Outfit Roundup

I may just toot my own horn one last time while it lasts :) The above photo is my Instagram photo of me pairing and wearing my new Stella & Dot goodies. Next thing I know I am getting text messages from friends and family telling me that it is being shared not only by Stella & Dot but by lots of people and companies....see this "job" is fun!! Just FYI, the current likes of this photo is 1,975 :) Toot toot! The above combo is the Plume Necklace which is 7 in 1 but clearly I have found more than just 7 different ways to wear it. I paired it with the White Stone Sutton necklace for a whole new look. My bracelets are a mixture as well of The Sawyer Stone and The Milana Tassel bracelet. AND that ring!! I can't quit wearing it...Pave Chevron Ring.

Below are a few images I have found of some great outfits paired with Stella & Dot accessories. Remember we are not just jewelry! Also follow me on Instagram @ashleyn2504 for more everyday photos and posts.

The Edgy Classics: Weddings, Brunch, Church, Showers, Work (depends on profession)

Date Night: Or great for vacation! When I see the clutch print I automatically think vacay!! Outdoor wine tasting or concert, heck, skip the clutch and grab tote and farmers market it is! Yes this princess would wear a dress there :)

Silver: ANYWHERE! This is awesome.

The Perfect Statement: Shopping day, movie, and maybe a Sunday fun day. This is for those ladies wanting to know what jewelry goes with JUST a t-shirt....SEE FIRST PHOTO :)) My perfect t-shirt comes from a favorite local store Blond Genius. Click the blue link or call them from the link to buy my same "Blond Genius" t-shirt!!

I hope this gives you some good ideas on how to pair and wear clothes already in your closet. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you always need new clothes for new trends, when in fact you can make your old clothes feel new & trendy by adding in updated accessories! Cheers!

Happy Shopping!

Stella & Dot Deals

Who says they can't afford $29? Especially when it can be worn over and over and sometimes in multiple ways! I would agree that at first glance Stella & Dot seems a little out of reach just by looking at the jewelry and quality but here are a few boards to show you some of the product in a price breakdown. Sign up on Stelladot.com and start creating your wish list! These can make great gifts, stocking stuffers, teacher appreciation gifts, and a of course a get in my closet gift to yourself :)  Click here to Start Shopping!!      

For Sale By Owner

The struggle is real. I have debated on wether or not to embark on this new journey for over a year now. I seriously kept telling myself that when I really LOVE a new line I would just sign up to sell it, instead of just buying it all of the time for myself....well it happened. This new fall line is a "get in my closet" kind of love. I recently went to a Stella and Dot party and for the first time I got to see the bags, scarfs and accessories other than just their jewelry. I became even more obsessed. I watch a lot of Housewives reality shows because that's what you watch when you are one right?? Haha and if you know your Stella stuff you start seeing Stella and Dot everywhere! Just Google "celebrities wearing Stella and Dot", then click on images. BAM! Just ike this morning, Natalie Morales is wearing the new Aida Tassel Chandeliers 1 of the 4 ways you can wear them. Buy them here!

Which is why I can not believe that I run into people who still have never heard of the brand or company, which brings me to where I am now, selling it. Spreading the jewelry love. Why not buy and sell something I already love, for fun, extra money, and a great excuse to host parties with friends I don't get to see all of the time!!

My favorite part as a "stylist" is that I get to wear and play around with the jewelry and product before I sell it. If you have never bought or touched a scarf from Stella and Dot, now is the time. Seriously. I bought the Luxembourg Scarf to start off with because it is ON SALE and I wanted to experiment with it and see if I would actually use it.

If you want to buy it, click the blue link above because it will be gone soon! ( I get the inside scoop now :) ) I wore it the entire day with my cut offs and a black tank and I got so many compliments! It really is easy Mom style and functional. It is 40 X 80 in size and fits every body type, really. I wore it like a shawl in Costco because I get cold, then I wore it around my neck when I was outside and loading my groceries, and again later as a coverup at the Country Club pool. I can't make this stuff up people! I am guessing the scarves will be one of the biggest sellers at my party in August!

Again as a stylist, I am excited to answer any questions or help with finding things you will love. I would love comments on posts on what to order for samples so I can help you decide on what to buy or wear! Do not hesitate to message me!

On to the totes/bags/clutches. I feel like I am a bag snob....or just spoiled by my hubby :) Either way I stick to a few brands that I love and don't stray. I am a Mom of a toddler I need a bag that fits on my shoulder since both of my arms seem to be always occupied. When I was ordering my samples for my shows I figured I had better buy a bag or clutch to see the product so I can honestly sell it to people. Again. Mind blown. If you are my trusty blog reader than you know that when I travel, I travel light and all in a carry on. I have my standby tote that I use and now I have found a new love. The Hudson Bag. Hurry up and order it as it is already on backorder (ships August 14th) from just being released a few weeks ago.

Why? You ask? Watch the video in the link and know that the City Slim Clutch fits in the front pocket of the bag giving it a totally new look and when you are traveling it can be a bag with the kids during the day, then take the clutch out for dinner alone that night with the significant other :) Black and white never goes out of style...ever.

And just when you thought Stella and Dot stopped there, they have the most adorable little girls line too! Of course I would HAVE to order some of that too :) Here is what I love, I spend about $15-$30 normally on necklaces for my daughter and those candy bead necklaces break every time she gives it a tug...which is always. The Stella necklaces are tied up with ribbon that can not break :) It also allows for me to adjust the length, not a metal clasp around her neck, and it grows with her. Plus who doesn't love to buy things in sets?? The newest thing to our collection is the Olive Pearl Bib Necklace & Bracelet Set.

Easily my favorite thus far for her. So girlie and sparkly. I just wish I had it when she was a baby for those cute baby photos! Plus....it is on SALE!!!! Originally $34 now $20.40 for both the necklace and bracelet! Buy it now for a great Christmas gift, Birthday, or as a gift for a friend having a GIRL! If you want to see it on all ages of girls just Google it (my go to website) or look it up on your Instagram account! That is what all of those hashtags are for! #stelladotstyle

So if you are a Stella and Dot newbie, start with the the basics and build up from there! I would recommend the Rebel Pendant in gold or silver (depending on your taste). It is a great long necklace that can be worn with layers of necklaces of your own. Pick up the Renegade Cluster Bracelet in whatever color you ordered your necklace in. Add this bracelet to your watch hand for instant edge! Add some sparkle with the Amelie Bracelet! And as far as earrings go, start with something that gives you versatility. I love the Aida Tassel chandeliers from above and or the Bianca Earrings that can be worn 2 ways for my Nurse friends who can't wear dangly things, if that is even a word :) and they all go great with the Rebel Pendant!

Whew! Can you tell I am excited? Haha well until next time! Cheers!

If you want to host a party sometime, email me! Ladyandred2504@hotmail.com or FB message me! I have a lot of dates available and what a great time to earn free stuff before the holidays! Stella and Dot stuff makes perfect gifts for : Kids, Teachers, Friends, Family, and co-workers (if you like them) :)

Click here to start shopping! If you haven't already!

Stop Wishing it Away

Listen, I am just as guilty as the next guy. I find myself either saying or thinking, "Man I can't wait until..." Until what really? What exactly am I waiting for? More time to spend alone? Each stage comes with its highs and lows and I don't foresee the next phases of my daughter's life getting much easier. I look back at her as a baby and think "wow, why did I think that was so hard?" She literally laid there, ate and drank. But it was. Sometimes I look at her and think to myself "who are you?" We are in what everyone refers to as the "Toddler Stage" and I don't get it. She doesn't toddle around, she is a raging ball of energy that consumes every ounce of my daily sanity. I have in fact re-named this stage to the "Trying to keep her alive" stage :). If you are a mother of a child around this age, then you totally know what I am talking about. I could make a million excuses why I have not blogged in forever but it is because when I do get a minute to myself I would rather watch some stupid mindless TV or shove my face full of food then to try to prompt my brain to work. Over the past few weeks I have had 2 working moms tell me they have no idea how I stay home with her because they are going crazy during the Summer. Yes, I do have my crazy days and I like to think I am getting good at crazy! Like my previous blog post, I have so much respect for working moms as I don't know how YOU all do it. But we are women and we always figure it out :). I don't want anyone to think that I complaining, because I am not at all! I am just sharing one mother's stories to share a laugh with that one mother who can relate. This is real life. Back to the stage I call "Trying to keep her alive". Seriously, the second I turn around she is into something she shouldn't be and she knows it! Making an extra mess on top of the one I am currently cleaning up. Then when I turn around to start on that mess, she has mastered the door handles and helped herself into the garage and has started learing how to use the power tools. It is quite comedic to see a 25 pound child carry a leaf blower, I guess I should just be thankful she can't start the mower. I don't know what I will do next when she learns how to unlock the doors....A few weeks ago I was calling her name because she was quiet and we all know that is NEVER a good thing, no response. So I kept calling and getting more anxious with each yell. I heard a few squeaks and laughs from her only to eventually find her in the dryer.....yes you heard me right. Happy as a clam making the dryer spin by crawling in it.

I am seriously thankful each night that she is alive and well after the day's end because with each day it gets more and more risky! If I told everyone everything my sweet child has done, I would expect DHS to show up at my door step. I swear that is why play dates were invented. A mother's vent session on how we suck as parents, but hey it could be worse, right?! Like I said though, why do I keep wishing it away? With all of the stress and work that comes with raising a child, these are the memories I will always cherish and the stories I can't wait to share with her. Still when people ask me about having another baby, I kindly state that when God gives you perfection the first time, you just stop :) Haha. I don't tell them that in reality I would be in the loony bin with another child like the one I have. Her energy and spunk succeeds mine ten fold....and I AM young....or at least I tell myself that.

I have heard of the "why" stage but we are in a whole other stage that is taking the cake. Everything right now is followed by two words. They may sound simple to you but when you live them daily, I am lucky I still have hair. She says "touch it" after EVERYTHING. Almost to the point where my husband I am actually looked it up on good ol' Google making sure she didn't have some disorder. I am not kidding. She is so inquisitive which is great, but does she really need to touch everything? At Target for instance, those stupid big red balls outside scream to children "TOUCH ME". So I am that parent taking her over to the ball to touch it to avoid a melt down. Or for instancec, we can be at home and she will say "fan" then I will say "yes, that is a fan. Good job." And with that comes a "touch it." WHY? Why in the world do I have to reason with my child in every department store as to why I cannot reach the lights on the 20 foot ceiling and that she really can't touch everything? So after another trusty Google search, I ran across an article that made me stop and think. She is learning, her brain is telling her body to explore and to touch what she is saying. Go ahead and laugh, yes I already know she is learning but to hear someone put it down in less harmful words changed my thinking a little. Like as if the article was like "which idiot googles with concerns of her child learning?". Really though, why do I let it bother me so much? What is a couple more seconds out of my day to allow her to explore? Well a lot actually. I have this plan and agenda for the day of how it should go and I did not put in pit stops for touches! Sounds so stupid when I type it out how I actually think. What could really be that important? I doubt if I don't let her touch somethings she will end up in a slow learning class because of it and no I don't remember if my mother let me touch and explore as much as the next person, but I am a very hands on visual learner and I have a feeling she is the same. I have to learn to let go of some of the control. It is a slow process but taking that step back is good for your body. I am not kidding. Being able to laugh about somethings and skip other things is kind of freeing. It's like the Island people. You go on vacation and they have no clue what time it is, no schedule and seem to have no worries. She has a way of knowing just what I need in life. I needed that small reminder to slow down and just enjoy this ride. It doesn't last forever. I want to be that Grandma walking into Target someday smirking at the sweet mommy and daughter touching that big red ball and remembering how I used to do that and how simple it seems.

Finally what really inspired me to finally sit down and write a small post was at dinner last night. My husband works a lot of long hours and 95% of the time I cook dinner at home. It is much easier and I like to do it. Of course the other reason is that I have a 20 month old. Now you get it. So there is this new Mexican restaurant literally 1 mile from our house and they are usually not formal quiet places to eat so I thought perfect place to grab a bite. I made the mistake of telling the gentleman that we did not need a high chair if we had a booth. For the first 3 minutes she sat down then proceeded to spill the chips, knock over her water, and get the refried beans all over the seat. Nothing to harmful, just stressful when you are trying to eat and not piss other customers off in the process. I know I shouldn't care what they think or say but if I am honest, I do. I get anxious thinking that I am a bad parent and I can't get my child to behave. I could be like that woman in the paper who fed her child a margarita in her sippy cup and claimed she didn't know it had alcohol in it, but then I would be lying. EVERY mother knows what has alcohol in it :)

My husband was sitting across from me, not helping the situation of course and I found myself getting mad, like almost snapping at her. She was climbing all over me, standing behind me on the booth pushing me forward, playing with my hair, and hands around my neck in a hug like form. I  snarled and told her that I am with her all day long, you would think she would be sick of me by now. But as soon as I said that I don't know what came over me but I simply told my husband that I should just cherish it because in a few short years she won't even be eating dinner with us and she may not want to love on me like that. My mind was screaming at her but my heart was full of grace. I turned to her with my teeth still clenched together and smushed both of her cheeks with my palms and gave her nose kisses and told her that I loved her, like I try to do multiple times each day when I really just want to scream or cry. She let out a giggle and put her baby arms around my neck and said "ahh mama, lub you." My heart is hers forever. She has no idea the stress and angst she can cause me to feel but somehow she can simply make everything bad go away in an instant. Those blonde curls and gapped front teeth are the most precious thing I could wish for and here I am thinking it would just hurry up, grow up, and then all would be well. Again, just writing this out is hard because I can not think of anything worse that could happen, is her growing up and not needing me anymore and I just wished it away. So for now, stop the wishing away and start living in the present. You are needed.