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!

Oh La La: Catherine Malandrino for Kohls

If you know my shopping habits, I tend to frequent a little place called Kohls.  On any given day I can look down at my outfit and find at least one item that is from there.  And if it is from Kohls, chances are I got it on sale too!  That is one of the many reasons that this is my go to place.  

Another reason is for the collaborations that Kohls creates with MAJOR designers like Narcisco Rodriguez, Derek Lam, and now Catherine Malandrino.  It is all through the avenue of DesigNation.  Every time a new collabo is announced I can hardly contain my excitement.  There is always something new and different being put out on the Kohls store floor!

Catherine Brings the Oh La La
The collection Catherine has created is obviously French inspired.  You will see the Eiffel tower silhouette used in the back of her sheath dress or printed on a cute sweater.  The Paris, je t 'aime tee is another cue.  It's not overdone but not hidden either.  Malandrino brings a chic and streamlined collection to the masses.  

How Many Euro?
DesigNation is bringing these major designers into the "real world" for us.  Naturally there is going to be a bit of a sticker jump from some other collections you see at Kohls.  Initially the prices range from $34 chic tees, to $78 dresses, topping off at $120 for a feminine quilted motorcycle jacket. (all pictured below)




Paris Je T'aime Tee $36                              (also available in white and blue)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Stained-Glass Faux-Wrap Dress $78

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Faux-Leather Motorcycle Jacket $120

                                                                                                           

                                                         

My Obsessions

There are quite a few drool-worthy pieces in this collection.  The price makes me cringe a little so I will probably hold off on any purchases until Kohls applies a discount to the line.  Put that with a 20% off coupon and bam, you have yourself a deal!  So immediately I fell in amore with the Pleated Jumpsuit.  The top mimics a wrap dress which is insanely flattering for all ladies.  The fabric looks so comfortable but the look is so polished.  The piece de resistance?  It's available in NAVY.  I am such a sucker for that blue hue that I can hardly resist.  The ensemble is also available in a classic black.  I will be purchasing this look for sure!  

Pleated Jumpsuit $88

Here are a few other items I would love to pick up.  The Hooded Over-Sized Jacket looks amazingly cozy and cool while still maintaining the chicness of a Parisian woman.  The Draped Ponte Top has a cool minimalist vibe which always makes for a sophisticated work look.  The zipper gives it a bit of a biker edge without being too rough.  The ponte top also comes in black or blue.

      Hooded Over-Sized Jacket $78               Draped Ponte Top $48

You can find all of these designs online at Kohls starting on September 27th and select styles will be available in stores.  

Overall, I love the collection and I am glad it is available to us all but I will be waiting for a sale to make any purchases. I don't think I can count a navy blue jumpsuit as a timeless staple...or can I?

Au revoir!

~B

Work Wardrobe: The Modern Audrey

This is a painful post for because my favorite and most versatile necklace pictured here decided to bust at a work event.  And yes, it is made up of teeny tiny little beads so yeah...that was fun.  If ANYONE finds a necklace like this, please let me know.  I can't seem to find one anywhere. YOU WILL BE MY NEW BEST FRIEND, IF YOU WANT TO BE...

Anywho, this is a simple outfit but I think it works!  The bun is a joint effort.  I am rocking a bun enhancer which is easy to use and who doesn't want more bun in their life?

Black pointe pants with silver zipper at ankle- Elle [brand available at kohls.com]  Also take a look at the Simply Vera by Vera Wang Ponte pants at Kohls.  She has several different colors if you already have your basic black!

Tan asymmetrical collared blouse [one of my favorites!] - Daisy Fuentes [brandy available at kohls.com]

Black beaded bib necklace - Walmart on clearance, yeah you heard me 

Bun enhancer - H&M [They are always up by the check out line and also by the accessories]

Bare lip gloss - Mirabella [similar products available at mirabellabeauty.com, this stuff is THE BEST]

Polka dot iPhone cover with hot pink frame - Kate Spade purchased at Von Maur [Kate Spade makes the best cell phone covers!  There is nothing better than a designer with a chic sense of humor. Check them out at katespade.com]