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Wishing you the warmest of holidays.

Kate Spade

We'll see you in the New Year!

Julie and Lauren

The Look: New Year's Eve Glitter

By Julie

I've been eyeing this adorable Ports 1961 dress for weeks now. The asymmetrical cut and the shimmery silver is almost too good to be true. Now, thanks to the tastemakers at Apples and Onions, I've found the perfect excuse to wear it! From home decor and entertaining to wardrobe here's the inspiration behind our glittering New Year's Eve celebration... 

For you

Image via Shopbop.com

For your table

Images via RueMag

2011 is sure to be a hit.


Happy Holidays and New Year to all!
Xoxo

Beach Reads

By Lauren

Images via Amazon.com

Recommended by friends, and my mother, these are some of the books I have read recently and enjoyed. Actually, I am still in the process of reading The Help and am so enthralled that I'm lugging the hardcover version with me to St. Maarten. That's dedication! 

 I grew up always reading with my mother, and though I have to admit I took a long hiatus from the world of literature to devote some time to magazines, I have since returned and urge you all to read these books that have reignited my passion for reading!  

Little Bee is written so beautifully, you can't tell if you've diverted your eye to a movie or if you are still reading the book. One Day is def the most beach read-y of all, but still a fun story. Let the Great World Spin is a smart, fictional story based around true events taking place in New York City. I always love a bit of history mixed in! Hope you enjoy these books wherever you'll be reading them this holiday.

xox

Madame Carine

By Julie

There are very few people in the industry who can compete with the insanely glamorous Carine Roitfield. She certainly has that je ne sais quoi. So when the French Vogue Editor-in-Chief announced her resignment last week, my heart nearly skipped a beat.

Image via www.thevine.com.au

Crazy enough, that wasn't the only piece of shocking news I was going to hear that day. It turns out the devil certainly wears Prada, but apparently not handbags...

"I do not wear handbags. It is not a nice look, to carry a handbag." Roitfield confirms.

Carine Roitfield sans clutch with daughter Julia Restoin
Image via Google

While I'm not about to argue with the fantastically chic trend-setter, I still refuse to retire my favorite designer bags. So in honor of the fashion icon and in the spirit of the season, I say it's time to strike a compromise!

With the holiday party circuit well under way and our New Year's Eve plans fiiinally confirmed, it's time to find the perfect accoutrements for our festively fab attire. Here are a few of B&B's favorite clutches to carry us through to the new year-- I'm sure even Carine would approve of these sparkly treats!

1. Anya Hindmarch Carker Leopard Calf Hair Clutch, $659
2. Pantera Stingray Envelope Clutch, $345
3. JCrew Zig Zag Zipper Clutch, $59
4. Topshop Resin Chain Shoulder Frame Clutch, $80
5. JCrew Glitterati Party Clutch, $59.50
6. Zara Pom Pom Wristlet, $19.99
7. Jenny Bird Metallic Ruched Clutch, $298

Goodbye Manhattan...Hello St. Maarten

By Lauren and Julie

Ironically, we are both going to the same Caribbean island for vacation this year. But before we can hit the white sandy beaches we must face the daunting task of packing a bag under the 50lb weight limit. The nerve!

Since we each have different styles we thought we would share with you our individual inspiration for dressing during vacation, and what we plan to pack. Hope this helps you pack for any journey you might be going on this holiday season!



Lauren's Bag:

I recently spent a rainy Sunday forcing my boyfriend to watch Sex and the City 2 and am now obsessed with the Marrakesh inspired warm-weather outfits that the girls were all wearing. I had them in mind every step of the packing process!

Then, while I was perusing resort '11 looks on Style.com I cam across this Proenza Shouler look that sent my Marrakesh madness over the edge!

With my inspiration tacked on my cork board, I was ready to pack!

Listed Clockwise

1. Green Pleated Dress from TopShop $90

2. Metallic Chain Strap Bag from TopShop $55

3. Candace Ang Necklace $260

4. YSL Wedge $695

5.Michael by Michael Kors Red Sunglasses $85

6. Halston Heritage Gold Dress at Intermix $345

7. Missoni Mare Shorts at Intermix $395

8. Tie Front Navy Blouse from TopShop $70

9. DVF Silk Caftan at Net-a-Porter $285

10. Pucci Towel at Net-a-Porter

11. Red Coverup by Chach at Canyon Beachwear $98

12. Turquoise Espadrilles by MyMu at Net-a-Porter $130

13. Bikini by Kiwi Swimwear

Julie's Bag:

I love drawing inspiration from fashion's past. There's nothing more alluring than the sensual and voluptuous french actress, Brigitte Bardot. Famed for her massive beehive hair, pursed lips, cateye sunnies and popularizing the bikini in the 1960s, Brigitte's influence on fashion cannot be ignored even 50 years later!

From her flirty hot pants and playful headscarves on the coast of the French Riviera to her chic bohemian patterns and nautical prints, I'm channeling my inner BB and heading to the beaches of St. Maarten!

Listed Clockwise

1. Chach Cover-ups at Canyon Beachwear $98 each

2. Brian Atwood Nautical Flats, $350

3. Tory Burch Nautical Knot Necklace, $295

4. Marc Jacobs Sun Hat, $300

5. Rachel Comey Silk Pedal Shorts, $298

6. Kiwi Swimwear Bohemian Floral Bikini

7. Mossimo Patty Espadrille, $39.95

8. TopShop Ruffle Bikini, $28

9. Anchor Necklace, $5.89

10. Balenciaga Straw Tote, $1,645

11. Aka New York Gingham Shirt, $148

Don't forget your sunscreen!

Happy Travels,

Xx Julie and Lauren

A Toast to BFF's at H&M

By Lauren and Julie

Last night we celebrated the very foundation of this blog...BFF's! Refinery29, H&M, and Lizzie Fortunato hosted a collaborative night in the theme of best pals with a shopping event at H&M's Soho store. The sister duo behind the fab line of jewelry called Lizzie Fortunato were on hand giving away their friendship bracelets of course! The night was all about the perfect pairings (sisters, companies, and besties) so who better to shop with than each other. The discounts and Baked by Melissa cupcakes were just an added bonus.

Our mannequin muse - we both bought those pants! Insane! Love this burnt red, everyone needs an item of clothing in their wardrobe this color.

Lauren literally jumped over people to snag this remaining Lanvin for H&M dress. The line sold out within hours of its release a few weeks ago and she was devastated when she couldn't get her hands on anything! It must have been a returned item, so we urge all of you who were miz about missing Lanvin to check back and do some sneaky detective work like Lauren did!

Sister and BFF's, kind of the same thing. Lizzie and Kathryn were the sweetest sisters and we loved the items from their line, Lizzie Fortunato, that they were wearing and gifting.

To learn more about Lizzie Fortunato visit their website at
lizziefortunatojewels.com
Their designs are whimsical and edgy...just like the two of them!

This event was a nice early start to the weekend and put us in a very merry holiday mood! Good luck with all your last minute shopping and have a warm weekend!

Knit - Knacks

By Lauren

Say goodbye to the Jegging, (jean-legging) a term which I have always despised, and welcome the knit legging! These new, shall we call them "kneggings," are my obsession. I got them at H&M and haven't taken them off since. A much warmer version of the classic legging, they come in lots of different patterns and will keep you warm yet stylish throughout the winter months.

1. Urban Outfitters $39

2. Cashmere waffle print legging by Jcrew $198

3. Spring and Clifton Cable Knit Legging at Revolveclothing.com $73

4. ASOS Black and White Knit Legging $62

5. Two Toned Knit Legging from Forever 21 $7.80

6. McQ Geometric Print Knit Legging at Theoutnet.com $136.50

What to Wear Where- Burger and Barrel

By Julie and Lauren

As devotees of Lure Fishbar, we were thrilled to hear about the new 'winepub' venture from restauranteurs John McDonald, Josh Pickard, and Josh Capon, Burger and Barrel. They even call it B&B for short- how appropos!

Image via http://www.burgerandbarrel.com/
B&B 25 W Houston, New York, NY 212-334-7320

The distinctive new burger joint has become a neighborhood hotspot overnight. Located in the heart of Soho just one block away from Lure, the American pub has a warm and inviting retro setting. Not accepting reservations, foodies and celebrities are fighting to nab a seat.

We highly recommend the meatballs and fresh ricotta, grilled shrimp ceviche and the B&B Classic. Oh, and save room for dessert! You won't regret it.

Julie would wear:

Listed Clockwise

 "I would want to be cozy, yet winter chic. Cuddling up in a booth and indulging in burgers and wine reminds me of the apres-ski lifestyle... nothing better! I'm loving the booties with scrunchy socks trend this season."

1. Woolrich Arctic Parka Moss, $925

2. Rag & Bone Cropped Fairisle Sweater, $355
3. Phillip Lim Quilted Tote, $595
4. Faux Leather Stretch Skinny Trousers, $38

5. Plain Rib Top Ankle Socks, $3.50

6. Alexander Wang Combat Bootie, $685

Lauren would wear:

Listed Clockwise

"Whoever said that you can't wear sweatpants out of the house just didn't have any imagination, or chutzpah! If you stick with neutral colors, a more form fitted pant, and fun accessories...no one would ever guess that you just rolled out of bed. Of course I advise clean hair and a shower, but other than that enjoy the comfy outfit!"


1. Gryphon Cape at Intermix $620
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Sweater at Net-a-Porter $350
3. T by Alexander Wang Sweatpants at Mytheresa.com $118
4. YSL Patent Leather Belt $445
5. Multi Buckle Black Bag at Topshop $55
6. Miu Miu Glitter Oxfords at Barney's $585

David Webb's Web of Delight

By Lauren

Images by Lauren

Last week I got invited for a semi-private tour of the David Webb store and I was blown away by the glittering baubles and the delicate craftsmanship that goes into creating each one. The chic store on Madison Avenue isn't all that it appears. Secretly nestled on a higher floor is the actual factory where all the original David Webb designs are turned into stunning pieces that would make your jaw drop. It was like Willy Wonka's factory for grown women! Below are some of my favorite pieces...hey, a girl can dream!

Special thanks to my hand models!

For more information go to DavidWebb.com,

or visit the store at

789 Madison Avenue, near 67th Street

(212) 421-3030

Smoldering Nights

By Julie

There are always makeup fads- red shadows, the cateye, metallics- but these quickly become passe. The surest way to achieve your sexiest look through makeup is with a smokey eye.

I encourage you to play around with hues of blues, greens and plums rather than the standard heavy black or dark charcoals to achieve the most magnetizing look.

Photos via Google and Matt Swenson

Friend and professional makeup artist, Stephen Workman, swears by these easy tips to give you an instant runway-ready look.

2 Minute Smokey Eye

You'll need three products: a long wear eye pencil, a satin finish eye shadow and an eye shadow base.

1. Apply a thin layer of eye shadow base
2. Draw on a thick line on the top lid with the eye pencil (thick enough to almost hit your crease), then blend up until there are no edges with a concealer brush
3. With a soft eye shadow brush roll over the pencil and blend upward into the crease

With enough practice you can have a dramatic smokey effect in less than a minute on each eye. Finish with your favorite mascara, of course.

Here are a few of B&B's tried and true favorite makeup products; the perfect frosting for you holiday looks.

Listed Clockwise

1. M.A.C's Strobe Cream, $29.50

2. YSL Volume Effect Mascara, $30

3. Nars Orgasm Blush, $26

4. Sue Devitt Triple Touch Light Reflecting Bronzer, $30

5. Nars Lip Pencil, $20

6. Chanel Creme Gloss, $28

7. Bobbi Brown Eye Palette, $45

8. YSL Touche Eclat, $40

Not Your Average Sequins

By Lauren

Picture via people.com

 For this edition of Fashion Find Friday we're all about the festive sequin. We know the sequins thing for this time of year has been a bit played out, but we urge you not to give up on an old favorite. Instead, reinterpret a classic a la Blake Lively.  

Her ensemble inspired me to try my own dressed-down version from what I already have in my closet and to go internet shopping for the rest of the items I'm craving! See a list of my favorites below and send us pictures of your shimmering sequined outfits too.

1. Glitter Leather Belt from JCrew $25  

2. Strapless Dress from H&M $49.95

3. Embellished Wide Leg Trousers from Top Shop $510 

4. Silk Bustier Dress by Rebecca Taylor from Shopbop $495 

5. Crystal Bow Suede Pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti from Net-a-Porter $995  

6. Sequin Cross-body Purse from Gap $39.50 

7. Embellished Knit Top from Michael by Michael Kors $229 

8. Sequin Wool Jacket by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Saks $498

9. Sequin Shorts from Literature Noir $230

What to Wear Where - Villa Pacri

By Lauren and Julie

For our first edition of What to Wear Where, we've chosen a new restaurant called Villa Pacri owned by the European team behind the popular restaurant, Bagatelle. Right when we thought we'd had enough of the Meatpacking district's chaos, this warm and inviting space opened up to lure us back in town.

Image via Grub Street
Villa Pacri Interior - 55 Gansevoort Street near Greenwich St (212) 924-5559

Though the vibe is relaxed, the crowd is fun and the service was wonderful. Its like you walked into a gorgeous friend's dinner party where everyone is sipping drinks, laughing and lounging. The plush bunkettes and the remixed music, played by the on-site DJ, make you want to continue your meal into the wee hours of the night.

Lauren would wear:

Images Listed Clockwise

"I would do a classic NYC black outfit. No matter how many times people say X is the new black, they're wrong! Nothing is ever the new black except for black. Period. Love this loose fitting yet sexy dress, means I can eat all the linguini with black truffles I want off of Villa Pacri's delicious menu and still feel comfortable."

1. Sheepskin Jacket by TopShop $600
2. Ever Wrap Dress at Scoop $325
3. Top Handle Bag by Zara $79.90
4. Velvet Platform Sandals by TopShop $210
5. Leaf Necklace by Candace Ang $190

Julie would wear:

Images Listed Clockwise

"There's nothing I love more than some utilitarian street chic mixed with ultra-feminine details and lines. The knee-highs are the perfect topper to give it the downtown miss-matched look I'm going for on a Saturday night. Good thing my booties have traction so I don't fall victim to the cobblestone streets!"

1. Denim Shirt from Woolrich $45
2. Blazer from TopShop $110
3. Lace-up Booties from Lauren by Ralph Lauren $109.99
4. Knee High Socks by American Apparel $36
5. Thread Social Shorts at Net-a-Porter $430


What would you guys wear?

New Years Eve - Get Out Your Freaky Freezies Edition

By Lauren and Julie

Town of Aspen

For the second edition of our New Year's Eve ensembles, we thought we would dress Tobi for the cold weather. If you think bundling up means hiding your feminine figure under millions of layers just to keep warm, then try these little tricks that Tobi is wearing. (a belt to cinch the bulk, and a stretchy corduroy material on your legs)

Top: American Apparel, Vest: Michael by Michael Kors, Belt: Michael Kors, Corduroys: Jcrew, Booties: Michael by Michael Kors

This outfit works because of all the different textures in the same color palette. The floral with fur and corduroy blend so well that we told Tobi she has to change her Mexican New Years plans just so she can be in Aspen wearing this outfit!

For a fancier winter outfit we kept the theme of fur, but made the unusual pairing of black tie dress and casual vest.  Well, our obsession with vests is fully apparent by now, but can you blame us?!?  

Dress: Christian Siriano, Vest: Max Bogen Furs, Belt: YSL, Shoes: Michael Kors

For the men who will be celebrating in cold weather this year, we wanted to show you an outfit that dresses up your usual jeans and still keeps you warm.  This entire look is from Jcrew and we love the little touch of a tie clip to dress it up a bit. 

Image via jcrew.com

Have a happy new year!