A rocking Stella & Dot trunk show!

Last night's trunk show was amazing!   16+ ladies all checking out & trying on fabulous Stella & Dot jewelry, amidst a setting of fabulous home made baked goodies, hummus & pita chips and wine!  All of these ladies are moms and it's so great to be out with a group of moms - we all need our night out with the girls and what a great way to do it! I find that with each trunk show I do, alot of jewelry gets ordered, but there is one piece of jewelry that is the most popular to be ordered for that night.  Last night it was the Garden Party Chandelier Earrings Green/Gold, pictured here.  I sold 5 pair of those beauties!  Here's the pic:

Check them out at http://www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan

Stella & Dot's Style Muse Contest

Find more videos like this on Stella and Dot Stylists

Stella & Dot's Early Concept

Stella & Dot Founder & CEO Jessica Herrin shares her early musings of the creation of Stella & Dot.  Check it out!



See what the buzz is all about at http://www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan

Stella & Dot Trunk Show Tomorrow nite

San Francisco Bay Area Ladies:  Ann Hildula and I are co-hosting a Stella & Dot trunk show tomorrow nite (friday aug 20, 6:30-9:00pm) at my house. Come check out the gorgeous fall collection, have some wine & lite bites and share summer memories with us. We'll have a raffle and a summer sample sale as well. Hope you can make it.  Email me at Shanfam@pacbell.net for details. 

Stella & Dot - on the rise!

Stella & Dot and it's amazing founder and CEO Jessica Herrin, have made it on Inc's list of the fastest growing companies. When I find the article I will post it here but for now here is the pic from the magazine cover. Learn more about Stella & Dot at http://www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan

Trunk Show Success

So I've been having pretty much 3-4 trunk shows per month and I have to say that my hostesses are doing everything right. Your Stella & Dot trunk show does not have to be huge to be successful - huge is nice but is not necessary. A small intimate group of 8-10 friends can make for a great time for all.

Last night's trunk show had 9 ladies, most of them moms within the same school, so they knew each other well, and each of them was having tons of fun trying on jewelry, both on themselves and each other. They eagerly acted as models and I of course picked out pieces and demonstratead how to wear them (we have several pieces that are very versatile in how they can be worn).

My hostess did the food and drink perfectly: wine & waters, cheese, hummus & crackers. It was kept in the same room as the jewelry, at a hutch near the dining table where the jewels were displayed.

Everyone placed orders, and I also raffled off a pair of earrings. One guest was so excited about all of it that she not only placed a nice order, she booked a trunk show with me for next month. One other guest is also going to book and will confirm a date with me when I call to follow up with her about her order (which is what I do with everyone-I follow up in about 4-5 days after the trunk show to see if they have their order and how satisfied they are with it.

At the end of the two hours, I packed up everything, gave my hostess the 411 on how much free jewelry of her choosing that she earned (nearly $200 which is based on the sales of the trunk show), and let her know that this total may grow if some outside orders get placed on her show, from those that could not attend. She was thrilled with this, and we were both satisfied with how well the evening went, with this nice intimate group of elementary school moms.

Statement Necklaces

In years past it would be that you wouldn't even consider wearing a large "statement necklace" with anything other than a cocktail dress or other semi-formal to formal attire. It's a new day baby and Stella & Dot has shown us that you can take a pair of jeans, a cute top and add on a large necklace, to give that casual outfit some punch! Imagine the any of these pieces with casual clothes (which is pretty much what I always wear). So ladies, add it on, bring your jeans & t-shirts to a whole new life by giving them that "wow" factor! Check these and more out at http://www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan

Stella & Dot Opportunity Call with CEO Jessica Herrin

Facebook: "Today (Thurs 8/12) our CEO & Founder, Jessica Herrin will be holding a special call to share more juicy details about Stella & Dot's business opportunity. This modern home-based biz has become more lucrative and flexible (and stylish!) than ever before. If you have ever wanted to know more, join the call. 12pm Noon PT. Dial in: 712-432-0075. Access code: 797680."

Stella & Dot Shipping is Fast!

Wow! I always knew we have superfast shipping but I believe this is a record! A friend hosted a trunk show for me in San Jose, CA last Saturday August 7. I input those orders online that night and just checked on the tracking now and find that all of them were delivered to the guests, on August 11 (just 4 days later!).

For those of you that didn't know, when you attend a Stella & Dot trunk show, your items are shipped directly to you at the special trunk show rate of $5.95 U.S. priority mail, for your entire order, no matter how large it is, and you get it fast! Aren't we awesome!

Visit my site at http://www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan to shop, find our about hosting your own trunk show, or becoming an independent stylist.

Fall is on it's way!

Well, although the calendar still says summer, you'd never really know it here in San Francisco, as it has been consistently foggy and cool, even early morning mist resembling light rain. Back to school shopping is complete now for my daughter and in a couple of weeks the school year begins again! Time for me to shop for a few long sleeve tops and sweaters and of course I want to pair them with my beautiful Fall 2010 jewelry pieces from Stella & Dot. Here is one of my favorite new pieces that will be paired with something new: Chloe Necklace - perfect to warm up that new beige, brown or ivory top. It features hand-knotted faceted beads that measure 17.5" in length and a pretty brown silk ribbon, measuring 18" on each side that can be tied shorter or longer depending on your preference. $49. Check it out at my website http://www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan

Trunk Show 101: Simple Steps to Success

Okay, I am so ready to put your mind at ease when you are contemplating whether to host a Stella & Dot Trunk Show. Here are the basics:

1. Little advance notice is needed. Pick a date that is good for you and your stylist within the next two weeks. It is actually easier to plan for sooner rather than later - consider that most people know what they are doing/scheduled for within a couple of weeks, rather than a couple of months ahead of time

2. Invite and over-invite. Do it electronically and if possible send out something in print - people like to have something printed to hang up on the fridge or tuck into their bag

3. Dress casually and encourage your guests to do the same. Our jewelry is so awesome and really can be worn well with all types of attire, from the simplest of jeans & t-shirt, to business attire, to more formal looks. I like the guests to know that they do not need to get all dressed up for the trunk show (unless they want to but most don't). They can wear simple jeans & t-shirt or sweater or whatever they want. Even our most gorgeous, statement necklaces pair well with very casual attire. For a hostess, a solid color top works best with most of the jewelry. Good color choices are black, brown, beige, white, navy. Do wear whatever you are most comfortable in though.

4. Keep the food simple. You do not need to emulate Rachel Ray or Martha Stewart, or any other popular chefs. Sample menu for afternoon/evening trunk shows could include wine & cheese platter, or maybe crackers & hummus & fruit, or other such simple and inexpensive to prepare or purchase items. Add in a plate of little cookies or other bite size sweets and you've got a really nice selection of munchies to go well with your party. Morning/brunch type of events can include bagels or muffins, a pot of coffee and maybe a pitcher of orange juice (think mimosas too!) Never serve food that requires the use of utensils and large plates - no need for this and it just adds extra to your prep time and potential expense. Remember to keep it simple - the focus should be on the jewelry, not the food

5. Location, location, location. Always have the food and the jewelry in the same room if possible, again to keep the focus on the jewelry and to help avoid having everyone just gather and hang out in the kitchen. If the food is in the kitchen, so should the jewelry be.

6. Not alot of space in your home? No worries - get creative with coffee tables, mantles, sofas etc.

7. Last but most importantly. Relax, mingle, model the jewelry, swapping pieces on and off regularly throughout the show.

Final thought. Have fun and be prepared to reap in potentially hundreds of dollars' worth of free jewelry for you!

Layer your jewels!

Okay, you have several fabulous necklaces but you cannot decide which one to wear (either would look great with your outfit). So here's an idea for you: wear two of them, layered together, for a fabulous WOW! statement piece. What a versatile and easy way to mix it up a bit, or dress one of them up to give it some punch! Here's an example of two pieces from Stella & Dot. On the left is the Avery chains and Pearls, and on the right is the Byblos. Either one of course is gorgeous on its own, but imagine the effect when layered together. http://www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan

Stella & Dot - Retired Pieces 50% off

Stella & Dot has retired some pieces to make way for those gorgeous new Fall items, and so I am selling off my 5 remaining samples of those items, at 50% off. Click on my facebook fan page link at the left to get to them.

Payment preferred by Paypal but I will accept a personal check. Email me with questions at Shanfam@pacbell.net

Thanks for reading and have a fabulous day!

Beautiful Gift Packaging with every order!

Did you know that every order that goes out of Stella & Dot's warehouse is shipped in beautiful gift boxes, all ready to give to that someone special? We believe the "oohs!" and "ahhs!" should start flowing before your gift is ever opened. You can also add a personalized gift message to the packing slip. (Don't worry, darling, we do not display product prices on our packing slips.) That's why every item in your order is packed with love inside an irresistible Stella & Dot gift box. Whatever the occasion, a gift from Stella & Dot is sure to make her feel special.

More gift wrap options are available from your Stylist In addition to our signature gift boxes, ask your Stylist about our other gift wrap accessories like gift bags, tissue, ribbon and gift tags. They provide that extra touch to make your gift perfectly presentable!

Musette Necklace - just released!

Great news! Stella & Dot has released another fabulous piece to add to the already stunning Fall 2010 Collection - The Musette Necklace. Glossy faux pearls on grosgrain ribbon intersect with chunky chains and hand-sewn crystals for a deconstructed look layered for instant style. A loose hand knot adds the perfect whimsical touch. 16" shortest strand to 27" longest strand. $178.00

View it at www.stelladot.com/elaineshanahan

Times have changed!

It used to be that you would carefully choose your clothes for the day, (whether it is casual, off to work or out to cocktail party), and then you'd pick the accessories and jewelry. Now I am finding that no matter where I am going, I pick out my jewelry and bag first, and then choose the outfit to go with them. With Stella & Dot's many styles, it's easy and so much fun to choose your piece before you choose your shirt/top.

I think a trip to the mall for some new tops for fall is in order :)

Prospective Stylist Call

Interested in knowing more about the Stella & Dot Stylist opportunity? Join us for a Prospective Call, every 2nd Thursday of every month 12PM (noon) PDT. The next one is coming up Thursday August 12 at 12PM PDT.

A teleconference with our CEO & Founder, Jessica Herrin. This call is dedicated to answering any questions a prospective Stylist may have.

Dial In: (712) 432.0075

Access Code: 797680

Style Spotlight for the Day - La Coco Concept

Watch this video and see how this already versatile, multi-tasking 3-piece La Coco Necklace just got even more versatile, with the new add-on strands and brooches. Swap them out as you desire. Available in both gold and silver options, this piece multi-tasks as you do!