That's Swell, Caroline.

I'm so excited about this feature of Swell Caroline. This small online costume jewelry retail outlet is located in Atlanta and has everything from custom monogram pieces to Kate Spade accessories to statement scarves. Normally, I'd stumble upon a site like this and click to something else after 20 seconds because the prices are out of my range. Yeah, not with Swell Caroline. I could not believe how affordable everything is, especially for Kate Spade and custom jewelry. I just bought a new, quirky notebook the other day and it cost me $12..yes, I don't know what I was thinking. Kate Spade notebooks are only $10. Times like this I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and slap myself for even looking at a $12 notebook when I could have a designer one for less. Shoulda. Coulda. Woulda.


Kate Spade New York

Alright, now can we please just take a moment to admire these stunning pieces... Now can we take a moment to admire the price tag on these bad boys?!??! I'll take one of each please. I love me some bling bling. The small Cosmopolitan bracelet is neutral enough to wear with just about anything and perfect for layering. I'd pair the large Cosmopolitan bracelet with something a bit dressier for an elegant look. Oh, and did I mention that they were featured in Oprah's Magazine?! If it's good enough for Oprah, it's good enough for me.

I'm a sucker for the tortoise print. A big trend for spring, the print is a classic that I believe all women should have in their jewelry box. Layered with a dainty gold bangle or toggle, you'll have some real arm candy.


Apollo Bangle  // Bentley  Bracelet  //  Enamel Elephant Bangle  //  Enamel Signature Bracelet  //  Large Cosmopolitan Bangle  //  Small Cosmopolitan Bangle  //  Tommy Bracelet  // 

 Tortoise Chain Bracelet  //  Tortoise Watch

Have you read my post on the perfect spring pastels? These pieces are the epitome of springtime pastels. The colors are so vibrant and style so chic, I'm already planning some outfits to pair with these jewels. If you're an avid online shopper like myself, you'll know that similar styles are going for $40-$60 on some sites. These prices are a total steal.

Parker Bib Necklace Hot Pink/Turquoise // Parker Bib Necklace Pink/Mint // The Audrey Necklace // The Strands Necklace // Blue Topaz Earrings //  Daisy Enamel Earrings

My personal favorites and recommendation are the beautiful variety of monograms. Unless you plan on changing your name, monograms are timeless staples that will never change. Even if you get married and change your last name, your maiden name isn't changing so it's all good.

I like to layer my monograms with simply necklaces like tassels and gold bars. Script name necklaces are super trendy right now too. Think of them as a fashionable name tag.

And state necklaces....AMAZING. The variety of colors are the perfect pack of punch to even the dullest looks. It's like a discrete birth certificate around your neck if you think of it...name, state...no? Ok, I'll stop.

Monograms

 

 

 

The biggest sellers on the site and most traditional monogram pieces are the Cutout Monogram Necklaces by Moon & Lola. They're currently $10 off and eligible for free shipping. This price is still about $30 cheaper than similar monogram necklaces on other sites and I'm all about looking for great deals. Available in silver or gold, you can't go wrong with either one because they pair perfectly with any outfit for any occasion. They also come in 3 different sizes (small, medium, large) so you have plenty of options.

 

 

The cuteness factor of this shop is seriously giving me shopping anxiety because I want of everything. It's like a mini, cheaper version of BaubleBar. I especially like how the categories on the site are divided to offer gift suggestions, the ability to shop by jewelry styles, brands, monograms, and daily deals. Makes this overwhelming sensation of 'I must have everything!' a bit easier to deal with and browse through. Swell Caroline is definitely going to be my new go-to gift shop for birthdays, holidays, and treats to myself.

 

Spring into Warm Weather: How to Style Springtime Pastels



Fall Out Boy said it best.. "light em' up up up light em' up up up  light em' up up up ..." (I know you know that song... love  obsessed with them) ... light up your wardrobe that is with delicate, feminine pastel hues. Yes, warmer weather seems so far away, but it'll be here in no time. And as you know, when spring does arrive, stores will already be stocking fall fashions. So, shop your spring wardrobe now.       

    

If you remember the trends from Spring Fashion Week, pastels were huge. Jason Wu, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs were amongst the designers who incorporated powder blues, soft pinks, warm yellows, and mint greens in their designs.

 

This is a trend worth investing in because pastels are synonymous with spring. They always have and always will be the go-to colors for the season. Pastels are super easy to style too. A little bit goes a long way. Head-to-toe pastel will have you looking like a walking Easter egg aka a fashion nightmare. I like to incorporate one pastel piece as the focal point of my outfit.

 



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Pastels compliment any skin tone and add femininity to your style, and let's not forget how fabulous you'll look in them with a healthy tan. (oh spring where art thou? as I'm sitting here looking out the window at MORE SNOW!) Nothing like a spring time pick-me-up from the winter blues with a little shopping to add pastel in my wardrobe. Below are a few of my faves on the market now and super affordable might I add. Which are your faves?

 

1. Laced and Found Mint Blue Dress  2. Perk Up Lavender Peplum Top (Lulu's Exclusive) 

 3. Frenchi Boyfriend Tuxedo Blazer  4. Fates Intertwined Bangles  5.  Faux Leather D'Orsay Pump

6. Mint Green Pants  7. Wrap Front Top  8. Delicate Dreamer Sweater  9. Oasis Floral Maxi 

10. Sweet Like Candy Romper  11.  Mimi Chica Oversized Trapeze Dress 



I couldn't talk about pastels without mentioning the sweet colors available from Essie. If you're indecisive like me, try a multicolor manicure like this.

Fiji  -   Neo Whimsical  -  Sand Tropez  -  Borrowed and Blue  -   Fashion Playground