Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Wedding Wednesdays: Destination



If you find yourself at a destination wedding this summer what's your most important style tip? Stay cool!! Beach weddings are hot, but beach weddings in a tropical destination in summer time? Well, that's even hotter!

Our go to look? A light cotton or linen sundress that just has the right amount of bright, island flavor. We think this Shoshanna Ikat Print Dress in too-hot-to-trot pink fit's the bill just perfectly. Accesorize with flat sandals so your comfortable to dance around in the sand, but not flip flips (thats too casual even for a beach wedding) and chic raffia clutch. Dress the look up with some clear, lucite jewelry and maybe a fun whimsical "beach-themed" piece, like this Swarovski fish ring, for just a touch of vacation fun!

Destination Wedding Breakdown:
  • Dress: Shoshanna Ikat Dress/ $345 at Revolve Clothing
  • Clutch: Calypso Rafia Clutch/ $95 at Calypso
  • Shoes: Dolce Vita Dylan Sandal in White/ On Sale for $37 at Jildor
  • Necklace: Aqua Tulle, Lucite and Pearl Faux Necklace/ $38 at Bloomingdales
  • Ring: Swarovski Live Silver Ring/ On Sale for $27 at Swarovski

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Daily Bling - Tuesday, June 29


Here is a little known fact about me... earrings are my LEAST favorite type of jewelry. Shocking? Well, maybe. But if you are a regular reader, you probably have realized this is the type of jewel we cover the least and mostly thats because it takes a LOT to impress me in an earring and share it with you!

This is why I have to hand it to one of my fav. designers, Rachel Leigh, for creating such a fabulous earring, that upon viewing I could not wait to share with you here at BBB! Rachel Leigh does feminine vintage with a modern twist like no other and her Lena Studs, today's daily bling, are certainly fit for a modern day Cinderella. We'd definitely wear these peach navette crystal stunners to the ball (or more likely a summer wedding) and think they are just the perfect earrings for a formal event because the oversized look makes them significant enough to wear dressy yet modest enough to compliment a statement necklace and full jewelry wardrobe. They have a quality to them that makes you think of something you'd find in your grandmother's jewelry box, but are so right now that you could wear them for so many occasions and so many years.

The Lena Studs are 14K gold and available for the very reasonable price of $66 at Rachel Leigh Online.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Contest Alert! Win a Versace Fall Wardrobe


Ladies, get ready to get super excited! Versace, one of the leading designers on the scene and the ultimate masters of sex appeal if you as us, is hosting a FABULOUS contest in honor of their Fall/Winter 2010 Collection hitting stores now. You can win $2500 to spend at any Versace boutique by entering this exclusive contest here!

Versace doesn't fail to impress this season and their Fall/Winter collection is all about vamping it up! The collection plays with texture, including leather gloves, pants and skirts that add a sultry edge to any wardrobe. Pieces are featured in classic black, colbalt blue, poppy and dashes of chrome for the ultimate sexy sophisticate!

Versace almost never runs contests so this is your chance to win something truly special! Enter now and thank us later :)

Weekend Bling - 6/26 - 6/27


Today's Daily Bling isn't necessarily blingy and we admit we are SERIOUSLY pushing it with this one. However, hear us out. Headbands, like jewelry, add the finishing touch to any look and a good headband, like this super fun one above, has the ability to transform a simple, or maybe even "boring" look in your wardrobe to super fabulous! (and this is what got us loving jewelry and accessories so much in the first place...). Finally its super affordable, $28, and from one of our absolute favorite stores for accessories, Anthropologie.

The Rain-Bow necklace is equal parts girly and Caribbean-chic. We imagine it merchandised with some satin shorts, a button down ruffly tank and sky-high wedges for that vintage-girl cool feel. We'd also like to see it with a sexy bandage dress and platform pumps for a modern-day pin-up (ala Katy Perry) look.

Like we said this piece is affordable and transformative; a total must have in your accessories collection. You can find it here at Anthropologie.


Thursday, June 24, 2010

Daily Bling - Thursday, June 24

We think today's daily bling is just too SWEET that we almost want to eat it. We ask you BBB readers, what could be cuter on a hot summer day then accessorizing with a girly, yummy charm bracelet like this one from one of our absolutely fav. jewelry designers, Alex and Ani?

We love Alex and Ani's expandable charm bracelets and if you are already a collector of these pile them to your elbow bangles, then this charm should be the next to add to your collection. If you are new to Alex and Ani but just admire this bracelet, don't fear, this piece makes a statement on its own. We like the idea of wearing it all by itself or layering it with one of the edgier charms in the collection like the Slash bracelet for a bit of naughty and nice!

Take the Cherry Expandable Bracelet home at only $28 at ShopBop.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Wedding Wednesdays: City Soiree

For the second edition of Wedding Wednesdays, we are taking on what could be one of the most expensive looks to pull together of all the wedding types - the black tie affair or as we are calling it here at BBB the "City Soiree."

It's a common misconception that you MUST wear a gown to a wedding that's held in a swanky city locale or is considered black tie. Although its rude to show up not dressed-up enough to an affair so fancy, it doesn't mean you have to invest in a pricey gown you will likely not get another chance to wear again. Our solution? Accessorize a flirty, a-line little black dress, like this chiffon tiered dress from BCBG, with fancy gemstone jewelry and embellished shoes and bag. A dress with a bit of a fuller skirt solves the problem of looking black-tie-enough and the metallic and gemstone jewels give the look a fashionable yet polished pop!


City Soiree Breakdown
Dress: BCBG MAXAZRIA Tiered Taffeta Dress/ $358 at BCBG
Clutch: Diane Von Furstenberg Bonnie Fold Over Clutch/ $410 at ShopBop
Shoes: Nine West Cutabove/ $79 at Nine West
Jewelry: All J.Crew/ $45 - 78 at JCrew.com


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Daily Bling - Tuesday, June 22



We love today's daily bling from Ann Taylor Loft because its got a little bit of everything - heavy metal chain, gemstones, lace, ribbon and tassle detailing! It's pretty but edgy and is versatile enough in color to be worn with many different looks. What's better is that right now when you purchase one full price item at Ann Taylor Loft, you can get a second item at 50% off. We just love an Ann Taylor Loft deal!

We think this necklace is the perfect bridge piece from summer to fall and would just love to see it with a simple satin dress for a summer wedding or formal event or with a blazer and jeggings for a night out in the Fall! Of course its an affordable luxury - its from Ann Taylor loft! At $39.50 this is certainly a steal of a piece that looks much, much more expensive than it is!


Friday, June 18, 2010

Daily Bling - Friday, June 18



We love this purple wooden beaded necklace by NY-based designer Cara Couture currently on sale at Gilt Groupe. The bohemian style statement necklace features multi-strands of purple-painted wooden beads with gold-plated beads and detailing. We think this piece is the ultimate summer go-to and would make a fab. edition for your by-the-beach wardrobe this season.

The tribal trend is huge for summer and this necklace makes the perfect finishing touch to this look. We'd love to see this actually worn on the beach with a solid colored maxi dress (we are thinking it offset a turqoise look perfectly) or bopping around town with a hippie linen tunic, jean shorts and wooden wedges.

This Cara Couture gem is currently on sale at Gilt Groupe for the VERY reasonable price of $38, so scoop it up while its hot!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Daily Bling - Thursday, June 17


Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew does it again with another daily-bling-worthy piece of gorgeousness that we can't peel our eyes away from! If you have been living under a bedazzled rock then you probably do not know that the fabulous NY-based desginer, Fenton/Fallon has teamed up with J. Crew to design a line of ultra-unique, moderately priced jewels. We have always been a fan of J. Crew's jewelry but since the collaboration with Fenton/Fallen we are even more in love.

The Fenton/Fallon J. Fringe Cuff reminds us of a vintage piece of the art-deco era that's been roughed up and toughed up with a modern rocker chic vibe. We absolutely love the juxtaposition of girly/edgy and this piece epitomizes that idea. This dark gold ox-plated brass cuff is adorned with a dramatic tier of Czeck crystal detailing that we just adore. For $115 we think this one of a kind piece is really quiet a deal and a piece you would get endless compliments on.

Check out this gorg. piece at J.Crew.com and in select J.Crew stores.


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Shopping Alert: Be the First To Get Your (Feet) on Nine West's Fall 2010 Collection



This is such a fun program! Nine West, our absolute FAV. affordable shoe line, is offering their fans on Facebook the opportunity to pre-order key pieces of their Fall Collection before anyone else! Already dying to get your hand, er, feet, on Nine West's Fall line? Then this is your perfect opportunity!

If you are a huge fan of Nine West, but do not yet "like" the line on Facebook we recommend you get over to Nine West's Facebook page ASAP to get in on the deal! This is just one of many fun, exclusive offers that being a fan of their Facebook page will probably get you (this brand definitely knows how to take care of their loyal followers). We are absolutely loving their featured bootie of the season, Vanished, picture below. Now we just have to decide which shade to grab it in - black or neutral metallic! Decisions, Decisions...



Happy Shopping!


Wedding Wednesdays!

Summer is in full swing which means Wedding season is officially upon us! With bachelorette and showers behind us, its time to concentrate on the main event - the Wedding. It can be pretty hard to figure out what to wear to a wedding, especially without completly breaking the bank. We are starting a new series for the month of June here on Booties, Bags, and Baubles called Wedding Wednesdays. Each week we will break down a different look dependent on the type of wedding you'll be attending: Beach, City, Destination, etc.

Week 1 is Country Club Wedding Week. We thought we'd start off the series with the wedding that everyone has been to or will be going to this summer. Its most common in the summer to be attending a Country Club Wedding but getting the look down right for this one can be pretty challenging. Just because the reception may include an outdoor component doesn't mean you should show up in a sundress and flats yet the Country Club setting makes the wedding more relaxed in feel then a city soiree. Our tip? Go for a classic cocktail dress and accessorize it with a lower-heeled open toe sandal and some soft accessories.


We love this jeweled embellished cocktail dress with shades of blue colorblock. The dress has just the right amount of dressy bling to take it into evening yet the style isnt overpowering for the day. We like pairing it with more simplified woven silver sandals, clear crystal jewelry and the ultimate prepster straw and silver clutch.

The Breakdown:
  • Dress: Mignon Short Strapless Colorblock Dress/ $348 at Bloomingdales
  • Jewelry: Grayce by Molly Simms / $100 - $225 at Grayce by Molly Simms
  • Shoes: Bandolina Orielle/ $68 at Zappos
  • Clutch: Tory Burch Rattan Clutch in Silver/ $248 at Jildor

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Daily Bling - Tuesday, June 15


Alex and Ani is one of our favorite contemporary jewelry lines out there. We fell in love with their eco-friendly pile 'em up charmed bangles first but now have a new obsession in their line - the statement rings!

Today's Daily Bling stood out to us because of it antique gold casting (an Alex & Ani signature look) and fabulous oversized turquoise-colored glass stone. We love turquoise-colored jewelry in the summer because its looks good with absolutely everything, enhances a tan, and has a bohemian-relaxed quality that fits our summer-vibe. We also love the detailing of the stone. Its got metallic gold swirls in the turquoise glass that gives it a real unique, vintage feel. Finally, we noticed the name of the ring - its called the Holly Vintage Bohemian Cocktail Ring. If there was a ring that was ever to be named after us I couldn't think of a better one!

You can purchase this piece out at ShopBop for $58.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Daily Bling - Monday June 14


True Blood 28.50 ctw Genuine Ruby and Stainless Steel Invisible Clasp Necklace

In honor of last night's Season 3 premiere of True Blood we thought we'd feature a Daily Bling from the official True Blood Jewelry Collection which can be found on HBO.com. Normally, we detest tv-show merchandise but this collection is pretty really cool. It's actually a fine jewelry collection so the pieces are generally very expensive and this crazy statement piece is one of the most pricey in the collection. It features 28.5 carats of blood-red rubies (of course) and gothic silver chain detailing. We actually would wear this piece with a simple black dress - that is if we were in the market for something so wild!

This necklace is over $1000 but there are also pieces in the collection that are under $100. If you are the ultimate True Blood fan we def. recommend you check out the line. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the non-cheesy, legit coolness of the line!


Friday, June 11, 2010

Daily Bling - Friday, June 11

Last night the Real Housewives of NY duked it out at part one of the reunion show. The real battle? The accessories! We were so incredibly impressed with the style of these ladies and especially their statement accessories! Bethany's shoes. Jill's Bangles. Kelly's feathered bracelet! We can't even begin to decide who wore it best so in honor of the reunion we will let you tell us which of these accessories are daily bling-worthy. We think they all deserve an honorary mention!







Thursday, June 10, 2010

Daily Bling - Thursday, June 10



Last night we caught the tail end of Judith Ripka's show on QVC debuting her latest line of awesomely-priced beauties! We are a huge fan of Judith Ripka, pretty much EVERY line she puts out, but we were sort of disappointed by her last few collections for QVC. We were happy to see this time she pulled out all the stops with a bunch of fun new styles at affordable prices for QVC.


The piece we are dying to get our hands on (literally) is today's daily bling, the Sterling Cultured Pearl and Cabochon Ring. This sterling silver ring features textured bubbles, round gray and peacock-colored freshwater pearls and beautiful amethyst and blue topez cabochons. We'd love to wear this true statement ring with a black tie look and have it mind as a finishing touch to a charcoal gray bridesmaid dress we will be wearing next month.


You can check out this ring, which retails at $75, as well as the gorg. matching cabochon earrings and pendent and all of JR's beautiful pieces on QVC.com.


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Red Carpet Recap: Anna Paquin at True Blood Season 3 Premiere


One of our absolute favorite shows EVER - True Blood - comes back this Sunday and we couldn't be more excited! We love us some vamps, shifters, maneads and mind-reading Southern waitresses and just can't wait for the drama and suspense to begin again.

Last night was the Los Angeles premiere of Season 3 and we think Anna Paquin, who plays series lead Sookie Stackhouse, looked young, fresh and super, super chic. We love the way she merchandised her Proenza Schouler shift dress with sexy Brian Atwood pumps, lots of bangles and a PS1 Clutch. This outfit is so us, that if we were going to the premiere we think we'd wear it ourselves. Our favorite part of the whole look? The super sexy lace up detailing of the Brian Atwood pumps because after all Sookie isn't always as sweet as she looks!

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True Blood Season 3 premieres this Sunday at 10 PM EST on HBO. Who else can't wait?

Daily Bling - Wednesday, June 9



In honor of last night's season finale of Glee we decided to choose a piece of bling fit for the princess and queen bee of the New Directions herself, Rachel Berry.

Sweet as a button with its pink bow and gazebo gold charm, this adorable little necklace, found at our favorite vintage-inspired e-store ModCloth, would compliment one of Rachel's sweater set and knee high ensembs perfectly. For a more realistic/on-trend look we'd also love to see it with a black chiffon tube dress or jeans and a white flowy bohemian shirt.

The "Garden Gazebo" pendent as its named on Modcloth is only $20 and as cute as can be just like last night's Glee finale, well, that is if you ask us!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Daily Bling - Tuesday, June 8


Last night the 2010 CFDA winners were announced and one of our absolute favorite jewelry designers, Alexis Bittar, was honored as Accessory Designer of the Year. In honor of this much deserved win its only fitting we are featuring one of our favorite pieces in Alexis' collection this season - the Montauk Turquoise Wave Earrings in Black Lucite.

We've said it once and we will say it again - NO ONE does lucite like Alexis Bittar. What's even more interesting about these earrings is the color of the lucite, black. Black is such an unexpected shade to be featured in lucite, or any sort of gemstone earring really, and we just absolutely love the juxtaposition of the turqoise, gold and crystal detailing on this black lucite base. We'd love to see these true statement earrings paired with a black tie look - we think they would complement a neutral tone or black gown for a summer wedding just perfectly!

These earrings are only available at Alexis Bittar boutique's and online for $225. A special piece that certainly helped Alexis win that prestigious CFDA award for sure!


Monday, June 7, 2010

MTV Movie Awards Style Recap

Anyone who knows me well will probably be pretty surprised aboout who I choose as my style picks for last night's MTV Movie Awards. I admit I tend to be a hater on both of these chicks (and I promise it's not because I'm jealous of their boyfriend's but let's be serious... I am). I just actually think both usually make either boring (in the case of J) or weird and awkward (in the case of K) fashion choices. But last night? Both surprised me as perfection!

Style Pick #1: Kristen Stewart in Dolce & Gabanna
K. Stew literally stole the show as Twilight one EVERYTHING but we were even more pleased that she finally made some good fashion choices! The Dolce & Gabanna Tweed and Sequin embellished dress is young, fun and a little edgy just like Kristen. What we love more is her hair is finally looking good again! The long ponytail is pretty and softens up her usual hard look. We also like the strappy shoes and long necklace.

Style Pick #2: Jessica Biel in Giambattista Valli
Jessica Biel looked positively flirty, fun and fabulous in this combo sheer chiffon and feathered skirt Giambattista Valli creation. The coquette-ish look is a huge deviation from what we see her usually wear (simple sheiths or flannels and jeans) and we think it was fitting since she was presenting the Best Kiss award. The finishing touches on this look? The cute as a button baby pink belt, statement earrings and crystal encrusted ankle strap heels.

Who was your favorite last night?

Daily Bling - Monday, June 7


We had to pick today's daily bling because it reminds us so much of a pink quartz druzy stone necklace that we are constantly getting compliments on and unfortunately can't ever recommend anyone to buy because it was purchased from a no-name designer at Fred Segal that doesn't have a web prescence at all (we are still in the process of trying to track the designer down we promise!)

In the meantime, the second best thing would be this absolutely beautiful piece by Alanna Bess who is currently on sale at Gilt Groupe now. We love the juxtaposition of the hot pink gemstone, gray jasper druzy stone and little piece sign all on this beautiful gold antique chain. The piece has a happy quality to it which we think makes it the perfect summer splurge.

Check this piece out and all of Alanna Bess' fab. jewelry on Gilt Groupe today.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Daily Bling - Friday, June 4


We choose this fabulous geometric turqoiuse ring for 2 reasons. First off, its on sale at Gilt Groupe right now and one of the most unique rings we have seen in a long time (we are sorta sick of the two finger ring trend at this point ladies). Second, in honor of last night's season finale of the Real Housewives of NY we thought we'd choose a fab. piece of southwestern-inspired jewelry ala the Countess Luann Delesseps!

If you read this blog then you know we have been inspired by Luann's jewelry and accessories-savvy all season long (her singing ability? not so much...). The gorg. Kara by Kara Ross Ring is 14K Gold with turqoiuse hexagon stones that measure about 1.5 length when grouped together. We think this is a true statement piece fit for the Countess herself!

What's better is that Kara by Kara Ross is on sale now at Gilt! You can pick up this gorg ring there now for $90, that's down 50%! After all money can't buy you class....

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Daily Bling - Thursday, June 3


This summer its all about the global trend. So whether you are wearing an H&M Ikat inspired print dress, carrying a FEED Guatemala bag or hopping around town in your Cynthia Vincent Printed Wedges, we just know you'll be finding a way to incorporate this new summer trend into your look. But what about jewelry? Well of course, beaded necklaces or wooden layered bangles in bright painted colors are a way to go. But why not save all that hassle of layering and collecting and just scoop up something special from nOir Jewelry - one of our fav. lines for tribal inspired jewelry this Summer.

A celeb-favorite brand (everyone from Rihanna to J. Lo and Katy Perry has been seen in the designs), nOir designs are never short of unique! We are especially loving today's Daily Bling from nOir called the Kohana Flat Beaded Earrings in the Multi variation. A sure-bet statement earring, we'd love to see these paired with an Ikat-printed dress and denim vest for a layed back yet colorful look. We also think these would look steal-the-scene-worthy wilth a sleeked back pony and an all black look.

You can find nOir Jewelry at Fragments Online or at their website here. These earrings retail for $140 but we also highly recommend you take a look at all their super chic beaded, global looks this season!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Daily Bling - Wednesday, June 2


Today is another twitter-inspired Daily Bling. Liz Larios recently following me on Twitter, which prompted me to look at her new collection and in turn fall in love with the above, The Zipper Bracelet. I realize the bling posts have been bracelet heavy of recent but there are just so many unique bracelets right now and I am in love with layering them all the way up the arm - so really you can't have too many!!

The Zipper Bracelet features sterling silver woven with black leather and a super unique gorg. tear drop gemstone charm that hangs right on the hand (or down the arm if you wear it as the top bracelet in a layered mix). We love its edgy yet feminine mentality and would totally rock this out at night with a bandage skirt and cropped leather jacket!

You can find out more about Liz Larios gorgeous designs at her website here!