Sealed With A Kiss Designs Plus Size Fashion Blog

Cutting Crystal Some Slack

Sarah — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:25:19 +0000

Ok, I know this response may garner me some criticism but… I’ll stick myself out there and say this. For once, I would like to cut Crystal Renn some slack and just say– man, these are some beautiful pictures!

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!

Giddy for Creativity!

Sarah — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:09:04 +0000

Is there anything more professionally gratifying to a creative marketing gal then to see their visions come to life? For me, the answer is no. Working at SWAK I get to roll my hands up and get dirty with our brand. I am there at the start of an idea, the middle and the end of one. I am a part of the birth of a garment, and then decide when that same garment goes on sale. I work with the models, pick the photographers, guide the hair and makeup gal and do everything I can to make our final photos come out as perfect as they can. This is all in the name of creating easy-to-wear, affordable and accessible clothes for our customers… For YOU!

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

Getting the Most From Your SWAK!

SWAK — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:53:27 +0000

Let’s be real. Not all of us (including myself) have the budget to wear a new item of clothing every day of the week. If you’re at all like me, and I’m betting you are, then you have a wardrobe full of pieces you mix and match different ways– peppered with a few special pieces that only see the light of day on special occasion. I, personally, have a small closet. So, I like to make sure every item I put in that closet serves a purpose. And though sometimes I slip up (like that magenta, one-shoulder dress I bought two seasons ago and have never ever worn) for the most part I do pretty well.

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!

Dressing up our Perfect Layer Knit Vest!

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!

Big love for Sonsi!

SWAK — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:19:15 +0000

It’s always a thrill to be able to work with great partners who really “get it” when it comes to dressing women happy. SWAK is always grateful and excited to be able to have Sonsi as a partner! When their team saw our recent Shop Sarah’s Closet feature– they jumped at the idea to share it with their community.

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

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

Shhh… Jessica Kane is Coming to SWAK!

Sarah — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:18:07 +0000

In just a few short weeks, we’ll be launching a new feature on our website that will highlight regular gals and SWAK style. I’m so excited about all we’ll be doing in 2012! One of the super cool things we’ll have going on, is a monthly feature with blogger Jessica Kane.

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 Body Assets! Part 1 – A special post by Reah Norman

SWAK — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:37:26 +0000

Regardless of age, race, color, shape, or size, women in general have a lot of the same body-phobias, and we all have our own individual body insecurities. There are days when we get dressed, and look in the mirror with confidence, then other days when we just want to put our lounge pants on and avoid the mirror at all costs. Boosting your confidence when getting dressed is simple- know your best body assets and focus on them!

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!

Aloha Fashion! Reah Talks About Destination: Style for Hawaii

SWAK — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:43:46 +0000

It’s time for our third installment of Destination: Style, and this weekend it’s all about you, your sweetheart, and a romantic weekend getaway to explore Hawaii in all its splendor. I can already smell the hibiscus in the air, feel the cool ocean breeze blowing through my hair, and taste the tropical cocktails! I cannot think of anything more magical and romantic than exploring Hawaii’s warm, tranquil waters, and experiencing the breathtaking scenery that surrounding all of Hawaii’s six islands of paradise! SWAK Designs has everything you need for your weekend getaway so you can enjoy strolls on the beach, mesmerizing sunsets, breathtaking waterfalls, bonding adventures, and all of Hawaii’s sun, sand, and surf, without wondering what you have to wear!

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!

Taking Back Black! A blog by Sara Bartlett

SWAK — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:21:46 +0000

I am fully prepared for the fact that the point of view that I’m about to unleash here will probably be met with much eye rolling and scoffing. But (deep breathe) here goes…I don’t think black is the most flattering color.

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.

Celebrating the Booty! Tips for Making the Booty Shine from Reah Norman

Sarah — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:47:01 +0000

Sometimes, you just want to show off a little of the back that baby’s got! Fashion stylist Reah Norman gives a few tips for how to dress to make your booty shine!

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.

A Layer a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!

SWAK — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:19:34 +0000

I must confess, I don’t think I truly embraced the idea of layering till I met Reah Norman. Sure, I had thrown on a cardigan or two in my lifetime… Ok, a lot, I love cardigans. But, it wasn’t until I spent time with this fantastic stylist, that I truly realized just what layering can do. Personally, I have seen her layer in her own wardrobe– cami’s under tanks under tee’s under a colorful shirt– at meetings and photo shoots. And when she styles on behalf of SWAK? Even better!

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!