Work Wardrobe: Flower Power

Who says you can't be professionally floral, or floral-y professional?  

Here is the Rule: Pick one piece that will speak for your entire outfit.  In this case, that would be a floral blazer with orange, maroon, neon yellow, and creme.  Just keep everything else basic and you are in business (dress).  See what I did there...yeah.  

Sidenote:  I did wear a pair of neon yellow earrings too so I kind of broke my own rule however...they matched the yellow on the blazer so boom.  

I love a more feminine spin on a staple piece and you know I love when clothes have character.  ~ B

Floral Blazer - LC Lauren Conrad from Kohls (clearance find) Lover her blazers!!!  I have like 5.
Black Pencil Skirt - New York & Co. 
Basic White Tee - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Kitten Heel with Bow - Apt. 9 for Kohls (try these LC Lauren Conrad heels - cute!)

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

Work Wardrode: Show Your Stripes

I always love seeing a successful mixing and matching of prints so why not show you what I can do!  I was pretty happy with the outcome below.  Here are a few rules for mixing prints...

Rule #1: Find the same color scheme to start.  Black and white is a good jumping off point.  

Rule #2: Pick one pattern that is simple and consistent, the other can be a little more bold.

Rule #3: Keep all other elements of the outfit solid and the same color as the scheme.  Minimal accessories!


Give it a shot and see what happens.  If you like what you see, then share it with me on My Facebook page!!!

Black Blazer, a staple!
Black and White Striped Shirt - Elle for Kohls
Printed Midi Tube Skirt - Apt. 9 for Kohls
Black Strap Wedges - Bandolino

B is Back!

It has been one heck of a crazy Spring and Summer!  I have been M.I.A on the fashion tips but I have been up to a lot!

We....bought a house I started a new job, traveled all over Illinois and Missouri, saw Memphis, and danced in New York!  I wanted to share some of that with you.  New sights, new experiences, and new ideas!  Hope your summer was as great as mine!  ~B 

The New House!!!

Danny & I celebrating the 4th

Cheesin' with the fluffiest puppy EVER!

 The Peabody in Memphis!

Peridance Capezio Center Performance in NY, NY

The BUN takes New York! 

Time Square

Madison Square Park

American Museum of Natural History

My fine New York City photography!

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