Somewear: Girl Baby Shower

I’m at that age now where I’m getting more baby shower invites than wedding ones.  Ok by me; I don’t mind a good mid-day mimosa and afternoon game of “Baby Bingo.”  This past weekend I went to two showers- one for a girl and one for a boy.  I sort of think it’s fun to dress the gender when attending one of these baby bashes.  For a girl shower I say go super frilly and feminine!  

• Alice + Olivia, Floral Dress, $796 
• Diane von Furstenberg, Anette Pointed Top, $278 
• Pottery Barn Kids, Sleep Sheep, $22.00-$29.95 
• Rebecca Minkoff, Mini Box, $195 
• Lancome, La Vie Est Belle Parfum, $75 
• Anthropologie, Nebula Cluster Posts, $28 

Excess-orizing with… @SuzannaDai

I’ve decided to create a new series for STB centered around my biggest fashion obsession- ACCESSORIES.  Don’t get me wrong- of course- I love all things clothing, but accessories can make or break an outfit.  Accessories can change your average LBD into a jaw-dropping moment.  I wanted to kick off the series with one of my absolute fave jewelry designers, Suzanna Dai.  If I could own every one of her pieces, I would!  She is truly an artist, which is why I put her up to the task of taking a classic black dress and EXCESS-ORIZING it into a fabulous show-stopping number!  When gathering her picks together, Suzanna told me she was inspired by the opulent baroque trend.  I couldn’t agree with her picks more.  They really transform the dress, making it perfect for any night out this holiday season!

• Suzanna Dai, Linz Necklace, $345 
• Ella Moss, Rosalyn Strapless Dress, Sale- $138.60 
• Dolce & Gabbana, Embroidered Mary-Jane Pumps, $1,051 
• Lauren Wolf Jewelry, Druzy Studs, $165
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Limited Edition Sun Circle Clutch, $995 

Excessive Baggage: Packing for a Ski Trip

Travel blogger, Amy Jarczynski from Jetsetter Gypsy, reached out to me recently about her upcoming ski trip to the Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise.  She thought her trip would make for another great Excessive Baggage collab, so I created a fun ski trip packing check list for her!  Of course, anyone who skis regularly knows about all the hard core ski garb needed to really get out there and hit the slopes, so I decided to skip the boring stuff, and focus more on the cute stuff– like your ski bunny outfit for the lodge or your cozy pjs for lounging in your room after a long day out in the snow! 

• Wildfox, I Believe in Magic Sweatshirt, $108 
• Juicy Couture, Thermal Leggings, $43.40 
• Marc by Marc Jacobs, Puffer Jacket, $498 
• Tory Burch, Joey Boot, $350  
• Kate Spade, Arm Warmers, Sale- $66 
• J.Crew, Fair Isle Ski Sweater, $138 
• Diane von Furstenberg, Danette Sweater Dress, $385 
• I Ski, Sunglasses, $28 
• VINCE, Turtleneck Sweater, $320 
• American Apparel, Leggings (3 Pack), Sale- $66 
• Kate Spade, Big Apple Bow Ski Hat, $88 
• DUFFY, Snood, $95 

STB’s Designer Gadget Gift Guide

Wanna give some designer love this season without spending the designer bucks?  These gadgets make for the perfect gifts!  They are j’adorable and affordable! 

1. For the Gym Rat- Jonathan Adler, Retro Floral Earbuds, $20 
2. For the Fashion Blogger- Target + Neiman Marcus Collection, Proenza Schouler iPad Sleeve, $39.99 
3. For the Chatty Kathy- Rebecca Minkoff, Pop Phone Handset, $48 
4. For the Jet Setter- DVF, Travel Adapter, $95 
5. For the Social Butterfly- Kate Spade New York, iPhone 5 Crossword Puzzle Case, $40 
6. For the Presentation Princess- Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pickles the Bulldog Flash Drive, $42  

Somewear: International Business Conference

My girlfriend is traveling to Hong Kong this week for her company’s international business conference.  She needs work clothes that will pack well, not wrinkle, and be semi-comfortable.  Though this dress still seems a bit restricting, the peplum makes for a great cover incase you eat too much at lunch! 

• Zara, Jacquard Peplum Dress, $79.90
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Darlena Pump, $278
• Alexander Wang, Emile Satchel, $925
• Elizabeth and James, Varick Glasses, $180
• Estee Lauder, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Hot Copper, $25
• Far Fetch, Vintage Chanel Earrings, $474.83

Where to Wear: Peachy Keen Colors

The Spring 2013 shows have just begun, but I’m already seeing some trends.  This pretty pastel is definitely making it’s way down a number of runways.

1. Diane von Furstenberg
2. Tracy Reese
3. Mara Hoffman
4. Lela Rose
5. Calla
6. Rebecca Taylor

Somewear: Chihuly Night at the Dallas Arboretum

I’m so excited, because tonight I’ll be walking through the Dallas Arboretum viewing various dramatic glass sculpture installations created by artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly creates free-standing sculptures, large-scale artwork installations and drawings, which have been exhibited at museums, gardens, architectural environments and galleries throughout the world.

For those of you in the Dallas area: his work will be up until November 5th.  Plus, Wednesday and Thursday nights are buy one get one free for the entire month of August!  For more info, you can visit the Dallas Arboretum.

For those of you not in the Dallas area: this DVF romper is on sale!  What!?!?  It’s so cute! 

• Diane Von Furstenberg, Ebuca Print Silk Romper, Sale- $266.90
• Jimmy Choo, Polaris Patent Espadrille Pump, $385
• NARS, Honolulu Honey Color, $24
• LuLu Frost, Pipeline Cabochon Earring, $145
• Shameless Jewelry, Gold Leaves Ring, $45
• Marc Jacobs, Perfume, $75

Somewear: Cruise Ship!

I’m leaving for a cruise on Sunday and I just couldn’t resist buying one last outfit.  This jumpsuit has “Let’s Set Sail” all over it! 

• Anthropologie, Corey Lynn Calter, In A Day Jumpsuit, $158 
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Kerry Belt, Sale- $129.50
• Bauble Bar, Candy Spike Collar, $110
• Miu Miu, T-Strap Sandal, Sale- $483
• Alexander McQueen, Navigator Sunglasses, $395
• Clinique, Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mighty Mimosa, $16

Somewear: Hotel Villa San Michele Terrace in Fiesole

My girlfriend, Libby, who lived in Florence for a semester in college, told me that her absolute favorite place to visit was a little town called Fiesole which sat in the scenic hills just above Florence.  She said the view there was unreal and that I must go for a glass of wine (or two).  Well, I did one better with a dinner reservation at the beautiful Hotel Villa San Michele.  I want to get there early to sip outside on the terrace and watch the sunset over the magical city of Firenze!

• Diane Von Furstenberg, Tchad Wedge Sandals, $278
• Prada, Baroque Sunglasses, $290
• Indikka, Floral Peasant Maxi Dress, $225
• Coralia Leets, White Druzy Moonstone Drop Earrings, $348
• Diane von Furstenberg, Lytton Metallic Minaudiere, $325
• NARS, Nail Polish Trouville, $18

Prep Club

It’s time to take the Prep Club to the next level.  This season it’s all bending the rules a bit, getting creative, and exploring that unexpected mix of  bright colors and bold patterns.  It’s a loud trend, but it can be done. Pick out some eye-catching denim, a spring colored oxford, and an unevenly striped shirt and you’re on your way to creating a perfectly preppy looking number.

• Rachel Antonoff for Bass, Maebird, $129
• Old Navy, The Rock Star Super Skinny Jeans, Sale- $32.50
• J.Crew, Cashmere Boat Neck Sweater, $238
• Mango, Belt, $34.99
• Melie Bianco, Allie Flap Over Messenger Bag, $61
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Eaden Scarf, $145 
• Bauble Bar, Solar Studs, $122

Somewear: Beach Bar at the Hotel Gansevoort

My mother-in-law is in Turks + Caicos this week at the Hotel Gansevoort.  I wish I was there basking in the sun with her, but  I can’t complain too much about the California weather.  In beach environments it’s almost a sin to wear dark colors, so I found this stunning bright green number that I think would look great on her!  It’s beachy, but dressy at the same time which can be a tricky combo to pull off.       

• Alice + Olivia, Draped One Shoulder Dress, $297 
• Kenneth Cole, Gold Cuff, $38
• Michael Antonio, Granville Wedge, $59
• Bauble Bar, Maasai Fringe, $24
• DVF, Woven Raffia Tonda Clutch, $345

Somewear: Birthday Lunch with the Girls

 
Today is my girlfriend, Daniella’s, birthday.  January babies always get the shaft, but the girls are taking her to lunch!  No sense in stopping the party on NYE.  I’ve made a 2012 resolution for her (and for my mother): Wear More Color!  This still incorporates her favorite color, black, but also gives her a fun pop!  Happy BDAY, D!

• DVF, Nori Silk Crepe Dress, $425
• Kate Spade, Mansfield Liv Bag, $425
• Calvin Klein, Whinnie Pumps, $108
• Kendra Scott, Jeanine Dangle Earrings in Aster, $75 
• Beyond Rings, Round Cat's Eye Ring in White, $60

What to Wear When: It’s Your Turn to do the Talking

Big Presentation? Lunch with the Boss? Dinner with a soon-to-be ex? Say what’s on your mind and own the room.  It’s time for them to hear you roar!    

• Diane von Furstenberg, Reara Colorblock Dress, $365
• Jessica Simpson, Calie Pump, $79
• Rachel Zoe, Audrey Bag, $525
• Suzanna Dai, Cordoba Drop Earrings, $175
• Jenny Bird, Hear Me Roar Ring, $95
• Estee Lauder, Pure Color Crystal Lipstick, $24

Rosh Hashanah Services

  While in NY this week, I’ve been visiting with a lot of my Jewish gal pals who today are celebrating the Jewish New Year!  Mazel, ladies.  One of my Jewish besties told me that at Synagogue you must cover your shoulders, which is why I chose this little blue number.  It’s a conservative look that you could wear to work, if need be, then straight to services.  To all my Jewish followers, I hope your day is filled with lots of apples and honey, for a sweet new year!

XOXO,
  STB

• Zara, Dress with Slits, $89.90
• Michael Kors, Eden Nude Pump, $250
• Kara by Kara Ross, Arrow Necklace, $290
• DANNIJO, Jacinda Ring, $88
• Diane von Furstenberg, Tonda Sliced Leather Clutch, $365 
• Fresh, Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment, $22.50
• Nina Ricci, Nina Fragrance, $20-$78

What to Wear: From Airplane to Conference Room

Traveling for work can be tiresome, especially when you go straight from the airport to a meeting.  There are a few key things to look for when dealing with this type of scenario.  1. You need layers.  Planes are always freezing cold, so you need to be able to add and subtract to your look.  2.  You need an outfit that is comfortable, yet professional looking at the same time.  To me, wrap dresses solve this problem. 3.  You need a bag that is a big enough to fit your travel clothes in, but is structured and chic enough to carry with you all day long. 

• NY & Co, Wrap Dress, $59.95
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Flower Fan Red Wool/Silk Blend Scarf, $245
• Kelsi Dagger, Jordi Flat, $89
• BCBG, Black silk-cashmere convertible cardigan, $111.99
• Kate Spade, Cobble Hill Travel Leisure, $645 
• Lauren by Ralph Lauren, iPad Case, $118

American Cancer Society Fundraiser on the Soho House Rooftop

My girlfriend, Mia, is attending an event for the American Cancer Society tomorrow evening, but she’ll be coming straight from work, so she needs something that’s appropriate for day and night. Besides the clutch (which she can simply just throw in a tote), this whole outfit will work seamlessly.  It’ll take her from business meetings in the office to evening cocktails by the pool. It’s sophisticated, yet sexy- just like Mia!

• Diane von Furstenberg, Tamara Dress, Sale- $241.50
• J.Crew, Love Me-Knot Necklace, $85
• Loeffler Randall, Paige Criss-Cross Stiletto, Sale- $220
• Kara Ross, Disco Python Earrings, $175
• Lauren Merkin, Ludlow, $350
• Gold Rhinestone Ribbon Pin, $10
• Estée Lauder Sensuous, Eau de Parfum Spray, $30-$55 (0.5 oz-1.7 oz)

Rehearsal Dinner to Private Robert Earl Keen Concert

My girlfriend, Daniella, gave me quite the interesting task last week: to find a dress that
would be appropriate to wear to a fancy rehearsal dinner, but would also pair well with cowboy boots
for a private late night Robert Earl Keen concert.  I’m not what you would call a “country girl”, so
don’t even think for one second that I knew who Robert Earl Keen was or that I had any idea on how
to pair an adorably chic party dress with clunky, thick heeled cowboy boots.  However, after some
extensive research online and some folk-style serenading from my aunt and cousin I quickly got up to
speed and found the perfect ensemble for my girlfriend’s jam packed, yet fun-filled evening!

The Dress: Alice + Olivia, Melanie draped silk-crepe dress, $370

Rehearsal Dinner Look:

• Diane Von Furstenberg, Lytton Clutch, $325
• Bounkit, Lapis & Coral Drop Earrings, $375
• Pade Vavra, Gold and Platinum Plated Drusy Bracelet, $300
• Kate Spade, Lourdes Gold Metallic Lizard Snake Sandal, Sale $298
• Laura Mercier, Lip Glacé Pink Tulle, $22

Robert Earl Keen Look:

• Free People, Vintage Studded Cowboy Boots (Size 7), $148
• Pade Vavra, Indian Sunset Ring, $185
• J Weber, Yellow Gold Diamond Cowboy Hat Necklace, $738
• Blu Bijoux, Crystal Pave Cup Stud Earrings, $40
• Forever 21, Zigzag Panel Bracelet, $11
• BDG, Skinny Braided Leather Belt, $20

Somewear: Bridal Brunch at the Boat House in NYC

My girlfriend, Libby, is hosting a bridal shower for one of her best friends, Katie.  After hearing many details about the event, I know how incredible it’s going to be.  Not only is the Boat House a magical oasis in NY’s Central Park, but Katie and all of her girlfriends are very stylish ladies, so it’s going to be quite the spectacle!  I can’t wait to stalk the pics later on Facebook!

• Diane von Furstenberg, Reara Dress, $365
• Diane von Furstenberg, Lytton Snakeskin Clutch, $395 (I know, I know- double DVF, but this clutch is just too irresistible not to pair it with the dress!)
• L.A.M.B., Kesha Platform Sandals, $228
• Gigi Chic, Green Druzy Pendant Necklace, $65
• Dara Ettinger, Felicia Druzy Round Studs, $95

Somewear: Gallery Opening for the Newest Dali Exhibition

I just received an invite to attend this opening, but unfortunately won’t be able to make it.  If I were to be there, though, I would want to be wearing these stunning statement pieces!  Fashion is just another form of art and expression, which is perhaps what I love best about it.  And what better way to express my love for Dali and the contemporary art world than with a dress like this! If you are in NY on the 23rd and want to attend this guaranteed to be amazing exhibit, RSVP here!     

• Yigal Azrouel, Cut-Out Shoulder Dress in Optic Multi, $895
• Diane von Furstenberg, Opal Crisscross Wedge Sand, $295
• JJ Winters, Yellow Croc Clutch, $295
• Assad Mounser, Rambler Cuff, $274
• House of Harlow 1960, Sunburst Button Earrings, $30

Somewear: Party on the Pier

This look goes out to all my southern ladies who would never be seen donning anything but
their Sunday best.  It’s finally time to show off your eyelet white dress, strappy stilettos, and your
favorite shades of blue: summer is almost here!

• See By Chloe, Eyelet Dress, $495  
• Michael Kors, Chain-Link Watch, $225
• Kara Ross, Big Turquoise Ring, $420 
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Venus, $335