7/31/12

B&B x Vaseline- Giveaway!

By Lauren and Julie

Did you know that 36% of women admit to cleaning out their medicine cabinet less than once every two years? Scary, right? Well, we're determined to not become a part of that statistic so today we're teaming up with Vaseline and taking you inside Lauren's medicine cabinet to show you what we choose to use on a daily basis in hopes that it may just help you weed through one or two of those mystery bottles clogging up your cabinet. 


Moisturizers: 

We recently started using Vaseline lotions because we figured that the brand we've all trusted for years to moisturize our lips with 100% petroleum jelly, must know how to moisturize our bodies, too! The Vaseline Total Moisture line, which is now better than ever, is a range of lotions that actually feel good to use while also doing good for your skin. The fast-absorbing formulas are really the perfect light-feeling lotions for the hot and humid weather we've been having here in NYC. It allows you to walk out the door feeling smooth and moisturized without that extra sticky layer of residue that most lotions leave behind. 


Antiperspirants: 

Without getting too personal, we've got to tell you about our latest obsession. Julie and I are always going back and forth talking about which antiperspirants and deodorants we're each using because we find our bodies' reactions and needs tend to change with the seasons. Anyone else know the feeling?? Well, we've found that Dove's Clinical Protection Antiperspirant/Deodorant officially stands the test of time (and seasons) combining 24-hour odor and wetness protection with its delicate and moisturizing under-arm formula. We always go for the light, clean scents of the brand's original formula since there's nothing worse than clashing deodorant smells with your favorite fragrance.


Hair-Care:

We all know how easy it is to get suckered into spending a fortune on luxury hairstyling products especially when you're leaving the salon, but we've found that Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Bodifying Mousse is just as effective and a fraction of the price of some of those other brand name beauty products. It gives your hair gorgeous volume and control while working to bind 84% of split ends together with continued use. Yup, it had us at hello! 

That combined with TRESemmé's 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray is the final step that gives us that amazing 'just stepped out of the salon' feeling and look at home. This finishing spray is our fav because it's humidity-resistant, leaving our hair manageable and shiny, but never stiff. 


Actually, did you know that 27% of women admit to having products in their medicine cabinet that have been there for more than 3 years? It's easy to see how it could happen though with so many tempting new items to choose from in the aisles of our local pharmacies and drug-stores, but we're determined to keep it clean and simple. 

Tell us, how many lotions do you have in your own medicine cabinet?? 

Vaseline will generously choose 5 lucky readers to win a package of some of our favorite beauty and skincare products. Do share! 

XOX

**All statistics have been provided by Vaseline, but all opinions are of course, our own.  We will only endorse products and support brands that we ourselves use and believe in. 


7/30/12

Turquoise Skies

By Julie
Happy Monday, loves.

The skies couldn't have parted at a more perfect time Sunday night. After a weekend of on-and-off clouds and storms, the sun came out just in time for some sunset cocktails and dinner along our favorite strip in Tribeca. I've been pretty much obsessed with this dress since the beginning of summer and it was the perfect evening to break out a seasonal favorite; subdued and feminine, but sexy at the same time. I love the sheer skirt. 







Dress: c/o Walter by Walter Baker, Bag: c/o Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes: c/o Sole Society, Bangles: Vintage curated by Alice and Olivia, Lipstick: NARS Schiap
I have to tell you, It was a weekend of serious celeb sightings for me! I sat next to Jonah Hill at spinning on Sunday morning and literally bumped into Mary-Kate Olsen leaving her apartment on my way home. Pretty crazy!

Only 2 days left to sign up for Sole Society and get $15 off your first purchase by using BornandBread15 at check-out. I can't wait to break out my August picks. 

Come on girls, treat yourself!
XOX


7/27/12

Because Carrie Said So

By Lauren

Of course we all remember the moment that Carrie Bradshaw made us realize that the fanny pack can be chic and not just worn by the average Disney World tourist. Not only is it practical, but also adorable. I've been dying for one these days especially when my over-stuffed purse is breaking my shoulder. 



So it an effort to minimize my weekend schlepping, I'm on the hunt for the perfect fanny pack a la Sex and the City!
The vintage Gucci fanny pack is avaiable on eBay but there are some stylish updates to this look as well.



1. Ecot Studded Fanny Pack $29
2. Michael by Michael Kors $68
3. Enrico Fantini Grey Pack $79
4. Billabong Hearts Fanny Pack
5. Billabong Floral Hip Pack $39

Would you rock this hands-free satchel or is it better off left to the T.V. stars?

Also, today we're playing double-duty and sharing one of our favorite summer looks over at the adorable blog, The Girls of Lincoln Park. The ladies are fab so be sure to check it out. Thanks for having us over, girls!

T.G.I.F.



7/26/12

Copy Cat

By Lauren

Since imitation is the highest form of flattery, or so I've been told, I'm determined to create this look for myself. I love to peruse the street style photos on Elle.com and find a way to replicate my favorite looks constantly, but this one I'm going to share with you. 



I love this combo of floral with tribal accessories. So let's go shopping shall we...

The vest pictured is from The Celine Spring/Summer '12 collection is completely sold out everywhere and totally out of my budget. So since fall is right around the corner, why not replicate this look with 
a jacket.



1. Thankoon Additon Trench $580
2. Helmet Lang Jersey Tee $90
3. Paige Denim Jeans $143
4. Dannijo Lindsay Bracelet $90
5. Dannijo Lulu Bracelets $105
6. CC Skye Cuff $175

7/25/12

Summer Swirls

By Lauren

Last week I wore this Walter dress to the Paris Opera at Lincoln Center. It was one of those heat wave days and I don't know what came over me but I thought I could take a romantic stroll with my husband through the park afterwards. This was a huge mistake, we made it about ten minutes, then I found this huge rock and sat down. At least we made it a photo op though! 


Dress: Walter; Shoes: Miu Miu; Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim






Needless to say, we found our way into a taxi after these pictures were taken.

7/24/12

Croatian Nights!

By Julie

As sad as I am that we're already mid-way through summer (the time has seriously flown!), I couldn't be more excited for my trip to Croatia and August! My fiancee and I decided to book a little last minute trip to celebrate our engagement and spend some time together before he heads back to business school in the Fall. 

I can't wait for long days at the beach, afternoon cocktails and lots of super fresh seafood. These are my essentials for those breezy Croatian nights under the stars.

Dress, Shoes, Bag, Scarf, Cuff

But instead of just putting all my outfits together for the trip, I should really start to figure out where we're going to stay... typical we leave that one to the last minute! I hear stops in Hvar, Split and Dubrovnik are essential. Have you guys been? Any suggestions??

Come on, help a girl out.
XOX



**Be sure to sign up and shop our closet at Sole Society for our favorite monthly picks-- the Shiloh is my personal fav for July. Remember to use BornandBread15 at check out before 7/31 for $15 off your first purchase!


7/23/12

Coffee Talk

By Julie

Happy Monday, loves. I was so not ready for this weekend to be over, the weather was so amazing. But we'll make it through.

Last week Lauren and I were talking about how a great coffee table book really is one of the greatest gifts and I've pretty much been obsessing ever since. I love how they do just the trick to warm up a room and showcase your individual style, interests and personality.















Stacked high or shown sparingly, they certainly make an undeniable impact, don't you think?

Mine are stacked on top of each other and staggered within my bookshelves.
Where are yours displayed?

XOX

7/20/12

Shoes Shoes Shoes

By Lauren

I hate to talk about the Fall in July but for an amazing pair of shoes it's def worth it. These new Sergio Rossi shoes just hit the web on Barney's and I think I might have to make an investment to add to my autumn wardrobe. 





Have you been eyeing anything for fall?

7/19/12

Beauty Secrets

By Julie

I feel extremely guilty because I feel like I've been keeping a major secret from all of you. It's no shocker that we're huge fans of Mario Badescu here at B&B (like here and here), but I may have just found their very best product yet!

Mario Badescu Eye Make-up Remover Gel


I find that most drugstore brand make-up removers leave that dizzying, greasy residue around your eyes for hours after you use it even when they claim to be 'non-oily', right?  Yea, I can't stand that either! So in my hunt for the most non-greasy formula on the market, I've successfully found a gel that does it all right. Super gentle and immediately effective, I'm officially obsessed. You've got to try it! 

Sometimes it's the simplest things that make a world of difference, right? I highly recommend.

XOX

7/18/12

Sole Society Sandals

By Lauren

Here at B&B we are loving Sole Society and all their fabulous styles of shoes. This weekend I wore these jeweled sandals to brunch and plan on wearing them as much as I can. You can get your own pair plus many others at Sole Society and remember to enter BORNANDBREAD15 for $15 off your first purchase. The offer expires at the end of July so get on over and while you're there, dont forget to "follow" us to see our picks every month!


Shoes: Sole Society; Shorts: Michael by Michael Kors; Shirt: Madewell




Jeweled sandals are my new obsession...what is your go to flat sandal this summer?

7/17/12

Stella's Slit

By Lauren

Summer cocktail parties can get tricky because you never know how fancy or casual they might be. So when I found this dress I knew the mesh top and cool slit would make it the perfect attire for any summer evening spent with friends dancing under the stars. 

Dress: Stella McCartney; Shoes: Miu Miu; Bracelet: Michael Kors




Dressing up for a date night with my husband is so much fun and I loved that this dress was sexy but still stylish, making us both happy! :) 

7/16/12

Simon Pearce

By Julie

A few weeks back I visited the Simon Pearce headquarters and dined at the adorable Mill Restaurant in Quechee, Vermont. I've always loved all of their blown glass designs and pottery, but it was amazing to watch the intricacies that goes into each and every handmade piece.



I love this table setting with a mix of their clear glass and colored pottery pieces.


We loaded up on iced coffees in the brand's most popular everyday glassware.


Simon Pearce has always worked with clear glass for his designs. The 'raw' glass pellets are fed into the glass furnace where they are heated to approximately 2400 degrees Fahrenheit.


The glassblower places the heated end of a blowing pipe into the molten glass and gathers a 'glob' of glass by turning the pipe. This is called 'the gather'.


The glassblower then brings the gather of glass to the workbench, where it is shaped using wooden tools called blocks. 


Once the glass is symmetrically shaped the glassblower blows down the pipe forcing an air bubble into the glass. 


Once the piece is finished, it is placed in a special oven called a 'lehr' where it is heated to 950 degrees.The glass must be cooled very slowly to avoid cracking and to relieve any stress in the piece. This process called annealing, takes about 6 to 8 hours. Each piece is then inspected and graded as first or second quality. Any piece with a structural flaw is then discarded.


With so many beautiful vases, hurricanes, and stemware to choose from, I definitely got a few ideas for when it comes time to officially set up our wedding registry. 

Tell me, are you guys Simon Pearce fans? Any pieces you'd suggest?!

XOX