Mother's Day Gift Guide

By Julie and Lauren

Take a peek at our perfect picks for Mother's Day momentos. Whether your Mom's a foodie, fashionista or just plain functional, we've got something to make her feel special. Now's the perfect time to find a token of your gratitude... Mother's Day is only two weeks away!

Lots of hugs and kisses to you and your mama.

Don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a pair of !iTEM slouchy jeans!

1. Something perfect to hide the bills. Mom Paperweight, Jonathan Adler $38

2. Our favorite luxurious scent, Diptyque freshens up any room. Figuier Candle, Diptyque Parfumeur Parisien $60

3. Just in time for summer and an easy way to update your home's look. Lourdes Sanchez Coral Pillow Cover, West Elm $29

4. The voice of an angel, the songstress truly transcends age. Adele 21, Album $10.99

5. Something fun for mom to spot in her purse! Polka Dot iPhone 4 Hard Cover, Kate Spade $40

6. Right on trend and comfortable to wear, any mom can work these into her wardrobe. Two-tone Coralee Patent Flats, Tory Burch $220

7. A great place to find inspiration and look stunning on any coffee table. Domino: The Book of Decorating, Anthropologie $32

8. The ultimate luxury; you can't go wrong with the Italian knit-maker. Zigzag-knit wrap, Missoni $540

9. Mom's all set for a day at the beach and the farmer's market. Stripe Farmer's Market Tote, J.Crew $49.50

10. These little cuties add spice to any table. Elephants Salt and Pepper Shaker, Jonathan Adler $48

11. A classic piece for the classiest woman in your life. Aubrey Round Vanity Box, Ralph Lauren $195

12. An over-the-top treat for mom. Set of 5, Vogue Archive Collection Prints $3,200

13. Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family and Togetherness. Gwyneth Paltrow's Cookbook, My Father's Daughter, $30

What to Wear Where: Goat Town

By Julie and Lauren

Goat Town
511 East 5th Street
New York, NY 10003

You'll feel right at home in the quaint, subway-tiled East Village hotspot, Goat Town. Birthed on the farm to table ethos, Goat Town provides its patrons with classic American cuisine based on seasonality and locality. The ambiance is warm and inviting, but don't let the dimmed lights fool you. Goat Town has the perfect amount of hustle and hipster appeal to lure in the neighbors for its dynamic spirits and pre-prohibition cocktails as well as the delicious downhome cooking.

With a large party, we nearly ordered everything on the menu and there's nothing I don't recommend. This is the perfect spot to snuggle up in a booth and catch up with old friends. I hear now, they're even accepting reservations! Call for yours at 212.687.3641.

Julie would wear:

Listed Clockwise

"I'm feeling laid back neutrals for a night out in the East Village. Such a cozy spot with so many cute spots for drinks afterward, I want to be comfortable and ready to walk now that the weather is warm! And, I'm obsessed with the trench vest for spring!"

1. T by Alexander Wang Ruched Stretch Modal Skirt, $110

2. Forever 21 Peacock Feather Earrings, $3.80

3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Wooden Wedge Sandals, $295

4. J.Crew Twill Utility Vest, $98

5. Old Navy Women's Convertible Linen Blend Tote, $19.50

6. Splendid Cotton Blend Long Sleeve top, $65

Lauren would wear:

"Prints, prints, and more prints is my thesis today! Mix and mingle whatever you've got in your closet to create an airy amalgam of flower power perfect for a casual night out. Add this crisp denim jacket to incorporate one solid color in your outfit so you look boho-chic, not bag-lady-crazy!"

1.Top Shop Lemon Flower Print Blouse $66

2.Top Shop Red Persian Floral Print Wide Leg Trouser $90

3.Jennifer Miller Bangles at Scoop $175 for the set

4.Aldo Nelton Wedge $70

5.Miu Miu Polka Dot Clutch available at Net-a-Porter $495

6.Old Navy Denim Jacket $29

Enjoy!

!iTEM: Pioneering the New Journey of Denim- GIVEAWAY!

By Julie and Lauren

!iTEM launched in 2011 with a passion and love for denim, innovating and revising the premium denim market, as a modern forward brand. With styles retailing from $98 to $138, !iTEM DENIM has filled a "competitive price for quality" gap currently in the denim market all while honoring the heritage of denim's proud craftsmanship and legacy details. Now, that's music to any fashionistas ears!

Creative Director of !item, Mark Wiesmayr, is a denim visionary, discovering his passion for denim as the Design Director of Levi's. He later served as Denim Director at Sass and Bide along with many other notable brands.

We're thrilled to be partnering with !iTEM DENIM and the creative force, Mark Wiesmayr, to be giving away not one- but two- pairs of "skinny slouch USED" style jeans!

To enter, it's simple:

-"Like" !iTEM on Facebook

-Leave a comment letting them know how you will be wearing your new pair of jeans

Additional Entries Include:

-Follow B&B via Google Friend Connect

-"Like" us on Facebook

-Follow us on Twitter

Leave us a comment and let us know you've entered! Good luck.

XOX

All on the Line: Q&A with Dana Maxx

By Julie and Lauren

Last week we had the unique opportunity to interview contemporary ready-to-wear designer, Dana-Maxx (www.dana-maxx.com). It's officially B&B's first Q&A!

Dana-Maxx is known for its unique architectural silhouettes that are chic, strong, edgy, and always feminine. The line has been seen in WWD, The Daily Front Row Magazine, Fashionologie, People and many more. The line will also be featured tonight(!!) on Sundance channel's new TV series All on the Line with acclaimed creative director at ELLE Magazine, Joe Zee.

1. Who's the Dana-Maxx girl? Who do you envision wearing your clothes?

• Our customer is 25 and up- very fashion forward, loves culture and discovery. She has some money she's willing to spend on clothes and is looking for a mix of trendy and classic pieces. She has European tastes with a bit of edge.

2. You've mentioned that architectural elements influence your designs, what else inspires you?

• I'm all about shapes- a building, a woman's body, I can even find inspiration from a bottle of water splashing on the floor. It's just the way my mind works, I'm constantly noticing and picking up on shapes. I also love to mix neutrals with pops of color.

3. Who are your biggest style icons?

• My grandmother, for sure. She was very glamorous for her time. I also admire Blake Lively, I feel like she really 'gets it'. Taylor Tomasi Hill is my new obsession. Her style is impeccable and obviously, I love her red hair!

4. What was the path that brought you to Sundance Channel's All on the Line?

• I've always been a go-getter and I believe in making things happen for yourself. I was very fortunate because the show actually found me, which just proves that hard work pays off. And trust me, it's been hard work!

5. Is Joe Zee as sweet and charming as he seems?

• Haha, yes! He's stressful because he's a perfectionist and expects a lot, but he is so inspiring. He has taken me under his wing and I appreciate every bit of it. He's so humble and so willing to help young designers make it by building a strong business.

6. What designers helped pave the way for you? Who do you look up to in the business?

• Betsey Johnson is my mentor, she has such a contagious energy and spirit. Joe Zee is definitely an inspiration. He's helped me develop as a business woman and grow my brand. And I also really look up to Diane Von Furstenberg. I want to be a go-to brand like DVF. She really empowers women and I'm all about that.

7. What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

• Hmm... don't compromise! Be true to who you are and stay positive. There's a lot of rejection in this industry, but always follow your gut. The worse thing to do is compare yourself to others. Focus on all of your little successes, which snowball.

8. What do you crave at the end of a long day?

• Ha, well it's a 24 hour job! I have a severe addiction to my blackberry and Twitter. It's my way of keeping up with the world. I'm always on the go so even on days off, I'm playing catch-up. I don't really have time to crave, but I definitely do my best to enjoy the moment.

9. Hindsight is 20-20. If you could start over, would you do anything different?

• I do wish I knew how expensive it is to produce your first line and maintain a business in the fashion industry, but you learn from your mistakes and I live with no regret.

10. Where can we find Dana-Maxx designs?

• We're currently in 30 specialty stores nationwide, but in talks with the majors so stay tuned!

Dana-Maxx will be on All on the Line tonight @10pm on Sundance Channel.

Don't forget to set your DVRS!

XOX

B&B at Home with Alana

By Alana Moskowitz

The historical British phrase ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ has certainly made a comeback in the interior design world. The propaganda poster was first used during World War II as a reassuring message from the King.

This graphic trend from across the pond has become increasingly popular in the States and can easily be attained with a variety of witty (and affordable!) prints available online. Find a phrase that speaks to your personality; add a fancy frame, and voilá! Easy artwork guaranteed to provide smiles, conversation starters and lots of originality to your walls.

There is even the possibility to coin your own phrase at Keep Calm-O-Matic.

For those who don’t need to be reminded to “keep calm,” these cheeky alternatives might strike your fancy. Whether the slogan belongs in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, den or nursery, these prints are bold, graphic, and absolutely charming!

Let’s Get it On I’ll Just Brush My Teeth available at Etsy

All You Need is Schnauzer Love available at Etsy

I Love You, Blogs and Coffee

The World is Your Oyster available at Keep Calm online

La Moustache available at Etsy

Let Them Eat Cake available at Etsy

I Like to Rock available at Etsy

You are the Jelly to My Peanut Butter available at Etsy

Yes Dear available at Etsy

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas available at Moxy Creative

For Like Ever

I Love You to the Moon and Back available at Etsy

We Dig Earth Day

By Lauren and Julie

In honor of Earth Day today, we are sharing one of our favorite eco-friendly brand's new collaboration with you. Stewart + Brown is teaming up with Amanda Hearst and Luigi Tadini to support their favorite charity, Riverkeeper. Begining today, and lasting for the next two weeks, Stewart + Brown will be donating 20% of their online sales to this wonderful cause.

Riverkeeper is an organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson River and its tributaries, maintaining a clean water supply for nine million New York City and Hudson Valley residents. For over 44 years Riverkeeper has been New York's clean water advocate and has established globally recognized standards for our waterways.

The face of this new campaign is publishing heiress, Amanda Hearst, who believes strongly in its mission. "Clean drinking water is a basic human right and it’s a shame that for many it is considered a luxury. As a New Yorker, I realize how lucky I am to have access to drinkable water and it is almost entirely due to the efforts of Riverkeeper."

Wyatt Hough, a member of the Stewart + Brown team, has created some beautiful images to express the importance of the cause and to showcase Amanda Hearst wearing some of the brand's classic pieces.

Anyone can go green and it can start in your home by buying eco-friendly cleaning products, fixing a leaky faucet, or buying Stewart + Brown. What do you do in your life to make a small green contribution?

Happy Earth Day and Happy Friday!

xox

Get Shortie

By Lauren

While all our high fashion brains move at lightening speed, seasons ahead of actual time, I have been doing the unthinkable and (gasp*!) looking at runway images from past shows on Style.com. While doing this I have been reminded of my love affair with Jason Wu's Spring'11 collection and his showing of amazing tailored short suits.

Images via Style.com

Try the short suit look by just mixing solid-color separates that you already have in your closet. Here, I mixed and old pair of Alice and Olivia silk shorts with a new tuxedo blazer from Michael by Michael Kors. Just make sure your fabrics and colors match.

Shoes: Balenciaga; Shorts: Alice and Olivia; Belt: Michael Kors; Blouse: TopShop; Blazer: Michael by Michael Kors; Scarf: Matthew Williamson; Sunglasses: Fendi

Then add a pair of round sunglasses, pull your hair into a bun and you're ready for the Jason Wu runway show...or just a fun dinner date!

Matthew Williamson for Macy's

By Lauren

All Images from Matthew Williamson for Macy's Impulse Lookbook

Collaborations between designers and department stores are nothing new for us fashionistas on a budget. But this new pairing seems nothing less than perfect! British designer Matthew Williamson, famous for his eye-catching prints and use of color, has teamed up with Macy's Impulse brand for a limited time. All the pieces are just right for spring, super affordable, and there are no lines around the block to snag them.

Jersey Smock Tiered Dress $119 --- Long Sleeve Starburst Print Blouse $59

Long Sleeve Printed Peasant Blouse $59 --- Floral Halter Romper $79

Grecian One-Shoulder Dress $119 --- Short Flutter Sleeve Starburst Print Dress $69

All pieces are available at Macy's on line and in select Macy's locations near you. I definitely bought a few pieces for "research purposes!" Check it all out and then add your own bright accessories to complete the look.

What are your favorites items from the line?

Outtakes!

By Lauren and Julie

Firstly, we want to thank everyone for all of their wonderful comments on our Time Warner Center Fashion Blogger Forecast posts. We also wanted to remind you that today is the last day to enter the giveaway since we will be announcing the winner tomorrow. So click here and enter!

To Miss Caitlin S. who commented last week saying "um are you guys seriously this adorable?!?" We wanted to give you an answer: absolutely not! The pictures and our webisode are the result of a really great video crew, and a talented photographer.

Here are some outtakes from the shoot at Time Warner Center, to visually prove this point.

Tired, cranky and starving, we slowly lost steam and started to become giddy from exhaustion! Our cheeks were quivering from too many smiles on command so we needed to do something to keep our morale up thus, the final picture!

Playing dress up with friends never seems to get old.

XOX

Sneak Peek: Manolo Blahnik

By Julie and Lauren

We had such a treat last week when we were invited to preview the Manolo Blahnik Fall 2011 line at the showrooms in the brand's charming Manhattan townhouse. We were like two kids in a candy store! We wanted to leave with every haircalf, Skittles-colored and peep toe pump in the shop, but left empty-handed hence the name preview.

Fall 2011 samples

Blahnik, made a household name by the likes of Carrie Bradshaw, is considered one of the world's most influential footwear designers. Truly an artist, the designer has not caved to the platform and 4-inch heel trends of recent years. Keeping to his classic silhouettes, Blahnik is a craftsman and continues to stand the test of time. The lines and silhouette of his distinctive work, however remain instantly recognizable as unique, inimatable examples of precision, exquisite workmanship and luxury. "Shoes," he says, "help transform a woman."

 His signature sketches, beautiful enough to frame and hang on the wall, are our favorite pieces of eye candy. Providing such insight into the inspiration behind each piece, here's a peek at some of the most renowned and signature silhouettes.

Do you have a favorite?

A big thanks to our dear friend, Katie, at Manolo Blahnik for making our day so special!

XOXO

B&B in Apples to Oranges Magazine - Go Pick It Up!

By Lauren

B&B has been so lucky with amazing collaboration opportunities this month. Most recently, I was asked to write a fashion article for the new magazine, Apples to Oranges, which hits newsstands today inserted into the New York Post! It's a great publication about the draw that South Florida (Miami) has always had on New Yorkers.

I was privileged enough to be able to write an article about fashion trends in Miami while getting to interview talented designer, Kimberly Taylor, and stylist-to-the-stars, Danielle Nachmani. 

Check it out on news stands today!
Happy Friday Everyone

Signature Piece Giveaway and Webisode!

By Julie and Lauren

Check out the webisode of our day of shopping!

To enter to win the montmartre tote, join Inside the Circle here, which gives you the inside track to everything foodie and fashionista at Time Warner Center.

Don't forget to follow B&B on Facebook and on Twitter for all the updates! XOXO

The Born and Bread Experience: Styling an Outfit for a Night of Jazz

By Lauren and Julie

Time Warner Center is New York City’s most unique destination for fashion, flavor and fun—all under one roof! As two New York City girls, we've known about this great shopping and cultural destination for a while so when we were invited to take part in Time Warner Center's Fashion Blogger Forecast, we jumped at the opportunity to be able to share one of our favorites with all of you.

Stay tuned for a link to our webisode that will be up on Time Warner Center's website shortly, as well as an opportunity to win the amazing tote from montmartre!

Images by our amazing photographer Darren Ornitz, DarrenOrnitz.com

We chose to style two looks inspired by an evening at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, one of the coolest places to listen to jazz and grab drinks in the city! Immediately, we had our hearts set on warm weather trends. Our five chosen stores (J.Crew, montmartre, Satya Jewelry, Sisley, and Coach) provided a wide range of options so we had to make a plan to coordinate our looks for this quintessential Manhattan spring fling! Our strategy was to show shorts worn two different ways at night.

Lauren went with a sophisticated yet fresh look created around her one must-have spring piece: a classic tweed jacket. Julie’s look is more laid-back, based on her bright and playful spirit and love for the color-blocking trend this season.

On Lauren: Black Shoes - Sisley $189; Clutch - Coach $98; Silk Shorts - montmartre $75; Tweed Jacket - Coach $428; Bracelets - Satya $38 each. On Julie: Shoes - J.Crew $94; Tote Bag - montmartre $148; Yellow Shorts - J.Crew $36; Tank - Yumi Kim at montmartre $138; Jacket - J.Crew $134; Bracelets - Satya Jewelry $38 each.

Lauren's cropped tweed blazer is a piece that can live in her closet for years to come. She had been searching everywhere for the perfect one, and finally found it at Coach. Mixing a timeless piece like this with a more edgy shoe and sexy shorts keeps the look young.


Her Sisley shoes are insane, because they mix the styles of a sandal and a bootie. What's better than that?! Black silk shorts are a must for any woman, as they transcend seasons and spice up any outfit. Lastly, why not add a punch of color with her vivid bracelets that are from Satya Jewelry and a statement clutch from Coach.

Julie feels like it’s time to go bold and bright! With a rainbow of colors to choose from, Julie paired sunny shorts with a khaki jacket that has orange zipper details. This piece was a must-have as it’s the perfect seasonal update to her favorite leather bomber.

To highlight the color accents of the jacket, she chose to go with J.Crew espadrilles in bright orange. Oh, but the color-blocking didn't stop there! At montmartre, we chose a flamboyant purple silk tank, which instantly turned the look from day-to-night with its flashy gold buttons and sexy racer-back cut.

The easiest way to update a summer wardrobe is with a bright bag so Julie just couldn’t leave behind the funky ikat print tote when she spotted it at montmartre! The splashes of colors all came together to complete her feminine and jazzy look, perfect for an evening out at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Once we were dressed, we needed somewhere to go! Since Time Warner Center has everything from food to entertainment, we hopped right over to Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola for an evening of jazz. The intimate setting is perfect for live concerts and features incredible views overlooking the park. A super cool experience with friends or for a date, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola serves great cocktails and delicious down home Southern cooking.

The day of shopping was full of excitement, and some surprises, too. As we were shooting our final looks we found dogs that perfectly matched our outfits! Almost too good to be true!

Time Warner Center, located in the heart of Manhattan, boasts some of the city's most renowned retail stores, restaurants and cultural activities. At the end of the day, we stepped outside to take in the moment; you really can find all you need in Manhattan, but even better when you can find it all in one place.

A special thanks to Darren and Alana for their support and our helpful crew!