07.27.15 Making a Statement

Photo credit: Stella & Dot

I don't own many "statement" pieces - I tend towards smaller, more charm-like necklaces and earrings.  However, I've got my eye on one at the moment, the "Relic" pendant from Stella and Dot.

Photo credit: Stella and Dot

With a couple of notable exceptions - Tiffany and Kendra Scott - I don't  really think of  myself as a "brand" jewelry shopper.  I make an effort to patronize local shops like Russell Korman and Eliza Page, etsy or artisan jewelers that I know. 

Turns out, however, that Stella and Dot has become another of those exceptions.  I was first introduced to it through my friend Hillary, when she had a brand representative at one of her Chick's Pick's events.  Over the past several years I've bought a number of pieces, for myself and as gifts, from their line - which they update twice a year.

Photo credit: Stella & Dot

It started with their Tribute Bracelet, which supports breast cancer research.  I really like the combination of rose gold and hematite - and I'm always trying to find bracelets that I can wear when I work - ones that don't weigh down my wrists, fall off, or bang into my keyboard.

Slowly, I found myself adding pieces - mostly earrings (because I can't resist earrings, ever) - with each new collection.  Two of my favorite pairs are the fringe hoop earrings and Neeya drops. While both styles are out of stock, if you really want to find a pair, the stylists have samples - and sample sales - so it's worth asking!

Photo credit: Stella & Dot

The hoops have a very me & ro look to them (without the me & ro pricetag) - and are really fun to wear, they jingle when I shake my head.  The sparkly drops combine many of my favorite things - mixed metals, white stones, oxidized silver - and they go with a lot of pieces already in my jewelry drawer (not to mention how well they would go with the pendant above).

It's not just me, either. My daughter favors studs over hoops or dangly earrings, and two of her favorites are pairs that I bought her as gifts.  The pyramid shaped Eden studs have a matching necklace, and the little gold swallows are in her ears at least once a week.

Photo credit: Stella & Dot

Most recently, I've added one of their bags to my collection.  Now, I know bags aren't jewelry - but this one is shiny - so as far as I'm concerned, it counts.

A straw bag can only be carried so many years (even with TLC and being stored in a dust bag) before it gives up the ghost.  That's exactly what happened when the weather turned warm and it was time to switch purses - so the hunt was on for a new summertime bag.

I started at my usual haunts - Nordstrom, Coach, Michael Kors - but didn't find anything   I went to the Stella and Dot site almost as an afterthought, I figured it was worth a look.  What I found was their metallic Riveria tote - it was perfect!

Not only was it just what I was looking for - but it was about a third the price of what I had paid for the previous designer straw bag.  I placed my order, and when it arrived I tied my favorite summer Coach scarf around the handle, loaded it up and was back in business.

So, off I go, to enjoy the summer with my jingly earrings and my sparkly bag. 

Until next time.