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!

Goodbye C+I - The End of an Era

On July 1, 2019 executive chairwoman Connie Tang announced the closure of Chloe + Isabel July 31, 2019 to it's community of merchandisers. The news came as a shock to our community. While the company put forth great effort towards growth and development, this nearly 8 year old jewelry empire simply could not achieve the trajectory necessary to withstand these hard economic times.

To say I will miss Chloe + Isabel is an understatement. When I began in May of 2016 I could not have imagined how far this journey would take me. I traveled to Montreal, Paris! But the real joy has been in the everyday conversations, sharing of ideas and inspiration with like minded women, and making of lifelong friends. I will treasure these jewels for a lifetime!

Be sure to shop your C+I wishlist before it's too late! Whether you've had your eye on the most recent Riviera Maya collection or have a mile long list you've created over the years, take advantage of the markdowns.

And please know that every purchase, every word of encouragement, every time you volunteered to host, to help, all of the shared pictures, every gesture big or small means more to me than words can say. This might be goodbye to C+I but I hope you'll follow me to the next adventure! It just wouldn't be the same without you.

The Pinnacle of Network Marketing - Paris in the Spring

About this time 2 years ago I found myself frustrated with the task of looking for the perfect job. Healthcare beat me down and wasn't worth the commute and cost of child care. And my first work from home job with Stitch Fix felt just as demanding as a "real" job, locked in to hours and quotas. I was working hard trying to figure out how to monetize my blog, reading endless articles about ways to improve my Etsy shop. Some days I wondered if going back to work was eminent.

That's when I bought the magic beans. Did ya'll grow up watching Mickey & the Beanstalk? I was obsessed.

It seems the perfect metaphor. Network marketing sounded so ridiculous to me at the time that rather than pursuing it directly, I went about representing Chloe + Isabel as a blog affiliate rather than just buying the Koolaid.

I like Kool-Aid, by the way. I grew up drinking the Kool-Aid, both literally and metaphorically. My mom sold Avon, and I thought those tiny tubes of lipstick were the greatest thing ever. And I still call anything that keeps food in the fridge Tupperware.

But then, with this company? Why am I so giddy about Chloe + Isabel? It could be that I finished my taxes and see that I made 5 figures last year from this crazy thing. Perhaps it's the check I just wrote to a friend, made possible by fundraising. Or it could be that I just got back from a trip to Paris my company paid for. I truly found the perfect "job" as a Chloe + Isabel merchandiser.

Want to see pictures of Paris? It was so magical! Monet's Gardens....

Proof I was there.

The waterlily pond

Endless flowers

Monet's home, Giverny

I did all kinds of other magical things in Paris, I spent a whole week there with my CandI sisters visiting museums, shopping, and eating everything you can imagine. And I woke up every morning, to this!

And, of course, I saw this.

And this.

Obviously this.

I bet you're wondering how you earn something like this. Is it plausible? Could YOU do it? Do you need magic beans? I've never been able to say with more confidence - you can do it!

Did I mention I have 4 kids? Did you catch the part about me running my own Etsy business? If I can do this, so can you!

You really must have 1 million questions, I know I did. I've written several posts on the subject. In short, I don't throw endless home parties or peddle my wares around town; I almost exclusively sell online. I don't pester friends & family. We have minimal quotas, no hidden fees. We enjoy 25-40% commission on sales, a 30% discount (50% when new items launch), get a ridiculous amount of free jewelry and clearly have the best travel incentives in the business.

Regarding our product, it's gorgeous jewelry with a lifetime guarantee. Our designs are exclusive, have unique convertible features and are ahead of the trend while somehow remaining timeless. Our finishes are lead free,  hypoallergenic, and made to last.

We treat our customers like royalty awarding 15% back in rewards and have the most competitive host rewards program around.

If you're thinking about joining at this point, send me a message? You are welcome to click to apply, easy peasy. But talk to me, I want to make sure you're getting the best incentives for joining! Timing is key. If you're reading this May 2018, you really don't have to write. The timing is THE best; if you reach $500 in sales come end of June, receive a full rebate on your kit!

It happens to be pretty rad right now. Come May, we started the earning period for our fall trip to Charleston, South Carolina. The kit is just $175 and includes all this goodness.

Don't hurt your eyes, I did the math. The jewelry in the kit is worth $725! Dude, I wish this was my kit. Silver, gold, rose gold goodness!

There's something though, not quantifiable, about the beauty of this thing. A culture, a community you won't find anywhere else.

If you need to know more, you're longing for adventure, hoping for success, let's talk! Find me on Facebook or click on this link: Magic Beans Let's make some magic today. I can't wait to meet you!

If you need to try before you buy, come shop with me! Discover our latest summer collection, Côte d'Azur. We're taking is to the south of France where the sand meets the sea and it is to die for!

Come hang with me, join a party and enter to win prizes for shopping in my VIP group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChloeandIsabelInsideScoopVIP/

Hope to "sea" you there!

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!

The Chloe + Isabel Summer Collection

With the summer solstice upon us (I feel like it's already here!) I scoured the Chloe + Isabel Amalfi Coast Lookbook for pieces that are summer ready. I recently received the Limencello Statement Necklace Set (photos of #1 wearing that one on my Facebook page) with gorgeous faceted yellow, turquoise and howlite stones so I was looking for everyday jewelry, convertible pieces I could mix and match and wear with my favorite tees and boho prints. I can't wait to show you what I picked out, recommend a few must-haves for summer 2016, and show you my Chloe + Isabel display along the way.

First up is the Capri Three-Row Convertible Necklace, which I just had to have when one of my VIP customers shared these pictures of herself wearing the necklace with shorts from Stitch Fix and a top from Tag. Isn't she adorable?

Here are a few close ups I took after my last pop-up party. I'm going to wear this baby tomorrow!

   

I love Chloe + Isabel convertible necklaces. I've always wanted to rock that layered look, but had trouble matching. These are ready to wear as is, but can also be separated to coordinate with other necklaces or worn on their own.

I can't wait to try them individually with the Capri Convertible Pendant Necklace below. This one has a slide adjustment on the back so you can wear it like a bib, long, or anywhere in between.

I wore it the day it arrived as it worked perfectly with the crew neck I was wearing, and paired it with the Lunette Long Station Necklace (see this look on my Facebook page).

I caved in and ordered the Wide-Brimmed Summer Straw Hat after realizing it looks good on everyone. I was too lazy to take out the tripod, and selfies with a DSLR aren't easy; be kind.

We carry several other non-jewelry summer essentials, be sure and check them out!

That there is the Morningtide Convertible Collar Necklace from my starter kit, which is becoming my signature piece. The v-neck is the Sleeveless Linen V-Neck Tee from Loft in Forever Navy.

For those ponytail kind of days, you know the ones (today), I ordered the Jen Atkin X Chloe + Isabel rose gold Ponytail Clip, part of our latest collection of hair accessories.

I love the packaging on the new hair accessories. This one came in a pretty box and the other a magnetic closure pouch, perfect for gifting.

For fancier summer hair days like summer weddings or graduations I chose the Small Crystal Pave Fan Pin Set

I guess you can say I got a little hair obsessed. I threw in the Crystal Baguette Hair Comb to match my Mirabelle Petite Collar Necklace and drop earrings, commonly worn as bridal jewelry pieces but I wear them to church.

The jury isn't officially out on whether I'm a Chloe or an Isabel, but this next choice is a little bit of both. The Bianca Teardrop Ring has that elegant, vintage feel with a touch of modern maven with the chalcedony stone.

I wasn't sure which size to buy so I ordered an inexpensive ring sizer on Amazon which worked out well. You can buy yourself one here.

I prefer this type over the various rings on a loop because I'm always worried my fingers will get stuck in those! It also takes up very little space in my storage case.

I placed it near my ring holder at my last pop-up party and I think every single guest measured their fingers. It's pretty handy! 

I bought this little ring dish at Hobby Lobby right before I signed up to become a merchandiser and I absolutely love it!

Here it is with the Lunette Open Band Ring, which I've worn everyday since I got it. You need this ring for summer; it's lightweight and you won't even notice you're wearing it (with exception of the constant compliments). If you're on the fence about ring sizes, the "open" styles like this are all adjustable.

I may have to start changing my clothes a few times a day, I desperately want to wear this next one. I love the cut of the amethyst stone on the Geovista Convertible Pendant Necklace. 

I saved the best for last, one of our most popular styles for summer. The aquamarina collection has so many great pieces, I may get a bracelet to coordinate with this Convertible Pendant Necklace.

I got this cute little mirror for my display at the Daiso store.

Here's a close up of the top layer, so pretty!

I couldn't get a great picture of my whole display (which I'm constantly rearranging), but here's the condensed version.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Perhaps you're thinking about becoming a Chloe + Isabel Merchandiser. If so, be sure to checkout my last post about my Essential Kit or click on my affiliate link here to learn more.

Want to join my mailing listing for upcoming sales and promotions? Send me an email at moderntypography@aol.com

Happy Shopping!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Because I love Amazon :)