TBT – Repost : ETCETERA Clothing and Jill Romano

Scuba dresses from the etcetera clothing line

 Jill’s fall collection will be on display from 10/17-10/24. To make an appointment contact Jill at 978-771-9513, send her an email or find her on Facebook. 


*Originally posted in July 2016*

Jill Romano – Stylist Extraordinaire

When you’re sick of the mall and online shopping seems only to result in returns, try a unique, more personalized, shopping experience. My friend, Jill, became an independent fashion consultant for the ETCETERA clothing line in 2015. At the time, I had never experienced a home-based fashion business. I had heard about clothing shopping parties, but ETCETERA was very different. Jill was setting up a private boutique in her home, four times a year for each season. To browse the collection, you book a one hour appointment at which time you have the shop and Jill’s attention all to yourself.

Time to Shop

At my first appointment, I was impressed with the collection’s range of looks going from jeans, sweaters and simple tees to gorgeous dresses, business attire and jackets. I liked that I wasn’t distracted by a party atmosphere and could focus on the clothing. Jill was helpful, but not pushy. I love her–not just because she’s a fellow curly girl, but because her California-born energy is always so positive and fun to be around. She helped me find casual items that suit my style and while the ticket price was higher than I would normally spend, I was open to trying something new. I soon learned that these investment pieces were well worth the money.

Yes, they were high quality, timeless items, but the real payoff came when I realized that every single time I wore ETCETERA clothing , I got compliments in droves. What’s more – I found myself admiring the tops, dresses and sweaters of my friends only to learn they, too, came from Jill. No joke, it just happened last night! There is something eye-catching about the ETCETERA style that really speaks to me and keeps me wanting more.

 

Etcetera clothing line pink sweater and gray tank top jacket
My pink sweater is so soft in tone and touch. Jill’s tailored look with coordinating top and jacket screams stylish.
etcetera clothing pink sweater and gray fringed tank top
Take a closer look at Jill’s fringed tank top. So cute!

 

Personalized Service

The personalized service that Jill offers is another major benefit of this line. Not only does she help style and fit you, but she can even tell you if something you have your eye on has been purchased by someone else in your area. In the featured photo (thank you Linda Holt Interiors, for all of your fabulous photography), I’m wearing a scuba, digital print dress that I fell in love with and planned to wear to a local event. Jill was able to tell me that no one else nearby had purchased the dress. I was thrilled and that dress has become a dressy night go-to that gets comments every time I wear it. At a recent Bat Mitzvah, the husband of a woman I didn’t know asked where I got it because his wife liked it so much. I was flattered!

 

digital print scuba dresses by Etcetera clothing line
Jill and I both wear our scuba, digital print dresses. The thicker, flexible fabric of the scuba style dress is so comfortable and flattering.

 

ETCETERA clothing has allowed me to find some truly stand-out pieces. It’s also a great line for the busy woman who prefers to shop in an intimate setting with professional guidance regarding style, fit and comfort.

white top with sheer paneling, dark denim and hot pink silk top by Etcetera clothing line
My silk, pink peasant top with wide sleeve is comfortable and pops with color. Jill’s jeans and top with sheer panels demonstrate ETCETERA’s classic style.
Women's Tops by Etcetera clothing
Photo bomb courtesy Sir Oscar!

 

Coming up…

Jill’s next show for the fall collection will be September 8th through the 15th. She books appointments from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every day of her showing, including weekends.

To learn more, contact Jill at 978-771-9513, send her an email or find her on Facebook. 

To view the current season go to www.etcetera.com.

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Unique Jewelry and Accessories by Stella and Dot

Necklaces by Stella and Dot
Statement and simple necklaces. Silver, gold and rose gold.

 

I love bling! At one point when my girls were little, my motto was “Everything’s Better with Glitter.” I’m pretty sure I wrote that on a chalkboard in our entryway for all the world to see. Interestingly, I’m not much of a jewelry wearer.  I love admiring all types of unique jewelry on other people, in store windows and in catalogs, but more often than not; you’ll find me sporting my wedding rings, a pair of earrings and not much else.

Unique Jewelry by Stella and Dot

That is, until I discovered Stella and Dot. Several years ago, a friend invited me to a Stella and Dot trunk show at her house. I was happy to support her event not only because I had heard good things about the unique jewelry line, but also because I’m very comfortable getting my shop on; no matter where I am. I never worry whether or not I’ll find something I like. I just go, have fun and nine times out of ten, I walk away with something I love. OK, who’s kidding who? Ten times out of ten, but really who’s counting? Hopefully not Tony.

Needless to say, finding something at my first Stella and Dot party was a non-issue because there were many shiny, pretty things that caught my eye. Add to that a reasonable price point and I was pleasantly impressed. What I most liked about shopping Stella and Dot’s jewelry collection was the wide variety of choices. There were many delicate options I could see myself wearing on a day to day basis, as well as dramatic, statement pieces ideal for a night out. Seeing that I don’t accessorize with jewelry as often as I’d like, I found myself drawn to the daintier, more subdued selections.

Silver and gold loop necklace by Stella and Dot
The Infinity necklace – my favorite

This simple, gold and silver Eternity Necklace was the first Stella and Dot piece I purchased and I absolutely love it. For $59 I have well-worn my money’s worth for that purchase.

More Favorites

Here’s a look at a few more favorites from my personal Stella and Dot collection. While not all of these are still available, there are many similar items from which to choose. I should mention that the gold Bridge Bracelet (shown and still available) was purchased for my oldest daughter. I thought it was the perfect blend of simple sophistication and funky flair. For $44 it made a great gift. One that has found its way onto my wrist more times than it’s been on Julia’s. Sorry kiddo!  I just love that cool chain. And it can be detached if you’d rather wear the bracelet on its own, but I never do. Many of the Stella and Dot pieces are versatile and can be worn several ways. I love that flexibility.

My own unique jewelry and bag by Stella and Dot
My Stella and Dot Collection

 

Jewelry and Beyond

While I initially thought Stella and Dot was just about unique jewelry, I now know they also offer a great selection of sunglasses, stylish bags, scarves and more.

Stella and Dot Miramar and Parke sunglasses
Miramar sunglasses in blonde, $119 and Parker sunglasses in black tortoise, $129
Stella and Dot clutch and faux fur scarf
Reversible Crossover Scarf, $69 and All in Pouch, $36

New to Stella and Dot

Also new to Stella and Dot, as of September 2016, is their Covet line featuring real diamonds, 14k gold and fine leather accessories.

Unique jewelry from Stella and Dot's Covet line.
Selections from Stella and Dot’s newest Covet line.

 

Where and How to Buy

There are so many great looks at Stella and Dot, I could go on and on about the quality pieces I have and the ones I plan to buy. And while I’ve made my purchases at trunk shows hosted by friends, that’s not the only way to buy. You can also shop online through a Stella and Dot stylist. Michelle Simoes is my personal stylist, StellaDot.com/MichelleSimoes, and is happy to answer any questions you may have or talk to you about hosting a trunk show or becoming a stylist yourself.

Whether you already know Stella and Dot or are new to brand, be sure to check out what’s new in bling, baubles, bracelets and more this holiday season.

Michelle Simoes, Personal Stylist, www.StellaDot.com/michelleSimoes, 617-470-4226, MichelleSimoes0507@gmail.com.

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The Junior League of Boston’s 2016 Show House

Emily O'Brian Photography - The Morning Room
The Morning Room

 

When friend, photographer and fellow blogger, Emily O’Brien, suggested we head down to West Newton to co-blog about the 2016 Junior League of Boston Show House, I jumped at the chance. Whether I’m looking for inspiration for Merrimack Valley Home or catching up on the latest design trends, I love exploring a beautiful home.

The Nathanial Allen House took this year’s honor as the 45th Anniversary Show House. Three months prior, it was in disarray, but thanks to organizers, 30 plus interior designers and landscape artists, the space was transformed into a wonderland of design, décor and elegant artistry.

Once a stop on the Underground Railroad; this mid-1800 Greek revival house was later converted to the country’s first co-educational school. It was intriguing the moment I set eyes on it. Four exterior columns add grandeur to the yellow building accented with green shutters and floor to ceiling windows immediately caught my eye.

 

The Junior League of Boston Decorator's 45th Anniversary Show House - The Nathaniel Allen House
The Nathaniel Allen House – 45th Anniversary Show House

 

This event is going on through June 5th. Tickets are $35 at BostonShowhouse.org or $40 at the door. Proceeds go to The Junior League of Boston.  You do not have to be a design guru to appreciate the glory of this experience. If you like design inspiration, a stroll through this house will give you a look at a wide variety of styles, colors, textures and unexpected approaches to room design.

I’ll share my favorite spaces within the 7,000 square foot property, but if you’d like to see more head over to Emily O’Brien’s blog for her photography spin, and visit the blog of interior designer Kim Macumber for her expert take.

And by all means, go check out this display of talent yourself – it’s a design adventure worth taking!

I could’ve spent the entire day admiring the style that each designer brought to the 24 rooms. It was remarkable that the rooms flowed so nicely together considering the designers worked independently. I did pick up on several trends throughout, including the use of natural wood elements, gold tones and a recurrent Greek key accent. But most surprising was the frequent presence of the color purple. One of my favorite rooms demonstrates this perfect pop of purple – notice the glossy purple woodwork around windows and doors.

 

The Art Salon designed by Steven Favreauat the Nathaniel Allen House
The Art Salon

 

The Art Salon, designed by Steven Favreau, was an elegant space featuring over 20 pieces of art and sculpture. The art hung upon a fabric backdrop with purple base trim which tied the room together with the purple woodworking.

Nearby the Art Salon was The Morning Room designed by Kate McCusker Rosenberger. This room was cheery and fun – I could easily see myself sitting in it all morning, afternoon and night. Yellow happens to be my favorite color, so I was naturally drawn to this space and the funky chairs and accents gave me an inviting throwback feeling.

 

The Morning Room designed by Kate McCusker Rosenberger at the Nathaniel Allen House
The Morning Room

 

The Morning Room designed by Kate McCusker Rosenberger at the Nathaniel Allen House
The Morning Room – So bright and cheery. Love those hooks!

 

I could honestly go on and on about this Decorators’ Show House. The Junior League of Boston certainly outdid themselves. If you have the chance to visit, don’t forget to look up!  Some of the most interesting displays of design happened on the ceilings.

Bonus pic – I loved this small space. Shouldn’t every house have a bar like this?

 

The Bar designed by Cecilia Walker at the Nathaniel Allen House
The Bar -Blues, brass and perfectly placed barware felt like Hollywood Glam. Designed by Cecilia Walker

 

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