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

InVESTments: The Layering Look

One tip to making your outfit look put together is layering.  It could be jewelry, it could be boot socks, or it could be a great vest.  Vests can be tricky though, so let's navigate through this maze together.  Let B be your guide!  ~B

The Safari Vest

Canvas Drawstring Vest in Arugula ~ $29.94 at Old Navy

A classic safari vest is always a great casual look.  There are so many variations but a classic army green is a no-brainer and one of the "in" colors this season so it will be easy to find! I would pair this with a maxi dress and a killer statement necklace. 

The Moto Vest

Mossimo Moto Vest in Paris Green ~ $27.99 at Target

This vest has a sleek simple silhouette and can turn a t-shirt into a chic layer.  I would layer this with a soft feminine dress to muss it up a bit.

The Tuxedo Vest

Khaki Notch Lapel Sleeveless Blazer ~ $32.62 at Sheinside.com

There is something so sophisticated about a tuxedo vest.  Pair it will a pair of black skinny jeans or dress pants to complete a look worthy of a night out.  If you want to be saucy throw a bustier under there.

The Cardigan Vest

I found this one at Forever 21 years ago and love it.  It is great to still work layers into your wardrobe during the warmer months.  Pick a neutral color so it will work year over year.

Weekend Wear: Don't Make me Blush

Fun with friends in the CWE deserves a casual dressy mix.  I paired my blush blazer with a casual grey tee to tone down the white crystal necklace.  I also braided my bun for a different texture.  Dark lips to go with my dark jeans...why not?  What a fun night!  ~B

Blush Blazer - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls
Grey Tee - Danny's closet (it shrunk so it is now mine, muahahahahhaha!!!!)  It is one of my favorite things, check out other ways to style it here.
Dark Wash Jeans - Old Navy Jeggings 
Grey Wedge Booties - Mudd for Kohls, featured in my Boot Camp White Crystal Necklace - Jane.com $9.95