Stella Steal: Garden Party Chandelier Earrings

I first discovered Anna Beck jewelry on one of my sample sale Web sites, such as Hautelook, Ideeli or Billion Dollar Babes. Her jewels are very similar to some pieces that Stella & Dot offers, although not as colorful. These gold plated Riau Multi Drop Gold Earrings are $163 and the Anna Beck Gili Gold Multi Drop Earrings on the right are $275 (I know, they are practically the same earrings). The Garden Party Chandelier Earrings from Stella & Dot are on the company’s top 5 bestseller list for a reason: Hand-painted enamel dots on 14kt gold vermeil, all for just $54. Plus, they’re surprisingly lightweight and extremely wearable. Yep. You gotta love it.

 

Behind the Scenes in NYC for Stella & Dot’s Spring Jewelry Line

A few exclusive, behind-the-scenes photos from Stella & Dot’s photo shoot for the Spring 2010 jewelry line. Photographers and models teamed up with the Stella & Dot design team in New York City at the North Cove Marina to shoot the Spring 2010 catalog. A little birdie told me that the inspiration behind the spring jewelry line and the catalog theme is linen. I have no idea what our designers have planned for us, but I’m sure it will be grogeous! For Spring, expect more pieces in the men’s line, more fabulous statement necklaces and possibly some items for girls and kids from Stella & Dot!
 
 

Stella & Dot Jewelry on the Rachael Ray Show!

Rachael Ray has worn Stella & Dot jewelry before on her Emmy award-winning daytime talk show The Rachael Ray Show. Now it’s time for her guests to enjoy a little Stella & Dot sparkle! A  guest wore the gold La Coco Brooch Necklace over a berry hued turtleneck (shown at right) on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, in the segment “Holiday Travel Tips.” She wore the necklace with the Garden Party Chandelier Earrings and the Berry Cocktail Ring from Stella & Dot.  Click HERE to watch the clip.

Liz Vaccariello, editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine and author of the book The 400 Calorie Fix, was Rachael’s guest on Thursday’s show and she donned the Gilda Necklace from Stella & Dot in the ”400 Calorie Fix” segment (shown at left). I couldn’t get a close enough look, but she just might be wearing the Jill CZ Hoop Earrings from Stella & Dot as well. Click HERE to watch the video.

                 

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Wears Stella & Dot Cuff on The View

While Palin and porn were the “hot topics” on The View today, the ladies were a colorful bunch sitting around their famous coffee table. Elisabeth Hasselbeck donned the gorgeous Selma Brooch Cuff from Stella & Dot today, along with a statement-making, long pearl necklace (see, who says you can’t wear two statement pieces at once??). The enamel cuff is hand painted with 14kt gold vermeil details. Matching post earrings, hoop earrings and statement necklace are also available.

*Joy Behar Wears Stella & Dot Necklace on The View
*Tory Johnson from “Women For Hire” Talks About Making Money with Stella & Dot on The View
* Barbara Walters Wears Stella & Dot Necklace on The View
*Sherri Shepherd Wears Stella & Dot Cuff on The View

InStyle Features Stella & Dot Necklace in 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Oohmygosh! I mean… OH. MY. GOSH. Have you seen the December 2009 issue of InStyle? Not only does it feature a fabulously cheeky 3D cover of Taylor Swift, a terrifically edited 2009 Holiday Gift Guide, one of the best “Deals & Steals” section ever, a New Moon star clad in fantastic frocks and the gorgeous Leona Lewis showing off the latest makeup trends, the famously well-styled magazine featured Stella & Dot within its pages again! Yipppeee!! This time, the fashion mag is offering it readers 20% OFF the featured LuLu Vintage Glass Necklace. And Stella & Dot is, of course, extending this offer toYOU! Take advantage of this great offer: Go to my e-Boutique and enter INSTYLE09 at checkout to receive 20% OFF! Offer expires December 31, 2009.

* Stella & Dot Embroided Bib Necklace in Oct 2009 Issue of InStyle Magazine
* Taylor Swift Wears Stella & Dot Cuff in Your Prom Magazine
* Stella Steal: Katherine Heigl in August 2009 Issue of InStyle Magazine

Get The Look: Reese Witherspoon in InStyle Magazine

Oh, Reese, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways: Beauty, brains, talent, compassion and practicality — near perfection, really. Her photos in the November 2009 issue of InStyle put me in the mood for the holidays. Her gilded dress took center stage for her cover look and the strapless yellow number transformed from cheery, summertime staple to holiday-party-ready with the grace of a single blazer. She proves that you can look amazing with fierce accessories and without breaking the bank.

These looks, straight from the pages of InStyle, are very well-priced — the most expensive item is the LBD for about $650! You gotta love it!

For the cover look (my favorite!), Reese wore a DKNY gold strapless dress, Sid Vintage necklaces and a black Brooks Brothers blazer. Her yellow strapless dress is from French Connection, black stilettos from Aldo, and a grey wool blazer from Brooks Brothers with a Fallon necklace. The look on the far right features a Alexander Wang dress, black leather cutout heels from Aldo, cuffs from Dannijo and necklaces from Roxanne Assoulin For Lee Angel.

The dresses are perfection (and, really, why mess with perfection?) and they are well priced, so I wouldn’t dare suggest any look-alike items. For the blazer, check out the black blazer from the Lauren Conrad Collection for Kohl’s. The Aldo shoes shown on Reese are great quality, but if you want something around $50, check out the styles below from Sheik Shoes. And for the jewelry, of course check out Stella & Dot! Layer on several pieces to get the same look as Reese and you’ll be ready for any holiday party, anytime, anywhere!

Above: Michael Antonio Thorston for ShiekhShoes.com, $48; Pleaser Entice Black Patent Pump from ShiekhShoes.com, $55.

Below: Try the Ava Cupchain Black Ribbon Necklace and the matching Ava Cupchain Earrings for Reese’s “yellow dress” look. For Reese’s rocker look with the black tank dress, try the Adrienne Mixed Chain Necklace paired with a statement bracelet, such as a couple of the Claudette Pave Bangle Bracelet stacked on one wrist. Or try the Adele Cuff or the Geometric Bangle for a similiar look; all from Stella & Dot jewelry.

For Reese’s cover look, make a statament by pairing several gold necklaces together, such as the Gabrielle Citrine Necklace, the La CoCo Brooch Necklace, and the Vintage Textured Chain Necklace all from Stella & Dot. 

Sales Sparkle at Jewelry Maker Stella & Dot

Friday, November 6, 2009  |  Modified: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
This article is from the San Francisco Business Times – by Sarah Duxbury

People say recessions breed entrepreneurs, which may account for explosive growth at Stella & Dot.

In August 2008, the direct sale jewelry company conservatively estimated it would double sales in 2009 for revenue between $9 million and $11 million. Now it looks like the Burlingame-based company will hit $30 million.

“Last year, when you think of the times, people were hesitant to hope,” said Jessica Herrin, founder and CEO of Stella & Dot, and before that the founder of WeddingChannel.com. “We knew the momentum of our business … and even with all that confidence, we were hesitant to say we would more than double our growth.”

Between August 2008 and today, Stella & Dot has grown from 500 stylists to 4,000. It had 14 employees then and has 30 today, with 13 open positions for everything from technology to HR to accounting. The company became profitable earlier this year, and it is almost entirely self-funded.

Stella & Dot Jewelry on Martha Stewart Living

Martha Stewart had guest comedian and star of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm Susie Essman on her show, Martha Stewart Living. Susie wore the Gilda Hoop Earrings in Gold and the Penelope Necklace (also worn by Jillian Harris of the Bachelorette!) on the show. Click HERE to watch the video.

Oh, and PS, check out Martha’s awesome Handmade Holiday Gift Guide for great gift ideas!

Stella & Dot Cocktail Ring Featured in Health Magazine

You know you have great jewelry when non-fashiony magazines even want it! Health magazine featured the Stella & Dot Berry Cocktail Ring in its November 2009  issue in the “Get Gorgeous” section. The Berry Cocktail Ring matches the Gold La Coco Necklace, featured in the recent issue of People Magazine on Jillian Harris of The Bachelorette.

* Stella & Dot Necklace Featured as a Headband in Women’s Health Magazine
* Stella Steal: Devi Hoop Earrings from Self Magazine
* Martina McBride Wears Stella & Dot Earrings in Shape Magazine

Jillian Harris of The Bachelorette Wears Stella & Dot in People Magazine

The cute couple is still making headlines, but this time, for the better. After much media scandal over Ed’s romantic life, Jillian stands by her man — and she does it in style (should we expect any less from her?!). Featured in the October 12, 2009 issue of People Magazine, Jillian pairs her red heels and brown ensemble with the Stella & Dot Gold La Coco Brooch Necklace. The La Coco necklace is  three pieces in one (brooch, bracelet and necklace) and can be worn up to 8 different ways! The petite bachelorette is happy with her fiance and while a date is not confirmed yet, wedding bells “are definitely in the works,” the couple says.

Jillian Harris of The Bachelorette loves her Stella & Dot jewelry! See what other Stella & Dot pieces she has worn on the show and about town.

Stella Steal: Jardin Flower Ring

A true style steal is Stella & Dot’s 14kt gold vermeil Jardin Flower Ring (below right) for just $44. Compare it to Lisa Stewart’s Camellia Flower Ring from Max and Chloe for $98 and it’s a no-brainer. And it gets even better: For the month of November, the ring is on special for just $29 with any $50 Stella & Dot purchase. Try it paired with the Stella & Dot Gold Leaf Earrings for a fun, earthy look.

Working Mother Magazine Highlights Stella & Dot CEO Jessica Herrin as November’s “Entrepreneur Mom”

This article is from Working Mother Magazine, the only national magazine that helps career-committed moms balance their personal and professional lives. Check out Working Mother Media or their Mom Blog. Read the original article here.

Entrepreneur Mom - Jessica DiLullo Herrin
The founder and president of Stella & Dot helps other mothers launch their own businesses
By: Jessica DiLullo Herrin

My story: Little did I know, sitting there on the set of The Oprah Winfrey Show, that the very thing I was supposed to be an authority on—following my passion and entrepreneurial pursuits—would make me rethink my life. After the show aired, hundreds of women reached out to me for advice on how to start a business of their own. Most were busy moms looking to do something with flexible hours. I wanted to help (couldn’t let Oprah down now, could I?), but, frankly, I wasn’t in any position to offer advice. At the time, I was in my fourth year of the 100-hour workweek, launching WeddingChannel.com straight out of Stanford Graduate School of Business. It wasn’t exactly a path I could recommend for moms—or for myself much longer, because I was approaching 30 and wanted kids.

As the question How do I help these women? played in a loop in my mind, I was on business in Dallas, staying at a hotel that was hosting an annual direct-selling convention. A gaggle of convention goers around my mom’s age stepped onto the elevator with me, all bubbly about the awards they’d gotten. And that’s when it hit me: I could launch a direct-sales company for women of my own generation, something modern and hip. 

Strange, but I started thinking about the things I didn’t enjoy shopping for. Right away, jewelry came to mind. It’s hard to buy in stores; you have to wait for the clerk to take each piece out of the case and stare as you try it on. With direct sales, women could try on all the rings and bangles they wanted in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their tell-it-like-it-is girlfriends.

I had a concept, a business model and e-commerce experience. All I needed was everything else. So I partnered with Mike Lohner, our CEO and chairman, formerly CEO of Home Interiors & Gifts; and Blythe Harris, our chief creative officer, a former merchandising manager for Banana Republic’s jewelry line. Blythe and I named the biz after our grandmothers, Stella & Dot, and five years later it launched, in 2008. 

We wanted to make it affordable for moms to jump-start their own businesses, so our sales reps, or “stylists,” can get started for just $199. That gets them a starter kit (including $350 worth of sample pieces), and they earn 30 percent commission on all party sales. 

We’ve been blown away by how popular our products are. With prices ranging from $19 to $248, we appeal to the recessionistas: The average party grosses more than $1,000. Some part-timers earn up to $60,000 a year; we average 600 new sales reps a month (we’re up to 3,400) and earned more than $5 million last year. Plus, we’ve got a big celebrity following: Teri Hatcher and Debra Messing are fans, and our pieces have been on The O.C. and The Today Show.

I love knowing I’ve had a positive impact on people’s lives and that I’ve created a legacy for my daughters. I flash to the memory of our start-up days when Charlotte stuffed invitations for a Stella & Dot party into the basket of her tricycle and delivered them to our neighbors—she was so proud. And I have no doubt that one day my girls will take over the business they helped inspire.   — as told to Michelle Roberts

Lessons Learned

1: Buddy up. Even though I technically started the company on my own, it was only a rough idea before I met the right partners to really grow with. I waited until I found the best of the best—those with the talent, mission and drive to do it well. Surround yourself with positive people who are big dreamers, not naysayers. You’ll fuel one another to success.

2: Obsess About Your Customer. To improve the opportunity for the independent business owner, I had to be one. So I walked 100 miles in a sales consultant’s shoes by doing parties myself for five years. I still do them to this day and always will. I’m obsessed with thrilling our sales consultants and customers.

3: Stick to It.

Most “overnight” success stories take years. Starting a business is a marathon, not a sprint. I learned this through experience. Most people fail because they stop at mile two. Don’t listen to the voices saying it won’t work. It will, as long as you keep evaluating, improving and applying true effort.

Ask a Pro

House Party — Think a direct-sales gig is just what you need? Here are starting tips from a duo of experts: Amy M. Robinson, vice president of communications and media relations for the direct Selling association, and Tory Johnson, CEO of women for hire and coauthor of Will Work from Home: Earn the Cash—Without the Commute.

Be realistic. For most, direct sales is a potential source of supplemental income, not total income. The median net per year is about $2,500. Steer clear of any promise of fast cash with minimal effort—it doesn’t exist.

Know Yourself. If you’re very shy and not willing to hustle, any form of sales probably isn’t for you. And in direct sales, you must find your customers, unlike working in a retail store where customers walk in. What’s needed is a driven people-person who won’t be embarrassed about asking friends to consider buying her line and who isn’t timid about chatting up strangers.

Read the Fine Print. Make sure you’re being asked to pay a reasonable fee, which should cover product samples and training materials (such as manuals, videos and access to seminars), plus catalogs and order forms. The median fee for a starter kit is $70. Don’t be sucked into opportunities that call themselves “direct sales” but require you to pay a fee solely for the privilege of recruiting others.

Check the Buy-Back policy. If you discover this isn’t right for you, will the company buy back the starter kit? The direct Selling association Code of Ethics requires its 200-plus member companies to buy back kits and products for at least 90 percent of what you paid within 12 months of purchase.

Stella & Dot Initial Charms in Ladies Home Journal

Stella & Dot’s best-selling “Be In Love” initial charms were featured in the November issue of Ladies Home Journal in the Style section. The magazine highlighted the personalized charms, which can be added to a necklace, bracelet or earrings, for being versatile and timeless gifts foryourself or for a loved one. Stella & Dot also offers relationship charms (Mom or BFF), birthstone and gemstone briolettes, symbol charms (heart or cross) and inspirational charms (hope or love). The charms come in either sterling silver or 14kt gold vermeil.

Stella & Dot Deco-Inspired Ring Featured in Modern Bride Magazine

It’s classic with a twist! Modern Bride magazine loved the Ribbon Wrapped Deco Ring from Stella & Dot and featured it in their October/November 2009 issue. The ring was spotted on a bride wearing a beautiful strapless bridal gown with black embroidery. The entire look is very reminsicent of vintage glamour, which is very in style this fall and winter. Check out the matching deco, 1920s-inspired jewelry from Stella & Dot, such as the Ava Cupchain Earrings and Necklace (also recently featured in Lucky magazine) or the Deco Squares Ribbon Necklace.

Stella & Dot Pearl Bauble Bracelet in Fit Pregnancy Magazine

It’s no secret that Fit Pregnancy magazine loves Stella & Dot, having featured the jewelry numerous times in its glossy pages. This month is no exception: the magazine featured the best-selling Grace Pearl Bauble Bracelet from Stella & Dot in it’s October 2009 issue in the “Uptown Downtown” fashion spread. They highlighted the pearl bracelet (also seen on Guiliana Rancic at the Emmys) over beautiful Cire leather gloves, along with a gorgeous Liz Lange Maternity silk & wool skirt suit (do they come in non-pregger sizes?!?) and a lush Giovannio wool hat. I absolutely love this look and, obviously, the magazine does too. They write: “A chic tweed skirt suit helps your bump make its proper debut.” I couldn’t have said it better.

Stella & Dot Holiday Jewelry Line Now Available!

The Holiday season is making its way into stores, and it’s not even Halloween yet! But it gives us all the more time to plan our holiday soirees, think about our holiday gift lists and organize our finances into 2010. I’ve always spread out my holiday purchases, buying gifts starting in October. This really allows me to think of a great “theme” around which my entire gift is based (it gives it so much more meaning that way) and it also gives me time to actually buy (i.e., afford) everything I want to give and get. Thus, I don’t find myself broke by New Year’s Eve.

Stella & Dot has launched their new holiday line, just in time for you to start your (early) holiday shopping. Hey, like I said, it’s better to plan it all out ahead of time than to spend your money all at once! The new holiday line features timeless styles featuring black and velvet ribbon, czech and Swarovski crystals and 1920s-inspired heirloom styles that look terrific with your work suit or with your holiday cocktail dress. Jewelry is the ultimate accessory that can take you from party pooper to party perfect in a flash. Stella & Dot’s Deco Squares Ribbon Necklace and Ava Cupchain Necklace are already coveted by fashion editors, being featured in Lucky, Cosmo and Marie Claire.

Stella & Dot’s best-selling “Be In Love” charm collection has also been updated with new, adorable styles. And I know you’ve asked for it… And Stella & Dot has listened! They are debuting the very-much-requested “Grandma” charm in sterling silver for the holidays, as well as a star of david, engraved heart, leaf and pansies. Create your own custom charm necklace or bracelet for your loved one this holiday season with Stella & Dot.

Shop the New Holiday Jewelry Collection from Stella & Dot!

Stella Steal: Grace Pearl Earrings

Pearls are always classic and they truly look amazing on everyone as they reflect light to a woman’s face. The chic Grace Pearl Earrings from Stella & Dot are just $29 (below left) and feature genuine freshwater pearls on 14kt gold vermeil. Compare that to some other brands’ prices on pearls and there’s just no contest. Check out the Majorica ‘Baroque’ Pearl Earrings on Nordstrom.com for $65. The man-made porcelain and gold vermeil earrings are a a great pair for pretty great price, but they are no match for Stella & Dot’s style for a steal!

Stella & Dot Brooch in Woman’s Day Magazine

It’s undeniable. Michelle Obama’s style is influencing American women as the First Lady embraces color and stylish accessories, such as this colorful look shown in the October issue of Woman’s Day magazine. Pair a sunny cardigan with cobalt blue pants and fun accessories for a great look that’s surprisingly doable. The magazine highlighted the Bloom Flower Brooch from Stella & Dot within its pages, along with adorable tweed flats from Lela Rose for Payless. The brooch can also be pinned to the La Coco Brooch Necklace which can be worn 8 different ways. 

An Ode to the Statement Necklace

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT underestimate the impact of powerful jewelry. Bold colors, luxe materials, large links and shiny metal can literally transform your weekend wear to something club-appropriate in a snap of a finger. No need to wash it, scrub it, fold it, iron it or dry it; and it won’t kill your tootsies at the end of the day, either. In fact, with a killer necklace dangling next to that beautiful face, no one will even look down to see what’s on your feet. Plus, you don’t have to pair other accessories with it, so it cuts your prep time into just four easy steps: Dress, shoes, necklace, purse. Done!

Katherine Heigle, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and Sandra Bullock all look stunning in a simple dress and a WOW necklace. And First Lady Michelle Obama is probably the woman who single-handedly brought back the statement necklace, as she re-introduced American women to the sheath dress, to biceps, to statement jewelry, and to the importance of wearing them all at once.

As you’ve probably seen, the statement necklace is BIG this season. And I don’t just mean big in size, I mean bigger-than-big in the same way that leggings have taken over our weekend wardrobe, replacing our trusty jeans and sneakers. The huge necklaces are already showing up on A-listers and have been touted by fashion editors in every magazine, from the budget-friendly to the couture-focused. Glamour magazine’s Suze Yalof said that “a big, fab necklace is the ultimate confidence booster. A bold one draws attention to your best feature: a beautiful smile!” And fashion designer and Project Runway guest judge Michael Kors agrees: “Know the power of jewelry. There’s nothing like a necklace with some dramatic, colorful gemstones (faux or not) to make a woman look like a million bucks.” From chains to pearls to plastic, the statement necklace can be found in any material, in any store, and at any price. If you want to go neon or spiky, by all means, buy the cheap-y necklace and be on your way. But if you plan to embrace this trend — one that will be, no doubt, as long-lasting as those leggings — then spring for a statement piece that you truly adore and that will go the distance.  Stella & Dot jewelry offers instant impact, major style and high quality for an affordable price and offers dozens of on-trend, statement necklaces to fit any budget, including several faves that have already been featured in InStyle, Marie Claire and Cosmo this season. So, have fun and take your pick:

Think Pink! Help Fight Breast Cancer with Stella & Dot

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Stella & Dot will donate 20% of all net sales of all items featured in their Pink Boutique during the month of October. Stella & Dot will donate the funds to Breast Cancer Research, a non-profit organization determined to prevent and cure breast cancer. Share some love and spread some with Stella & Dot!

Wear your pink and show your support with these styles from Stella & Dot’s Pink Boutique:

Create your own personalized charm necklace or bracelet with the personalized “Be In Love” charms from Stella & Dot. They come in both sterling silver and 14kt gold vermeil. Above from left to right: Awareness Charm, $14; Rose Quartz Charm, $19; Hope Charm, $24 for gold and $19 for silver. Below from left to right: Clover Charm Necklace, $49; Rose Quartz Cross Pendant, $98; Faceted Rose Quartz Earrings, $38; Rosie Semi-Precious Necklace, $59; Rosie Semi-Precious Stone Bracelet, $39. Click here to shop the Pink Boutique.