My Latest Obsession: Stella & Dot

The cat's out of the bag, I'm officially an independent Stella & Dot stylist!

In case you missed my last blog post, Chloe + Isabel announced the closing of it's doors. It took me a little time to move on and jump in to the next thing, but one day of friend of mine said, "Melanie, you've just got to do it, what are you waiting for?" That same day I started proudly talking about my new love and I'm now 100% fully immersed in Stella & Dot. I'm not gonna lie, I am completely obsessed! Come see why:

The Jewelry

I mean I'm a jewelry girl, are you a jewelry girl? I come from a long line of jewelry loving people. Even my Daddy wore jewelry. I love how eclectic Stella & Dot jewelry is. They've got all my moods covered from casual chic Monday to ride or die Saturday. My first head over heels piece so far is this rose gold necklace called "Fleur", gasp! I can't get over the $59 price tag, what a steal!

Apparel, Accessories, Handbags + More

I'd be happy with just the jewelry. But when you find a company with the style you're going for and then realize they've got your whole look covered, your heart skips a beat. Scroll back through my blog and you'll see this collaboration was meant to be.

9 out of 10 people I tell I'm moving to Stella & Dot say, "I love their handbags!" Naturally, I had to see for myself. I picked up the gorgeous "Crisscross Hobo" from the sale section. It's so perfect! Flat bottom, comfortable strap, pocket inside, pocket outside, neutral. You need this!

PS The glasses are S&D, too! Very lightweight, comfortable and stylish.

Value

Disclaimer: Almost 40 year old me is still somewhat stuck in the 90s. Remember when gas was 99 cents a gallon? Sometimes I still think I can run to JcPenny and find the perfect pair of earrings for my mom for $10. Those were the days, but let's get real! We were all shrouded in polyester and our jewelry looked like Barbies. My point is times have changed, thankfully! 2019 me wants ethically sourced, timeless jewelry that is not mass produced, and you get what you pay for. I think the value at Stella & Dot is exceptional given our in house, unique designs.

Speaking of value, our engravables are top notch and very reasonably priced. Hurry up and get this "Signature Engravable Hexagon Necklace" before it sells out like it's rose gold counterpart. It's super luxe. I was pleasantly surprised it was engraved and shipped the next day!

Value Added

There's so much more to it than a great product. To get back the "why" I do this, ultimately I value my time with family above all else. It's incredibly refreshing to find a company that empowers me to support my family by providing all that I need to successfully run a business from home. I realize a lot of women reading this are thinking about branching out into the world of entrepreneurship, but it's really quite scary. Why not let Stella & Dot assume some of that risk for you?

What will that mean for those of you coming along as customers? You can support my small business, but have all the benefits of shopping a stable, reputable, successful brand. I know you'll enjoy the fast and furious shipping and ease of returns and replacements. Did I mention killer host rewards and Style Club offers? We are going to have so much fun.

Community

And it IS fun! Is there anything better than shopping with friends? In my 3 years with Chloe + Isabel I learned that what keeps you going, gives meaning to what you do is not what you do but who you do it with. I am so happy I've found a new home in Stella & Dot.

Won't you come along with me? It just wouldn't be the same without you! Come check out my new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Melanies-Style-Lounge-106340404041143/

Please use it as a jumping off point to shop, find my VIP community, reach out to me and learn more about Stella & Dot.

See you there!

Summer Sandal Trends 2019

It's officially bare foot, I mean sandal season here in sunny Southern California. Summer is arguably everyone's favorite season: long days, vacation, sunshine, fireworks, beaches, floats, berries, barbecues, what's not to love?

Summer shoes are no exception. I love all the things! Move over booties, our toes are ready to see some sun! Let's check out the latest shoe trends for summer.

But first, let me let you in on a little secret: summer shoes trends really don't change. Still, it wouldn't be any fun to ignore the latest trends in color, textiles, and embellishments. So I've put together a mix of both of haute must-haves and timeless classics, keeping in mind made to last brands. Click on any picture to shop my affiliate links.

Flip Flops

Talk about timeless, nothing says summer like a pair of Rainbow flip flops. Grab these in classic tan (yellow) bamboo, lavender or pink. If you haven't tried this famous footwear founded in Laguna Beach, take this California girl's advice and try some!

 

T-Strap

On to flip flop's fashionable friend, the t-strap. When you must have something between your toes, reach for the brand know for high quality craftsmanship, Havaianas. 

Slides

Perhaps your toes prefer more freedom, enter slides.

I'm going to ignore those throwback slides you're seeing everywhere because honestly, I can't wait to see them leave. If you don't know what I'm talking about it rhymes with Lirkenstocks and the 90s can keep them.

 

 

Speaking of throwbacks, I should warn you, Crocs and Teva are returning. I'm speechless. Moving on.

Strappy Sandals

Are your feet not so sure they are ready for summer? Get a little more coverage (and flair) with these festival ready flats. These are more or less gladiator sandals, timeless!

Huarache

Festival season might be over, but peep toe woven huarache season is not. I vote for white, probably the hottest shoe color this summer. Aren't these perfect to go with your button down linen dresses and jumpers?

If you are looking for something a little more 2019, check these out.

D'orsay

You'll also need something sophisticated to pair with your new favorite paper bag styles.

  

Espadrilles

Soludos really knows how to espadrille. How cute is this stripe?! 

Platforms 

SO excited for this trend because 1. Height and 2. Comfort. This version is like espadrilles more serious older sister.

Big straps are haute and I'm pretty okay with that.

Stacked Heels

Admittedly this post has been a little monotone til now, but purposefully. That's the trend! But I was also saving the most fun for last.

This really is the perfect category for branching out and trying trends. Check out the chunk on this heel! And the color, swoon!

I can't ignore pink either (bossy pink as Pantone calls it), or the cutouts on this pair. If you need something a little fancier to wear with your LBD, please wear these so I can live vicariously through you.

Finally, some pom poms, because why not. Seize the long summer days!

Which is headed for your shopping cart? Comment below, shopping is always more fun with friends!

I'm Still Here

I know, it's been awhile. Every once in awhile one of my friends will randomly message me and say, "Look, I saw you on Pinterest!" I just laugh. Yes, I "used to" blog about subscription boxes. I was so obsessed, I landed a job as a Stitch Fix stylist!

But hey seriously, where did that me go?

Friday, Orange County was flooded with butterflies (painted ladies) and we had one of the hottest winter weekends I've ever seen. Friday Night Lights was a bit less chilly, and Saturday I was so hot waiting for a drumline competition to start that I drank a whole Coke. Spring was in the air!

Coincidentally, when I got home my mailbox was full of gorgeous new pieces from C+I's new spring line "Kyoto" and the mood struck. I was me all over again! I mean, who wouldn't be inspired by a sky full of butterflies followed by a new collection of butterfly jewelry, and the capture of a ladybug at the most opportune time?!

I pulled out some old favorite Stitch Fix pieces and paired them with my new, fabulous Chloe + Isabel Spring 2019 collection, Kyoto.

Dress up turned out to be the best pick me up. I was so inspired I ordered Stitch Fix, which I haven't done in ages!

If you need a little dress up in your life, give Stitch Fix a try! Click here to check it out: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/melanierhoades?sod=w&som=c

If you love my Chloe + Isabel jewelry, you can click on the picture of the piece that caught your eye to see it in my online boutique, or see the whole collection here: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/melanierhoades

Stay tuned for another round of dress up!

Chloe + Isabel Semi-Annual Sale + Clearance Summer 2017

Eeeekkkk!!!! The Chloe + Isabel semi-annual sale and clearance snuck up on me! I was over here trying to summer and boom, there it was. And in just one day, items are already flying off the shelf. I simply couldn't leave you, my lovely reader, in the dark! These are the best prices of the year.

As always, I have some lovely styled pictures for inspiration, recommendations from my jewelry box (lucky you, getting them at a deep discount!), and a little motivation...read on to the end!

Here are the must haves from this amazing sale:

1. The Hero Collection

I only recently discovered this cool, edgy, versatile collection and am not sure what took me so long! The semi-precious black stone and howlite combination is perfection. I think I was scared of the glass and tassel but they've grown on me. And the top layer of the convertible necklace is the only thing I brought with me camping and it went with every single top I brought.

Clearance is the perfect time to try something out of your comfort zone, if you're on the fence. Reminder: the tassels are removable!

Necklace on the left: Here
Right: Here
Matching bracelet (not shown): Here
Ring (not shown): Here

2. The Golden Lotus Statement Necklace

To me it's crazy to see pieces from the new collection marked down, but there it is. Don't be intimidated by this magnificent collar, it's much lighter and more delicate than you'd imagine. Maybe Golden Lotus isn't your style, but it really is a great time to buy statement pieces, the prices are unreal! But seriously, this one is awesome.

Necklace: Here
Matching wrap bracelet (not shown): Here

3. Anything Aventine

The only explanation I can come up with as to why they'd give away this statement necklace for $37 or it's super popular sister the convertible layered necklace for $35 is that everyone has one because it's stunning.

While I was writing this, the pendant sold out. I'm serious guys, if you see something you need, act fast.

Statement earrings (not shown): Here
Matching ring (not shown):  Here

4. A Convertible Necklace

Our signature style, and on sale! We do the hard work (perfectly match the layers), you wear it with everything! Each layer can be removed for a whole new look, and interchanges with layers from other pieces collections.

Medina Necklace: Here
Minaret (not shown): Here multi-color, Here in blue hues

5. Something Giftable

I gave this gorgeous pendant to my mom for Christmas, she wears it often. Green is something I've only recently discovered to be a neutral. It goes with so much, definitely capsule worthy.

We also have a candle for just $7, charms prices $4-11 (this is my fav), and even a few hair accessories like these, perfectly priced for your gift stash.

I could go on and on, but while I am, the styles are selling out! So I'll end on this note.

Need An Excuse to Shop the Sale?

If you're in my VIP group, you may have already heard about my fundraising efforts to help fund the Anderson's adoption of little Lian from China. This week only, I will donate 30% of purchase made through the Anderson Adoption Fundraiser Pop-Up. You can read more or skip shopping and donate Here.

Not only that, for every $50 spent in July, you'll be entered into a giveaway! Only catch, you have to join my VIP group to enter, but I promise you'll love it there anyway: Join Here.

Occasionally, one might see so many things they "need" that they start thinking about becoming a merchandiser for the discount. If this describes you, shoot me a quick email and let's talk. Find me at moderntypography@aol.com and read more on that subject Here.

Back to the sale, you can find it all Here! But for a very limited time. Be sure and stop back here and share what you love! And go!

Bloggin Ain't Easy

Let's talk about blogging for just a minute, shall we? I know, you came here for the pretty things, and I promise there will be plenty of that.

But can I just stop for a minute and tell you how difficult it is to find the time to blog? Thanks for following, though the posts be far and few between.

The good news is, faithful followers, that I only blog when I have something really good to share, like the amazing new collection from Chloe + Isabel for Spring!

Pastel Wrap Bracelet

The colors, the shapes, the stones, the versatility. It's all the things I hoped for.

Sunset Vista Convertible Necklace

Every piece I put on is my new favorite piece.

Braided Bracelet

An unexpected favorite, Turkish Delight.

Turkish Delight

I might be just a little obsessed with styling my Chloe + Isabel pieces with my new Fossil Watch.

Fossil Watch

I can't wait to play with this one, headed for my mailbox now!

Multiple lengths = my cup of tea

Parisian Belle

I also had to have the new open ring, because adjustable means so many ways to style!

Sunset Vista Wrap Ring

View the entire collection here:

Modern Jewelry

Are you interested in learning more about our brand and the opportunity?

Click here to find out more.

Happy Monday!

Chloe + Isabel Semi-annual Sale Suggestions Summer 2016

In case you haven't heard, Chloe + Isabel is having their Semi-annual sale! 20% of the shop is marked down to 40-65% off, with items from just about every category. Now is the time to shop for items on your wishlist, birthday and Christmas presents for friends and family, and new styles you've been thinking about trying.

Here are a few suggestions. Grab them before their gone!
Shop here: http://modernjewelry.co

First, I wear this piece often. It's the Geovista Convertible Pendant Necklace. I love that I can wear the 2 layers separately, together, or layer them with my longer pieces. The semi-precious stone is gorgeous, and the antique gold plate finish is easy to wear with casual tees, tanks and dresses.

I'm wearing it with my lunette long station necklace, which seems to go with everything! The Geovista earrings, cuff bracelet set, statement bracelet and stackable rings that match are all on sale, too.

There are also several exclusive pieces on sale, new and never before seen styles from our secret c+i jewelry box, or the candi vault, as we call it.

The crystal flower stud earrings are just perfect heading into fall, don't you think?

Pair them with this burgundy leather + baguette bracelet in berry, a never before released color!

This gorgeous combination is also available for the first time ever. The top one, the Midnight Palace Octagon Collar Necklace was a merchandiser exclusive, now available to all! 

It's shown with the Midnight Palace Statement Collar Necklace, which is also on sale at a steal. 

Which brings me to my next suggestion, try out something new! We all love our convertible necklaces, and gravitate towards delicate styles. But the statement pieces are going to take your look to the next level and get you a ton of compliments.

I've had my eye on this one for while. I can't believe the mark down! It's called the Dolce Statement Necklace. I love the vintage vibe.

Don't forget the matching earrings and statement bracelet. Get the whole look for just $129!

I love the Glacial Edge Bib Necklace, too. A versatile piece that really packs a punch.

The Aventine Convertible Statement Necklace is another great choice, one you can easily dress up or down. It's a little bit edgy with just enough classic, and the color combination is easy to style.

It's also a great time to add a few rings to your collection. Every single style shown here is marked down, 40-65% off!

From top to bottom, left to right: the malachite + pave ring, the medine turquoise ring, the portico nesting rings, the glacial edge statement ring, the alpenglow statement ring, the palm royale north south ring, the jardins du trocadero statement ring, and the retro pave cocktail ring, which also comes in coral.

All in all, 91 pieces are on sale, now through Monday, July 31st at 11:59pm EST, while supplies last! Ready, set, go!

Shop here: http://modernjewelry.co