12.15.2016



I've been a Stella & Dot stylist for a year now. I joined because at the time, I really (and I mean really) needed an outlet from my job, and I wanted to try my hand at something completely different and outside of my comfort zone. I was encouraged by a fellow stylist, and after some serious convincing on her part, I decided to give it a shot. What's the worst that could happen right? If anything, I could at least get a discount on some gorgeous jewels of my own. And we all know that I love my jewelry.

So when I received my starter kit, I didn't even open the box for a few weeks, maybe even a month. The package was so damn heavy and for whatever reason, it scared me. If you can't tell, I'm not a natural salesperson. I don't like it when other people push me to buy, so I don't ever want to feel like I'm pressuring others to buy from me. The thing is, I believe in these products. I own countless pieces in my collection now, more than any other line from brands I admire. And I appreciate the quality, craftsmanship, and thought that our New York and San Francisco designers put into each piece. I often go out to the mall and spot replicas of our bracelets and necklaces. I feel partly flattered, and partly annoyed but I guess that rant is for a different day!


My favorites - Sparkle studs (only $19), Celestial ring, Maylee ring (sold two at my show), and the Luxe coil bracelet (out of stock at the moment)

The showstopper - Jolie sparkle chain necklace

This past year, I feel like I've barely dipped my toe in the S&D pond. I've promoted it a little here and there, especially on Instagram. I've let most of my friends and family know that I'm selling, and I have had some luck online. But the real bread and butter of this company comes from doing trunk shows, and I was terrified of them. Wait, you mean I have to stand up in front of people and talk? And sell? Uh, no thanks! But the more I got into it, the more I finally did my research. I decided that if I want to be successful at anything in life, I have to be okay with being uncomfortable. So I asked one of my best girls if I could have my first show at her house last Saturday, and I must say...it was so much fun!



It was a small group of us, which I was thankful for! That way I could practice and not feel like a ton of eyes were being placed on me. The theme was really simple: holiday of course, and with black, white, and gold being the main colors and a beautiful pop of red from a poinsettia plant. We had light appetizers and some wine, and then got into it and played with the jewelry I brought. The thing about selling is that if you actually are selling something you genuinely love and buy yourself, it's much easier to sell to others and that passion really comes across. At least, I hope that's what the ladies would say!

Overall it was a great first show and I plan on doing two more next month! I'm honestly proud of myself because all of last week, I was nervous and certain I would fail - whatever that means! I did it, and my confidence has raised a few degrees because of it.

For those of you that ever want to order through me, I would love to help you! We have so many amazing pieces in our collection for the holidays, and because shipping is so fast, there's still time. Stelladot.com/noelleengel 💋😉

12.13.2016







Wearing //
Lulu's dress, similar here and here
Stella & Dot covet necklace here 
Beauty //
Essie polish in Beyond Cozy
M.A.C. lipstick in Twig



One of the best parts about the holidays is getting dolled up. There's no better excuse than Christmas parties! This year, I think my festivity style is a bit more subdued than seasons past. I used to be obsessed with sequin skirts, giant statement necklaces, and glittery heels but now that my lifestyle has changed, I am reaching for pieces that are more...how shall I say this...grown-up? Listen, there's nothing wrong with pulling out all the stops and putting on the glitz and glamour, but for me, I think I've realized that I like more streamlined outfits that are simple yet polished. And of course, a red accent like my bag is perfect for the holidays.

I want to say thank you so much for the comments both on and off my blog regarding my last post. It meant a lot to me, more than you know.

12.08.2016






Wearing//
Kendra Scott necklaces here & here




This is going to be another post where I don't talk about the outfit I'm wearing above. I understand if it's too much for some, and it won't hurt my feelings if you skip it. I've decided to start a series called real talk, where I discuss things that are relevant to me and how I'm feeling. I'm sure you've noticed it over the last few months but now it's got a name! So here we go...

This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. So why do so many people struggle with it? For a long time I assumed it was just me being a grinch, but after working with foster children and at-risk youth, I came to know that many of us experience the holiday blues. Sadly it's not just adults either. It's children who aren't with their families, or young adults who have lost their parents to drug addictions and the law. That's the part that really breaks me. My friend lost her father a few years ago to an aggressive form of cancer. He was her rock, and in an instant, he was gone. Other friends of mine have lost their families to infidelity, divorce, and misunderstandings. Even more have lost loved ones to terminal illness or inevitable old age.

My story is somewhere in the muck. My parents are divorced, and I haven't spent a single Christmas with my dad since I was 18. He calls each year to say hi, but the conversation is short. I'm lucky that I have Nate's family to spend Christmas with. They are incredibly generous and kind-hearted, and there's no doubt in my mind that even if I wasn't married to their son, I would still be invited over because that's who they are. My sister-in-law is a hair stylist, and she invites one of her older clients over every year because she doesn't have family here in America (she's from Germany). 

But the blues creep in despite the kindness of my "adopted" family. I thought it would go away when I married, but if anything, it's gotten worse and I have no idea why. My friends tell me this will change once I have little ones running around, and I really hope they're right. I guess it boils down to feeling a lack of control. I can't control that my parents don't get together anymore. My mom isn't in the kitchen cooking, my grandma's booming laughter isn't reverberating throughout my house, my dad doesn't get to wrap his arms around me. And conversely, Nate and I haven't yet established our own traditions so it doesn't feel as special as it should. I'm 32 and I should be over these things by now, but the wounds haven't quite healed yet. Nate and I plan on going to midnight mass this year because I think that faith is a huge part in being at peace with the past, present, and future.  

I hope faith will propel me into being grateful for what I do have, not what I have lost. The past is best left behind, and the future hopefully holds better things. I just ask for two simple things this season that no doubt make the holidays easier for those of us that don't really enjoy them: 

1) Don't be a jerk on the road. I know everywhere is crowded with shoppers trying to check off their lists. But please don't flip me off on the way to the mall because you need to get your presents like yesterday. That's not the point. If you think that is the point, I feel sorry for you.

2) When you do get to the mall, or a restaurant to celebrate, don't be so hasty. Open doors for people, say thank you. I'm observant to a fault while I'm out in my community and am sometimes disturbed by people's lack of manners and general politeness towards others. On the other hand, I feel restored when I witness acts of simple kindness. More of that!

I hope reading this didn't give you the blues! This isn't my intention. I just want to point out that amidst all the twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and Christmas carols... that some people are hurting. If you love this time of year then that's great! I wish everyone did.

I just prefer the Summer. 

12.06.2016







Wearing //
Moto jacket, check Target
Express dress, similar
Banana Republic bag, love this one!
Vince Camuto pumps, similar
Gifted ring from Carylee
Beauty //
Nails by Essie "It's Genius"


I love a good moto jacket. Being that motocross is the one sport I get positively giddy over (I mean have you seen those boys? Hello gorgeous) and being that Nate is involved in building bikes as well, I feel totally justified in my continuous quest to find the perfect one. Admittedly I don't know how to ride a dirt bike, but I love getting in on the action and living vicariously through my friends. I can at least try and look the part! Express used to make my favorite moto jackets, but I was shocked when I walked into Target and found this one by the WhoWhatWear collection. The color is a stunning shade of green - not quite emerald but deeper than olive. And the fit is just slouchy enough to appear casually polished. Now that it's chilly enough to wear some layers, I have reached for this quite a bit. If you get the chance to try this on in-store, I hope you will! Can we also talk about my Kendra Scott necklace? It's adjustable with a pull tab so you can wear it long or short. Designers take note. The versatility is genius, and I love that it doesn't have a clasp. 

This week is extremely busy for me. I have two final projects for school, I need to buy supplies for my very first Stella & Dot trunk show, I'm trying to perfect and send out my resume, two Christmas parties to attend...I could go on but will save you the trouble. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the holidays. They stress me out, but I'm trying to tackle one thing at a time. It's called being an adult 😉