The House of Swank

Grab your passport and let's go!

2011-06-13T18:20:00.004-04:00

You may not have a budget to travel the globe this summer but there’s no reason why you can’t look like you do. Bring the world to your wardrobe as this summer’s fashion has taken inspiration from across the globe.

Bohemian Maxi Dress
This printed woven bohemian maxi dress has an elastic waist with a sash tie and cap sleeves. The maxi has become a summer perennial because it is so versatile. Pair it with a cute pair of wedges to add height or with a cute pair of flat metallic sandals if you’re tall. Top it off with layers of jewelry and tons of bangles to get that true ethnic vibe.

Boho Chic Tiered Dress
This Boho patchwork strapless dress has a smock elastic waistband in an Indian-inspired print in standout hues of beautiful colors. It’s 100% silk and handmade in India. No single piece is alike.

Check out www.thehouseofswank.com for shoes and accessories to accent your look.

Product Review: Beautique Lip Crayon

2011-04-03T20:10:00.002-04:00

Our makeup artists are loving the Beautique Lip Crayon from Sally's Beauty Supply. It's only $1.79 and it's a lip liner and lipstick combo that comes in beautiful long-lasting colors with a rich and creamy texture. Works well on ALL skin tones and gives the perfect matte finish. Usually displayed right by the register. Gotta love it!

Happy Birthday to Us

2011-04-03T20:07:00.003-04:00

Yes, it has been 2 years since we stepped out on faith and followed our dreams. Thanks to all for supporting us. Enjoy our 2-day, $2, $12, and $20 sale now at thehouseofswank.com

Color Me Swank, Makeup Artistry

2010-06-20T21:50:00.001-04:00

Color Me Swank is a premier makeup artistry boutique currently servicing the Northern Virginia, Richmond and Tidewater area. Services include traditional makeup, airbrush makeup and personal styling. Pricing is available with a consultation.

April Showers Bring Swanky Flowers

2010-05-25T20:32:00.002-04:00

Spring is in full bloom with over-the-top romanticism and it is…a floral print.

Florals are always a fun trend to incorporate into your wardrobe, and this spring and summer you will find a terrific selection of colors and prints. Floral prints for the season don’t have to be reminiscent of your grandmother’s curtains. Whether you choose a floral print dress, tunic, or necklace, there are plenty of opportunities to add some flower power to your spring and summer wardrobe.

General Tips for Wearing Floral Print

1. Floral patterns should be in proportion to your body size; otherwise the wrong proportions can be highly unflattering. If you’re slender, you can wear a wide range of print sizes, from huge flowers to tiny ones. If you’re petite, avoid huge flowers because it may look comically big and make you seem even shorter. Plus sizes should avoid large prints, as they will only emphasize your size. To bring attention to a feature you like, wear florals in that area. If you are proud of your bust, for instance, wear a floral blouse instead of a floral skirt or floral pants. Avoid wearing florals in an area you want to hide.

2. Go to your closet and take note of the color scheme of most of your wardrobe. Do you tend to gravitate to mostly jewel tones? Pastels? Neutrals? Whatever your preference is, choose florals that fall in the same color family as what you already own so it will be easier for you to mix and match with what you already have.

3. For a more dramatic look, wear florals with a stark color contrast between the flowers and the background. For a more subtle look, be sure that the flowers and the background are simple in color or at least brightness.

4. Wear a more muted floral print for the office and a brighter one for play.

5. A floral print accessory is a great way to try the trend if you’re still having some reservations about it.

As always, check out what you already have in your closet and then browse through our closet for pieces that will compliment your favorite pair of jeans or leggings.

So, if you were a flower, what would you be? Join us now on Facebook.

"Operation 32" in effect

2010-04-15T22:21:00.005-04:00

That’s right. Flash all 32 of your pearly whites and give the person next to you a big ole smile. Why? Well…….why not?

Most of us smile on a daily basis, but we rarely think about the power that a smile can have. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”– Leo F. Buscaglia

Say cheese. It doesn’t cost you anything.

Dressing Appropriate for Yourself & the Occasion

2010-04-07T22:02:00.010-04:00

My family and I attended the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday and we had a blast! But I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to blog about how to dress appropriately for yourself and for the occasion. I really had no intentions of blogging about this until I’d seen the hundredth pair of leggings, pants on the ground, and yes……the fanny pack. Meet the offenders.

Yes, I understand that we are in a recession and people just can’t afford to buy a new outfit for every occasion. I get it! Not having the money to buy new clothes doesn’t give you a pass to dress like a slob. It’s embarrassing and totally disrespectful not only to yourself but to others as well as the most respected public place in the world.

The invitation clearly stated, “ATTIRE: Your Sunday’s best. NO denim or T-shirts; shirts must be tucked in.” Why did I feel like I was the only one that got the memo? Nevermind the fact that it was 85 degrees out. A cute summer dress and flat sandals would have worked perfectly.

I do have to give props to my fellow military families. Creased pants, crisp shirt and the infamous high and tight. I could spot you all out a mile away.

Bottomline, your attire sends a message about you. People see what you are before they hear what you are. If you’re not sure on what to wear, email me at lakesha@sheswank.com. I don’t want to see you in one of these pictures.

White House Easter Egg Roll 2010

2010-04-07T15:47:00.002-04:00

My family and I at the Annual White House Easter Egg Hunt. We had a blast and the little ones went crazy when Justin Beiber took the stage. I even found myself signing along.

"Respondez S'il Vous Plait"

2010-03-28T11:30:00.002-04:00

So what does RSVP mean anyway? RSVP is a French acronym that means "Respondez S'il Vous Plait" which is translated in English to mean "please respond or respond please". Key word..... PLEASE....

We work hard to organize events and put a lot of "non-billable" hours into gathering information, booking entertainment, etc. Do not answer yes to the RSVP and fail to show up because you have something “better” to do. It's bad etiquette! It's inconsiderate and it's just plain rude!

Canceling because you have a “better” offer will definitely get you dropped from all the guest lists. So, if you RSVP as a "yes" stay true to your RSVP status. Or be sure to update the host as you go along with an email or a courtesy phone call.

Etiquette is not a difficult thing if you think of it in the terms of how you would want to be treated if or when the roles are reversed.