as a Stylist a few weeks later. During the day, I’m a PR manager for a technology company and evenings and weekends I’m a Stella & Dot stylist. This is a creative outlet for me that is completely different from my day job. I’d always been into fashion and accessories, but had fallen into a rut, wearing the same things over and over. Now, I have a great time picking out my outfits everyday and exploring different jewelry combinations for a new look. I’ve also met some fantastic people that I wouldn’t have otherwise known.
SWF: What is your favorite piece?/What do you like most about Stella & Dot?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but from the Fall/Winter 2011 collection, my favorite piece is the Femme Fatale necklace. With the bold silver and hematite finish and just a hint of steel blue thread woven in, it’s a fabulous, versatile statement piece that goes easily from day to night. Some women shy away from these bold looks but you really can wear it with just about anything. The name adds to the whole piece too – who wouldn’t want to slip on a necklace and be transformed into a glamorous femme fatale?
Like what you see? Get in touch with Julie. She’s everywhere, like on Facebook, Twitter and stella.com/juliesmith. Another treat? You can still order for Christmas until this Wednesday at noon. Expedited shipping will be provided at no charge. We’ll have a special little something for you all after the new year too. I love special deliveries.
This post sponsored by Julie Smith, stylist for Stella & Dot.
