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!