Girls Night Out

By Julie

Nothing calls for a LBD more than a Girls Night Out, right? I absolutely love the fun cut-outs and sexy slit details from this little number from Blumarine. 

Dress: Bluemarine c/o Rent the Runway, Shoes: B by Brian Atwood, Clutch: Celine, Necklace: Baublebar

This past Saturday I was so lucky to be treated to a little staycation with my girlfriends (pre-storm Sandy) in honor of my engagement. Tomorrow I'll share all the details of where we went and stayed, but there's no denying that there's nothing more fun than a little girl-talk and cocktails with your friends. 

More on that tomorrow!

I hope everyone on the East Coast is safe, dry and warm in their homes.

XOX

Black Tie on Rodeo

By Lauren

A couple of weeks ago I miraculously (aka all thanks to my bestie Michelle) got on the invite only list for the J.Mendel sample sale. I got this amazing black tie gown for a friend's wedding at the Beverly Hills Hotel, hence the elephant leaf wallpaper in the background. I'm almost more proud to reveal the bargain I got than to brag about the designer label. 

Manhattan is the mecca for all sample sales, so which ones do you sneak out of work for?!?

Casual Friday

By Lauren

Just a chilly weekend outfit before we need jackets over everything...

Sweater: Alice+Olivia; Blouse: Theory; Jeans: Paige Denim; Booties: Stella McCartney; Bag: Michael Kors

What will you be wearing this weekend?

Sleeping with the Celebs

By Lauren

On Elle.decor this week we get a glimpse inside celebrity bedrooms that look so cozy, stylish, and chic it's putting me in the mood for a girly slumber party!

Cindy Crawford's Bedroom

Candace Bushnell's Bedroom

Ellen Pompeo's Bedroom

Ivanka Trump's Bedroom

Sarah Jessica Parker's Bedroom

Which one is your favorite?

The luxe room of Ivanka or the clean whites from SJP's home? The ethnic prints from Ellen Pompeo's and Candace Buchnell's or the rustic feel of Cindy Crawfords bedroom?

Wedding Wednesday: A Day at Monique

By Julie 

This past Saturday I was lucky enough to receive the call that have all future brides keeping their iPhones off vibrate... I got in off the wait list at Monique Lhuillier! Just three weeks after opening their first NYC flagship, it's just like that dinner reservation that you're dying to get on a Saturday night. Mission accomplished. 

Her Fall 2013 collection is all about romance with elegant floral appliqués, delicate lace and exquisite embroideries in a way that only Monique can do. One dress was better than the next. I absolutely fell in love with this gorgeous one-shoulder lace option, but my groom's one request for the gown is no one-shoulders so it's a no go. But tempting! Don't worry, he's under strict orders not to read today's post to avoid any spoilers...

Wouldn't all of these be gorgeous in the snow?

My wedding is in a garden in July and chances are it will be hot and sticky so these won't work, but there's something so elegant about those gorgeous lace sleeves. 

A modern twist on the traditional, don't you think?

XOX

T.J.Maxx Find!

By Lauren

When I moved to my new apartment I was thrilled for many reasons, besides for the usual real-estate checklist, I had my own checklist...and T.J.Maxx being across the street wasn't too shabby!

I'm one of the 50% of New York women who shop at off price retailers, and I'm proud of it! Last week I found this amazing Michel by Michael Kors boyfriend blazer and since I'm one of the 70% of women in NY loving the menswear inspired trends these days, especially for a long day in the office, I figured I would show you what bargain shopping on trend is all about.

Paired with some higher priced items like these Stella McCartney boots, I was ready for a day of work in LA this past weekend. 

What do you think? Do you ever shop at T.J.Maxx?

Along for the Ride

By Julie

Happy Monday, loves.

Can you even believe how beautiful the weather was this weekend?? Gorgeous. As much as I loved every second of it, I have to admit that I'm ready for that chill in the air and to put on those extra layers and break out the boots!

Source: google.com via Julie & Lauren on Pinterest

Source: 20somethinginthecity.tumblr.com via Julie & Lauren on Pinterest

Source: thestylecuratorblog.com via Julie & Lauren on Pinterest

There's really no denying that a pair of riding boots is Fall's most chic accessory. My sister and I are constantly on the hunt for that perfect pair. It doesn't really matter whether you're more of a brown, tan or black boot girl, the style makes a bold statement all on it's own. I have my perfect pair of tan riding boots, but now I'm eyeing these classic two-tones. I usually wear mine with skinny jeans and a chunky sweater, but I love the look of that bright red skirt.

Tell me, how do you wear your perfect pair?

Life X Instagram

By Julie and Lauren

It's been a busy couple of weeks for us here at B&B. Between weddings in San Diego, weekend trips to Chicago and a fun BaubleBar event with Grace, Tamra and Christin in between, we've been trying to keep on top of everything with the work and the blog. Easier said than done sometimes though, right?

We'll be back next week with a few exciting announcements that we're excited to share. In the meantime, we're trying to capture it all on Instagram. Follow us here. 

Have a great weekend, all!

XOX 

Copy Cat

By Lauren

It's another installment of "Copy-Cat" where my continuous Internet outfit stalking pays off and I actually figure out how to emulate and not just envy! 

I found this awesome dresser on Elle.com and can guarantee that I will be purchasing the wardrobe from head to toe as soon as I finish creating this collage.

1. Asos Premium Floral Pants $76

2. Splendid Jersey Top $68

3. Zara Wool Studio Coat $299

4. J.Crew Viv Patent Flats $188

5. Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag $825

6. The Row Round Frame Sunglasses $430

7. Vanessa Mooney Little Ways Necklace $75

Wedding Wednesday: At First Glance

By Julie

We all look to celebrities or public figures for inspiration- whether it be fashion, wedding or home decor- and ever since I saw photos of the Rachel Zoe Project's Mandana Dayani's wedding over on Ashley Nicole Catherine, I've been obsessed ever since. So much so that I had to re-post. I just can't get over all the frothy goodness of her dress, the sweetness of her hubby's first look and the chic, rustic vibe of her black tie wedding under the stars. Everything from her customized Marchesa gown to her adorable little flower girls are perfectly styled and nothing short of perfection. Don't you agree?

I've been scouring just about every wedding magazine and blog and just haven't found one that quite compares to Mandana's ethereal and romantic big day. 

XOX

*Photos via Ashley Nicole Catherine and Wedding Style Magazine

Dutti - Free

By Lauren

I'm so excited to announce that Massimo Dutti has finally come to America! When I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I used to love this brand for it's well-made items and amazing prices! So now not only can I shop in the new store on 5th Avenue, but also on the website. 

Here are a few of my favorite pieces...and I've already purchased the Black Fringe Slippers. What would your first purchase be?

1. Blue Heel Moccasin - $175

2.Cable Knit Sweater $128 with Wide Printer Trousers $128Tassle Slipper - $145

3.Silk Animal Print Skirt $98

4.Large Colt Leather Bag - $265

5.Black Fringe Slipper - $145

6.Double Breasted Beige Coat $368

7.Intarsia Sweater - $98

8.Combined Leather Dress $228

9.Black Leather Trousers - $265

10.Croc Shopper - $228

Rainy Day Trench

By Julie

Trench: c/o W118 by Walter Baker, Blouse: c/o W118 by Walter Baker, Jeans: Rugby, Shoes: Sole Society,  Bracelets: c/o BusyWrist 

It was a dreadfully dreary weekend in Chicago during my visit home, but we caught a quick pocket of sunshine for about five minutes and were able to snap a few pics. This new trench certainly came in handy when we were dodging the rain between wedding registry stops and dinners in the city. So happy to have finally tried RPM Italian! Have you guys been?? Pretty delicious and I can't deny my slight obsession with Giuliana and Bill. Once a Chicago girl, always a Chicago girl ;)

Hope you guys have a great week!

XOX

Week Night Delight

By Lauren

Week nights are not my most creative dinner nights since I come home from work late, then try to squeeze in the gym, and by the time I get around to cooking dinner I am so exhausted the most I can do is order in delivery. Pathetic! 

But I have a secret weapon that I am going to share with you today, in case your week nights look anything like mine. Soy-Vey is the best sauce on the planet! You cook it with anything from fish to meat. Last night I made a little stir fry in my wok with the Island Teriyaki flavor and it was easy as 1-2-3.

First I chop a bunch of yummy veggies, take your pick, but I like to use broccoli, red/yellow peppers, onions, zucchini, and asparagus.

Then I add the chicken strips and cook on high heat until everything is evenly cooked.

Et Voila! It's that easy...have you used Soy-Vey before?