Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Stella & Dot Spring/Summer 2015


I am very excited to continue my work as a Stella & Dot Stylist in the US!  I began holding Trunk Shows in the Spring of '14 in London, and I immediately fell in love with this amazing range of celebrity-coveted boutique-style jewelry, handbags, and accessories.  See the latest collection and shop amazing style on my website at www.stelladot.com/rondapearl
Designed in New York, Stella & Dot is sold exclusively through independent Stylists at private collection shows & online.   From stunning statement necklaces, to fantastic clutches and scarves, to everyday mix-and-match pieces which are sure to become your go-to jewelry staples, Stella & Dot fuses current fashion trends with timeless styles that are turning heads in the fashion press and on the streets.

The collection is lead and nickel-free and made with semi-precious stones, cut glass and crystal, and real sterling silver & gold plating.  All of the pieces are artisan crafted and hand-finished.  It is comparable in design and quality to Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and J Crew, but without the hefty pricetags.  No storefronts mean lower overhead and lower prices for you. And with half of the line under $50, there is something for everyone on every budget.


Hosting a Stella & Dot Trunk Show is the ultimate personal shopping experience - invite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers over to see the collection and try on the pieces at your very own pop-up shop.  Guests that aren't able to attend can still shop the styles from your event online.  All orders ship directly to the customer in our fabulous gift-ready packaging.  The best part is that as the hostess, you can earn hundreds in free shopping credits and shop items at 50% off.  It's simple, easy, and fun.  Let's plan a girls' night-in, maybe a brunch with bubbles & baubles, or a casual coffee break showcasing the new Spring/Summer collection!  

Scroll down for a sneak-peek of some of my favorite pieces and trends.  This is just a sampling of the collection.  Enjoy the eye candy and let me know if you are interested in hosting a Trunk Show party!  xoxo


Statement Necklaces

 A focal point of any outfit.  Accent with simple earrings or a coordinating bracelet.  Many of our statement necklaces are convertible to different lengths or have strands that can attach/detach to suit your style. 
Clockwise from top left: Birdie $118, Daisy $89, Elodie $89, Pegasus Gold $198, Kaia $138, Georgie $228.

 

Arm Parties

Mix and match all of our popular bangles, cuffs, and more.  Stack your wrist or keep it simple with your favorite bit of sparkle. 
1. Arrison Silver $29, Cady Wrap Silver $59, Pyramid Stud Silver $44.  2. Jacinth $59.  3. Cross Cuff $49, Pave Arrow Silver $34, Light $24.  4. Pyramid Stud Gold $44, Amelie Gold $39, Renegade Cluster Gold $59.  5. Moxie $29, Phoebe $29, Arrison Gold $34.
More arm party inspiration.

Inspiration Bangles - engraved with Love, Always or Blessed in five different languages, $49.


Charms

Create personal keepsakes or thoughtful gifts of sterling silver or gold-plated Italian bronze.  Pick a chain or a charm bracelet.  Add an initial, a zodiac sign, or a birthstone.  Then polish-off your inspiration with a symbol to tell a story.  Perfect to celebrate a birth or honor that special someone in your life. 
Mix and match various metals and mementos.
Charms $18-28, Charm bracelet $59-69, Chains $22-49.

Engravables

From bracelets to lockets to cufflinks.  Share a name, monogram, date, destination, or zip code.  Get creative and write it, wear it, share it.  Mix and match with the range of charms to create the ultimate unique piece of personalized jewelry.  All prices include the cost of engraving.
L to R: Engravable cuff $98, Locket $89, Tags $36-44, Necklaces $59-69, cufflinks (not shown) $98.

Elephants

A symbol of strength, loyalty, and good luck, the popular elephant motif makes an appearance on bags and bracelets alike.  These accessories are perfect to show off a bit of your wild side. 
Clockwise from top left: Go With It jewelry roll $39, Scarf $59, Capri Pouch $36, Charm $36, Wishing Bracelet $19, Strength Bracelet $39, Getaway Bag $138, Pouf $24.

Rose gold 

Perk up your look and add some new sparkle to your favorite silver or yellow gold pieces.  Rose gold is all the rage, and it is here to stay.  Many of the best-selling Stella & Dot pieces come in a variety of metal colors, so you can mix and match to create tons of different styles.  
L to R: Pave Spear Ring $34, Pave Spear Pendant $59, Pave Triangle Cuff $34, Pave spear earrings (not shown) $49.

Pendants

Personally, one of my favorite accessories - the pendant necklace.  Wear one with a shift dress, or draw the eye down over a flowy top.  The best part about some of the Stella & Dot pendants is their versatility.  Many have adjustable chains to change-up the length depending on your outfit's neckline, and some have detachable elements on the pendant itself to change the look and weight of the whole necklace.  Many more styles and pieces are available to try on at a Trunk Show and can be seen in our catalog. 
L to R: Pop Geo $89, Tropicana $98, Sardinia $98, Norah $98, Havana $89, Soleil $79, Bloom $89.
Fortuna Stone Pendant - two necklaces in one.  Gold with mother of pearl or silver with aqua quartz, $79.
The best-selling Rebel, $79.

Ear Jackets 

These two-part stud earrings are the perfect way to add some more diversity to your look.  Renowned celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe says, "The foolproof way to turn heads, the ear jacket is without doubt our new favorite jewelry trend of the season—no additional means of accessorizing necessary.  No matter your personal style, whether you’re a classic pearl girl or prefer your baubles to bare eye-catching edge, this is one fresh take on earrings you need to know about."

Eva Ear Jackets $49, Reversible Deja Vu Studs Gold $39.

Scarves

Stella & Dot scarves are the perfect accent for any look.  Eye-catching custom-designed prints in a variety of colors to match any outfit.  Learn to tie them in 15 ways to add more variety to your wardrobe.  Mid-weight, measuring40 x 80 inches, 100% rayon.
Scarves, $59.

Handbags

Totes, convertible satchels, clutches, crossbodies, and more.  From bold colors to fun prints and laser-cuts, these bags are durable, stylish, and sure to carry all of your important essentials.
L to R: How Does She Do It Bag $98, Paris Market Tote Black $198, Getaway Tote $138, Double Clutch $89.
L to R: Fillmore Tote $138, Chelsea Tech Wallet $29-69, Waverly Three-way Bag $89-98.

 

Spring and Summer '15 Collection

So far this year we've seen inspiration from nature and from the classic beauty of Grace Kelly (a distant cousin of Stella & Dot Chief Creative Officer Blythe Harris.)  Cool mint hues, elegant gold, and subtle blush tones dominated the beginning of the season, while brighter colors and more playful patterns are expected to launch in the main Summer line. 
Zinna Split Ring, $39.
Clockwise from top left: City Slim Clutch Metallic $49, Riviera Tote $89, Kaia Pendant $138, Kaia Earrings $49, Westwood Blush Scarf $69, Versatile Chain Necklace $34.

Grace Chandeliers $44, Grace Cuff $59.
SUMMER COLLECTION SNEAK PEEK!  Palm fronds and anchor motifs!  Revealing and launching in April!
And we are offering TUNICS!  And sarongs!  And so many more lovely things that I can't list them all!  Check out my website to see all the goodies! 

 

Versatility

Imagine getting several different looks with one purchase of jewelry.  Stella & Dot is known for the innovative ways that many of the pieces can be worn multiple ways.  Necklaces and pendants can lengthen and detach, and some strands can be added or unclipped to totally change the look.  Many of the earrings can also detach, allowing dramatic chandeliers to be switched up and worn as more subtle base-studs.  Here are a few of my favorite transformations, but there are many more in collection.
L to R: Detachable Havana Chandelier Earrings $49, Havana Pendant $89, Casablanca Earrings $59.
Five looks in one! Gold Sutton Necklace $128. (Also available in silver, mixed metal, and colored stones.)

 

Styling Tips

Just a few ideas how you can add some accessories to complete so many different looks.
Perfect pops of color for your favorite little black dress.
WAHOO FANS, add some style to your game-day attire!
Dress up to dress down. 
Ethereal floral pieces when spring is in bloom. 
Summer style for St. Tropez or Sea Island.
Fresh yellow and citrine colors will get you ready for spring.
Bright kelly greens look amazing with denim.

Splurge vs Steal

The Stella & Dot creative team includes designers who have worked for Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Fred Segal, Chanel and Prada.  Get luxe designs and excellent craftsmanship for less.  And there is a 'Delight Guarantee'...if you aren't completely satisfied with your purchase, return it for a full refund within 90 days. 
On-trend and easier on your wallet.

 

Let's Host a Trunk Show!

Can't wait to get your paws on some of these goodies?  Hosting a Trunk Show is fun and easy way to catch-up with your friends, socialize, and shop.  You pick the date, write up a guest list, and I will do the rest!   It honestly is A LOT of fun - this isn't your mother's Tupperware party!
It's a pop-up shop in your house or at your favorite meeting place. 
Need an excuse to gather your girlfriends?  Here's some inspiration.
Hostesses earn shopping credits and FREE items!  Collect online orders from absentee guests and earn even more.
All products ship directly to you in our cute and sturdy packaging.  Treat yourself or just add a ribbon and voila! - gift-giving is made super easy.



Sunday, February 22, 2015

My Southern Baked Creamy Mac n Cheese

If you are on a diet, trying to slim down your inner thighs, worried about cholesterol, or lactose intolerant - then do not read this post.  If none of the above pertain to you, then go get these ingredients and make this meal NOW.  

Dress it up with a nice bottle of red wine, or eat it straight out of the oven dish like a kid.

For quite some time I had been hoping to stumble upon a really great macaroni and cheese recipe, but wasn't finding anything that jumped out at me.  (Living in England, where it is ALWAYS chilly and gray and damp, I often crave hearty American comfort foods.  It's hard to find any good options at local restaurants - and no, The Big Easy in Chelsea is definitely NOT decent southern fare!)  So I have tested and developed my own.  After reading up on different methods and ingredients (using a roux, adding cottage cheese, cheese sauce vs layers of shredded cheese, etc) here is my version.  It's a hybrid between some recipes from the Pioneer Woman, Paula Deen, and some other gourmet variations.  And it is reallllly amazing.  The gooeyness of the cheeses, chewiness of the noodles, and the crunch of the bacon make it mouth-watering. 

Where possible, I have try to substitute healthier-ish ingredients for their full-fat foes - e.g. reduced fat cheese, skim milk.  My measurements make enough for 3-4 servings, but it can easily be doubled and made in a larger dish for a bigger crowd.  The great thing about mac n cheese is that you can doctor it up to your liking...add your favorite cheese or change the strength of the cheddar to alter the tanginess of the dish, leave off the bacon, top it with breadcrumbs.  Here is what I've found works well and keeps people asking for seconds and thirds!  Enjoy!

Three amazing textures right out of the oven.

Ingredients
8 strips of bacon
8oz cavatappi pasta (or a shape sturdy enough to be cooked twice without turning to mush)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoon plain flour
2 cups milk
2 cups + one handful shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
ground black pepper
worcestershire sauce
parsley
paprika

Preparation

1.  Cook bacon, trim fat, and chop the remaining crispy bits into tiny pieces.  Set aside.

2.  Undercook pasta until just before it is al dente.  Rinse in cold water, strain, and set aside.

3.  Lightly grease an 8 x 8 glass or ceramic oven dish.  Set aside.  

4.  In a large skillet, melt butter on medium heat.

5.  Slowly sprinkle in flour, whisking to blend so that the mixture bubbles and thickens.

6.  Slowly add half the milk, constantly whisking to keep the sauce smooth.

7.  Sprinkle in the cheddar, stirring until evenly melted.

8.  Sprinkle in the gruyere, stirring until evenly melted.

9.  Add the remaining milk, mustard powder, and nutmeg.  Add a few generous dashes of black pepper and worcestershire sauce.  Stir until all are well blended and the sauce has a gooey yet runny consistency.  

10.  Arrange cooked pasta in the bottom of the oven dish.  Pour cheese sauce evenly over pasta, tossing to coat.

11.  Sprinkle remaining cheddar, bacon bits, parsley and a dusting of paprika over the top of the mixture.

12.  Bake uncovered at 175C/350F for 25-30 minutes until the top browns slightly and the sauce bubbles up from underneath.  

13.  Remove from oven and let firm for 5 mins before serving. 


Reinvigorating the Ronda Report

Whoa.  Quite a hiatus here.  With so much that has been going on in my life, I completely forgot about this site.  Hopefully now that things are settling down I can periodically return to posting and share some of my past two years, the good and the bad.  xo