Work Wardrobe: Pleats Please

I love this clearance find of mine.  I found this dress at Kohls (of course) from the fantastic Catherine Malandrino line that I gave rave reviews to last year.  See the full review here.

This dress gives a hint of sexy in the length, a pinch of interest in the offset and over-sized buttons, and a Fall/Winter vibe in the fabric and color.  Most importantly, its the pleats.  (Anchorman fans, I will give you a minute to quote the movie.  "It's the pleats...in the pants...I am taking the back to the pants store."  You're welcome.)

I got away with wearing this to work with tights but I was cutting it close!  See my tips here on how to add some extra length to your favorite skirts & dresses!  ~B

Pleated Grey Dress - Catherine Malandrino for Kohls - $12.00 on clearance
Black Tights - Assets by Spanx - $24.00
Black Knee-high Boots - Fergalicious from Famous Footwear

Try these other pleated options!

Apt. 9 Geometric Fit & Flare Dress
$42.00 at Kohls 

Studio Pleated Faux Leather Midi

$110.90 on eloquii.com (it is a splurge but look for sales like 50% off!)

Faux-Suede Pleated Mini Skirt

$32.00 at Old Navy

B's Favorite Things: Onetime Supply Co.

Onetime Supply Co. just opened their first gallery store on Macklind Avenue and I am excited!  The owner and founder of Onetime Supply Co., Pierrce, has been creating screen print art and being an awesome person for years now.  Let me take you on a quick tour through the Onetime Supply Co. world.  

The staple pieces are tank tops and tees & sweatshirts with the standard two eyelets on the collar.  A simple signature that makes a Onetime piece stand out.

My two favorite pieces that I own are: 

the Bistone Mares sweatshirt ($28)  

(I am wearing this right meow)

AND the Thespian Lion tank ($18). 

Each piece has a story behind it that is displayed in the store and online.  The inspirations come from the past, interpreting Greek Mythology, a 1920s Baseball legend, and English motorcycle gangs, among others.  It is all pretty freaking gorgeous.  

Onetime also offers custom tees and prints that will make your day.  Check out the Onetime Supply Co. website and catch up on his blog.  More pictures of the store below, enjoy!  ~ B

Don't worry...I own this one.

  

Weekend Wardrobe: Bordeaux Date Night

It is date night in the middle of November.  I refuse to believe Winter is upon us.  So how do you put together a look that is sexy enough for date night but won't give you frostbite?  It's all in the colors!  

Oxblood, burgundy, bordeaux or whatever pretentious name you can find (I mean really) is the perfect Fall/Winter color.  I paired a "leather" a-line skirt with black tights and form fitting top to keep things dressy .  Finish up with a little ankle boot to remind yourself it is only Fall and you don't have to yet wear long underwear underneath every outfit.  

I kept with the pretentious color scheme on the make-up too.  I layered a mauve eyeshadow over top of a champagne base.  I also found a great bronze-y brown lip color to bring it home.  I definitely felt femininely Fall!  ~ B  

Try these options!

Ponte Circle Skirt in Wine Tasting (haha) - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls - $32.99

Short Sleeved Bodysuit in Black - H&M - $34.95

Paris Wyno Wedge Bootie - BCBG - $69.95

B's Favorite Things: Return of the Shirtdress

A shirt dress can make you feel like a million bucks.  There are no two ways around it.  It is such an effortless and feminine style, and requires zero thought which bodes well for the type of morning person I am.   I love a pattern shirt dress, especially one that has a pop of color like this red.  Also, the mesh detail adds that little extra hint of skin without acting crazy.  The shirt dress is back and should be a staple in your closet this Fall! ~B

Pictured: Floral High-Low Hem Dress by Simply Vera by Vera Wang - $27.20 on clearance!!!!
Knee High Boots - Fergalicuous at Famous Footwear - last year

Try these other options!

The Casual - Old Navy Printed Pullover Shirt Dress - $32.94

Perfect for that Fall transition with the help of navy tights, tan boots and a scarf!

The Effortless Chic - Monki Sleeveless Shirt Dress - $66.33

For a night out, maybe a date!  Try it with some killer statement heels but keep the jewelry simple and hair in loose waves.

The Bold - Printed Ashton Shirt Dress - $53.97

Hello Monday morning!  This will brighten up your work day along with a great red lip.

The Minimalist - Striped Sleeveless Shirt Dress by Altuzarra for Target - $27.98

This is a piece that shows sophistication and style without shouting.  Keep your hair straight and clean just like the dress.  A slick ponytail and strappy heels would make this a fashion forward moment. If you are feeling like a style star, pair this with a high top sneaker to really suprise and wow.

Work Wardrobe: Flower Power

Who says you can't be professionally floral, or floral-y professional?  

Here is the Rule: Pick one piece that will speak for your entire outfit.  In this case, that would be a floral blazer with orange, maroon, neon yellow, and creme.  Just keep everything else basic and you are in business (dress).  See what I did there...yeah.  

Sidenote:  I did wear a pair of neon yellow earrings too so I kind of broke my own rule however...they matched the yellow on the blazer so boom.  

I love a more feminine spin on a staple piece and you know I love when clothes have character.  ~ B

Floral Blazer - LC Lauren Conrad from Kohls (clearance find) Lover her blazers!!!  I have like 5.
Black Pencil Skirt - New York & Co. 
Basic White Tee - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Kitten Heel with Bow - Apt. 9 for Kohls (try these LC Lauren Conrad heels - cute!)

B's View: Color Clash

I love finding new and unexpected color combinations.  It is like a silent challenge from the universe...and I say, you are on!  The only way to really find the right mix is to experiment but here are a couple of color combos that I dig! ~ B

Bright Orange and Maroon

Maroon Blazer - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls
Tangerine Tulip Dress - Target Clearance!!!  (try this dress!)
Black Strap Wedges - Bandolino

AND Navy and Black

Black Blazer - NY&C
Navy Ponte Dress - Simpy Vera by Kohls

Work Wardrode: Show Your Stripes

I always love seeing a successful mixing and matching of prints so why not show you what I can do!  I was pretty happy with the outcome below.  Here are a few rules for mixing prints...

Rule #1: Find the same color scheme to start.  Black and white is a good jumping off point.  

Rule #2: Pick one pattern that is simple and consistent, the other can be a little more bold.

Rule #3: Keep all other elements of the outfit solid and the same color as the scheme.  Minimal accessories!


Give it a shot and see what happens.  If you like what you see, then share it with me on My Facebook page!!!

Black Blazer, a staple!
Black and White Striped Shirt - Elle for Kohls
Printed Midi Tube Skirt - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Strap Wedges - Bandolino

B is Back!

It has been one heck of a crazy Spring and Summer!  I have been M.I.A on the fashion tips but I have been up to a lot!

We....bought a house I started a new job, traveled all over Illinois and Missouri, saw Memphis, and danced in New York!  I wanted to share some of that with you.  New sights, new experiences, and new ideas!  Hope your summer was as great as mine!  ~B 

The New House!!!

Danny & I celebrating the 4th

Cheesin' with the fluffiest puppy EVER!

 The Peabody in Memphis!

Peridance Capezio Center Performance in NY, NY

The BUN takes New York! 

Time Square

Madison Square Park

American Museum of Natural History

My fine New York City photography!

Dapper Danny: Nothing Rhymes with Orange

Orange is a tricky color to incorporate into your work wardrobe.  I think Danny did a great job this time.  It didn't turn into a Halloween homage either.  He wore a Calvin Klein tie thinly striped with orange, mostly grey.  We found it at Nordstrom Rack for around $15.  The socks are by Funky Socks, also from Nordstrom Rack.  We won't ever pay full price on these types of items.  Places like Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, and online shops like HauteLook, always have deals on good stuff.  ~B

B's Favorite Things: Peplum Party

The peplum top has made a comeback over the last few years.  I for one dig it.  It is a great way to either show a figure or create one.  Cinching in at the natural waist line, the thinnest part of your mid-section, it shows off what you have.  I found these two at Kohls (shocking, I know) for $8 on clearance.  Boom.  I would recommend wearing it with ponte pants or a pencil skirt.  Nothing with too much volume though, you have to balance out the volume on top.  ~B

Dapper Danny: Lighten Up

When you think dress clothes, you always think of dark colors.  So lighten up a little!  This Michael Kors tie looks great on top of this silver shirt.  Just a little pop of purple for a Wednesday will help everyone get over their hump day. This is a tie my mom found at Ross in the Ozarks this past summer.  You know how I love me some Michael Kors so it is one of my favorites Danny wears (awesome man-beard not included).  ~B

Work Wardrobe: A Black and White Thumb

Spring is here!!!!  It came out of nowhere and I could not be more thankful!  This girl needs some serious sunshine.  Needless to say, I am thrilled and therefore must express it through my style.  I found this great floral pencil skirt and although the colors are muted, it still has a lightness that conveys Spring!  

Here I styled it with an ivory collared blouse and some soft curls.  I have also paired it with a plain white t-shirt for a night out.  Collar = work but scoop neck tee = casual.  I wouldn't mind trying out a bright neon yellow to make the outfit really exciting.

I for one will be looking for more floral prints this year and luckily they can be found all over!  Happy gardening!  ~B

Floral Printed Midi Skirt - Apt. 9 for Kohls $24.99

Ivory Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls

Silver Mary Jane Shoe - Bakers Shoes

Brand D: Dapper Danny

I have been pretty impressed with Danny's style evolution over the past few years, and especially these past few months.  I am not implying that I have anything to do with that...but you know.  He recently started a new job that requires business dress daily.  Their casual Fridays mean they don't have to wear a tie.  So he has been hitting the business dress game pretty hard.  I want to start sharing some of his outfits to give you fellas some inspiration as well!  

Danny layered a military style cardigan over a grey patterned shirt with a black tie.  The military sweater is very modern so keeping most everything black helps to keep it dressy.  The grey patterned shirt adds a texture but isn't too much.  This look is a great alternative to a full suit.~B

  

Weekend Wardrobe: Black Tie Casual

I love blazers!  Okay, they are kind of amazing because they always make you look pulled together whether you are wearing jeans or dress.  They are also flattering.  This two-tone number is black and grey and great all over.  I paired it with light jeans cuffed at the bottom and studded smoking loafers to pull the blazer back to the casual side.  Did a little curling number on my hair too.  The how to is here.  I thought about a necklace or scarf but sometimes you have to keep it simple.  The blazer and tee combo is one of my favorites!  ~B

Two-tone blazer - $35  LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls (also available in white and rose)
Black basic tee - $11.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in tons of colors, I have it in white an olive green too)
Pencil jeans - $54 LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls
Studded smoking loafers - Kohls

Work Wardrobe: Black on Black

Black.  It is simple.  It is classic.  It is easy.  I love an outfit that doesn't scream but still can catch an eye.  You can also have fun playing with textures which is what I did.  The pattern on the left is my skirt, and it has pockets.  Boom.  Then I threw on a long-sleeved turtleneck and a sparkly bib necklace keeping in the black family.  Top it off with black tights and boots for a sleek look.  I wouldn't mind a great fuchsia lip with this look just for a pop, but au natural is great too!  ~B

Black l/s turtleneck - $17.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in other colors, maybe red?)
Black snakeskin skirt - Jennifer Lopez for Kohls
Black crystal bib necklace - $40 Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls
Black tights - $9.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Barbara boots - Now $50 on sale Fergalicious from Famous Footwear

B's View: Fishtail Fun

The fishtail is better messy in my opinion which makes it a great option for mornings where you are running behind.  For a top fishtail, I threw my hair in a ponytail, securing it with a ponytail holder.  From there I fishtailed it down and used a clear ponytail holder at the bottom.  For a low side fishtail, I just go straight into the plaiting and just tie it at the end.  Once I am done I like to spread out the plaiting to make it seem thicker.  You can take large pieces of hair or thinner, depending on how you want it to look.  In the top picture I did thicker pieces and in the bottom two pictures I used smaller pieces. 

Here is a video tutorial  from one of my favorite websites, The Beauty Department on how to fishtail.  Happy hair styling! ~B