Dinner and a Show

Friday night I had dinner and went to a show with a few of my girlfriends.  Such a great time called for a fun ensemble.  I wanted something classic with a funky twist.  What would be better than a Derek Lam skirt!?  I also had some fun with my hair and put it in a faux-bob.  The tutorial on that is coming soon!

We went to Frazer's in Soulard for dinner and I tried some pretty amazing food.  The stuffed dates were wrapped in bacon, yeah I tried stuffed dates so you know they had to be delicious!  I ordered the swordfish with a rosemary cream sauce and the mashed potatoes were interspersed with feta cheese.  Everything is made in-house.  And then they rolled me out of the restaurant...  This is a great spot for a fancy date night!  ~B

Geometric Skirt - Derek Lam for Kohls 
Black Shirt with ruffle on shoulder - Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls
Brown Booties - TJ Maxx clearance find

Winery Wear - Good Wine and Great Music

Hello all!  This past Sunday I had such a wonderful time at the Springers Creek Winery in Edwardsville, IL.  This little winery was basically a few old houses connected by some patios.  Decorated with a shabby chic array of portraits, lamps, and carpets, it offers a warm, "coffee shop from Friends" vibe.  I had the Orchard Hill, a Riesling with hints of apple flavors, so delicious!  It is run by a fantastic family who makes you feel at home.

My pretty talented, song-writing brother played for a few hours.  With a mix of original songs and covers of 90s classics, he rocked it!  He has some clever word play in his lyrics and the calming melodies were a perfect mood-setter.

As for my outfit, I wanted a relaxed sweater for sure and what is a winery trip without a hat!  Details are below.  ~B

Grey Solid Caftan Sweater - Jennifer Lopez for Kohls - $30.00
Jean Leggings in Dark Blue - Old Navy, check out my favorite pair out here
Mauve Hat with Bow - Forever 21 (clearance baby!)
Silver Layered Necklace - Sonoma for Kohls (clearance again!)

Work Wardrobe: Seeing Spots

Prints can be so fun but sometimes too much for the work place.  I kept this monochrome to keep it professional-ish.  I added a layered silver necklace and a pop of fuschia lip stain to add some personality.

Polka dot lapel jacket - Dress Barn (not just for old ladies!)
Basic black tee - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black  Diva Skinny Ankle Pant - Old Navy (the same cut as my fancy pants)
Maybelline's Stain Gloss in Fresh Fuschia

Work Wardrobe: Layering for Fall

I am always throwing a cardigan over my short sleeve or sleeveless dresses for Fall and Winter.  It gets a little old so I decided to layer from underneath this time!  I loved it!  To keep it from going too "nun in a library" I used the fuschia blouse, an extra sparkly necklace and grey booties!  I loved the finished product.  ~B

Black Cap Sleeve Dress - The Limited
Fuschia Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls featured here as one of B's Favorite Things!
White Crystal Necklace - Our World Boutique via Jane.com
Black Opaque Tights - Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in lots of Fall colors here)
Grey and Black Wedge Booties - Mudd for Kohls featured in my Bootie Boot Camp

B's Favorite Things: It's a Cinch!

Belts are a waist's best friend.  If you are slim and straight, you can use a belt to create curves.  If you are curvy, you can use the belt to show the smallest part of your body.  Either way, you will look amazing!

Here are a few of my favorites right now!  ~B

The Basic Beauty

Double Chevron Belt - Apt. 9 for Kohls $19.60 (available in sizes S-XL)
 How to wear:  Try this staple with a pair of cute army green shorts during the summer or to hold up a sharp (my grandma uses that word a lot) pair of work pants.

The Sweet Sash

Leather Bow Belt - Ann Taylor Loft $34.50 (available in sizes XS-L)

How to wear:  Wear this adorable belt with a sweater dress, tights and matching boots.  It will kick up the cute factor.  Also throw it on over a blazer for a more personalized look.

The Perfect Pair

Pyramid Patent Belt Set - Apt. 9 for Kohls $13 (
available in sizes XS-L)
How to wear:  You can wear them as a pair or alone.  Wear one or both of these belts over a pencil skirt and sweater at the office.  

The Wild Card

ASOS Peplum Waist Belt - ASOS $16.02 (available in sizes XS-L)

Where to wear:  This amazing belt will make anything you own an instant peplum!  Kind of genius.  This is a little black dress enhancement waiting to happen!

The Splurge

Scout Leather Belt - Michael Kors $65 (yes that is camo, only for Michael will I wear camo)
 How to wear: My favorite way to wear this belt would be with a pair of boyfriend jeans and some killer heeled booties.  If you want to go out on a fashion limb, pair with a floral print shirt for a feminine/hard mix!

Work Wardrobe: Burnt Orange

I love love love this dress!  I found it online, then waited patiently for it to go on sale.  It paid off!  The burnt orange color is great for Fall and Winter.  It's also a great silhouette for work, but is still interesting.  I kept it simple with brown and ivory accents to make the color the star of this look. ~B

Orange Sheath Dress - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Brown Heathered Tights - Spanx
Brown Booties - clearance at TJ Maxx
Ivory Sweater - Daisy Fuentes for Kohls

B's View: How to Add Length to a Skirt in Seconds

We all have those dresses in our closet that are just a tad short.  They don't quite pass the fingertips test.  If you don't know what that is, you probably didn't got to a Catholic high school.  Well let me show you how to make your frocks pass that test with flying fingertips! 

You will need...
A dress that needs a little length.  Try this adorable Jersey Knit Dress from H&M - $24.95

And a skirt that is slightly longer than the dress.  I prefer to use a skirt with more volume but it doesn't have to be!  Make sure there are no buckles or embellishments that will show through the dress.  You don't want to look like you are smuggling things under your dress.

Another tip would be to make sure there isn't too much difference in length.  I like an inch or two of fabric showing but not much more.  That will be a judgement call on your end.  Or you can send me a picture!

This is the result of my black and white combination.  It's like a modern petticoat.  How fun would a bright color be?  ~B

B's Favorite Things: The Crepe Blouse

This is literally the best blouse ever!  I have both the long and short sleeved version and I wear them all the time!  It is better than the stiff old school version.  These shirts are thinner and softer so they are great to tuck into a pencil skirt.  They are longer in the back to so you can wear them with Pointe Pants or skinny jeans.  ~B

They are offered in 10 solid colors including black, ivory, and red.  Check out some more solid colors below.  Apt. 9 for Kohls - $17.99 Also available in petite and plus sizes.

Now for a little fun!  Take a look at these fabulous variations.

Faux-leather Trip Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls - $24.99

Striped Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls $17.99

Hummingbird Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls $17.99

The Movie Star Curl

Whenever I curl my hair, everyone asks how I do it.  I thought I would share it with you!

You will need:
~ a curling iron with the clamp removed, or a curling wand
~ brush
~ hairspray 
~ a little patience the first few times, I can usually knock this out in 15 minutes now

Start with straight hair.  You will start your curl under your jaw line (see picture below).  For more body you can start higher but it tends to create a Shirley Temple look of which I am not a fan.  You can use a middle part or side part but divide your hair so it is split down the back and all hair is off to one side or the other.

Take a chunk of hair and begin wrapping it around the barrel towards the back of your head (like in the photo below...I look happy,huh?).  You will need to go the same direction with each section of hair.  When I am done with my left side, I will do a mirror image of the direction in my right side.

Hold the hair wrapped around for about 10 seconds and let go.  Be really careful once you get close to the end!  It is really easy to burn yourself this way.  I actually like when the very end isn't curled so I leave the last half inch off of the iron.

Your hair will look like this when you are done curling each section

So far you have done pretty great!  I think you deserve a drink...mine is juice....

Once you have curled all of your hair, run a brush through it.  Until it looks like the picture below.  Feel free to use hairspray if your hair doesn't stay curled very well. 

This is such an easy and consistent method.  You should get pretty much the same results each time.

It's fun to pin back one side, put it in a ponytail, or have a deep side part for a dramatic look!  Enjoy your movie star curls!  ~B 

B's View: Getting Rid of Eye Makeup Two Ways

My favorite makeup removing device is by far Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.  They are easy to use and they are really mild.  They don't upset my eyes which is a big plus.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - $6.49 at Target

But I do run out on occasion and the post shower, racoon look is not cute!

What I do is reach for the nearest bottle of moisturizer.  Moisturizer and lotion are great makeup removers and your skin is smooth and hydrated afterward!  Just be careful because not all lotions work around sensitive eyes.  I tend to stick to a moisturizer because those are less greasy.  I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin.  They also offer it for sensitive skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin - $9.99 at Target

I use a q-tip for precision and ease of use.  You can also use a cotton pad if you are trying to remove concealer or foundation.  ~B

Work Wardrobe: Fall for Blue

I really like this color combo (sorry the picture is so dull).  I took a long sweater and cinched it a the waist with a belt to bring it all in.  I also added a multi-chain brass necklace for a little embellishment.  ~B

Navy Pencil Skirt - The Limited
Powder Blue Sweater - Walmart (one of my favorite finds there!)
Rust Top - Daisy Fuentes for Kohls
Orange and Rust Wedges - Bakers (back in my college days, but still love them!)
Brass Necklace - Forever 21
Interchangeable Black/Brown Belt - Apt. 9 for Kohls

Jeggings....There I Said It.

I am not a fan of the jeggings personally.  I picture the light stretchy fabric and yellow threading...and I shiver.  Yes they are comfortable and yes, I can tell they are jeggings.

Well I have finally met my no waist band having, denim made, "can these be real?" jeans!  Formally known as the "J" word.  I was recently shopping at Old Navy grabbing some new work pants.  Yea those really fun and bright ones, my Fancy Pants.  I happened upon this pair of denim leggings.  The material is thick and there is stretch to the fabric but not too much.  If not for the waistband, I would have thought they had a zipper, button, and pockets as well!  

The best part is, they come in every shape and size so you have some decisions to make.
1.  Petite, regular, & tall
2.  Sizes 0-16 or plus sizes 18-30
3.  Black wash  or dark blue (Pictured below: Black wash on the left and dark blue wash on the right.  Both $34.94 at oldnavy.com but Old Navy always has deals and discounts.  Just sign up for their emails!)

These are the perfect jean for those fabulous Fall boots.  You no longer need to origami your jeans into the bottom of your boots or put sock on just to keep the jeans in place.  I think the leggings rules still apply though, I am not a fan of how they are styled above!  Check out my Golden legging rule here.

I have worn my denim leggings several times now and I am in love!  They are flattering to my legs, the dark blue wash (on the right) is a good "dressy" wash, and they play well with boots.  Danny has been encouraging me to get a pair of tighter jeans too and these fit the bill so they are husband-approved!  (Not a necessary perk but a bonus)  I am glad denim leggings and I could finally agree on something!

~B

Part 2 Leggings: Solids and Prints and Leather, Oh My!

Now that you have read my post, Leggings: Tales of the Misunderstood Tights, you can proceed to the next step.  If you haven't read it yet, start here before reading what is below.  
With great body comes great responsibility...to cloth it tastefully! ~B


The Legging Breakdown (break it down now!  And I'm dancing...)

1.  The Solid Legging:  A tried and true closet staple.  I like to stick to dark colors such as black, brown, and teal.  The best leggings around are from American Apparel, no contest.

American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Legging - $28 (In 36 colors)

2.  The Patterned Legging:  Proceed with caution.  Prints can be very fun but stick to only a few colors per pair and make sure you try them on first!  What looks good on the rack doesn't always translate once you put them on.

Floral Jersey Leggings - H&M $12.95

3.  The Faux-leather Legging:  I love this option.  I own a pair and I feel like a chic bad ass when I wear mine.  If your outfit is getting a little to girly or over thought, throw on these bad boys.  There are some great legging options with patches of faux-leather.  Try these patched pairs on, they don't always hit in a flattering place!

Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-leather Leggings - Kohls $26.99

 

4.  The Fleece Legging:  Holy crap, talk about wearing clouds on your legs!  Fleece-lined leggings are just about the coziest thing around.  Pair these with a chunky knit sweater (long of course) to bring it on home.  The coziness factor of this combo will cause you to take a nap and drink hot chocolate, just warning you.

Anthroplogie Fleece-lined Leggings - $18

 

5.  The Embellished Legging:  I am in love with embellished leggings.  I can't afford them, but they are fabulous.  I am also convinced you have to clean them gently with a toothbrush for about three hours.  They are amazing and I wouldn't hesitate to rock them with a long tee and blazer!

I don't have the heart to tell you the price of these.  Sigh.

Part 1 Leggings: The Tales of Misunderstood Tights

Leggings...don't get me started.  Leggings are misused every darn day.  It is so easy to fall into this trap and I have been there too, but we have to stop.  Leggings do NOT equal pants.  Bottom line, panty line, and camel toe.  Let's go over my #1 rule and then check out part 2!

The Most Important and Imperative Legging Rule: Leggings are Tights, not Pants (Say it with me now)   
Ladies, even if you are a size 0, leggings are not pants.  My #1 styling rule for leggings is that your crotch and buttocks must be covered by the shirt/dress you are wearing!  Over-sized sweaters, tunics, dresses are all great partners to a legging and length is everything.

***The one place I don't strictly apply this rule is when someone is working out.  But maybe don't run to the grocery store right after?***

YOU ARE BETTER THAN THIS.

I don't really have any other rules...that solves all other "legging" related issues such as see-through leggings.  If they are that tight that I can see the stripes on your underwear you should probably find a bigger size or better quality legging.  I don't care to see your privates at the Zoo but thanks anyway! (True story)

Work Wardrobe: Neon!

Okay this may be a little much for some people but I love color!  Sometimes you have to take risks, but know how to balance things out.  For instance, I have two pretty bright colors, so I made everything else black.  Also, I have my blouse buttoned all the way up and would not pair it with a short skirt.  The silhouette is more conservative so that I can be more bold with my color choices.

Neon Yellow Pencil Skirt - Target (clearance)
Teal Sleeveless Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls (One of B's Favorite Things!)
Black Sweater - Target (everyone needs a good basic black cardigan)
Black Opaque Tights - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Eyelet Boots - Liz Claiborne for JC Penney (these are my favorite boots!)

B's Favorite Things: The Chambray Shirt

The chambray shirt is back.  Honestly I don't think it ever went out of style, but it has been everywhere this Fall and last.  This is the such an effortless and classic addition to anyone's wardrobe.  Check out some styling ideas for the chambray!  ~B

Denim Tuxedo - This can actually go tragically wrong.  Don't over think it.  Just pair a light chambray with a super dark pair of jeans to ground the look.  I added some leopard print oxfords for some texture.  A scarf would have been a good addition too!

Alice in Denimland - This is a much more feminine look.  I love an unexpected chambray shirt under a dress.  I paired the shirt with a dark oxblood dress, tan booties, and a black leather bow.  Add some tights for fall and wear with leather riding boots for a work look!

Merlot and Chambray - This is a winery approved outfit.  Its easy, but a little dressy.  I added a small gold necklace for a third color. 

Fall Chambray - I love a good leather pair of shorts!  I paired this with boots that are a little darker to again, ground the look.  Top that off with a mauve hat and dark maroon lipstick for a little color.  I could wear this out with the girls!

Lady-like Look - This is my favorite!  Probably because it's girly!  I paired the chambray shirt with an a-line skirt, black booties, and a crystal white necklace.  I thought the curled ponytail gave it a fun vintage look!