Fabulous for Less Under $250: Dinner With My Valentine

I love the romance of Valentine's Day.  Do we really need a holiday to celebrate our love?  No, but getting dressed up for a night out isn't so bad either.  Each year, we take our son to his favorite place-usually one that serves mac n cheese.  For us, it's pretty low-key.  But I still like to dress for the occasion.

Doing a family dinner is a little different than a couples night.  It's important to find a happy balance between sexy and appropriate. Either way you go, I think this MANGO dress has it.

  

Get the Look:  I love how it feels classic yet oozes sex appeal.  Throw in a super-flattering v-neck, curve-hugging silhouette, and flirty length...  Gorgeous!!!  Silver or gold accessories with this.  I like pieces that feel both modern and edgy like this two-tone ring, gold hammered cuff, and spiked earrings from ASOS.  Peep-toes are super flirty and a chic patent clutch is perfect for all your little things.

Note: For wet or snowy evenings, pair with black tights and ankle booties in black leather or fabulous leopard.

"Dinner With My Valentine"

MANGO Wrapped Dress $79.99
ASOS Spike Drop Earrings $10.74
Zad Sun Temple Gold Cuff $18
Giles & Brother Dresser Gold-Plated
Rhodium-Effect Ring $30.25 (sale)
Sondra Roberts Patent Clutch $48.95
MANGO Leather Peep-Toe $54.99 (sale)
(Total $242.92)

H&M Trend Guide for Mens and Womens SS12

Seems odd we're thinking spring in the midst of all this rain and snow.  But there's definitely some fun trends to look forward to this season.

Here's a great video from H&M of what's to come for Spring/Summer 2012.


"It's much more about a grown-up look; more about a well-dressed look.  It doesn't have to be sharp.  It can still be very soft and fluid and feminine.  But it is a cleaner look and more tailored."    ~Ann-Sofie Johannson, Head of Design H&M





















"The must-have for this season is a functional jacket.  You need to have a parka or an anorak.  I think the most different thing this season compared to last one is the use of color in menswear.  And also, the mix between the tailored look and the functional look."

~Ann-Sofie Johannson, Head of Design H&M

Style Inspiration: Morning Splash

Seeing these photos brings me right back to that morning.  There was the slightest breeze and stunningly clear waters.  We were on our way to breakfast, but decided to take a quick detour to the beach to grab these shots.

"Mom, are we doing another style inspiration?" Our son likes to tease, but he's also incredibly understanding for a 9-year-old.  His easy "go with the flow" nature has been such a blessing.  Never a fuss-so patient and just happily playing nearby.  Our boy.

I packed so many different options for this trip; printed dresses, bright little skirts, and shorts.  I think a beautiful caftan is such a must for a beachy destination.  The minute I spotted this piece on ideeli.com I knew it was vacation bound.  The embroidery and crochet detail is so intricate with frilly sleeves that tie at the bottom.  Accessories were very natural and fun.  I love the contrast of this stone ring next to my dress.  And the studded bag gave it just a touch of island glamour.






When: Jan 10th

Where: Lahaina, Maui; our resort

What:
Marigold Caftan Dress: ideeli.com
Oversized Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Leather Studded Hobo: Sara Berman
Cross Heart Stack Ring, Gold Stone Ring: Rachel Rachel Roy, Mango
Stacked Wooden Bangles: Wanderlust

Style Inspiration: Breakfast in Paradise

Hello All!  I'm so thrilled to be back and thankful to Theraflu for getting me through this past week.  Despite getting terribly sick the last two days of our vacation, Maui was amazzzing.

We stayed on the west side of the island this time in Lahaina.  I don't think it matters much which area you visit, Maui is such an inspiring place to be.  Waking up to the ocean; taking in the vegetation and gorgeous colors... I fall in love every time. And even in January, we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.  It truly is paradise.

Our first morning, we were all up at 5am waiting for the sun to rise.  It's unusual for me to ever see this time of day-guess we were too excited to explore.  My husband shot these pics right before heading off to breakfast at nearby Whalers Village.  It's a nice short walk from our resort and a great place to stock up on extras for the day.





When: Jan 9th

Where: Lahaina, Maui; our resort

What:
Sheer Navy Top: Rennes
Colored Denim Shorts: Zara
Wooden Gold Bead Necklace: Wanderlust
Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Leather Crossbody Bag: ASOS
Two-tone Watch: Micheal Kors
Leather Gladiator Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita
Straw Fedora: purchased in Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade
Gold Bead & Friendship Bracelets: Shashi, assorted

A Winter Wonderland Holiday

Sometimes, it's the little things... Just a sled and snowy hill; visiting family and a new puppy was all it took to make this one of the most memorable Christmas' ever.

I haven't gone sledding since grade school.  It felt so freeing to be a kid again with our boy.  Grandma and Dad enjoyed themselves too.  We also met my little niece for the very first time.  She's the sweetest thing; love those pretty brown eyes.  And my parents' puppy was a sweet surprise.  It wasn't easy saying "goodbye" to him.  But the best  was having snow for the holidays.  Just perfect!!

Here's a "postcard" from our travels to Grandma and Grandpas.

Steal of the Day: Vacation Style by H&M

Just back from a snow-filled holiday vacation...  Soon, we'll be off to a warmer destination and will be packing much lighter.  How perfect are these pieces from H&M? The acidy knit top would make such a cute topper for a bikini or swimsuit. And love the striped jersey dress for a casual lunch or just around town. What a steal!!!





Sleevless Knit Top $39.95

Short Jersey Drawstring Dress $12.95

This Christmas... My Love Gave to Me

Hubby really surprised me this Christmas... Being married nearly 15 years, it's not easy to do.  He's been known to take ideas from the blog.  This year, I decided to give him some help (links included).  But I still had no clue what he was getting.

Loving my new slippers from the Loft.  They're like pretty little ballets.  The chiffon flower detail is so adorable; love wearing them around the house.  The black leather clutch by Pour la Victoire; absolutely love. It's oversized, casual, and sexy which makes it's perfect for many different events.  These gorgeous sunnies are from Marc by Marc Jacobs. And, hellooo iPhone!  For years, I've had my trusty Blackberry.  He's been relentless trying to get me to convert, but I've been reluctant. "It's too much-too fussy." "I don't need all those apps." Blah, blah, blah...  Anyways, looove it!!!  I'm having a lot of fun with the camera. There will definitely be more twitpics and Instagrams.  He added an iTunes gift card too.  I'm such a huge fan of music!!   So, major bonus points for hubby this year.  It's much more than I asked for, but happy to know he gets me.  Because, if he doesn't know me by now...

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to You

We'll be traveling soon to see our families in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  But tonight, it's a quite Christmas Eve with popcorn, movie, and hot chocolate. Heading to service then it's off to bed and wait for Santa to arrive.

I want to wish you all a wonderful and blessed Christmas!!!  Hope you get everything you wished for this year!! xx

Fabulous for Less Under $250: A Glamorous Holiday

I love the challenge of creating these looks for under $250.  Particularly, during the holiday season when there's a zillion parties to attend and plenty of gifts to buy.

Now, sometimes working with a limited budget could mean foregoing or cutting corners where necessary.  But I'm not one to buy just because it's cheap.  That's never justified. When the result looks expensive-that's success.  And in this case, there was no settling with this ultra glam holiday style.


Get the Look:  Talk about making an entrance in this little black dress by MM Couture.  The one-shoulder has simplicity and elegance with an asymmetrical drape that's beyond flattering. There's just a note of shine with a bead encrusted waistline to accent your curves.  It's also the perfect moment to bring on more sparkle to the look.  I went for super glamorous crystal drop earrings, a rhinestone cutout ring, crystal accented satin clutch, and stunning glitter heels from Nine West.  In love!!








"A Glamorous Holiday"


MM Couture Sleeveless One Shoulder
Draped Beaded Mini Dress $64.99 (sale)
Tinley Road Deco Crystal Shell Drop Earrings $20
FREIDA by Nina Designs Black Satin Box Clutch $48.95
Forever 21 Cutout Ring $3.80
Nine West FREE SPIRIT Pumps $109
(Total ($246.74)

Fabulous for Less Under $250: Holiday Office Party Style

From neighborhood get-togethers to company parties, it's all about holiday celebrations right now. In this fabulous for less, we're stretching the budget and creating festive designers looks for just under $250!!

Get the Look: The secret to creating luxe looks for less... It's about mixing high impact pieces with rich and interesting textures. Dressing for these events, nothing says "holiday" more than shimmering sequins. For an office party, I'm going for glamorous separates with a black sequin skirt and cashmere blend sweater in a gorgeous winter bright. The result is a super chic, super flirty colorblock effect. Love, love the cobalt blue. And this tulip style mini is just incredibly sexy. For accessories, spice it up with a gold spiked collar necklace and sparkling accents. I think the danger factor is unexpected and brings a nice balance to this look. An envelope style clutch and fabulous booties are essential for the party rounds. These pieces will carry you flawlessly throughout the holiday season.

Note: Black tights are optional here. Love the winter white sweater too. Also, available in many colors.

"Holiday Office Party"


Victoria's Secret Silk & Cashmere Sweater
in Cobalt $29.50 (sale)

ASOS Spike Collar Necklace $27.27

Tinley Road Sequin Tulip Skirt $49

Forever 21 V Rhinestone Bracelet $5.46

Lipsy Gold Mix Stone Long Ring $14.54 (sale)

ALDO Reckling Black/Gold Clutch $50

Gabriella Rocha Abbyrose Black Suede Booties $70.99

(Total $246.76)

Holiday Gotta Have Its: All That Glitters

Pretty little things that make the season bright.

Alice + Olivia Barret Sequined Stretch-Mesh Top






French Connection Twinkle Glitter Bag






Anya Hindmarch Marano Glitter-Finish Box Clutch






French Connection Lucinda Sequin Shorts






Jimmy Choo Glitter Platform Pumps

BB's Holiday Gift Guide 2011: For the Stylish Couple

I love the holiday season. Putting up the tree; sweet-scented candles burning; decorations everywhere... It's a month long celebration. The tradition of giving to others and spending time with family-that's the best part.

In putting together this season's gift guide, I had the avid traveler and girl on the go in mind. There's everything from a little monogrammed bag, cool pendant necklace to a chic comfy hoodie for him. I love the versatility factor of these pieces. Statement watches... I'm obsessed. I think a beautiful timepiece has a place in everyone's wardrobe and will never go out of style. Now, a shimmering sequin jacket for her-that's "night out" magic.

Happy Holiday shopping all!!


*Click on photo for larger view

Parker Draped Sequin Jacket $352
Rag & Bone Zip Up Hoodie $127.50 (sale)

House of Harlow 1960 Black Leather

Totem Pole Necklace $110

Michael Kors Large 2-Tone Watch $225

NIXON 42-20 Chrono Watch $500

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Bag in

Navy/Khaki $88

Rebecca Minkoff Black Monogrammed Mini M.A.C. $220