Dapper Danny: Nothing Rhymes with Orange

Orange is a tricky color to incorporate into your work wardrobe.  I think Danny did a great job this time.  It didn't turn into a Halloween homage either.  He wore a Calvin Klein tie thinly striped with orange, mostly grey.  We found it at Nordstrom Rack for around $15.  The socks are by Funky Socks, also from Nordstrom Rack.  We won't ever pay full price on these types of items.  Places like Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, and online shops like HauteLook, always have deals on good stuff.  ~B

B's Favorite Things: Peplum Party

The peplum top has made a comeback over the last few years.  I for one dig it.  It is a great way to either show a figure or create one.  Cinching in at the natural waist line, the thinnest part of your mid-section, it shows off what you have.  I found these two at Kohls (shocking, I know) for $8 on clearance.  Boom.  I would recommend wearing it with ponte pants or a pencil skirt.  Nothing with too much volume though, you have to balance out the volume on top.  ~B

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

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.