Reviewed: Sway Chic

Nine years ago, Sway Chic opened its first brick & mortar store in Berkley. Now, with eight stores across California and a growing Web presence, Sway Chic is the next affordable shopping destination to add to your bookmarks.

On first glance, I felt that the store might be a little young, but a discerning eye definitely paid off. I chose a daisy sequin top and a chunky pink bracelet when the company reached out to me to write a review.

The Shirt ($29.50): I absolutely love this top. It's easy to wear during the day since the sequins aren't iridescent and it has the cutest button back. It is a little short on me (I'm 5' 7"), but that's easy to remedy with a high-waist skirt.

The Bracelet ($14): Adorable, bright and bold. It's made of plastic, which makes it lightweight enough to wear all day without becoming bothersome.

Don't miss Tuesday's outfit post on Bedknobs & Baubles!

Outfitted

It's been blisteringly hot over the last few days - the perfect opportunity to wear an almost-Hawaiian print shirt.

View detailed shots at Bedknobs & Baubles. 

Sartorial Summary
Top: c/o Oasap // Shorts: J.Crew Factory Store // Bracelet: c/o Oasap // Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren

Outfitted

A peplum top is an easy way to look polished. Visit Bedknobs & Baubles for detailed photos!

{ Sartorial Summary: Top - Anthropologie; Pants - Express (hemmed to ankle-length); Shoes - Kate Spade; Necklaces - Vintage, c/o JewelMint; Purse - c/o OASAP; Ring - c/o OASAP }

{ outfitted }

There's an outfit post on Bedknobs & Baubles today!

{ outfitted }

It's no secret that accessories are my favorite part of an outfit, but I hadn't been wearing these favorites as often as I should. There's no better time than the present for mint pumps and a leopard belt.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Skirt - Ann Taylor LOFT (similar); Belt - Banana Republic Factory (similar); Bracelet - Gorjana; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ outfitted }

I've been awfully picky with my purchases lately, only choosing quality items that I'm head-over-heels for and passing on the inexpensive quick fix. Take these leopard print flats, for example. Sure, they were a bit of a splurge at $225, but I've worn the pair nearly every day since I purchased them. I want my closet to be filled with pieces like this; well-made staples that look appropriate at the office and can be toned down on the weekend with an oversize sweater.

Outfit Notes: Sweater- J.Crew; Necklace - J.Crew; Jeans- Levi's; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ outfitted }

During my commute on Tuesday afternoon, Dave called with a reminder to check the mail. Nestled in the mailbox wasn't a bill or stack of magazines, it was a single note proclaiming that it was the first clue to a scavenger hunt throughout our apartment. Clue after clue led me to an unexpected surprise: the Diane von Furstenberg bracelet I featured last month. Best boyfriend ever.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shoes - Kate Spade; Pants - Express; Bracelet - Diane von Furstenberg; Necklace - JewelMint

{ recent purchase } Anupamaa Tunic

1: tunic | 2: bracelet | 3: shorts | 4: sandals

I know a purchase is destined when I start fantasizing about how I'll wear it. I even start making plans of the vacations it'll accompany me on* - until that heart-wrenching moment when I consider the sticker price. I didn't have the wherewithal to spend $100 on a tunic at the end of the summer, but this Anupamaa version was too fantastic to pass up - especially when I scouted it on eBay for a mere $36. It hasn't arrived yet, but I suspect it'll be perfect for late-summer cocktails and next year's coastal vacation.

1: tunic | 2: swimsuit | 3: clutch

*You know you do it too.

{ outfitted } a walk in the park

On Friday afternoon, we went to Governor Dodge State Park. I was lured with the promise of paddle boats and swimming. But when the beach proved to be too crowded, we opted for a walk through the state park - in entirely inappropriate hiking gear. I spent most of the walk looking at the ground to avoid stubbing a toe on wayward stones.

Contemplative? Intrigued? Confused?

Outfit Notes: Top - Banana Republic; Necklace - Forever21; Shorts - J.Crew; Bag - Foley + Corinna; Sandals - Sam Edelman

{ outfitted }

When Plum for Polly asked me to style a Jeffrey Campbell oxfords, I was a little intimidated. Oxfords have never fallen in my sartorial comfort zone. (If footwear doesn't have a high heel, low vamp or delicate strap, it doesn't make its way into my closet.) I also quickly learned I'm not a girl who can juxtapose oxfords with a feminine sundress. (Trust me, I tried.) Instead I opted for a pair of military-inspired shorts and a slouchy sweater - topped with a bit of sparkle. Give it another month and I'm sure this will be my go-to outfit on balmy September days.

I adore the perforated details on the shoes!

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shorts - H&M; Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell c/o Plum for Polly; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Cuff - Melinda Maria; Earrings - My Mother's Jewelry Box

{ outfitted } Laced Up

Months ago, I started following Kendall K.'s blog, which chronicles the realization of her dream: to launch a clothing line. I've followed along as she secured a trademark, designed a logo, found a manufacturer and now - the most exciting part - revealed the finished garments, including the coat I'm wearing above. As if being an inspiration isn't enough, Kendall is also one of the sweetest girls I've known. I couldn't be prouder of her.

I don't think I've ever featured lace on this blog before - let alone worn it. It's too easy for lace to appear overly feminine and romantic and that's simply not my sartorial preference. That said, I can't get over how much I love the fabric on this coat: lavender satin with a lace overlay. Lending rich texture to the coat, from a distance the lace transforms into an interesting graphic print.

But don't worry, Kendall won't deprive you of your ladylike poise and polish. She has included a detachable chiffon flower for the days you need a little romance - or at least the promise of spring buds. (Yes, those are the coveted Kate Spade shoes. I. Love. Them.)

For those interested, I'm happy to report that the coat runs true to size. I'm a size 6 on top (or an 8 if I've been hitting the Cadbury Creme Eggs a wee bit too hard) and this is perfect with room for something heavier underneath. (You'll need this information for next week's giveaway. Hint. Hint.) For more lust-worthy items, head over to Kendall's site and check out her collection.

Outfit Notes: Jacket - c/o Kendall K.; Dress - J.Crew; Earrings - Kate Spade, Bracelet - belonged to my grandmother; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ outfitted } Ahoy!

Yesterday morning was covered in an unexpected blanket of wet, heavy snow - and the city's snowplow drivers were caught unprepared. It didn't bode well for my dinky Honda Civic (I got stuck at an intersection) or my punctuality to an event that I was hosting on behalf of the magazine. After a few answered prays - and a fair amount of four-letter words - I arrived [un]fashionably late for event preparations. It's safe to say that March rolled in like a lion; let's hope it's gentler on the way out.

I'm crushing hard on this necklace from Kate at Third Culture Jewelry. If you love her work as much as I do, you'll be tickled pink by an upcoming giveaway. Hint. Hint.

And speaking of pink, this photo reminds me of the Barbie logo. You know the one; the profile with the perky ponytail. You totally see the resemblance don't you?

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - Forever21; Skirt - Banana Republic; Bracelet - Forever21; Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace - c/o Third Culture Jewelry