Tuesday, January 29, 2013

fab find: Milani Lipstick in Berry Rich

In my quest to find the perfect plummy red lipstick i came across this Milani lipstick in #32 - Berry Rich.  While it's not the perfect plum i was looking for, it is a lovely red.  A little bit bright but definitely wearable. I also snagged it for $1.69 at my local Duane Reade, so it definitely was well worth the risk.  The application was nice, and the formula is surprisingly smooth for a drugstore lipstick.  It's also quite long lasting.  I've worn it for 5+ hours with coffee drinking, lunch, and to my delight it's only suffered minimal color reduction.  I can't speak for the rest of the Milani line, but this one was definitely a win for me. They're definitely worth a try! 



Sorry about the grainy pictures, find better swatches at Temptalia!
I definitely give Milani points for the adorable gold packaging,
it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is,
you can find the lipstick at Milani Cosmetics for $2.99!

have you found any drugstore hits?

xoxo,
Bella




Sunday, January 27, 2013

most worn piece - january 2013

It has to be my Banana Republic Utility Jacket (find it here - $175 but on sale often!), and it wasn't always the jacket (which I wore a ton) but the removable lining - aka the adorable quilted vest that was inside.  It is literally the perfect layering piece.  The tan/nude color is completely neutral and goes with nearly everything.  I really do think it was love at first sight.  (side note: the j.crew excursion quilted vest is also a great vest, i've worn it a number of times as well, but i think the BR vest is better for lighter layering - the j.crew one is definitely warmer and slightly puffier. I find myself wearing it more with casual ensembles and the BR one with dressier pieces.  Both great buys.) 



one of my best january buys, for sure.

do you have a dual purpose piece you love?

xoxo,
Bella




Saturday, January 26, 2013

currently craving: Banana Republic Evan Leather Satchel in Mint

i actually have this in the cognac and adore it.
the leather is perfect. it's thick and sturdy. 
the long strap is a nice option, 
and the shape is about as classic as they come.


Banana Republic Evan Leather Satchel in Mint (find it here.) - $220

i can't lie though, i would LOVE it mint as well.
let's see how this year's tax returns turn out...

xoxo,
Bella

Thursday, January 24, 2013

the thing about looks...

I was looking at CollegeFashion earlier today and saw this TED talk by Cameron Russell, a long time model, regarding beauty and how "look aren't everything." I thought this would be a great eye opener, not only about the industry, but also just in general. We live in a world where perception is everything, so it's nice to see a woman talking about it so honestly and being candid about the reality of "beauty" and how it may not all be as it seems.  I'm glad CF had a little blurb about this, because it's so important for young girls to want to aspire to be something more: lawyers, scientists, doctors, etc.  The world is literally their oyster.  There is nothing wrong with being a model but theres also something to be said about the unsung heroes of the everyday world.  The women who maybe don't have the most glamorous (modeling is not always glamorous fyi!) job, but love what they do and have passion for their field.  Anyway, I'll just leave you all with the video:


what's your take on this issue?

xoxo,
Bella

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Wardrobe Basics.

*fyi: this is a long post. just wanted to warn you before you started reading.*

I feel that the core of a strong wardrobe is basics.  That being said, I know for a long time I didn't have any "plain" pieces in my wardrobe, and it took a lot of time and effort to create outfits that looked cohesive and cute.  I'm by no means a style expert, but I do believe that I have an understanding of what some great foundational pieces are for a starter (or "always developing" - like mine) wardrobe.  Based on my college student/starter professional perspective, here are some pieces that I believe are key to a great wardrobe and some suggestions on where you can find ones to fit your own closet needs:


1. A plain white/black tee-shirt in long and short sleeves


These can be styled about a million different ways and I think it is essential to have at least one of the above because it gives you literally a blank slate to work with. 


Here are some examples with the J.Crew Perfect Tee, you can go casual with jeans and a printed scarf, dressy with a easy skirt and bow adorned flats, and work appropriate (if you have a more conservative/strict office dress code - add a cardigan!) with slim ankle pants, a bright statement necklace, and neutral pumps. 

2. A neutral tank top


A basic tank top is a great building block.  If you want one to wear under suiting, I recommend J. Crew and Banana Republic.  For more casual everyday purposes, gap tanks are perfect, they are long, stretchy, and wear well over time.  A nude camisole is another great option because it can easily be layered under sweaters and dresses when modesty is key.

3. A great fitting blazer


fit is key here. get a classic color and cut but make sure it fits your body. color wise: black, navy, and gray are great neutrals. If you can find a blazer that's part of a suit, that's even better because then you have more pieces to work with that a. work well together, b. work fantastic on their own, c. match.  lightweight wool works year round, and if you want to invest: theory.

4. {Dress} Pants


By pants I mean pants that will work well professionally and some that can be worn regardless of the occasion.  Banana Republic is my go-to for suiting pants and their Sloan Slim Ankle Pants are some of my most-worn every day pants, they're composed of a thick cotton-blend with the perfect amount of stretch and come in a ton of classic and trendy colors.  Theory also makes some great dressier options.  When buying pants, think occasion.  If it's going to be for the office or for job interview - will you wear it with heels? flats? Depending on the answer try it on with the shoes before purchasing to make sure the hem is appropriate.  If your looking for versatility, then go with a straight leg or a trouser leg. These are trend proof and can generally be worn with a multitude of different tops.  Similar to the blazer, lightweight wool works year round. Another recommendation is to try and have at least one full suit - i.e suit pants that match a blazer.  It's a great power outfit, particularly if you need a little boost of confidence for a job interview or big presentation. 

5. Kick-a** Jeans


Self-explanatory. Necessary. Skinny, straight, boyfriend, trouser, whichever you choose - make sure you feel comfortable and that they fit in the rear. No one wants a saggy bum.  There are so many fantastic jean options anywhere from a couple dollars at forever21 to $100+ at Paige Denim.  I like Old Navy and Gap for mid-range prices and quality.  I have a few pairs of the Old Navy Rockstar Skinny Jeans and they've held up incredibly well for the price.  When it comes to denim I always like it darker because it's easy to dress dark jeans up or down and they make you look slimmer (bonus!).  (side note: when making the list I literally wrote kicka** jeans lol and I was contemplating renaming this one but i was like no - you really do just need them to be kicka**.)

6. A button-down/oxford shirt


These are endlessly versatile and it's always a good idea to have one crisp white button down just in case.  The classic oxford always looks polished and is an easy piece to throw on if your in a wardrobe rut and still want to look put-together.  It's the structured alternative to sweatshirt and pj's.  I love pairing these with bold necklaces and using them as blank canvas.  Bright sweaters, cool vests, the opportunities to style are literally endless.  And of course they look perfect under a blazer or with a skirt for the office.

7. Colorful Cardigans

cardigan



I think cardigans are the perfect "topper" piece.  They can literally be paired with anything.  J.Crew has a ton of beautiful colors that will add much needed personality and pop to any plain ensembles.  These are classic but can also be cool.  The zara cardigan above has just a hint of edgy-ness but it's still a very wearable piece. I like cardigans with everything: dresses, shirts, tanks. I think a number of fun colors as well as a few conservative pieces (i.e.: black, navy, cream.) would really round out any wardrobe.

8. Flats

fun flats.



There are so many great options out there for flats right now that one doesn't even need to sacrifice style for comfort.  I love the timeless aesthetic of the Ferragamo's, but realistically Banana Republic, J. Crew, and even Forever21 make great flats that can be worn everyday.  Flats are the perfect way to jazz up an outfit.  One can go bold with color to make a neutral ensemble pop, or stay classic in nude to tone down a bright dress.  The possibilities are limitless.

9. Pumps

pumps



every woman needs at least one solid pair of pumps.  whether it be for fun - like the kate spade above - or the office - the ann taylor pair above - pumps are a fun way to not only accessorize but also dress up an outfit.  There are all sorts of price points to work with here, but it's important to make sure the shoes fit and are comfortable, particularly if your going to be wearing them for more than a few hours.  I think many women can agree that there is nothing quite as powerful as when your wearing an outfit polished off by a beautiful pair of heels.  It's one of the greatest perks of being a girl so why not take advantage of it?

10. Pencil Skirt

pencil skirt



When i say pencil skirt, I don't mean in the "naughty secretary"  sense.  Pencil skirts are great for not only office situations but nights out as well.  Make sure that it's not too tight in any area because you want it to be professional enough to wear with suiting and not scream overtly sexy.  The length should also be a bit conservative: mid thigh is too short! I'm thinking an inch or so above the knee.  Pencil skirts look great with plain white tops, but they also provide a perfect canvas for silk blouses and fun pumps.  They don't have to be boring either.  The jacquard twill J. Crew skirt above is cute and still appropriate for many different occasions.  It's also a good idea to have a skirt that matches a suit so when if you want to change up your suiting (wear the skirt instead of pants) it would be easy to do so.

11. The Everyday Jacket

the everyday jacket


This is the go-to.  Comfortable, easy, timeless, and with just enough class to not look sloppy.  I have the Banana Republic jacket above and love it to pieces.  It's one of my most worn pieces and goes with everything from a sheath dress to sweats.  I love the quilting on the Barbour jacket, and the brass detailing on J.Crew's field jacket.  What I love about the "everyday" jacket is that it's a no brainer.

12. The Statement Piece

the statement piece



This is quite possibly my favorite.  I love statement necklaces and handbags. This is where you can go as crazy as you want.  Big necklaces, bright bags, there are so many great statement pieces available out there.  They really make an outfit yours.

13. A Leather Jacket

the leather jacket



I find leather jackets to be the perfect balance of sexy and sort of bada**.  Particularly when paired with girly ensembles.  A floaty dress with a moto jacket is a effortlessly cool look year round.  I love the detailing that you can get across a variety of brands from zara all the way up to balenciaga. A leather jacket is another one of those pieces that will get better with age.  It tells a story. It's also perfect for nights out with the girls or when you need a dose of confidence.

14. A trench coat

the classic trench



I love bright trench coats.  I personally have a red one that I have worn for years.  Trench coats look classic, put together, protect you from rain, and are perfect for nearly any occasion (esp. if you want to run errands in sweatpants - cover them up with a chic trench and voila! no one will know..).

15. The Dress

the go to dress



It doesn't have to be a little black dress, but "the dress" is something that is classic enough in cut to be worn for many different occasions.  It's something that can be dressed up or down.  It's the one you reach for when you can't decide what to wear and it always looks good.  There is nothing quite as magical as finding "the dress."

16. A striped top

the striped top



Striped tops are my favorite for a number of reasons.  They look perfect under cardigans, jeans and booties for the weekend.  I live in them during the summer. They remind me of Paris. I think they're essential because you can pair them with nearly anything, and who doesn't love a good stripe or two?

17. Printed Scarves

the printed scarf



Scarves make outfits.  They add personality to 'boring white top and jeans' type looks. I love printed scarves because they literally add a "pop" to every day looks.  Plus scarves are relatively cheap.  It is completely acceptable to have about a billion scarves.

18. Colorful V-Necks

the essential v-neck



Target makes some of the best v-necks out there.  Lightweight and super soft. V-necks tees are easy to dress up or down.  Throw one on with a pencil skirt for the office in the summer or over a pair of boyfriend jeans for the weekend.  The colors are also great ways to break up monotonous outfits.

19. Proper Undergarments

There are so many companies that will give you a proper fitting, so take advantage.  The better these fit the better you'll feel regardless of what your wearing. The proper undergarments make all the difference.

20. Finishing Touches

finishing touches.



 The finishing touch.  A beautiful (and functional) timepiece.  Luxe makeup. Pretty sunnies. There's no one item that embodies this piece, it's whatever you want it to be.


Thats it!
It took me a few days to compose this post.
I think this list is comprised of some pretty tried and true wardrobe basics.

Is there anything that you'd add?

xoxo,
Bella





Monday, January 21, 2013

Welcome Back, Mr. President.

Today was the public inauguration of President Obama into office for his second term.

Despite which side of the political spectrum you lean on, 
you have to admit:
the. fashion. was. on. point.

thank you, First Lady, Michelle Obama.


they're kind of perfect together.


The First Lady was wearing a dress and coat by Thom Browne, belt and gloves by J. Crew, and boots courtesy of Reed Krakoff. So much perfection in this outfit.

I also had to throw this in....


They may not be the President and First Lady but Jay-Z and Beyonce represented in their own right and looked every part elegant and glamorous. He's wearing Tom Ford. She's wearing a dress by Pucci, coat a la Christian Dior, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

images property of their respective owners.

what were your thoughts on the inauguration ceremonies?

xoxo,
Bella

Sunday, January 20, 2013

sale alert! Body Shop Body Butters.

these are amazinggggg.

i may have picked up one or three,

at $5 apiece (reduced from $19) in the store.

how could you go wrong?


find them online for $8 here.

xoxo,
Bella

Saturday, January 19, 2013

cold weather accessories.

even though we're edging closer to spring.
cold weather is here to stay.
at least for the next few months.

here are some {cute} cold weather accessories to make the best of any dreary winter day.


what's your favorite way to beat the winter weather blues?

xoxo,
Bella

Friday, January 18, 2013

inspiration. pre-fall 2013.

i think i needed this.
a dose of inspiration 
courtesy of the plethora of 
beautiful pre-fall 2013 collections.




from top:

Alexander McQueen/Alexander Wang/Balenciaga/Burberry Prorsum/Christian Dior/Valentino/Vera Wang/Zac Posen/Carolina Herrera/Carolina Herrera/Celine/Chanel

images via vogue

the trends i'm sensing:
+ black and white
+ menswear inspired pieces - check out the killer suits and detailing.
+ red.
+ luxe details - brocade, tweed, a hint of sparkle, jeweled necklines.

overall, i think the collections were beautiful and are certainly great jumping points for everyday outfits and inspiration when your falling into a styling rut.

what do you guys think of this years pre-fall choices?

xoxo,
Bella

currently craving: Banana Republic 'Zoey' Sunnies

you guys, cat eye + gradient lenses + slightly oversized = perfect.


Banana Republic 'Zoey' Sunglasses 
$98 via Banana Republic.
totally loving these sunnies from BR.

what are your favorite shades?

xoxo,
Bella

Thursday, January 17, 2013

currently craving: Gap Sexy Boyfriend Jeans

i don't have anything like these, they're cute, slightly slouchy but still sexy.



Gap Sexy Boyfriend Jeans - $70 via Gap
i think i'll be popping into Gap soon.

have you guys had good experiences with Gap jeans?

xoxo,
Bella

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

currently craving: YSL Rouge Volupte #12

i went into sephora yesterday to kill some time 
and saw this. 


YSL Rouge Volupte #12 - Forbidden Burgundy 
via Sephora

i don't usually gravitate towards burgundy or plum colors but this is so beautiful on that i'm considering picking it up. and it lasts FOREVER (and by forever i mean 5 hours without fading). 
i'm also a sucker for YSL lip products, i've had such fantastic experiences with them.

what do you guys think?

xoxo,
Bella

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

stacked.

i'm kind of having an arm candy moment right now.

here are some favorites.


what's your "stack" look like?

xoxo,
Bella

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Random tidbits.

Just want to share a couple of random things I've done over the past two weeks(ish) that I think you guys should definitely try to see if your in the NYC area.  

  1. Go see the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in NYC right now!!! I originally just wanted to pop in and go see what was new since I hadn't been in ages and I'm so glad I did.  This is one of my new favorite museums you guys, whenever we're in the city I tend to gravitate towards the Met or some of the larger, more well-known museums (since I feel like I can never see everything there despite how many times I go) but I really wanted to stop by MoMA and some of the smaller (some equally well-known), more contemporary establishments.  MoMA does not disappoint.  They had an Edvard Munch display (until April 29th) and we (I went with some of my girlfriends) were able to see his famous "Scream" painting.  While I thought it was lovely, I was more intrigued by one of the smaller, sketches of the painting in black and white.  I find that the build up to a piece is sometimes more interesting than the piece itself.  There were also some BEAUTIFUL Monets, a handful of Picassos, Andrew Wyeth's "Christina's World" (a personal favorite), a piece I loved by Whistler, and many others.  If you have a chance than I highly recommend MoMA.   I think I want to check out the Guggenheim next..
  2. The tree at Rockefeller Center. I think we went on the last weekend so unfortunately, this one is a no-go now, but I still think it's worth mentioning.  I go every year, and every year it still brings a smile to my face. There is nothing in the world quite like NYC during the holidays. The ice skating rink at Bryant Park is also another great holiday addition to check out if your in the city during Nov-Dec. 
  3. This is totally not NYC related but I also wanted to mention some great movies I've seen over the past few weeks! As mentioned in an earlier post, The Hobbit, is a great movie to watch if you can still catch in your local theatre.  Another ah-mazing movie is Argo!! I saw about a month (?) back and it still gives me goose bumps.  The acting was so on point, and it was intelligent, well-written and well-directed (go Ben Affleck!).  Completely recommend it! I've also heard great things about Django Unchained and Les Mis (although everyone seems to be a bit half and half about Les Mis).  I think my next movie will be Les Mis, I'll let you guys know how that one goes once I've seen it.
  4. T.V. shows to watch (haha once again, not city related) - now that I've been home for break (if you can call the two days I'm not at work being home for break), I've had some time to catch up on my favorite shows and a lot of them have come back (eeeep!). Here are my favorites:
    • Scandal - KERRY WASHINGTON is SO SO good in this! I love this show and I didn't when it first came out, but it has grown on me and I cannot recommend it enough now.  This is one of the most well thought out drama's playing out on TV right now, and it came back on last Thursday.  The basic premise is there is Washington's character, Olivia Pope, who is basically known as a "closer." She gets things done, gets mishaps handled, and is an all over kick-butt woman in a perfectly tailored suit (do not get me started on how absolutely fantastic the clothing is..).  She's in love with the President, who has a wife, blah blah blah. You have to watch it! One of my absolute favorites. 
    • Revenge - so this show is basically an addiction, don't watch unless you want to get sucked in. It's also one of those shows with about a million plot twists you didn't see coming, and it definitely keeps me on my toes.  I love the acting and the Hampton's fashion.  It's about a girl looking for, you know, revenge, but it's done in a way thats witty and smart. 
    • Suits - This show literally made me want to consider going into Business Law, I love Suits.  One of the best shows on television, without a doubt.  It's equal parts intelligent, sexy, and entertaining.  It's also coming back on this week, so catch up while you can! What is there not to like about attractive men (in suits, nonetheless)?





have you done or seen anything interesting lately?

xoxo,
Bella

Saturday, January 12, 2013

a boot story: Old Navy Ankle Booties.

i've been on a massive hunt for some everyday ankle booties. the kind that are not only wearable but cute to boot (haha - get it?).  after lots of consideration and a ton of online perusing, i think i finally found ones that work for me and meet all of my criteria.  as you all know if you've been following my blog i was in L.O.V.E with the Acne Pistol Booties mentioned here, so much so that i made a "currently craving" post with similar booties dedicated to their likeness here. All that being said I was pretty much set on getting the Sam Edelman Lisle ankle boot (on sale via Piperlime) but didn't know how I felt about the 3 inch stacked heel. I was dropping into Old Navy yesterday to pick up another filter for my Bobble (which btw are on clearance now so if you want to pick one up for dirt cheap - check out your local O.N.) and saw that there was a shelf of booties to the corner calling my name.  I of course went to check them out, I had considered buying these Old Navy ankle booties, but I was weary of a zipper.  They did have the zippered ones, but a las not my size.  What they did have though was the Spring 13' ankle booties and they were pretty much exactly what I was looking for. It's like it was meant to be. So after trying them on in the store and doing an internal happy dance when they had my size, I picked them up in both colors. So here they are the Old Navy Women's Short Ankle Boots ($35 via Old Navy):

in black 

and in brown

What i love:

1. 2 inch stacked heel - comfortable, gives a little height, but still very wearable for everyday use
2. Elastic around the sides - makes it super easy to pull on and off (the little tab on the end is also pretty darn useful)
3. These aren't real leather but they actually look a lot more expensive and "real" on than they do in the pictures.
4. They have a grippy bottom - the insole is also slightly padded making them great for long term wear.
5. Aesthetically - i love love love the slightly rounded toe box, and that they look a tad been worn in already so if you scuff them up a bit it won't look ridiculous.

What i wish:

1. That they were real leather - however i do think that real leather would need a lot more care and consideration when wearing b/c it can get ruined faster.
2. The bottoms and the heel on the black pair were also black. (i like uniformity.)

Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase, I wore the black pair for about 6 hours yesterday and they broke in relatively quickly and were totally fine by the end.  I also wore the brown pair out the night I bought them and found that they were quite comfortable for running around town with a friend. 

I'm planning on doing some styling posts with these later 
but until then,
here are some pictures:

(disclaimer: i have already wore them, hence why they don't look perfect! - i find this to be a better representation of the shoe though)





What do you guys think? Have you ever bought something that completely exceeded your expectations?

xoxo,
Bella



Friday, January 11, 2013

currently craving: Kate Spade Idiom Bangle

specifically in "get carried away" or "mint condition"

kate spade "get carried away" idiom bangle

i think this would be beautiful for everyday wear.
the saying is whimsical and fun.
and its on sale for $33 via Piperlime.

xoxo,
Bella

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

currently craving: sunglasses

i've never bought expensive sunglasses.
i feel as though i'll lose them or just plain break em'.
(fyi: i have a pair from Charlotte Russe that's been going strong for about 3+ years)

that being said, i do have some favorites that i keep lusting after...



what do you think? have you had any positive/negative experiences with more expensive sunnies?

any you recommend?

xoxo,
Bella

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Nail Polish Essentials.

we all have our favorites. here are five of my most-loved (and used!) picks:


from L to R:

1. Seche Vite Top Coat: $5 (half off!!) via Amazon
 i never understood the hype around this one until i used it for myself.
it is FANTASTIC. and essential if you paint your nails frequently or hate waiting for them to dry.
the topcoat is glossy and dries within a minute. it's magic. seriously. 
2. Ulta Salon Nail Base Coat: $3 via Ulta
a pretty solid base coat, i love this one and the Sally Hansen Diamond version, it dries quickly and applies nicely. an basic that every girl should have in her nail polish arsenal.
3. O.P.I.'s Barefoot in Barcelona: $8 via Amazon
my personal favorite. i use this ALL the time. it is the perfect nude for slightly tan to olive skin tones.
it's a pinkish brown but it looks lovely on. i reach for this when i don't know what color to paint my nails and it never fails. i also really love the consistency of OPI nail polishes. the brush is just right and it always ends up looking fantastic.
4. Essie's Fifth Ave $8 via Essie
another favorite. this is my go-to red. it compliments my skin tone (as well as many of my friends! so i think it'll work for everyone) and is a true old Hollywood-esque red. The formula is great but the brush can be a little tricky at times. Despite that it's still one of my all time favorites and the opacity is spot on.
5. Nicole by OPI's Kardashian Kolor in Rainbow in the s-kylie $7 via Target 
every girl needs a fun glitter topcoat, and i love love love this one. the glitter is chunky and it looks awesome paired with OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona.  I tend to just stick to this one on one or two nails to keep the look moderately glam, but I think it would look great for an event painted on a solid colored base such as black, white or gold.


what are your favorite nail colors? any recommendations?

xoxo,
Bella

Givenchy Inspired.

i was at the zara store on 5th ave over the weekend, 
and amongst all the beautiful new items (& lots of sale goodies!)
i spotted a sweater from the new collection 
that bore a striking resemblance to a Givenchy staple.

here's the Zara Sweater with Jacquard Pattern:


via Zara

and the Givenchy Rottweiler Tee


via Barneys

different animals, similar look.
i think if your looking for a sweater to toughen up a look 
or if you love this Givenchy aesthetic than the Zara sweater is a 
great dupe at $79.90 versus $300 for the Givenchy tee.

any thoughts? what's your take on the popular Givenchy tee?

xoxo,
Bella

Monday, January 7, 2013

currently craving: Loeffler Randall Nanette Booties

i feel as if i've been on an ankle bootie kick lately.

these are a lovely option.
the two tone is so versatile (in my opinion at least)


Loeffler Randall Nannette Booties
via Barneys
on sale for $159!

side note: did Zara make something similar to this or was that just a figment of my imagination?

what do you think?

xoxo,
Bella