B Jaded

It's amazing how the domino effects goes through fashion. At Chanels fall 2009 rtw show last spring they debuted jade fingernails. And now it's all everyone is talking about. I am esspecially anxiously waiting till it hit stores in October. You better believe I have Chanel on speed dial. 

The first feature I saw of the green shade was on who what wear showing exactly who is wearing it! I instantly dropped my ceremonial dark red polish and have my mind all about jade. Another great blog mentioned the new product which showed how it has inspired another designers. The purse blog showed different purses this fall shown in the new jade color. 

Now if this isn't convincing you yet that this is the newest fall color I wonder if this will. Thanks to the world of Twitter who have cut out the middle man between celebrities, deisgners and a special stylist, Rachel Zoe has also recommends the new nail laquer. When a young fan tweeted at Rachel asking what nail polish she is wearing she   
of course replied @rzrachelzoe obssessed with the new jadecolor from Chanel (obvi) xoRZ. Now Rachel may be a bit biased because we do know her obsession with Chanel but this one deserves all applause given. 

It is the domino of fashion that is a reason why it is so easy to fall in love with. Chanel debuts a color that let's hope Karl was inspired by something fabulous but whatever it may be, it turned into hand bags, jewelry and other accessories by other designs. These aren't knock offs that use the jade color but rather a respectable tribute to   
Chanel who everyone can agree has influenced the designers today for years. So my hat (preferrably a fedora at the moment) goes off to Chanel who has blessed us with the Jade nail laquer for our fall season. Stay tuned as my hunt to possess this creation continues. 

B Wanderlust

If you are like me packing for a trip is one of the hardest tasks. I change my outfit almost 3 times in the morning before I go back to my original outfit so when packing I have to compensate for that. An even harder task for me though is what to wear on the plane? You want to be comfortable as if you are wearing sweats but chic enough to walk right into Barney's and do some shopping.

To be chic on an early AM flight isn't as hard as it sound. Comfort is key but keeping it to a minimum is also important. The last thing you want to be is that person in security taking 10 minutes to go through the detector because you have too many accessories you need to take off. First, wear your most comfortable jeans. Not your skinny goal jeans ladies. You'll be sitting for a few hours and the last thing you want is to cut off your circulation be worried about falling out on the airplane.

Being comfortable on a airplane is sometimes hard to do. And if you are like me, you cant' stand those paper blankets but airplanes do get cold so you need to prepared. Please do not pack your own fleece blanket, instead opp for a cardi wrap. For those slow ones that means a cardigan/wrap. Comfortable, feels like you are wearing a blanket and even better wrinkle resistant! I sound like my mother a little bit, but wrinkle resistance is a miracle worker! Be thankful we aren't living in the 50s and the only way to gain wrinkle resistance is polyester. BCBG just debuted their 'Bon Voyage' collection

"Designed for distinguished travel, the Bon Voyage collection offers easy, versatile pieces that keep you looking chic throughout any journey."

 I could have simply just plopped up their collection right here and told you to buy everything! But really how fun is that? But like they say their Signature Cardi-Wrap is a travel must have! Keep a simple tee underneath, remember chic can be simple. Something important to remember- Don't wear a shaggy tee with holes just because you are wearing something over it, you'll need to take off the cardi-wrap in security!

Since now a days you practically need to undress at security, wearing easy comfortable shoes is a necessity. So those hot boots you bought last season that take you 5 minutes to lace up and pull off is a don't. I like to wear closed toe shoes on airplanes because there are usually vents down low so ballet flats are a perfect match. Chloe's belted leather flats are perfect for giving me a little detail but staying simple.

Some of you may be thinking "wow this outfit is boring" but this is just the time to pop in some color with your handbag! Besides jsut color remember you'll need to fit all your plane essentials in this handbag. Personal items, book, ipod, and laptop which makes it a little more tricky. Our travel is all based around security so make sure your laptop is easy to get to. That is why I love Tory Burch's 'Nico' quilted patent leather tote. The long satchel strap allows you to wear it cross body and style and slipping your laptop in and out is simple!

Just one more thing will keep you organized and getting to your plane on time. Marc by Marc Jacob's 'Croq of Q' Travel Wallet. Travel wallets are such a great idea, I always feel lost as to wear to keep my boarding pass once passed TSA. The travel wallet is wide enough to hold on traveling essentials. And who says your wallet and purse have to match? I love contrasting colors in handbag and wallets. Gives more of a surprise when pulling out your wallet to make a purchase at the news stand.

It's easy to look chic on an airplane. There are no excused to look haggard once you arrive at your destination. Just be sure to keep it simple and remain to function. Remember where you are traveling to and what you will need to get through to arrive. Now no one has ever looked so good being wanderlust.

B Patient

A wedding weekend requires many different outfits. Bridesmaid luncheon, family dinner, rehearsal dinner, and how many other activities the planning party has scheduled. I of course overpacked for the function but didn't feel completely satisfied about my options. So I made some new decisions by taking a trip downtown to where else but Anthropologie. Walking into the store I was only looking for something to wear to the casual dinner planned but came out with more pieces to mix into my fall wardrobe.

Color-blocking was encouraged by Vogue just a couple years ago in their september issue but has not disappeared. The above blue, gray and orange color block dress had delicate details near the top that brought your eyes directly to your beautiful face. Though unfortunately this dress has no pockets (current obsession) but you won't want to hide anything in this dress including your hands.

Pants, dresses, skirts, jeans, and now shorts are coming high waisted! It seems reversed to buy shorts for Fall but its all about structure when incorporating them for this season. Wool shorts are the best for warmth and hold tailored details. I was lucky to find a great pair of black high waisted wool shorts at Anthropologie with button details near the waist. I'm lucky to be in a warm climate still but if its getting chilly for you pairing the shorts in patterned dark tights will work. If adding tights, keep the top simple, v-neck tee is always a great stand by. All you need them is a cute pair of ballet flats and even a belt if wanted, again keep it simple. Tailored shorts are a classic, so keep them to their roots.

While we are keeping it classic, add a cardigan. Classic items turned trendy may be one of my favorite things to find. This cardigan found at Anthropologie contained some of my favorite colors for fall. It is a great addition to black skinny jeans and flats.

The best shopping trips are ones when you find items that turn on that lightbulb in your head. They inspire you to wear something everyone hasn't seen you in a hundred different times (all in different colors). I love it when I find one item in a store and a whole outfit appears in my head. Does that happen to everyone or just me? I am a shopper who doesn't dig, I go through racks kindly and wait for something to jump out at me. You ever notice how when you're desperate to find something it never happens? But if you are patient, you will find items perfect for fall that will help you switch it up from your same old routine.

B Sweet

There are different things that remind you of your childhood. It could be a movie, a tv show; or a special treat. For me, it's cupcakes. I want to know who made the rule that you stop bringing cupcakes to class after elementary school. 

It's amazing how fast the cupcake phenomenon has happened in the recent years. First it was coffee places on every corner, everyone was a barista. Next it was the health nuts who tried getting us off caffeine and pumped us full with smoothies. That ironically may have enough sugar to compete with the coffee. And now, it is cupcakes! No more traditional bakeries, everyone is specializing in your own personal cupcakes! 

Let's admit, cupcakes aren't that difficult to put together. There are millions of cupcake mixes that turn out the best little cakes! Go for Betty Crocker or even Sprinkles cupcakes has a great mix you can buy at Williams & Sonoma. The baking takes minimal effort so that you can take more time on presentation. You cannot supply cupcakes without a cupcake tower. This is a display must! Cupcakes are a great addition for any party birthday or not. Think of the convenience cupcakes supply. You put them in little cupcake tins so there is minmal cleaning and forget about cutting the cake and serving! Simplicity at it's finest. 


You can also find many different cookbooks about cupcakes and other treats that will trigger your memory. Try Sweetness written by Sarah Levy. It will appear in bookstores just next week so you'll have no more excuses. All your guests or whoever you hand a cupcake to will feel special that you thought of them in handing them a special little treat that can fit in the palm of their hand. 

B Envious

Was it not just yesterday where I was listing my lusts for Fall? And now its Fashion Week and all designers are showing their Ready to Wear collections for Spring and I just can't handle it! Fashion right now is throwing me around like a frisbee. I thought boys were the only ones that get us confused? Well thankfully this is a confusion I'm enjoying. This is the great thing of fashion, it is constantly changing. Unfortunately I can't be there first hand to enjoy this wonderful shows but I still have a great view via The Cut and Style.com. Here are a few looks that I am already anxiously waiting for their store arrival!

I commend Gwen Stefani for being one celebrity who A) hasn't named her collection after herself and B) has been successful now for 7 years with her label L.A.M.B.

Charlotte Ronson's looks are almost what I love now for Fall. Leather and studs! I have to admit my favorite look of hers was the designer's own ensemble. 

BCBG Maxazaria has always done dresses that I have fallen in love with. Springs ready to wear is full of geometric mini dresses and sheer cutouts. Their many shades of white made everything look crisp.

This is just one very tiny sliver of what has been going on in New York City this past week. If I could have a love affair for one night and one night only it would've been with Fashion Week in New York City (so maybe a week affair). Oh the things I hear and dream about the city that never sleeps. One day I'll be able to take the time away from school and work and fly in for the fabulous week but until then I can get to fantasize.

B Inspired

All week I have been wishing I was in New York City for fashion week. Tonight was the first night I could pretend I was in NYC with the Phoenix premier of The September Issue. For those of you who have been living underneath a rock Anna Wintour is the legendary Editor In Chief of American Vogue. She has been best known for her 'ice' like personality and not giving interviews. All this changed when R.J. Cutler asked her simply if he could film a documentary around her. He claims her got her to agree by just asking.

The documentary follows Anna Wintour and her team during production of The September Issue. Every year 13 million fashion followers anxiously wait for the distribution of the September issue. Wintour hand picks everything in the issue and chooses what those 13 million viewers are to wear the next season. It was amazing to see in the documentary the power that Anna Wintour had. The CEO of Neiman Marcus in the film asks Anna to encourage the designers to work on their production so that they can sell to the demanding market. He asked because he knows the power she has. Can you even imagine having Karl and Oscar dialed in on your recent call lists?

As I said earlier Anna Wintour is known for her ice cold character. I began to understand all the work she really does have to do in this $300-billion industry. You can't hold every designers hand and tell them that it will be okay. It is her job to push the limits which is why she is known for being the most influential editor in history. She saw the wave of celebrity status before anyone else. She pushed the limits and raised the bar for all future fashion.

Another great insight the documentary gave was a look at the unique relationship between Anna Wintour and Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington. It was inspiring to watch Grace Coddington work through all her layouts for the September issue. She put her all in it and cared enough to work hands on with every shoot. It was almost emotional for me to watch her be in Paris watching the couture shows. I, myself, having suppose to be in Paris in no less than just 12 days was jealous. Grace Coddington has been going to Paris for the past 40 years regularly if not more. It was a breath of fresh air to see her still appreciate the history that the city represents. At one moment in the film she mentions that a friend of hers told her "don't ever close your eyes in the car, you don't ever want to miss inspiration". There is inspiration all around us. Whether you are inspired by fashion or think it is "amusing" as to what we are consumed in. We are all inspired by different things which is what makes it all beautiful.

B Magnetic

If you have kept up with my blog so far you may see a trend that shows that I like strong detailed pieces in my wardrobe. Every time you walk out of your closet you should feel confident to know that you are going to make a statement. Though its not always the pieces that make you bold, its your confidence. And your wardrobe should not be the only place you need to be bold. Be bold with your friends, school, work, your significant other. Being bold gives you a presence that people will be magnetized to.

I am magnetized to confident people who know what they want in life and obtain it in a classy manner (this is key). If you are magnetic then use this to your ability to influence others positively. And honestly I am going to lie if I don't admit fashion doesn't suck me in. Getting back to the original reason for this post, being bold in your wardrobe. I have already shown so many different things in my blog that are already my favorites for Fall and I can't help it to want more and more. There are such brilliant pieces coming out, it takes the right eye to find them.

Anthropologie does a great job at this task. Their pieces strictly follow by their statement that Anthropologie is

"Catering to the fashionable, educated and creative woman, we provide a unique product assortment that includes casual apparel and accessories, home furnishings and a diverse array of gifts and decorative items. Carefully designed and selected with an eye for craftsmanship and detail, our merchandise is offered in an inimitable environment, both online and in our stores." 

It is because of Anthropolgies great eye for unique items that they attracted a strong following.


Anthropologie is my first choice and last resort. I know that if I want to find something to stand out in, that is the place to go. This is a warning to all that this is not the last time you will hear me lift Anthropologie up and endorse this company. I buy and find so many unique treasures that help me to be bold and magnetize the positives I seek around me.

B Wrapped

When I moved into my house a few years ago, I cleverly put a towel rack over my closet door to hang scarves on but I have collected so many that I can barely shut my door! I have always loved scarves, in Jr. High I learned to knit and of course only really made my skills up to the scarf level which is pretty simple (if you're a knitter, don't judge me). I loved knitting and then wearing one of my own scarves. I got to pick out the yarn to match any outfit and whip it up just in a few days. But now scarves are such a hot commodity I don't need to do the hard labor anymore!

Just this morning I received an email update from Anthropologie about their new scarves for this season (I need to write a blog about how much I am in love with that store!). Anthropologie has so many different styles of scarves from delicate textures to strong bold colors. The great things about scarves is that they can make any simple outfit something to look at it. If I am not in a girly dress my first back up is jeans and a t-shirt, the perfect compliment for a great scarf. Scarves are also a great accessory to keep you warm if you are unsure about the weather. You can get away with a scarf and a tank top. If you aren't very warm at the moment just put it once around your neck simply but if inside it gets a little more chilly with the air conditioning simply switch up by threading the ends of the scarf into the hole that is created when the scarf is doubled. This will keep your neck warm and feel cozy.

As stated in another blog I am a big fan of ruffles this season which is why my major girly side fell in love with Anthropologie's ruffle squiggle scarf. The texture is so interesting you don't need a bright color to stand out. But when standing out is a must try Nordstom's peacock scarf. How did peacocks become such a hot fashion statement? That's one question I don't need answered because I am enthralled in everything peacock feathers. Bright turquoise is such a great compliment to all typical fall colors brown, beige, black and navy. So go back when scarves were nothing but something to keep your neck warm during the winter. Urban Outfitters has declared it the new necklace by making it one! If you are one who can't seem to tie a scarf right then no worries, this scarf is already perfected into a layered scarf for you. A scarf with many different colors gives you endless options for outfit pairings.

I remember the times when scarves didn't even have their own category on websites. They were typically underneath 'Accessories' and thats it. Now scarves have made their way to the big leagues and are their own category on retailers websites. You can always find new scarves for every season. Fall may be a bit thicker than Spring's but regardless there's no time like the present to be wrapped up in gorgeous accessories.

B Branded

We have seen the trend of monograms come in and out of fashion. From the beginning monogramming has been used to set your place in society. It was a royal signature, identifying rulers of the time. Now a days you can look anywhere and find many different types of monograms. Well I was little I went through a phase where I would want anything and everything that had a 'B' on it. Koozie, tote bags, rhinestone tattoos (remember those?!). I told you, anything and everything!

Though you can use the old ways of monogramming to make your pieces look for royal then they actually are. You can easily buy any white duvet comforter from Target or Bed Bath and Beyond then take the cover to a custom embroidery/printing shop where they will monogramm for sometimes less than $20! And Voila, your $30 cover looks custom made and expensive. No wonder those victorians used it for status, monograms are classic and surprisingly contemporary.

A few years ago the trend of initial charms also made an appearance. I love these initial charms because they are subtle and simply have your initial stamped in the middle of a circle gold coin. I bought mine from Diana Warner, family friends introduced her work to us and I've been obsessed ever since! With the initial charms you can also stack other initials whether it be your last name initial or maybe a loved one. For my best friend's 21st birthday I bought her a 'L' when I had bought my 'B'. Please get rid of your "Best Friends Forever" heart necklaces, this is 2009, not 1995.

Recently while flipping through the new September issue of InStyle magazine I came upon a new way of monograms around your neck. Jewelry designer Jennifer Zuener created a 3 initial pendant size necklace. I basically melted, how could you not? The necklace goes for $242 and can simply be made with your custom initials. InStyle also showed that Taylor Swift is a fan of the necklace now. Jennifer also has many different jewelry designs that integrate your initials in a modern way. Far from the days of royal signatures.

B Deadly

Deadly as in one of the seven deadly sins. One of those being lust. Don't worry this isn't going to get to be an uncomfortable blog but more a descriptions of everything I am lusting after for Fall. Lust is described in the dictionary as

"LUST [luhst] -noun: a passionate or overmastering desire or craving"

 Its officially Septmeber and although in my climate the weather isn't changing but in other parts everyone is switching out their flip flops for boots and sun dresses for wool jackets. Designers Fall collections are popping up in stores and it is killing me to see all my favorite things available for purchase. My inspiration for beginning to write this blog was when i stumbled upon the wonderful Rebecca Minkoff's laptop case! Can you believe how appealing cases are becoming these days? I admit that when I first bought my macbook (I'm a Apple lover, more later..) that I first bought a Juicy Couture laptop case. I was young everyone.. let it go. But how grown up and sophisticated but trendy is Rebecca Minkoff's? I'm in love and definitely planning a procedure of action in obtaining this beautiful case.


This Fall is all about leather, metal and cashmere for me. I am still going through my obsession with gold jewelry and metals. Thankfully for me they are still in fashion. Everywhere you look this Fall you can't go without seeing studs or an exposed zipper. Hard metals are no longer for the bands in the eighties. But don't be scared you don't have to go hardcore and lose your girly details to embrace the hard metal studs. Ruffles is a great way to keep your girly side present. Booties were around last season but I really hope more people embrace them! I absolutely adore these booties by Elizabeth and James 'Lola' Ruffle bootie. I am a major girly girl, yes I can get casual but the ruffles did it in for me and these shoes. I can see myself now wearing my Elizabeth and James booties carrying my laptop (in the Rebecca Minkoff case, duh!).


Ruffles aren't enough for you? Add Cashmere! What women doesn't love cashmere? My favorite part of Fall is wearing cashmere socks under my boots. They are the most comfortable socks you will ever own.  Another great way to wear cashmere? A wrap sweater. Wrap sweaters are the most comfortable and versatile item you could have in your wardrobe. They are great to travel with when you need some extra warmth. To incorporate my obsession of leather and metals this fall with my cashmere I am dying for the Tory Burch belt shown above! Almost resembles the black belt Carrie wore in Sex and the City The Movie over and over again so what's not to love. I can't wait to try it over my cashmere sweater to still show off some what of a waist.


And last, bracelets! bracelets! bracelets! I honestly wish I had longer arms so I could wear more and more bracelets. I can't begin to count the number of gold bracelets I have in my jewelry collection. But as you know how the saying goes "I have a jewelry box full of nothing to wear!" Rebecca Minkoff's collection is getting better and better. I was first introduced to this designer when I fell in love with her Morning After Bag about 3 years ago. I carried that thing everywhere, even to Europe and back and I cannot wait until her new bracelets come out! The I love the double wrap around look and all the different colors. You can still where plenty of color in Fall, and keep the edge with hard metals!

B Friendly

It is always great to have friends on hand that know how to do the little things that you don't know what to do. Also known as HTML. What does that abbreviation even stand for? Thankfully, I don't need to know! Thanks to Matt Michalowski 'Just B' has been revamped and don't get too comfortable.. there's more to come! That's right, 'Just B' is still in the process of B'ing all of the above. In the meantime enjoy the new shoes before they're kicked off!