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 Guys: Eternity Aqua

Where do you stand on the subject of "flankers"? What is a flanker, you ask? Well, that is very easy to explain, dear reader, it's another fragrance in a series. Eternity Aqua Eau de Toilette is another fragrance in the Eternity for men series. Earlier in the year I looked at Eternity Summer for Gadabout Media. It was nice, but I think I prefer this newer version.


Eternity Aqua is an aquatic woody fragrance - the first of this type for Calvin Klein Fragrances. It's meant to invoke the following impressions or feelings: refined, cool, modern, easy-going confidence, sophisticated, and relaxed man.

I'm going to begin this review by saying that I am not a fan of cucumber notes (they make me feel a little nauseated, sort of like turned fruit) and right off the bat this fragrance throws cucumber at you. Fortunately, it's sharpened with the addition of notes like pepper and lavender. Then, it's grounded in a woody base - I'm a sucker for a woody men's fragrance. If I see the words cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, I know I'm going to like it.

After about 15 minutes, the cucumber note really started to stand out and I thought, hhm, maybe I don't like it after all. That's when the wood notes really started to do their thing. It has a freshness, this sort of breeze blowing over the woods (yes, I am aware of how corny that sounds, but it's my impression) that I really like. I would hand this one over to my man (although I'm currently man-less) and happily sniff his neck all day.

Top note: Chilled Cucumber, Citrus Cocktail, Water Lotus, Drenched Green Leaves
Middle note: Szechuan Pepper, Mirabelle, Lavender, White Cedarwood
Bottom note: Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Patchouli, Musks

This fragrance will be available after July 15, 2010 and will run $32 for an ounce, $50 for 1.7 oz, and $65 for 3.4 oz. You will be able to find it at department stores or online at Calvin Klein Fragrances.com

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Hair: Miley Cyrus's New Hairdo

Have you seen Miley Cyrus's new hairdo? Take a look at this photo from last night's MuchMusic Awards held in Toronto, Canada.



What do you think? I love it. It looks so light and fresh and Summery. I bet she's not missing those extensions. I've been bored with my own hair lately. I covered my highlights about 2 months ago and now I feel sort of blah. Miley's new hairdo is a little shorter than my hair and a whole lot blonder. Hhmm, I have a package of bleach in the cupboard....



Image credit: Picapp.com

Swell Fitness: Running Mantras

I've mentioned before that I'm a runner. I'm sure that I've also mentioned that it's never easy for me. I have few truly "easy" runs, but at the end of the run, that feeling of accomplishment makes each and every one truly worth it.

To deal with the challenges of running, I've found a few things that work well for me. For example, I like to measure a run in short laps or short distances, hit repeatedly, in order to make my way through the miles. That way I can tell myself, I'm a 1/10 of the way there, 1/4 of the way there, etc. Another trick I use is I repeat mantras to myself.

Deepak Chopra explains the way a mantra helps here.......

You can use a mantra (sound) to increase the benefit of exercise. Research with instruments such as the electroencephalograph or EEC, which measures electrical activity in the brain, has shown that certain mental states are beneficial to both physical and mental health. Specifically, researchers have found a very beneficial condition of “restful attention,” which is typically observed during meditation.

Simply put - a mantra is a form of meditation.

I'm not sure how "restful" my mantras are, as one of them is AC/DC's "T.N.T., I'm Dynamite." Another is from Trapt's song, Headstrong that goes, "Back off I’ll take you on, Headstrong to take on anyone," (I run better when just a tiny bit pissed).  I also like to think of Steve from Blues Clues saying, "Just keep going." That may not be totally accurate, but that's what I think I remember him saying. Doesn't matter - it works even if it's wrong.

The last mantra that I use works well with my concept of short laps. I tell myself when I start out, "I can do anything for an hour." Then, it turns into, "I can do anything for 30 minutes," "I can do anything for 12 minutes," etc. And I'm 100% correct - I can do anything for an hour. I gave birth to three babies and I had long, long labors with each. Running for an hour is most definitely no big thing.

Do you use any sort of mantra when you exercise? Do you find that giving yourself a pep talk mid-workout helps to increase your energy?

Swell Beauty: Twilight Saga - Eclipse Beauty Secrets

Are you eagerly awaiting the release of  Eclipse at the end of this month? I know my girls (Team Jacob for Bay & Team Jasper for Sarah) and I have the date noted on our calendar.

I found this quick run-through at Glamour.com that talks about products and techniques used on the Eclipse ladies. The tips are straight from the Eclipse films head makeup artist and hairstylist.  One of the best - when straightening your hair with a flat iron, start an inch away from the scalp to allow your hair to have some lift.

You can find the Twilight beauty secrets here.



Image credit: Picapp.com

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