Wedding Story Fan Favorite

Due affiliate disclosure

Spring Blossom is the wedding story fan favorite by a landslide.

The Spring Blossom wedding gown, then, is the fan favorite.

Poised Peplum Wedding Gown

Bridal Boutique at Kiyonna.com!

The Poised Peplum Wedding Gown is exclusive in women's plus sizes.

Cost: $288.00*

Made in the USA

*Cost comparison - The majority of plus size bridal gowns at David's Bridal are well above what Kiyonna offers, while only a brief few match or are less than the Kiyonna Poised Peplum Wedding Gown.  Kleinfeld is an upscale bridal salon in New York City with prices to match the couture experience.

My take away -

I am a plus size - 3X tops and size 16 jeans.  I do not have a boyfriend.  I have never been in love.  I have never been proposed to.  I have never been engaged.  I have never walked down the aisle as a bride or as a bridesmaid.  However, if any of this was not true, the Poised Peplum Wedding Gown would be a must for fabric and style alone.

And as for the jewelry...

Charlotte Pendant Set - Deep Navy

Shop the look with Stella & Dot here!

I chose the Stella & Dot Charlotte Pendant Set - Deep Navy to match the Poised Peplum Wedding Gown as a classic and elegant look.  Fashion and jewelry simply go together...especially on a bride's wedding day.

(Side note : Stella & Dot jewelry is designed and manufactured in the U.S.)

Winter Wonderland

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Monroe Statement Necklace

Stella & Dot

Michael and Nina met in the month of January two years ago.  Their first date led to a second shortly after and every following date snowballed into a committed relationship.  In their first year as boyfriend and girlfriend, they took their time on an emotional and intellectual level to really know one another.  In December of the their first year together, they knew they were meant to be and were very much in love.  Michael, then, took this cue to propose to Nina.  She ecstatically said yes.

In their second year together, now engaged, there was so much to plan and agree upon.  Michael once proposed in a long ago previous relationship that was turned down before she could see the ring.  Therefore, he opted for a simple wedding.  She, on the other hand, wanted a formal wedding...but not necessarily black tie.  They both wanted a church wedding.  Details after that went back and forth.  Now, though, there were two considerations - one they both needed to agree on and one only she needed to decide.

The date was not yet set, but the month was - January.

The dress.  She could not decide because there were so many options she explored in every bridal salon she went to.  There was one, though, that caught her attention after her exhaustive search -

Kiyonna.com

In this moment, she was more in love with the gown than with Michael.  This was it.  This was the one.  Pure perfection.  She could now see herself as a bride and the month of January was around the corner...as was their decided date.

The day before the wedding presented a slight problem...

A blizzard.

All of the guests called in to say they were unable to attend with the same reason - they were snowed in.  The minister, however, was still available.  

"Gosh, Michael.  Such a winter wonderland outside.  But there is just no way we can get to the church.  I mean, we'll need to be in our wedding attire before we get there.  What do you think?"

The day of...

The power of the blizzard slowed to a standstill.  The sky was richly overcast.  The pavement was deeply covered in beautifully fresh white snow.

"Let's do it."

She smiled and said,

"Okay."

He was so handsome in his couture suit and tie.  He chose not to wear a winter coat.

She was breathtaking in her perfect wedding gown.  She chose not to wear a winter coat.

They and the minister were able to reach the church but stood just outside as the steps leading to the inside were too covered to walk through.

They held hand in hand and kissed sweetly after "I do" and "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Their theme song with every following wedding anniversary was Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!

Summer in May

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May is always the "start" of summer...high school and college graduations, warmer temperatures, the launch of grilling season, and so many more reasons why May should launch the summer season.

Every season - Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall - has one major retail sale dedicated to the given season.

In this post, I thought I would once again share the Stella & Dot Summer Sale.

Stella & Dot

Love jewelry duos?

Check out the Simple Knot Collar ($21.99) & Simple Knot Hoops ($22.99).
(The Simple Knot Collar in Silver is $36.99.)

Love accessories?

Check out the Hideaway Pouch - Navy Stripe ($22.99).
Consider the Chelsea Bag - Saddle/Black ($43.99).

Love trendy jewelry?

Check out the Fringe Tassel Earrings - Gold ($21.99) or the Gita Tassel Earrings - Black ($30.99).

Love geometric jewelry?

Check out the Pave Rectangle Cuff - Gold ($28.99).
(The Pave Rectangle Cuff also comes in Rose Gold in the same sale price.)

Love charms?
I do!  I recently purchased the Leather Tassel Bag Charm.  Sale cost - $12.99.  The original cost - $44.00.

Can I go on?  I would, but then the fun of exploring the Sale section on Stella & Dot (see the website link above) wouldn't be as enjoyable.

Did I mention 71 new amazing arrivals?  Nope.  Why?  Explore and enjoy!

Make today your day to just have fun and perhaps treat yourself to something special at any price you can afford.  Budget-friendly is an awesome perk to shopping Stella & Dot.

Have a great day!

Spring Blossom

Due affiliate disclosure

Charlotte Pendant Set (Navy)

www.stelladot.com

They were happily in love from the first day they met.  They both knew on their first date that they were meant to be.  They just knew.  He proposed to her six months into their relationship.  She said yes before he asked as he knelt down on one knee.  She just knew.  They were young - 21 years of age and fresh out of college graduation.  They went from dorm room to a one-bedroom apartment as their first home.

They went from jeans and tee casual to upscale formal on this spring eve of their wedding.  The rehearsal was so grown up...a feeling they never really experienced.  The women were lovely in evening dresses and sparkling jewels.  The men were handsome in suits.

Kiyonna.com

A clink of champagne flutes as the best man rose from his seat to give a rehearsal toast.

"My toast was to include silly humor and serious moments about the couple and about my connection to them.  I realize now that what I want to say most is how honored I am to know the bride and groom and their blossoming love as soon to be husband and wife.  I have yet to know two people more deeply and profoundly in love with one another than these two.  I have yet to know two people more prepared for wedded bliss than these two.  I am forever honored to be a witness to pure and content love.

"Always my best wishes.  Congratulations to the bride and groom to be!"

Raised glasses and round of congratulations.

A clink of champagne flutes once more as the maid of honor rose from her seat to give a rehearsal toast.

"If I may be so bold to in this one moment steal the rehearsal, I am lucky to be here on this eve of a beautiful and romantic spring wedding.  I am lucky to be here for the bride.  You see, she is my older sister.  She is my best friend.  She has taught me so much about life.  She has taught me so much about love and to cherish who you have when you know.  I am 18 years old and am fully prepared to embark in collegiate level studies.  As I watch my sister marry her sweet heart, her soulmate, her prince, I too feel prepared when I should be so lucky as to find my one.  In the meantime, though, I am lucky to witness blossoming love and a blossoming forever future.

"I love you, sis.  And to my brother-in-law to be, I love you just as much.  As the best remarked, always my best wishes as well.  Congratulations to the bride and groom to be!"

Raised glasses and round of congratulations.

As the rehearsal came to a close and the couple was well wished by all in attendance, they stood hand in hand alone in the rented ballroom space and kissed sweetly...

...

"I now pronounce you husband and wife.  You may kiss your bride."

They were officially grown up on this beautiful and romantic spring blossom day.

Author's Brief : Stella & Dot Summer Sale

Due Affiliate Disclosure

An exciting announcement...

Stella & Dot is launching the summer season with a massive summer sale!

50% off + New Arrivals Added

Why shop Stella & Dot?

- Fashion Jewelry & Fine Jewelry - classic styles and one of a kind styles
- Bags - Totes, Clutches, Wallets, Covet...and so many more styles
- Accessories - Sunglasses, Scarves, Hats...and so many more styles
- Collections - Iconic in one word
- Clothing - Tops, dresses...and so many more styles

Stella & Dot is a luxury boutique for the everyday woman.  Anything she wants, she can find.  The ultimate fashion destination.

Shop the look with Stella & Dot here!

His Vow - A Love Story

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His vow

I was carefree, goofy, and always testing the limit.  I was never serious in relationships.  I suppose I would rather date than fall in love.  A date is a simple yes or no to a second.  A relationship has profound meaning, commitment, and work in order to last forever.  A date can lead to a second or cannot.  A relationship can lead to marriage and possibly a family.  A date is basic, with or without a spark.  A relationship is filled with love.  I was not ready to fall in love and until I met you, I never imagined ever falling in love.

When we met for the first time, there was spark.  When we met for the second time, I knew.  I did not know how I knew, but I did.  I was filled with giddy excitement every time I was with you.  When we established each other as friends, I knew.  When we moved forward together into a relationship, I knew.

I fell in love and I was ready...because of you.

I am now ready to move forward with only you.

I adore the tokens of love you shower me with because of the precious thought put behind them.  No other has shown sentiment.  This, then, means everything to me.

I shall shower you with tokens of love to show my sincere thought behind them.  I hope these tokens will mean the same to you.

I love you with my life because you are my life.

I am honored to say "I do" on a day I once never thought possible.

In the commitment I make today, I promise you always with words you already know.

This is my vow.

Author's Note : Stella & Dot Affiliate Partnership

Due Affiliate Disclosure

Stella & Dot is a United States based women's fashion brand with roots in fashion jewelry.  Stylists are small business owners and entrepreneurs in social selling.  Pay is by commission (up to 35%) and income is unlimited.  Work whenever and wherever is the general sense.  Starter kits include sample jewelry, a personal website, 50% off in the first 30 days, and so much more.

Sign-up to be a Stella & Dot Stylist Today!

The Essentials Kit is $199 and offers $350 in Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories (social selling could easily pay back the kit).

The More To Love Kit is $499 and offers $1,000 in Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories (think entrepreneur - one time investment, lasting reward).

The Ultimate Kit is $699 and offers $1,500 in Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories (think small business ownership and full financial independence - one time investment, lasting career).

Why choose Stella & Dot as a career?  The experience - as a small business owner, as an entrepreneur, significant financial payoff, part time or full time chosen schedule, work wherever is best, the luxury behind every product...The experience.

With all said, the decision is up to you.  Do you want to be your own boss?

Glitz...

Their ten-month anniversary.

Jewels would define the outfit...Glitz.

She was on a relatively modest budget for the jewelry - no more than $100.

Their relationship had difficult moments, so on this very special occasion, she wanted to make a statement with her fashion choice to impress him.

She did not have pierced ears, so earrings were ruled out.  She opted out of buying a ring just in case...

Statement necklace or statement bracelet?  Silver-plated or gold-plated?  Rhodium-plated or rose gold-plated?  Clear crystal or sparkling colorful crystal?  How detailed?  Length?  Type of clasp?  She could not decide until she found the perfect...

Matching pair!

She was exploring the Internet for ideas and came across a really cool and intriguing direct sales company, Starry Night.  She found a stylist in her area and decided to support this person's entrepreneurial business by making a purchase.

A long necklace with statement bouquet pendant and toggle bracelet with matching statement bouquet features.  The primary color was plum with intricate colors creating the bouquet design - topaz, forest green, ruby, pumpkin orange, and dark brown.  Rich Autumn colors for this Autumn season.

They met in January.  Their anniversary was in October.

The original cost for the pair was $200.  On this particular day, Starry Night was running a special just for new customers - a half off sale.  Jewels once so rich now affordable on deep discount and on budget.

Look Book Season

Stories beautifully describing enchanting international locales in a way that made the stylists and customers feel transcended in time and place.  Imaginary passports were ready with every look book season.

Explore the festive cultures of Latin America, home to a few celebrities and loved by a few more.

Explore tropical destinations with white sand beaches, clear crystal blue ocean, sipping on drinks out of a coconut shell, lounging in the sunlight with a glowing tan, tike torches lit at night with dining and entertainment that can only be found in tropical destinations.

Explore the rich beauty of Europe, such as England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, and so many other historic gems.

Explore the ancient history that defines the Orient, especially the Great Wall of China and wonders of Japan.

Every look book season was new and fresh, eager to debut and adored upon arrival.  Pages were flipped through slowly to fully digest the background artistic scenes, snippets of stories with each given locale, and detailed product images.

Lovely Wishes was a women's fashion apparel, jewelry, and accessories direct sales company.  Stylists were otherwise known as "Wishful Thinkers."  They had online shops to customize based on personal preference, making them small business owners.Wishful Thinkers began as independent contractors with no startup cost.  Physical look books were the only investment and the investment was free.  Lovely Wishes believed that Wishful Thinkers should run their shops in any way they wished, allowing sole focus on shop profit and not business setback.  Look books, then, generally defined success both online and in person (look book parties in person and "wishful thoughts" for online sales).  Wishful Thinkers earned a flat 30% commission, from new to established.

The apparel, jewelry, and accessories were unique to the brand in design and styles but inspired by known retailers worldwide.  (Copyrights were never violated.)

Lovely Wishes was unique in one other way.  Wishful Thinkers were independent contractors until they accrued $1,000 or more in sales.  The products were priced at appropriate retail cost, but frequent seasonal sales and look book season debut sales made the financial goal possible.  When the goal of $1,000 was met, Wishful Thinkers could opt for being remote employees with standard benefits and stock options.  Income would match entry level employment on an hourly basis.  Company growth was encouraged for those Wishful Thinkers becoming remote employees.  In fact, outside of the founder and CEO of Lovely Wishes, Wishful Thinkers transitioning into remote employment easily reached management and director levels on a remote basis.

Personal success was possible.  Financial success was possible.  Business growth was possible.  Wishful Thinkers on their own were able to earn a substantial income to live on.  Wishful Thinkers choosing to become remote employees with growth potential were able to earn double the substantial income they would have made as independent contractors.  Potential belief was highly encouraged.

Look book season made the shopping experience unique for both customers and Wishful Thinkers.

Lovely Wishes - a penny for your thoughts.

Treasure Island

The multi-million dollar estate was on the mainland, but the estate sale was to be held at the vacation home in the tropics, as requested by the family.

Everything was up for sale as the family needed to downsize in a significant manner, especially for financial reasons.  In its irony, there was a legitimate cause - the estate was facing bankruptcy and the only way to salvage remaining investment was to hold an estate sale to afford the vacation home which was less expensive and more reasonable to live in.

And so...

Couture apparel, bags, and accessories...all up for sale

Couture household items...all up for sale

Antique trunk...Genuine birthstone crystals, real diamonds, fresh water pearls, multi-karat gold, silver, jewelry galore

The family really did need to downsize, so the antique trunk in the tropical vacation home...up for sale.

Trunk Show

"Hey ladies!  Welcome to my first trunk show as a Crystals jewelry stylist!" exclaimed a very excited Lauren.

"Congrats!" A happy cheer around the room.

"So how does a trunk show work?" An introductory question asked by one of the guests with a "Yeah" in followed agreement to the question.

"Well, at a trunk show, I set up a formal display of sample jewelry pieces for you to get a sense of what Crystals has to offer.  I have copies of look books you can browse through.  I have wish list forms you can fill out if there is a must have item you can't get at the moment.  I have order forms you can fill out if you are able to make a purchase.  And lastly, I have business cards...an obvious essential.

"Do you guys have any other questions for me?"

Non-verbal nope around the room.

"Okay then, so let's get this show started!"

Display holders showcased Lauren's starter kit selections.  Statement pieces received the most attention - necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.  Swarovski crystals shimmered in every design... "So pretty" was the common response.  Gemstones were a unique feature in the necklaces... "Are the gemstones real?"  A common question.  "Yep."  An automatic response.  Cubic zirconia and silver-plated rings caught the attention of a few.  "There are matching stud earrings, hint, hint."  They laughed at her subtle suggestion, followed by an automatic "Ooh" in response.  Pearls were fancy ("Sorry, but they're not real.").  Flower petal spacer beads were somehow intriguing.  "They add to the overall aesthetic."  "Interesting."  An automatic response.

"Will these pieces wear out over time, since everything is plated?" A dominant question.

"Well, there may be some wear eventually, but the craftsmanship is high quality and will allow the jewelry to last for a long time.  Crystals has a bonus feature - lifetime money back guarantee if something is faulty."

"Okay.  Good to know." A dominant response.

Lauren was nervous by this response, but continued on as the happy go lucky hostess.

The sunlight streaming through Lauren's living room windows dazzled the jewels and enhanced the happy want (to Lauren's great relief).

Every guest took a copy of the current Crystals season look book.  Every guest immediately filled out wish lists.

Many of the guests filled out order forms (making Lauren feel quite giddy).

Everyone took multiple business cards with the promise of sharing with family, coworkers, and other friends.

At the end of the trunk show, every guest requested another get together some time soon.  "Definitely," "I had so much fun," and "Thank you" were peppered throughout the hug goodbyes.

Lauren's debut as a Crystals jewelry stylist was a profound success - $500 in sales with an excellent chance at earning more at the next trunk show.

Jewels

"Sparkling jewels.  Luxe jewels.  Classic jewels.  Jewels to complete the outfit."

One day before...

Ring, ring, ring, ring

"Brooklyn Paige Designs.  Brooklyn speaking.  How may I help you?"

"Hi!  I am going to a dinner party at my boss's home tomorrow and I need help creating an outfit.  The party is black tie and my boss lives on Maple Avenue.  Are you familiar with that neighborhood?  Anyway, I really need to look impressive because my boss is currently promoting from within for a senior management position that has just come up and I really want the job.  Oh!  My name is Anna Duncan."

"Well hello, Anna Duncan!  I appreciate you thinking of me and my services.  I am in fact well aware of Maple Avenue...quite the upscale neighborhood.  First and foremost though, I need you to fill out a style survey so I can best assess how I can help you and what budget I need to be mindful of.  This survey can be found on my website - brooklynpaigedesigns.com.  Look for the Just For You tab.  Now, will you have available time tomorrow?  I ask only because one of my services is personal shopping with my clients."

"Oh.  Okay.  Well, I will have the afternoon off."

"Perfect!  Let's say around one o'clock to go shopping?"

"Sounds great!"

Day of...

The door bells clattered at exactly one o'clock.

"Hello, Brooklyn?"

"Hi!  You must be Anna.  Welcome to my boutique!  I am just finishing some odds and ends, so feel free to look around.  Won't be more than a few minutes."

"Okay," Anna faintly spoke as she began to explore.

Anna oohed and awed in her mind.  The apparel and shoes and bags and jewelry and accessories were amazing.  Modern and trendy.  Elegant and classic.  Something for any woman (and any budget, she hoped?).  She was in girly girl heaven.

"Okay Anna.  Are you ready to go shopping?"

"Can we stay here?" Anna eagerly asked.

Brooklyn lightly laughed and said,

"The inventory I carry here is for guests at fashion week runway shows.  I'm sorry, but these products are not available to the public."

Anna looked a bit down but was quickly assured that the local boutiques they were going to would have perfect selections based on her survey responses and indicated budget (being rather generous given her current decent income).

Play Dress Up - for an exclusive Italian couture label little black dress just shy of her budget.

Shoe! - for an all-American couture black suede kitten heels on sale even!

Wrap It Up - for a popular French designer known especially best for black clutches with silver ornate clasp right on budget.

Brooklyn Paige Designs -

"For jewels on the house.  Sparkling jewels.  Luxe jewels.  Classic jewels  Jewels to complete the outfit.

"Yes, my dear Anna, you will be dressed for success tonight.  I know you will get the promotion."

Anna beamed, thanked Brooklyn profusely, and left.

She planned to return when she got the promotion and significant raise...and to brag about her new huge office with dedicated assistant.

Jewels to complete the outfit.