See you in 2012!

By Julie and Lauren 

We're officially signing off for the holidays as we're in dire need of some rest and relaxation! Lauren is starting new traditions and celebrating her first official Hanukkah with her fiancee in Miami this week. Such exciting times. I just arrived back home in Chicago to snuggle up with my family and friends for Christmas. My favorite time of year, for sure!

2011 was so rewarding and fun for Lauren and I and we look forward to sharing many more amazing things with you all in 2012! Thank you all for the support and the endless inspiration. Many more outfit posts, restaurant recs, interiors, party pics and trend reports to come... 

Lots of love, health and happiness.

XOX

For updates over the break, be sure to follow us on Twitter. 

Lines We Love: Plukka

By Julie 

In the spirit of the season, I want to introduce you to a brand new jewelry line that will certainly help you start 2012 off on the right foot... Plukka is a revolutionary social shopping experience bringing you chic and covetable fine jewelry at a fraction of the retail price. 

I love the concept, but believe in the brand even more after watching this fun video that explains step-by-step how Plukka works. Check it out!

Cool, right?!

XOX

Airport Style

By Lauren

Vacation here we come! I'm heading to Miami this week and cannot wait to shed all my dark city layers for the bright flowy looks I have packed in my bag! But I'm always confused what to wear on the plane since it has to be seasonally transitional, super comfy, and somewhat chic since you never know who you'll run into. 

For inspiration as I pack, I've compiled some looks from celebs we all love. I've included some men's looks as well in case you want to "guide" your man away from his airport sweats this holiday.

What do you wear to the airport?

Happy Travels!

All I Want for Christmas...

By Julie

...is a Celine Tote. Not that much to ask, right?! 

If you're anything like me, you lie awake at night and dream about a day when a Celine tote can officially be made yours. I know, it's sick. But true. That day seems to be no where in my near future so I have decided to come up with a plan B...

Celine Coffee Leather and Croc Satchel

3.1 Phillip Lim Black Leather Embossed Croc Pashli Satchel

Celine Nude Leather Tote



Alexander Wang Nude Prisma Tote



I hope Santa reads blogs...

Not a bad compromise, eh?

XOX

Phlox and Maglia Trunk Show @ CO-OP

By Lauren and Julie

The ladies behind the lines of Maglia and Phlox joined forces for a wild trunk show last weekend at CO-OP Food and Drink, co-hosted by yours truly, B&B that is! What's better than sipping Bloody Mary's while shopping on a Saturday afternoon?!

From Left:
Julie of B&B, our BFF Tobi, Ali of Maglia, Lauren of B&B, Gelareh of Phlox, and Nicole of Maglia
Tobi, Ali, Gelareh, and Nicola are all wearing Maglia!

We love the ease and style each piece of Maglia possesses. The line of vests and outerwear was started by two best friends, and childhood friends of Lauren's. Whether it's a pair of leggings, a cute dress, or even a chunky knit, these vests can be thrown over any outfit, trust us, we have a few!

But the outfit isn't complete without a luxe and chic bag by PHLOX. The best part about this line is that you can choose from an array of colored or neutral python skins to go with any bag shape you might want. Stay tuned to see which one Lauren bought, you're going to love it and want one of your own for sure!

So whether you have some last minute gifts on your list, or simply think you deserve a little end of the year treat...check out these two lines by ladies we love. Women starting their own businesses is a trend we can definitely get behind!

Clutches byPhlox and leopard vest by Maglia

XOX

Wedding Wednesdays - David Yurman Bridal

By Lauren 

Last week we were invited to preview the latest fine jewelry collection at David Yurman's Madison Avenue townhouse and what a treat it was. With the wedding only a few months away, how could I walk into such an iconic jewelry brand's store and not think about wedding bands! So I went right to the third floor bridal section where I learned all about the trends. 

The popular thing these days is to get stackable bands, the classic way is without stones, and the safer tradition to stand the test of time is a simple row of diamonds. No matter which you choose you can find anything for both men and women at David Yurman. Oh and don't forget colored stones! 

Diamonds on men isn't my favorite wedding band trend, however adding a new twist to a classic like these metal bands look very fresh to me. And I love the black titanium one, but I'm thinking to stick with the classics.

Which are your favorites from both the men's and women's lines?

Tech Crunch!

By Julie 

I know, we've all been inundated with gift guides as of late, but with just two weeks left before Christmas and Hannukah, I can't help but peruse the internet and share some of my favorite things! I'm officially convinced that in a time crunch, savy tech accessories are the way to go...

From super glam to super fun, they're a personal way of letting someone know you care and in most cases, without breaking the bank!

There really is one for every personality. 

I think the DVF Travel Adapter has my name written all over it. You?!

XOX

1. Reed Krakoff Leather iPad Case, $590

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Supersonic iPhone Case, $38

3. Michael Michael Kors Textured Leather iPhone Case, $50

4. Jimmy Choo Glitter Leather iPad Case, $495

5. Alexander Wang Rose Gold Edged iPad Case, $335

6. DKNY Quilted iPhone Case, $90

7. Michael Michael Kors Neoprene iPad Case, $40

8. COACH Patent Zip Computer Case, $198

9. DVF Travel Adapter Kit, $98

10. LeSportSac Paisley Print Handbag Computer Case, $62

Tickled Pink

By Lauren 

It's been a few weeks since Thanksgiving but I've been meaning to share my cheap n' chic find with you ever since. A weekend spent with family was a wonderful occasion to wear my new bubble-gum pink sandals from B Brian Atwood. Mostly, because I couldn't wait another second to wear them! But I bought these herringbone pants the day before at H&M and just thought the combination was too fun to pass up!

A great black blouse to me is better than any collard white shirt because it instantly feels chic and a bit different. I piled on my new favorite necklace from JewelMint and the outfit was complete. 

What will you be wearing to family dinners this holiday season?

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

By Julie 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

The temperatures have officially dropped and it's time to bundle up and accessorize! These are a few of my favorite cold weather accessories on the market right now. When buying hats, gloves and scarves there's no erring on the side of caution... go for the extra nubby, extra colorful and extra cozy pieces!

Stay warm... it's supposed to be a cold one!

XOX

Photo Diary- Paris

By Julie 

I can't believe that it's been almost two weeks since my trip to Paris-- it was so amazing-- I'm already trying to plan my next trip back! You were all so sweet and helpful with all your suggestions that I wanted to give you a little recap of our amazing trip and some of my favorite memories. 

One of my favorite parts of the trip occurred before I even took off from JFK-- three seats to myself for the whole 8 hour flight! Miracles do happen... I dreamt about nutella and banana crepes the entire trip ; )

My travel garb. I'm seriously obsessed with my new Nine West flats. They really were the perfect flats for walking all around the city. Super comfy and no blisters. 

The gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower right around the corner from our apartment!

Pretty ombre roses on the street!

I seriously have a thing for bustforms, but this one is from the Rodin museum and is the man himself...

This was also at the Rodin museum and is considered art, but we all thought it was a little creepy.
There was an entire wing of the museum dedicated to different variations... use your imagination!!!

The gorgeous patio seating at the Ralph Lauren restaurant on St. Germain... heaven on earth!
I highly recommend the carrot cake. 

My bfs fancy crepe!

My new MAJE peacoat that I was determined to purchase!!!
But I have to admit,  I bought it a week later at the brand spanking new Bleecker St store...
you know, the Euro's a killer!

The deepest, most decadent bathtub in the apartment!! On second thought, maybe this is heaven on earth.

The cutest little muffin in Paris!!!!!!! What a way to end the trip. 

So fun. I'm a lucky girl!

For all our favorite things, follow along on Instagram- bornandbreadny or Twitter.

XOX

Wedding Wednesdays- To Up-Do or Not

By Lauren

New York Magazine has proven to be an essential tool for me as I'm knee deep in planning a Manhattan wedding. It's the little black book of all things bridal. Not only did I find my fabulous makeup artist, Sally Duvall, through its pages, but also I have now discovered the wonderful Jennifer Brent to style my hair!

I met her for my trial appointment at the Antonio Prieto Salaon in Chelsea and was blown away by her incredible ability to re-create or invent anything you ask of her. Her sweet and calm demeanor make her the perfect person to work with on the day of my wedding too! 

I couldn't decide if I should go with an up-do since uber traditional isn't my style. But Jennifer created something so beautiful that I couldn't say no! She also taught me that bigger is definitely better when it comes to your hair on the big day! Clip on extensions from the Antonio Prieto Salon of real hair, added volume to my hair so that it definitely won't flatten out as I dance the night away!

You'll have to wait until after my wedding to see the final look, but even if you just need a simple blow-out for a holiday event, this salon is cool with a laid back attitude. 

Antonio Prieto Salon

127 West 20th Street

(212) 255 - 3741

Phlox and Maglia Unite!

By Julie and Lauren

This week we are thrilled to be joining forces with two of our fabulously creative friends who each have their own unique lines- Maglia and Phlox- for their first annual trunk show!  

These lines are inventive, fun and versatile. Stop by for some awesome finds and even better deals. I'm certainly planning on picking up a few last minute gifts...

Hope to see you there!

All Wrapped Up- Mott 50 Style

By Lauren

We've told you before [here] about the ingenious brand called Mott 50 that offers sun-protective clothing that's super cute and cool. This season they have an extensive line of scarves that twist and turn into any shape you can think of in an array of wonderful colors. We can't get enough!

I love this purple one because of it's bright tone that totally amped up my outfit. The weather has been so unseasonably warm lately that all I needed was a scarf and my favorite lamb's wool vest. These infinity scarves also make a great gift this holiday season.

Safe and stylish. What else could we need?!

XOX

Fashion Finds Friday: Michael Kors Resort 2012

By Julie 

Happy Friday, kids! Have I got a fashion fix for you today.

Do you remember this Michael Kors Resort number that walked the runway a few months back? Well, I've been dreaming of it ever since. The intense minimalist look, daring slit, ridiculously fun neon, and bold accessories are all perfection in my book. I remember thinking to myself, the girl that rocks that look is pretty damn cool!! So now, I'm happy to report that that 'cool girl' can now officially be you and me! And better yet, for a fraction of the designer price. Wahoo!

Dress: TopShop, Belt: Sandro, Bootie: DVF Open-Toe Heel

Pretty good, no? Job well done, TopShop! 

Hope you all have a great weekend. My parents are visiting from Chicago so I'm looking forward to lots of good meals and some extra TLC :)

 You?

XOX