swellmayde

DIY | DIAMOND WIRE RING

2013-06-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

I am still in love with delicate rings, especially mixed with large ring bands, like these from ASOS. With so much leftover wire from my past DIY's (Love Ring and Bracelet), I decided to create one more wire ring. I loved the idea of a minimal diamond shape. Hope you all enjoy it! Full tutorial after the break.

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SNEAK PEEK | SWELLMAYDE JEWELRY

2013-06-16T23:12:00.001-07:00

It has been a dream of mine to start a jewelry line and now it is really happening! Here's a sneak peek of my two favorite pieces. I have been hinting at it for the past couple of weeks on Instagram (here). I love the idea of designing and making beautiful jewelry, that is also affordable. I can't wait to show everyone the entire collection, to launch in the next two weeks. Stay up to date with the launch by joining our mailing list below.

SWELLMAYDE JEWELRY MAILING LIST:

MY STYLE | EASY BREEZY

2013-06-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

I must admit, this is definitely my go-to outfit at the moment. It's casual and comfortable, yet feminine. It's also boy meet girl, which is my favorite way to dress, with the denim against the pretty eyelet pattern. I wore this to an event last week, then immediately transitioned it into the perfect outfit for running errands around LA after slipping on these classic striped flats. Outfit details after the break...

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GIVEAWAY | BRANDY PHAM JEWELRY & SWELLMAYDE KIT

2013-06-11T08:47:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!! I have partnered up with the lovely and talented, NY based jewelry designer, Brandy Pham for a giveaway. She has definitely perfected the feminine, yet modern style in her beautiful designs. For this giveaway, one winner will receive an Alex cone necklace and a pair of Alex cone earrings (together retails over $200), along with a SwellMayde DIY bracelet kit. I am so excited for this one!!! I am a big fan of her designs!!!

How to Enter:

1. Like Brandy Pham on Facebook (here)

2. Like SwellMayde on Facebook (here)

3. Leave a comment below with your Facebook name

Winner is chosen at random. Good luck to everyone who enters! Open to U.S. readers only. Giveaway ends June 21st at midnight (PST).

DIY | RHINESTONE VINYL BEAD BRACELET

2013-06-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

Lately, all I want to wear is all white or black, but I still love to add small pops of color somewhere in my look. My favorite way to do this is through my accessories, especially my arm candy. With this rhinestone vinyl bead bracelet, you can get creative with your color choices and rhinestone gem combinations. I have been wearing these non-stop since I first made them. Can't wait to make a couple more! Full tutorial after the break...

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FRIDAY FAVORITES | CROSSBODY BAGS

2013-06-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I attended a CUSP x Danielle Nicole event, featuring her latest spring collection. I was able to meet the lovely Danielle Nicole, who inspiringly started her handbag line while in college. What I love most is that she is offering beautifully made and designed bags at very affordable prices. As the season heats up, my everyday bags of choice are getting smaller and smaller. My favorite style at the moment is the crossbody bag, and here are a few by DN that I am completely obsessed over, along with their pricepoints. (Note: This is not a sponsored post, just wanted to mention a line that I really love!)

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DIY | INDIGO TIE DYE JEANS WITH CHEAP MONDAY

2013-06-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since working at a denim wash house while in fashion school, then getting my first design job at a premium denim company, I have have been a true fan of denim. It really is a great canvas that can be transformed in an endless a amount of ways and it really has pushed me creatively to discover all of its nuances. When the lovely team at Cheap Monday contacted me about a DIY collab, I was floored. Being a big fan of their brand, (they offer amazing fashionable jeans at a good price), and having a couple pairs alread in my closet, I knew we could do something really fun! Tie-dye always comes back into fashion every summer, and wanted to do a monochromatic update to last years DIY (here). Indigo creates such a rich and beautiful color, and when I stumbled upon a natural indigo tie-dye kit, I had to try it out. Hope you enjoy! Full tutorial after the break...

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DIY STYLE | CLASSIC & COOL

2013-06-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

I have been asked many times in the past to describe my style, and I always respond with, “it’s evolving,” but one look I continue to love and repeatedly integrate into my personal style is the essence of “classic and cool.” Here is my favorite outfit from my wardrobe that epitomizes this. The stylish recipe for getting the look; black and white stripes instantly read “classic” and the neon yellow strappy heels give it a modern, “cool” update. If you are trying this look at home, you can also give a classic outfit a modern punch with a neon or bright colored bag or statement necklace. This look is perfectly complemented with Sweet’N Low’s Pink Lemonade, their “classic and cool” drink of choice. Check out the recipe and how to make their drink yourself in the tutorial below.

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DIY INSPO | INDIGO TIE DYE JEANS

2013-06-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

I love tie dye for summer! I did a pair of jeans last year (here) that is still one of my favorite DIY's, and have been wanting to do another version this season . During one of my weekly trips to the fashion district in downtown, I stumbled upon an indigo tie dye kit that I have been craving to try. Can't wait to show you the results next week!

Inspo Images: 1, 2, 3

DIY | SPRING LUCITE TRAYS (TWO WAYS)

2013-05-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Late last year I moved into a cozy little house, after living in an apartment for so many years. Since then, I have been wanting to delve into more home DIY’s to personalize my new place. When the lovely team at 3M/Scotch approached me to try out their Scotch® Color & Pattern Duct Tape, I knew it was such a great opportunity to do so. I love layering and adding accent pieces in my wardrobe and daily outfits, but also wanted to carry this idea into my home. I decided to give my lucite trays a spring update with pops of pattern and color with these two easy to follow DIY’s. Full tutorial after the break...

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GIVEAWAY | RICH & SKINNY DENIM

2013-05-29T08:05:00.001-07:00

I have partnered with the lovely Rich & Skinny team to give away a pair of the Ankle Peg Jean in the Lizardi wash (seen above). I am completely obsessed with them.

How to enter:

1. Like Rich & Skinny on Facebook (here)

2. Like SwellMayde on Facebook (here)

3. Leave a comment below with your email address.

Good luck to all readers who enter! Giveaway ends June 7 at midnight (PST). Only open to U.S. readers.

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!
Congrats to Alycia Chrosniak on winning the amazing pair of jeans (please check your email to claim the prize)! And thank you to everyone who entered! :)

MY STYLE | BLACK AND GREY

2013-05-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

I was a denim designer for a couple years, so when it comes to my jeans, I am very particular. When I first slipped this pair of Rich & Skinny Ankle Peg jeans on, it was true love. They mold to your body, but are very comfortable and the fabric is super soft... like butter! The wash is also the perfect shade of grey for summer! I've partnered with Rich & Skinny to giveaway a pair to a reader. Stay tuned for the details in Wednesday's post!!!

Outfit:
Lamb & Flag Leather Jackt (similar here)
Zara Shirt (similar here)
Rich & Skinny Ankle Peg Jeans
Zara Heels (similar here)

FRIDAY FAVORITES | BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

2013-05-24T10:00:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! I have been wanting to create a regular posting schedule and came up with a fun feature on the site called "Friday Favorites". I will share my favorite things that range from beauty products, like today, to food, to places to visit, so that everyone can get to know me just a little bit more. Please let me know what you think.

As a big fan of Into The Gloss, I wanted to show everyone what my go to beauty products are. I have very sensitive, dry skin that is easily irritated. When I younger, I wanted to try all the hot products that were used by all my friends, and slowly realized that I couldn't. As I got older, I found products, through much trial and error, that my skin loved. A lot of them have natural or non-harsh ingredients. Does anyone else have a similar skin type? What are your faves? See my full review of each product after the break...
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DIY STYLE | PLAID AND OVERALLS

2013-05-21T23:44:00.001-07:00

Having collaborated on this DIY spiked wide brim hat with Wasteland, I wanted to put together a street inspired look. I gave a little nod to the nineties with my plaid button up tied around denim overalls. I remember living in these two pieces paired with my Dr. Martens back in the day! It's funny how everything comes back in style!

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DIY | LOUIS VUITTON INSPIRED CHECK NAIL ART

2013-05-19T22:27:00.002-07:00

When Lucky Magazine asked me to put together a DIY perfect for spring, I immediately thought of the checkerboard trend that was beautifully done by Louis Vuitton. Here, I show you how to easily incorporate this trend with nail art. Full tutorial after the break...

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DIY | SPIKED WIDE BRIM HAT

2013-05-16T22:09:00.001-07:00

When the great team at Wasteland approached me to come with a hat DIY, I perused inspiration and came across this amazing street style shot from Vogue.com. I love that with an addition of a few spikes, a wide brim hat can instantly become street chic, with a slight edge. Personalize your own in a few simple steps. Full tutorial after the break...

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DIY STYLE | SCENIC DRESS & RHINESTONE EARRINGS

2013-05-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally sprung here in LA! After what felt like an early onset of June gloom, sunny days are here to stay! I usually stray away from bodycon dresses, but I couldn't help but try this one on when I saw it at H&M. I was drawn to the gorgeous sublimated watercolor-esque scenic print and the high goddess neckline. I paired it with my DIY Statement Rhinestone Earrings for a slight glam edge, perfect for a night out.

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DIY | RHINESTONE STATEMENT EARRINGS

2013-05-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

When the lovely editors at Lucky Magazine approached me to come up with a few spring DIY's, I instantly thought of a statement earring. It is a such great accessory that can add a little color and glam to your face and outfit. Here's how to make a really easy pair at home. Full tutorial after the break...

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MY STYLE | BLACK & YELLOW

2013-05-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

I know I have been wearing a lot of all black and all white outfits lately, so I decided to add a punch a color this time around. When I saw this great yellow blazer with moto details, I knew that it would do the trick, especially against black. And gosh! I should smile more in shoots. :)

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DIY GIFT IDEA | BRACELET KITS WITH BRIKA

2013-05-08T08:53:00.002-07:00

Hello everyone!! I am so excited to share this collaboration with Brika, a favorite web store that is committed to an online shopping experience that celebrates modern craft. I was fortunate to be asked by the wonderful team to host a DIY workshop when they visited LA. The bracelets had such a great response and I've had so many questions about where to find the materials, that we wanted to provide the kits on their site. Each kit comes with all the materials to make 2 beautiful rhinestone bracelets, one for you and one to share. You can purchase the kits: here. Hope you enjoy them!!!

DIY | RHINESTONE ROPE BRACELET

2013-05-05T22:43:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago, I hosted a DIY workshop with the lovely BRIKA team, for an intimate lunch with some of their makers and other creatives in LA. We made some fun and colorful rhinestone rope bracelets, perfect for the spring season. I wanted to take a moment to share the tutorial with everyone, here on the blog. Also, stay tuned on how to get your very own kit!!! More info on Wednesday. Full tutorial after the break...

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DIY STYLE | CLEAR CLUTCH AND JUMPSUIT

2013-05-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

I am loving the overall and jumpsuit look lately. I was attracted to this one by Zara for its ability to really straddle the lines of casual and chic. And I can't seem to stray too far from wearing black and white these past couple of weeks, so the addition of my DIY clear box clutch and neon pouch give the outfit a perfect punch of color.

Outfit:
Zara Jumpsuit (similar here)
Old Sleeveless Top (similar here)
Zara Heels
Shop Sosie Gold ID Bracelet
BCBGeneration Cuff
Marc by Marc Jacobs Pouch
DIY Clear Clutch
Neon Nail Polish (similar here)

MY STYLE | COACHELLA PHOTO DIARY

2013-04-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

(Outfit: Topshop Overalls, Lace Tank (similar here and here), Nine West boots, Stance socks, DIY Flower crown)

I wanted to take a moment and share a few more photos from day 2 and 3 of Coachella. Enjoy!

1. A beautiful view at sunset through my rose colored glasses (via my Instagram).

2/3. Hanging out by the pool, wearing my fave Stance socks (c/o).

4. Yummy brunch at Norma's.

5. Wandering around The Parker.

6/7. Waiting for our car to arrive next to most perfect geometric backdrop.

8. Instagram fun at the festival and the Fruttare lounge.

Thank you again to the Fruttare team for the memorable weekend!

DIY | ENVELOPE WRAP SKIRT

2013-04-28T22:18:00.001-07:00

Happy Sunday! Hope the weekend treated everyone well! I have been hinting at this DIY for a little while now on Instagram, and I am so excited to finally share the full tutorial on the blog. I can honestly say that this is my favorite DIY of the year. It was inspired by the variety of the wrap skirts I've seen from the runway to more independent designers (here). And I had to recreate it in white, my favorite color of the season, or should I say non-color. Can't wait to make a faux leather and printed one as well. Full tutorial after the break...

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DIY INSPO | ENVELOPE WRAP SKIRT

2013-04-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have been obsessed with the wrap skirt lately (my outfit post)... Can't wait to share my DIY version on Sunday (sneak peek). Loving these inspiration shots above.

1. Haute Pursuit in Style Stalker

2. Proenza via Vogue.com

3. Affordable versions from Choies (Houndstooth, Black, Grey)