Life Styled Look 24 gives you a Charmingly Chic Look for Summer! Get your chic summer style in a comfy, color pop look by pairing the Charming Tank in your favorite Summer color with a classic pair of jeans. Shop this plus size summer outfit.

Shop all of the Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfits and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Here is how it can be Our Abby Top is loose and flowey giving a relaxed and comfortable fit. I love the over sized bat wing style sleeves. This is what makes this top so comfortable!  I like to pair my Abby Top with my SWAK plus size Crop Leggings. The contrast of the flowey top to the fitted bottoms makes this outfit fun and stylish. I also wore a SWAK plus size Perfect Camisole underneath for some added coverage.

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

I’m in love with our new Charming Tank. This top is super figure flattering and oh so easy to wear. This is a must have top for the summer. I wore mine with the SWAK Perfect Leggings, which I own multiple pairs of because I practically wear them everyday! To add some fun I threw on the  new Black & White print scarf. Scarves are such an easy way to spice up a casual outfit.

The Juliet dress is very light weight and flowy making it a great summer dress that still provides coverage.  I absolutely love the versatility of this dress. So easy to add some flirty heels and bold jewelry to dress it up for an evening out with your hunny, or throw on some flip flops and head to the store I chose to rock some cowboy boots and our Dakota Woven Belt for a fun office friendly look!

Our new Angelica Top is so easy to wear. The Poncho inspired look adds a little bit of excitement to an otherwise simple top. I chose to cinch mine in at the waist using our Dakota Woven Belt. I threw on our Ciera Skinny Jeans and headed out the door!  You can pair this top with just about anything. It would look great with our California Maxi skirt, or a great pair of shorts…the possibilities are endless

View the editorial, or shop the entire plus size black and white dress collection and see our behind the scenes video.

You can shop the rest of our Scarves Here.

Shop all of the Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfits and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Check out four different ways to wear our newest arrival. Feel like showing off your curves? Wear Kayla alone! Cinch in your waist with a belt for extra va-va-voom. Kayla also looks fantastic layered with cardigans and shrugs or even worn under a tee or top!

The Kayla Dress is a fitted, tank style body with bra friendly straps, plus the stretch-jersey fabric is super soft.

Shop all of the SWAK New Arrivals!

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

The most versatile cardigan you will ever own!
This bestselling cardigan is easy-to-wear and perfect for any season or occasion. Throw it over a tee, cami or tunic to add instant polish to your outfit. Layer it over a dress for coverage!

Add this Plus Size Open Cardigan to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Click here to shop all our new arrivals.

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Add this Plus Size Long Cardigan to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Add this Plus Size Comfy Top to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Wednesday called for something fun! I decided to tuck my Jade Polly top into a Black Hi Low skirt and use our super cute  Santa Fe Double Buckle Belt to cinch in my waist. I love this look for the spring and summer season. I tossed my hair up into a bun and off to work I went. Super fun….Super easy.

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Day one:
You can never go wrong with black. I paired my black Polly top with bold Leopard leggings and a simple pair of black flats. This has got a vintage, flirty feel to it.

Day two:
Allergies were killing me!!!! Can you tell? I wore jeans, my Polly top in paradise pink (which looks amazing on everyone who puts it on) and a nice warm scarf.

A classic tee like Polly can take you from day tonight and back. Planning to dress up the last look with the Polly top so stay tuned

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Add this Plus Size Maxi Dress to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Day 4

I wrapped my cardigan in the Kayla style (which happens to be one of my favorites) and wore it over my SWAK Designs Lola Dress.

Day 5

Sarah decided to experiment….and what was created was pure magic I wore my SWAK Designs Ciera Skinny Jean and Sarah decided to play around and this was the outcome. I really like it. It has a Chic 70′s vibe to it.

We’re also introducing the SWAK Designs Pretty Flutter Top! It’s the bestselling Pretty Cami, but with sleeves! Add this flowy and lightweight jersey knit tee to your closet.
Plus, our classic pretty cami is back in a new black and white print. Shop all of the SWAK New Arrivals now.

Day 1
I wore the Eternity Cardigan with lavender colored jeans. I wrapped it in the Lilly style wrap.

Day 2
My go-to jeans and tee look with a little ballet-inspired extra! The Diane style of this wrap adds extra level of sophistication to the plain jeans.

Day 3
This has to be my favorite look so far! I love wearing our SWAK leggings so I did it with the Karen wrap style and a chic plus size belt to define my waist. So comfortable!

Stay tuned for my last two days coming soon!

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Shop this Plus Size SWAK Designs Outfit and more of the Plus Size New Arrivals.

Shop this Plus Size Joan Maxi Dress and more of the SWAK Designs New Arrivals.

Add these SWAK Designs new arrivals to your closet! Or shop the whole plus size casual outfit.

Shop this Plus Size Maxi Dress and more of the SWAK Designs New Arrivals.

I have found my Go To spring dress! The Joan Maxi dress is by far the easiest as well as the most comfortable outfit in my closet at the moment. The Joan is loose yet ties at the waist allowing you to show off your curves. This is a no fuss outfit. Pull it out of the closet and throw it on. Easy as that, and you look stylish and ready for the day. Hair in a bun, a little pink lipstick and some lashes, Good to Go! So easy to take this dress from day to night. Add a little extra bling (accessories) to the look and you are ready for a night out. I can’t wait to get my hands on this dress in the Jade and pink berry colors. Such an easy way to add extra color to your closet!
Sunday was Easter so I played with holiday-inspired nails for fun.

Shop this Plus Size Wrap Dress and more of the SWAK Designs New Arrivals.

By itself, the Maggie Dress is comfortable and easy to wear alone. Except our office is a little chilly today. I threw on my UBER versatile Open Cardgan in black over it. The small girly details on this sexy leopard print  dress are guaranteed to make you smile! Cute ties at the shoulders and flirty black crinoline ruffle at the bottom!!!! CUTE is an understatement!

Shop this Plus Size Pretty Cami and more of the SWAK Designs New Arrivals.

Pairs perfectly with our open cardigan or amber shrug when the temperature starts to drop. A colorful way to take your style from day to night!

Add this Plus Size Hi Lo Dress to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Sarah recommended maybe pairing it with a dress, so I decided to pair it with my new favorite SWAK dress the Lola! The Marie top cinched in my waist just enough so that the skirt of the Lola flowed just perfect! Super comfortable, stylish, and sophisticated! My Black Ballet flats completed the outfit

Shop this plus size convertible dress here. Or click to watch our instructional videos with 14 different ways to wear the Eternity Convertible Wrap Dress.

Shop this Plus Size Marie Wrap Top and more of the SWAK Designs New Arrivals.

Find this Plus Size Halter Dress and more in the SWAK Designs Curvy Kitten Collection.

So I put it to the test. After styling it on our models I was excited to see how it would work on MY body. So here are my observations.

1) The skirt runs large. So, if you are between sizes  order down. If you don’t carry a lot of weight in your midsection, order down. You’re going to be ok here and I would rather the skirt start a bit snug and adjust to you than have it be too big and fall off by the end of the day.

2) Short girls are gonna need to get creative. Tall girls are gonna have a party here.  This means, you’re going to have to get it tailored or wear it rolled up or under your chest. This is no big deal. I’m 5 foot 5 and doing this really easily. I may have it shortened just the same but, as you can see I’ve got it folded over and belted and its working fine for me.

3) Run, don’t walk to get this skirt. No, seriously. Especially as the weather starts to heat up, this will become an item you will wear again and again and again…  It’s more comfy to throw on than jeans and can take you from day to night and back. I suggest getting on in a classic color – like our brown our black– and then getting a fashion color. For the price — a super accessible $49!- it’s a great way to play with color for a season or two without breaking the bank.

I won’t lie. I’ve worn this twice in the last three days. This weekend I had it on with a casual tee from Old Navy and some flip lips to run some errands. And today? My trusty cowboy boots, a Western-inspired denim shirt from Simply Be (seriously this shirt is OMG awesome), my favorite new cuff from Lucky Dog Leather and some new Spring-ready nail polish from Butter.

Happy shopping!!

S

Here’s the story of one bridesmaid, Karen, and how SWAK worked for the bridal part she was in!!

“Will you be my Bridesmaid?” It’s an honor every girl hopes to be asked when they find out their best friend is getting married! However, as soon as the wedding plans kick into gear, we begin to dread the historically awful bridesmaids dress the bride is screaming to stuff us into. Ever faithful to our dear friends, we agree to submit to whatever dream or scheme she has up her sleeve. When my best friend asked me to be her bridesmaid, I held my breath until she finally settled on the comfortable and affordable convertible-style dress. The only question was where to find the RIGHT convertible dress?
Thankfully, one of the other bridesmaids who (works in the fashion industry) turned us onto SWAK. We fell head-over-heels in love with the fit, the fabric and the fashion fun to be had with the SWAK Eternity dresses! The prices were the most affordable we could find – everywhere else we considered wanted to charge extra for plus sizes. With a few emails to the SWAK team, we found out that the exact color we wanted, Harvest Teal, would be available in time for the wedding!

BONUS: they even posted a “How To” video that showed us step-by-step instructions for some of the cutest wrapping styles.
The bride had “wrap” parties and we all became “wrap-stars” as we found our favorite fit that worked best for each of our different figures and personalities. Getting ready for the wedding at the hotel suite, we pulled out our cell phones and replayed the video to make sure we got our look just right! The pictures say it all – the bride was thrilled with her beautiful maids and we were thrilled to eat, drink and dance the night away in our super comfortable and beautiful Eternity dresses from SWAK!

This maxi skirt can be dressed for day or night and paired with so many other SWAK Styles. In this newest fashion editorial we’ll show you how to wear the California Maxi Skirt 7 different ways!
Click here to view our latest editorial
Or click here to add the California Maxi Skirt to your closet.

Everyday fashion with vintage flair, now available from SWAK Designs.

Click here to Shop Now.

Run, don’t walk, to get this skirt before it’s gone forever. It’s on final sale right now for $24.88!! Less than $25 bucks. OMG!! A note about fit- since its final sale and there are no returns or exchanges you want to get the fit right on this one—it runs a tad bit large. Pull it on OVER your head because there isn’t oodles of stretch in the waistband. It’s also long. Very long. So, if you are tall you can wear this one easy. If you are shorter (like me, I’m 5’5) you will either have to 1) hike it up to under your breasts like I did or 2) get it hemmed.

I went a little Western-boho (is that even an expression? Who knows…) with the look today, pairing the skirt with my favorite cowboy boots, a black tee shirt from Old Navy and our Ellie Buckle Belt! The cuff is from Lucky Dog Leather- I’ve mentioned them on FB before so, if you are looking for any leather wrist accessories but are worried about fit, DON’T because they run a full range of sizes.

Who knows how I really look wearing it—but I feel great!! I’m at my desk blasting the Neil Young and Blind Faith and feeling kinda awesome. Which is what fashion is about, no? Feeling like the most awesome version of yourself!

Maybe you’re teetering on the edge of purchasing… Don’t want to take just my word for it? Check out what others have said about this skirt!On December 14, Katie said “Worn this twice now, got compliments both times. One of my best buys from swak this year.” Awesome!!Rukiya posted TWICE about this skirt, saying how many compliments she got on it and “I just bought the other two colors when I saw they went on sale! One of my favorites too.” Yeah!!

Have a wonderful day, all!
xo
Sarah

Here’s the link to our Aruna skirt if you want to add it to your closet:

http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1032-aruna-pleated-maxi-skirt.aspx

Fortunately for us, they’ve decided to pack some SWAK along for the  trip!

Today, we’re sharing with you what SWAK basics Marcy has packed for her trip. Check out her blog below and stay tuned for photos and pics from her adventures! We’ll be sharing Jessica’s picks tomorrow!

Oh the life of a fatshionista, jet setting, flying to and fro, meeting people all over the world, as glam as it sounds, traveling can be tough, especially for the full-figured femme.  I travel all the time, sometime for work and sometimes for play so I know the pros and cons of traveling and have dressing for that gig down to a science.

While traveling often brings amazing experiences and memorable opportunities, it also has its share of challenges.  From tiny seats, to limited legroom, airlines nickel and diming you, and praying your baggage finds its way, there are so many things to worry about!  When it comes to dressing for the airport, there are certain things that are very important to me, shoes that I can easily slip on and off (unless I am going somewhere cold and wearing my boots in an effort to save space since my size 11s take up a LOT of room), enough layers to stay warm, (but not so much that TSA has to derobe me), and something that can keep me comfortable for four to fourteen hours.

SWAK seemed like the perfect choice to travel in for my upcoming trip to the first ever London Plus Size Fashion Week.  As much as I love my Juicy sweat suit, I wanted to put something together that was a little more stylish and would serve as options for other events and travel days.  It is incredibly important when packing to take your plans into consideration, the amount of time you will be gone and the weather, among other things.  With so many restrictions on baggage nowadays (I recently paid $50 to CARRY ON) I am careful not to go above the weight and size restrictions.

For my voyage I’ve chosen:

Zoe jeggings in BLACK- these will be comfortable and are super versatile, so I can wear during the day to visit Big Ben and have a spot of tea!

New Cardi with Lace in Pink layered with the Pretty cami in Black- will keep me warm on the plane and also look chic!  Who isn’t lovely in lace?

I also love these camis for layering under almost everything!!! On the way back I will most likely wear the Ginger top in Leopard or the New wrap top- either of these will be great for warmth under a scarf or my coat and adorable for any encounters with weary travelers.

As a big girl, you can understand that I can’t “wing it” or easily make do should something happen to my bag, so I can be a little paranoid and try to carry on often to ensure my clothes will be at my destination upon arrival.   Here are couple helpful tips for your next vacation:

.      One tip I use to keep over packing under control is to prepare outfits in advance and monochromatically.  This helps for maximizing how many looks you can get out of one pair of pants or one dress.  (This also helps plan shoe choices)

.      Bring things you will actually wear. If there is something in your closet you think will automatically become cuter upon crossing the pond, forget it! Unless it’s a gown you’ve been saving for a cruise or special soiree, the chances of that orange maxi you could never seem to make work working elsewhere are slim to none!

.      Save that sacred space for something you’ll get more mileage out of. Bigger girls, bigger clothes, spare yourself the stress and don’t take your clothes for vacation! Happy travels!

The Maggie Dress is a flirtatious vintage-inspired frock with a layer of crinoline for extra style & flounce.

The ultimate vintage inspired dress. Our Maggie Crinoline Dress is both cute and sexy ! You will truly look va va va voom !! Available in the Curvy Kitten by SWAK Designs Collection.

Add the Plus Size Maggie Dress to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Like many of us, I sat transfixed watching the television on Sunday as Beyonce totally killed her Super Bowl performance with fierceness.
Maybe it’s that I haven’t watched her in a while- I’m not sure- but I was struck BAMN with her physical awesomeess. That woman has an insane body. She is thick and curvaceous and just looks strong. Like she could take anything on that life gave her. And man, oh man, does she move. Clearly. I mean, this is no revelation here. We all know this. She attacks every move, throws her whole body and being into it and… Sigh. So great.

I want to be like that. Ok, in my head, sometimes I pretend I am. My Inner Soundtrack kicks in and I fiercely conquer the dance floor. Ok, maybe not the dance floor, but SOME floor. Somewhere. Even if it’s in my own office. Or, in the case of the picture below, on set at a SWAK Designs photo shoot.

There’s this great quote in the movie Working Girl (I’m totally dating myself here) when Joan Cussak goes “Sometimes I sing and dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn’t make me Madonna. Never will.” Ok. Of course. I’m not Beyonce like Joan Cussak isn’t Madonna… But for those few minutes when I’m not restricted by a single thing, when I feel awesome down to CORE, I think it’s ok to channel a little Madonna. Or, in my case, Beyonce.

That’s how I felt at the single moment when this, very silly, picture was taken below. I was feeling confident. I wasn’t thinking about pieces jiggling or looking silly… I just felt the music and MOVED. And then it was caught on camera. Thanks a lot, Michael. And yes, I ended up looking a little ridiculous at that exact moment. But I don’t take myself that seriously, and I can laugh at things—and when I look at that picture I don’t see all the potential negative. All I SEE is how damn good I felt at that exact moment. And then I smile from the inside out.

My point is this.

Have your own Beyonce moment. Even if you don’t live there every day, give yourself permission every once in a while. Turn up the music. Dial out the world. Throw your body into it with every fiber you have. Even if you look like a spastic accident waiting to happen. BE YOURSELF!! Own it. Love it. Do a little dance. Make a little love. Get down tonight….

Sarah

PS- I have now seen this link on Buzfeed of 47 of Beyonce’s Absolute Best Dance Moves, and I was like WOOOH I gotta work my way through some of those. And I will. In the privacy of my own home. With maybe a couple of friends. And, potentially some adult beverages. And a lot of laughing. But I WILL do it.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/47-of-beyoncs-absolute-best-dance-moves-6z51

The Heather Cardigan is a comfy and chic cardigan with pockets, perfect to throw on for a bit of style!.

Wear it to work with trousers or keep it casual for a cute weekend look. You can even throw this over a maxi for an extra layer or style and warmth.

Add the Plus Size Heather Cardigan to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

The Nellie Halter Dress is a pin up halter dress with flirty style ..

The Nellie Dress has a contrast waist which highlights your waistline while giving you that sexy pinup look. Pair it with an Amber Shrug for more coverage. Available in the Curvy Kitten by SWAK Designs Collection.

Click here to add the Plus Size Nellie Halter dress to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Want to add some bold colors to your wardrobe? Try our new color blocked maxi! Three bold, blocked colors that work for day or night.

Click here to add the Plus Size Jasmine Cold Shoulder Maxi to your closet.

or Click here to see all of our new arrivals!

If it’s dinner and movie or a mystery date, and everything in between, you’ll find a SWAK style that fits the occasion.

Click here to shop all of our Plus Size Valentines Day styles. 

The Ginger Knit Top is a sexy vintage inspired fitted sweater.

Style with a pair of cuffed jeans and sexy heels for a super cute retro look !

Add the Plus Size Ginger Top to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Out step by step guide will give you easy to follow instructions on how to create 7 looks with the Eternity Wrap Cardigan. And the videos are hosted by Marcy Guevara!

Click here to see all the videos

Or click here to shop the Eternity Wrap Cardigan

Click here to see other Modeliscious pictures!

or Click here to upload your own and get $5 SWAK Bucks if we add it to our Wall of Fame! 

Based on our bestselling Faith and Farrah sweaters, the Faye is a jersey knit, faux wrap top that’s long enough to be a tunic. It works from day to night and back again. Super flattering and super comfy, it’s a staff favorite and one we couldn’t wait to get our hands on!

In our recent Ways to Wear feature we showed you five ways to wear Faye for every occasion. It wasn’t hard with such a versatile top!
If you get Faye for yourself, show us your pics! We’d love to see how you wear it in your own unique style.

Click here to see 5 Ways To Wear The Faye Top

or Click here to add the Faye Top to your closet 

Click here to shop our favorite plus size valentines day looks.

Four new dresses, four new tops and a skirt in vintage inspired patterns and colors!

See them all here: http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/t-vintage-2013.aspx

Check out our favorite items on sale for $29.99!

The Annie Shrug is on sale for $19.99! Limited stock available.
Shop now! Sale ends Jan. 20th!

The Carey Pants are on sale for $19.99! Limited stock available.
Shop now! Sale ends Jan. 20th!

The Olivia Gauze Top  is on sale for $19.99! Limited stock available.
Shop now! Sale ends Jan. 20th!

The Blake Peasant Top is on sale for $19.99! Limited stock available.
Shop now! Sale ends Jan. 20th!

Seville Empress Dress is on sale for $29.99! Limited stock available.
Shop now! Sale ends Jan. 20th!

The Save the Tatas Original Tee is on sale for $9.99! Limited stock available.
Shop now! Sale ends Jan. 20th!

Keep an eye on our facebook page for more info on the next Project Plus Contest!

Here is her winning story:

“In 2013 I vowed to become successful in everything I do. Starting with a new job and great clothes. me winning this new mini-wardrobe would give the confidence to take that leap at work trying to get promotions and while public speaking, knowing that when I get on stage and see they know i’m confidant. The wardrobe i have now is a little on the stale side i would love to win this giveaway no matter if its a t-shirt or 3 outfits I appreciate everything.”

Whether you wear Maxine with sky high sandals or opaque tights and booties, you’re sure to be a glam-queen in this super sexy style.

Add the Plus Size Maxine Dress to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Here’s Kristie’s favorite “Oven Roasted Holiday Veggies”

A lightweight, chiffon jacket perfect to layer over dresses, tanks and more!
 

Looking for a thin layer for coverage? Our Naomi Chiffon Jacket is the perfect add on to any spaghetti sleeve dress or tank. Glamour and style while offering lightweight layering!

Add the Plus Size Naomi Chiffon Jacket to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

A little sexy, a bit classic and a whole lot of comfort. Sophisticated and flattering top to take you from day to night and back.
 

 

The ultimate in figure flattering tops, Tabitha is one style that works for every body type! Keep it classic in basic black, or add some spice with our Teal Leopard print.

Add the Plus Size Tabitha Top to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Feeling… Excited for the end!!
LOL.
Ok. Day 5. Learned a lot about myself this week.
First off… That I need to stop standing in doorways like I stepped out of Seinfeld. Bwhahaa.
 
I actually wore my cardi today in a way I’ve NEVER worn it before. Wrapped like a little cardi-jacket over a dress! Was going for a way to update a Summer style and make in seasonal. Paired it with tights and some brown shoes. And a top knot! Top knot’s and braids have saved my hairstyle life….
 
I’ve said it before– and after a week testing it out in real life– I can safely say that our Eternity Wrap Cardigan (aka our Signature Wrap
Cardiagn) is just about one of the most versatile pieces you can own. In a pinch, you can make it work for almost every occasion. It’s work friendly, date ready and, most importantly, REALLY comfortable.
 
If you are looking for instructions on how to wrap this cardi, never fear! This weekend (literally, on Sunday) our team is gathering once again for another round of Wrap 101!!
 
Do you own an Eternity Cardigan? Have any pictures to share? If so, we would love to see! Join us on Facebook and show us!
 
xo
S
PS- After 5 days of wishing you had one for yourself (hehe) you can visit us online here to snag your own cardi!

Feeling… Stuck in a rut.
Revelation. And its only because I’ve been taking a picture of myself every day for the last few days but… I need to dress cuter. I have a cute day or two per week- my look is together, sporting accessories etc.
But on the other days? I am in a fashion rut! Gotta pull myself out of that one. For me. Not because I’m trying to please anybody but ,because, I genuinely like to look cute. But I work late, have dinner late, get to bed late, and when I wake up in the morning its just a scramble to get up at a decent time and come into work without being late!

Does anybody else feel me on this? You have every intention of
greatness— and then you settle for just getting by?
LOL I know I cant be alone here.

This is how I felt on Day 4. I wanted to go for cute, I really did… But I fell short.

LOVE the way I did this wrap though. I have put it on models like this but never myself.

4 days down. 1 to go.
xo
S

PS- Want to try our Signature Wrap Cardigan for yourself?
Click here to snag it!

Working at SWAK is many things. It’s hectic, it’s crazy, its long days and hard work. But it’s also very, very fun! We’re a bit of a family here.

For the next few weeks, we’re sharing the holiday wishes our staff and friends have for our customers. First up? Laura! Many of you know Laura as she chimes in on Facebook or assists with customer service. If you’ve ever tried to use five coupons at once (like during our Olympic promotions!) then she was the gal who hand-placed your order.
 

 
Laura may wish for love and peace (and superpowers!) but I wish for her to see the movie Working Girl. Why? Do I really need a reason? It’s awesome, that’s why.

Happy Holidays from SWAK!

Feeling like trying something new today…

I didn’t do my laundry. LOL. After two days of wearing my blue Signature Wrap Cardi it needed a freshen up. Sometimes, when you work the hours I do, laundry doesn’t get done when it needs to. But I am committed to my week-long project! So I grabbed another cardi from my actual closet (this is a Raspberry one from last Fall) and whipped this look up.

Before you go any farther… YES! This outfit is risky. I get it. I’m showing more of my body then many people might, and more than many think I probably should. That’s totally ok. I just wanted to step OUTSIDE my fashion box (hello, Reah Norman, are you listening? Hehe) and try something new.

I’m wearing our black leggings and a Pretty Cami in black. Since many of you will ask, these are boots from Duo from last Winter. They were my X-mas gift to myself last year. I wear them into the ground. Again, since I’m short, on many women they are just over-the-knee boots. For me, they come up a bit higher but, if I fold them down, I feel like a pirate. Arrrrggggh. So I wear them this way.

3 days down. 2 to do.
xo
Sarah

PS- Want to try our Signature Wrap Cardigan for yourself? Click here to snag it!

Feeling tired and a bit wardrobe-lazy today…
I had every intention of being fabulous this week. Top notch outfits all the way. But then life comes into play… I go to bed late, I wake up rushed, I get busy or distracted and life just gets in the way of my fantastic wardrobe. So…. I went 100% for comfort today.

Yes, I own Uggs. Two pair if you must know. And I know, I know, fashionistas disown me yet again. They are comfortable. And, when I’m sitting around the office working a looong day on a dreary Tuesday, I am ok with sacrificing to feel really comfortable.

These are jeans from Torrid. I have them in a bunch of colors. They are a super short length. Apparently, at 5’5, I am super short. Wearing our Perfect Camisole in white. And our Signature Wrap Cardigan draped cowl-neck style. If you saw my look the other day its basically the same tie without the belt.

2 days down. 3 to go.
xo
Sarah

PS- Want to try our Signature Wrap Cardigan for yourself? Click here to snag it!

Feeling energized and ready to go!
I selected the turquoise/Robbins Egg blue-ish color from our warehouse. I’ve recently lightened my hair so I still find myself attempting to adjust to the color changes. I’m under the impression this works well with my uber pale skin. I wear a lot of blue. And magenta. Not sure when that started but, if you were to open my closet now you would find lots of shades of pinks and blues in my closet. All vivid- I don’t do pastels (well, maybe when I was a kid but that was ALL my mom- LOL) and I like colors that pop.

I start my week with a super easy-to-wear outfit. A denim skirt (gasp! Yes, I own a denim skirt. Revoke my Fashionista Card right now! Sue me. I love my denim skirt. LOL.) that I got last year from Old Navy. Paring it with a SWAK Perfect Camisole in white, Spanx reversible tights (that go from black to brown, its genius, I tell you) and a BRAND NEW SWAK belt! Woohoo! I raided the warehouse. I exercised office privileges. I snapped my fingers and clicked my heels and shouted “belt, brown, now!” and they rained down upon me! Ahh, ok. Not really. But, it was UBER fun to play with our brand new belts before they even went on sale! The boots are from Duo. Many of you FB folks have heard me mention Duo boots before—and NO I don’t get ANY freebies from them, believe me if I did I would be ridiculously stoked. I got these in 2007 and they still look awesome.

I’m wearing the cardigan in my official go-to way. Draped around the neck and waist cinched. This is my favorite way to wear our cardi!

1 day down. 4 to go.
xo
Sarah

PS- Want to try our Signature Wrap Cardigan for yourself? Click here to snag it!

This is great, of course. More designers making plus fashion means more options for plus size women in general. But it raises a simple question. Are you more inclined to “window shop” a line if its supported by a celebrity you like? Does a celeb name “get you through the store door” only? Or does it actually sway your purchase? Does a mediocre dress become all the more exciting to you when part of a celeb line? Would it make you purchase an item you otherwise wouldn’t?

I love Melissa McCarthy. I think she’s funny and irreverent. But I haven’t been overly impressed with her style choices for major red carpets and events. The ones that I’ve seen that is. Has she looked great? Sure. But it hasn’t been MY personal choice. Would her name get me to look at a line more closely? Totally. But it wouldn’t sway my purchase.

What do you think? Do you like the trend of celeb-designed plus fashion lines? Are there any celebrities you would like to see design a plus collection? Let us know what you think!

So I gave myself a challenge. Could I wear the Plus Size Signature Wrap Cardigan for an ENTIRE week worth of looks? The answer was… yes I can!  Next week I’ll be showing you an outfit EVERY day. How I wore our Signature Wrap Cardigan for a single work week.

Will you be tuning in to see? I hope so!! 5 looks. 5 days. One cardigan.

See you next week!

Sarah
 
PS- here’s a silly behind the scenes pics of me goofing around with Mary, our awesome production gal.
 

A playful, punk-princess skirt that can easily be dressed up or kept casual.  With a fully-lined stretch chiffon material, this skirt is sure to be comfortable and fashionable!  Features include a knee-length hemline and an elastic waistband.   Pair this skirt with one of our pretty cami’s and a shrug for an ultra chic look this fall.

The Kelly Mesh Skirt is available in Black, Magenta and Teal.. To match all of your fashion needs!

Looking to add the Kelly Mesh Skirt to your closet? Click here to shop now! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1051-kelly-mesh-skirt.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

Find all the looks here! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/t-wrap-101-eternity-dress.aspx

Step-by-step instructions for 14 different ways to wear the plus size Eternity Convertible dress are now available at SWAK! With special guest host Marcy Guevara!

Classic, Edgy or Flirty. You’ll find exactly the look you want, for any occasion.

Here’s a preview of some wrap styles featured:

Anna Layered Dress: I love this dress because it is so versatile, it can be worn during summer or fall by adding a cardigan. I would snap up the blue and the black dresses so I you can wear either depending on mood.

Bonnie Maxi (Harvest Collection): This is one of my all-time favorite dresses from SWAK. It is elegant and flirty; can be worn with heels or simply with flip flops for a fun day out on the town.

Cheryl Tie Blouse: You’re go-to shirt for job interviews and family gatherings. It provides a lot of coverage for a more sophisticated but cute look.

Evan V-Neck Dress: This is a perfect dress to wear to a holiday party or a night on the town. It’s a classic! Just love the style of this dress.

Open Cardigan (Harvest Shades): A must have for every women’s closet! These cardigans go with everything! Get one in every color, because you never know what occasion or outfit you may need to pair it with!

Ready to shop Jessica’s picks? Check out our 50 for 50% sale in its final day here! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/c-192-50-off-50.aspx

Our best-selling Eternity Plus Size Maxi Dress is back!  This is one dress you can wrap dozens of ways, for endless wardrobe possibilities.  From formal wear to the beach, this dress can take you from day to night and back again… All depending on how you wrap it!

This dress features a full, knee-length circle skirt and 11ft. long panels attached to the skirt, for you to wrap however you please!   Available in Black, Purple and Red color ways.

You can wear the Eternity Convertible Maxi Dress strapless, with sleeves, like a babydoll and so much more!   Limited only by your creativity!

Click here to see the “how-to-style” video on this dress! 

Looking to add the Eternity Convertible Maxi Dress to your closet? Click here to shop now! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1059-eternity-convertible-dress-classic-colors.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

Easy to wear, chic pull-on style tank dress in vivid black and white print for the season.  This dress is bra friendly, includes an elastic waist, is knee-length and if fully lined.

Crisp and sophisticated bursts of black across a creamy white background make this a season-less dress.  Pair the Carol Tank Dress with tights and booties or with flats or even sky-high sandals!

Add the Carol Plus Size Tank Dress to your closet.

Looking for more styles? Visit our Plus Size New Arrivals department for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus fashions!

Brand New Plus Size Connie Sweater Dress…Available Now at SWAK Designs! 

Lightweight sweater-knit and color blocking make this dress a not to miss, Holiday Must!  The Connie embodies a deep v-neckline, a knee length hemline and includes belt, as pictured.

Try this dress with tights, flats and or your favorite tall boots for a timeless look.

Looking to add the Connie Sweater Dress to your closet? Click here to shop now!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1074-connie-sweater-dress.aspx?keyword=connie

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

Bohemian glam meets Holiday Style!  A chic, sheer poncho with velvet burnout and fringe for extra flair.  This top embodies a fringe detail along the hem, velvet motif, stitched side seems and a v-neckline.

A quick, easy way to glam up any outfit.  Simply throw Angela Poncho on with slacks or your favorite jeans with our Perfect Camisole and your ready to go!

Looking to add the Angela Fringe Poncho Top to your closet? Click here to shop now!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1072-angela-fringe-poncho.aspx?keyword=angela

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

Sheer, sparkle, lace and so much more!  Extra feminine details make this a holiday top not to miss.  This top has sheer chiffon material with sparkle details, a scoop neckline, short sleeves and a floral lace insert in center back for an ultra chic look.

Dress this top up with your favorite pair of skinny jeans or leggings and some cute boots for a fun and flirty look this holiday season.

Looking to add the Hope Shimmer Top to your closet? Click here to shop now!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1079-hope-shimmer-top-shipping-week-of-november-26th.aspx?keyword=hope

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

Eva Lace Top – Holiday Attire! 

A flirty stretch lace, peplum top perfect for an office holiday party or a night on the town.

With a deep scoop neckline, elbow length sheer sleeves and a peplum waist this top is sure to flatter every figure.

Feminine details make this a sweet yet sophisticated top.  Pair the Eva with a skirt or slacks for day attire or with jeans for a sophisticated party look.

Looking to add the Eva Lace Top to your closet? Click here to shop now!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1076-eva-lace-top.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

The most versatile cardigan your closet has ever seen!  Soft, lightweight and ready for any occasion in new Jewel Shades.
This cardigan is wrap with long ends designed to be twisted and styled. Wear it any way you desire! As a cowl neck, cocooned or just as a throw! Limited only by your creativity.

The perfect piece to travel with! On the plane as a wrap and a blanket, as a cowl neck cardigan out to dinner with the girls and as a sexy wrap top for a date! The perfect piece to leave at the office for when the AC picks up.

Looking to add the Signature Wrap Plus Size Cardigan to your closet? Click here to shop now!   http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1077-signature-wrap-cardigan-jewel-shades.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

The Noelle Top…Now Available at SWAK Designs

A little sweet, a little sexy and a whole lot of style! This jersey knit top with lace detail is a comfortable and chic top for a glam look.

With lace fabric on the sleeves and back yolk, a boat neckline and ¾ dolman sleeves.

Style Noelle with jeans and ballet flats for a playful look, or with heels for a more dramatic entrance!

Looking to add the Noelle Top to your closet? Click here to shop now!   http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1073-noelle-top.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

The Maxine Plus Size Dress…Now available at SWAK Designs

A curve-hugging tank dress, Maxine is a dress that works for day or night. Whether you wear Maxine with sky high sandals or opaque tights and booties, you’re sure to be a glam-queen in this super sexy style.

A knee-length, tank style dress with exposed zipper in the back. Featuring a fitted, contoured waist.
Color-contrasting at the waistline defines your midsection. Throw on a cardigan, leather or denim jacket for more coverage and you’re good to go!

Looking to add the Maxine Dress to your closet? Click here to shop now! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1069-maxine-dress.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

The Mae Plus Size Dress… Available Now at SWAK Designs!

Strategic gathers, ruching and drapes shape the body. Features fitted, ruched, elbow-length sleeves and a fitted, knee-length skirt the ruched back-seem flatters the behind.

Wear this dress to a holiday party or a night on the town. You are sure to look glamorous wearing the Mae.

Looking to add the Mae Dress to your closet? Click here to shop now! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1060-mae-dress.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

Maxine Plus Size Dress at SWAK Designs

The Maxine Plus Size Dress – Now Available at SWAK Designs!

A curve-hugging tank dress, Maxine is a dress that works for day or night. Whether you wear Maxine with sky high sandals or opaque tights and booties, you’re sure to be a glam-queen in this super sexy style.   This dress is knee-length, has an exposed back zipper and a fitted, contoured waist.  This dress is available in 3 different colorways: Black, Purple and Leopard.

Color-contrasting at the waistline defines your midsection. Throw on a cardigan, leather or denim jacket for more coverage and you’re good to go!

The Joy Hi-Lo Plus Size Dress… Available Now at SWAK Designs! 

A comfortable and chic hi-low dress makes for bohemian glam and easy style.  With a scoop neckline and 3/4 sleeves, the Joy Dress is sure to make you feel confident and sexy while out on the town.   Other features of the dress include an elastic waist and a hi-lo hem skirt.

Pair this dress with a pair of heels and some cute earrings and you will be ready for anything the night brings on! Keep it casual with tall boots and your favorite cardigan. From day to night and back!

With the recent media attention on plus size women and several celebrities coming out in favor of their curves, some question if there is actually a movement towards body acceptance starting or is it just another passing phase.
 
An article in the Daily Mail recently delved into answering – Is it realistic for women to start embracing their body image because of the positive media surrounding the topic? And the answer is, unfortunately, no.
 
While there is a cultural shift happening, it appears we are still a long way away from fully accepting our natural shapes and curves. The survey Girlguiding UK’s Girls Attitudes concluded that 1 out of every 3 secondary school [high school] girls would consider surgery to change their appearance; and 68% of girls believe that “women are judged more on appearance than ability.”
 
Psychologist Amanda Hills says, “Unless we start to change the way we educate our children about diet, weight and body image, I’m not sure there’s a great deal even Lad Gaga can do to make things better.”
 
While those statistics may sound bleak, there is still hope. Perhaps the celebrities like Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera were just the first in a wave of oncoming public positivity. If more women around the world embraced their figure and loved their bodies, there may eventually be no need to focus surveys on weight or diets or write articles on how to lose 5 pounds in 3 days.
 
At SWAK we have the privilege every day of seeing and talking with women who are absolutely in love with their bodies. We are also able to be a part of the acceptance journey for those a bit more reticent to embrace their shape. Regardless of if you want to gain weight, lose weight or stay exactly the same, we are happy to provide clothes that dress your curves happy TODAY! What helps you feel confident in your body? How do you think younger girls can be more accepting and loving of theirs?

Everyone needs that perfect little black dress. The standby, the go to, the dress that makes us feel confident. The dress you don’t have to worry about.

Shop our 16 Plus Size Little Black Dresses for this Holiday season.

From classic and simple to flirty and fun, our Little Black Dress collection is sure to have that perfect style for your cocktail party, office celebration or family gathering – for this holiday season and beyond.

News sources around the world wrote headlines featuring Gabi Gregg’s recent “Fatkini” photos. Video of news anchor Jennifer Livingston responding to a negative comment regarding her weight went viral in less than a day. More women around the world are speaking out about feeling confident in their bodies – celebrities included!
 
Jennifer Lawrence, star of the Hunger Games, recently told an interviewer, “In Hollywood, I’m obese.” The actress commented on the entertainment industries tendency to encourage losing weight for roles saying, “I’m never going to starve myself for a part… I don’t want little girls to be like, ‘Oh, I want to look like Katniss [Lawrence’s character in Hunger Games], so I’m going to skip dinner.” Lawrence insists on working as a positive role model for her fans.
 
Other celebrities, like Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera, have also responded to media attention surrounding their weight gain with positivity and confidence.
 
Celebrity or not, these strong women are an example to many around the world that there is no reason to not love yourself. Tell us what makes you confident in the comments.

Plus size fashion bloggers are the latest and loudest voices for the plus size community. Inspiring many to find their own style, embrace their bodies and refuse to conform to what the mainstream fashion industry defines as beauty.
 
A recent New York Times article heralded several of those prominent voices. Discussing what helps them find inspiration, passion and their love for fashion – no matter what size is on the label. These bloggers bring out the reality of being a plus size woman while still holding true to their fashionista roots. Perhaps their confidence and enthusiasm for style will help close the gap between the plus size fashion community and the traditional fashion industry that caters to and generally promotes unrealistically small sizes.
 
Nadia Aboulhosn, plus size fashion blogger and model says, “American women are size 10, 12, 14. I’m very relatable. People aren’t used to seeing the clothes on somebody with the curves I have. If you’re fashionable, you’re fashionable regardless of size.”
 
Her words ring especially true for us at the SWAK office. We try everyday to focus not on size, but on style. What dress size you were shouldn’t dictate your fashion choices.
 
Is there a fashion blogger that has inspired or helped you embrace your personal style? Or one that you just love to follow and enjoy reading? Share it with us in the comments.

Chastity Garner and Nicolette Mason, plus size fashion bloggers offer style suggestions, advice and trends on their blogs.

You Asked… We Listened! The Samantha Maxi Dress Comes to SWAK Designs!

Based on the uber popular Cassandra Maxi Dress, we’ve created Samantha! A long-sleeve version of the bestselling maxi we couldn’t keep on the shelves this summer, Samantha is a chic and comfortable maxi to take you from day to night and back again.  We can’t get enough of this dress and it’s comfortable design!  The trick is the built-in silhouette that instantly slims with two-tone coloring.

With a deep v-neckline and long sleeves this dress is sure to be a perfect fall dress!  Soft lightweight jersey knit fabric makes the Samanatha a relaxed easy-to wear fit.

Looking to add Samantha to your closet? Click here to shop now! http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/p-1068-samantha-two-tone-maxi-dress.aspx

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion here!  http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-12-plus-size-new-arrivals.aspx

Why We Love Mae West.

She had courage. She was unafraid. She knew she was beautiful and proud of herself. If West were to shop from SWAK she would be just about a 2X. And she loved every inch of her curves.
 
Known for her provocative dancing and performances, West became famous –some would say infamous – in the early 1900’s for “shimmying” across stages.  Starting out as a burlesque dancer, she went on to act in, write and direct risqué plays that keep all of Broadway and eventually Hollywood on its toes. Every interview was more shocking than the one before. She was open about her sexuality and wasn’t shy about speaking her mind. She talked about her underwear, what she wanted in a man; how she liked to dance provocatively and was known for being entirely open about her personal life with the press.
 
Perhaps the silver screen beauties of today could take a lesson from West. Embrace your true self. Speak your mind. While not everyone is cut out for shimmying across stages, every woman is capable of loving themselves. So when you go out today, slip on something that makes you feel sexy and try channeling a little bit of Mae. Uncover your curves and you might just surprise yourself.

Discover your inner Mae West with our new Mae Dress in Red and Black

Read more about Mae West here http://allaboutmae.com/biography.php

Plus Size New Arrival Enchanted Top

Plus Size Enchanted Top is back by Popular Demand at SWAK Designs!

One of our most figure-flattering tops. Tried and tested on a variety of bust sizes, this top works on a variety of body types and shapes! This is a casual, artsy looking top that will quickly become a staple in your daytime wardrobe. Perfect for wearing to a concert with jeans and boots or out for drinks.

Channel your inner Stevie Nicks in this boho-fantasy style Enchanted Top.   This top has a delicate ruffled, deep-scoop neckline and a hankerchief hemline, with  fit-and-flow, bell sleeves for an added Renaissance touch.

Looking to add the Enchanted Top to your closet? Click here to shop now!

Looking for more styles? Visit our New Arrivals for the latest and greatest in contemporary plus size fashion by clicking here!

Candy for your closet!!! Every 30 min we’ll post the name of a Facebook Fan to redeem a special Halloween Treat… A $25 coupon for your closet! Alicia Thompson
you are it! Email me at Laura@swakdesigns.com. We’ll post another name in 30 min… So keep watching. Happy Halloween all!

Recently, on our Facebook page, a fan chimed in that the support and sense of community she felt on our page gave her the courage to post a full body picture of herself. Wow. What a compliment!

Scroll  through your own photo albums. Your cell phone, your Facebook wall, your family pictures. How many full body photos are there of you? Are there disproportionately more shots of you from the waist or neck up  than strutting in your full body glory?

SWAK friend and confidence crusader Jessica Kane has done something remarkable. In her journey to inspire other women to be confident in their own skin, she has started the Full Body Photo Project. With it, she encourages plus size women to be liberated… From the neck down. Her aim? For plus size women everywhere to show THEMELSVES, and not simply focus on the famous head shot.

Recently, her project made it front and center in USA today! Take a minute enter and show your support. Liberate your full body photo!!

-          S

I wasn’t always as plus size as I am now. As a kid, I was bordering on being fluffy. I was adorable, if you want the truth- all blonde and smiley and stuff. In high school, I may have been a bigger than my peers but I was athletic. I was a varsity swimmer, did some track etc. I could still shop in straight size stores—just in the larger sizes. It wasn’t till college that I safely entered the plus zone sans wiggle room. In that precious 18-22 year old time, I was a terrible dresser. Awful. Partially because I hadn’t development my own sense of style yet… But partially because I didn’t have access to great clothes. So I made do.

I’m sure some of you reading this have been there as well.  So, I was struck by the issue of plus size clothes for kids that folks have been talking about lately. As it turns out, Sears has a line of “Pretty Plus” clothes for girls ages 7-12. The styles are the exact same ones as offered to regular sizes—and sold in the EXACT same areas of the stores as straight sizes for kids.  It isn’t only Sears jumping on the train. According to the article,  “Gap, Old Navy and The Children’s Place all offer plus-sized clothing for girls as young as three, but, according to “Today,” the term “plus” is merely how retailers recognize roomier sizes. As the industry term has clearly entered the mainstream and more and more children are looking for age appropriate clothes for their body shape, the discussion has moved from fit to psyche. Some parents and industry insiders even wonder if “plus size” is the right term at all when it comes to kids’ clothes.”I don’t really enjoy the word ‘plus.’ I’d rather them just put numbers like they do for other kids,” says Morgan Joseph, an 11-year-old who struggles to find fashionable, age appropriate clothes at 5 foot 11 inches.”

In the article, a mother of a 2-year-old daughter that “veers on the tall side” seems to think that its the plus size label that’s problematic. “A child being able to have the same clothes that everyone else their age is wearing is a great thing. However, you’re attaching a label to it like ‘plus-size’ and this child is seeing that from an early age. Will they feel like they’re still different from everyone else?”

Personally? Well, I couldn’t tell you. It’s not really for me to say. Do I love the idea that girls can go through life dressing and not having to feel any different than their friends? YES! Absolutely, I love it. Does it concern me that kids are overweight at earlier stages of their life than ever before? YES! Absolutely. Do I think, as that awkward 18 year old, I would have loved to have worn a cute outfit to sorority rush- and not had to make do with a bulky sweater vest from the mens section of J. Crew? For sure. Do I think it can ONLY be a good thing that more children grow up feeling empowered and inclusive with others in their age group? For sure.

Do you have any thoughts? Let me know!

-          S

I read an article today saying that Saturday Night Live will have its first ever plus size ever “featured performer” this season. This both shocked me…And didn’t faze me at all. Over the years lots of awesome gals have been cast members. Gilda Radner, Jane Curtain, Cheri Oteri, Molly Shannon. But when I thought of each one I just kind of nodded my head… Oh yeah, NONE of them were plus size.

It will be interesting to see how Saturday Night Live treats this new gal. Her name is Aidy Bryant and she certainly has comedy chops. She trained with iO Chicago, Annoyance Theater and was a member of Second City E.TC. Stage in Chicago.

Aidy Bryant

So here’s what I’m wondering… Will Aidy be just another woman ensemble member? Or will she be “the big girl” in the cast? Will they write generic, women-centric skits for her? Or will she be written, again and again, jokes about her size? Do “funny women” transcend their body? Or are they defined by them?

In 2008 when Hillary Clinton ran for president, I remember thinking to myself “ well, if any woman could make people forget she’s a woman, it’s her.” Political beliefs aside—my point was simple. I believed Hillary to be a strong enough politician that she would make people forget she was a woman and, instead, just identify her as a statesman. Or think about George Clooney- so handsome, but such a great actor that we can forget how uber hot he is.

I hope Aidy is a sharp comedian. One that is so good that people forget she’s a bigger woman and, instead, just day “damn, she’s funny.” And I hope that Saturday Night Live writes her all sorts of skits where she plays all sorts of rolls. Anybody remember the famous skit with Gilda Radner and Steve Martin seeing each other across the bar, dancing to swelling Frank Sinatra music? The time could be for a remake. And, I’m hoping Aidy is the one to do it… I’ll be tuning in to welcome her.

How about you? Will you be watching Aidy? Are you a loyal SNL’r? Are you more likely to watch now that they’ll feature a plus size comedian? Tell me your thoughts!
- S

Who doesn’t love a great sale? Believe me, I do! There are certain brand’s I’ll set  the alarm for to get a great deal…Our Pink Hanger sale is a massive seasonal blowout! As we get ready for Fall, we’re “saying goodbye” to a bunch of our beautiful summer stock to make room for new stuff. Which means YOU can shop at great prices! But, how do you know what to buy? Do you just go for a great deal OR make sure the item is one you can wear into the next season? I’ve scoured the sale ricks and picked out 10 items not to miss this Pink Hanger Sale. So sit back, ready your clicker finger, and enjoy!

You’re going to see a couple of  tie-dye items on this list. Not only is tie-dye vivid and colorful, but it comes back season after season in trend. There’s no doubt that, whatever cool tie-dye pieces you get this season, can be worn into Fall and  then next Spring and Summer! Callie is a great top because it’s sexy and flirty. The knot is super flattering. It skims over your hips. I’ve seen this top work just as well on a pear shaped with large hips as it does on somebody with a large bust. If you were hesitant to get this top because of price, now is your chance! Try it now with sandals and then wear it with jeans, tall boots and a long cardigan for Fall.

Shop the Callie Plus Size Top Now 

I LOVE this cami. OMG! I’ve been a big fan of this style since its inception. I bought it for myself in multiple solid colors… But, when this came in? Oh my! First off, the print is totally on trend. Bright blue with accents of teal and coral in the navajo-style print? So on point. Even greater than that- cause trend is only useful to me if it’s wearable- is how many ways you can wear this. Its a great, lightweight layering piece! Wear it alone while it’s still warm, or throw on a cardi when it gets cooler. Belt it or wear it flowy… So many ways you can make this work!

Shop the Pretty Plus Size Cami Now 

There are a couple of Vienna print items on this list. Don’t be scared of the color– believe me, a print like this can be JUST as flattering as any black or solid number! The colors are stunning- taupe, mushroom, vanilla and blush– but what is truly fantastic here is the shape of this dress. It’s classic yet a bit 70′s disco. The bust area is so flattering, the three-quarter sleeves make this dress almost seasonless. Love it!

Shop the Vienna Empress Plus Size Dress Now 

Our Evangaline print items FLEW off the shelves this Summer. This is your last chance to score such a vivid, lush and beautiful print. And in a classic, wrap-style dress? For under $50? What’s not to love! Run, don’t walk, to adding this to your shopping cart.

Shop the Evangaline Wrap Plus Size Dress Now 

If you are lucky to be one of the few sizes we have left in this dress—- get it… Now! LOL. The delicate lace-inspired print is both feminine and with a bit of edge. Wear it now, wear it in the Winter, and pull it out again next Spring. For under $50 this is one of the best maxi dresses we offer!

Shop the Chantilly Maxi Plus Size Dress Now 

We all know the appeal of the Little Black Dress… But a style like this in our graceful Vienna print? Unexpected and totally sexy. In this shape, I see this dress being very Grace Kelly-esque. Classic glamor that shows off your curves. Again, the chance to score a super cocktail dress for under $50? Awesome!\

Shop the Vienna Cocktail Plus Size Dress Now 

I can get in trouble for saying this… But if you buy ONE piece this sale—— you MUST GET THIS DRESS! LOL.  Seriously. What are you waiting for. Go now. Run. Click your fingers faster than lightning.First off, who doesnt need a go-to black dress? This one comes in electric pink also, by the way. Sophisticated. Stylish. Sexy. Flattering. I can’t say enough how much I LOVE this dress. Again, at under $50, buy it now and wear it again and again and again and again…. For reals. <grin>

Shop the Shelby Empress Plus Size Dress Now 

You know  those times when you just want a “little something” to wear and throw over a basic piece? This is it. Feminine, graceful chiffon ties just under your bust. Flowing sleeves. A shape that skims your curves. In two lovely floral prints. For under $30. Buy it now, wear it into Fall and  then take it out again next Summer. I own two!

Shop the Paige Chiffon Plus Size Kimono Now 

The second tie-dye print on this list. I selected it because its versatile, cute, flirty and fun. SWAK has been making this body for a year and a half and there is a reason why– it looks great on everybody!

Shop the Essential Tank Plus Size Dress Now 

I will keep this simple. Gorgeous maxi dress. Under $50. Buy it now, wear it a couple of times… And bring it back for next Spring .Consider it a jump start on your wardrobe next year. OR the perfect piece to take on your Winter vacation!

Shop the Bonnie Maxi Plus Size Dress Now 

Our Pink Hanger Sale lasts through September 3rd. Shop online at www.swakdesigns.com for great deals site wide. No coupons or codes. Just great savings!

October is just around the corner!  While some of us are raking leaves, many folks are signing up for any of the myriad of walks, relays and marathons to support various Cancer organizations throughout the country.  If you’re looking for a way to show your support for the fight against Cancer, we’ve got a fun and fashionable way to do it!  Save the ta-tas® tees!  SWAK Designs is the only licensee of women’s plus size tees in cheeky, sassy and outspoken style.  Our tees are offered in sizes 1X-6X and are a great fashionable way to show your support for a friend or loved one or, simply, to support a great cause.

“Save the ta-tas®”

SWAK currently offers seven styles of ta-tas® tees!

From the classic “Save the ta-tas®” style to the naughty  “Caught You Lookin’ at my ta-tas” or even “I Love my Big ta-tas” or “My ta-tas are kind of a Big Deal”.

With each purchase of a ta-tas Brand® Tee, a donation is made to The Save the Ta-tas® Foundation to aid in funding independent cancer research.  Currently, The Save the Ta-tas® Foundation is funding 4 independent cancer researchers, with the hopes of funding another this year.  With help from SWAK Designs and your purchases, we can help in making this happen. To date, the Foundation has raised over $800,000.

‘I Love My Big Tata

You can make a purchase by visiting: http://www.swakdesigns.com/plus-size/s-84-save-the-tatas.aspx.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (866) 432-6497 or by email at

                              support@swakdesigns.com.

“Caught You Lookin at my Tatas”

The whole point of Project Plus is to find one person, every month, that deserves a mini-SWAK wardrobe. This month, Jessica was so inspired by the stories of those who entered that we decided to pick not one, but TWO people to win! In addition to our winner, SWAK allowed Jessica to reward another inspiring entrant with a SWAK dress to help her along her fashion journey…

Without further ado, lets announce  the winners!

When asked why she made  the winning selections she did…

Congratulations to our two winners for round two! Choosing a winner of the second round of Project Plus was harder than I could imagine. When I asked for stories from women who had either gained or lost weight and needed some style back in their wardrobe, never did I expect to connect with our two winners like I did. The reason I had wanted this to be the theme was because I was going through a wardrobe hesitation myself after losing around 40 pounds. It’s so hard when you gain or lose weight to spend the money on more clothes, we all too often just make due, which can be a total mood buster.

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do can be to decide you’re worth that new $40 dress. When so many things seem more important, it’s easy to overlook and keep at the end of the priority list your style…but there is truth to the saying – when you look good, you feel good. And I’d rather spend that pedi money on a new outfit that will last!

Your Runner Up Is… Kaitlin Giron

Says Jessica, “Our runner up winner, Kaitlin, and I were obviously separated at birth! She had always been a bigger girl, but after high school the weight crept up. She eventually was able to focus on her health and drop some weight, but now she needs clothes! I’m so proud of Kaitlin for her progress and success and can’t wait to see her SWAK Dress.”

Here is Kaitlins story:

I have always been a thick girl but after I graduated from high school I slowly started gaining weight. I gained 80 pounds and I felt miserable. I felt ugly even though my Fiancee always assured me otherwise. I remember telling myself “I will never let myself be over 300 pounds!” I went up to 331 pounds. That’s when I told myself that I needed a change. I wasn’t healthy and I was physically ill. Not to mention, I am getting married in 3 months and I need to feel super sexy on that day! I started watching my calorie intake and excersizing regularly…I have lost a total of 52 pounds since February 2012 and I feel fantastic! The image I included is me on Christmas 2011 (left) and me June 2012 (right).

I love to shop and now I enjoy it so much more! I went from a size 22/24 to an 18/20. I donated a lot of my clothes but now I am left with very few articles of clothing. I hate shopping sometimes because I am between sizes and sometimes a 1x fits me perfect while sometimes it doesn’t fit at all.

And, Your Winner Is…  Tamara Jackson

Says Jessica, “When I read Tamara’s story, my heart ached for her and reminded me of the place I was when I recently lost my grandfather. After losing her brother so suddenly, she sought solice in food during her grieving, and although she’s feeling better now…she admitted to dealing with “Mysteriously Shrinking Clothes”. She has been through and given up so much that Tamara deserves her new mini SWAK wardrobe. It’s easy to think that clothes are just clothes, but the right clothes can instantly change your mood and these items are sure to make Tamara smile.”

Here is Tamara’s story:

On Jan. 12, I got a phone call at work from Kristina, my brother’s girlfriend. It was one of those moments when you know something is awry. About 51 days earlier, she had given brith to an amazingly beautiful littler girl named Delaney. My brother text messaged me and I could feel his new found pride as a father just seeping through the phone. Moments after I congratulated him, I got the news that he wanted me to be her Godmother. Needlesstosay, I was over the moon. I have no children of my own yet, so having ties and resposibilites to this angel meant everything to me ontop of his admission of the amout of trust he had for me.

Then Kristina called me, she explained that Delaney had a doctor’s appointment that day and as they were prepping to go to the doctor’s office, Dominic was not feeling so well, and even after some coaxing, refused to go to the doctor until the baby’s appointment had been taken care of. Snow had fallen in St. Louis earlier, so he went out to clean off and warm-up the car…only he didn’t return. Kristina went to look for him and found him in the car passed out. She was able to jostle him awake only to hear him utter, “Don’t freakout, but I can’t move.”

Emergency services were called and somewhere between home and the hospital, his heart stopped. At around 12:02 p.m. On Jan 12, 2012, my brother and best friend passed away.

I tried to be a rock for Kristina and the baby as best I could, but I cannot count the number of times that I have broken down in loud sobs and audible pleas to God to just bring him back. I never thought when Delaney was born that my responsibility would be to teach this precious little girl about her dad; that he wouldn’t be here for her to know or teach her on her own. I grew up without my father and have vowed to never let her experience the pain and sorrow I have.

Like many, I have sought solice in food during my grieving. Thus, I have gained some (ok, a little more than some) weight and my clothes, as much as I would like to say the dryer shrank them, have gotten tight(er) or I have outgrown them completely. I can’t say that I am done grieving I don’t think I ever will be. I am getting better, though…even with the “Mysteriously Shrinking Clothes”. To ensure I am completely here for them, I have placed grad school on hold-these girls are my life and focus right now. Their happiness is paramount to me. There will always be a Dominic-sized hole in my life an heart, but I also know that I have a guardian angel looking out for me just as I would for him and as I do for his daughter.

Stay tuned for Round 3 of Project Plus. Till then, follow us on Facebook here or learn more about Confidence Crusader Jessica Kane.

Behind every great Athlete, Employee, Friend and Individual stands an inspiring parent and/or parent figure. We want to hear your story about how one of your parents has inspired you to be the person you are today. For one week, we’re inviting you to give a special shout-out to the parental figure that has inspired YOU and enter to win $25 SWAK Bucks!

To start off the Inspiring Blog Entries, we have included 3 SWAK Staff members inspirational stories about their Mothers:  

Jessica – a 28 year old SWAK Team Member working in Marketing and Sales: My mom is the most incredible woman I have ever known. She was Girl Scout leader, field trip chaperone and team mom – anything so we and all the other kids could do activities.  All that on top of being rule maker/enforcer, tutor, counselor, tailor, and nurse at home.

Jessica & Momma Debi

She has three children, ranging in age from 25-29 (that’s me!) and she is always “there” for all of us. She is smart, understanding, kind and non-judgmental.  All the “stuff” she did was to show us how to love more than you are loved so there will always be enough to go around, give more than you get so everyone always has enough to get by, and put your heart into anything that’s worth taking the time to do. She told me mothers are never perfect, but figuring out what to do is easier if you try to remember every foot prints you leave will very likely be followed.  She inspires me to live a life of service and strength.  She is all that is beauty and light and is the definition of what a mother is, can and should be.

Sarah – Director of Marketing and Creative Development:  My mother, Laurie, is the unsung hero of my life. Supporting my crazy dreams hasn’t always been easy—I know she would love for me to live back on the East Coast closer to her—but she has always done a spectacular job at supporting my independent spirit. Her warmth and humor would be an inspiration to anybody. From ice skating lessons to singing lessons, she tirelessly supported any activity I wanted to peruse. And, at the age of 24, when I decided pretty quickly to  move cross country, she helped me pack my bags.

Tears were shed when I left but she’s always allowed me to put my dreams first and given me the space I’ve needed to grow into the woman I am while remaining available for a phone pow wow any time needed, day or night. For that, I will always be thankful.  She also looks super cute in SWAK clothes! LOL.

PS- Check out the hand poses in this photo… Clearly unintentional but yup, we’re obviously related LOL.

Laura – SWAK Customer Service and Marketing Assistant:  I couldn’t possibly count the number of ways my mother inspires me. She’s my best friend, she’s caring, she’s driven, she’s strong willed, she’s insane, she is beautiful and most of all, she is loving.

My mother inspires me by being a friend to strangers, family to her friends and everything to her family. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to simply find happiness. Because of her, I am not afraid to take risks, try new things, meet new people and to seek out what makes me happy.

How to Enter:

1. Comment on this blog post with an inspiring story about one of your parents and how they influenced the person you are today.
2. One winner will be chosen at random on August 10^th to receive $25 SWAK Bucks

*Contest starts on Wednesday August 1st and ends on Wednesday August 8^th at 11:59pm PST. Winner will be announced on Friday August 10th*

Athletes strive for their best, pushing the limits of their training, and reaching for the gold. When they excel, they often break records, beating the best times, scores  and competition.

This summer, when athletes break records—you get a chance to save!

Every world record broken during the summer games means medal worthy savings for you.

Now through August 12^th we’re putting one SWAK item on sale for 50% off, each time a World Record is broken!

Each sale will last 48 hours, for retail customers only.

Check back on our blog, twitter and facebook for daily updates and to find out what item will be 50% off. Sale for retail customers only.

Every four years, the finest athletes in the world gather together in a display of showmanship and talent that leaves us astounded. In honor of this momentous occasion, SWAK is launching its very  own SWAK Style Summer Games!

For 16 days, you will be able to vote on our styles and be eligible to win a mini-summer wardrobe. Swimming? Volleyball? Gymnastics? They have events.. So do we! The occasions that define our summer-lives like weddings, barbeques, picnics etc.

We want to know… What SWAK styles will YOU select to win our Summer Style Games? Join us for our first ever Pinterest promotion. Here’s how:

Ready to start pinning? Our first event starts TODAY! First up? Summer Weddings! We’re offering you five dresses to compete for the winner of Best Wedding SWAK Summer Style! Visit us on Pinterest here to get going and you could win a mini-Summer wardrobe!

Still have questions? Leave them here or email us for more information.

Happy pinning and… May the games begin!

Find Us On Pinterest Here:

http://pinterest.com/swakdesigns/summer-style-games-2012/

What is Color Blocking?

Basically put, it is making an outfit that is visually comprised of chunks of color. Blocks of color. Literally. The outfit can be anything you like to wear. A dress that uses color. A top and slacks. Jeans and cute shoes. Anything. Color blocking is probably one of the EASIEST trends out there to play with.

How Do I Color Block?

You can color block lots of different ways…

Chances are you have already color blocked and don’t know it. If you’ve ever worn a contrasting color shoe to a great dress, for example, you’ve probably color blocked. An easy way to start is to pick an outfit that uses two colors in it  that you like OR pick two items in your closet that are each a solid color that you feel go together. A red dress with purple shoes. A teal dress with green shoes. A pair of red capri’s with a coral colored tank top. All of these are examples. But, if you want to break it down father, your answer lays in the color wheel.

-Simple Colors: Try pairing two colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. For example, red with purple or blue with green. If you’re feeling really daring, mix in a third color piece.

-Complimentary Colors: Two colors that are on opposite sides of the wheel can combine too really “pop”! Like blue and orange, or purple and yellow. Just avoid green and red (unless you’re celebrating Christmas in July!).

-Neutrals: If you’re a little nervous about wearing such vibrant colors from head to toe, start with combining one bright piece with a neutral shade. White, black, beige or grey compliment and exaggerate brighter colors.

Remember, keep accessories neutral or use a neutral pattern (maybe a leopard print scarf?). Try monochromatic shoes or bracelets while you figure out what color blocking methods work best for you.

The two newest arrivals at SWAK are perfect for anyone ready to shine in bright, bold colors. The Cassandra Two Tone Maxi and Sandy Two Tone Top can help you feel out your color blocking limits. Black with Mushroom, Magenta with Pink and Teal with Taupe – what color combination makes you feel your brightest?

Shop all of the latest SWAK items today. Just click this link.

See and repin our Newest Arrivals on Pinterest

Want sneak peeks of more upcoming products? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Without any further ado, here is Kiah’s Project Plus story!The assignment? Share your funniest Mom-Wardrobe moment! My 10 year old daughter and I are total besties and she pretty much says the God’s honest truth about everything concerning my attire. I love to have fun with fashion and so you never really know what I’m going to be wearing from day to day. There are days that I pick my daughter up from school and she welcomes me with open arms and then there are days I pick her up and she jumps in the back seat, ducks down and prays that no one sees her with me! lol One Sunday we were super late for church and I put on a new pair of tights only to realize that they were too small. The waist pretty much ended at around half of my butt!! My daughter walked in to the room, fell to the ground and was rolling around laughing! I did not think it was funny at all because a.) I had wasted my money on the wrong size and b.) we were late. In a panic I slipped on my Spanx shorts (thinking they would hold up my too small tights), threw on my dress and left. We walked into church and as I entered the row to sit down my daughter (who was behind me) said “Mom, what is that big bump in the back of your dress!!” The entire church got silent!!! I made my way to the bathroom and my tights were pretty much only holding in place at the crotch area. The waist had rolled down under my butt and around my hips!! Of course my dress was form fitting so you could see every little lump and bump!!! That had to be my funniest and most embarrassing fashion story! LOL

Kiah looking great in an outfit of her own! Can’t wait to see this gal sport some SWAK!

Jessica has picked three outfits from SWAK just for Kiah. We can’t wait to see how she rocks them! Congratulations, Kiah!

Have you entered the second round of Project Plus? Check out Jessica’s next assignment here!

Want to learn more about Confidence Crusader and overall awesome blogger, Jessica Kane? She’s the voice behind Project Plus! Check out her blog here.

 Blogger Panel and Curves, Connections & Cocktails

Tulin and Marie at the Blogger Panel

Another full and fantastic day at Full Figured Fashion Week has concluded! Started the day Bright and early by attending the Blogging 101 Panel. It was great to see so many eager women interested in spreading positive, enthusiastic messages about plus fashion! Hear the always wise and wonderful Madeline Figueroa Jones and Tulin Reid from Plus Model Magazine, as well as designer Marina Zelnar and blogger Alissa from Stylish Curves. The panel was moderated by Marie Denee, the Curvy Fashionista, who has truly created a wonderful, thriving and blog of her own. While I was there, I also met some beautiful and totally cool bloggers I can’t wait to be able to work with!

Wearing the Essential Tank Dress

To the blogger panel, I wore my Essential Tank Dress in coral and a denim jacket. Gals, I cant tell you HOW much I love this dress. Again, so cute, so comfy… And I got so many compliments! Run, don’t walk to the site to get it. LOL.

I must admit that, after the panel, I came back to the hotel to do some work… Yes, even out of the office I’m always working! Have to check in, see what’s going on and answer emails. I miss the office! J

Getting Interviewed for Skorch TV

To the events this evening, I wore our Dafni Dress in plum with my trusty denim jacket. I mixed and mingled at the “Curves, Connections & Cocktails” event and  then to the launch party of Skorch TV! I love the gals at Skorch. So genuine, so sweet and totally representing plus size fashionistas! While there, I was interviewed by Rosie Mercado- who, no joke, gets more and more beautiful each time I see her—who is such a class act!

Caught on the street!

It’s 11:30 pm and I’m trying this out and bundling my pictures up. Tired but totally exhilarated. I can’t wait to be able to compose my thoughts with a clear head and tell you just what participating in FFFWeek means to me!

Till tomorrow…

Sarah

White Party Recap

Hi all!

What a fantastic event to kick off Full Figured Fashion Week! The white party was a blast…

Me! Attempting a cute pose all dressed and ready to go.

Started the day by checking into our hotel room. In typical NYC style, our room is super small but awesome. Between my roomie Jenn and I, there are clothes everywhere! Spanx were hanging from the air conditioner, makeup and bobby pins on the desk, shoes piled on the floor… Oh my!

Jenn and I both wore SWAK for the evening. She wore our Dafni Dress in white with her hair in a nice, tight bun. I wore our Essential Tank Dress in a custom white color I had made for the event. I paired it with a thick, brown leather belt and our Amber Shrug in a mushroom color that will be on sale by the end of June. I kept my footwear comfy with Grecian-inspired sandals, piled my hair on my head in a messy bun and did a smokey eye for a bit of edge.

Romies! All ready for the White Party!

Was able to meet up with Jessica from Sydney’s Closet. What a sweetheart! And then the three of us made it down to the boat by 7 pm. I met up with the awesome (and really, I mean AWESOME) gals from Sonsi! These gals are the real deal- love working with them. The boat left the dock at 8 pm… And we “set sail” for an evening cruise around Manhattan complete with dancing, drinks and a Big & Tall Male Fashion Show! Plenty of great times were had by all. It was wonderful to mix and mingle with such a great. Had a chance to bump into the beautiful, outspoken and stylish Jessica Kane, the team of Plus Model Magazine including Reah Norman, Tulin Reid and Maddy Figueroa Jones. Met  a slew of beautiful bloggers.. And even ran into a SWAK fan or two! Found a gal totally rocking our Anastasia Maxi Dress in white looking killer! She paired the dress with a cropped denim jacket (ya’ll know how I love a denim jacket!) and chunky necklace.

Aussie Model Samantha Morris and Jessica Kane

Love this gals look!

With SWAK fan, Cheryl

The cruise finished up about 11 pm. Our small gang got back to the hotel and proceeded to camp it out, girl-talking, eating munchies and chatting about the night…

I would write more but it’s already 2:12 am and I’m exhausted! Looking forward to another fantastic day tomorrow. Follow us on Facebook  and Instagram at username SWAKDesigns to keep up with photos and pics live!

Sarah

In the cab with Jenn and Jessica!

Sarah’s Full Figure Fashion Week Scoop!

Adventures in Packing

Let’s be honest. Packing stinks. Unless you are great at packing. Which I, frankly, am not. Some people are. I envy them.  I am a notorious over packer. I bring way too much and usually end up wearing the same few things again and again. I try desperately to plan outfits out in advance…

This trip, I was convinced to win the packing war. First off, I knew I had a number of events that all required unique outfits so I would have to be strategic in my selections. Second off, I didn’t want to drag around a bunch of stuff I wouldn’t end up using… So, between Full Figured Fashion Week activities and few personal plans, I would need a number of outfits.

My requirements were simple.

1)      Comfort: I don’t like wearing things I can’t wear for hours. So, comfort is important to me.

2)      Versatility: Can I take outfits from day to night? From casual to dressy? I need items that can work for a bunch of different dressing scenarios.

3)      Easy-to-pack: When you are on the go, you never know what kind of access to an iron you will have so wrinkle-safe garments are key.

Any item that would make it into my suitcase would have to meet at least two of the three requirements.

I started my planning by looking at what great, reliable SWAK items I already had in my closet… And then I looked at what was currently in store to fill in the gaps. Here is a list of what I’ve packed this go around.

Tops:

On any and every trip of length I always (and yes, I mean ALWAYS- you can hold me to this) take at least one of our Open Cardiagns and an Amber Shrug. Why? Because they are UBER versatile, lightweight and easy to layer over oodles styles. This trip, I took our 1.) Open Cardigan in Pink Passion and the Magenta from last season. I also grabbed our 2.) Amber Shurg in two of our new Summer colors- a mushroom and a really stunning magenta! (Don’t worry, they will be for sale in a few short weeks!) I also packed two of our 3.) Pretty Cami’s- one in Black and one in Pink Passion. I won’t leave home without a 4.) Perfect Camisole in Black and White because you never know when you will need one. For pure comfort, I also packed our brand new 5.) Mia Top- an easy-to-wear kimono top in Black- another top that will be hitting our website by the end of the month! I also grabbed our 6.) Seville Cami.

In addition to this, I packed one (yes, really) only one non-SWAK top for outdoor wear; a loose-knit sweater pullover from Macys. And, of course, one or two tank tops to sleep in.

Bottoms:

I keep my bottoms simple. Two pairs of jeans – one bootcut and one skinny jeggings—and a pair of comfortable black pull on pants. Right now, I’m totally digging our new 7.) Essentail Bootcut Pants. They are comfortable perfection and can take you from day to night in their soft knit. I heart them.

Can't forget shoes!

Dresses:

Summer in NYC means one thing- humidity. Therefore, I’m a big fan of sundresses. Depending on the duration I’m wearing the dress and what I’ll be doing in it, I’ll either throw on some Spanxs or not. The absolute most versatile dress that we sell right now is our 8.) Essential Tank Dress. It is the perfect dress. Flattering. Comfortable. Virtually wrinkle-free. And can totally take you from day to night and back again. I packed ours in THREE colors- black, and the beautiful peachy orange coral color we have. I also had it made in white for the famous Full Figured Fashion Week White Party!  I’ll need some dressier pices as well so, I added two brand new styles about to debut (coming by the end of June!) on SWAK; our 9.) Shelby Empress Dress in black  and also in the Vienna print. And, just in case I needed an additional look, I packed our 10.) Dafni Dress in Plum.

Misc:

Of course, I brought a few more things. You’ve heard me tell you me before how much I love a good denim jacket—and I brought mine for this trip as well. Undergarments, shoes, a whole bunch of jewelry ALL made it into one suitcase.

Want to see what outfits I wear every day? See if I actually USE what I packed? Did I overpack or hit the nail on the head? Only the week will tell! Watch our blog, Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram for pics and my next blog post…

Today, Tuesday, I’m off to spend a nice personal day with one of my best friends from college… Pics to follow!!

Sarah

Sarah’s Full Figure Fashion Week Scoop! 

An Introduction 

By now, you’ve probably heard at least some of the buzz about Full Figure Fashion Week. If you haven’t, then here’s a 30 second explanation:  designers, models, bloggers an industry peeps all gather together for four days of events, fashion fun and runway shows!

Stiletto Siren and so many other amazing bloggers attend!

Over the next week or so, you’ll be able to read my adventures in NYC and get a little glimpse into the outfits I’m wearing.

Mostly because… I am JUST like you. I struggle with packing, fight the evil battle of comfy vs cute shoes and debate just how much thigh-friction I can allow per outfit and occasion.

    

Last Years White Party!

Full Figure Fashion Week

Me with some of fun and fashionable attendees from previous years.

So, what can you do?

- Follow me! Watch our Facebook page HERE for status updates, pictures and links to other social media stuffs.

- Check out Tumblr Page HERE for quick picks, and trip-related inspiration.

- Follow us on Instagram at SWAKDesigns for trip-picks with that famous Instagram look. See who I’m hanging with and what I’m doing…

And, read our blog! I’ll be sharing info on a  daily basis!

First up? A full report on WHAT I packed! With an entire selection of SWAK to choose from, what styles made it into my suitcase? Find out tomorrow!

Sarah

]]> http://style.swakdesigns.com/sarahs-fff-week-scoop-an-introduction/feed/ 0 http://style.swakdesigns.com/country-grace-meet-sarah/ http://style.swakdesigns.com/country-grace-meet-sarah/#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:23:23 +0000 Laura http://style.swakdesigns.com/?p=1390 …

There’s only one word to describe working with Kelsey: Awesome! Kelsey is fantastic to work with. She knows her body and how to work it. She has an “up for anything” attitude which makes her a creative director dream come true. We know we can count on her to be willing to try new poses, new set up’s and new looks. On a totally different note, when you work with Kelsey the laughs don’t stop! We even spotted Kelsey doing the Cha Cha Slide while in hair and makeup… And by “spotting” we really mean we did it right along with her! We love Kelsey and are proud to have her on our site.
Here are her answers to our Country Grace questions!

Name: Kelsey Olson
Profession: Model
Years in the Biz: 8 years

What look (if any) from the shoot would you swipe for your own closet, why and where would you wear it?
It would definitely have to be the gorgeous pink Signature Anastasia Maxi Dress that I got to wear! It was so comfortable, but really sexy at the same time. I love the colors it come in too! I can’t wait to get in navy blue ! ::wink:: ::wink::

My favorite thing about being a model is…
Meeting the people that I get to work with on a shoot.
I have worked with the team of SWAK before and I have such an amazing fun time! Sometimes you forget you working, just hang out with friends, and then you see these amazing photos and beautiful clothing… definitely my favorite part.

What was the best moment of the day for you? 
The whole day was awesome… but my favorite part would be when Sarah expressed how happy she was with how everything turned out. That makes me feel like I did a great job as well as everyone that worked on this shoot. Wait… and the fact that I got to walk around a beautiful horse in 5 inch high heels… I mean that something you dont do everyday.

So… What’s it like to shoot with SWAK?
I mentioned before that it is like hanging out with friends. I think the creative process is a lot of fun. The ideas that are brought to the table are very exciting. I like to find out the vision for the shoot and the fact that they care about my opinion, I think that is great. I also get to work with a long time friend Michael Anthony, which is always a good time. Working for SWAK has been such a good experience and I’m excited to continue to work with them!!

PS- Here’s a shot of Kelsey hanging with the horses in between setups!

Michael is the ringer pro you can count on to deliver when you need great shots. He is personable, funny with a naughty sense of humor and super easy going. We love the vibe he brings to the set! He is wonderful to collaborate with and really “hears” what we are looking for. With years and years of experience working in the plus biz, he really understands how to work with models to get them looking the best they can look!

Here are his thoughts about being part of the Country Grace team!

Name:  Michael Anthony Hermogeno of 8x10proofs.com
Profession:  Part time photographer, full time foodie

What was your favorite setup of the day?  
My favorite looks of the day were the set ups with the stable and horses.  The look and styling of Jenn’s set was retro and iconic.  Without looking typically pinup, it had a classic Western vibe to it.  Kelsey in the open field with the horse was just dynamic and striking.  Both looks were stunning in their own rights, and equally impactful.  My favorite setup  of the day, the snack bar of fruits and muffins!!!

But my favorite shot of the day, if I had to pick just one is… 
My favorite single shot has to be the shot of the girls along the tree line, with the setting sun piercing through from behind them.  It has a very mainstream look to it and the girls’ expressions are timeless and breathtakingly confident.

My favorite thing about being a photographer is…
Seeing and feeling the impact of a shot live and in person.  My second favorite thing is the great lunches on set!!!

Best moment of the day? 
Best moment of the day is when we yell, “That’s a wrap!!!”  because it means we have another great shoot locked down and in the bag.

How would you describe your creative process for this shoot? 
What creative process? I just point and shoot.  It’s the team and models who bring the beauty before my camera.  I just aim and shoot to capture that beauty.

What’s it like to shoot with SWAK?
I love shooting for SWAK because of the great vibe on set.  No drama, no tension, no nonsense.  I don’t have patience for all that mess, so it’s great when we can just team up, do our thing, and have fun on set.

Want to see more of Micheal’s work? Visit his website by clicking here to see!

Here’s her thoughts on working with SWAK for Country Grace!

Name: Brittany Sullivan
Profession: Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

What was your favorite setup of the day?
I loved the setup with the horse (CB’s her name). Though I have yet to see the actual frames, it was an absolute beautiful setup to see in person.

What, if any, trends did you play with for the shoot? How would you describe the looks that you created?
We wanted to use flowers in Kelsey and Jenns’ hairstyles to flow with the outdoor ranch location. Taking the location and the overall feel of the colors, fabrics, and theme into consideration, I aimed at creating hairstyles that had a romantically tousled effect, while incorporating flowers and braids.

How would you describe your creative process for this shoot? What where your objectives? Inspirations?  Kelsey and Jenn are both gorgeous models (they’re awesome behind the scenes too!) and I tried to emphasize their beauty while keeping the looks (as) fuss-free (as possible). For both Kelsey and Jenn, I like to enhance their eyes with smokey shadow and yes, we always use faux lashes so please don’t feel inadequate if your natural lashes aren’t looking quite as luscious as our ladies’ do – it’s an illusion ! On Kelsey, I like a flushed pink cheek, on Jenn, bronzer and a berry blush. Both ladies look fantastic in a nude lip (I love nude lips) and for one look I also gave Jenn a red lip. Why? Lipsticks don’t have to be as high-maintenance as you may think. They can pull your look together in a snap and add a little pep to your step – just put on a coat of lipstick and blot blot blot! I love the look of moderately worn-in lipstick – there’s something about a woman being confident enough to let her gloss guard down and forgo the mirror, just enjoy the moment! With all the looks from this shoot, my objective was to maintain a romantic feel that displayed how empowering a woman’s femininity can be.

My favorite thing about being a hair and makeup artist is…
It’s basically my job to fall in love with every single face that I find myself looking into and when I do that I see all the beauty I can emphasize.  Hopefully, I am able to show that person something amazing they might not have noticed about themself or something wonderful they had forgotten.

What was the best moment of the day for you?
I’m not sure the photos of Kelsey and Jenn holding hands while walking merrily down the dirt path will make it to the final product, but these ladies were such great sports. Jenn and Kelsey agreed to hold hands as they pretend-giggled for the 5th grade bff look we were going for…they had just met an hour before. Sarah and I literally acted out what we were picturing (not nearly as gracefully as Jenn and Kelsey).

So, what’s it like to shoot with SWAK?
SWAK shoots generally include a whole lotta blue-based red lipstick (per Sarah’s insistence), more boy-band music than a tween’s ipod, an exorbitant amount of random pop-culture references, laughs ’til the cows come home and of course, a full day’s line-up of actual work The best part? …You just want me to say something mushy here, I can tell… Honestly though, the people behind the brand are fantastic and every person involved in the shoots is positive and down-to-earth.

Want to learn more about Brittany? Visit her website to view her other work by clicking on this link!

When Jenn came to us a year ago, she was brand new to the industry. SWAK was her first real go-see! It was clear she was a natural beauty with stunning curves we knew our customers would relate to. She was raw gem! We are so proud of Jenn and happy to have her model for SWAK. She is a cool and down to earth chick with a great attitude who takes feedback and runs with it… And she is totally gorgeous. There are great things for her future, we know it.

We asked her a few questions about her experience with Country Grace. Here are her answers!

Name: Jenn Purviance
Profession: Stay at home Mom, Part time Model.
Years in the Biz: 1 year.

What look from the shoot would you swipe for your own closet, why and where would you wear it?
I would swipe the pink Anastasia! It is the Summer equivalent to Winter’s tracksuits, cozy and seasonably fashionable. If you know me, you’d know that I always dress for comfort. I really loved that it was breathable and didn’t cling to me. I would wear this around the house, to the park, or even to the Marine Corps Ball! The Navy Blue version of this dress was so elegant when I tried it on! It could totally pass as a formal gown, appropriate for the most upscale events.

My favorite thing about being a model is…
I love sitting in hair and makeup. It is so relaxing! I actually notice how the different brushes are used on my face and their softness; it is like a tranquilizer when they use a good brush hahaha.

What was the best part of the day shooting Country Grace for you?.
I loved interacting with the horses! Aww, they were so cute and friendly I kinda wanted to ditch the shoot and go hang out with them all day!

What’s it like to work with SWAK
1 word describes SWAK: FUN! We spend at least half the day in laughter. There’s lots of chatter and every so often someone busts out dancing or singing in a very tacky manner. (Fun stuff!) Sarah is the most brutally honest person I know and I really admire that in her. Everyone at SWAK has always made me feel right at home, I always leave “work” with a big smile.

Want to connect with Jenn? You can find her on Facebook by clicking this link!

PS- Here’s a funny moment caught on camera!

I am very free to share my opinions about the SWAK clothes I love. What pieces make it into my closet on high rotation, for example. I love things I can wear again and again and again… As stylish as I like to be, for me, comfort trumps it all. The Open Cari is a piece I have in, literally, five colors.

Check out this lovely blog that Jess posted just yesterday about our Open Cardigan.

Thank you for your support, Jess. We cant wait to launch Project Plus in the upcoming weeks!

- S

I read about this gal and her journey. She is literally working to reach her fitness goals and climb a mountain. An actual mountain. And, not just any mountain but Mount Kilimanjaro… Ummm. You go girl!

I dug a bit deeper and found the site for her documentary and watched a ten minute rough clip of her journey… And at the end? Not going to lie. I shed a tear. Why? Because I just watched this woman take a risk, time and again, put herself out there and conquer.

At one point in the clip, there is a moment where Kara and her companions are hiking up to the summit, and they pass another group of travelers. Kara overhears them talking and is convinced they are talking about her, her size, and questioning her ability to hike and climb. A local, explains to her that the group was saying that they were betting she wouldnt be able to make the climb. Kara, undaunted yet clearly vulnerable, asks if they put any money on that bet? Then she says, with totally exposed, raw confidence and determination, this.
“Bet on me…”

Check out a sneak peek of her documentary here!

Whatever your journey or road blocks are, you can reach them. Whether to get a promotion, get healthy, knit a sweater, cook a pot roast, start yoga or whatever your heart desires. One step at a time. One foot in front of the next. You can climb your own mountain.

S

Till then, take a minute to check out her blog where she’s reported back on her photo shoot experience with is!

You can read it by clicking here!

In 2007, Jennifer Hudson wore a gathered and draped navy blue dress to the Golden Globes. I liked the dress so much, I cut a picture of it out of a magazine and stuck it on a corkboard with the vain hopes that, one day, I would have a dress JUST like that.

The Oscars last night brought another “pow” moment for me and The Draped Dress. Octavia Spencer’s white, sparkely, curve-hugging Tadashi Shoji dress was amaze-balls!!

How do I love this? Let me count the ways…
1) The gather under the bust at her midsection is PER-FECT! Look at how it glides under her breasts! How it nips in the waist! How it cocoons over her hips!! I am literally in love.
2) I’m not one to love a high neckline. Mostly because, well, I can’t wear one. (lol) But, I love how the modest neckline of this dress is so elegant yet so sexy. It’s retro, it’s modern, it’s so, SO glam!
3) The cap sleeve is perfection.
4) The color. Is it nude? Is it cream? Is it blush? All I know, is it is a white dress that doesnt look too bride-ariffic.

When I was a little girl my grandmother showed me a collection of cocktail dresses from the 50′s that she had hand beaded. The material had graceful heft to it, and each bead she had sewn on with loving care. She wore one of these dresses to my uncles Bar Mitzvah with elbow-length white gloves and a very Mad Men-esque hairdo.

What did you think of Octavia Spender’s dress? Did it take the cake for you? Do you remember Jennifer Hudson’s dress from 2007?? Over the next few days we’ll all be talking about Oscar fashion- the hits and  the misses. But, for now, I simply want to call out a stunning, classic dress that I personally would kill to wear!

S

Yesterday, we spent the day with plus media gal and Confidence Crusader Jessica Kane and the beautiful and totally fun plus model, Kelsey Olson.

Over the next week or so, I’ll be sharing lots more pictures and details from the shoot. For now, here is a great behind-the-scenes pic of Jessica Kane looking TOTALLY fierce in jeggings, our Perfect Camisole and an Open Cardigan. Love this picture!!

Also… Every wonder what part of an accessory table looks like after a 11 hour day?? Here’s a little peek!! LOL.

How about easy-to-wear fashion? We love our Farrah sweater, and showing Kelsey wearing it in a way that is totally accessible for a life on the go!

More to come soon….

S

I came across this dress when checking out Elena Miro’s recent Fall show during Milan Fashion Week. I caught a glimpse of this from her Spring show for this year– and just about fell OUT of my chair. OMG!! Could I love this dress any more? Doubtful!! Let me count the ways I love this…

1) Color. Color. Color! I’m all about playing with color. And this coming from the New Yorker who only had black in her closet till her mid 20′s!
2) The detail at the waist and the wrap-look.  Could this be any more flattering?Everybody knows I love anything that wraps and drapes….
3) I love what they are doing below with the gold fabric. Way to play with texture.

For ME and my body– there is only one change I would make and that is with the neckline. I would love to see a scoop that would be more flattering to my larger bust. And, obviously, the slit might be a bit high for non-runway wearing.

What do you gals think? Do you like this dress as much as I do?

S

Normally I’m not a personal fan of color-blocking. I can totally appreciate it, though. And I LOVE how she is using it here. The peekaboo slit up the front might make it a bit hard to wear in real life (lol) but this is a clean, sexy and fun. I could also totally see rocking this with black tights and some tall boots…

I’m seriously crushing on this in a million ways… It has a 70′s sort of drapey feel to it, no?

Could this get any sexier or more powerful? I doubt it! I love this long, lean look. And, it would be an easy one for almost any of us to translate in our wardrobes. Well fitted slacks and a slimmer-cut top in a monochromatic color scheme with statement jewerly? I’m there!

White… I have a love / hate relationship with it. Mostly because I can’t wear white without spilling something on myself but… LOL. In the case of the below? With the strong silver accents? I wouldn’t eat or drink a single thing all day to make sure I kept this looking fantastic!

What do you think of these looks? Do you have a favorite? Want to see more? You can find a slide for each look on the Vogue website here! Tell me what your favorite looks are!!

Want to see the collection in motion? Check out the video here!

- S

I saw the news today that Crystal Renn, former plus model– who made headlines after gaining weight and moving from the striaght-size modeling to plus, writing a book about her transformation, then losing weight again and returning to straight-size modeling— is in the next Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition for 2012.

At first, my mind went a gazillion places. I spent a second chastising her for her weight loss– then stopped myself and reminding myself that she has the right to do to her body what she wants to. Just as I have the right to do to mine what I want to… ( Even though she positioned herself as a size advocate in the past– her choice is HER choice. ) And then I saw some of the pictures. The landscape. The light. The way her she used her body to create long, languid and curved lines… And for the first time ever, when looking at Renn’s pictures, I stopped thinking about her current size AND her former size, and just looked at her stunning images. I appreciate them for what they are. Though my body ideal might be a bit more padded, I can still recognize just how beautiful these shots are.

I’m certain her pictures will cause chatter. And that is TOTALLY fine. People always have something to say about the choices of a person in the public eye. That comes with the turf. For me, though, I’m  going to spend my time with a much more positive activity– like wishing I had the funds to go on vacation where she shot her pictures! If I could ever get there, I’d probably attempt the same poses. The result wouldn’t be the same but, I’d have a darn good time trying!! – Sarah

Interested in reading the article I saw? Click here!

I know, I know. I blabber. But, it’s only because I had one of those “oh, man, this is AWE-SOME” moments on Friday. Why? In front of me was an entire bulletin board of brilliant, beautiful shots taken from our most recent photo shoot… And I was working the difficult task of narrowing these already hand-picked shots down to a select, chosen few.

You’ll be seeing these beautiful pictures soon. Don’t worry. I can’t wait to share! Till then, I can only say this…. HOLY COW AM I SO EXCITED!!

Sarah

Our Perfect Layer Knit Vest is the kind of piece we forget  that we really love. It’s low key. It’s reliable. It’s flattering. It supports the rest of your outfit and takes it to a whole different playing field… In short, it’s really, REALLY, versatile!

We’ve put together a little feature called Style’s Vest Friend to show you just how many ways you can wear our Perfect Layer Knit Vest. For a sale price of $24.99… It’s kinda irresistible! Belt it. Wear it open. Dress it up. Dress it down. We’re showing you 5 ways this nifty little garment can put some pep in your fashion step.

As we put our outfits together, we came up with ways we never anticipated. We never would have imagined pairing our vest in cranberry with an all black ensemble would look so chic!

Ready to see some more? Head over to our website to check out the full feature and all our vest style tips! Click here to check out our Style’s Vest Friend feature!

Check out their recent blog post on  Sonsi Living about our last feature.

Thank you, Sonsi!! We look forwards to all great things in the future!!

Though we’d been chatting for ages, I only met Jessica for the first time last year. After a fantastic dinner together—that included melon ball cocktails, appetizers and a delectable dessert—I knew I had met an industry soul mate. Jess is the real deal. She is smart, sassy and 100% committed to helping women feel confident in their own skin. She puts herself on the frontline with her candid and enthusiastic blogging—and, in doing so, aims to spread her message of body-acceptance for all.

It is for this reason that we are thrilled to give you a little tease about what’s in store for SWAK and Jessica Kane! Ok, ok, we’re so excited we’re gushing… But, we’ll be starting a new feature called Project Plus! We won’t spill the details now… But we will soon! Just know  this— we’ll be giving YOU the chance to tell your story and win SWAK Bucks, as Jessica guides readers through their own paths of body/fashion enlightenment.  Her message? Treat yourself well TODAY!

Stay tuned on our formal announcement about Jessica Kane and Project Plus.

Till then…

Sarah

Though we’d been chatting for ages, I only met Jessica for the first time last year. After a fantastic dinner together—that included melon ball cocktails, appetizers and a delectable dessert—I knew I had met an industry soul mate. Jess is the real deal. She is smart, sassy and 100% committed to helping women feel confident in their own skin. She puts herself on the frontline with her candid and enthusiastic blogging—and, in doing so, aims to spread her message of body-acceptance for all.

It is for this reason that we are thrilled to give you a little tease about what’s in store for SWAK and Jessica Kane! Ok, ok, we’re so excited we’re gushing… But, we’ll be starting a new feature called Project Plus! We won’t spill the details now… But we will soon! Just know  this— we’ll be giving YOU the chance to tell your story and win SWAK Bucks, as Jessica guides readers through their own paths of body/fashion enlightenment.  Her message? Treat yourself well TODAY!

Stay tuned on our formal announcement about Jessica Kane and Project Plus.

Till then…

Sarah

Playing up your best assets simply boils down to knowing your shape and being able to choose your wardrobe in order to highlight your best qualities, and minimize those that are less desirable.  Being aware of flattering styles and silhouettes that accentuate your curves will help you embrace your natural shape and work with what you’ve got!

Here are a few tools to arm yourself with that will help you look and feel great, inside and out:
1. Careful with Color
Color can make or break you! Know what colors compliment your skin tone and make you look your best.  Have fun with color, but do not overdue it.  Choosing outfits that are a monochromatic color palette create an overall slimming effect for all body types.  Also, you can add splashes of color to a neutral ensemble to add interest and keep it fresh.  If there is a specific color you are drawn to, chances are it will look great on you, so give it a try!

2. Keep Patterns in Check
A general rule of thumb is that you should always be balanced when embracing prints.  If you are wearing a pattern or vibrant color, it is best balanced with a neutral.  A bright print or color can accentuate your best feature, but head to toe prints can make you look bigger.  If you are smaller on top and have larger hips and thighs, wearing your patterns on top and pairing them with a darker bottom will take attention away from the area and add balance.  If you are larger on top, select a printed or colorful skirt or pant and pair it with a solid neutral plus size top.  Allover prints can work to camouflage, and can be grounded by adding a belt or laying piece.

3. Wear the Right Size & Undergarments
Wearing plus size clothing that is too tight will add attention to the area where the garment is clinging, making that area appear larger.  In contrast, wearing plus size clothing that is too big will add bulk to your silhouette.  Try on garments in a few different sizes, remembering that the number on the tag does not matter because manufacturer sizing is different for every brand.  Your clothing should always closely follow the contours of your shape and enhance your curves.  Also, wearing the right bra and shaper will ensure that every garment will appear smooth and lay properly on the body.  Choose a shaper that works best with whatever part of your body you want to smooth and minimize- tummy, thighs, or booty.

4. Play with Height Proportions
Simple styles choices can work for you in a positive way by adding visual balance and adding height to your shape!  If you are on the shorter side, a light top and dark bottom focuses attention on the upper body, which takes attention away from the hips and legs, giving you extra height. If you have a long torso and short legs, a high-waist skirt that is just above the knee helps you appear taller.  Wearing a plus size skirt or dress with a hemline just above-the-knee length makes legs look longer, especially when paired with a heel. If your goal is to add height to your silhouette, choose a jean or trouser that is long and lean, such as a jegging, skinny, or straight leg, and avoid flare or wide leg styles.

5. Know Your Body Type
Last but not least, have a solid grasp on your body type, remembering that all clothing styles and trends are not appropriate for all shapes.  The best way to determine your body type is to stand in front of a full-length mirror in a swimsuit or your bra and panties.  Measure your bust, waist, and hips, and then ask yourself the following questions:
-    Are your breasts fuller than your waist, or are they equal?
-    Do you have narrow, average, or wide shoulders?
-    Do you have a clearly defined waist?
-    Are your hips fuller than your waist, or are they equal?

There are several different body types, but the 3 most common for plus size women are pear, apple and top heavy/heart shape body types.
PEAR- the characteristics of a PEAR include:
-    Top half is generally smaller than the bottom half of the body with a smaller midsection.
-    Bottom heavy in the behind with rounded hips and full thighs.
-    Narrow neck, shoulders, and bust area.

APPLE- the characteristics of an APPLE include:
-    Upper body is larger than your lower half and most weight is carried in the midsection.
-    Ample breasts with a wide back and shoulders.
-    Slimmer arms and legs with a trim backside and sometimes a smaller hip.

TOP HEAVY/HEART- the characteristics of someone TOP HEAVY/HEART include:
-    Chest is proportionately larger than the rest of your frame.
-    Broad shoulders with thicker back, neck and larger upper arms.

Stay tuned for part 2 of “Playing Up Your Body Assets” to find out more about what specific styles and silhouettes work best for your body type and how to successfully work them into your wardrobe!

Friday @ 6:22 p.m.
Walking in historic Lahaina
There is nothing I love more than a comfortable cardigan, and this bright and unexpected shade of the SWAK Open Cardigan gives you automatic permission to play with color! The lush, tropical landscape of Lahaina gives way for a fresh ensemble, and the SWAK Open Cardigan is a perfect partner for the stretch Monica Jeggings.  This ensemble is refined and sleek, for an evening of strolling through the historic town of Lahaina, perusing the town’s art galleries, browsing through the unique shops, and enjoying the local cuisine.  To complete this chic look, I have added the classic, brown SWAK Wide Buckle Belt cinched the waist, a refined leather saddle tote, and a comfortable pair of embellished flat sandals for walking! Tying your favorite printed scarf around your handbag strap is a great way to add a splash of color and texture to your ensemble, and you will always have it on hand to wrap around your neck if it gets a bit chilly.

Saturday @ 11:12 a.m.
Jeep tour and day excursion in Hana
No trip to Hawaii is complete without an adventure or two, so whether you’re hiking off the beaten path to a breathtaking waterfall, or sitting passenger-side in an off-roading Jeep excursion, you need an outfit of plus size clothes that will keep you comfortable and stylish, for a day that guarantee’s you’ll be active. The Felicity poncho is breezy and wearable, and pairing this plus size top with the Monica Jeggings, styled with a relaxed oversized cuff, creates the comfort you need with out compromising the cuteness! An outdoor adventure calls for a sensible, closed toe shoe, so pop on a cozy pair of printed Chuck Taylor’s, roll up those stretch plus size jeans and throw on a casual poncho top for a day that guarantee’s you’ll be active! Try layering your Felicity poncho! It is a smart way to add a bit of length to a cropped top, and makes this plus size top easy to wear, no matter what the weather! If it’s warm outside, wear a lightweight camisole underneath, and in the colder months, add a long-sleeved shirt, or even a turtleneck for warmth.

Beachside Romantic Dinner
There is nothing more romantic than a beachside dinner, cozied up with your beau, listening to the soothing sound of the ocean over a bright moon, gazing into each other’s eyes and indulging in the decadent island cuisine. A beach side date calls for plus size clothing that’s sexy yet simple, and the Gloria plus size dress in teal is a jersey-knit that does just the trick! Teal is a lively, versatile shade that is wearable season after season, and compliments all skin tones, while metallic accents are a clever way to add a bit more glamour to an outfit, while still keeping your look clean and elegant.  I have polished off this look with the SWAK Havana Woven Belt sitting pretty at the waist, gold jewelry for the perfect amount of sparkle, a fresh floral scarf worn as a shawl, and a strappy metallic sandal you can slip off to burry your toes in the sand. A scarf is, without a doubt, my favorite accessory, and an effortlessly chic way to add drama, without any huge commitment.  Get creative with your scarf and wear it, not only around your neck, but over your shoulders, tied onto your handbag, belted as a layering piece on top, or wrapped in your hair, and switch it up with seasonal colors, patterns, and textures to easily marry the season!

Ready to check out Destination: Style? Click here to view!

I know this flies in the face of every issue of Vogue, the iconic little black dress, and a belief system that’s been foisted on women of all shapes and sizes since the beginning of time.  But I think it’s true, and here’s why.  I’ll build my argument against black by taking on the very statements that I’ve been told over and over.

Black Is Slimming
My body is what it is.  Curvy, a little lumpy in places, and all me.  Black is not going to suddenly make my 6-feet tall, 230 pound frame look slimmer or more shapely.  It’s going to make me look like me….wearing black.

You know what will make the most of my shape?  Plus size clothing that fits me – in any color I like.

Black is Chic
I’ve been told by innumerous fashion magazines and stylish people who live in New York that black is chic.  And of course I should aspire to be chic.  And how do I achieve fashion editor levels of chic?  By donning black.

But black makes my pale complexion look ghostly.  And it doesn’t make me feel peppy and happy.  Ghostly, unpeppy and unhappy are definitely not chic in my book.   The dictionary definition of chic is: attractive and fashionable; stylish noun  style and elegance, especially in dress

Nowhere in that definition is the color black mentioned.  Which tells me that red and navy blue and yellow and green and pretty much any other color can be stylish.  Just depends on who’s wearing the color and how.

The LBD – Enough Said
Even I’m not about to say that the little black dress doesn’t have a place in every woman’s closet.  But I’m starting to believe that the little black dress doesn’t have to be black – it can be any neutral color that fits and flatters.  The essence of the plus size little black dress is that it fits any social situation, can be transformed by accessories, and fits the wearer perfectly.   Do you think it’ll catch on if we start referring to the LBD as the PLD (Perfect Little Dress)?

Why am I taking this stance on black?  Because last fall and winter, I found my closet stuffed with black clothing.  Way more so than ever before.  And I noticed there was a direct correlation between all those black plus size clothes and my mood.  I didn’t feel as inspired to get dressed in the morning – which would lead to a whole day of feeling uninspired in my life.  The long Minnesota winter felt even longer without brightly colored plus size shirts and skirts and dresses.  I succumbed to a serious case of Seasonal Affective Disorder…which really could have been Closet Affective Disorder!

So this year, I’m going to make it a point to use black sparingly instead of as a staple.  It’ll accent my colorful clothes instead of the other way around.  Anyone else want to rise to the challenge with me?  Let’s take back the mystical powers of black – and give color a chance to make us look and feel fabulous in our clothes.

The key looking your absolute best and successfully dressing your curvy figure is to learn to love the body that you naturally have, and work with it by accentuating your best features and balancing your curves.  Whether you were blessed with a well-endowed derriere like Kim Kardashian and JLo, or if your tush needs a little push, don’t be afraid to work what you’ve got and celebrate that booty!
Here are my top 5 tips for making your booty shine with confidence:

Choose the Proper Style and Fit
To accentuate a bootylicious derriere, choose clothes that are well fitted to your body, staying away from garments that are too tight or too loose. Look for stretch denim and jeggings in straight or slim fitting styles to hug your curves.  Plus size jeggings are a great alternative to jeans, and a must have for anyone wanting to accentuate their booty.  They are amazingly comfortable, without compromising fashion, and they will not stretch out, as some denim will after one wear. The Sealed With A Kiss “Monica Jeggings” are my absolute favorite! They are stretchy and soft, and will always retain their shape and help keep your curves in all the right places! Plus size jeggings are ideal because they can be worn casually with a cardigan and a pair of flats, or easily dressed up with an embellished top and heels.  Bottoms with a mid to low rise are ideal for accentuating a curvy behind. Avoid bottoms with a full or baggy cut from the bottom of your rear to the back of your knee, as they will add unflattering bulk.  Also, choose bottoms that are the proper length, touching right at your anklebone.  Long and lean bottoms will lengthen your legs, especially when heels are added, and they will accentuate the curve of your rear.  Fit should always be your primary focus, no matter what body part you are hoping to accentuate or camouflage.

Focus on the Right Top
Pairing your bottoms with the right top can make all a huge difference in accentuating your booty.  Choose a fitted, nipped in, or belted style, or tops with a band at the low waist, that gently skim your curves to not only draw attention to the waistline, but also showcase your derriere.  In order to create a flattering and balanced silhouette, tops and jackets should hit just slightly below the waist and right above the pocket of your jeans.  This will give the perfect amount of coverage to the hip area, and still allow for your best assets to stay in the forefront and create the illusion of balance to your top half.  Stay away from baggy, oversized styles that end at the fullest part of your hip, as they will make you look larger and hide your curves.

Wear Proper Undergarments
If you need to add some junk to your existing trunk, try a pair of padded underwear or shapers that will add a little extra curve to your backside.  These garments can help balance out your rear view and fill out your clothing, especially if you are extra busty with a flat behind.  If you have a large booty and you are looking for extra support, choose a brief or shorts shaper that lifts and holds to keep your curves in all the right places.  Whether you are adding a bit of cushion to your flatter behind, or simply looking for support for your naturally well-endowed backside, wearing the proper undergarments will always help you look your best.

Focus on Details
Details on the backside of bottoms, and specifically on denim, can work to either emphasize or minimize your bum.  If you have a flat bottom, choosing jeans with smaller back pockets will create the illusion of a larger booty, while large pockets will make your rump appear smaller. Flap pockets, as well as back pockets that sit higher up on the booty and are slightly angled will add thickness and create an illusion of a curvier backside.  Embroidery, embellishments, and patterns on the back pockets will draw attention to, and create the illusion of a large derriere.  Also, wearing lighter colors on your bottom half will draw attention to the area.

Work What You’ve Got
Whether you were blessed with extra junk in your trunk, or you need to add a bit of cushion to your backside, confidence is the key to working what you’ve got!  There is nothing more attractive than someone who knows who is comfortable with who they are, both inside and out, and makes no apology for it.  If you practice the basic tools of dressing and accentuating your best assets, while embracing the body you were naturally given, you will always look and feel your best, and be able to celebrate your curves with style.

Today, SWAK Designs released the brand new Fall colors of our Perfect Layer Knit Vest. As far as  plus size tops that can be used for layering– this is about one of the most useful items we carry. Why? Layer it over dresses and skirts, tank tops or camis, tee’s or sweaters.  Wear it open or secure it with a stretch belt– either way, this is one useful plus size top!

On a styling note, I’d like to say that I love– no, really– the way she styled our vests for the photo shoot. The cami-on-cami look with the pendant necklace? It really brings dimension and style to a simple yet classic piece like this.

Looking for three ways to try this look?
1. Wear it over a tunic, like our Polly Top, and jeans. Keep it open and comfy!
2. Belt it over a maxi dress like our Joan Maxi.
3. Wear it with leggings! This vest is long enough to cover your tush so feel free to wear it with a shorter tee. If you belt this, it gives you coverage just where you need it!

Today, our Ruched Sleeve shirt goes on sale. This top is deceivingly simple. It may, actually, be the perfect top to take you from Day into Night. I say “may” because, well, I haven’t yet attempted to take it from Day to Night myself… But I will! This plus size top has a deep scoop neck- enough to flatter your decolletage but not to reveal the goodies at the office. It has a banded hemline, which gives instant polish. Elbow-length sleeves add grace. The finishing touch? Heavy ruching at the shoulder and upper arm! Ruching is so feminine, so stylized and so flattering! This is the simple detail that takes this top from “t-shirt” to “terrific!”

Ready to check out our Ruched Sleeve top? Visit our website here!

I absolutely love taking a few garments in my wardrobe and putting together endless outfit combinations of plus size clothes.  I’m a bargain shopper and definitely a fashionista on a budget, so it is always a personal challenge for me to get the most mileage out of my wardrobe, and “Destination: Style” is JUST that… a three part series where I have taken a bunch of SWAK items and styled them into outfits for three different weekend destinations, ensuring that your wardrobe remains fresh, no matter where you are heading, by just adding statement accessories and a huge splash of inspiration.

This weekend we are heading to Las Vegas!

A weekend in Vegas… yes, please! We all love a weekend getaway, especially in a city like Vegas- I mean, after all, what’s not to love… sunshine, shopping, dancing, drinks, laughs, slot machines, good food, shows, and amazing hotels. Being from Phoenix, and now living in LA, Las Vegas has been my desert oasis for a relaxing escape, ever since I turned 21 (which of course was just a year or two ago, *wink). This sparkling city is literally just a hop, skip, and a jump away and has a little something for everyone, whether you are heading to a tradeshow for business, hitting the strip for the night, or relaxing with brunch and shopping, SWAK Designs has all the perfect plus size clothing you need to pack for your weekend get-away.

Walking a Tradeshow-
Anybody who knows Vegas knows this simple fact to be true- comfort is key.
If you head to Vegas to catch your industries latest tradeshow, your ensemble should be fashionable, without sacrificing comfort, otherwise, you end up hobbling over the hard casino floor in heels that expired hours ago, and that is never a good look! The Polly top paired with the Monica plus size jeggings is perfect for strolling booth, after booth through a tradeshow.  This off the shoulder plus size top is casual, lightweight, and a bit sassy, while the Monica plus size jeggings offer the perfect amount of stretch, and mold perfectly to your curves! I paired a comfy pair of red flats with this neutral ensemble to add the perfect pop of color, and choose a long, pendant necklace with personality to break up this solid top.  Last, but not least, no tradeshow is complete without a cute canvas tote bag to lug around all your necessities! Contemporary, yet casual, this look is fun enough to celebrate being out of the office, but polished enough to keep you looking savvy!

Club Time-
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! It’s Girls Night Out, and time to dance your tush off in an outfit that shows just the right amount of tasteful sex appeal. The Gloria dress in teal is ideal for hitting the club and dancing the night away.  This plus size dress is sassy and chic, with endless styling possibilities! I added the SWAK Designs black Wide Buckle Belt to cinch the waist and create a polished look, and topped it off with chunky jewelry, which always makes a bold statement and sets the tone for your look. Pair this dress with a classic Chanel inspired quilted clutch, just big enough for your favorite lip-gloss, cash, ID, and room key, as well as a sleek pair of black, platform pumps. A hidden platform in your heel is a girls foot-best-friend! It makes a higher heel shoe more bearable, adds some extra height to lengthen your legs, and is all you need to round out your look!

Brunch, Spa, and Shop-
Ok, so you partied a little too hard last night, and your priority, as you stumble down to brunch for a big mug of caffeine and pancakes, is comfort first, but, of course, looking cute and put together is right behind on the list! Let your body breath in an outfit as comfortable as your PJ’s, but a whole lot cuter! Poncho’s are a definite must have for the season, however, I must admit that when I think of a poncho, my mind goes to an extremely oversized, shapeless cape that you could literally drown in, but what I love about the Felicity Poncho is that it’s forgiving yet flattering, and cropped a bit shorter to show off your shape! This plus size top along with the Monica plus size Jeggings offer forgiving comfort, stretch and flow, while still flattering your figure, which is much needed when recovering from a long, yet fantastic, night. I polished off this look with a long, funky cluster necklace and coordinating bangle in cobalt blue, a versatile grey tote and a chic, neutral wedge shoe that is stylish, but still comfortable for shopping!

Viva Las Vegas!!!

Ready to check out Destination: Style? Click here to view all the looks in this cool, style feature!

Then, of course, there was the poncho run-in I had with a woven top bought at a sample sale in Las Vegas. A super cute black pullover… That I wore with a nude colored camisole underneath it. And then didn’t realize, till after the pictures were taken and memories captured in film forever, that my modesty would have been better protected with black undergarments instead. Go me.

Which is why I was so pleased when the Felicity Poncho top made its way into my life. Sealed With a Kiss Designs, as we know, has a reputation for making really wearable and comfortable plus size clothes. Awesomeness. But the Felicity Poncho Top might be the most comfortable plus size top my closet has ever seen. It’s super soft. It’s ruching by the bust gathers the front fabric in such a flattering way that it covers the parts of me I’d like to high. It’s a lightweight layering piece just as cute worn with jeans and cowboy boots as it will be when I sling it over a dress and belted.  Maybe the best part? It’s $29 price tag makes it easy to play with trend without spending serious bucks!

I will admit it. The grey one has made it into my closet—I kind of have a crush on grey anyway.

So I urge you all to toss your poncho-stereotypes out the window like I did, and give this easy-to-wear plus size top a try!

Whenever I am in the city, my schedule is super jam-packed, and I need to arm myself with go-to items that I can mix and match, and wear for different occassions throughout the trip.  Sealed With A Kiss Designs has perfect plus size pieces that are wearable, trendy, and fun, for all your NYC adventures, no matter where you are heading- shopping & sightseeing, museum hopping, or an evening on the town!

Drinks at the Bar
NYC has serious style! To “see and be seen”, go for effortless chic style with bold lips and a dramatic do.  The Alex Top Off Shoulder Top paired with the Monica Jeggings is perfect for heading out for drinks with friends or clients.  The Alex plus size top offers a flirty, shoulder-bearing style.  Don’t be afraid to go ahead and let your bra strap or cami peek out.  Pair this top with the sleek Monica plus size Jeggings and put the finishing touches on this effortless look by adding black booties, a layered statement necklace, an edgy, embellished bag, bold red lips, and a dramatic pony tale.

Sightseeing and Walking in the City
No matter how busy I am when I am in NYC, I always do my best to squeeze in some shopping and sightseeing into my agenda, even for just a few hours.  The city can be very draining- running around on the train, in and out of cabs, and pounding the pavement block after block, so I always aim for comfortable, lightweight fabric when choosing my outfits.  The Polly plus size top in fuschia, paired with the Monica plus size Jeggings is an unrestricting ensemble with stretch that will assure you move easily while walking miles! Add a cute newsboy cap, flat lace-up oxford, and tan crossbody bag, and you will be on point with the seasons latest casual trends, without compromising comfort and wearability.

Hitting Museum Mile
When I am in the city, I love taking an afternoon to stroll through my favorite museums to clear my head and gain inspiration, and checking out classics at the MET or modern day masterpieces at the Guggenheim calls for an enlightened and artsy look.  Fall is officially here, so layer it up! It may be cool outside, but inside, temperatures can heat up, so layers in an outfit add dimension, and also make it easy to adapt to temperatures inside and out!  The Gloria Dress in teal is a fresh pop of color that can be worn over and over, season after season.  Pair this plus size dress with the brown Cozy Tie Bellini for layering and warmth, and add the brown Santa Fe Double Buckle Belt to literally pull it all together, and create a sleek, cinhed waist, and a polished look.  This classic ensemble can be easily styled with the statement accessories of the moment, such as colored tights, tall riding boots, wool bucket hat and patterned scarf.

NYC is a magical city, and such a fun place to explore explore different fashion avenues.  LA is fashionable, but NYC IS fashion!  Never be afraid to try something new- let the city be your inspiration, and don’t forget to “think outside the fashion box”.

Hello Fellow Shopaholics!

Like you, I love fashion. And I really, REALLY love shopping. But as much as I would like to buy everything, I have to be smart about my spending. Therefore, I pick pieces that I really love and know I can wear for a long time and in many different ways! That’s why SWAK is such a fabulous retailer—their designs are versatile, classic, and the pieces have gorgeous details that make them stand out from the rest.

Versatility is SO important to me because my style is constantly changing depending on my mood. One day, I’ll channel my inner hippie in a maxi and sandals with lots of jewelry, and the next I’ll be rocking an edgier look with studs, leather, and boots. Since a girl can only have so many items in her closet, I picked SWAK pieces that can change and be worn several ways.

My absolute favorite piece is the Dafni dress. The draped back with crossover straps are details that really made me fall in love with this dress. I’ve always said that designers need to make the back of clothing just as interesting as the front. Love that SWAK delivers! I can totally see myself rocking the Dafni in black with a chic leather belt, some studded leather wrap bracelets, and sky-high ankle boots for a sexy nighttime look. It could just as easily be dressed down with some cute wedges, a big floppy hat, and oversized sunnies for a summery look perfectly suited to an afternoon by the pool or out shopping!

Another favorite of mine is the Joni top—the shape is so comfy and flowy and I love the sheer sleeves and side panels. It would be so cute with cut offs for the beach or paired with the Rail Dark Wash Skinny Jeans and worn-in leather riding boots for a classic equestrian look.  Similarly, the Reah Top is another piece I know I would wear for everything. Paired in black with the La Femme Bootcut Jeans, I’d swap the fabric belt it comes with for the Havana Woven Belt for added texture and top it all off with a cute fedora, lots of gold jewelry, and wedges for a look that’s perfect for day or night!

I could go on and on about my picks and how I’d wear them, but I’m wasting your time which is better spent shopping the site and picking out your own favorites! (This may or may not be an excuse to keep shopping myself…hehe.) In the end, it’s all about finding pieces that you love and make you smile the second you slip them on, and I’m more than happy to report that SWAK has them in spades!

Happy shopping!

xo Allison of Curvy Girl Chic

Interested in seeing more of Allison’s style? Check out her blog here! Or, if you are ready to shop her picks (many of which are on sale right now!) click here to visit her Style Board picks!

“When Sealed With A Kiss Designs asked me to choose my top picks to feature on their site I seriously agonized over narrowing down the selection of pieces, due to the fact there are so many fab ones to choose from! I decided that I needed to keep it at 10 amazing plus size items that I am dying to own and that I know would be great pieces for any curvy girls wardrobe!

My Top 10 SWAK Items (in no particular order)

Volos Top

This new arrival Volos Top has everything I’m looking for; it’s sleeveless, a bit sexy and will totally enhance the bust in a lovely way! I would love to rock this top in black with a pair of skinnies and some great heels for a night on the town with my friends!

Larissa Dress

The Larissa Dress in purple is a must have for me! Bright and cheery with flattering draping perfect for the curves and a surplice neckline that will have “the girls” looking fabulous! I could easily see myself pairing this with some high wedges and fun jewelry for a house party or summer BBQ!

Henley Tunic

Everyone needs a little casual comfort in their lives but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! The Henley Tunic in Antique Rose speaks to my soul with its deep split neckline, 3/4 length sleeves, full bottom coverage and draped pockets! I would easily wear this top as we transition back to fall with a pair of jeggings and some great flats for running errands or hitting the mall!

Dafni Dress

The cocktail dress that this girls dreams are made of is the Dafni Dress in Royal Blue. I absolutely love everything about it from the full circle skirt, to the surplice neckline and of course the beautiful crisscross straps in the back that give it that extra dose of Va-Va Voom. Perfect for any special occasion that calls for a twirl or two!

Venus Top

Whatever the season, whatever the shade this top is fabulous! I already own this one in Blue Cameo but can’t wait for it to come out in more colors. This top is great for the office or for a casual day out and about with family and friends! Comfort a flattering cut and great quality can be found in the Venus!

Pocket Drape Dress

I have already shared my love for the Pocket Drape Dress that has become my new favorite LBD! This dress is perfect for numerous occasions and will always have the lady wearing it feeling like a total fox! I highly recommend this dress whether it is worn as is with the great draping and a bit of sass in the bust or with any accessory the heart desires to make it uniquely YOU! 

Emmylou Top

Hippie Chic never looked better than the Emmylou Top in creamy white! I love the comfort and tribute to the 1970’s this top possesses and can’t wait to pair it with some wide leg jeans, wedges and feathered earrings!

 Perfect Tank Dress

I have been living in the Perfect Tank Dress in red over the last few weeks and once you try it on you will see why! This dress is so incredibly comfortable, flattering and great for beating the heat while looking chic! With a ruched bust, empire waist and straps thick enough to hide bra straps this dress is a constant in my wardrobe and is truly PERFECT for every aspect of my life!

Cozy Tie Bellini

I already own the Cozy Tie Bellini in Gray but I seriously wish I had it in every color available! Perfect for coverage as the nights cool down or great to keep in the office for those A/C battles! Very comfortable and a great length with removable sash tie and a hanky hem keeping it fresh and sassy!  I constantly pair mine with jeggings and flats for Sunday mornings at my favorite coffee shop. It is also the perfect piece to take for travel as well!

Veronica Maxi Dress

Proof is in the photo a maxi dress with a great pattern that looks fabulous on EVERYONE! Who doesn’t want to get their hands on this great piece that can transcend seasons and do so while looking AMAZING!

Sealed With A Kiss truly has everything you could need to build a great plus size wardrobe for any season!  What do you currently have your eye on? What are you favorite pieces at SWAK?

xoxo

Stiletto

Interested in learning more about Stiletto? You can visit her blog here. Or, if you are ready to check out her Style Board picks, click here!

- Naxos Top + Penelope Black Skinny Jeans
Defining the waist is my number-one style tip. I know a lot of women are unsure of wearing belts, so tops like the Naxos are a great alternative. The flattering twist feature is built-in waist defintion. I love the balance of the flowy Naxos top with the Penelope Black Skinny Jeans. I would slip on a pair of sky-high heels and a wristful of bracelets for a sexy night-out look.

- Dafni Dress + Open Cardigan + Havana Woven Belt
I appreciate the designer-inspired roots of the Dafni dress. It’s based on a 1970′s Halston dress that lit up the dance-floor at Studio54 during its hay-day. I, however, do not have my own Studio54 to wear this dress. I have an office. With cubicles and copy machines. So I would pair it with an Open Cardigan, the Havana Woven Belt, and a pair of kitten heels. Who says the office can’t be glamourous?

- Corvette Cardigan + Perfect Camisole + Essential Gaucho Pant
This is my perfect running-errands-on-Saturday-morning outfit: the Corvette Cardigan, loose over a Perfect Camisole and a pair of Essential Gaucho Pants.  It’s comfortable and as easy as sweatpants, but much more stylish.  Something I’m sure the lady ringing up my bananas and chardonnay appreciates.

Interested in learning more about Sara? Visit her blog here! Or, check out her Styleboard picks by clicking here.

“I am a knit jersey girl at heart, I love easy fashions that allow you to stay cool on a hot summers day and look fabulous even when your not trying. The Gloria dress, Boyfriend Tee, and Open Cardigan fills all these requirements perfectly. If you want a piece that would easily transition into fall I highly recommend the Gloria Dress in wine. Throw on a blazer, paired with a long statement necklace and the outfit will be perfectly in-style for this fall. If you want to wear the piece now all you have to do is put on an adorable flat sandal and a drop feather earring which will be a big trend so jump onto the bandwagon early. If the open cardigan is more what your craving for your closet, it’s my opinion that you can never have enough. Find a colour that fits your style best and you will find yourself getting a lot of use out of it, plus right now it will keep you warm when the A/C is blasting! The dusty rose colour will seamlessly transition into fall beautifully as pastels are a hot colour trend this season. The boyfriend tee is a must-have and will skim over your silhouette comfortably. Pair it with fun and flirty accessories, your favorite jeans and add some sexy with a high heel and a pop colour on your lips.

I can’t talk all knit jersey without giving you a closet tip! Aimee’s Tip: knit jersey stretches when hung. It’s best to keep it folded up in a drawer or else the garment will loose shape and not highlight your silhouette the way its suppose too. “

We look forward to all of Aimee’s insight! You can find more of Madison Plus on their site, linked here.

Check out our Gloria Dress and Boyfriend Tee right now. Our Open Cardigan will be coming in new colors for Fall.. Stay tuned!

Ready to shop Aimee’s picks? Click here to see her Style Board selections!

Over time, we’ll add more members to our Styleboard! For now, we are pleased to announce the following inaugural members:
- Reah Norman, SWAK VIP and official stylist (stay tuned for more of Reah coming soon!)
- Allison aka CurvyGirlChic
- Stiletto Siren from Lips Hips and Fatshion Tips
- Sara from Bombshell Beauty Blog
And last but certainlly, for sure not least…
- Aimee from Madison Plus

So what exactly will the Styleboard do? Well, for one thing, we’ve created a nifty portal for these gals where you can see their personal picks for the season from all our plus size clothes. Scroll through, pick a member whose style-profile appeals to you, and then click through to shop their picks! As we add more to our site, they’ll be able to select more plus size clothes they love.

Over the next day or so, we’ll be sharing with you the inspiration behind the first set of picks for each Styleboard member… Some are even on sale! So, stay tuned, ready your clicker fingers, and let the fun begin!

Click on the image below to visit our Styleboard!

Did you guys see that Sealed with a Kiss offered a deal for $10 off their uber-popular plus size Veronica Maxi Dress, recently?  When the sale notice popped up, I immediately thought, “Oooh yes!” Followed quickly by, “Ohhh, but summer is almost over.”  The maxi dress has been a plus size style staple all season long, but will it endure beyond Labor Day?

I think so. (And not just because my favorite fashion magazine said it!)  When a trendy item fits perfectly and feels great, why should it retire to the back of your closet just because the seasons change?  Layering is key to getting the most mileage out of your favorite clothes, season after season.  Lightweight tee shirts, turtlenecks, blazers, cardigans, scarves, belts – all of these pieces are absolutely essential to my fall/winter wardrobe.   And a little creativity doesn’t hurt, either!

Here are two twists to the Veronica Maxi Dress that will make it wearable well into the next two seasons.

Pair your favorite maxi dress with a long-sleeved wrap cardigan, like the Cozy Tie Bellini.  Swap the self-tie belt for one like the Santa Fe Double Buckle Belt, then slip on a pair of booties or platform penny loafers (a big trend this fall!).

Just because it’s a dress, doesn’t mean you have to wear the maxi as a dress.  Get more mileage out of this piece by showing it off as a maxi skirt.  Top it with a Boyfriend Tee and an Amber Shrug.  Drape a layer of necklaces or an infinity scarf around your neck to help balance out the volume of the maxi skirt.  A pair of simple ballet flats will complete the look.

]]> http://style.swakdesigns.com/giving-new-life-to-veronica/feed/ 2 http://style.swakdesigns.com/are-you-looking-for-plus-trade-show-adventures-with-sarah/ http://style.swakdesigns.com/are-you-looking-for-plus-trade-show-adventures-with-sarah/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:23:18 +0000 Sarah http://style.swakdesigns.com/?p=749 …

One Dress, Two Looks

Last time, we talked about my shopping philosophy.  This week, how about actually seeing how that philosophy works in real life?  It’s all nice and good to say that you don’t need a huge wardrobe to be stylish.  But does that actually give you enough options to create outfits plus size dresses and clothes that won’t leave your friends saying, “Uhm…didn’t you wear that last week?”

Let’s take one of my favorite plus size dresses, the Gloria Dress, and create two very different looks.  Gloria is a great foundation piece because the fit is so flattering (love the swingy full skirt!).  But it’s also a very classic cut that will see you through season after season.

My first look was pulled together for a series of business meetings at work.  I spoke in front of several groups, so had to feel confident and pulled together.

Paired with a chunky belt, a blazer and pointy-toed pumps, Gloria and I made a great impression during the presentation portion of the meeting.  And the super-soft cotton made sitting in my chair for the rest of day really comfortable.

The next time I pulled Gloria out, it was for the kind of day that felt non-stop.  A full day at work followed by Happy Hour with some friends.  Then my husband, Dan, and I met up for dinner at the wine bar near our apartment.  Clearly, I needed a plus size outfit that would transition seamlessly from place to place!

Isn’t it amazing what a difference pulling your hair back and throwing on a cardigan can make? This look is still work-appropriate, but it’s a little more fun and creative.   Belting cardigans is one of my signature looks.  It’s a really nice balance between covering up, without covering up my figure.  Plus, I love the ruffley cascade effect that’s created by belting the Open Cardigan.

These are just two of the many (many!) ways I’ve worn the Gloria dress.  Dan loves it when I wear the dress by itself – no cami underneath and no cardi over it – because of the low scooped neckline. Go figure, right?  It’s one more reason to love a really versatile plus size dress like this, though – you can go from sexy to the office in a snap!

I write you tonight, on this balmy Sunday evening, direct from the San Fernando Valley (aka still technically IN LA but nowhere near anything really cool) from the comfort of my dollbox-small home. I brave this entry sans a spellchecker or grammatical proofer. Why? to talk to you about one thing… Doing it alone.

Now, now. Get your minds out of the gutter. I don’t know what you think I mean when I say “it” but, it’s not what you think. As some of you may know (or may not) I am a HUGE music lover. I simply can’t do without music in my life. Either outside of the office (I totally sing in the car) or INSIDE the office (heck, I sing at work too– much to the dismay of Mr. Boss who likes to call me Dionne when I get too loud) it surrounds me at all times. So, when one of my favorite musicians of ALL times came to LA, there was no way I could pass up attending a concert. Except one thing was stopping me… I had nobody to go with.

Surely your mouths are gaping open as you read this. How could Sarah, moi, fantastic and ever-so-funny (and humble?LOL) not have anybody to attend this concert with? Alas.’Twas true.  I knew I wanted to go. And, if I didnt go, I would be REALLY mad at myself. But, frankly, the idea of braving a concert alone was something I’d never thought of before. Check this out…

Things Normally Done With Others I’ve Done Alone Up To Now (among other things):
- Go to the movies. Oddly liberating.
- Eating out. Also oddly liberating.
- Travel to foreign countries. Totally empowering.
- Hang curtains. Almost injury free!
- Shop. Sort of a given, since shopping with others is such a different experience…

But going to a concert? Never thought about that. A concert is such a SOCIAL thing. You laugh, you drink, you sing, you avoid getting into fights with people while jostling for a spot in perfect eyeline of the super hot bass guitar player so you can spend the whole night giving him sexy looks and– ooh. Hmm. Maybe that’s just me? Ha. Ok!

Friday afternoon rolled around and I decided to take the leap. I bought my ticket online and just accepted the fact I would feel slightly odd. But, odd and all, I wouldn’t be sitting on the sidelines and missing out. I got dressed in an outfit I knew was cute, comfortable and totally me. For those interested– a pair of stretch bootcut jeans, and a SWAK perfect camisole and Open Cardigan. I didn’t care about impressing anybody. I just cared about myself and the music.

I made the journey into West Hollywood without getting too lost. And when I got there, good and early, I settled onto a bar stool in the back and let the crowd fill around me. Did I feel inconspicuous? No. I felt like people were staring at me, wondering why the girl was sitting at the bar by herself at a concert. *gasp* But then I stopped caring. I took a mental step back about ten feet and reminded myself that sure, they may have SEEN me there but they certainly had better things to do then think about my being alone. And, even if they did, I didn’t care. Really. All I cared about was hearing my music… And when it started, and the awesomeness washed over and I sang in my head, I said “well done girl, well done” almost out loud. Because I went. And I refused to miss out. And even though it wasn’t “ideal”…. Man, that music sure did kick some behind!

And so I encourage you today. If something comes your way, something you want, but the set-up isnt ideal? Don’t skip it. Don’t deprive yourself of something you love simply because your situation inst perfect. Nothing is perfect. And, if you wait for perfection… You might miss singing along. And that would be a shame.

Big hugs all around,
Sarah

Sarah and I have talked about my desire to embrace my body now as opposed to waiting until I reach my fitness goals.  I’ve talked about that in previous posts as well. And part of embracing myself as I am means stepping outside of my comfort zone, and Sarah made sure that I took some giant steps today!

When I see a plus-size girl rocking her own style, I admire it.   It’s easy for me to see the beauty in others though it’s tough to see it in myself.  And as I looked at myself in the mirror today, I realized that I deserve to feel good about how I look.

We started with tops then moved to dresses (more on that another day) then Sarah did the impossible – she convinced me to try on jeggings!  I was more than a little hesitant, (Okay, I whined the entire time I was trying them on,) but when I looked in the mirror I saw a trendy, pretty and confident woman!  And I liked it! In fact, I liked my new outfit so much that I didn’t want to take it off so I wore it to dinner with a friend.  I paired the jeggings with the Henley tunic and my favorite Tory Burch flats.

The way I look definitely affects the way I feel, and while I may still have work to do in the area of self-acceptance, I left SWAK feeling ready to take on my new life in my new city so I’ll get busy with that and see you next week!

These days I try to be more judicious with my pulls. Some items (like the Gloria plus size dress we created for Spring) my heart screams for before production can even be finished… And the minute they arrive in stock I swoop down on one like a hungry gull does its prey. Others I admire from afar, watch others wear and then try on a few times before adding one  to my closet.

I am nothing if not honest. As many on Facebook know, I will tell you how the fit is of every item I’ve ever worn. For example, I simply haven’t worn many of the jeans we sell… However, I can tell you from a bunch of personal experience, that our Monica Jeggings have simply the BEST fit of any jegging I have every worn. And I own two pairs.

When the team birthed the concept for our Perfect Tank Dress last Fall, we knew it would be a versatile and easy-to-wear garment. What I didn’t know then, was just how much it would become a staple in my own personal wardrobe. And so I am here today, to sing the praises of the Perfect Tank Dress, which simply has become the most valuable plus size dress in my closet today.

Sure, it’s not couture. But, the value of an item to me isn’t determined by how precious it is—rather, how useful it is. How many ways can I wear it? Does it ever fail me? Good hair days, bad hair days, five pounds heavier or lighter, can I still wear it and feel great? When it comes to the Perfect Tank Dress, my answer to each of those question is yes.

I wear it dressed up. I wear it dressed down. I wear it with flip flops and a swinging ponytail or try it with ankle strapped sandals and funky earrings.  I sport it on a date, or simply running errands. In short, it is the most versatile dress I own. Belted or worn as-is, I simply cannot get enough of these dress. You may have seen my Sarah’s Closet editorial. I know, I know, I talked the dress up then but… I cant help it! I literally love it from the bottom of my wannabe-fashionastia-core.

Here are just a few of the ways I’ve personally worn the dress… Beware, cell phone pics are included! And these are untouched and non-professional…LOL. Clearly!

With a girlfriend at the Getty Museum, I wore the dress in black with our Amber Shrug in purple.

To meet a friend for coffee, I wore my dress in blue with our Open Cardigan.

Or, in Vegas and it heats up, when cardigans no longer work…

Or… To wear while drinking TWO margaritas at the same time! Man, am I skilled or what?

Do you own the Perfect Tank Dress? If so, we’d love to see you how YOU wear the dress!!

Till then, I shall keep this item front and center in my wardrobe. I look forward to finding ways to transition it to fall!

Sarah

PS- Wanna check this dress out for yourself? Click  here to get it for under $40!

Celebs are also eating up this trend and working feather accessories for any style!

Feather earrings and other feather accessories seems to be all the rage for women of all shapes and sizes and this accessory trend is definitely crossing the barriers between straight and plus size style. Whether they are neutral colored and left to blend in with long locks or a dyed a fluorescent trendy color and paired for an edgy look feathers are where the fashion is this season.

xoxo

Stiletto

I’m excited to begin this new chapter in my life because when I was in L.A. in May, I felt at home almost immediately. Everyone I met seemed laid back, friendly and happy.  Maybe I met the best people in L.A. (I’m pretty sure I did,) or maybe there’s something about warm, sunny days that make people happy.  I’m  definitely a better person when temperatures are mild and the sun is shining!

I’ve always loved the west coast, but until May, I avoided Los Angeles for years.  I didn’t want to be surrounded by all of the beautiful, blonde, perfect people so I just didn’t go.  When I set my feelings of inadequacy aside, I realized that the people in L.A. are a lot like New York.  Sure, there are beautiful people – you know, the ones that look photoshopped when you’re standing right next to them. But these cities, as different as they are, are also filled with real people – people who vary in size, ethnicity and socioeconomic backgrounds.  There are even people like me – plus-size girls who take pride in their not-a-size-two appearance.

In fact, during my visit to L.A., I met more beautiful, full-figured women who know how to dress and accessorize than I’ve ever met at one time anywhere else.  Some of them love dresses as much as I do, and a couple of them understand my devotion to nail polish.  Maybe that’s why such an unfamiliar city could already feel like home.

My bags are packed, and I’m (mostly) ready.  I’m going to miss my family that I’ve grown so accustomed to seeing everyday for the last six months, but I know it’s time to move forward.  And I know they’ll always love me and always be there for me.  I know that change is hard, but the rewards will, no doubt, be worth it.  And I look forward to being surrounded by people who love themselves for who they are, as they are.  Maybe that cool, California confidence will rub off on me.  Maybe this will be the best thing I’ve ever done.  Wish me luck, and I’ll be back next week blogging from L.A.!!!!

While I haven’t been too lucky in the festival department so far this summer I have had the opportunity to still get my “festival wear” on with this great trend that is a mix of hippie chic and rocker glam! Whether you be sporting some olive drab in a great vintage army jacket or accessorizing with feathers, studs and a dose of fringe the festival trend will have any plus size woman standing out in the crowd and looking chic while doing it. The essentials for pulling off a festival look are:

• Light wash denim shorts, the shorter and more worn the better
• A Satchel Bag perfect for carrying your sunnies, a bottle of water and some sunscreen
• A Straw Hat, whether your style be Trilby, Cowgirl or somewhere in between
• A Maxi Dress and some sparkly sandals great for swirling to the music
• A short floral dress to keep you breezy during the day and to easily pull some leggings or jeans under as the sun goes down
• A pair of shades that make you feel glam, hip and uniquely you
• A great jacket whether it be a funky fur, a denim old favorite or a  simplistic parka for chilling under the stars
• A summer scarf for adding some flair to any look or to wrap up some greasy locks
• Feather accessories, I highly recommend  earrings or a fun necklace

One of the biggest necessities to the Festival Wear trend though is a great top with a hippie chic quality and easy finesse to build off of and for that piece plus size festival goers can turn to Sealed with a Kiss Designs and their Joni top for the building blocks of the Festival Wear look!

How would you rock the Joni top as Festival Fashion?

xoxo

Stiletto

During the three years that I worked in plus size retail, I accumulated a lot of clothes.  It was impossible to ignore the call of a new shipment of tops, available to employees before they even hit the sales floor.   I had a closet bursting with plus size skirts, plus size tops, plus size little black dresses…it was a fashionista’s dream.  In theory.

Having all of those clothes made getting dressed each day an ordeal.  Sure, I had a lot to choose from but it was very time consuming to wade through 14 pair of jeans to find the pair I actually wanted to wear.  And of course, I usually wore the same three pair and the other 11 languished on their hangers.

It also made for a schizophrenic style.  I bought anything I thought was cute, even if it wasn’t really “me.” I spent a lot of time trying to force clothes to work on my body and with my personality.  It made me feel confused and even less stylish.

This excess was a huge learning experience for me.  It shaped the way I view clothes and my buying habits.  I’m frequently asked how it is that I own one pair of black pants.  One.  Yes.  I’m not exaggerating.  The answer is that I found the pair that fits me perfectly.  No need to keep looking and adding more to the collection.  I have three questions that I ask myself about potential new purchases.

Do I Love It?
If I don’t love it -if I don’t get a little zing of excitement at the thought of owning a piece- I don’t buy it.  And if the answer isn’t an immediate, “Yes!”  that usually means I don’t love it.  Back on the rack, it goes.

Do I Already Own Something Like It?
If I’m tempted to buy something that I already own (striped tee shirts are my downfall), then I’m usually shopping for a reason other than true need or want.  I’m probably shopping because I’m bored or upset about something…two emotional triggers that have ballooned my closet in the past.  This question ties into Do I Love It – if I find a new version of something I already own and decide to buy it, the old version goes right to Goodwill.

What Else Can I Wear It With?
This is huge – if I can’t wear something in lots of different situations, and mix it up with accessories or layering pieces, then it’s not right for my closet.  The only thing that really trumps this one is (you guessed it) Do I Love It?  I’m not above buying a few things here and there that can’t go with anything else; or that absolutely have to be reserved for a specific type of event.  But it really doesn’t happen often!

Asking myself these questions has helped me create a closet that is full of things I look forward to wearing, over and over again.  I think my vision of my own style is a lot more clear and defined – and it makes getting dressed pretty easy, too.  How do you approach clothes shopping?

“Comfort and ability to move freely”- Jen P.

“They make me look taller.. and no lumps or bumps whatsoever!”- Stefania N.

“They are elegant and ladylike”- Michelle M.

“They’re comfortable yet stylish. They work for everyone. And my favorite part, they conceal my legs.” -Rebecca H.

“They are an elegant and sexy way to beat the heat in the summer. They can be dressy or casual-depending on how you accessorize. Versatility! And you can get away with not shaving!!”-Kimberly H.

I agree with what all of these ladies said, plus size Maxi Dresses are definitely elegant, great for summer and skipping a leg shaving every so often is definitely a maxi dress plus! Lucky for us plus size ladies Maxi Dresses are now available in plus sizes in many storefronts and online! Sealed with a Kiss Designs also has designed some fabulous maxi’s that can have you looking beautiful and stylish this summer too! Here are some of my favorites.

Bonnie Maxi Dress

Joan Maxi Dress

Patti Watercolor Dress

Anastasia Maxi Dress

With these great Maxi Dress option you too can feel like a goddess!

xoxo

Stiletto

As someone who is committed to losing weight, I’m really happy with my progress so it’s not easy to admit that I’m still unhappy with my body.   While I know it’s important to be healthy, the driving force behind that is liking the way I look.   So lately, I’ve been staring at myself in the mirror - a lot.

I’ve been doing some other things differently too…like…wearing sundresses without covering my large, imperfect arms.  Maybe that seems trivial, but for me, it’s a HUGE step in the right direction.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love cardigans because they can completely transform the look of an outfit!  I’m just experimenting with new looks that include showing my arms -something that usually makes me feel really self-conscious – and it feels good.

One of the reasons I was so excited to blog for Sealed with a Kiss is that the people associated with this company seem to understand that there’s beauty to be found in women of every size so I’m following their example and trying to see beauty in my own body.  I like my smile, and I like the way my eyes pop when I wear the right eye liner.   I like the way my legs look when I wear 3 1/2 in. wedges.  And I even kind of like the way my body looks when I’m wearing flattering dresses that fit!  Dresses like this Joan Maxi Dress that feature an empire waist are always a good start for me because they’re fitted where my body is naturally the smallest.  Maybe I’m the only one who missed the memo reminding us that it’s good to wear clothes that fit as opposed to pieces that are too big or too small.

I don’t know when or if I’ll ever feel as pretty as the ladies I admire on this blog, at Sealed with a Kiss and in the plus-size fashion world, but I know that I’m going to keep trying to see the beauty in my body just as it is today.  My weight-loss journey is important, but my journey to self-appreciation is just as (if not more) important.  And I want to translate how I feel into how I look, and most days I feel pretty incredible.

Are you a plus-size woman who struggles to see beauty when you look in the mirror?  Or do you embrace your body and style? If you’re confident in your looks then I’d love to hear your tips so please share them!

The Pocket Drape Dress is the plus size little black dress I’ve been waiting for!  It has a great form fitting design that flatters my curves, draping that conceals the tummy, a fabulous bust that enhances the girls and even has room for more busty ladies, and it has pockets which keep it fun and trendy!

I wore The Pocket Drape Dress yesterday for a busy day at school and with my social life! This dress is versatile and can be worn many different ways making it the perfect style staple for my life!  I am a standard size 22 and I received this dress in a 3x and it fits like a dream. As always SWAK’s sizing chart is spot on and this dress hugs in all the right places and also keeps me comfortable as well as SASSY! I love the deep plunging neckline that has me feeling sexy as well as the pockets, draping and knee length that helps me to still feel classy and like I could really wear this dress anywhere.  In this daytime look I took this plus size little black dress and added some casual pieces to have me feeling great but not looking over dressed for a day of running errands and hitting the books to prepare for my college finals this week.  I added my denim vest to cover up some sexiness of the dress for the day and then paired it with my sky-high wedges. For jewelry I wore my gold hoop earrings, a great long tree necklace and my gold key charm bracelet. I think I accomplished a great casual look to start my day and did it with a piece that could easily transition into a night time look with The Pocket Drape Dress from Sealed with a Kiss Design.

Want to see how I transitioned this look for an evening out with my love? Check out my SWAK Take 2 of The Pocket Drape Dress on my site Lips Hips & FATshion Tips!

xoxo

Stiletto

Prince William and Catherine get on a plane!
 
Prince William and Catherine get off a plane!
 
They exchange smiles!  And hold hands!

I just couldn’t get enough of the two of them…especially Kate’s wardrobe. Her clothes reflect the fact that she’s a much-watched woman, in a position that requires her to be graceful and interested in meeting people from all walks of life.  It could be hard to find a balance between that and wanting to dress like a regular woman her age.  Especially in pantyhose.  Yep – pantyhose.  Apparently it’s a requirement that anyone who appears in an official royal capacity has to wear panythose.

My own personal princess-dream just died right there.  Because I will not be wearing pantyhose anytime soon.  I have varicose veins that grace the backs of my knees and wrap around the sides of my thighs.  But I would much rather show them off  in my plus size skirts (or pretend they don’t exist) than deal with pantyhose.

Anyway. Pantyhose aside, something else I found interesting about Kate’s wardrobe was the reaction how demure her clothes were.  For as many royal-watchers who thought she looked classy and ladylike, very appropriate but chic – there were just as many who thought she looked dowdy.  I think this is because those of us who live in the U.S and are exposed to a different kind of royalty (the Hollywood variety) have grown accustomed to seeing skin.  And lots of it.  We all got to see this juxtaposition of royal-style when Prince William and Catherine attended a ball in Los Angeles, along with every A-list celebrity who could finagle an invite.

I’m not a fuddy-duddy.  I promise. I wear my fair share of  short plus size skirts.  But I was embarrassed when I saw Jennifer Lopez, in her emerald green gown with skin-baring cut-outs along the side, standing next to Kate in her gorgeous, flowing silver-lilac gown.  I was embarrassed to think that a lot of boobs and thigh and an exposed swath of hip were the best that the U.S. had to offer.

In going back through all the outfits that Kate wore on her tour of North America, I couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought that one of the most-watched women in the world is young and modern, but dresses in a way that’s age- and event-appropriate.  I think she dresses like the rest of us.  Right?  She wears jeans and a button down shirt at the rodeo.  She wears a simple navy blue sheath dress to church on Sunday.  She wears khakis and a pullover to a boat race.  I hope to see more of Kate’s style influence trickle down in a way that gives regular women a real style icon.  Maybe then we won’t be inundated with images of celebrities in bootie shorts while out grocery shopping.  A little balance, if you will.  Although Kate can keep her pantyhose to herself.

Hi everyone! I’m Kenlie from www.alltheweigh.com, and I blog about my weight-loss journey (down over 100 pounds so far) and most everything pertaining to it. I’ve always loved clothes! Even at my heaviest, it was common to see me wearing a sun dress with a cardi, but as my confidence builds, I find myself wanting to branch out. And Sealed with a Kiss makes that easy.

As a plus-size girl who likes to feel pretty, I was thrilled when they opened their doors for me on a Monday in May. I was scheduled to be on the Today Show and a few other networks to talk about being publicly mistreated by a major corporation due to my size. My friend, Sara Bartlett, knew just how important it was for me to feel fabulous on such a daunting day so she called Sarah at Sealed with a Kiss!

Sarah set everything up, and everyone else at SWAK welcomed me, along with my fellow plus-size fashionista, Heidi, into their boutique and helped me find a dress that made me feel trendy, confident and polished. May I just say that it is so much fun to walk into a gigantic room filled with beautiful clothes that actually fits me?! I left Sealed with a Kiss on cloud nine, and I took the purple Victoria Dress with me!

The next day I flew back to New York feeling confident about what I would wear which, in turn, left me feeling confident about everything else! I met a lot of people at NBC and CBS that day while wearing the Victoria Dress, and people complimented it everywhere. Strangers even walked up to me in the street to ask where I got the dress. Note to those of you who don’t live in NYC: People don’t typically do that.

And since then, I’ve worn the dress in Baltimore and New Orleans as well (thankfully, it doesn’t wrinkle!) And it makes me feel just as awesome as it did the first time. That’s the power of an amazing dress! I know that the right outfit can transform my mood and attitude almost immediately. I walk with my head held higher…I bat my lashes more often… And I feel pretty just the way I am.

The tagline on my blog changed recently when I left New York, and now it says “Halfway through my journey to change the outside while learning to love the inside.” And what I’ve learned is that it’s okay – good even – to love myself at any size. I deserve to feel pretty whether I’m a size 32 or a size 2, but it’s up to me to make it happen. Sealed with a Kiss has made that easier for me, and I look forward being a part of this blog and embracing my body imperfect, yet totally worthy body. Thanks for having me…

I have a very busy and fun filled life that requires me to play many different parts and looking the part is essential. I am currently working towards my degree in Sociology, building a business with my blog Lips Hips & FATshion Tips, am staying busy having fun in the sun this summer with my family, and am still living it up like a typical 25 year old. Needless to say my style is always changing to fit the different parts of my life and having pieces that I can use for all of those styles is AMAZING!

It all starts with a dress. Perfect for a night out, a brunch with friends, a business meeting or a hot date putting together a look with a comfortable, versatile, flattering and well made dress is always a win! These three plus size dresses that make up my style staples from Sealed with a Kiss Designs certainly fit the bill.

The Gloria Dress

The Gloria Dress available in Mushroom, Silver Bangle, Black, and Wine is the perfect go to dress for the summer. Flirty, lightweight and easy breezy this dress is ideal for a BBQ, a semi-casual lunch with clients or a night out with the one I love. This dress is great on its own but is also the perfect to pair with a belt and some great wedges or even a killer heel and some studded accessories!

The Perfect Tank Dress

The Perfect Tank Dress is just that PERFECTION! Available in Red, Cobalt Blue, Black and Heather Gray the Perfect Tank Dress is a great length with a flattering bust line and a built-in waist to enhance the curvy curves in a wonderful way! This dress is perfect with a denim jacket and flats for running to the grocery story, great with a cardi and some peep toes for the office, or just the right casual dress for a picnic in the park with friends!

The Pocket Drape Dress

The Pocket Drape Dress is the new LBD love of my life! This dress is comfortable but is also a saucy number that always makes me feel like a glamorous babe! This dress left as is with a low cut neckline and tummy concealing draping is sexy, simple and chic but there is also so much room to style this dress to fit any mood or social situation. A blank beautiful canvas ready for anything is the Pocket Drape Dress!

With these three plus size dresses I am set for dozens of style options this summer and I am so looking forward to showcasing them here for you! Thanks to Sealed with a Kiss Designs and these Style Staples the possibilities for showcasing my personal style are endless!
Xoxo
Stiletto Siren

I’m so excited to be blogging here for Sealed with a Kiss. You’ll usually find me over on Bombshell Beauty, posting everyday outfits and the like – going through the motions of my life as a style-concious plus size woman. It used to be that those two things (style and plus size) were mutually exclusive. Not anymore! Thanks to brands like Sealed with a Kiss, we have options…and good ones, at that.

So, what is my everyday life like? Well, I’ll bet it’s a lot like yours. I have a job that I love, working in the creative marketing department of a large company here in the Twin Cities. I’ve been married for five years, and I really enjoy my relationships with friends and family. I love to read – I just finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and it absolutely wrecked me. Such a fantastic book. One of my favorite spots to read is in a city park right across the street from my apartment. There’s something fantastic about losing myself in a great book right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of downtown St. Paul.

That’s where I live – in the city, albeit a pretty quaint one. It’s who I am…I always appreciate the green grass and sprawling houses that my friends live in out in the suburbs. But I’m a city girl at heart. I like concrete and tall buildings and walking everywhere.

My fashion sense is pretty classic, I think. I love clothes that are a little structured – that’s what fits my body type the best. I always try to define my waist because, frankly, it needs it. I love color – either wearing clothes that are bright colors or accessorizing with them. I’m of the style school of thought who believes that things don’t have to match, they just have to “go” together.

I don’t buy a lot of clothes, so when I do it has to be something that I love and will wear a million times. I expect my wardrobe to fit every part of my life – whether it’s a day of meetings at the office, sitting on the patio of my neighborhood wine bar with my husband, grilling out with friends, or going to a swanky fashion event.

I think that’s why I like Sealed with a Kiss so much. The clothes they make are created with you and me in mind. The fabrics are the perfect weight to layer without causing undue warmth. Everything is so soft and feels great against the skin. And the style? Is on trend without being over-the-top. I also really like and believe in the people behind the brand. I’ve gotten to know Sarah, the Director of Marketing and Development, really well. And let me tell you – she and her team are passionate about creating plus size clothes that fit and feel fabulous. Passion is evident in everything they do. What can I say? That passion makes a difference to me.

So, a very long introduction in which I really meant to just say hi and let you know how much I’m looking forward to getting to know you. You can find my posts right here every Monday – I’ll show you how I’m wearing some of the latest pieces from Sealed with a Kiss, talk about my favorite picks of the season and more. Until next week!

Sara

Hi Lovely Ladies!

My name is Stiletto Siren and I am one of the new Fearless Bloggers for Sealed With A Kiss Designs! I will be bringing you weekly posts about fashion and style for curvy chicks, updates on the happenings of the plus size fashion world and some great new ideas for styling your favorite Sealed With A Kiss pieces! I am so excited to be a part of the Sealed With A Kiss Designs blog and am looking forward to generating some great posts specifically for you! Before we get started with the FASHION here is a little bit about me!

I created my personal blog site Lips Hips & FATshion Tips (http://mylipstickonhercollar.com)   in July of 2009 and just celebrated 2 years of showcasing my personal style and bringing my own spin to the plus size fashion world! I am a huge advocate for loving yourself, loving your life and doing so while looking fabulous and I try to show that with daily outfit posts and some great shopping guides! Sealed With A Kiss Designs is one of my favorite places for finding great plus size clothing that is comfortable, chic and versatile for my wardrobe which is why I couldn’t resist an opportunity to become more involved.

In my life outside of the blogging world I have a wonderful partner and 3 awesome teenage boys who always keep me on my toes. In my free time I enjoy shopping, dancing, cupcakes and cocktails and if you can imagine it getting out in the woods, camping and playing in the dirt with my family! I may be a fashionista but my life certainly doesn’t end there!

xoxo

Stiletto Siren

Note from Sarah: Check out this totally cute pic of Stiletto and I at the White Party during Full Figured Fashion Week!

It’s with the utmost excitement that I am announcing our new team of fantastic, plus size fashion bloggers! You’ll get a chance to follow these gals on a weekly basis. They will share their thoughts and style-insights, personal journeys’ and lots of pics featuring their favorite SWAK pieces! You’ll get to know them, and hopefully love them. We’ve picked these gals because, well, they’re great!  They all come from unique backgrounds and perspectives. You may love some of the things they say… Or you may not. But they will always be real and authentic! We’ll be adding more in the future, but for now please join me in welcoming the following gals to our blog team!

Sara Bartlett
Many of our Facebook fans may recognize Sara Bartlett and her blog, Bombshell Beauty Blog. You can often find her sassy, sweet, and enthusiastic posts all over our page! In the year that I’ve known her, I’ve found Sara to be mature, gracious, and full of integrity. What I love about Sara is that she’s a regular gal and a class act. She likes to stay on a budget, and she always tries to get the most from her shopping purchases. Looking for ways to maximize your buys? You’ll want to check out Sara’s posts as she shows us how to get the most from her SWAK favorites. We’ll also be introducing a new Seasonal Style feature for Sara. She’ll take a real budget and show you how she spreads it across the season to get the most from her purchases! Check out this awesome quote of hers! “… I don’t buy a lot of clothes, so when I do it has to be something that I love and will wear a million times. I expect my wardrobe to fit every part of my life…”

Stiletto Siren
Stiletto is fearless. With her shocking red hair and sassy and brassy personality, nobody puts this baby in a corner! Her blog, Lips, Hips and FATshion Tips, never fails to draw commentary from our Facebook community. At times, it’s even stirred a bit of controversy. What we like about her has nothing to do with her outspoken opinions on fat acceptance. We like her because, well, she’s courageous, authentic and full of big-personality! Regardless of your feelings on fat acceptance, we can all appreciate a savvy, playful, vivacious spirit when we see it! She is all of those things and more. I am so thrilled to be working with her. Stiletto also loves outfit posts! You can be sure her posts will be full of pics wearing her favorite SWAK picks… “I am a huge advocate for loving yourself, loving your life and doing so while looking fabulous” she says. “I try to show that with daily outfit posts and some great shopping guides!”

Kenlie
Kenlie is a new friend to SWAK. We met her first a few months ago, when we opened our boutique doors just for her. Why? This smart, awesome and brave gal was about to be on The Today Show and needed a great dress to wear! Kenlie’s blog, AllTheWeigh.com, progresses her personal health journey. She candidly shares her up’s and down’s with a community of regular readers. The focus of her blog’s for SWAK will be her own personal journey with a fashion twist! I look forward to reading her narrative and watching her fully bloom into the confident, stylish gal she aims to be! What you will quickly read is that she already is ALL of those things… But as she reaches her personal goals, we’ll be right along with her to support her and dress her in killer plus size clothes!

In addition to the gals above, you will also hear more from our brilliant stylist Reah Norman. In the past, she’s been the dazzle behind each one of our SWAK photoshoots. She’s stepping out from behind the scenes and will be a regular feature on our website! She’ll share more fashion perspective, give you the scoop on how she styles our stuff, see her featured in her very own photoshoots and more! And last, but not least… Me! As the spunky and supportive poster behind our Facebook page, and the face for Sealed With a Kiss Designs, I’ll be giving you the scoop about what happens here and how I feel about fashion. I’ll continue to put myself out there in features like Shop Sarah’s Closet… And maybe even more!

Shopping should be fun. When you think of Sealed With a Kiss Designs, we want you not only to think of trendy, plus size fashion that fits YOU, but also to get a big smile on your face. Like the gal pal who always saved you a seat in the back of chemistry class—we’re going to laugh and gab with you. In addition to that, we also hope to inspire you! Dressing you happy is what makes US happy. We want to show you women who look like you- real woman leading real lives—and how those awesome gals look wearing SWAK fashions. We’re going to let them share their thoughts and stories with you… In the hopes that maybe, just maybe, you can relate to them. See, we’re all in this for ONE thing—finding ways to make YOU feel good about yourself TODAY! Whether you want to lose a few pounds or stay the same is irrelevant to us. We just want you to cut yourself some slack and allow yourself to love fashion as it works for your body today.

Stay tuned for fun ahead!

Sarah Sapora

Director of Marketing
Sealed With a Kiss Designs

One trend that never falls out of fashion is quintessential vintage Hollywood style! Graceful necklines. Full skirts. Pencil-silhouettes that skim curves. Polka dots and cherry prints and pin-stripes! These are the hallmark of a genre…

This fall, Sealed With a Kiss Designs will be launching their first every collection of vintage fashion. Inspired Hollywood screen sirens of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, these dresses will be flirty, sassy and feminine.

We’re thrilled to share some behind the scenes pictures from our photo shoot! Gathering to make this day possible was an awesome team, each working to shoot every one of our plus size dresses to perfection. Hair and makeup was done by the lovely Ana, owner of Classic Glamour Dolls. Expert styling was done by our dear friend and official stylist, the skilled and experienced Reah Norman. Our models, Danielle and Rayna, brought glam and sass to all the plus size dresses. Behind the camera was our in-house photographer, Jan, and Kim, our production gal who steamed and attended to every needed detail. Captaining the ship and likely to be found behind a laptop or jumping up to fix a wrinkle or approve a hair change? Yours truly!

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Even a busy shoot requires a little fun!  Interested in seeing some pics? Here are a few of our favorites, linked directly to you. Head over to our Flickr album and check out the rest here!

As the clock winds down to our collection release, we’ll be sure to share lots of information on these new styles. Sizes, colors and release dates! For the latest information on Sealed With a Kiss Designs, keep checking our blog and, of course, join us on Facebook!

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Looking forward to dressing you all in vintage-glamour!!

Sarah Sapora
Director of Marketing
Sealed With a Kiss Designs

For myself, I now truly see a beautiful, tall, confident, full-figured woman. But despite my confidence and hard won self-esteem, I still have to be careful what I listen to out there, among a society that seems to believe we should all be a size 2, tan, and ageless. So the one thing I try to accomplish in every article I write is to affirm, over and over, that we are ALL beautiful.

Some of my favorite commercials were those put out by the Gap a few years ago where some amazing looking, but very “un-traditional” people, proclaimed their own beauty. I would sit and look at those images on the screen and know that ALL of us struggle to find personal worth, and all of us struggle with body image.

We have to remember that some of the most slender people in society worry 24-7 if they are thin enough – and they grace endless magazine covers everywhere we look. So worrying about weight and size is in no way limited to my fellow full-figured fans and fav’s. I think that CLAIMING my right to be recognized as gorgeous is MY job, and it only goes wrong when I expect others to fill that role.

So what can I do to make sure that I’m taking care of my “truth with self” (which is the literal meaning of confidence)? First of all, I sit for just a minute or two, before I rush out the door, and remember that owning my beauty empowers OTHERS to do the same. Sadly, the opposite is also true. If I create conversations where I put myself down all day, I leave that seed everywhere I go. So loving myself is really a service to everybody I meet all day long (and it feels great, too).

Second, I spend the extra few minutes a day to look great. As recently as ten years ago, plus size women simply weren’t invited to the “fashion party.” They couldn’t participate in great fashion trends like everyone else, and they did not have more than one or two retailers to shop at. There was even a very exclusive chain of stores for plus size women called, “The Forgotten Woman.” Well, good-bye “forgotten woman,” because designers and retailers everywhere finally woke up! We aren’t forgotten any more. From plus size camisoles to plus size evening wear, the selection is exactly what it should be — abundant.

We can fill our wardrobes with stylish plus size clothes for every day and every occasion. We can update those styles for each season, and we can claim our right to turn heads when we walk in a room or down the street. Along with my insecurities, I have tossed out my need to hide my body. I have a beautiful, curvaceous, plus size body, and I’m showing it off in a variety of plus size clothes every chance I get. I have a closet full of great plus size evening wear, and a drawer full of sexy plus size lingerie to go with it to make me feel beautiful and sexy from head to toe.

Why is this important? Because on top of everything else, this is my one life – and being distracted by low self-esteem or a lack of confidence is exhausting. On the other hand, being filled with a right-sized dose of knowledge that I am beautiful and one-of-a-kind is invigorating!

So today, I invite all of you to put on something comfortable and lovely and walk out of your door feeling beautiful and confident. Life is short so own it and love it.

Review the following points before buying a plus size career dress:

First factor to look out for the plus size dresses is their fitting. The simple thing to keep in mind is to buy the size which exactly fits you right now not the size which you will attain in the coming months. Dress should be fitting you now. Opt for professional help if you want to know about figure exactly. You have to achieve a balance between the extremes. They should be neither tight nor loose. Go for a middle way.

The modesty is the secondary factor. Offices are not right places to expose. The dress employed here should be fully professional and hence strictly avoid such exposure. You can always switch the clothes once you exit the office. However in lieu of covering up your body, make sure you don’t make yourself uncomfortable with excessively long and heavy dresses. Comfort and decency should go along.

Third factor while buying a plus size career dress is to see if it can help you in enhancing your positive factors. For example a long dress may help you in looking tall. Similarly a full sleeved dress may avoid the exposure of your arms if they are too fat. Tight dresses near the waist will make your overall personality better. Your friend might help you in buying these. Just use common sense if you lack that friend. So, just go with your feelings.

The support for extra accessories is the last factor. See if your purse is matching or not. See if your lucky bracelet or wrist watch can be worn with this or not. The perfect dress would fit exactly on your great body. I recommend Classic Surplice Neck plus size dress in this regard. Don’t however buy too much of these apparels. A professional dress can make all the difference. Sometimes these accessories are not needed at all.

Lastly it’s all up to your wish.

The fashionista in me cringes, but yes, I accept it. For many years, my mother dressed me as she would herself. Neutral tones and mock turtlenecks. The problem is… I look really bad in tan. And, I look even worse in mustard. And, I have a short neck, so mock turtlenecks, even at the ripe age of 8 years old, did nothing for my figure.

Although I will love 70’s yacht-rock till my grey hairs fall out, I did grow out of the mustard yellow. As I got older I developed my own personal taste in music and my own style of dressing. There was a time in my early 20’s that nothing defined me more than a pair of beat up cowboy boots, that I bought in Austin, Texas and a great pair of jeans. Then, I would clean my apartment with the Rolling Stones Honkey Tonk Woman playing loud and my windows wide open. I was purely and without hesitation in my element in those moments- shaking my hips and slugging around a vacuum. As I got older, I found a new style—a great, black plus size dress and some kickin’ heels. I filled my closet with every curve-hugging and flattering plus size dress I could find and made friends with sales girls who helped me secure pointy toe Manolo’s at delectable sale prices. The music of my life then? My rhythm was Beyonce. Strong, powerful and feminine. OR AC/DC. Hard, aggressive and shouting a warning to all who got in my way…

These days, as I’ve gotten older, I’m falling into a new style-rhythm. I like my clothes comfy yet sexy. I like skinny jeans and belted tunics (gotta show off the waistline!) and tall boots. I play a lot of Dolly Parton and Bad Company… Although I still can’t resist the Pitbull and Lady Gaga. I still love a plus size dress except now I’ve open my wardrobe to maxi’s as well as the short-n-sassy.

And so, I encourage all of our wonderful readers in blog-land to think about your personal rhythm and style? Are you boho-chic and listening to singer-songwriter magic? Or are you a pop princess sportin’ a one-shoulder top and a tush-shaking tune? Whatever your style is, find one that’s yours and nobody else’s. Trust yourself. You know deep in your bones if the style-rhythm you’ve been living with has become dull and dreary- if you need to be singing a new tune then maybe you need  to be  wearing a new plus size dress to go with it? Does the music in your MP3 player speak to you? When you swing open your closet, do you beam with excitement or dread finding something to wear? If  not… What are you waiting for? Shuffle the music player to something new and fresh. Try a trend you’d never touch before. Open yourself to a new possibility. Who knows, you might find a version of yourself you never thought existed before!

Sarah Sapora

Director of Marketing

Sealed With a Kiss Designs

Make no mistake, ladies, the right plus size clothes should enhance your style – not hinder it – or worse, hide it completely.  The key is finding what works for you.  And like little girls playing dress up, that process can actually be a lot of fun.  Let me give you a warning though, it is not risk free.  You will have to be honest with yourself, and you’ll have to dig deep and have the courage to try a few new ensembles you might not have considered before.  But hey, what have you got to lose?  Get honest… hiding behind that curtain isn’t any fun anyway, is it?

This season, consider buying two or three new pieces that you might not have considered before.  How about a plus size tunic?  Plus size tunics are a great way to create a long line and a fun, flowing look.  Tunics are very trendy right now, and run the gamut from simple to bedazzled, ornamented with ruffles, lace, sequins and bows.  Plus size tunics look great over a slender fit pair of jeans or a slim fitting skirt, and they come in all styles – baby doll anybody?  Or go for a more sophisticated, bohemian look.  Dress it down or dress it up with a great pair of heels and a fab new bag. Trust me, tunics give just that little extra flow and edgy, yet easy-to-wear style.

Not so sure about going out on a limb to make a fashion style statement?  Stop making yourself crazy about what you *think* your flaws are.  Instead, make your shopping excursion fun!  Take your favorite cheerleader shopping with you.  Or if you’re buying online, don’t open the package.  Instead, call your BFFs and have them come over for a cocktails and fashion show.  After all, if we’re being delusional about what we look like – in either direction – our gal pals are definitely there to set the record straight.  They are the first to say something doesn’t work for us – and also the first to say if you’re just being way too hard on yourself.

Having a great wardrobe is not only essential to how we look and feel – it’s also a one-way ticket to a good day.  Who doesn’t want to get dressed and have a sense of frivolity and fun just because they’re wearing their style on their sleeve?  Literally, in this case.

So go online and do a plus size fashion search, pick two or three looks that you think are stylish, trendy and fun.  Then go for it.  After all, this is not the dress rehearsal, and you are not the master of disguises.  What you are is the mistress of ceremonies, so step out from behind that curtain, pull on a style you can love, and get out there to enjoy a great look and a fabulous you.

I love the idea of buying plus size clothes and creating outfits that transition from day to night.  The idea, yes.  Actually doing it?  No.  As much as I might wish my life was more about a glamorous day job that ends at 5:00 PM and segues into an even more glamorous night life – that’s just not the case.  I go to a great job during the day and then head home to blog, eat dinner with my husband and watch Bethenny Ever After (or whatever else Bravo is serving up in prime time).  On the weekends, I get together with friends for an afternoon barbeque, drinks at our favorite bar, or a music festival in the park across the street from my apartment.  It may not be as glamorous as my favorite magazines imagine my life could be, but it’s exactly what I want. And I want a fabulous wardrobe that fits my lifestyle.

I need my clothes to be versatile.  If I can’t wear something in a variety of situations, chances are it’s not going to make it into my closet.  I want plus size clothes (dresses and separates) that feel as at home in a meeting at the office as they do in a lounge chair on my best friend’s deck.  I bridge this wardrobe transition by making sure every article of clothing that I own feels good, fits well, and goes with at least 2 or 3 other pieces in my closet.  And accessories are essential.

The Plunge Tunic is a great layering piece because it’s incredibly soft.  I wear it to work tucked into a high-waisted skirt with heels; then belt it with the Perfect Knit vest over dark jeans for a night out with friends.

The Classic Surplice Neck Dress is a staple in my wardrobe thanks to the plunging neckline and waist-cinching empire waist.  The pale Blue Cameo shade is the perfect spring neutral. I belted a purple scarf over it for work, creating my own color-block effect (which is a great trend this spring).  Then I pulled on a slouchy knit cardigan and my plaid Converse All-Star sneakers on for an afternoon at an art fair.

The second I spotted the Essential Short Skirt, I knew it was a piece I’d wear like crazy all spring and summer.  I didn’t realize until I received the skirt how versatile it really can be!  I paired the skirt with a white ribbed tank top and blazer for work.  Then I hiked up the skirt and wore it as a tube dress.  I’m a tall girl and the skirt still fell just above my knees as a dress, so anyone under 6’ should have no problem creating this effect too.

Don’t let magazines make you feel inferior for not having a “Day to Night” kind of lifestyle.  “Work to Weekend” is what I’m always thinking of when buying clothes – and it’s so easy to do with a little inspiration and some great accessories.

I have recently fallen in love with the SWAK Designs Spring/Summer 2011 Basics Collection, and two of my favorite items are the  “Boyfriend Tee’ and “Plunge Tunic”.  These are two definite must have plus size tops that every woman should add to their go-to collection of basics that are easy to wear, day after day, and will help create a complete wardrobe that works!

Plunge Tunic

I adore the SWAK “Plunge Tunic”, and it is an YES for every woman’s wardrobe.  This updated basic is breezy and wearable for day, night, and everything in between.  The drop back hem, scoop neck, and effortless flow are completely flattering for plus size body types, and the ¾ sleeve adds wearable comfort.  While out and about during the day, the “Plunge Tunic” can be worn causally with a relaxed pair of cuffed denim, capris, or shorts, chic sandals, statement jewelry, and a cute cross-body day bag or tote.  For casual work-wear, the “Plunge Tunic” can easily be paired with trousers, a fitted blazer, pumps, classic jewelry, and a bright oversized bag.  When heading out on the town, simply add a pair of jeggings or skinny jeans, sexy boots or heels, gold accessories, and chic clutch and you are out the door looking fabulous in this perfectly diverse plus size top.

Boyfriend Tee

The SWAK Designs “Boyfriend Tee” is a simple and fresh basic plus size top that is stylish, flattering, and ideal to mix and match into endless combinations!  The flattering wide scoop neck and slightly A-line hip-length hem where designed with your curves in mind, without compromising the comfort of your boyfriend’s t-shirt! During the day, effortlessly pair this plus size top with casual denim, capris, or shorts, gladiator sandals, a sweet day bag, and straw fedora for a laid-back look. For a sophisticated work-wear outfit, the “Boyfriend Tee” can be paired with a pencil skirt, heels, and belted SWAK “Waterfall Cardigan”, then when heading out for the evening, change it up with a great fitting pair of sleek, dark denim, fitted blazer, patterned heels and colorful accessories.

When building a solid wardrobe, focus on simplicity! First and foremost, concentrate on a collection of perfect fitting versatile basics.  If you have an ample collection of wardrobe staples that you love and that are figure flattering, it is simple to add the fun trends, seasonal items and statement pieces that speak specifically to the moment for quick wardrobe updates.  Always remember, be creative, make the most of your wardrobe and always “think outside the fashion box”!

Yes, it’s time to grab your garb, ladies, and begin a careful piece-by-piece inventory. Not a task that makes you jump for joy? Trust me, as hanger after hanger gets removed and the chaos of fashions past begins to clear, you’ll be reminded how good it feels to not search frantically through “closet chaos” every time you need to put on the perfect plus size dress or a great looking “going out” top..

The rule of thumb for clothing is simple: Don’t keep it hanging there taking up space if you don’t wear it and/or love it – especially if it doesn’t fit any longer. If you are like me, you probably have at least one pair of jeans sitting around the closet that fit you forty pounds ago. Baah humbug. While I WANT those old jeans to inspire me, they never do…Instead they sit there and mock me, sticking their tongue out and going “nahnahnapoopoo”. While I totally get the idea of holding onto pieces that inspire nostalgia, if your old stuff doesn’t contain some specific thread of importance for you, I would consider letting them go.

The bottom line to remember here is that we all deserve a wardrobe that is easy and beautiful – not a closet that stands there mocking us. Just for today, why not begin to drop anything that’s weighing you down or holding you back?

You see, there’s this thing that happens when you start clearing away the old stuff in life. It starts to create room for the new, the fabulous and the amazing that you have yet to discover. So pull out a few of those extra-strength garbage bags and begin three good piles: give it away, store it away or throw it away! And don’t stop with the clothes in your closet. Get rid of anything that just doesn’t fit the fabulous woman you’re becoming. (Ahem, that means people.)

You see, kicking out chaos isn’t just about throwing out the old; it’s about creating room to breath and room to grow. So while you’re spring cleaning your closets and drawers, how about overhauling anyone in your life that isn’t making you look and feel amazing. When you finish filling those bags, do two more things for yourself. #1. Sit down and make a list of everybody you talk to in a month. Draw a smiley face next to the ones who make you feel great. Draw a frowny face next to the ones who make you feel lousy. (Yes, this is that simple.) Then resolve to spend LESS time with the list and more time with the list. It’s a ridiculous task, but very worthwhile – even if it only gets you thinking.

Number two? Take a look at that newly cleaned out closet and give yourself permission to fill it with things that work for your body right now. Whether you can afford $50 or $500 worth of stuff, think about what your wardrobe really needs and give yourself permission to go get it! Stretch your boundaries and pick something that you might not normally allow yourself to buy. Pick a hot new pair of jeans and a cute bolero over a hot pink tank top. Or go for a great new plus size dress in a funky print. You see, fashion should be FUN. It should be a great experience where you celebrate your best assets. Fashion changes every year and every season because WE change all the time. And if you’ve got a closet that only has stuff from three, four or five-plus years ago, what does that say? I won’t get into that answer for you, but I will say that you’re probably not celebrating. So let’s get the ME party started by making some room, getting rid some tired old threads of yesterday and welcoming in TODAY!

The 10 Essentials for Every Plus Size Womans Spring Wardrobe
There are key pieces that every Plus Size woman needs to have in her wardrobe and I cannot live without. Since it is the beginning of spring, I thought it would be good to get every woman started on the right path in creating their new “spring-fabulous” wardrobe. These wardrobe essentials will help you create a variety of looks that are classy, figure-flattering, and timeless.
1. Foundation garments: Starting with the proper undergarments is key to having a “Spring-Fabulous” wardrobe. I feel that what you wear under clothes can definitely make or break your outfit. Every Plus Size woman must be sure to have proper fitting bras, panties, shapers, etc. to help smooth out your curves and complete the look you are trying to achieve. I do not leave home without these and particularly love the hide and sleek cami by SPANX.
2. Sexy Wrap dress: This is a definite must have dress style for every Plus Size woman. Why it’s so amazing is because the diagonal part of the wrap works like magic to show off a narrow waist and fakes one for the wider waisted women. The wrap dress is a classic and is super sexy whether in a print or solid, pair it with a sexy pair of open toed heels and you are “Spring-Fabulous.”
3. A-line skirt: A Plus Size woman cannot go wrong with A-line! This skirt style is especially great for women who have either a tummy issue or a hip/thigh issue but works well for most figures. When finding the right length in an A-line skirt you want to stay away from styles that hit you mid-calf, it’s better to just hit at or below the knee where the leg is the thinnest and shows off the curve of the calf. Try and pick an A-line with a pretty floral pattern that is perfect for spring.
4. Classic button-front shirt: A classic shirt you will reach for again and again. You can’t go wrong with this style whether if it’s for work, a casual day out and about, or a night out on the town. Long sleeve, short-sleeve, three-quarter sleeve, whatever sleeve, pair it up with a fitted vest or under a light weight sorbet colored cardigan and you are “Spring-Fabulous.”
5. Jeans: Whether they are cropped or not, no wardrobe is complete without a great pair of plus size jeans! They can be dressed up or down. Wide-leg trouser style jeans are especially great for the more pear-shaped woman and the “Skinny” jean styles are great fit for the apple-shaped plus size woman. For spring, try out a pair of distressed “Boyfriend Style” jeans for a more casual laid-back look. Whatever style you choose be sure to save the lighter washes for more casual daytime looks and the darker washes for the dressier night out look.
6. Trench coat: This is a perfect spring staple! A Trench coat gives an outfit a complete, more polished look. Pick one in a bright spring color or basic khaki. Find one that fits close to your body or that has a tie at the waist for a more figure flattering look. Three-quarter length styles are the most flattering, but be sure to stay away from the styles that have oversized lapels that can be extremely overpowering.
7. Flat sandals: The foot-friendly flat sandal is a true essential for a “Spring-Fabulous” wardrobe. In addition to embellished, fringed, patent, metallic, and snakeskin print flat sandals the “gladiator” look is particularly stylish and is worn great with jeans, Bohemian style tops, skirts, and dresses.
8. Romantic blouse: This blouse should have a romantic feel to it with a lightweight, soft, flowy fabric in a light pastel solid or print. Find a style that has some lace or ruffle detail to make it “Spring-Fabulous.” If the blouse is loose enough perhaps try belting it to define your waistline. Pair this blouse with jeans and your flat sandals and you are set.
9. Deep V-neck top: Deep V-necklines are a staple in plus size women fashions. Wearing a deep v-neck makes the body look longer and leaner and is extremely flattering for a plus size figure. If a deep V-neck is not for you pair it with a lightweight coordinating color cami for a great layered look with a pair of jeans.
10. Hobo bag: Comfortable hobo style bags in colors such as black, white, beige, metallic, blue, green, orange, and violet are extremely hot this season. Make an impression and carry something bold and bright.
Danielle Line, Guest Writer, Plus Size Model for www.swakdesigns.com

The 10 Best Beauty Products for Spring and Summer

Since becoming a Plus Size Model I have found myself becoming more and more of a “beauty product freak”. I’m really not sure if that is a good or a bad thing since there are so many great products out on the market now. I am constantly asking the makeup artists that I work with on shoots what products they love and cannot live without and then I find myself on another adventure. I have definitely learned on my beauty product shopping adventures that you have to try a few products out in order to find your favorite and what works best for your skin. What works for one girl may not work for the other. After all of my adventures here are my top ten favorite beauty products that I cannot live without.

1.Kinerase lotion: This is an amazing gentle moisturizer for combination to oily skin. It not only moisturizes my skin but I have noticed after using it for some time now that it has evened out the overall tone/color of skin. It definitely has done its job! Sells for $72 Sephora.com

2.Philosophy’s ‘Hope in a Tube’ Eye and Lip Crème: I just love this stuff!! It’s for aging skin and works to help reduce the signs of pre-mature aging and promote resilience. Sells for $33 Sephora.com

3.Mary Kay’s Oil Matifier: This is a lifesaver for me at every shoot!!! It absorbs oil and helps control the shine for up to 8 hours. You even can reapply this stuff over your makeup. It’s amazing and sells for only $15 visit marykay.com

4.Arbonne’s ‘About Face’ Concealer: This product is all natural and works perfect for hiding those not so pleasant pimples that decide to pop the morning of a shoot!!! It works on all skin types and also helps with dark-circles and puffiness. Only sold at Arbonne.com for $20

5.Anastasia’s ‘Brow gel’ in clear: This botanical conditioning brow gel helps keep my unruly brows in their place with no flakiness and sells for $21

6.LORAC TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer with SPF 15: Love it! It is a mineral-based, baked formula that goes on super silky and leaves my skin with a bronzed/sun-kissed glow that lasts all day. Sometimes I like to use it as an eye shadow. It is available at Sephora.com for $30

7.Nars lip gloss in ‘Orgasm’: I wear it literally everyday. It is a universally flattering peachy pink shimmery gloss sold for $24

8.MAX Factors 2000 Calorie Curved Brush Mascara: I have sensitive eyes and have a hard time with different mascara’s but truly love this one. This amazing mascara gives my lashes a dramatic look I love while adding volume. An true essential on all of my photo shoots. Available at Drugstore.com for $5.49 WHAT A STEAL!

9.CHI Silk Infusion: This stuff makes my hair look and feel amazing and adds just the right amount of shine. Available at Drugstore.com for $10.99

10.Bath and Body Works ‘Warm Vanilla Sugar’ Body Cream & Fragrance Mist: I love the smell of VANILLA and cannot live without these 2 products. The fragrance stays with me all day and I always get tons of compliments. Available only at BathandBodyWorks.com for $12 each

So there you have my 10 best beauty products for Spring/Summer. You can’t go wrong with any of these products. Happy shopping!

Danielle Line, Guest Writer, Plus Size Model for swakdesigns.com

I am going out on a limb and assuming that the majority reading this have not been on  a fashion photo shoot. In  fair disclosure, they are still a new experience for me as well. Photo shoots and I have long been friends as I worked in entertainment for years… But still, to see a bevy of beautiful gals wearing fantastic clothes, with perfect makeup and hair? Its a sight to see! And so I exercise my right to be a bit excited, to gush a little and to type with the proud ramblings of a mama-bear who truly appreciates the team she gets to work with.

This shoot had extra special meaning to me. This is the first season for Sealed With a Kiss Designs that I have been so hands on in planning our collections. From initial brainstorm to picking colors to working with the team to make sure that hemlines, armholes, necklines, draping and ruching are all maximized to assure as many women the most perfect fit as possible. This has been an unreal ride.

I can only speak for myself here– but the clothes I helped to design on behalf of the company feel like my children. You help to create them, with passion for your customer in mind, and over a period of a few months you nurture and love them to life. You create them with specific women in mind– a working diva on the east coast who  wears ballet flats to the office and slips her heels on when she walks in the front door. A feisty pr gal who tackles her client meetings with grace and style. A mom on the west coast who runs her errands looking casually comfortable. A college student in Canada searching her closet for something to wear before class– you see ALL these people as your designs come to life. Would she wear it? How would she style it? Will it flatter her? Will she feel fantastic in it?

Our team is the bomb. Danielle, Kim, special team guest star Reah Norman all fretted over every detail… They all deserve the biggest of shout-outs. I hope you can all get to know them better– in their own right because they are all great women. We may be a young company, still forming our vision of who we want to be, but with a group of gals like this I know we can go far.

As the pieces were created and collections started to come together– a style vision was born. How would we showcase our clothes? What feelings and moods did we want to inspire? I know I had a clear vision of what I wanted us to achieve– and Kim and Danielle both had things in mind that needed to be brought to life. But how to make it all happen? Lucky for us we are able to work with Reah Norman. As far as stylists go, she is the real deal. Reah had been involved with creating this seasons collections from the beginning, so when it came time to style them for our shoot she knew the drill inside and out.

In the weeks leading up to the shoot endless time was spent in planning. From hair and makeup to accessories, every small detailed was considered. The result? Something I believe we can all be proud of.

In the next few weeks we will share our spring and summer look book with you. We can only hope you will love it as much as we do. I can tell you this– our first collection for Spring will be Basics. Basics will be full of every day necessities your closet can depend on. From a comfy Boyfriend Tee to a Perfect Tank Dress… We’ve got you covered. The Basics Collection will be hitting our store by end of February to the first week of March. We will share the looks with you on our site, via email and, of course, via Facebook.

I know, I’m long winded…Before I share a few behind the scenes pics, let me first say a few thanks to some special folks who helped make our shoot possible. Thank you to…

- The ever-ready Kim- our Manager of Production and Design– who never tires and gives 100%. She is a tiger when needed and patient when patience is required and has taught me new expressions like “bougie.”
- Kristie and Ingrid– awesome helpers, steamers, shoe fasteners etc.
- Danielle Line- our Wholesale Manager and beautiful model who gives her all every time without question and never gets frustrated when I make her come to my desk to peer at my laptop for some reason.
- The beautiful Denise Bidot who delivers without fail and brings the type of spirit and professionalism gals in my role can only hope to find.
- Heather Justice- who is new and fresh (and very tall!) but did whatever was asked of her with grace.
- Jo, our talented hair dresser, who poofed and teased hair till the cows came home and who graciously fluffed do’s when I said they were too flat for my liking.
- Marlene  our fantastic makeup artist who smiled when I contradictorily told her I wanted a lip that was both nude and berry colored.
- Our photographer, Michael Anthony Hermogeno, who has patience like I’ve never seen and who never got tired of me peering into the view finder.
- Stylist (and so much more) Reah Norman. Who brings our clothes to life with the perfect accessories and who has the challenging (yet, dare I say “rewarding”) job of keeping me sane when needed.

Not to forget the rest of our SWAK team- Veronica, Rhonda- for their patience while we took over their space and picked up our slack like pro’s.

And, of course, Brad. The big cheese. The man who allows us to make it all happen- who stays in the background when needed and who chimes in when required. A thank you to Brads (clearly) better half for her patience, spirit and craft services.

And now…A few pics from our photo shoot!

Thank you all,

Sarah

A table full of magic…

Getting Denise ready.

Heather, right before stepping on set!

Group shot!

Today at the office my tall, ridiculously beautiful co-worker Danielle (our wholesale manager and the blond amazon goddess you see all over the web site) handed me a Goddess Maxi Dress and told me to try it on. “You’ll see,” she gushed with a big smile “you gotta try it, it’s sooooooo comfy!” I think I scowled at her. Maybe a little. I protested and told her how short I was and that it probably wouldn’t look good on me. “Who cares,” Danielle insisted, “trust me, you’re going to love it.”

The fantastic Cid from CidStyleFile.com wore it in blue this week. And the uber down-to-earth diva Marie Denee wore it in Jade on her blog this summer... So why couldn’t I?

In the comfort of my home I put it one. I donned some Havaianas flip flops in hot pink (just to boost my spirits and feet while my try-on occurred) and stepped in front of the mirror. I gotta admit…. It looked pretty flattering! But, even more important? It has  to be one of the single most comfortable pieces of ours that I have EVER worn. The dress is super soft, flowy and shows off my decolletage (aka “the girls) in an attractive way. The sleeves are whispy looking and hit at just below my elbows. Honestly? I was SO happy that I felt the need to grab my cell phone and snap a pic of myself to share with you. Remember…

1. Be easy on me. I’m not wearing any makeup.
2. This is a totally not-professional cell phone pic.
3. I’m not a model. I’m a regular plus size girl <grin>

I like to try on everything we have at Sealed With a Kiss.  The things that were created before my time here, I learn the best I can. The pieces I’ve helped to develop? I know inside and out.

So here it is. My wearing our Goddess Maxi Dress. This is now in my top fav’s of our clothes. Seriously, it is. I wouldnt say that if I didnt believe it! Which leads me to another blog post I shall have to do in the near future– my fav’s from our current stock. Good idea.

Hope this helps guide somebody to adding this fantastic dress to their own wardobe… I’m still wearing it as I sit in on the couch in front of the TV writing this blog.

Sarah

PS- Danielle…You were right!

PPS- Interested in checking this dress out for yourself? Check it out here!

By this point in time, you have probably seen a bunch of pictures of the cardigan. For example, here is a picture of myself, Danielle and Kim from our team all goofing around and wearing it.

I’m a pretty casual gal, so I will usually wear it wrapped loosely with jeans and boots or my trusty converse. Bombshell Danielle, with her amazing tall-ness, can pull of a bunch of styles I could never dream of. In this picture, she is wearing the Cocoon Wrap.

The Cocoon Wrap is instant glamor. It is sophisticated and stylish. It would be perfect to wear on a date, a girls night out or to a more casual office place.

We’ve created a Wrap 101 series to show you how to tie the Signature Wrap Cardigan in several popular styles. The first one up? our Coccon Wrap!

Click HERE to download a PDF that shows you, step-by-step, how to tie this sassy style!

Ready to add this versatile piece to your wardrobe? You can find it on our website here!

We’ve got lots more to come…More tomorrow!

- Sarah

Welcome to the blog for Sealed With a Kiss Designs! We’ll be using this place to share photos, fashion tips, news and a bunch of fun stuff.

Hold tight for the ride!

Sarah