Summer Scarves

By Lauren

Every summer I am faced with the same dilemma: what do I wear over my outfits in the evenings if the restaurant is cold, or if it gets a bit breezy outside, or when the office feels like an igloo? Problem solved everyone! The summer scarf has become a wardrobe staple for me, always draped on the back of my desk chair or shoved in the bottom of my purse. 

Scarf: Michael Kors Collection, Shirt: Phillip Lim; Jeans: Current/Elliot

Light enough to keep away the chills, but never makes you hot. It also doubles as a shawl so really it's a win-win and a must have accessory. You can even share a solid colored one with your BF. What is not to love here?!

You gotta get one!

1. Top Shop Ladder Print Scarf $36

2. Cecilla De Bucourt Scarf at Barney's $79

3. Love Quotes Linen Lurex Scarf $175

4. Madewell Far and Wide Scarf $55

5. J.Crew Printed Fine Weave Scarf $60

6. Theodora & Callum Scarf $175

7. Zara Printed Scarf $25.99

8. Mulberry Peace and Love Printed Scarf at Net-a-Porter.com $350

9. DVF Multicolored Scarf $82

What to Wear Where- Gnocco

By Julie

This past weekend I dined with friends at Gnocco Cucina & Tradizione and have been dreaming of the burrata and heirloom tomato salad ever since! The East Village eatery remains true to its 'hood with its super casual, bohemian charm while the menu boasts sophisticated options like Mediterranean fishes, fresh carpaccio salads and specialty pastas and pizzas. The restaurant is bustling on a Saturday night, but manages to exude a warm, familial touch that makes you feel right at home.

337 E. 10th Street, near Ave B
212-677-1913

Moderate prices make this kitchen an ideal neighborhood go-to for nothing short of delicious, hearty Italian fare.

Julie Would Wear:

Listed Clockwise

1. TopShop Red Print Bandeau Maxi Dress, $55

2. Michael Michael Kors Sloan Oversized Leather Clutch, $250

3. TopShop Textured Disc Collar Necklace, $16.50

4. Aldo Matabruna Cognac Leather Flats, $50 

Lauren Would Wear:

Listed Clockwise

1. Simeon Farrar for Japan, Kate Mouse Cotton T-shirt, $80

2. Gryson Ruby Top Handle Bag, $675

3. Paloma Barcelo Doris Twill and Leather Sandals, $190

4. J Brand Cut Off Colored Shorts, $158

You guys should definitely check it out! Mmm. 

XOXO

Summer Shine

By Julie 

Just like our wardrobes change with the seasons, so should our beauty routines. As we shed our layers and skin becomes exposed, it's even more reason to pay close attention to the products we apply. I'm usually all about quality not quantity, but in this particular case, I can't quite squeeze enough out of the bottle! 

Mario Badescu's Summer Shine Body Lotion is a grease-less formula that provides a touch of shimmer for the perfect sun-kissed glow. Made with natural ingredients like beeswax and peanut oil, this lotion is a true summer essential making your skin super soft and smooth without clogging pores. Amen! The lotion is light enough for everyday use, but adds just the right amount of glam for special occassions.  

Summer Shine Body Lotion,  $10

We had such a great response through emails and tweets to our previous Mario Badescu post that I wanted to share a few more of my favorites (Caviar Night Cream and Flower and Tonic Mask), but I'd love to hear what works best for you!

XOXO

Magnificent Malibu a la Courtney Cox

By Lauren

It's just another manic Monday here at B&B which means that I start my day at the computer clicking though my usual sites to catch up on any weekend celebrity gossip, get outfit ideas for the week, and find decorating inspiration. Don't leave me hanging, I know you all have your guilty pleasures too!

Today on ElleDecor.com we get a glimpse into Courtney Cox's beautiful Malibu pad set on 2 acres overlooking the Pacific. I had to share these images of my Monday morning web surfing with you because her decor evokes a sense of calm and relaxation that I know we can all desperately use to start our weeks.

The house was renovated by architect, Michael Kovac and designed by Trip Haenisch.

More images and the full article can be viewed at Elledecor.com

What are your Monday morning go-to websites?

June Gloom

By Julie

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Californians complain about June gloom, but New Yorkers are definitely getting their fair share this season. The weekend forecast is thundershowers and clouds, but hey, not everything needs to feel so grey.

Start your weekend with a sunny disposition- even if it's only through your clothes ; )

XOXO

Shoe Sale Mania!

By Lauren

As I mentioned on Monday, Barney's is having a sale. Those 5 words are music to my ears, and if you're a true fashionista you know this is the epic time of year when the department store wants to shed some of their excess summer merchandise while it's still summer. Yes, ladies and gentleman, this is when the always-seasons-ahead fashion industry works in our favor!

Being a shoe fanatic myself, shoving people, digging through piles, and squishing my foot into a size that doesn't fit, is just a drop in the bucket of the things that I would do to get a discount on a designer pair. However, since the sale is now online too, those of you who are slightly less masochistic can browse in a civilized manner. Here are some of my favorites below if you need help weeding through the bajillion pairs on sale.

Happy Shopping!

From left to right

Jill Sander; Monolo Blahnik; Lanvin; Pierre Hardy

Miu Miu; Fendi; YSL; Proenza Schouler

Opening Ceremony; Miu Miu; Givenchy; Loeffer Randall

Which one is your favorite?

Wedding Season

By Julie 

This past weekend I was at the last of a series of 3 weddings in a row. It's been a blast traveling and celebrating so many people I love, but let's be honest... I love any excuse to dress up!

Here I was decked in one of my favorite spring trends- tulip dresses. A perfect party dress with just the right amount of sophistication and sweetness. I jazzed it up a bit with bright, chunky earrings and hot pink lipstick originally found here (thanks, Alex from TTS!). 

Dress: Zara, Bag: Banana Republic, Shoes: Zara, Earrings: Scoop, Bracelets: Vintage

**Apologies for the poor quality of the pics. Forgot my good camera and we were in a rush. I would normally say it's ok to be fashionable late, but not to a wedding!!

What do you guys think of this look?

XOX

Maxi-factor

By Julie 

I've been on a mission... my sister and her husband are vacationing in Fiji this summer and she's put me on the hunt for the essential maxi for her trip. Fiji is super casual and exotic, but more importantly will be extra hot in July so I focused my search on the easiest, breeziest maxis on the market...

In my book, the perfect maxi can take you from day to night-- paired with sunnies and a panama hat to funky bangles and beachy waves. Ahh, sounds nice to me!

I'd like number 5 :)

You?

1. T-Bags Tribal Print Twill Maxi, $265

2. LeAF Tank Dress, $79

3. TopShop Nude Lemon Floral Print Maxi, $75

4. French Connection Broadway Stripe Maxi, $168

5. Milly Ruffled Silk-blend Maxi, $495

6. TopShop White Fluorescent Embroidery Maxi, $34

7. T-Bags Printed Jersey Maxi, $220

8. H&M Chiffon Airy Maxi, $49.95

9. TopShop Sleeveless Floral Maxi, $42

10. Splendid Strapless Cotton Drawstring Maxi, $105

Bag Bonanza

By Lauren

Here at Born & Bread we practice what we preach! I have been eyeing this Maya bag at Barney's since we put in on our holiday gift guide back in December. But with the season of sales upon us, Barney's has reduced the price of my ethnic carryall to half off and I'm not one to turn down a deal. So now it's finally in my possesion and I have not put it down since. Surprisingly, despite the myrid of colors and busy pattern, it matches pretty much everything I wear and goes from day-to-night with ease. If you go insane over this bag the way I do...there's nothing more flattering than a copy-cat

Dress: Theory; Shoes: Fendi; Belt: Prada; Bag: Maya Bag; Nail Polish: California Coral by Essie

Fashion Finds Friday: Eddie Borgo for J Crew

By Julie 

Images via Racked.com

I know, it's hard to believe, but J Crew and S+M actually have something in common (gasp!). Their most recent designer collaboration with Eddie Borgo- the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund runner up- is a 6-piece collection that is more in line with bondage than the crisp, good girl image the brand usually promotes. Inspired by Madonna's book "Sex" by Fabien Baron, Borgo explained, "I reconsidered metal fetal fetish hardware by taking bondage cuffs, piercings, padlocks, and latches and making them sophisticated through the use of fine jewelry techniques."

Bold enough for a bad girl, tame enough for a good girl- there's a jewel for everyone. The collection is in stores and online now so whip up your piece before it's too late.

Loves it.
Have a good weekend, ladies!

B&B At Home: To the Bat Cave

By Alana Moskowitz

The term “man cave” has streamlined its way into pop-culture (yes, Man Caves IS a Home Improvement Show hosted on the DIY Network), but it can mean so much more than a pool table and a shelf of sports ephemera.  The interiors below are sophisticated and decidedly masculine, without leather recliners, flat screen TVs or the presence of a single baseball. 

Image via Roman and Williams

Image via Brad Ford Interior Design 

Ralph Lauren Metropolis Collection

Image via Lonny Magazine, Jun/Jul 2010, designed by Ethan Feirstein and Ari Heckman 

 

Image via  Restoration Hardware

Image via High Gloss Magazine, April/May 2011, designed by Cathy Echols

 

 Kips Bay Showhouse 2009, Lichten Craig 

 

Image via Thom Filicia

Classic silhouettes and dark color combinations, plus earthy accessories can provide a stylish edge for the men you know, the men you live with, or the men you hope to live with! (and men, if you are reading this, women love a man with style, so give that bachelor pad a face-lift).

1.       Safari Sofa, Ralph Lauren Home

2.       Brass Pair of Legs, Kelly Wearstler for Bergdorf Goodman

3.       Floating Balance Coffee Table, Tucker Robbins

4.       Shark Sculpture, Jonathan Adler

5.       Pharmacy Floor Lamp, Ralph Lauren Home

6.       Vesper Bench, Esquire Home Collection

7.       Set of Three Deco Desktop Globe Cigarette Holders, 1stdibs.com

8.       Duke Bar, Ralph Lauren

9.       Newburyport Blue, Benjamin Moore Paints

10.   Ace of Spaces Tray, Jayson Home and Garden

11.   Timothy Oulton Trunk, ABC Home

12.   Hans Wegner Wing Chair, 1stdibs.com

13.   Vintage Toledo Stool, Restoration Timber

14.   Beatles in Limo 1964 Print, Morrison Hotel Gallery

15.   Natural Tree Stump Side Table, West Elm

16.   RL1 Cube Bed, Ralph Lauren Home

17.   Dr. No, Original James Bond Poster, CineMasterpieces

18.   Beat Light Collection, Tom Dixon

19.   Silver Plated Antique Roadster Desk Accessory, ebay.com

20.   Classic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1stdibs.com

Whether you are channeling James Bond, Don Draper, Ralph Lauren or Batman…find your alter ego in these inspired spaces.  And if you don’t know where to start, every man should have a fully stocked bar.