Swell Style: Full Leg Jeans

What are your thoughts on the wide-leg jean?  Too That 70s Show? Right on trend?

They come in, go out, come in, go out. I have to say that I always love them. I'm a girl with full thighs, no matter what my weight, so wearing a skinny jean is tough for me. A jean with a fuller leg is so much more forgiving, plus they are funky and that's fun.

SELF magazine has a few pairs listed here, but Forever 21 has the same look for even less. Take a peek here and here.



Image credit: Forever 21

Swell Smells: Marc Jacobs New Lola Ring

I'm sorry I've been gone so long. I started a new job this week and the training is kicking my butt! 

Have you seen this - a ring version of Marc Jacobs Lola perfume?

Cute! I have a feeling that Lola is going to be like Daisy, with a variety of accessories to go with it. I wore Lola just yesterday. I remember the first time I tried it. I walked into the grocery store and thought, "mm, someone smells good," and it was me! Pretty funny.

You can get the solid perfume ring for $21. It's only available in a size 7 for a limited time, so if Marc Jacobs perfume-jewelry is your thing, better grab one before they are all gone. Sephora shoppers give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Marc Jacobs Lola fragrance notes: Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Grapefruit, Rose, Peony, Geranium, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Musk

Swell Style: Her First Dance

My youngest daughter went to her first dance last night. She was so excited in the days leading up to it. The kids were told to wear lots of white because it was a black light dance.  We picked her up a dress at Forever 21 for $6.99, she added earrings and her favorite heart necklace and she was on her way.........

She had a wonderful time and is really looking forward to her next dance. It kind of makes me miss jr high, but just a little.....

Swell Style: Ellen Degeneres Struts the Catwalk

It's Fashion Week in NYC. Have you seen the photos of Ellen Degeneres strutting down the catwalk at the Richie Rich Runway show yesterday? Take a look at this...

I love Ellen and although that little hat makes me laugh, she's totally pulling off that silver suit - great color with her blue eyes.  Very impressive - Ellen really has that model-disdain look down.




Image credit: PicApp.com

Swell Style: Love, June At Etsy

I've got another wedding dress for you today. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when this photo caught my eye...

Isn't it striking? This dress, from the Love, June Boutique at Etsy, reminds me of swimsuits that I used to pick out for my girls. The sort with lots of straps across the back, straps that reminded me of ribbons, turning a little girl into a pretty little package. It looks especially pretty when paired with the model's tattoo. I like a tattoo without a lot of color (I have two, both with very little color).

The dress is handmade and customizable. It would make a great bridesmaid dress, as well.

Tomorrow, something non-wedding related, I promise.

Image credit: Love, June at Etsy

Swell Style: Knit Wedding Dresses

In just a few weeks, I'll be shooting a wedding  for my photography company, Chase Your Bliss Photography. I'm very excited, as this will be a first for me. Up until now I've focused on individual and family portraits. I'm very excited about the whole project and to get ready, I've been looking at lots of wedding photos. I've noticed that even though most brides pick a white or ivory dress, they each like to put as much of their own personality and personal style into that dress.

Today, I found an email from Makepiece in my mail box. Makepiece crafts beautiful knit clothing. The company's aim is to be as carbon neutral as possible, which means the wool they use was obtained through sustainable farming practices.

If traditional wedding attire is not your thing, then take a look at Makepiece's collection Here's an example of a Makepiece wedding dress called Truffle.

You can see their entire collection here.

Image credit: Makepiece

Swell Style: Emmy Dresses & An Old Spice Emmy

Did you hear the news? "Swell Guy," Isaiah Mustafa, the Old Spice Man, won an Emmy last night. WooHoo! Congratulations!!



Did you have a favorite look from the Emmys? I liked the softer, more natural hair styles. Claire Danes looked gorgeous....... which reminds me, have you seen her lash enhancer commercial? That woman's lashes are nuts.


I read that some people didn't like January Jones dress, but I loved her hair. It was shiny and non-helmet-y and had these sort of long piece-y pieces that really contrasted with all the roundness of the dress.


Kyra Sedgwick's purple dress was pretty and it appeared to have sort of texture to it - either velvety or crinkly. I wish I could see a close-up of the fabric.


Toni Collete's dress had an interesting pattern at the bottom. It was drama at the bottom and sweet at the top.


A lady picks a dress - she wants to feel pretty for a special night, powerful, beautiful, etc. In the morning she gets up and there she is, star of a Worst Dressed At the Emmys list. Sheesh, if she was so inclined, she actually could have used her phone to surf the web to learn that news while still wearing the dress.

Last night, before it was even dark here on the West Coast, I saw one of the GLEE ladies on just such a list. Oh, what do the list-makers know?  She felt pretty, she's AT THE EMMYS, (while you are stuck behind your keyboard)  let her enjoy her night.

What do you think? Would you listen to the listmakers or would you let your heart help you decide what to wear?

Image credit: Picapp.com

Swell Style: 5 Sandals for Less Than $15

Charlotte Russe has a number of shoes on clearance right. Choices include flip flops, strappy sandals, high heels, and wedges - the full clearance sale selection is located here. Quite a few of the shoes are less than $15. Right now there are still a wide selection of sizes and color choices, here are a few examples....


Smocked Fabric Slides with a 4.5 inch cork bottom heel for $8.99

Leopard print loop front sandal for $10.99

Fabric pleated slingback, looks like a little tuxedo tie, for $12.99

Black and white checkered print heel, with a little ruffle over the toe for $13.99

Brown canvas strap wedge for $13.99

Image credit: Charlotte Russe.com

Swell Style: Magnetix Pendants

I'm currently hunting for a job. I've worked from home for the past ......well a really, really long time, and I needed a couple of dresses for interviews. I lucked out on a couple of shirt dresses on clearance at Target - one brown and one black. They are very simple bordering on boring, but I wanted something conservative and adaptable.  I knew that I needed to add something fun to the look - they needed something.

 Luckily, Donna Asch sent me a set of her Magnetix pendants* to try. This is the one that I wore today...

I wish I had thought of this idea - it's both simple and genius at the same time. You start with a necklace that has a magnet attached to it. You attach the pendants to the necklace magnet, switching easily from one look to another. The magnetic connection is very secure, I've been wearing the pendant all day and it fits tightly to the magnet. Pendants are made out of a variety of materials including shells, stones, and crystals.

Each Magnetix set comes in a little metal gift box. You can see the second pendant that I tried above.  I love both of them - just my style.  The pendants stick to the metal lid, so it's a great way to take your jewelry with you, either in your purse or in your bag if you are going out of town.

You can find Magnetix at Donna Asch Designs.com.

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography
*Product supplied to writer for review.

Swell Style: Selma Blair's LBD

Some people are suckers for celebrity gossip. Me, I'm more interested in what the celebrities are wearing. I'm a sucker for celebrity style.

The Little Black Dress. Suitable for almost any occasion, the LBD is a wardrobe investment, but what if you want to switch it up a little? Selma Blair did that with the dress she wore to the Middle Men premiere. It's a black strapless tube-like dress, that has a see-through over dress (over skirt?). I love it.

Here's a shot that shows Blair's yellow-bottom, peep toe, patent leather pumps.


This shot shows that the sheer fabric has a nice sheen to it.


What do you think of the dress? Selma went really simple with the accessories - a black cuff bracelet, wine colored clutch, and black pumps. How would you accessorize this sexy, strapless, dress? I'm torn. I'd like to see a punch of color somewhere, but I like the simplicity because it doesn't take away from the lines of the dress.

Image credit: PicApp.com

Swell Style: L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers Sample Sale

If you are going to be in or around the Los Angeles area August 13th or 14th, then I have some exciting news for you. There's going to be an in-house sale at Siren Studios, featuring handbags from Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers lines.

"Two lines by Gwen Stefani, L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers. L.A.M.B. is about individuality and sophistication with a touch of rock glamour and a Los Angeles-meets-Paris sensibility….Irreverent luxury. Harajuku Lovers is fun, colorful, East-meets-West nylon and canvas tote bags, carry-alls, backpacks and shoulder bags..."

Where: Siren Studios
            6063 West Sunset Boulevard
            (Between N. Gower St. and La Baig Ave.)
            Hollywood, CA

When: Friday, August 13th 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
           Saturday, August 14th 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

The bags are up to 75% off. If you are interested, get there early, for best selection.

Image credit: Savvy & Co.

Swell Style: The Latest "It" Bag

While reading my latest Who What Wear Daily newsletter, I discovered this fact - small satchels are in. Hhmm. Cool. I love an excuse to buy a new bag.


The ladies describe a small satchel as being, "Characterized by a boxy shape, flap silhouette, and ultra-long strap, these petite purses offer the ideal amalgam of ladylike grace and modern edge."

I used to carry a similar bag when my kids were little, but I did it more for comfort and ease of use than for fashion. I liked having a small bag, slung across my body, leaving my hands free for the multitude of baby accessories it's necessary to tote to and fro on a daily basis. I did pick a pretty cute bag, though. My girls used it for playing dress up later.

Here are a couple of ideas that I found for right around $20 at Forever21.

If you are looking for a super-casual bag, this Mini Canvas Satchel is a good bet at only $15.80.

This Leathertte Shoulder Bag comes in ivory or red. Lots of zippers and pockets to stash your keys, phone, or iPod. It retails for $20.80.

Image credit: Forever21

Swell Style: Save Big On Summer Sales

Hello, I'm back! I have family in town and have been enjoying thier company. I love the Summer, because that's when I am able to spend time with all my favorite people. I hope you are enjoying your Summer, as well.

Another good thing about Summer - saving money. This is the time of year when you can really save on the Summer fashion deals. There's still a whole lot of warm weather left (it's only recently Summer-like where I live), so anything Summer-related that you buy now will still get a whole lot of wear before Fall arrives.

Old Navy is offering 30% off  the entire store. Everything. In. The. Store. This includes the online shop. To take advantage of this sale, use the code ONBIG30 at checkout. Apply this discount to items already on sale and save BIG.

Victoria's Secret is still in the midst of thier Semi-Annual Sale, plus if you are in the market for a swim suit, you can get free 2nd day shipping on a $40 swim purchase.

The Gap has added to their already good-sized sale section. Swimsuits start at $19.99 and dresses start at $24.99.

Image credit: Old Navy

Swell Style: Catherine Malandrino Sample Sale in NYC

If you are going to be in the New York City area June 21st through June 23rd, I suggest you run by the Metropolitan Pavilion and check out the Catherine Malandrino Spring Sample Sale that is being hosted by Savvy & Co.

The Catherine Malandrino line is favorite among stylish celebrites like Madonna, Beyonce, Eva Mendes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Heidi Klum, and Rihanna.

The dress shown here is the Tempest Print Chiffon Dress with a Draped Ruffle and Swarovski Crystal Detail. It normally retails for $695, but it will only be $145 at the sample sale.

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion
123 West 18th Street (btw 6th & 7th Aves)

When: Monday, June 21st 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday, June 22nd - Wednesday, June 23rd 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Image credit: Catherine Malandrino

Swell Style: Hats, Hats, Hats

My sister-in-law got a touch of sunburn when she was vacationing at the coast a couple of weekends ago. Since that time she's been very careful about protecting herself from the sun. She's wearing sunscreen and she picked up the cutest sun hat. I wrote about sun hats over at Gadabout Media today, but the hats I wrote up were a little more than my hat budget can afford this Summer. (Money is tight right now).


So, as I do whenever I'm in need of something cute, but inexpensive, I headed over to Forever21. Do they have affordable hats? Heck yeah, they do!

The hat above is a good example - a straw hat with a floppy brim, in both black and tan for only $6.80. Hard to beat that for sun protection. Stick a cute flower pin on the side or wrap the brim with a colorful scarf, if you want more color.

I think that this is the one I'll pick up - the All American Straw Fedora. It's not as floppy and I like the way they describe it as "guy-next-door" style. Sort of like you borrowed it from your beau.

If a cap is more your thing, Forever21 has a Newsboy Cap that comes in either gray or navy. I prefer the gray, it has a little Summer-y feel to it.



Image credit: Forever21

Swell Style: Shorts & A First Date Top

I picked up some cute new things at Forever21 in the past week. I find shopping to at Forever21 to be a hit and miss proposition. The pieces are cute and inexpensive, so it's an easy way to add some trendy pieces to your wardrobe. Unfortunately, you might have to dry clean those inexpensive pieces, which makes them not so inexpensive in the long run. Or the items might not be very well made. Always check an item carefully before taking it up to the counter - check the seams, especially the underarms, and make sure that they are no snags or rips. If you find a problem later, then you are pretty much screwed because Forever21's return policy is not a good one.


One of the items that does hold up well and is well worth the money - the denim items. My girls like their skinny jeans and I like the denim shorts. I bought two pairs from the Faith 21 plus size line. Forever21 starts their plus size line at size 12.

I currently wear a size 14, so their XL fits me well. I purchased both the Denim Bermuda shorts and the Distressed Denim Shorts, both for $19.80. The Bermudas run XL to 3X and the Distressed shorts are 12-18. Both shorts are cute and comfy. The Distressed pair stretches out a bit, so go with a good fit, they will loosen within an hour. Another tip - don't dry the Distressed jeans in the dryer. Drying in the dryer will make the distressed area fray faster. Pull them out of the wash, lay them over the back of a chair, and let them air dry.

Another item that I picked up was the Feathered Capsleeve Top. It's so cute!! I wanted something new to wear on a first date and this top was perfect. It's light and flowy, with ruffles and a cute fit. The V-neck runs much lower than the model's top in the photo. She's totally covered, but I had a bit of cleavage showing. This is my new favorite top. It was only $17.80 and it's a hand wash item. It worked very well on my date - an evening picnic at the park - and I felt very pretty.

Image credit: Forever21

Swell Style: Rio-Inspired Bags For Summer

The people at Mark recently sent me some great items to review. Among them was the Take Me To Rio Bag designed by award-winning accessory and handbag designer, Carlos Falchi. The bag is part of a line the designer created for Mark to give the consumer a taste of a "trip to the tropics" of Rio. The line is made of fun and colorful accessories, perfect for wearing this Summer.

“Rio embodies color, vibrancy and spirit, all of which are reflected in this collection,” Carlos says. “Each piece is unique and incorporates my signature features, like the colorful linings of the bags, inspired by the Copacabana boardwalk, and the unique fabrications.”

My daughter has been carrying this bag all week and she gets a lot of compliments. The latest being that it "looks like a mermaid's bag."  That makes sense - it does have a shimmery sea-blue appearance. Bay likes that she can fit so many things inside the tote making it the perfect choice for the beach or an overnight away from home. It's a large bag with a zipper closure, zipper pocket inside, and a small outside pocket that is perfect for stashing your cell or keys.

Click here for more information about Carlos Falchi's Take Me To Rio bag. It retails for $40. If you like the look of this bag, then take a look at the Rio Ready Mini bag, also from the Carlos Falchi collection. It's a smaller size and can be worn over the shoulder of around the waist.

Image credit: Meet Mark.com

Swell Style: Cannes Dresses

Have you seen any of the Cannes dress photos? I love to see what people wear to these things. I noticed a lot of light colors - champagne, blush pink, silver, gray. Here's a beautiful example worn by Fan Bingbing - I hope I'm getting that right, I'm not familiar with her.




I love this dress. Let me see if I can find a close-up of that bodice.



I think that the dresses at Cannes are more fun than most of the other big events because so many of them are rule-breakers. Like this dress worn by actress, Julie Atlas Muz, at the premiere of On Tour.  It's a slightly different take on "nude."


One last thing, check out these shoes worn by Hofit Golan, also at the premiere of On Tour. Wow. Love them!





Image credit: PicApp.com

Swell Style: Kiss Fashion Nails

I was invited to take part in an informational webinar with the people from Kiss recently. The webinar focused on some of the new products Kiss launched this Spring including their Broadway nails, Color-Changing nails, their shorter length Everlasting French manicures, and nail art that includes stickers and kits for creating designs. Lots of fun and inexpensive new items. My girls loved this project.

Bay likes the Everlasting French Manicure products. When she gets acrylics put on at the salon, she goes for the same look. With the Kiss kits she can get the same look, but at a fraction of the price, plus it's easy to change the look. The nails come in lots of sizes, so finding the perfect fit is easy. When you glue them on, make sure you press the entire nail down when gluing, this helps the glue to spread over the whole nail. The tips last for about a week, then you take it off with the Kiss All or One nail remover. Never pull or peel glued on nails off.

My daughter, Sarah,  is a little more adventurous. She likes the Nail Art Kits that come with three colors of polish, but her favorite product is the Color Changing nails. When you go out into the sun, they change color or a pattern shows up. Or there's the Fashion Diva nails with a Harajuku flair with bright neon tips. These tips all last about a week.

You can find any of the Kiss nail products at Walmart.

**Don't forget to enter my Lubriderm Skin Care Giveaway!!**

Image credit: Michelle Hamor Smith

Swell Smells & Style: Stella Solid Fragrance Necklace

When I was a little girl, I got a little yellow chick pin for Easter. I think it was made by AVON.  If you lifted the chick's head, there was a little pan of solid perfume underneath. I loved that pin. Even though I'm a big girl now, I still enjoy double-duty accessory-fragrances.


Several fragrance lines carry these items - I have a pin/necklace in the Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance. That one is sort of triple duty, since I have the choice of wearing it either way. 

Stella McCartney is now offering a solid fragrance necklace. It's in her Stella fragrance, a little silver disc locket with the Stella McCartney logo on the top and the Stella fragrance inside. I like this one, because it's so non-frou-frou. Simple and modern. It's only available for a limited time and it's only available at Sephora.

The Stella fragrance is a Floral with notes of Rose, Peony, Mandarin, Rose Absolute, and Amber.

Image credit: Sephora