On Trend at the SAG Awards

By Lauren and Julie

Image via People.com

Last night's 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild awards were short but sweet, handing all awards out in a quick 2 hours. The fashion from the red carpet on the other hand, can be discussed and drooled over for days! But in the spirit of keeping it simple, we have chosen our one true love from the evening: Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen.

The Red Carpet Pre-Show on E!, which we watched on the phone together, looked a lot like the Spring runway shows with all the bright colors, bold prints, and belted gowns. The stunning fuchsia and red tones seen on Jennifer Lawrence and Julianna Marguilies were right on trend, not to mention the beautiful patterns on Hailee Steinfeld and Claire Danes. 

But the girl who tied it all together, topping it off with a perfectly-placed, figure flattering belt was our FAVORITE, Mila Kunis. Who knew she used to be on That 70's Show! 

Who was your favorite?

Guest Post: The Sequined Blazer

By Julie and Lauren

Today we're thrilled to be over at The Sequined Blazer; Liz and Anna invited us over to share some of our B&B style tips! These two fashion crazed best friends face the ultimate dilemma of a working girl: how do you infuse style and personality with a look thats cool in the corporate world?

Please stop by and check out our 9-to-5 style pointers that are sure to make you the cutest girl in the cubes! Thanks for inviting us over, ladies!!

Les Halles Flannel and corduroy mini-skirt

Also, don't forget that today is your last day to enter our Les Halles Jeans Giveaway.
Enter to win a cozy flannel shirt by signing up to follow us via Google Friend Connect, Twitter and 'Like Us' on Facebook. The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Happy Monday, all!

Sweater Dressing

By Julie

Dress: TopShop, Tights: Wolford, Shoes: Michael by Michael Kors, Glasses: Ralph Lauren, Headband: TopShop

Cold weather doesn't mean we need to trade in the minis! With temperatures dipping below the teens, the sweater dress is the perfect way to stay chic, stylish and warm this winter. So versatile, you can wear them with thigh-high boots, knit leggings, knee highs or opaque tights.

If you go for a neutral color, the best part of the look is accessorizing. I've paired my dress with bright tights and a bold lip, but statement necklaces and headpieces are an easy way to dress up an otherwise simple look. If you decide to play with knit layers, be sure to accentuate your figure by wearing a belt- skinny or wide. A little cinching at the waist can go a long way with this trend.

Perfect for the office and right out to play, what are you wearing this weekend?

Happy Friday!

Hard as Nails

By Lauren

Growing up, I paid little attention to my nails, with all my focus steadfastly placed on my wardrobe (you don't become clothing obsessed out of nowhere). Until recently, when I met someone who taught me that your manicure is the finishing touch to a perfect ensemble.

Since then I have become obsessed, turning my nails into an accessory and experimenting with all different types of manicures to match my outfit or my mood.

For this post, I have identified some of my favorite trends right now for nails and given you a little peek into some of my recent manicures... Hope it's inspiring for all of you!

Images via Essie and Poeple.com
Clockwise:
Essie's Pink "Knockout Pout", Red "Queen of Hearts", Blue"Mesmerize", and Purple"Bermuda Shorts"

Pops of color that match your outfit or accessories are a great way to liven up your look. Take a hint from Leona Lewis and Rihanna or try some of these brights from Essie

Image via Style.com and Elle.com

Gold is a great metallic for the dreary winter months. It's used above in the Anna Sui Spring 2011 runway show. Try this Chanel gold lame color at home.

Images via People.com and Essie
Rachel McAdams wearing the trend and Essie's "Silken Cord" polish

Grey is one of my favorite trends this season. Try an all grey outfit with this manicure and you will be a "head-to-tonal" beauty!

Images via Style.com and People.com
Clockwise:
Model backstage at Christian Dior Spring 2011 Runway Show, Essie "Silken Cord", and Scar Jo

Reds with Orange Undertones are the way to add a twist to a classic these days. It was used on the runway and in the world of celebs to add a bit of old Hollywood glamor.

Image via Elle.com

If you want to change up the solid color routine, this Half-Moon manicure is one of my favorites, especially in a crimson red as shown above. Take this picture to your local nail place and see if they can replicate it.

Or do what I did, and do a wacky version of the traditional French manicure with variations of colors at the tips of your nails instead of white.

Images via my oh so smart phone

Send us pictures of what you're wearing right now on your nails. I'm always looking for new ideas!

xox

Skin Secrets

By Julie

Receive 10% off Skin Care Products at mariobadescu.com

I ran home from work yesterday eager to tear open the Mario Badescu delivery waiting at my door! So excited, I immediately needed to share my little 'secret'. If you want glowing skin like Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman, then trust 'the savior of salon treatments and skincare'.

Introduced to the line by my dear college roommate, I credit Mario Badescu products for keeping my skin looking as vibrant and fresh as my pre-working girl days (on good days at least).

Here's a look at some of my favorites:

The Temporary Lifting Mask
This mask is an instant pore minimizer. I always use it before a big event!

Bee Pollen Night Cream
This night cream is soft and creamy leaving your face unbelievably smooth.
Perfect regime for the dry winter nights!

Drying Lotion
Both men and women swear by this fast-acting acne treatment.
A must-have!

Seaweed Cleansing Lotion
A refreshing, non-drying toner for everyday use.

The best part of placing orders online is that you get to choose three additional samples from the product line to ship with your order. One product is better than the next!

Is Mario part of your skincare regimen?

www.mariobadescu.com

The Perfect Silk Blouse

By Lauren

Just put together this awesome outfit all from TopShop, well...minus the shoes. Going out on the weekend in the winter can be tricky. Tights under shorts is always an easy solution, but my need for long sleeves isn't as simple to procure. 

A good long-sleeved blouse needs to:

1. Fit well: The silk blouse should not fit like your regular button downs. These should be slightly over sized and lose. Think flowing not fitted.

2. Be slightly sheer: The long sleeves and higher collars provide major coverage so you want to make sure that you keep some feminine sex appeal by having a slightly sheer fabric.  Otherwise you could possibly join a convent, and no one wants that. If you're more comfortable you can wear tanks underneath.

3.Color your wardrobe: Whether you choose a cool pattern or color, a silk blouse should add to your wardrobe. That could even mean a basic white color if it would enhance what's already in your closet. Point being you shouldn't have to buy new clothes to go with the silk blouse, it should fit right in! 

I think I've found the perfect one and it's still available at TopShop!

Blouse: TopShop, Shorts: TopShop, Tights: Hue, Shoes: Marni

Missoni Madness

By Julie

Obsessed with everything Missoni- the clothes, the family, the history- I couldn't be more excited that the Italian fashion house has extended into the hospitality business. Combining their signature style and Italian warmth to open a series of lifestyle hotels, Edinburgh is the first successful venture.

The Hotel Missoni is a modern interpretation of the brand's iconic aesthetic- dramatic colors mixed with bold patterns on opulent textiles and fabrics. Wouldn't expect anything less!

I love the classic Missoni decor combined with the '70s inspired furniture; the rooms are imaginative, yet still welcoming.

Designed by the Missoni matriarch and creative director, Rosita Missoni, the hotel is meant to make you feel like you are a guest in the Missoni home. From sipping on prosecco at the bar, to Italian-fare in the cucina, to snuggling up in a plush Missoni robe, this hotel is literally my dream come true!

These pictures are all from the Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh, but additional locations are scheduled to open: Kuwait, Capetown, Brazil and Oman.

Ridiculous.

Who wants to plan a trip?!

Fancy Pants

By Julie

Pants: Cerulean, Top: American Apparel, Necklace: Vintage, Shoes: Marni

This spring you'll find flora and fauna themes popping up throughout the collections so I'm thrilled to be able to break out one of my favorite pairs of harem pants. It was love at first sight for these! Worn with anything from cropped tees to chunky sweaters to a feminine blouse, these have become one of my favorite closet staples.

Printed and patterned pants bring a whole new range of wardrobe options and are a great way to brighten up your look as we head into Spring.

Keys to  Success:
 1. Don't be afraid to mix patterns; clashing prints can give a sense of bohemian charm.
2. If going for a loose fit pant, pair with either a fitted top, or a baggier one that's part tucked in, part tucked out for a more nonchalant look.
3. Bold prints draw attention to your lower-half, so if it's not the most flattering part of your figure avoid skinny cuts and heavy-weight fabrics. 

With so many great ways to pair them, check out some of my favorite printed pants available this season.

1. Slinky Smudge Print Tapered Trousers TopShop $30

2. Coopeartive Floral Silk Trouser UrbanOutfitters $59

3. Joie Benigna Sequin Pants ScoopNYC $269 on sale

4. Sparkle & Fade Lightning Pant UrbanOutfitters $38

5. Taupe Leopard Print Silk Cropped Pants TopShop $75

Cozy Cardis

By Lauren

With winter storms hitting us one after another, we long for the days when this meant staying home from school and participating in some sort of snowy activity. Instead we have to trudge to work and are faced with the daunting task of trying to look cute while bundling up.

The chunky cardigan is my ultimate wardrobe essential when I'm faced with this dilemma! Layer it over any of your work-week dresses, over a blouse and wide-legged trousers, or over a sexy top for the weekends. I swear it will keep you feeling warm and looking chic.

Dress: AKA New York, Sweater:H&M, Tights:Hue, Belt:Michael Kors Collection, Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Check out my picks below and start shopping the racks at your local stores or online because these winter items are on sale everywhere now!

1. V-Neck Cardigan from Zara $19.99 on sale

2. Knit Slouchy Sleeve Cardigan from TopShop $98

3. Splendid Chunky Knit Cardigan from Net-a-Porter $210

4. Hesti Cardigan from Theory $$149 on sale

5. Rebecca Taylor Cardigan from Net-a-Porter $225

6. Rag and Bone Cecily Cardigan from Barney's $370

7. Barney's Co-Op Navy Cardigan $138

8. Navaho Cardigan from TopShop $125

This Just In: The Next Fixtures to Line Park Avenue Are Announced

By Lauren

New York Times Rendering (excuse the smart-phone image)

Park Avenue is famous for it's ever-changing art installations on those grassy medians between 57th and 67th streets. Does everyone recall the colorful cows? So this year, like clock-work, comes new art, in the form of giant pink and red rose blossoms in time to welcome spring. "The Roses" by Will Ryman will include 40 buds, 20 oversize petals, 2 foot long insects, and stems as high as 25 feet above the sidewalks.  The project will go up on January 25th and will last whimsically until May 31st. If you live in New York you should definitely make some time to check it out! 

The Winter Blues

By Julie

Unfortunately, Lauren and I are no strangers to bouts of 'seasonal depression'. The past few months of gloomy grey skies are definitely getting to us and we can't help but long for some sunshine and warmth to hit the city! So in an attempt to beat the blues, I've looked to wardrobe inspiration to see brighter days in the future.

Images via PopSugar.com

With hues of blue popping up all over this season, it's hard to miss this cheerful trend. Blue dresses are a fun alternative to the LBD and the bold color certainly makes a statement. Be careful though, not all blues are created equal: make sure to pick the shade that flatters you and your skin tone. It's not worth trying a trend unless it's done right!

Here a few pieces that will carry you through to clear skies...

Always hesitant about wearing electric blues in the past, I am feeling these vibrant looks for Spring. My personal favorites are the muted handle-bag and the blue suede pumps for the ultimate pop of color.

How are you beating the blues?

1. Beyond Vintage Sequin Dress, $398

2. Gara Danielle Findings Ring, $200

3. Twist Hem Blouse, $38

4. Tabla Embroidered Goddess Dress, $390

5. YSL Tribute Pumps, $760

6. Leather Lock Handle Bag, $55

7. Gathered Top and Sting Bikini Bottom, $21

Don't miss your chance to enter our giveaway for a chance to win a cozy plaid flannel from Les Halles!

Head to Tonal

By Lauren

Images via Style.com
Designer Index From Left to Right:
DKNY, Christopher Kayne, Halston, Jill Sander, Prada, DKNY, Lanvin

Yes, we're in the thick of winter; but a girl can dream, and I have my sights set on Spring to get me through these dreary months. The runway shows for Spring '11 felt my angst and gave us pops of uplifting color in almost every collection. But the newest way to wear all these "ROYGBIV" (think middle school abv. for the rainbow) colors is head to toe! Yes we mean literally, from outfit, to bag, to shoe, we want you smothered in color and no, the Canadian Jumpsuit doesn't count. Send us pics of your Head to Tonal outfit and we'll choose our favorite to feature in an upcoming post on B&B. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

If you haven't already, don't forget our Giveaway for your chance to win a cozy plaid flannel from the retro-revived Les Halles!

Plaid Habit - GIVEAWAY

By Lauren and Julie

Time for a give-away! Yes, you heard us right...our first giveaway to the ultimate B&B fan has just begun. The next 100 people to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Google Friend Connect (the link is on the right sidebar of the blog) will be entered to win an amazing plaid shirt from the brand Les Halles, a favorite of ours at B&B. So get clicking and join our site as a member! Free clothes are just a click away!

Images via People.com
Jessica Alba and Katie Holmes

In last week's New York Times Style section was an article about how plaids are lasting longer than expected as a popular fashion trend. It specifically spoke to the trend in men's fashion saying, "with the spring season on the horizon, is the plaid trend fading away? Exactly the opposite. More plaid is heading for stores and it's expanding into new domains."

At B&B we have to agree. The thought of ridding our wardrobe of the super cozy-chic style would be heartbreaking! We're just not ready, and apparently we weren't alone. Whether worn with heels and wide-legged jeans like Katie and Jessica above, or worn fancier with a gold bow skirt like Lauren wore in this post...plaid mania is here to stay, at least for now!

It's simple to enter: leave a comment below with your e-mail address telling us that you have become a Google Follower of B&B.

For additional entries and more chances to win, 'like' our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter! We'll announce the winner February 1st.

Good Luck!

Golden Globes 2011: Best and Worst Dressed

By Julie and Lauren

It's fun to watch the performances and cheer for our favorite movies and shows, but we all know that the true winners and losers are determined on the red carpet! That's right. Like most girls, we're parked on our couch hours before the awards show actually starts casting our red carpet votes for the good, the bad and the ugly!

It's clear that the trends included bold emeralds and cheerful corals, but only some stars shined in their designer duds. We've channelled our inner Joan Rivers and determined who wore it best and who needs to call for a new stylist ASAP.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive, Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection, Catherine Zeta-Jones in Monique Lhuillier,
Mila Kunis in Vera Wang and Amy Adams in Marchesa
All images via Style.com

Michele Williams in Valentino, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad, Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham

"Ladies, I love you all, but this is all wrong! Michelle, did you panic and have to borrow a dress from Matilda?! J.Lo, the Snowqueen look is not flattering on anyone! And Sandra, we know you had a tough year, but the depressed shaggy dog is just not working.
You all could do much better!"   

Julie Bowen in Tadashi Shoji, Olivia Wilde in Marchesa, Jennifer Love Hewitt in Romona Keveza

"Though Modern Family is my absolute favorite comedy on TV, this mushroom colored disaster looks like it went through a shredder before it made it to the red carpet. As beautiful as Olivia Wilde is, her dress is eating her alive and her gold shoes completely do not match her dress, though a Loub is hard to mess up! And for Jennifer Love Hewitt I don't have enough words for this ice princess. I think i've been watching too much Joan Rivers!"

Here are ones that we can't quite decide on, what are your thoughts? 

Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs

Jennifer Lawrence in Louis Vuitton

Leighton Meester in Burberry

Natalie Portman in Victor & Rolf