His and Hers: Luggage and Overnight Bags for Him

If you are travelling with your "man-friend" as Carrie Bradshaw would say, here are my picks.  With these bags, you will be shouting out, "that one's mine" at baggage claim.  And I don't just mean the bag!  ~B

Victorinox Duffel Bag - $175.74

This bag is a no-brainer for the stylish yet simple man.  Love the clean lines and masculine color.

Heschel Novel Duffel Bag - $80 at Nordstrom

It comes in black, grey, and navy.  This bag boasts a great "shoe compartment" and cleanable lining.  Check out options for the ladies here!  Herschel has great bag styles if you are looking for a luggage set.

Converse Legacy Duffel Bag - $29.99

I want this too!!!!!  This retro logo has a personality all it's own.  I want hang out with this bag.

Danny's Pick - Timbuk2 Wingman Duffel - $149

Danny just ordered this duffle in preparation for his 3 flights in the next 2 months.  He is very methodical and not afraid of some research.  He did get lucky and got the 2013 version right before the new version was released so he got it a little bit cheaper.

This bags boasts several functional features including a padded laptop sleeve, a separate shoe compartment, and three options to carry the bag.  There is a handle on the top, a detachable cross-body strap, and backpack straps that come out of the zipper on the back.  (see pictures above).

His and Hers: Luggage and Overnight Bags for Her

Danny and I are gearing up for a long weekend to Houston to visit our great friends Bryan and Cierra(shout out!)and it goes without saying I can't wait!  A stylish overnight duffle can make you feel like a first-class traveler, even if the gas stations you stop at aren't quite up to those standards.    Let's check out some of my favorite picks!  ~B

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Hardside Upright - $84.99

The perk is in the title.  This chic roller is lightweight but has a durable hard casing.  Oh, and it is navy which is my favorite color so boom.  It comes in three sizes.

Jenni Chan Multi-Stripes City Duffle - $33.99

This pixalated masterpiece is for the brave vagabond!  If you want to be a standout traveler, I think this is your bag.

Herschel Novel Duffle - $79.99

 This fantastically versatile bag is a no-fuss pick.  It has a great separate shoe compartment and a durable lining that is easy to clean.  And it is cute to the eye.  The lining is candy-striped red and white and is offered in other fun patterns and colors.

Jessica Simpson Rolling Duffle Bag - $50 at Ross

I found this gem at a random Ross in St. Louis.  If you really want a good deal and are willing to try a few places, I would suggest hitting up a TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Ross for a good deal on designer luggage.  Also, Nordstrom Rack has some fabulous brands but the prices may be a little higher.

Happy Travelling!!!

B's View: My Favorite Looks from NYFW '13, Part Un

I am so excited for New York Fashion Week!  To get everyone in the mood, here are my favorite looks from NYFW 2013.  Each designer is their own, distinctly beautiful and so chic.  I had so many favorite looks. This is just part 1.  Enjoy! ~ B

 Altuzarra

 Calvin Klein

Carolina Herrera

 Herve Leger by Max Azria

 Monique Luhllier

Work Wardrobe: The Winter Blues

Cobalt blue is gorgeous so it is a no-brainer that I made it the inspiration for this work look.  I started with a blue sweater and threw a pop of white from my button up blouse.  The back of the sweater is longer so  you get a peak of the white in the front to break up the dark colors.  Also, I added on a necklace to add some femininity.  This is an undercover comfortable outfit that still looks put together and work appropriate.  ~B

Cobalt blue hi-lo sweater - $18.90 day after Thanksgiving at Kohls
White button up - Apt. 9 at Kohls
Black ponte pants - Elle for Kohls
Black studded smoking loafers - Kohls
Blue crystal necklace - $9.99 from Jane.com

B's View: Spare Room Line Up

Okay, I know not everyone has an entire room to spare but even if you have a corner to spare, here are a few suggestions on how you can use the space!  Display your beautiful shoes and show off your jewelry collection.  Happy organizing! ~B

Line 'Em Up

All you need is a cheap bookcase, and your shoe collection.  I have shoes for days, maybe even weeks and they are always hiding in my closet.  So when when Danny started his new job and no longer needed a home office, we decided to use the space for some fun!  You can get a great cheap bookcase at Walmart or Target for around $30 dollars. Danny got two shelves and I got 4, that is fair right?  I love seeing them lined up and find that I wear more of a variety because I see what I have.  This is great for shoes, hats, and purses.

Hang 'Em Up

Okay, how many necklaces are too many?  Forget I asked, I don't want to know...anyway, I like to see what I am working with or get inspiration for an outfit from a piece.  There are a few ways to display your necklaces to have a little fun.  I have an accordion hanger with 13 knobs (bottom left photo) and a few individual hangers to display some of my favorite pieces (bottom right photo).  These are just fun ways to dress up a wall or accompany a photo of Audrey Hepburn.  

Dress 'Em Up

My sweet mom and sister bought me this mannequin for a house-warming gift and I love having it in our spare room.  Its like having a life-size barbie to dress up in your own clothes.  I like to swap out what I put on the mannequin to inspire outfit ideas or display a favorite new hat.  You can find great deals on these at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.

B's View: A Talented Friend with a Beautiful Heart

I met Brianne years ago when I began dating Danny.  I can honestly say she is one of the nicest and most talented people I know.  We shared a love for style so naturally we got along quite well.  A few years ago, she decided to follow her dreams of attending design school and that took her to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, Georgia.  I have since followed her journey of learning, growing, and producing pieces that are not only beautiful but have such an easy chic vibe about them. 

It is now Brianne's senior year at SCAD and with that, she is creating her senior collection.  Please check out the video below where she explains her motivation and inspiration for the collection.  It is very personal and quite literally comes from the heart.  Please join me in helping her accomplish her dreams and donate through Kickstarter here by February 23rd.  She does also want to donate a portion of the proceeds to the American Heart Association.  

I can't wait to see what the future has in store for Brianne but whatever it is, I know she will remain the smart, talented and sweet girl that I have the pleasure of calling a friend.  Good luck Brianne!  ~B

Brianne in the work room!

B's View: A Few of My Favorite Posts

I have really enjoyed writing and sharing my daily adventures of style with you!  I have been M.I.A. for a while but I am getting back on track to bring you more affordable style and ensemble inspiration for 2014!  I want to kick this off with reviewing some of my favorite posts from 2013!  Here is to a happy 2014!!!!  ~B

How to Succeed in Color Blocking

In this post I offer a few tips and tricks to color block for the office.  It's quite fun!

B's Favorite Things: Grey T-shirt

One of Danny's soft t-shirts shrank so now it belongs to me naturally!  I give ways to style it for the weekend, work, or date night.

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

Layering skirts can do a lot.  It can add length, making a summer dress office appropriate, or it can add volume, which is fun and slims your waist.

Lipstick Obsessed

This is my first post ever.  I take you through the different types of lip-color from low maintenance to high drama, giving you my favorite products along the way.

Work Wardrobe: Highlight the Fun

This weather is blah!  The best way for me turn that around is to throw some bright color in the mix!  The shapes are still professional so I can make it work for work!  Brighten up your work week with a fun fuchsia or tantalizing teal.  ~B

Black blazer - New York & Co. - clearance (You can always find a clearance blazer there)
Grey tee - my favorite grey tee makes yet another appearance
Highlighter yellow pencil skirt - Target clearance for $12
Neon feather necklace - Charming Charlies clearance $3 baby!  (If I have the energy to go in this store, I go straight to the back wall.  I always find one or two bargains!)

Work Wardrobe: Cupid's Blazer

I found a fun maroon blazer and couldn't think of what to pair it with until I thought of Valentine's Day!  I pulled my blush button-up out of my closet and rolled up my sleeves...literally.  To show a little more of your button-up, just roll it up with your sleeves.  This pairing puts a unique spin on an office staple. ~B

Maroon blazer - $35.00 LC Lauren Conrade for Kohls (available in 5 other colors)
Crepe blouse - $17.99 Apt. 9 for Kohls, one of B's favorite things, check it out here!
Black trouser - New York & Co.  clearance (they always have basic professional pieces on clearance!)

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