Amazing Stella & Dot Review

I usually try to only post once a day, really, I do...but I am super excited to bring you today's review and giveaway as part of my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide that I just couldn't wait any longer! (Plus, I wanted to make sure to give you at least a few days to take advantage of the Breast Cancer Awareness items, but more on that later!)

By now I'm sure most of you have heard of Stella and Dot! If you haven't, where on earth have you been!? This wonderful company has been everywhere lately- TV, magazines and worn by some awesome celebrities too- Katy Perry, Kelly Ripa, Natasha Bedingfield, Debra Messing, Fergie and a couple of my favorites- Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez! By now you might be thinking if the celebrities are wearing it, it must not be affordable  right? Wrong! But before I get into that, here's a quick introduction from our lovely sponsor Independent Stella and Dot Consultant, Erica Anderson!

Hello! My name is Erica, I am an Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot as well as a chiropractic student. I became an avid fan of Stella & Dot about a year and a half ago when I ordered my first bracelet, the Bardot Spiral in gold..and totally fell in love. About 6 months ago I became a stylist because I thought it would be a fun hobby with perks!

Stella and Dot, an Inc. 500 Fastest-Growing Company, is a San Francisco based social selling company that creates flexible entrepreneurial opportunities for women. Our boutique-style jewelry and accessories line is available exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows by Independent Stylists and online. 

October 1st our Holiday line launched as well as 5 items in support for Breast Cancer Awareness month. There are so many fabulous pieces, I don't even know where to start! With the holiday's around the corner, there is essentially something for everyone! 

My top 5 favorite gifting items Under $100 are:

1. Wesley Pendant: It' s a simple statement piece with some bling, and under $100.

2. Liz Drop Earrings paired with the Suzanne Cocktail ring: Green, gold and sparkle- a perfect mix for the holiday season. Both items come in under $100.

3. Alice Temperley's Queen of Heart Charm Necklace is a fun, playful piece that is perfect when paired with a sweater! This beauty comes in under $50, a total steal!

4. Mercer Zip Wallet in Poppy is full of pockets, with a pretty little leather tassel on the zipper. Plus this wallet has two of my favorite colors- pink and orange! It's a whole lotta wallet that is ready to be a showstopper...in your purse!

5. For the first time ever Stella & Dot has SCARVES! I LOVE scarves! I'm from Nebraska, and have rocked scarves for many years of my life! I have to say, all of these patterns are my favorite! The pink one supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation for Breast Cancer, the blue one reminds me of my sorority- Alpha Xi Delta, the poppy one has my 2 favorite colors (and if your an Alabama fan, it has elephants on it!), the green one is just a different pattern, and the tan one is totally awesome- we all need a little walk on the wild side! 

To show how affordable Stella and Dot can be, Erica asked me to pick my favorite item under $60! What a tough decision! First of all, EVERYTHING in the catalog is absolutely stunning! Secondly, half of it is under $50, and even more under that $60! Erica was kind enough to send me not just one, but two of my favorites: the Bryant Park Scarf in Pink and the Claire Necklace! The first thing I have to mention is the packaging! Each piece comes in adorable boxes with fun messages! Really, you don't even really have to wrap them- add a cute bow and they're already gift ready!!

I've mentioned once or twice (or a million times) that I absolutely LOVE scarves, but I'm also a little picky about my scarves too. I like them long, and wide enough that there are lots of styling options...even though I tend to fall back to the same few styles, I like knowing I have options. I've found scarves like I like to be fairly hard to find, but this one was absolute perfection! It was the perfect size! In fact, it's large enough to make a vest from (using instructions found on the main Stella & Dot Facebook page). It was also extremely soft and a great quality. I am so in love with this scarf that I want it in every single color it comes in!! This particular print though is made even more awesome because it benefits the Noreen Fraser Foundation for Breast Cancer awareness during the month of October! My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last December so this is a cause that is close to my heart, so I love that!! Look cute AND support a great cause? Yes, please! (As Erica stated above, this is only one of the great items supporting the cause this month only, so if you want to order this or any of the others- hurry, hurry!)

See, how pretty is this!? Best scarf ever!

The Claire Necklace- where do I even begin? I really liked this in the pictures online, but in person, it was love! Seriously, I was immediately blown away by how stunning it was! Just putting it on, I felt prettier, and who doesn't like that feeling! I've only worn out a few times, but every time I've gotten compliments on it. What the pictures do not show is the sparkle! This necklace reflects every little bit of light! (In fact, I was wearing it a few mornings ago and the light outside hit it directly...my husband said I was like a walking disco ball with all the lights shining on the wall!) I'm finding myself planning outfits just so I can wear it! As pretty as it is during the day, I found it to be even prettier at night with the street lights shining! I cannot wait to where this over the holidays with all the holiday lights! Like the scarf (and every other Stella & Dot product I've seen), the quality is amazing! In all honestly, I was a bit concerned about the ribbon and how well it would last. Obviously I've only had it for about a week now, but it's evident that I shouldn't have any troubles, it's not a flimsy little ribbon, but a strong, sturdy one. And even if you're not great at making perfect bows (like me), it still looks great! Plus, the ribbon makes it completely adjustable so you can play around with different lengths. This is definitely my new favorite necklace!

These are just a few of the MANY great items Stella and Dot has to offer. Personally, most of my Christmas list this year is made up of items from this wonderful company. The great thing about Stella and Dot to me is not only are the pieces gorgeous and unique, but they're a great quality, especially for the price! Like I mentioned before, half the collection is under $50. And if you're looking for a great splurge piece, they've got some amazing ones too! It doesn't take long to completely fall in love with Stella and Dot, that's for sure! This is the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life...especially if that fashionista loves recreating celebrity looks- with Stella and Dot, they can own the exact same pieces as their favorites!! 

Have to have something now? I love this company so much that I'm having an online trunk show! Go have a look around and place your order!