Fabulous Fur

Fur vests were all over the Fall '09 runways.

Oscar de la Renta:

Fendi:

Givenchy:

Michael Kors:

This is a great piece to add to your wardrobe, whether it be faux fur or real, that's up to you (I'm an animal-lover, so I go for faux).  When you wear this, you are making every day an occasion.  You can wear it from casual - over a sweater with jeans, all the way to cocktail - over a dress.  It's an instant upgrade to your look. 

Nobody rocks a fur vest quite like Rachel Zoe.  This lady knows how to make it work!  Everytime she puts one on, she looks fabulous.

This is something that I love, so I hope that you give it a try!

Have a fashionable day,

-SB

Image Source: Instyle 

A Little Bit Country

Maybe it's because I live in the country, or maybe it's because I practically grew up on my best friend's family farm, I'm not sure.  What I do know is that I've never felt such a strong connection to a fashion style as I do to the country trend that is everywhere right now.  I love everything about it, right from the prairie dresses, the riding pants, the oversized comfy knits, all the way down to the cowboy boots and wellies.  When I was a girl, I loved the Little House on the Praire book series, and wished I was born back then so I could do and wear all the things that they did.  My friend (the one with the farm) and I would dress up in big oversized long skirts with rubber boots and spend countless hours playing in the fields.  I guess seeing this trend come in vogue again makes me remember those fond memories and feel those same feelings welling up in side me...and I love it.  This will definately be a go-to look for me this fall, and even into the spring, as I've been noticing a continuing trend in the Spring/Summer '10 collections.  And I couldn't be happier because wearing these things will make me feel like I'm "home."  Here are a few of my favourite pieces:

Wellington Boots

Anna Sui Printed Ruffle Dress

Elizabeth and James Laurent Oversized Checkered Shirt

Marc by Marc Jacobs Parker Tartan Wrap Coat

-SB

Image Source: net-a-porter

Ruffles, Ruffles Everywhere!

Ruffles are a fun trend right now.  They're showing up on everything; bags, shoes, clothing, jackets, etc.  It's a great way to add a little girly touch to your look.  If you think that you couldn't pull them off, try adding them to your outfit in small dosages, like a shoe or a bag.   

And now for my most favourite of all: Beyonce totally rocked this ruffled hem trench by Jillian Lewis (project runway season 4).  I would LOVE to have that coat.  It's completely amazing, the detailing on it is ridiculous!

Just give this trend a try...go on, get out there and get a little ruffled!!  I assure you, you won't regret it.

Have a fantastic day!

-SB

Image Source: net-a-porter, shopbop

The Comforts of Style

Draping is a huge trend right now, and it's great because it flatters any body shape.  It's got a relaxed fit that still gives you a nice figure because it nips in here and there at just the right places.  Perfect for when you need a break from all the tailoring of fall's other trends.  You'll look elegant, romantic and modern all at the same time.  Designers have been making dresses, skirts and tops for evening, office and daywear, so you can sport it no matter what the occasion.  

This draped top by Vivienne Westwood would be perfect paired with jeans for a classed-up weekend look.

For night, this Chloe Velvet dress would be amazing.  Yes, velvet, I know, it's a hard look to wear, but not when it's draped like this.  This is stunning and flattering. 

I highly recommend trying out this trend, even if it's just one piece.  Trust me, you'll love it!  Nothing beats looking glamourous, and feeling comfortable at the same time, you just can't go wrong with that.

Love ya,

-SB

Image Source: net-a-porter

Miss Golightly

I just wanted to say how much I love the new Chanel ads with Lily Allen...I'm a huge Holly Golightly girl!

Surprisingly enough, I'm also loving the new cacoon line of bags.  I'm not the biggest fan of puffer jackets and the likes, but these bags are so fun and adorable...I could totally see myself carrying one!  How about you?

-SB

Afternoon Tea

There's nothing quite as relaxing,

As sipping tea and not taxing.

While telling God all my troubles,

And reaping His blessings in doubles.

Because there's no better time,

Than with tea and some lime,

To have a conversation with God.

-R. Gilbertson

I think everything can be made a little better by having a cup of tea, so I was so excited when I came across this adorable tea set from Henri Bendel.  It's the perfect thing if you are looking for a great Christmas gift for that one stylish gal whom seems to have everything.  I know that I'm going to be adding it to my Christmas wish list!  The teapot is a bit on the expensive side being around $200, but the teacups are only around $30 each.  So you go together with some girlfriends and buy her the teapot, then you could give her a teacup for her birthday.  It's a great idea, and a fun way to start a little collection. 

What's even better is the fact that they have specialized blends of tea for only around $20!  They have some really cute different types with cheeky names.  I can't think of any girl who wouldn't appreciate a tin. 

Have a lovely day all!

-SB

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis

Image Source: Henri Bendel

Wild Things

If you are a fan of the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, then I'm sure you'll love this new jewellry line which is a collaboration between Opening Cerimony, Pamela Love, and Spike Jonze, and is inspired not only by the book but also the new movie.  I instantly fell for this line, especially these particular pieces:

Douglas Fir Cuff

Judith Single Claw Necklace

Douglas Feather Necklace

Max Charm Bracelet

I was a kid with a huge imagination, so this book reminds me so much of all the different things I use to imagine, and I adore the fact that by wearing a piece from the jewellry line would be a constant reminder of such things.  It's a great way to be in touch with your inner child, and I think that's a wonderful thing.  You can check out more from the line here.

Have a fun weekend!

-SB

Image Source: shopbop

Twinkle, Twinkle

There is something about a huge cocktail ring that I just adore.  They are awesome for making a statement and adding a little sparkle to any outfit.  My favourites right now are the Debutante rings from Henri Bendel.

I honestly think I'm in love with these!  This is the purple velvet, but they come in tons of different colours.  When my sister and I were away on our shopping trip we had to go to Bendel's and try them all on.  I have a feeling I'm going to be putting these on my Christmas wish list!!

-SB

Image Source: Henri Bendel

Cozy Bohemian

I really like caftans, but they are usually more of a summer/warmer weather thing, especially in my area.  However, I came across this particular look in one of shopbop's Lookbooks from a while back, and thought it was such a clever way to transition a caftan into fall.  I love the flowiness of the dress itself, paired with the knitted texture of the hat...and those adorable booties just top it right off.  This is the perfect bohemian fall look.
-SB

Image Source: shopbop

Gary Graham

When I was pouring over the November issue of Vogue yesterday, I came across the article about the top ten CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists.  Every single one of them is an amazing desiger, and I adore a lot of their looks, but one in particular really stood out to me - Gary Graham.  He has had his own label for ten years, has worked with the designer J. Morgan Puett, and done Broadway costumes.  His style is rustic, historic, romantic, casual and destressed.  I love it, especially his Spring/Summer '10 collection.  His clothing is for the creative woman who wants fashion, luxury, versatility and most of all comfort.  Everything just goes together so beautifuly.  He does a great job of mixing different styles and textures, making it all come off looking incredibly chic.

This plaid dress is the one that Sasha Pivovarova is wearing in the Vogue article, I could completely see myself wearing this.

I love the combination of the draping of the skirt paired with the fitted jacket.

This dress is gorgeous!

You can view his whole SS '10 collection here.  I'm so glad that Vogue showcases the top ten finalists every year since it's so much fun to discover new designers.  I can't wait to see what's up next from him.

Have a great day!
-SB

Image Source: style.com

What's the Skinny?

Ok, I have a confession to make...I'm really not a lover of the skinny jean.  I know that with how much I love fashion you'd think I'd be all for it, but I always thought they were one of the most unflattering things any woman could wear.  I was sure that there was only a handful of women who actually looked good in a pair.  That was all until I found AG Adriano Goldschmied's Premiere Skinny Jeans...I think I'm in love!!!

Look at them done in corduroy!! 

I'm so glad I finally can say that I now adore the skinny jean...even if it is just the Premiere skinnies.  I guess you could say that I'm now a convert, and a very happy one at that!  

Have a great day,
-SB

Image Source: shopbop

Cozy Comforts

Oh my gosh, I was over on the shopbop website checking out their latest Lookbooks, and I had to show you all this sweater!  I'm a huge sweater person.  My Grandma was the most amazing knitter - she could look at a picture of a sweater in Vogue, and then knit it up herself, with no pattern, and it would look just like the designer one!  I'm three-quarters Scandinavian, so knitting and anything knitted is in my blood.  I knit, however, I'm not good enough to tackle something like this yet!  
It's an Elizabeth and James cardigan sweater. 

Here's a picture of it in the actual Lookbook...like how adorable!  I would totally wear this entire outfit, it's so completely me.

Get on out there and grab yourselves some cozy sweaters.  There's nothing better to help make this cold weather more bearable!!

-SB

Image Source: shopbop

B-T-B: All About Face

For the final day in our Back-to-Basics week, I'm going to talk about some classic makeup looks.  There's nothing better to finish off a great outfit than some gorgeous makeup! 

1. Smoky Eye - This is my favourite look.  It's easy to achieve once you've practiced it a few times, and you can do it with so many different colours, like plums, dark greens, browns, dark blues, etc..  A quick and easy way to do this is: First apply a light, slightly shimmery skin-tone colour all over the eye area from lid to under the brow bone, then line upper and lower lash line, (inside rims as well for a more dramatic look) and smudge the line.  Sweep a medium eye shadow (I use a silver/gray) on the lid to just a smidge above the crease, then take a dark eye shadow (in the same colour family as the medium one, I use black) and blend it into the outer corners of the lids and into the crease, as well as along the lower lashline.  Now the key here is to blend, blend, blend!!  That's what gives it the smoky look.  To finish off the look, lightly pat a bit of the first skin-tone eye shadow into the inner corners of the eyes.  Add some mascara and you're all set!  When wearing the smoky eye, you should keep the rest of your makeup simple, so just sweep on some soft blush and apply a nude or neutral colour lip gloss.

2. Red Lips - This look is full of confidence!  You can't wear red lips and not be confident in who you are, they just go hand in hand!  First choose the right shade of red for your complexion (many department store clerks are great at helping you select the right one).  Then skip the lip liner (it can make the mouth look too harsh) and using a lip brush (it makes the application more precise, and softer looking) start in the center of the lips and blend out, working in short strokes.  Apply thin layers until you reach the intensity you want, and your done.  That's all there is to it!  Here's a little tip to keep the lipstick from ending up on your teeth; after applying the colour, stick one finger in your mouth, and drag it out, this takes off the colour that's just inside your lips.  With this look, you want the lips to stand out and take charge, so keep your eye makeup minimal and use a subtle, natural-looking blush on the cheeks.

3. Natural - This look is always goregous because it lets the real you shine through!  It's great for everyday wear when you don't want to do a full face look, but can look stunning as well for more fancy occasions.  To get this look, start with a little tinted moisturizer (or skip this if your skin-tone is naturally even), then pat a little concealer under your eyes (if you need it) and spot conceal any redness.  Next sweep on a little highlighter (powder, cream, liquid..etc whatever your preferece) either silvery tones (for lighter skin colours) or gold/rose tones (for darker skin colours) under your eyebrows, on the inside corners of your eyes and on the tops of your cheekbones.  Sweep on a bit of blush, and then apply eyeliner along your upper lash line (as close to roots as possible) and smudge with a Q-tip.  To finish off the look add a little mascara and some lip balm or gloss and your good to go.  You'll look fresh faced, and beautiful!

4. Winged Eyeliner - This is a classic look that works for any occasion.  It's simple yet very stunning.  You can do either a nude or a red lip with it.  This can be done with any kind of eyeliner really, just use whatever you're most comfortable with.  Draw a line across your eyelid, starting at the inner corner, and as you get to the outside corner, flick your wrist slightly towards your temple - this creates the "wing" part.  You can pull the line out and up just a little for a less dramatic look, or quite a bit for a more pronounced wing.  Either way it looks great.  To finish the look load up the lashes with tons of mascara or even add some false lashes for more drama. 

5. Metallic Eye - I love how glam this look is, and it's super simple to do.  Once you have the rest of your makeup on (keep it fairly neutral), apply whatever metallic colour eye shadow that suits your skin tone (silvers for light skin, bronzes and golds for olive skin, and dark skin can wear any of these), from lash line to crease, and apply a tiny bit on your lower lash line, add a sweep of mascara and your done.  How simple is that?

Well ladies that's all  for our Back-to-Basics week.  It's been a blast researching and practicing these things so that I could bring them all to you!!  I hope everyone enjoyed it and learned some tips that you can take and impliment into your own wardrobe and life!  I know I've have! 

Have a  great weekend!!

-SB

B-T-B: How Do You Do?

In keeping with the Back-to-Basics theme, I thought today we'd focus on some basic hairstyles that are always classic.  They are the ones that you can easily fall back on when you're not feeling up to being adventurous, yet you still end up looking great!  These always look fresh.

1. Ponytail - the ponytail can be playful and sophisticated.  It's the easiest updo style to do, and looks fantastic on everyone no matter what your hair type.  With a high pony, flip your head upside and pull hair into a high ponytail making sure not to pull too tightly from the front and secure with an elastic.  With a low ponytail, the key is a deep part (the deeper the part, the more dramatic the look), and some shine, so add a shine spray or a little styling gel to hair to make it shiny.  And with both, take a lock out from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to conceal it, then secure the end with a bobby pin tucked out of sight.  Perfectly sophisticated!

2. Bun - this style is so classic.  Very ballerina (I used to be one, so I love this look)!  To get the look right, comb your hair back so that there is no part in it, then part your hair at the top of your head from ear-to-ear, leaving the front section of hair free.  Take all the hair in the back and make a ponytail with it, then wrap it around itself to form a bun and secure with bobby pins.  Now take the front section and pull it back and wrap the end around the bun and secure with bobby pins.  When you do this, try to make the hair go over your head so that it covers smoothly the entire front and top part of your head.  This will give you a nice, sleek look.  You can also do a messy version of this like Heidi Klum, which I just love!  For it, you would do the same as above, except keep everything less sleek and more relaxed.  You could also start with hair that has been curled for added volume.  Add a bit of teasing around the front part before pulling the hair back, and pull some pieces out of the bun to make it more whispy.

3. French twist - this is another great look.  For this, start by making a ponytail in the middle of the head (don't put it in a elastic) and twisting it while moving upward.  Then hold the twist against the head so the end of your hair is pointing up and put some bobby pins into the underside to hold it in place.  Fold the ends down and tuck under the twist, pinning along the seam till the twist feels secure.  Now take a few sections that are short and on the verge of falling out, and pull them loose to create a soft look.   

4. Messy updo - this is great for any type of event or even just for everyday wear.  I love the way this looks so effortless, yet gorgeous at the same time.  To get the look, first curl the hair to get soft curls.  Then shake curls loose and start pinning sections around the head, creating an undone bun look.  To finish the look, pull out a few face-framing pieces, and your done. 

5. Straight and sleek - this is an easy, fabulous look, and is great with a variety of hair textures and cuts.  Use a flat iron to straighten and then seal with a finishing spray that has shine in it.  What could be easier?

6. Beach waves - this is a totally fun look that's easy to create.  Use a salt spray on damp hair for added texture and then blow dry.  Take 1"-2" pieces and wrap around the barrel of a medium-size curling iron (do not clamp, just wrap around the outside).  Shake curls out and spray with a little hair spray and you're good to go!  And the best part is, the more windblown the hair gets, the better it looks! 

I hope this gives you some new styles to try and to add to your repertoire!  Tomorrow I'll be back with some makeup ideas.

Have a great day!!
-SB