Style Guide: Proportions

I was recently left a comment on my "Get Cozy" fall outfit post about wearing chunky sweaters to work, and how to balance out trouser pants with Fall sweaters.  I thought this was a great question because an outfit's proportions can truly make or break a look, and yet proportion can be one of the most difficult things to get right when planning an outfit.

So here's my advice with some actual examples from my own closet...

1.  Balance the top and bottom. 

If you have to live by one general rule, it's this:  Balance an exaggerated top or bottom with an equally exaggerated opposite.  This is the easiest way to make your outfit appear pulled together, polished, and flattering. 


If an outfit is larger on top, such as a swingy trapeze jacket or an oversized chunky sweater, you'll want to pair it with slim-fitting jeans or jeggings.

Free People poncho & cream longsleeve top

Paige "The Stilt" cigarette jean

Kenneth Cole burgundy "crackled" patent leather flats

Louis Vuitton Odeon GM bag

(Earrings from market in Florence, Italy)

If an outfit is larger on bottom, such as flared jeans or trousers for work, you'll want to pair it with a more fitted top that's not too long. 

Forever21 sheer cream top (looks blousier than it really is)

7 For All Mankind "Ginger" flare jeans

Jessica Simpson tan chunky-heel sandals

Louis Vuitton Galleria GM bag

Louis Vuitton belt

(Scarf from market in Florence, Italy)

(Bakelite bangles from market in Montreaux, Switzerland)

2.  Lengthen, lengthen, lengthen. 

One of the mistakes I see made most often is women chopping themselves in half.  Okay, not literally, but they may as well have... The effect is nearly the same!!!


If you wear Bermuda shorts or capris, your leg is automatically cut in half.  To make it work, balance cropped pants with a top that doesn't extend past the tops of your hip bones.  If you really want to lengthen your leg or you are shorter than average (less than 5'5") wear a nude heel or wedge.

More of a Spring look... These are the only cropped pants I own!!

Field & Flower cardigan (from Anthropologie)

Tan 7 For All Mankind cropped jean

Clutch from Charming Charlie's 

BCBGeneration suede knotted heels 

As a general rule, the longer your top the shorter your legs are going to look.  So... In order to lengthen your leg for the most flattering look, you'll need to stay away from tall boots or any shoe that "cuts your legs off"... Lots of straps around the leg, etc.  Instead, focus on pairing long tops with ballet flats or sleek heels.

Aryn K. lace-back silk tunic

7 For All Mankind black jeggings

Black Shoedazzle heels

Louis Vuitton black denim Neo Cabbie MM

A couple ways around this rule are:


1)  If you're tall.  Tall girls can get away with almost anything.  They can pair a longer top or bulky sweater with knee-high boots and still have plenty of leg to balance them out.

Although Alessandra's sweater isn't SO long, you can

still see how her legs still look a mile long, even with

calf-high flat boots on.

2)  If you're going for a more casual, cozy look.  If you notice, my "Get Cozy" ensemble paired an oversized, chunky sweater with skinny jeans and slim boots with a chunky heel.  The skinny jeans and slim-fitting boots balance out the volume of the sweater.  In addition, the heel of the boot lengthens the leg a bit.  I bet you can guess this wouldn't look quite the same with bulky, flat-soled Uggs.

Romeo & Juliet Couture Poncho

Paige "The Stilt" cigarette jean

Louis Vuitton black denim Neo Cabby MM bag

Coach suede boots w/ leather belt detail 

 Gold BCBGeneration earrings

3.  Silhouette and fabric type limit the formality of clothes, which should should fit the situation for which they're worn.. 

Depending on your work environment, you'll probably need sleeker lines and more basic colors when it comes to clothing.


It's important to remember that not all your tops, sweaters, and pants will be appropriate for work.  It can be very difficult to make chunky sweaters or oversized tunics look balanced with a professional-looking pant.

For a work-appropriate look utilizing a more exaggerated top, I would suggest pairing an oversized sweater dress with tights and simple pumps with slightly chunkier heels... Or a loose, flowy blouse with fitted, black cigarette pants and sleek heels.

Mingle sweater dress

Brown J.Crew tights

Louis Vuitton Manhattan GM bag

BCBGeneration gold tassel necklace

Coach suede boots w/ leather belt detail

Diane von Furstenberg floral print blouse

7 For All Mankind black jeggings

Shoedazzle patent loafer-style pumps

Louis Vuitton runway collection "Intrigue" bag

Kate Spade black/gold bow earrings

Look for fine-guage, thin sweaters to pair with your typical black work trouser.  Banana Republic and J.Crew have some great options that layer well with basic button-up shirts.  They look polished and put-together while accentuating the volume of trousers.

J.Crew ruffled ivory blouse

Black cardigan from Francesca's

Rebecca Taylor trousers

Hermes Birkin bag

BCBGeneration rust red suede pumps

Happy Friday!!

Xoxo B.

Click the button above to visit Blonde Episodes blog, the creator of "Fashion Friday"!!! 

 

Vlog: "Get Your Freak On"!!!

View Carly Cristman's original "Get Your Freak On: Weird Facts" tag video HERE. 

If you like making videos, please feel free to post a link to your "Weird Facts" video down in the comments... Otherwise, just answer the same questions in a blog post!!  I wanna know how weird all of you are!!!  ;) 

The Questions: 

#1. What's a nickname only your family calls you??
#2. What's a weird habit of yours??
#3. Do you have any weird phobias?
#4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast && belt out when you're alone?
#5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
#6. What's one of your nervous habits?
#7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
#8. What was your first stuffed animal && it's name?
#9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks?
#10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?
#11. Which way do you face in the shower?
#12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?
#13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?
#14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?
#15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

Weirdly Yours...

B. 

P.S.  I am sorry for always saying it will be a "quick video"... And then it's not.  My bad.  I will try to make them shorter... Promise!!!  :)

A Bestie's Birthday...

I have mentioned my friend EF many, many times in my blog.  She is my oldest friend and is the first memory I have of a person outside my family.  

I remember being fascinated with EF when I was little... She was everything I was not, and it was absolutely thrilling to me.

As a child, I was average height and have always had my father's muscular frame.  Being an only child, I preferred to read and play with dolls and draw or make crafts.  EF was tall and lanky and I could have sworn she moved faster than any child was physically capable.  Sandwiched by an older and a younger brother, EF loved running and playing basketball and reading scary Goosebumps books.  But my favorite part about EF was the massive amounts of noise she was capable of... When we got together we drove our parents insane because we would talk in ridiculous voices and scream just to hear ourselves scream.  And we would laugh... The most mundane, dull object could be made funny by the application of one of our silly accents or an awful facial expression. 

Over the years, EF and I became closer and closer.  We shared secrets, we asked one another for advice, and we held each other up through some seriously difficult events.

Although EF and I can be as silly as ever when we get together, she has become one of the people I am most proud of... She is hardworking, loyal, honest, trustworthy, and compassionate.  When I confide in her or ask her advice, she isn't judgmental and she truly makes me consider why I made a particular choice or decision.  And if I need to vent or cry, EF just listens... And then makes me laugh and forget whatever is bothering me.

I have been very fortunate to have some truly amazing girlfriends who I know will be there for the rest of my life.  EF was the first friend I knew I would be talking to on the phone when we are old and wrinkly.

A couple weeks ago, it was EF's 25th birthday... And she came up with the best way to celebrate.

Each of EF's friends booked 2-3 spa services each, so we had an entire spa to ourselves!!  It was the perfect way to relax and unwind... The spa gave us a cozy little room with sofas, a big round ottoman, and a softly twinkling fountain.

EF had colorful party favor bags waiting for us on the ottoman with candles and photo albums inside.  We each brought little appetizers to munch on, and I brought EF her favorite kind of cake from a fabulous little local bakery: yellow cake with buttercream frosting.  I also brought wine and champagne... Because everyone knows you can't have an all-girls' spa day without sipping on something bubbly!!!

In between our massages and pedicures and facials and body wraps, we found a little time to get together and watch EF blow out her candles and open presents...

Even with no makeup and facial/massage hair, she is still GORGEOUS!!! 

After our spa day, we had a few hours to go home and get ready for a little more celebration that evening.  Everyone went to dinner, then to a local nightclub where EF's boyfriend had bought her a table overlooking the dance floor for her birthday. 

How adorable is EF's dress?!

I thought she looked like a shimmery fairy-princess!!

We had a lot of fun blinding the boys with the flash on my iPhone camera  :)

Matching sparkly shoes!!!  :)

Thank you for 25 years of laughing, gossip, tears, and memories, EF... And thank you for such a fun and fabulous way to celebrate your birthday!!!  Love you, shmista!!!  

Xoxo B.

Vlog: Ulta Haul!!

A September haul from one of my favorites... Ulta!!



Visit Ulta's website HERE.

Products Mentioned: 

Redken Hot Sets 22 Curling Spray
Too Faced Amazing Face Flexible Foundation Powder in Honey Beige
Free Gift: Too Faced Mini Teddy Bear Hair Kabuki
Zoya Nail Polish in "Jem"
Butter Horsepower Nail Strengthener
Butter Hardwear Topcoat
Butter Nail Polish in "La Moss"
Butter Nail Polish in "Teddy Girl"
Beyonce "Pulse" Perfume
Free Gift: Distressed Silver Tote
Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV
Free Gift: Urban Decay Afterglow Slide-On Cheek Tint


Happy Wednesday  :)

Xoxo B.

Friends & Fashion

After our first week back at law school, it was definitely time to relax and have a little fun.  We went to one of the events I look forward to most every year in our city - the fall fashion show.  I think it is so important to encourage all arts, especially in places where fashion and theater and music are just beginning to take off.

I always enjoy our local fashion show... It's a time to get all dolled and dressed up with my friends (which doesn't happen too often, considering that we're in law school!!) 

There's a mini red carpet at the begining, followed by a VIP cocktail party for people who purchased a table of tickets.  The cocktail party is full of photographers, local designers, local boutique owners, and other people involved in the local fashion industry... But there are just as many people like me who just love and appreciate fashion and hope to encourage its development in our area.

There were samples of local wines and appetizers.  We especially enjoyed the miniature bundt cakes this year.  :)

My dress was by All Saints and my heels were Vince Camuto... 

I bought my dress in NYC, and I just absolutely love it!!

The fashion show is actually held outside... After taking a few photos, we headed outside to our table (and goodie bags!!)  We loved the fashion... But there were a couple collections that were our favorite... 

 

This collection by Tiffany Headley was dark and slightly Victorian. 

It reminded me of Alexander McQueen. 

(Photo Credit: Bold Kreative Photography)

My favorite photo of the night. 

Model is also wearing Tiffany Headley. 

(Photo Credit: Bold Kreative Photography)

This collection by Audio Helkuik was like an edgy, French circus. 

Probably nothing I would wear, but a fantastic spectacle to observe nonetheless. 

(Photo Credits: Bold Kreative Photography)

After the show, we took a few more photos, walked on the runway, and eventually made our way to a local nightclub. 

(Sorry for the blurriness!!  I think EF took this with her camera phone!!)

It was the perfect night!!  Fabulous fashion, yummy drinks, and the best friends a girl could have :)  It was bittersweet... Because it's probably the last year we all get to take in our local fashion show together!!  Guess that means we'll just have to rendevous in NYC for Fashion Week!!!  ;) 

Xoxo B. 

Vlog: Sephora Haul!!

Enjoy!!

Xoxo B.

Fall: Get Cozy!!

Sabine Cashmere Blend Cable Cowl Poncho
Color: Autumn Wine
$129 at Piperlime
(Find It Here!!)


Rich & Skinny Legacy Skinny Jeans
Color: New Moon
$167 at Piperlime
(Find It Here!!)

Fossil Emory North South Flap Bag
$168 at Piperlime 
(Find It Here!!)

Mia Nanette Boots
$99 at Piperlime
(Find It Here!!)

Kenneth Cole Leaf Earrings
$27.99 at Bluefly
(Find It Here!!)

House of Harlow Antler Ring
$90 at Piperlime
(Find It Here!!)

Custom iPad Case
$49.95 at Zazzle
(Find It Here!!)


Sugar Passion Tinted Lip Treatment
$22.50 at Sephora
(Find It Here!!)



So excited for Fall... And boots... And cozy sweaters... And darker lips and nails... And gorgeous jackets!!!  :)

Xoxo B.

Fall Trend: 1960's

With the popularity of shows like Mad Men and the upcoming Pan Am and The Playboy Club, it's only natural that we should expect some 60's-inspired garb on the racks this Fall...

The 60's were when 50's housewives in tea-length dresses still wanted to feel ladylike and feminine but an interest in "mod" trends were growing.  The result was polished pillbox hats and jacket-and-skirt combos, short "babydoll" dresses, the A-line in jackets and skirts, and shoes with rounded toes.

Brigitte Bardot

Audrey Hepburn

 Twiggy

 My favorite go-to 1960's fashion icon is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  To me, she interpreted the 60's with a classic and timeless style, leaving out many of the less attractive trends of that time.

So... What should you look for if you want to try the 60's trend??  Here are a few of my favorites...

A Mid-Length, Dress Coat. 

(Bonus points if it has large buttons and 3/4 sleeves!!)

Modcloth

Amber Road Coat in Cream

$84.99 at Modcloth

(Find it Here!!)

Trina Turk

Pan Am Coat

$398 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

A Structured, Ladylike Bag.

Kate Spade

Tuxedo Hill Little Nadine Satchel Bag

$395 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

Ivanka Trump

Ella Framed Satchel Bag

$150 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

Small Stud Earrings...  Preferably With Pearl Accents.

Tinley Road 

Pearl Flower Stud Earrings

$16 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

Tinley Road

Pearl Crystal Stud Earring

$16 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

A Boxy, Boucle or Tweed Jacket.

These jackets look adorable with skinny jeans and ballet flats.  They can be very flattering when worn slightly cropped and paired with wide-leg jeans and heels.  

Aryn K. 

Plaid Ladylike Jacket

$89 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

Trina Turk

Arrow Jacket

$348 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

A Pair of Simple Ballerina Flats.

English Licorice Flat

$34.99 at Modcloth

(Find it Here!!)

Matisse

Luisa Flat in Black

$85 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

A Structured Dress That Goes From Work to a Dinner Date.

Coach Tour Dress in Noir

$47.99 at Modcloth

(Find it Here!!)

Theme Executive Decision Taupe Dress

$59 at Lulu's

(Find it Here!!)

Milly

Vivi Rhinestone Dress

$385 at Piperlime

(Find it Here!!)

Enjoy!!

Xoxo B.

Product Review: Benefit Skincare

Curious??  Want to see more??
Click HERE to go to the B.Right Skincare Trio on Ulta's website.
Click HERE to go to the (new) B.Right Radiant Skincare 6-Piece Intro Kit on Ulta's website. 
Click HERE to see the full size items in Benefit's skincare line on Ulta's website.


Happy Wednesday!!  Halfway to the weekend!!

Xoxo B.

Back To School... My Last Year!!!

Phew... I am finished with all my NYC posts!!  I loved my stay there and I didn't want to leave anything out... Unfortunately, that meant still blogging about it a month after I got back!!  Hope you guys didn't mind  :)

After I got back home to the Midwest I took a little roadtrip up to our lodge in South Dakota.  My parents (and Lola!!) needed to meet the new puppy and I needed a little relaxation in the middle of nowhere... No taxis, no honking horns, no smog, no bums on the streets!!  I took walks outside, scrapbooked and went shopping with Mom, and tried to get Dad to watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey.  I always feel so relaxed and calm at the lodge... There is no better place for me to recuperate before classes start up again.

I drove back home with both my doggies, and had a week or so to buy books, organize all my stuff for classes, and start reading.  I was finally able to totally unpack from South Dakota/Vegas/NYC and get my house organized again, which felt so good.  I hate when there are huge stacks of mail/bills, piles of laundry, and no groceries... I don't feel at home until everything is organized and put away.

I missed my hair appointment when my flight was cancelled leaving NYC.  I didn't have time to go before I drove up to South Dakota, sooo... I had gone about 10 weeks before I finally got back home and got my hair done!!!  I hate when the color starts to come out of my hair... It doesn't hold curl as well and it has less volume.  I went just a tad darker than my natural color this time.

I got to spend some time with my friends before classes started... Laying out by the pool, going to our favorite workout classes, going out for sushi, getting mani-pedis, and going to see The Help.  I had missed them so much this summer!!  We had a lot to catch up on!!

I also spent a lot of time making sure Lola and Scarlett got used to each other and became comfortable sharing food, water, and toys.  Lola has been so good with Scarlett... Scarlett is a little feist and bites Lola's tail, her ears, and steals her toys!!  But Lola is really patient and loving toward Scarlett... She never growls or bites at her.  They love playing together now, and I even caught them taking this little nap beside me on the couch.

Miss Scarlett had to get a groom.  Her puppy fur was getting a little long, even though it was so precious with the black tips!!  :(  She loves to roll around on the floor and gets all these little tangles because her fur is like cotton candy, it's so soft.  When I try to brush her she cries like a baby, so it was time to get a professional's hands on her!!

Here she is... Scarlett, version 2.0!!  I wasn't sure what I thought about her new 'do... She literally looked half her previous size!!  But after a day or two, I started really liking it... She looks petite and spunky with her long, fluffy tail and big ears.

Her fur is still darker than Lola's... I think she might keep the black/dark brown on her ears, but I'm not really sure.  The majority of her fur is caramel-colored, while Lola's is ivory.

Scarlett has proved to be quite the challenge... She's taking much longer to potty train than Lola did.  I'm sticking with it, but it's difficult when I have a full schedule of law classes.  I come home even when I only have an hour before my next class to make sure she's not waiting too long.  She has realized that going potty inside is bad, but hasn't really figured out that she needs to do her business outside all the time!!  

I think she'll just take more time and work, but I might have Mom come out for a few days to help me work with her.  My mom is a dog whisperer, literally.  It's amazing.  Dogs just love to be around her, and she has this amazing ability to potty train them.

Other than that, classes are going well and I'm staying on top of reading and projects.  It's a lot of work... I'm not sure the whole "scare you to death 1L, work you to death 2L, and bore you to death 3L" is true.  I am definitely not bored yet!!  I would welcome some boring when I'm up until 2 am, reading for classes  :)

I cannot believe this is my last year of law school... It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in class, terrified, imagining every scene of Legally Blonde coming to life.  Now I'm thinking about what my next step will be after graduation, and about how much I will miss the amazing women that have become my best friends in just a little over two years. 

It's true... I welcome the day that I don't have to sit in classes, read and study almost every night, and stress until my head pounds and my stomach aches.  But I'm almost there.  I've almost made it.  I'm only months away from graduating law school - something that I thought might never happen!!  Instead of rushing it, I'm enjoying feeling this sense of accomplishment, being a little proud of myself, and enjoying the time I have left with my "legal ladies".  :) 


I hope your school years have gotten off to great starts, or maybe you're just taking this time to be thankful your school years are over?!  Either way... Enjoy the weather cooling off a bit, seeing kids run to the school bus with their shiny new backpacks, and taking in a football game or two. 


Xoxo B.