Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tacky Christmas Sweater Customer Participation

We love our customers!!! Especially when they play with us!

I couldn't believe the number of people who came in to show us their tacky Christmas outfits! Some of them didn't even use the 20% off - they just wanted to show their Christmas Spirit! When it came to picking a winner it was a VERY difficult decision so we decided on........ a TIE between Jim and Shayna! Both of you were so tacky we couldn't decide! Thanks to everyone who participated!

This will definitely be a new Swagger Christmas Tradition!

Check out the fantastic pics in our slideshow (those of you using a rss feed reader like Google Reader may need to click through):
http://s707.photobucket.com/albums/ww73/swaggergifts/Tacky%20Christmas%20Sweater%20Extravaganza/?albumview=slideshow

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Tacky Christmas Sweater Extravaganza


Join us this Saturday December 20th for the Swagger Tacky Christmas Sweater Extravaganza!
Wear your "favorite" Christmas Sweater and/or accessories and get 20% off any one item! (excluding local artists)

Make sure to enter our Contest for the Tackiest Outfit to win these beautiful JOY Letters from the Round Top Collection (not tacky - really cool)!
(The Swagger Girls will be judging and we do accept bribes:))

We are still monogramming some items in the store so if you think you have procrastinated too long - you haven't!! Come in for details!



We have lots of great ideas for your Dirty Santa parties, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers and other Gifts Under $20!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Manic Monday: Save 15% of Christmas Tree Ornaments

It is clearly a Monday: I started off the morning by almost over-sleeping for my dentist appointment in Apex (whoops!), had a longer than usual wait because someone was out sick (I can wait for the excellent service I get at my favorite dentist!), and it's now 2pm and my mouth still is a little sore.

The girls at Swagger promised to offer a retail pick-me-up to lift my spirits: 15% off Christmas tree ornaments!That'll do :-D

Just stop in the store before 6pm today and mention this Manic Monday blog special to take advantage of this special. Easy as pie, right?

Happy decorating!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Need Stocking Stuffer Ideas?

Need stocking stuffer ideas?

Well Swagger should obviously be your first choice since they have fabulous gifts for every person on your list, but just in case you hadn't thought of checking out Swagger for the soon-to-be parents on your list, here's one of my current favorites:Magnetic frames for sonogram picture frames!
(And in such preppy baby prints, too - might I add.)

Be sure to grab a few in each print... they'll become the newest addiction for whoever is lucky enough on your list to receive these!

Swagger is featuring these for 15% off in the store, today only - until 6pm, when you mention this blog post. So be sure to stop in and stock up on these Manic Monday featured gifts!

Monday, December 1, 2008

It'd Be a Shame...

...to lose these umbrellas!

I don't know if it's just me (please let me know if anyone else share this same fate), but I always lose my umbrellas!!! And not in any sane sort of way, I'm talking I'll snag 2 or 3 at a time in one shopping trip and they will all be gone in a matter of months. Of course, I never realize that until it's raining and I desperately need one. (My perfectly flat-ironed hair does not do humidity or rain!)

These new print umbrellas that have just arrived at Swagger, ready to monogram and all, will be strapped to my wrist at all times, though - just like my coveted Coach wristlet!
Seriously though, how cute are these? And you KNOW I love the monogram... especially pink on leopard print!
Don't wait for rain, dash over to Swagger today and order a few (great stocking stuffers - hint, hint, Mom!) and save 15% off today only - until 6pm at the store - just by mentioning this blog post!

Even I can do a little rain for a chance to sport these great new accessories!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Calling All Winos!

Just for you wine fans, Mandy has offered up a snazzy giveaway on Swagger's facebook page!

Mandy is offering up a set of four super trendy stemless wine glasses (an awesome gift for your klutzy friends who have broken their share of glassware) and best part about them... they're monogrammed! *Woooh!* (You have to read up on the How I Met Your Mother "Wooh Girl" theory... funniest. thing. EVER!)

So, if you aren't on facebook yet... now is a great time to join up and become a fan of Swagger's page so you can get the weekly update on fabulous giveaways like this:
Here's where you can find the stemless glasses on Swagger's website if you just can't wait (or if you're ready to grab a few sets for holiday gifts).

Now that you're all logged in to facebook in another tab (don't lie - you know you check your updates every hour on the hour!), here is the link to Swagger's facebook page where you can become a fan so you'll get an update every Friday when a new giveaway goes up.

PS - Don't forget to also comment on the photo to be entered to win!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Swagger featured on WRAL News

Thank you to WRAL news reporter, Amanda Lamb, for featuring Swagger Gifts in a news story about local small business! A huge thanks to Heather Lilly, star Swagger employee:), and Heather Jackson, new favorite Swagger customer:), for being interviewed - you guys are awesome! Check out the story here: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4043709/ and the video here:
http://www.wral.com/news/video/1082826/

Monday, November 24, 2008

Good Karma - Pass It On!

Good Karma... you can always use more of it!
(Especially when you're going to be dealing with family, in-laws, hours of cooking, holiday shopping traffic, and other holiday hazards.)

I'm a big fan of putting good vibes out there and what better way to share the wealth than by passing along such fab Swagger specials to all of you fabulous readers out there in blogland, right?

The girls at Swagger are also big believers in that crazy thing called karma and that's why they love all of the Karma Creatives products at Swagger - notably the buddha (lip) balms and karmatherapy sprays!The Karmatherapy sprays are available in three zen scents: Peppermint Kiss, Herbal-Aloe and Grapefruit Tangerine... mmmmm. The Buddha Balms are available in a spiritually uplifting assortment of your favorite fruits, sods, and Honey & Mint -- wooh!
So who's ready to save 15% today? I know I am.

Snag 15% off these great products at Swagger - today until 6pm only - just by mentioning this blog post!
How's that for good karma? Pass it on and share the good vibes!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Thirsty 3rd Thursday: Holiday Wine Stoppers

Holiday parties starting in early December? (I know I have at least one to attend the very first Saturday in December!)

This month's Thirsty 3rd Thursday blog special is SO for you!



You and your fellow vixens of vino can save 15% today in the store - until 6pm - on all festive holiday wine toppers just by mentioning this blog post!

Nice, huh?

Thought you might think so!

PS - They make a FABULOUS hostess gift. Be sure to snag a few for yourself if you're playing the role of hostess with the mostess this season!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Pictures from the Holiday Open House & Preview Party!

Here they are! You can also check them out in their own album on Swagger's facebook page!

Enjoy!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Manic Monday: Save 15% on Swagger Ornaments



The early bird gets the worm this week, dear readers!

While I'm not one for putting my Christmas Tree up a minute before Black Friday, I am actually very keen on picking up trimmings and beautiful accessories for my seasonal decor beforehand... especially when there is a deal to be had!

So don't waste on minute, because we all the know the awful fate of those who shop last (they get the least selection!), and take advantage of today's Manic Monday blog special: 15% off ornaments at Swagger!

Just stop in today, before 6pm, and mention this blog to snag a few trimmings for your tree on sale - whether it's one that's already up or even still naked and in it's off-season home, is up to you.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thursday Morning Good Karma

Thursdays are always insane for me (and unfortunately, I can't use the whole "it's a Monday thing" as an excuse)... so I like to start the day off with a little bit of good karma.Swagger Gifts raises funds (nearly $1,300!) and awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Read the whole scoop here:
https://www.swaggergifts.com/pr_2008_preview_party_success
I think that's a good fit!

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Elf on the Shelf!!

The Elf on the Shelf is one of my favorite Christmas traditions and a great holiday gift to give for families (being the single gal I am, with no minis of my own yet) and a fun tradition to start!
Grab the youngin's (and those young at heart) and take a look at the official The Elf on the Shelf website - it'll make you want to round up all of the Christmas DVDs (and original classic VHS movies) because no magical detail has been spared!

Carol, the crafty mother who created the tradition itself, describes the family favorite as this:"At our home the elf would arrive around the holidays, usually at Thanksgiving. His sole responsibility was to watch my children's behavior and report it to "Santa" each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the "North Pole" (with some parental assistance) and was hiding in a different place. My children would race each other out of bed to try and be the first to spy him in his new position.

Over the years the tradition was perfected and rules were even introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children were not allowed to touch him; however, they were allowed to talk to him. For obvious reasons, he was not allowed to reply. Eventually, my children even gave him a name - officially adopting him into the family."
Today's Manic Monday blog special is a great opportunity to bring The Elf on the Shelf home for yourself (we can all use a little reminder to be on our best behavior!), your family, or as a great gift for your favorite neighborhood families or in-laws!

Until 6pm today only, you can stop in Swagger and pick up your very own Elf on the Shelf for 15% off, just by mentioning this blog post!

PS - Can anyone else see this being a fun office tradition? I like the idea of getting everyone networking each morning on a hunt for The Elf on the Shelf!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Holiday Preview Night benefitting the LLS was a Huge Success!

I just wanted to thank everyone who came to the Holiday Preview Night benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! I could not believe the turn out - you could hardly move in the store! It was amazing! We raised $1300 for their School & Youth Program! Here are some of my pictures from the night! Hopefully someone else was taking pictures too because we were so busy I barely got any!:) Thank you - we truly appreciate all of your support for Swagger and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Soceity!
Emily and Lisa are ready to collect tickets to the event and educate everyone about the Leukemia & Lymphma Society!
The Swagger Staff ready for all the customers!
Lots of shoppers getting personalized gifts at the event!
Elf on the shelf was a huge hit with the moms! A cute way to bribe your kids to be good, because Santa is going to hear all about it!Charlie, the son of one our customers, was diagnosed with Leukemia last year. With the help of donations for research, Charlie is doing well and is a great vision of why we were raising money for the Society tonight! He even wrote me a Thank You letter - how cute! Thank you Charlie for being such a brave and sweet little boy!




Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Gobble 'Til You Wobble & Shop 'Til You Drop!

The best shopping events of the year are finally here - the 2nd Annual Holiday Preview Night benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the 6th Annual Holiday Open House!

Be sure to RSVP to Swagger's events on facebook (just check out the snazzy Swagger Gifts - Monogrammed and Unique Gifts & Accessories facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swagger-Gifts-Monogrammed-and-Unique-Gifts-Accessories/26618281522), invite your favorite shopping partners, and get ready for some holiday fun!Here's the links to the event pages on Swagger's site as well as facebook, to make sharing these good times with your gal pals SUPER easy!
2nd Annual Holiday Preview Night benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
http://www.swaggergifts.com/holiday-preview-night-benefiting-leukemia-lymphoma-society
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=47378208224

6th Annual Holiday Open House
http://www.swaggergifts.com/holiday-open-house
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=32951948334

See you there!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Monogram Monday: 100% Waterproof All-Purpose Mat

If you're new to my blog here, you might be asking yourself "What is Monogram Monday?". No worries - here's your quick catch-up:

Monogram Monday is my first Monday of the month special for blog readers, only! Mandy (the fab Swagger diva in charge) selects one of her favorite SwaggerGifts.com items that is available monogrammed and personalized for you (or your very lucky gift recipient!) and let's me put it on sale for one day! How much fun is that?!This month, the featured Monogram Monday item is a recent addition to the site: the 100% Waterproof All-Purpose Mat (available in four great sizes )!

Monogrammed Mega Mat

Better than a blanket and monogrammed to boot, this do-it-all padded Mega Mat is perfect for picnics, hunting, the beach, tailgating (my personal fave!), sporting events, outdoor concerts, hunting, backyard play and more!

By the way, they also make great corporate gifts and can have your company logo included - be sure to call or email Mandy for details!

Enough chit chat from me though, on to the special savings for blog readers! The Large Monogrammed Mat is on sale RIGHT NOW until midnight tonight! To save 15%, enter "megamat" at checkout and you'll be on your way!

Enjoy and be sure to add this blog to your reader (I personally love Google Reader ) so you'll always be in the loop on future Swagger specials like this one!

Manic Monday: Want to Get the Parties Talking?

Are your favorite reds and blues (or even - greens!) not currently speaking?

Worried about the absence of friendly conversation at your mixed-party election night get-together?

Today's Manic Monday blog special is just for you: 15% off Right or Wrong Table Topics when you stop in the store anytime today before 6pm and mention this blog!

The clever folks at Table Topics describe the Right or Wrong edition as:

"These provocative conversation starters will spark a lively debate and reveal a whole new side to your friends and family. The Right or Wrong Edition provides a fun and interesting way to approach the everyday, ethical questions we all need to think about."See you on Election Day!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Got a Sec?

If you have a few minutes, would you please consider casting a vote for Swagger Gifts in the Cary Magazine Maggy Awards?

Those wonderful gals have been nominated in the categories of Area's Best Gift Shop, Best Boutique, and Best Bath Shop and I know they'd appreciate your support!

Here's the email from Cary Magazine with links to vote:


Cary Magazine - 2009 Maggy Awards

Have you voted for your favorite restaurant?

Have you supported your doctor or dentist?

Have you chosen your favorite Western Wake shopping destination?

If not, now's your chance as time is running out!

Only four days remain in the voting period for the Fourth Annual Best of Western Wake Maggy Awards.

Visit CaryMagazine.com to cast your vote today.

Voting will conclude at midnight on Friday, October 31, so be sure to vote now for your favorites in the following categories:

Lifestyle | Media | Restaurants | Services |Shopping |Sports

The 2009 Maggy Award winners will be revealed in the January/February issue of Cary Magazine.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Chill Out!



Oh wow. I am just about so over all of this and will be VERY glad when the awful ads are off TV and my mailbox is full of snail-mail from friends and family with holiday blessings and cocktail party invites (instead of wasteful campaign materials). (I just KNOW some of you are going to be with me on this one!)

So what's a girl to do?

Tonight, turn off the TV and enjoy an hour of home spa heaven with Me!bath! (Sounds good, no?!)

Today's Manic Monday blog special is 15% off all Me!bath products when you stop in the store and mention this blog between 10am and 6pm today!

PS: Tell your politically-overwhelmed pals to "chill-out" and enjoy a a little "me" time with Me!bath, too - they'll thank you for it!

Monday, October 20, 2008

There's Finally a Bit of a Chill in the Air...

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all kinds of a summer girl who enjoys a good heat wave more than a cold spell, but it's just not Halloween to me if it's 85 degrees outside... ya know? And as all good Raleigh, NC traditions would have it, as soon as the NC State Fair rolls into town, here comes those brisk days (with spots of warm sunshine) and chill nights that require a jacket!

Now we're talking fall and one of my favorite holidays... Halloween!

Swagger's Halloween Decor

If you've put off all Halloween decorating until it was a bit cooler out (like me), then you totally lucked out! Today's Manic Monday blog special is for 15% off all Halloween décor at Swagger! Just stop in the store between 10am and 6pm today, mention this blog post, and check out the snazzy selection of Halloween "merch" (as my good friends Lady Antebellum called it last night at their AWESOME NC State Fair show)... it'll definitely get you on the right road for October 31st!

Swagger Halloween Merchandise #2

Happy Hauntings! *insert devilish grin here* ("Boo"... they don't make a smiley for "devilish grin".)

Friday, October 17, 2008

Did You Hear the Great News?

In case you missed your daily dose of the local business news (and who on Earth would do that?), here's the scoop - straight from the source!Cary's Swagger Gifts Announces Holiday Open House Preview Night Benefitting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
(Check out the story on CarolinaBusinessConnection.com!)

Mandy Becker, owner of Swagger Gifts, has announced that the popular gift and accessories retail store will kick off their “Holiday Open House” with a Preview Party benefitting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®.

The Swagger Holiday Open House is an event that began 5 years ago and has become a local favorite, with over 200 attendees visiting the boutique retailer during its “Open House” event every November. Because of the success and popularity of the event – and the unanimous support that Becker receives when she hosts philanthropy events at her store – she decided to offer an alternative “Preview Party” last year for guests who preferred a more intimate event, with a chance to support a great cause as well.

“We have a lot of fun during both events”, says Becker. “And our customers really enjoy coming with their neighbors and girlfriends and doing some of their holiday shopping while enjoying surprise discounts and giveaways. It creates an air of excitement for the holidays and the upcoming weeks of entertaining and traveling that you just don’t always get when you’re shopping in a large venue.”

Swagger Gifts’ second annual Holiday Open House Preview Party is quickly becoming a favorite amongst their customers. The event, which will take place on Thursday, November 6th, will last from 6:30pm until 9:30pm (after regular store hours) and is limited at the first 75 attendees to purchase their tickets (either in advance or at the door). The shopping party includes gift bags filled with goodies for the first 20 customers to arrive, over $500 in door prizes, and the same in-store specials as the traditional Holiday Open House event.

The best part about the Preview Party is that not only does the store donate 10% of the sales from that event to a different local organization each year, but 100% of the ticket sales are donated to the charity as well. This year, Swagger will be donating those funds to The Leukemia & Lymphoma society, which many Swagger shoppers and their families already participate with at their local schools through the School & YouthTM Programs. (If your school participates in the School & Youth program, you can receive credit for the donations from this evening!)

Tickets for the Preview Party are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased in advance simply by dropping by the store or calling Swagger at 919-858-5884 (or 1-877-792-4437). More information on both the Holiday Open House Preview Party and the Holiday Open House events can be found online at http://www.swaggergifts.com/events.

For more information about Swagger Gifts, please contact Mandy Kratus Becker at Swagger Gifts, 919-858-5884 or toll free at 877-792-4437 or visit the store online at www.SwaggerGifts.com. Becker can also be reached via email at Mandy@SwaggerGifts.com for additional comments or information.

For more information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s School & Youth Programs, visit www.schoolandyouth.org/nce. To learn more about programs and services provided by Eastern North Carolina Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, call 919-677-3993.


About Swagger Gifts and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Swagger Gifts, an upscale boutique with an eclectic flair, specializes in personalized gifts for everyone on your list - including yourself - has been in business for five years and has been voted the 'Best Gift Shop- by Cary Magazine and The Cary News readers. Having recently re-launched their web site, everything offered in their store, as well as great gift giving advice can be found online at www.swaggergifts.com – with new merchandise and features being added daily, including a blog authored by Mandy, her fabulous staff, and her customers in the blogging community!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided more than $550 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

For more information, visit www.LLS.org or call The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by masters’ level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC specialists are available at 800-955-4572, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Be sure to mark the calendar and get the ticket for you and your gal pals today! I personally CANNOT wait for that exciting weekend to get here so I can get a jump on holiday decorating and shopping... I'm a sucker for holidays and great causes.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

It's About That Time!

I'm finalizing my plans for a weekend with the girls celebrating our favorite holiday from our college days -Halloween!

Which city we'll be terrorizing for the weekend still remains a surprise (along with my oh-so-awesome DIY costume) but there's one secret I'm sharing: today's Thirsty 3rd Thursday special at Swagger!

Halloween Bottle Toppers

That's right - 15% off Halloween bottle toppers just by stopping in the store today before 6pm today and mentioning this blog special! (No coupons to print, duh... Swagger's SO gone green!)

So you've got the costume (check), the spooky décor (check), and the delish treats (double check), but who's got the wine that you're obviously going to adorn with these great bottle toppers?

Monday, October 13, 2008

Manic Monday: Save 15% on Mud Pie!

True monogram addicts KNOW the Mud Pie products by heart - and the TidBit Set of 4 is no exception!


Since monogrammed entertaining is a must in the coming months, be sure to take advantage of 15% off this set today only (your choice of initial) - in the store - from 10am until 6pm, just by mentioning this blog!

Not up to date on your Mud Pie home accessories? Tisk, tisk... you should definitely swing by and check out the very cute, and very cosmopolitan, home products ASAP!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Three Cheers for Swagger Gifts!

Three cheers for the three different Maggy Awards categories that Swagger has been nominated in this year! (And many thanks to everyone who nominated Swagger for Best Bath Store, Best Boutique, and Area's Best Gift Shop!)

Please cast your votes online - voting has just opened!

https://www.swaggergifts.com/files/images/MaggieStarLogoBlue.gif

Monday, October 6, 2008

Monogram Monday: Swagger Finally has a Sweet Tea Pitcher Set...

Swagger Finally has a Sweet Tea Pitcher Set... perfect for those super-popular Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka cocktails that everyone is obsessed with (including me!).

Mario Pitcher Set

The Swagger girls got their first tastes of the sweet concoction at Buckhead Saloon (one of the only local watering holes that has been able to keep the spirit in stock since it's arrived in NC by way of Charleston, SC) at the Lady Luxury party where shoppers and party-people alike spent a Friday night raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Talk about a great event - shopping and philanthropy in one!

Mandy and Melissa at Lady Luxury at Buckhead Saloon

(Check out Swagger girls Mandy and Melissa at the party!)

To celebrate all the excitement that is Sweet Tea Vodka, today's Monogram Monday special is 15% off the Mario Pitcher Set ... just use "Mario15" at checkout to snag this awesome discount!

As fas as cocktails go, here's my fail-proof recipe:

Sweet Tea Vodka Cocktail

-2 parts Simply Lemonade

-1 part Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka

-Ice

Mix together, pour, sip and savor!

Manic Monday: Shop the Trollbeads Trunk Show Early!

Did you get the email about Swagger's fall Trollbeads Trunk Show taking place this week?

If you did, and you've already RSVP'ed, that's fabulous! If you aren't on the list (and who wouldn't want to be on the list?!), consider this your official invitation.

Trollbeads Fall 2008 Trunk Show

If you'd like to RSVP (or even just add your name and email address to the Trollbeads email list), email Mandy - Mandy@SwaggerGifts.com - and she'll totally take care of you. Isn't it nice when things in life just work out like that?

Oh right, back to the Manic Monday part of things: is today the only day this week you could possibly squeeze in a day for yourself where shopping is on the to-do list? That's totally a-ok! In fact, if you come in today and purchase anything from the Trollbeads collection, Swagger will apply that purchase to the fall trunk show special: Purchase $100 worth of Trollbeads and receive a $25 glass bead for free!

Simply stop in from 10am until 6pm today only (or just give the girls a call at 919-858-5884) and mention this blog to apply your purchase to the special promotion!

Happy trunk showing!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Need a cute place to put your drinks for your party?

Look no farther - Swagger has just added two new choices to their online store!

medium monogrammed bucket

These great galvanized buckets are perfect for so many uses - not just for chilling your party beverages! When they're not chilling beverages for any backyard party or tailgate, they are awesome for storing anything around the house, office, laundry room, garage or even toting stuff in the car... minus all the roll-around.

large monogrammed bucket

Choose from the medium (16'' top diameter, but oval shaped) or the large (15'' top diameter, but round shaped) for 15% off today in honor of Labor Day (BBQs and tailgates galore this past weekend) and you know... a 3-day weekend that's perfect for a little online shopping.

Use the special code: "medium15" or "large15" at checkout to save on your monogrammed buckets today!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Style Report: Flat Wallets

On Our Radars: Flat Wallets.

And if you haven't made the switch because you think there's no way you can carry all the essentials without your 30-pound "handbag"... then think again!The Swagger girls have stuffed them full, toted them around, danced to their little hearts content on the dance floor, tossed them between ladies night teammates (between holding the bathroom doors closed for each other), and they've all survived to tell the stories of how the awesome flat wallets still retained all of their credit cards, IDs, and business cards clear through the next morning.

Obviously, anything with fun colors and zebra prints caught the eyes of everyone at Swagger... but wallets that can truly go anywhere and hold everything, well now that's just a must-have accessory in my book.

Since it's Manic Monday, be sure to snag your favorite for 15% off today at Swagger Gifts by mentioning this blog in the store before 6pm and you'll be on your way to better posture (since you won't have to carry around that 30-pound purse anymore) and a fun update for your fall wardrobe!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Monogramming Etiquette Tips

So, you have decided to take the leap and start personalizing gifts for your friends, family, and yes, even for yourself. Making sure you get the monograms right can be a little confusing, so lucky for you, we here at Swagger have put together a little “cheat sheet” for making sure you never commit a monogramming faux pas.

Women’s Monograms: For most, the conventional monogram for women consist of three letters with a larger letter in the middle flanked by two smaller letters on each side. Traditionally, the larger middle letter is for the last name, the smaller letter on the left is for the first name and the smaller letter on the right is for either the middle name or maiden name. Check out our handy little example below:

Name: Jill Ann Smith

Monogram: JSA

Now, if Jill got married to James Martin Barker and she kept her maiden name as her middle name here’s what happens.

Name: Jill Smith Barker

Monogram: JBS

Men’s Monograms: The traditional monogram for a man is a horizontal monogram. Each letter is the same height and appear in the same order as the actual name – first name, middle name, last name.

Name: James Martin Barker

Monogram: JMB (all letters being the same usually in a block font)

Couple’s Monogram: This is where it starts getting a little tricky for a lot of people. Traditionally when the bride takes the groom’s last name, the monogram is Bride’s First Name, Last Name, Groom’s First Name. However, it is totally up to the bride and groom how they’d like their married initials to appear, so it is always good to check with the couple beforehand. If you are in a pinch, just monogram the last initial – it still looks great and they will have no clue how befuddled you were. Here’s an example or a traditional couple’s monogram:

Couple’s Name: Elizabeth A. Jones marries Davis C. Kelly

Blended Monogram: EKD

The Single Letter Initial: Since we have monogrammed thousands of items over the years, we feel really comfortable suggesting when to use the first initial and when to use the last. Remember, these are just our suggestions – you’re the one giving the gift…

Jewelry, Handbags, Bath wraps and other accessories for Women: Use the first name of a woman if you are going to monogram any of these items.

Glassware, Soap, or Candles: Use the last name or a woman, man or couple if you are planning to monogram with a single initial.

Stamps and Embossers: This one is tricky! For a woman, if you are putting a single initial, you can use either the first or last initial but we tend to lean more towards the first name initial. If the stamp is for a man or a couple, we suggest using the last name.

Towels: I bet you never new these can get you into hot water! We suggest following the same rule that we mentioned for stamps. You can use either initial for a woman’s towel (using a single initial) with the first name being our preference. For a man, or couple, we think using the last name is more appropriate.

Now that we’ve helped navigate you through the murky waters of monogramming, personalize away!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

I Am SOOOOO Excited...

...that I can't even stand it!

Do you know that there is only one week standing in between me and the return of my beloved COLLEGE FOOTBALL?

The first thing to do on my "pre-football" to-do list was to make sure I had all of the appropriate gear in stock:1. Season tickets (check)
2. Full conference and outside favorites' schedules organized (double check)
3. Tailgating paraphernalia...
WAIT!

Even though I've got enough tailgate gear for... well... a football team, I'm a firm believer that too much of a good thing is a GOOD THING! (Besides, I just know that some of my collegiate favorites from Swagger will disappear over the season, so having a little extra never hurts.)

Lucky us, Mandy has picked one of her personal tailgating favorites for this month's Thirsty Thursday blog special: magnetic koozies!



What's so fabulous about these koozies and what the heck is the Thirsty Thursday blog special?

Here's the skinny: these koozies make full hands a problem of the past and the Thirsty Thursday blog special is a fun drinking game that we like to play... where Swagger shares special party and tailgate deals with our blog readers. What's not to love?

The magnetic koozies are on sale for 15% off today online (until midnight only!) and in the store (until 6pm!). Just use the coupon code koozie15 at checkout online and mention this blog post in the store to save on your purchase.

And as far as Thirsty Thursday goes... be sure to add our RSS feed to your favorite feed reader so you don't miss out next month!

See you at the tailgate!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Out of Wine?

Life is crap!

Can anyone else SO see their friends (or themselves) saying "Life is crap" in response to "Oh man, we're out of wine!". Definitely a 99.9% chance of that happening in my social circle... which is why I LOVE the new shirts in the store at Swagger!



The Life is Crap line includes hilarious predicaments like:-Out of Beer
-The toilet paper rolling away from your stall
-Out of Wine
-Out of Coffee
-A set of golf clubs being tossed into a water hazard
-and so many more!
Of course, the girls at Swagger are sharing the good dose of laughter shirts for 15% off today to beat any Manic Monday blues. Just drop by the store between 10am and 6pm today and mention this blog!



See you in the store!

Monday, August 11, 2008

A BIG Thank You to the readers of The Cary News!!


I wanted to express my gratitude to all the people who voted for Swagger in the annual Best of the West awards! We were so excited to find out that we were voted "Best Of" in three pretty major categories and received honorable mention in three more! There isn't a Best Gift Shop category so we were truly honored when we won Best Place to Buy a Gift for A Woman as this is a write in vote and there are so many different places to buy gifts for women! Also, I guess it goes to show that women love their "costume jewelry" as much as the real stuff when we were voted Best Place to buy Jewelry! And finally -Best Women's Boutique! We really appreciated this last one as their are tons of great women's boutiques in Western Wake! At your request we will be adding more "fashion pieces" in the form of tights, jackets, scarves, and pashminas in the next few weeks so make sure to check in often! Swagger received honorable mention for Best Customer Service, Best Place to buy a gift for a man, and Best Kept Secret! Thank you for all your support!





























































Manic Monday: 15% Off Magnolia Mini-Frames

Now, don't read too far into that subject line. When I say "mini", I don't exactly mean bite size!


You may remember these awesome Magnolia Lane frames that I blogged about a while back - the "mini"-frames that I speak of now, are the complementary little sibling to the grand macdaddy Magnolia Lane frames.

Clearly, they are equally as charming, but the smaller size makes them a great fit for any smaller space or just to add a little variety to your wall art.


The store just received a huge shipment with lots of selection to choose from (with so many perfect quotes and sayings), so natch, they were Mandy's choice for this week's Manic Monday blog special!

Just stop in the store from 10am until 6pm today and save 15% on these awesome frames just by mentioning this blog post. Seriously - can't. get. any. easier. Period.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Monogram Me!

The results are in: everyone is voting "yes" to preppy monograms that can be added anywhere!
My BFF Adrianne says it's because she has one of those names that she couldn't find anything personalized with the correct spelling when she was a kid, so now that monograms and names are available in all sorts of personalized fashions... she adds them to anything and everything!
With the addition of the 3'', 4'', and 6'' decal monograms to the website last week, there's no better way to start the week than with a Manic Monday & Monogram Monday blog special of 15% off these awesome decals.


The coolest thing about these monogrammed decals is that not only can you personalize the vehicle of your choice (we suggest adding the little bit of preppiness to the minivan!), you can also add a little bit of flair to your laptop, a galvanized drink bucket or cooler, mirrors, and more! The possibilities are endless.
Check out Swagger's selection of monogrammed decals - and be on the lookout for more vinyl decal options coming this week (like full-length and not just monogrammed - so now you can personalize just about anything with your last name, your sorority's name, or even favorite phrases like "Go Wolfpack")!
The sale ends tonight at midnight - just enter mm15 as your discount code at checkout and you'll be monogramming in no time!

Monday, July 28, 2008

A (wo)man travels the world...

One of the coolest quotes ever: "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it" - George Moore.
It is spot-on how I feel every time I return home from any trip... even the most anticipated travels pale in comparison to the feeling of home.

















That quote, among many others, are some of the great inspiration that you can add to your home, office, etc. with the AWESOME frames at Swagger from Magnolia Lane (pictured below)!
Aaaaand I just heard from Mandy that she's just received a HUGE shipment (ie: lotsof selection!) of new frames for those of you who are soon to be as addicted as I am. Naturally, that makes for a perfect Manic Monday blog special for 15% off these awesome frames today only (until 6pm) in the store! Just mention this blog and enjoy your well-deserved Monday retail therapy savings.