Hats Off to You!

With all the Royal Wedding hoopla last week it wasn't hard to get caught up in the romance, the extravagance, and of course, the hats! Sure, some of the guests and royal family had hats that were a little over the top (see Princess Eugenie and Beatrice), but others were chic and definitely tasteful.   Most of the time we think of hats for baseball games, old ladies, or as a cure for a bad hair day but the Royal Wedding has us excited to try some for every day or formal occasions. Here are some very wearable head ornaments for spring and summer.

Not only is a floppy black hat the easiest way to achieve instant elegance, it is seductive and mysterious -reminding us of old Hollywood glamor.  Wearing black to formal events is typically, but wearing a hat like this will insure you don't get lost in the crowd.

Who says fedoras are just for gangsters (or pimps?).  This girl looks cool and casual in this straw fedora from Nordstrom with it's pretty and romantic oversized flower.

You don't need to go on safari to wear a cool hat!  This simple white hat, adorned with a fun leather strap and buckle, will look great poolside or while roaming those flee market aisles. Available at Urban Outfitters.

Straw hats are all the rage, from floppy to fedora, they come in a wide variety of style and give you that carefree, laid back look.  We like this hat from Free People because it's a little bit country but has a great old fashioned shape and chic, feminine bow.

 

Another great straw hat is this one from Banana Republic.  It's a fun hat with a large brim and is detailed with a pretty, delicate eyelet pattern.  Careful though, reviews say this hat is great but runs a little large so order the smaller size if in doubt.

Love the straw style but looking for something bolder?  Go with stripes and instantly modernize your look!  We love this citrus striped hat for it's bright, sunshine color that is sure to add a little punch to the spring and summer palette.

Not the laid back, straw loving, farm girl?  Show your a little edgy and go metallic from head to toe!  This sexy and dramatic hat, from Bloomingdales, would be a greatway to jazz up an outfit with it's sexy, floppy style and metallic silver sheen.





XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Ann Simpson is an American singer, actress, television personality and fashion designer whose rise to fame began in 1999. Since that time, Simpson has achieved many recording milestones, starred in several television shows, movies, and commercials, launched a line of hair and beauty products, and designed fragrances, shoes, and handbags for women. She has devoted time to philanthropic efforts including Operation Smile and a USO-hosted tour for troops stationed overseas.

She has achieved seven Billboard Top 40 hits, three gold and two multi-platinum Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified studio albums, four of which have reached the top 10 on the US Billboard 200. Simpson starred with her then-husband Nick Lachey in the MTV reality show Newly weds: Nick and Jessica. She ventured into the country music market in 2008 and released Do You Know.

Simpson has a total of records sales in Australia of more than 426,000 copies and was ranked in the #113 on the 1000 artists chart of Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Music Decade Charts (1980–2010).In 2009, Billboard named Simpson as the 95th overall best Artists of the Decade. Simpson also was ranked at number 86 on Billboard 200 Artists, based on album sales.

VIA

Spring Fever

Dolls, rejoice! It's officially spring, so let's celebrate the season with some lovely floral looks available this year.  While floral prints usually exude all that is soft and feminine, it's easy to make these pieces more hip and edgy, or glamorous and stylish.  It's all about the attitude and accessories.  Here are some ideas:

A soft floral printed dress, like this belted dress from Forever 21, can be worn with a light colored cardigan, flats, and soft curls for a very sweet ensemble. But add some stockings, military boots, and eye liner, and all of a sudden you're Little Miss Grunge-Shine, à la Angela Chase.

Who said florals are for kids? Throw on this gorgeous sparkle necklace from  J. Crew, and you'll dazzle even Edward Cullen.  It would look great with a crisp white blouse and pencil skirt for some major style at work, or with your trusty LBD to make a major statement out on the town.

 We consider this dress to be our Dream Dress, as both of us separately fell in love with it on Mod Cloth and are still dreaming of excuses to purchase it.  The soft floral print, lovely pastel colors, and perfect vintage style fit is exactly what we dream of in a springtime dress.  The only downside is the price, but if you have an event in mind to wear this too, then there should be no stopping you.

The wonderful thing about Target is that they tend to have the cutest shoes and accessories, even if for only a limited time. These floral flats by Xhiliration are one of the cutest shoes we've seen at Target for a while, so make haste and grab yourself a pair before they're out of stock.  Saira's already invested in a pair, and for $19.99, so should you.

This floral skirt from Top Shop is so Kelly Kapowski, and we love it. While we don't suggest wearing this with a giant scrunchie, rolled down socks, and keds, we do think this would look great with nude colored peeptoes and a racer back tank, with maybe a long necklace to complete the ensemble.

Crossover bags are very in right now, and we can see why.  They're a nice change of pace from our oversized bags that can be used as a miniature weapon, resulting in an accessory that has both form and function.  If you plan on traveling this spring, or just don't want to feel weighed down, then go for this tapestry crossbody bag by Ecote.  It's just the right size to fit your cell phone, camera, lip gloss, and a pack of tissues (if you have nerdy allergies), and has a rustic tapestry print that is perfect for the spring.

A floral, flowing mini is pretty much our go to outfit for warm weather.  Just wear a plain tee or tank, and you're ready to go.  Delia's has a few nice choices, just remember to go for a size up because we're no longer 16!  Forever 21 is also a great place to look, as they have a number of different prints and colors available, the majority of them for less than $20 a pop!

Just because you're stuck indoors all day doesn't mean you don't appreciate seasons!  For your work wardrobe, incorporate florals with a simple patterned cardigan.  This would look lovely with a pencil or full 50's style skirt and is seasonal but subdued, perfect for a stodgy office. 





Spring is in bloom!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Color Day: Dreaming of a White Christmas

Here in NJ it is rare but, on occasion, we are lucky enough to wake up Christmas morning to a soft dusting of snow.  A white Christmas is something we always dream of and it certainly helps to add to the magic of Christmas. We're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, so it's only appropriate that our last color day before the holiday represent just that! Glistening tree tops, sleigh bells ringing and fluffy, white, blankets of snow are part of what makes this season so beautiful. You can go with cool white and silver for an icy mix or warm white and gold for a fire-side glow.  This board shows a little bit of both worlds with a mix of cool and warm whites that captures the essence of candle lit, cozy snowy evening.  

Winter White Christmas Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: The Wedding Decorator, Chandra Keel, Wedding Wire, Style Me Pretty, One Wed, skimbaco lifestyle, Artessen, Be Different Act Normal, Enchanted Dream Weddings,  Kelly Hicks Design, Wedding Paper Divas



May all your Christmases be white.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Holiday Style: Office Holiday Party

Tis the season of presents, snow flakes, mittens, and office holiday parties! Depending on your office, the holiday party can be very simple (takes place during lunch on the day before Christmas Eve) or extravagant (takes place at the Empire Hotel where all your clients are invited). You know your office style best, so when dressing up for the office holiday party, carefully consider the timing of the event, the guest list, and the venue. Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling:

If you're office is fairly casual, you can easily get away with a simple, festive cardigan.  This one, from New York and Company, has just the right amount of sparkle to spread some Christmas cheer.  Pair it with a nice grey skirt like in the photo and some black tights and heels and you'll be comfortable and stylish all throughout your work day.

Need something just slightly less casual but still polished and professional?  Add a little pizzazz to your otherwise boring office attire and go for ruffles, metallics, and varying patterns this holiday season. The combination of textures adds a level of luxury and the warm winter white and gold creates a luxurious and sophisticated holiday look.

Want to be a little more cozy? This tweed, cowl neck dress from MANGO is wonderfully versatile. How you wear it depends on your office style and your personal flair. Wear it casual with an oversized belt and booties with hoop earrings,  or dress it up black pumps and tights and silver bangles. Either way, you're sure to look chic and warm.

 If your holiday office party takes place right after work, leaving you no room to do a wardrobe change, then pick an outfit that is work appropriate but is still dressy enough for an after-work gathering. This tweed, cowl neck dress from Mod Cloth is a perfect choice. It's modest and sensibly cut, so you can definitely wear it to work with flats and a cardigan without feeling over done. Then after work, throw on some heels, ditch the cardigan, and add some jewelry and you're ready for whatever the night brings!

Another great dress option is this silk petal dress from Banana Republic. Depending on where you work, you could wear this dress during the day with a blazer with your hair throw up in a messy bun, and then take down your hair (literally) for the office party. We really like how this dress looks with black tights (as shown on the model), but you can also wear it with high boots to make it more casual. We also suggest adding some red accessories to get into the Christmas spirit!

Ditch your pencil skirt and go for something a bit more casual this holiday season. This high waisted, paneled skirt from Zara is the perfect length for an office party, showing just the right amount of leg. The basic black makes it safe to wear in the office, but the fullness of the skirt makes it softer and more feminine. Pair the skirt with a simple blouse or a brightly colored cardigan and look perfectly sweet under the mistletoe. 

If you work in a more conservative office, this sleek sleeveless top from The Limited may be a good choice. It comes in a number of different colors,  depending on how bold you want to be. If your office has a stricter dress code, then wear it with a pencil skirt and a blazer. Otherwise, we think this would look really great with the paneled skirt from Zara, pictured above. Just top it off with a red cardigan, and you're all set!

And then for some the holiday party is a lavish cocktail party and time to let loose and cut a rug.  For an occasion like this you'll surely need a fancy and flirty little frock.  We love this LBD because it is fitted and and sexy without being inappropriate. Plus, let's face it, it isn't really Christmas unless there is velvet involved.



Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Travel Essentials

We've both been bitten by the travel bug: Saira just returned from a trip to Russia and Jen and her hubby will be traveling to China and Japan in just a few short weeks. Accordingly, we thought a post about travel must-haves is in order. Traveling, while great fun, can be exhausting and uncomfortable, so here are some tips to stay fresh and relaxed while traveling overseas:

Whenever you see pictures of celebrities traveling, their hair always look fresh and perfect, with no sign of greasy overnight traveling (except for Kristen Stewart, but let's not go there). If you don't have the luxury of a personal hair stylist flying with you, then try using some dry shampoo, such as this travel sized bottle available at Sephora. Just sprinkle some powder into your hands, massage into your scalp, and you get instant hair therapy! It removes oil and buildup, and helps give your hair some much needed volume. Plus it smells great! 

When traveling on airplanes, layers are essential. Temperatures vary on airplanes from warm and stuffy to downright frigid, not to mention the fact that you may be traveling from one extreme climate zone to another. As a result, it's best to dress in a manner that allows you to be prepared for whatever temperature. Comfy cardigans are a wardrobe staple for us, and you should definitely bring a few when traveling as it's both practical and fashionable. Our suggestion is this ultra soft tri-blend cardie from American Apparel, which comes in a number of different colors and is durable and super comfy. 

Traveling can really kill your feet, so don't leave home without your sensible shoes. Let us preface this by saying we're not really the type to forego fashion and focus only on function (case in point -- we absolutely detest Crocs). However, there are other options:  for cold weather, nothing can beat a cozy pair of Uggs.  But in the summertime or tropical vacay you'll need something more breathable. Worishofer has been producing lines of sandals for years that are just as comfortable as Crocs, and are super cute! They come in a number of different styles and colors, and aren't too pricey. Fondly dubbed the "bunion shoes," these platform cork sandals have a contoured insole which provides maximum foot support, and the open sandal allows the foot to breathe. While we personally can't vouch for these, we've read rave reviews, and if the shoe fits...

Keeping our focus on the feet, how about some foot deodorant? We know, we know... this sounds ridiculous, but it's actually a really great idea! Yves Rocher makes this amazing foot cream that keeps your feet dry and smelling fresh all day. While the spray form is no longer available (we were big fans of that when traveling in Paris a few summers ago), the cream should do the trick as well. It's amazing what a big different fresh feet can make! 

Let's be clear: tights are NOT pants. Leggings, on the other hand, can be worn as pants so long as there's no unsightly camel toe action going on. Air travel is uncomfortable enough, and trying to squeeze in a nap in a tiny space can be incredibly difficult. That's why we think wearing leggings while traveling is the best solution. Leggings are flexible, expand with your waistline, and allow you to contort your body while you struggle to find the perfect sleep position. Plus they are very easy to clean, which is clutch if you're traveling for an extended period of time and don't have access to laundry service. 

Airplane bathrooms skeeve us out, so if you don't want to do your beauty regiment in a 2-by-2 box, then we recommend some freshening face towelettes by Yes to Cucumber. These face towels are perfect because they allow you to remove your make-up and travel grime without the use of water. It's also useful if you're traveling in countries where the plumbing isn't the best, as you can avoid break outs and water related illnesses.

This one seems kind of boring, but imagine flying to a foreign country and trying to plug in your phone/computer/HAIR DRYER!  It's like fitting a square peg in a round hole, so you'll need something to convert your outlet and your power so that your electronics can actually be used.  We learned this one the hard way a few summers ago and ended up paying way too much money for a much less awesome version than this one.  Best bet it to shop around for deals and order one before you go!

A large tote bag, like this one by Dakine, can be your best friend while traveling.  Airplane luggage requirements are so strict these days and you never know when a large tote might be necessary. We say, if you're allowed a personal item, you might as well make it a multi-functioning one. This one can serve as a purse, laptop bag, and as extra storage for all those precious souvenirs you'll pick up along the way.

Bon voyage!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Twilight Character Inspiration: Bella Swan

It's Monday, dolls!  And that means Friday, and the release of the newest Twilight movie, is so close we can almost smell that sweet sweet breath of Edward Cullen.  Eclipse (Book 3 of the Twilight Saga), will be coming out the end of this week and, though we may be embarrassed to admit it,  it's really got our blood pumping.  To control our excitement, we created a Twilight inspired character inspiration for this week. Isabella Swan is easily one of the most popular characters out there among tweens, teens, and women everywhere, thanks to the world-wide fame of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. We are incredibly huge fans of Stephenie and the Twilight series, and have decided to share with you some of the current items out there that we are sure Bella would die for.

Forks, Washington is certainly not known for sunny days or sweltering heat, so a hoodie is a great way to keep cozy, when your wearwolf space heater isn't around. We like these from American Apparel because they are soft, warm, and come in a variety of colors.  Can't choose just one? No problem -- go for the two-pack!

Snuggling up to Edward Cullen would give any girl the chills, so Bella would need a variety of sweaters to get her through the week. Plus, hoods are essential on rainy days! In searching websites for inspiration, we actually happened to come across the exact sweater she wears without even realizing it!  Here is the green hooded sweater that she is seen wearing in New Moon, available at PacSun.  

No tomboy would be complete without a flannel/plaid shirt!  This is perfect for fixing up motorcycles or just hanging around La Push with your pals.

Clumsy Bella always opts for a great pair of jeans!  All that motorcycle riding, tree hopping, and rainy weather is sure to take a toll on your wardrobe, so investing in a well made, versatile pair is essential.  We suggest a classic pair of Levi's, like these boot cut ones.  Plus, these jeans are actually called "Bella"!  Coincidence?  Perhaps.  Either that or they read our minds... but that would just be crazy... right?

Of course, you'll also need a nice parka to keep you warm.  If you want the exact Bella coat, you'll be looking for the blue BB Dakota one.  But, if you don't like the idea of carbon copying, we suggest going for a Bella inspired jacket, like this one from Urban Outfitters.  

Coverse All Stars, like these, are perfect for moody, awkward Bella.  Bella's wardrobe is always casual and understated,  so a simple shoe that goes with everything is important. Chuck Taylors are the best shoe for an offbeat, low maintence girl like Bella.

Bella also wears a Turquoise Cuff such as the one pictured above.  Jewelry, like her wardrobe, should be simple, understated, and nothing that would draw too much attention because that would be sure to make Bella uncomfortable.  This turquoise cuff is delicate and beautiful, but casual enough for every day wear.

We're ready to be dazzled!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Groomsmen Style

We realized that we tend to focus on the bride and bridesmaids more (because girls rule) but today we decided to talk a little about the men in our lives. It's easy to overlook the groom and the groomsmen and focus instead on the brides and the bridesmaid when creating a wedding style. While generally speaking, the look of the groomsmen is pretty simple (suit or tux), there are many ways to liven up the outfit. So today we're focusing on how to accessorize the groom and his merry men!

Who needs dancing shoes when you can wear a pair of Vans slip ons!  Sneakers add a personal touch to the groomsmen's ensemble and are super comfortable! Plus Vans (and Converse) come in all sorts of colors, so you're sure to find a pair that matches your color palette. 

Our good friend Mike just got married, and we loved how all the groomsmen had on suspenders! It created a great retro look, showcased the bride and groom's quirky style, and helped hold the groomsmen's pants on the dance floor!

In addition to the suspenders, skinny ties are a great way to create a stylish, vintage look. We love solid black skinny ties, pictured above, but you can also have them in bright colors to add a nice pop of color to the ensemble!

Or, for another great tie option, choose custom printed ties in coordinating colors.  Don't be afraid to let the groom express his artistic side and  let his personality shine through, it is, afterall, his day too.  We love these custom, silkscreened ties by toybreaker - great colors and lots of different patterns to pick from!

A cute, preppy look is dressing your groomsmen in sweater vests! It's perfect for a more casual or outdoor wedding, and creates a clean and crisp look.

You can complete the groomsmen's look from head to toe! If you love argyle, but want something more subtle,  then dress your groomsmen in matching argyle socks! The socks add a splash of color to the black and gray suits, and you can color coordinate them with your bridesmaids dresses. 

And, while some dress shirts have buttons on the sleeves, others call for cufflinks! Is your hubby to be a total geek?  These, by beadworkbyamanda, are made out of recycled circuit boards and are the perfect accessory for the techie groom. 

Go get 'em, boys!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira