Oscar Red Carpet Rundown

By Lauren and Julie

It was all about the lace, sequins, column dresses and bright shades of reds on the red carpet last night. Jennifer Lawrence was va-va-voom in her Calvin Klein sheath,  Amy Adams sparkled in L'Wren Scott, and Cate Blanchett shined in an embellished Givenchy. Besides all the beautiful gowns, retro waves and short, sexy bobs stole the show! We're loving the clean, modern look for spring. 

With so many glamourous looks it's hard to choose favorites, but here are a few of the B&B Oscar winners (and losers) of the night!

Best Dressed:

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture, Mila Kunis in Elie Saab, Gweneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection, Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture

These ladies show us that this Spring we should be wearing pale shades, lace and beaded detailing, and simple shapes. 

Worst Dressed:

Nicole Kidman in Dior Haute Couture, Sharon Stone in Dior, Melissa Leo in Marc Bouwer

We love them all, but we do not love what they wore! Too much embellishment was the downfall for all three of these women. Though Sharon Stone was the worst, looking like an actual Black Swan!


Who did you think looked the best or was the biggest disaster?

Fashion Finds Friday: Mad Hatters

By Julie

All images via Style.com

There's no denying that Lauren has a shoe fetish and I obsess over each season’s it-bags, but there’s one more item at the top of our must-have lists this season! With so many over the top hats walking the runways, the statement chapeaux has become the ultimate wardrobe essential. Capping any outfit to perfection, these looks add the perfect amount of drama to your daily routine.

Rock a floppy like Bianca Jagger, an effortlessly cool fedora like Keira Knightly or a cheeky beret a la Coco Chanel. Whichever head-turning accessory you choose, know you’re in good company.

Here’s a peek at some of our favorites in stores now. I couldn’t find a crown, but I take my hat off to anyone who can pull that look off! 

1. Eugenia Kim Felt Fedora, Shopbop, $180

2. Opening Ceremony Felt Floppy Hat, $60

3. Two Tone Wide Brim Sun Hat, Zara, $39.90

4. Bow Felt Cloche, Aqua, $33.60

5. Leather Rain Hat, Zara, $39.90

6. Paper Straw Panama Hat, Aldo, $20

7. Eugenia Kim Toyo Slouchy Cap, Shopbop, $209

8. Diane Von Fustenburg Runway Visor, Shopbop, $45

T.G.I.F!

Cheer Up Sleepy Jean

By Lauren and Julie

On Lauren: Vest-H&M, Shirt-Zara, Boots-Marni
On Julie: Shirt-Zara , Shoes-Zara
Ottoman made by Lauren's mom with fabric from Mood

We have found the perfect pair of black jeans and could not wait another minute to share it with all of you! Our gifted Les Halles distressed denim jeans go with everything from Lauren's favorite vest to Julie's go-to pumps. They hug us in all the right places and go from day to night with ease. Even Lauren's dog Monster was a big fan! 

Jeans are a wardrobe essential, so finding a good pair is just delightful!

Where is your favorite pair from?

Spring Awakening- The Look for Less

By Julie

Lauren and I have been obsessed with H&M for a while, but we've both fallen head over heels for their new Spring line. H&M's Spring Awakening line is distinctly 70s with the perfect combination of 'flower-child' prints and billowy silhouettes mixed with raw Americana selvaged denim and work shirts.

Reminiscent of some of the Spring 11 looks from the catwalk, H&M is the perfect place to pick up designer looks without tapping too deep into the piggy bank. Mix and match the pieces and you're on your way to head-to-toe runway style.

Images via Style.com
American West inspirations from Derek Lam and Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collections

All images via HM.com

I want both of these last looks- one is perfect for the weekend while the other is great for work.

Do you have a favorite?

Fall '11

By Lauren and Julie

With New York fashion week behind us, we wanted to give you a little rundown of the velvets, furs, deep shades of black and expertly mixed patterns that sent our brains spinning in anticipation for Fall'11. Here are a sample of our favorites from last week and check out the styling to see what you can mix into your wardrobe sooner rather than later. 

Proenza Shouler 

Alexander Wang

Tibi

Wes Gordon

Ralph Lauren

Jill Stuart

Adam

Suno

Michael Kors

Derek Lam

Fashion Finds Friday: Trend Spotting

By Julie

Polka dots have been around for years now, but the bold print is returning as a hot, eye-catching retro trend. Associated mainly with Minnie mouse skirts and teeny weenie bikinis, it doesn't take a genius to connect the dots of these looks this season! The cute print has made its way back into the spotlight for Spring and Fall in a big way; no clowning around!

This week Marc Jacobs previewed his FW11 Collection and it was hard to miss his polka dot statements shown on tights, hats, handbags, suits and dresses. You name it!

All Images via Style.com

SS11 Runway Collections: Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Fendi, Louis Vuitton

I've always had an affinity towards the cute pattern since it was one of my Mom's favorite things to dress me in when I was little (for better or worse). Check out some of our favorite polka dot prints below and get ahead of the trend. The happy pattern is timeless and certainly worth the investment!

Have a great long weekend!

See you next week. Xox.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Puff-Sleeve Knit, Stylebop.com, $130

2. Polka Dot Culotte Playsuit, Topshop, $45

3. Mossimo Mix & Match Polka Dot Bikini, Target, $17.99

4. Comme des Garcons Zip Pouch, Otte, $100

5. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Polka Dot Blouse, wardrobe.com, $404.25

6. Miu Miu Polka Dot Platforms, Neiman Marcus, $495

7. Dottie Wrap Dress, NastyGal, $68

8. Swarovski Crystal Polka Dot Slant Tweezer, Cusp, $40

9. Polka Dot Pussybow Shirt, Topshop, $34

Zoe's Pre-Baby Baby

By Julie

Sometimes I try to convince myself that I don't really love her- I tell myself that her Rachel-isms get old and that her boho chic style is passe- but the truth is, I actually do <3 Rachel Zoe. She might not have made it to all the mah-jor shows or presented her new Fall Collection on the runway, but the fashionista certainly did not 'miss' this New York Fashion Week. In my opinion, she was nothing short of a hit!

Let's be clear though, the stylist didn't get my vote just because she has celebrities and other style mavens on her team. We're not that easily convinced here at B&B...

All images via Style.com

I'm obsessing over the new Rachel Zoe line because it's a mature and sophisticated development on her ubiquitous vintage, old-Hollywood and 70s disco-era inspirations. The designs are fresh, clean and timeless; not cheesy or over-played.

Monochromatic themes and sharp pops of color define the line. I bet you guessed that I love the contemporary takes on the classic suit and sexy tuxedos, but I die for the ultra feminine drapey blouses, and hot Mod-minis, too!

I know, right?

Ba-na-nas!!

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Fashion Week on the Streets

By Lauren

Image via Tommy Ton for Style.com

It's Fashion Week in NYC of course, and while all eyes are on the runways, I like to take a break to glance at what's going on off the runways. It's always interesting to see style mavens in their natural habitat, at a fashion show that is and how they are interpreting the trends for "everyday" wear. A big thanks to all the ladies who are bringing their style A-Game to Lincoln Center this year and inspiring my own outfit choices. 

Susie Bubble looking great as always, showing us that your turban can match your handbag...duh.
 Image via Tommy Ton for Style.com

A new take on the top-knot and a fashionable way to schlep two bags at once. We all have way too much to carry and shes's doing it well. Not to mention I have those grey Miu Miu shoes, so obv I love her style!
Images vis Mr. Newton

Love the way she wears her slouchy knit hat as part of her monochromatic ensemble. And no, the woman on the right is not Rachel Zoe, don't let the perfectly over-sized clothes and large cup of coffee fool you.
Images via The Sartorialist

Shout out to our friend, The Man Repeller herself, for wearing this fabulous vest that makes it look like she's crawling out of a stuffed animal, which is a total compliment in her world! 

Image via Mr. Newton

These ladies know exactly how to add pops of color in all the right places.  P.S. bonus points for looking effortless/not shivering in this cold New York weather.

Images via Mr. Newton

The Queen Bee herself, Anna Wintour, in between shows during fashion week

Image via The Sartorialist

Cabs are hard to find this week in midtown, but these women know just how to look good while fighting for one. The woman on the top left has a hand covered in fur...need I say more. Ok I will...amazing! How she can hold that phone is yet another fashion week miracle. 

Images via Tommy Ton for Style.com

The woman on the left has killer shoes to match her awesome outfit that shapes her body wonderfully. While the pair on the right have coordinated the New York City black outfit staple to pure perfection.
Images via Tommy Ton for Style.com

To close out this amazing fashion show of the streets, I leave you with two women who know how to pick a coat. Hope they have something just as fab underneath.

Images via Phil Oh for Street Peeper.com

Stay warm and enjoy the rest of fashion week.

What are you wearing to look cool in the cold?

IMPROVD Store Opening

By Lauren

With Fashion Week in full swing, there is no shortage of chaos in Manhattan. So I was delighted to discover the beautiful simplicity of the line, IMPROVD, when I attended their Fall '11 presentation and store opening last Friday in the Meatpacking district. It's easy to shop for all these basic yet perfectly constructed pieces since their new home has a very minimalistic feel, in a good way! No overcrowded racks, or mannequins to step around here. The pieces speak for themselves.

The concept of the presentation is playing with the idea of perception - not everything is as it appears. Keeping with the theme, Nisian Hughes shot video of the models wearing the pieces and then projected them onto life-sized forms. It was a really unique way of seeing the collection and I loved the originality.

The style and quality of this line comes at an unexpectedly lower price point. These were some of my favorite pieces that I can't wait to get my hands on!

The designers, Sam Ben-Avraham and Valentino Vettori (pictured with me above) are experienced veterans of the fashion business. Ben-Avraham founded NYC cult boutique, Atrium, and Vettori was at Scatola Showroom. 

This line of reinvented quality basics can be purchased online at www.improvd.com and at specialty boutiques such as Intermix and Atrium of course.

IMPROVD

819 Washington street