Autism Awareness

I never knew much about Autism until I started writing this blog post. I don't know anyone with Autism and due to my ignorance of this illness(?) delayed learning(?) I couldn't really tell you what it is exactly. Until now.

According to the UK's National Autistic Society, "Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them". Sounds intense doesn't it?

If, like me, you have wondered why rainbow colours are associated with Autism in many of their marketing campaigns, it is because "while all people with autism share three main areas of difficulty:

1. Social communication
2. Social interaction
3. Social imagination.

their condition will affect them in very different way often referred to as an autism spectrum". Ranging from people who are able to have 'everyday lives' to people who need full time care.

Actually, come to think of it, I used to work with a Lawyer who had an autistic daughter. This lawyer adored her daughter but often said her daughter's autism required a lot of care and played havoc with the furniture in the house - she was obsessed with rearranging the furniture until it was precisely the way she wanted it.

I never thought about how hard it was for my Lawyer friend. How much time and attention her daughter needed. I was in my 20's, free and single, without a care in the world. Now I am a mother of one and soon to be two, I often think about children with difficulties and am in awe of the parents who try to make sure their children have as 'normal' lives as possible. What would I do if I were in that position? How would I cope? Where would I seek help? Gosh - I look at those questions and think about how selfish I am. Why am I thinking about me? What about the children and adults who have Autism? I can't even begin to think what life is like for them...

That is why Autism Awareness campaigns and in particular, World Autism Day on 2nd April is so important. Educating society and those around you are key. The more we are aware of other peoples' 'illnesses' (I hate using that word for Autism), the better we are to help those around us and understand their needs.

I love that Stella & Dot have an Autism Collection and that they donate a minimum of 15% of their collection proceeds in April to The National Autistic Society. I think every business - no matter how big or small should participate in Awareness campaigns like these. Otherwise, how will we become a better society?

1. Visonary Bracelet   £35
2. Bring It Jewellery Roll - Cerise   £32
3. Luxembourg Scarf - Jewelled Zebra   £45
3. Chelsea Tech Wallet - Crazy Stripe   £45

Stella & Dot's Autism Collection

Stella & Dot Best Sellers SS14

I have had a couple of Stella & Dot Trunk Shows so far, but have already seen some bestsellers emerge. Bracelets, Rings and long layering necklaces are really popular. As are the Norah Chandeliers.

1. Nancy Studs
2. Love Bracelet
3. Tribute Bracelet
4. Phoebe Bracelet
5. Christina Link
6. Jacinthe 
7. Norah Chandeliers
8. Art Deco Earrings
9. Demi Layering Necklace
10. Gitane Tassel
11. Florence Stackable Bands
12. Mary-Margaret Stone Ring
13. Camilla Ring
14. Katelyn Mixed Band Rings
15. Moraley Flower Stackable Bands
16. Pouch - Tile Mosaic

I hope you enjoy my video!

Melodies with my Elodie

Doesn't the sunshine make you want to sing? Even though it was a cold 9°c this morning, watching the sun break through the clouds made me burst out with the classic 'I'm walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and the Waves. What a tune.

One of the million, billion things I love about my son, is that he smiles when I sing. He truly appreciates my voice. Even when dogs are howling in the background, Aaren finds something amusing in my voice to smile about.

Anyway, I digress. The sun was out and I was expecting three of my closest University friends plus their four children under the age of 3. What better way to celebrate this glorious day than by wearing my Elodie Necklace? It truly is a piece of craftsmanship and I daresay, I received many compliments from my friends when they saw me in it (regardless of my mismatched outfit with the extra large but extremely comfortable lounge pants I was wearing). God Bless Primark and their ankle cuff lounge pants.

It wasn't hard deciding what to wear with my Elodie, as it pretty much goes with everything. With its hues of jade, turquoise, grey, lime, orange, burnt orange and clear stones placed in a gorgeous antique gold setting, the world was my oyster!

I wore it at its longest length - not normally like me as I prefer shorter necklaces but I like the Elodie to actually fall on my top, rather than my neck, especially if I am having a more causal day.

The Stunning Elodie

I also teamed the Elodie with my favourite bracelet - the Christina Link and didn't bother with earrings as I had my hair down and was too busy steaming carrots, chopping cucumbers, slicing fruit, baking cupcakes and cooking lasagne. Although, simple Sparkle Studs or Soiree Studs in Coral or Turquoise would have been the perfect finish. Maybe next time...

The Gorgeous Christina Link Bracelet

My magpie son

My 6 month bump wearing the Elodie

My extra large and extra comfy lounge pants wearing the Elodie

Mixed Metals Madness

The sun came out in London today. 18°c to be exact. Now I know that's still winter coat attire in many countries, but in London, it is practically sunbathing weather. So I got dolled up and decided it was Mixed Metal day and proceeded to go the whole hog and wear my Nancy studs too. I felt like a million dollars!

For those of you who have seen my YouTube videos - you will know that I have never been a huge fan of long necklaces, especially long chains. But I have to say, the Zoe Lariat forces me to delve into my inner creative depths and I decided to tie a knot in mine - three times, so that it fell onto my six month pregnancy bump. 

Mixed Metals Madness

I was going to team up my Zoe Lariat with the Kahlo Linear Earrings but decided that the sun was shining too much for me not to take advantage of wearing my Gold Nancy Studs!

Nancy Studs and the Zoe Lariat

I then finished off my outfit with the Sparkly Bardot Spiral Bangle. As you can see, I am not the only fan - my son couldn't get his hands (or mouth) off the bling bracelet!

The Sparkly Bardot Spiral Bangle is so versatile, it can also be used as a teether!

Aaren is the perfect bracelet stand

Stella & Dot Spring 2014 Haul

I have mentioned previously , my love of earrings, especially the long, dangly kind. So it should come as no surprise, that the majority of my next Stella & Dot purchases were long dangly earrings!

Jewellery and Accessories mentioned in my video:

1. Palladian Necklace
2. Elodie Necklace
3. Norah Chandeliers
4. Seychelles Chandeliers - Blue
5. Mila Triple Drops
6. Serenity Stone Drops - Turquoise
7. How Does She Do It - Navy Stripe
8. Bring It Jewellery Roll - Elephant
9. Mini Delight Candle
10. Florence Stackable Bands
11. Renegade Cluster Bracelet - Gold
12. Palm Springs Scarf - Navy Stripe Elephant
13. Lily Chandeliers

I hope you enjoy the video and if you do, please make sure you go on my FB page and 'Like' it to keep updated on Flash Sales and Giveaways.

)

Earrings for a White Wedding

I remember when I was getting married. I actually had two weddings - one Hindu ceremony, where I walked around the fire with my husband Ian and a Catholic wedding, where I got to walk down the aisle with my father in the most colourful church I had ever seen, in a white dress purchased online from China!

I am not a huge of Indian Gold but I do adore Indian style jewellery, so when it came to buying my jewels for my Hindu ceremony, I went for the faux option. This was simply because I preferred my generous parents to invest in some real diamonds for my white wedding, so I could wear them time and again. I was so happy with the outcome.

As you can see, I got to wear stunning, colourful, bling Indian costume jewellery and I simply adore my diamond set from my white wedding (I will post a close up of them when I can get them out of their safe place).

For those of you who need ideas for stunning earrings for a white wedding, I have trawled through the Stella & Dot earrings collection and found some great treasures. I would have been happy with any of these on my wedding day (particularly the Deco Earrings which match my engagement ring to a tee)!

1. Deco Earrings
2. Demi Earrings - Silver
3. Dorothy Pearl Studs

4. Etoile Drops

5. Glint Flower CZ Earrings

6. Isla Drops - White

7. Maddie Pearl Earrings

8. Nancy Studs - Gold

9. Twila Drops

I hope you enjoy the pictures whether you are looking for ideas as a bride, wedding party or simply reminiscing on your own special day...x

Indian Weddings are so vibrant and full of life

Told you the Church was colourful!

Deco Earrings

Demi Pearl Earrings - Silver

 Dorothy Pearl Studs

Etoile Drops

Glint Flower CZ Earrings

Isla Drops - White

Maddie Pearl Earrings

Nancy Studs - Gold

Twila Drops

Blue? Wear it. Don't feel it.

I am waiting patiently for the Summer 2014 Stella & Dot collection. There are still a few months left, however, the March Summer Capsule wardrobe has just been released and made available to us Stylists today! If blues, teals and turquoises are your colour, then you are in luck. I have already placed an order for the  Capri Tote - Jewelled Zebra.

These will be made available on the website for you to buy, from 4th March. However, if you want to order any of the summer Capsule before then, let me know!

Trunk Shows

The Stella & Dot business model is based around the premise of 'Stylists' like myself, buying samples of stunning jewellery and showcasing them at peoples' houses through 'Trunk Shows' and letting women try on the jewellery in a relaxed atmosphere before they buy it. Trunk Shows are the optimum way of showcasing Stella & Dot jewellery and accessories as you can't buy them anywhere, except on the website.

Ladies who host Trunk Shows are called 'Hostesses' and it costs them nothing, except whatever drinks and nibbles they want to serve their guests. They also get jewellery credit, a 40% discount on a minimum of two items and a free gift (the exact figures depend on how much the Trunk Show generates). Read here for exact details.

It's a no brainer really - why wouldn't you host a Trunk Show? It's a chance for you and your friends to see the amazing jewellery, whilst having a great, girly night in with your friends. You literally do not have to do anything except think of a few friends to invite and set a date for your Trunk Show. It's a different type of night in with your friends and there is no pressure on your guests to buy anything. To be honest, I would rather just showcase the jewellery and let the beautiful pieces do all the talking.

If any of you are interested in hosting a Trunk show (either in-person or online), then please get in touch with me as we are doing a great offer for March Trunk Shows and my dates are getting booked up pretty quickly in the lead up to the Summer collection release.

Bag Lady

I love accessories just as much as I love jewellery. After all, you have to have a place to keep your jewellery and all your other bits and pieces. A bag or 'companion' as Stella & Dot calls them can complete the final look. It can also replace an item of jewellery if you pick the right one and wear it the right way.

I managed to get a hold of a few bags and companions, for you to see:

1. Pouch - Mosaic Tile
2. Tia Cross Body - Mosaic Tile 
3. Getaway - Red Ikat
4. Bring It Jewellery Roll - Elephant
5. Amity Drops
6. Gitane Tassel

                              
      

Make an (under)statement!

I am not normally a fan of delicate necklaces and I am no charmer, that's for sure. If I had to choose between a bold statement necklace wrapped around my neck, drenching me in metal and semi-precious stones or a subtle, delicately hanging chain, I would choose the former. I was going to say 'I would choose the former every time' however, that was before I had a look at the delicate pieces Stella & Dot had to offer.

Now, I am not going to say that I am a total convert and I am off to buy every charm with the initials of my family, a teddy bear, my birthstone and a ballet shoe, but I am actually now open to them and I would wear necklaces of a delicate nature, more often.

To be honest, necklace wearing isn't really a habit of mine, like earrings. I would never think to leave the house without earrings but I wouldn't think twice about not wearing a necklace. In fact, most of the times, I just wouldn't bother. Saying that, a few of the Stella & Dot delicate necklaces really appealed to me and I have just put in an order for some. My favourites are: Together Forever Necklace, Demi Layering Necklace, Piper Necklace.


                              

Who likes an Arm party?

Bracelets are wonderful items of jewellery. You might think you don't really need one, but when you wear a gorgeous piece of wrist candy, it adds a certain 'je ne sais quoi'. It completes a jewellery set and if you aren't wearing a necklace, it certainly perks up your outfit, not to mention your arms.

Stella & Dot's bracelet collection is phenomenal. From powerful items that take over your arm to delicate, subtle pieces. There is something for everyone.

For me, the winners were the Sparkly Bardot Spiral Bangle, Milana Tassel Bracelet, Christina Link, Petra Braided Bracelet and the Kahlo Bracelet.

                             

Stunning Earrings Collection

I am a huge fan of earrings. When I was a little girl, I used to collect them. All types; colourful, plain, studs and especially long dangly ones. Oh the memories of my collection make me smile. I gave most of it away as we moved houses a lot through my teenage years, but if there's one item of jewellery that I always wear, everyday, without fail, it's earrings. I would feel naked without them and barefaced somehow.

I absolutely love Stella & Dot's earring collection. Not only are there some stunning earrings but even the long dangly ones are feather light and easy to wear. There are some that I would never have imagined buying because they didn't appeal to me on the website the catalogue, but they look amazing on.

I hope this video gives you an idea of a few of them.

                               

Make a statement!

Stella & Dot are well known for their pretty powerful statement jewellery, especially their necklaces. I have reviewed a few for you:

1. Fleurette Statement Necklace 
2. Frida Necklace
3. Tempest Necklace
4. Sardinia Pendant
5. Somerville, Christina Link and Mae Necklaces

Bright colours are really in this summer (when are they not?!) and I think every girl should have at least one necklace that makes her feel like a goddess when she walks into the room. For me, it's the Tempest Necklace. However, I do want to get my hands on the Gold Pegasus Necklace too...


                               

Enjoy the video!

My First Purchases!

As mentioned in my previous post, with the initial £169 starter kit, I received £300 in credit to start purchasing my samples. It is worth mentioning that Stella & Dot provide a list of suggestions for new Stylists of optimum samples. This is pretty useful, as it can be overwhelming deciding what to purchase initially. I made my choices below from the Stella & Dot New Stylist Samples recommended list.

1. Somervell Necklace in Gold 
2. Nancy Studs in Gold
3. Renegade Cluster Bracelet in Gold
4. Christina Link Bracelet in Gold
5. Zoe Lariat Necklace
6. Sardinia Chandeliers
7. Chelsea Tech Wallet - Poppy
8. Palm Springs Scarf - Navy Stripe Elephant
9. Tia Cross Body - Mosaic Tile

The video shows these samples in more depth and gives you a feel of what the jewellery and accessories look like on a normal person, not some gorgeous model!

                         

The Starter Kit

To join Stella & Dot, I paid an initial investment of £169. This provides me with the box of goodies below. The Tia Cross Body - Mosaic Tile handbag that you can see was an added giveaway to new Independent Stylists (that's the official title) joining in the month of February 2014. 

The Stella & Dot Starter Kit

I also received £300 in 'free' accessories (I put free in parentheses as I paid £169, so it really isn't 'free' is it?!)

I also have my own Stella & Dot website which is fantastic and so professionally done. The whole process was seamless and took less than 10 minutes.

All in all, I guess it's pretty reasonable for starting up your own business. The 'Stylist Lounge' as it's called is the intranet for Stylists and contains all kinds of useful training, marketing materials, extra resources and everything that was in the kit can also be found here, in soft copy.

One last thing to mention, the presentation of the Starter Kit is superb. The packaging and the way the Tia Cross Body bag was protected is really impressive. So far so good...

How Stella got my groove back

I recently left my job in the City (of London) to spend time with my now 18 month old son. I knew then, that I was doing the right thing. But even so, it was a huge decision and not one I made lightly. I also thought in the back of my head that I would eventually want to go back to work but I was adamant not to return to the corporate grindstone.

I didn't want to be at a corporations' beck and call. I yearned for the flexibility of working in my pyjamas, managing my own hours and spending as much time as I wanted, with my baby (and any future ones I had). I looked into part time jobs - but lets face it, well-paid part time jobs, even in London are few and far between.

And thus began the search for my own business. I wanted to be part of something bigger than just myself trying to make it alone and began looking into companies such as Avon, Forever Living (Aloe Vera products), Arbonne (Beauty) and Wikaniko (Eco friendly products). As great as they all seemed, I just wasn't passionate about selling their products.

It was by chance that I stumbled upon Stella & Dot. My now 'sponsor' had replied to a post by another mother on Facebook, asking for business ideas and she mentioned the Stella & Dot opportunity in her reply. I quickly googled Stella & Dot and was amazed by what I saw - gorgeous, affordable jewellery and accessories.

I hope you enjoy reading about my Stella & Dot journey, of which I will provide an honest and accurate account. The amazing jewellery and accessories speak for themselves so make sure you have a look at the website and start creating a Wishlist of the pieces you want!

I have managed to get my groove back and it's all thanks to Stella & Dot!