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

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

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!

Fall Trends: Leopard is the New Neutral

No I am not drinking and I have not gone crazy (any crazier than before).  Leopard print is an awesome neutral and you should buy it.  

The key is to use it in moderation, and use it wisely.  If I could have three leopard wishes they would be a pair of flat leopard print shoes, a leopard print clutch, and a leopard print belt.  But single file please, only wear one of these items at a time!

Get your grrrr on.

Leopard Print Ailee Flat - $140 Michael by Michael Kors

Okay and a cheaper version...Leopard Print Oxford - $24.99 at Charlotte Russe

Leopard Print Haircalf Clutch - $29.94 (40% off) The Limited
Leopard Print Narrow Belt - $6.95 at H&M

If you are feeling feisty try these...

Leopard Ruched Sheath Dress - $45.00 Jennifer Lopez for Kohls

Leopard Slipper Pumps - $41.99 LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Pair the leopard with one of these !

Buns, Blouses and Baubles...Oh My!

In grade school I had a uniform exclusive to red, white, and blue.  In high school I had a dress code, which I often broke.  Now a days I wear whatever I want!  But I do have a signature uniform that I have developed.  It's my go to combination when I can't think straight in the morning.

It's simple...blouse + bun + bauble = a work or weekend friendly outfit.  Just add skinny jeans or ponte pants and you are in business! 

You will have to supply your own bun, sorry!

Fuschia blouse - $19.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in other colors and in sleeveless)
White crystal bauble (that I also own in mint) - $9.99 at Jane.com


Or pair with one of these!

 

Julie Zip Pocket Skinny Pants - $59.59 at Ann Taylor Loft
Color Scheme - Tan blouse, white crystal bauble, and  leopard print flats.

Rock Star Ankle Zip Jeans - $32 at Old Navy
Color Scheme - Turquoise blouse with navy crystal bauble and brown lace up ankle boots
 









Slim Leg Ankle Pant in Red - $20 at JC Penney
Color Scheme - Ivory blouse with mint crystal bauble and tan pumps




Hope this fool proof combo works for you!

~B

Work Wardrobe: Black on Black

Sometimes staying monotone can be a good thing!  While I love color, I also love a classic black and white color scheme.  Simple but still interesting because of the pattern on the skirt.  I did throw a little color in there by wearing Maybelline's Cool Coral Stain Gloss (you can't really see it in the picture).  Each piece is a staple item and the skirt is a statement staple, I think I just made up a new thing!  ~B

Basic Black Tee - Apt. 9 for Kohls (I love this shirt, super comfy and wear it all the time!)
Print skirt with Ruffle - The Limited ( I think I got this back in '08...that is how you know it is a good statement staple!)
Black suede heels with bow - Apt. 9 for Kohls (see the purple heel here on clearance!)
Necklace - Forever 21?  I got it forever ago and I can't be 100% sure where it came from.


 

B's Favorite Things: Grey T-shirt

Danny and I were shopping at H&M (which now has a website for the USA!) when he picked up a plain grey tee for $5.  He wore it once and on the second round of washing it met the unforgiving heat of the dryer.  Oops.  But don't be too sad because I have a new grey tee now!  It is quite the multifunctional piece.  This is how I wear it.

Girly Grey:  The tee still has a guy's fit so when I wear it I roll the sleeves up a few times and usually tuck it in to a skirt or pants.  The grey tee is a wonderful foundation for patterns, a bold lip color, or a statement necklace.  If you are feeling saucy, go for all three!  

Girly Grey Look (pardon the amateur photo)

Weekend Grey: When I want to look relaxed but still stylish I will throw on a pair of skinny jeans, combat boots, and a leather jacket with the tee.  Maybe a long gold necklace or patterned scarf to add some pop.  A red lip and aviators will throw you over the cool edge!

Weekend Grey Look

Career Grey:  Yes, I rocked the grey tee at work and yes it worked.  I paired the tee with white dress pants, a silver skinny belt, black ballet flats and my yellow statement necklace.  I left patterns and leather out of it to make a simple and clean look.  Put your hair in a bun for the lady-like touch this outfit needs.

Career Grey Look

Are you running to check your t-shirt drawer?  You probably should!

~B 

***All of the clothes pictured on this page live in my closet.***

Work Wardrobe: All Buttoned Up

It is funny how a bright white button-up can automatically give your outfit a professional feel.  Even if it involves sequins!

White button-up blouse with silver sequin detail: Kohls (on clearance)

Purple pencil skirt with ruffle detail on back:  JC Penney (clearance again!)

Silver skinny belt: Kohls

Throw on a pair of black heels or a even a fun bright color to play with the color of the skirt.

~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]

B's View: Prepared to be Blown Away

This bad boy is a top of the line excelerated dryer and I am sure you have seen these popping up in gas station, mall, and restaurant bathrooms in your hood.  As Marilyn Monroe so wisely stated, diamonds are a girls best friend.  But this is a diamond's best friend.

The Act:  Simply take your rings off and put them under the air stream.  This essentially mimics how a jeweler cleans your rings professionally.  The results aren't as sparkly but I can always tell the difference!   

Next time you have the luck of running across this lean mean machine, make sure you take advantage.

Work Wardrobe : Navy Pencil Skirt

Caution:  The only full length mirror with good light I see everyday is in that bathroom at work...don't judge.

I love this look for many reasons.  Firstly, navy is my favorite color and is always a classic!  Also, pencil skirts are flattering for many body types and add a look of sophistication to your work place wardrobe.  The necklace ties everything together using the navy and gold.  Finally, the tan/nude shoes create an illusion of longer legs.  I am all buttoned up and ready to work!

Navy skirt with ruffle (that you can't see) - The Limited
Cream sleeveless button-up - Simply Vera by Vera Wang 
Navy and gold necklace - Old Navy (it didn't have a tag so I got it for $1.99!!!!  It never hurts to ask!)
Tan canvas pumps - Payless baby!