B Tired: New Year's Eve morning after

I am assuming this will be much what tomorrow morning will look like...

B Shared: Links A la Mode Inspiration Now

 I am so excited that Just B was included in Independent Fashion Bloggers Links a la mode this week! A great opportunity to share other blog posts with the appropriate theme of Inspiration Now. Go ahead... find some inspiration.

Inspiration Now

Edited by Ashe Mischief/Dramatis Personae

After being a Links a la Mode editor for years, it's really refreshing to come back and edit our end of 2010 edition! It felt so timely, too-- the end of a year.  So many new, exciting things to look forward to.  New ideas, people, inspiration.  That's where this round-up came from: inspiration.  It's my hope that these posts will inspire you, as they've inspired me-- as a reminder to step outside your boundaries to try something new.  As a reminder to look at the world around you.  To be bright and brilliant and love fashion & style.  To treat yourself well, to love yourself, and feed your mind & body all you need to thrive-- and hopefully inspire and help you to be the person you want to be in 2011.

Hope you all have an amazing New Year!

Links á la Mode: December 30th

• Antares: Alfa Scorpii: Mori girls style is an amazing street style trend, the mixture of ethnic, folk, lolita-style and others.
• Awakened Aesthetic: Araks Yeramyan's lingerie is both ethical and effortless.
• Beyond Fabric: On Family History - Vintage Family Pics
• Big Girl. Small Budget. Tiny Town.: Using the 12 Days of Christmas as style inspiration. A 12-verse song translated into 12 winter looks
• Boheme Noir: 10 Ways to Wear Tartan & Plaid
• Circle City Style: High Fashion in the Style of Gemma Teller
• Dramatis Personae: If I were Another Girl... Inspired by Eastern European Boho Style
• Fasshonaburu: Why is that most "Flatter Your Shape" articles will feature petite and curvy, yet rarely both in one person?
• Fuyume: Is the rise of Asian models a fad?
• The House in the Clouds: Shine your light on me: A reminder to all women that we are more beautiful and interesting collectively.
• I'm the It Girl: Colour Trends S/S 2011: From Runway to H&M
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Setting Blogging Resolutions for the New Year
• Liv Lux Magazine: How to Ease High Heel Foot Pain [Video]
• Lust, Love, Lose: Lust- Maggie Matich's Lavender Hair
• Just B Blog: B Festive: Hair Tinsel the perfect holiday hair accessory!
• Miss Vicki: Crossing the line between fetish and fashion
• Modly Chic: Typical New Year's Resolutions-- Blogified.
• MoMoMod: I'm bound to believe that Catherine's definitive, effortless, and lady like style is perfect in its own right.
• My Fashion Lust List: Fashion Related Health Problems
• The Coveted: Snow boots for urban sludge
• The Red Dot: Fashion Illustration therapy: review of three of the best fashion  illustration blogs of the moment - Do they have influence on our style  and looks?
• Watch This Place: In a world where 'shocking' is no longer shocking, I consider whether the 'rock-'n'-roll-bad-girl' has lost her edge.

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Blog: So Low, 291 Venice, Freecity, YFB, LAMB, Wilt, KAIN, MINKPINK, Ever, ADAM, Indah

B Polished: My favorite polishes for Winter

During the winter there are certain shades that you have to pull out to wear on your nails. I have been rotating classics like Chanel's Lotus Rouge, the perfect winter red with a new classic of dark brown like Essie's Little Brown Dress. Little Brown Dress has been my new staple that has replaced black in my polish this winter as a great dark neutral tone.

You can wear glitter polish during every season and Deborah Lippmann is the best glitter polish for sophistication. Her gold, Boom Boom Pow has large glitter that I have loved since I purchased here. My newest favorite was a find in my stocking, Butter London's Mariner. A deep midnight blue that is almost pitch black but shines off the blue hue.

B Project: So you want to start a blog...

I get a lot of questions asking why and how did I start my blog. I feel like such a disappointment when I say “I was bored one day” rather than “I had this marvelous business idea”. Nope, it was all creativity and wanting to share it that got Just B starting. The New Year is a great time to start a blog if you ever thought about the idea so I thought I’d give some basic tips for the New Year’s new bloggers.

What are you going to write about? I started my blog with an emphasis of fashion because I love shopping and have a horrible addiction but don’t try to hold my self to one subject. Keep this in mind when you think about what you should share on your blog. Anyone can write a blog from accountants, stylists, interior decorators or cooks! If you aren’t an expert of a certain niche then giving yourself a broader subject will probably be best. This way you can just share whatever you feel inspired by in 2011. 

Be careful when creating a subject that you can grow with. For example “B’s adventures of 2011” Once 2011 ends, it will be expected for your blog to also.

What are you going to call it? Naming your blog might be the hardest part. I’ve had many brainstorming sessions with friends who began writing their blog. Take in mind what you plan on writing about. If you don’t have a niche subject then keep it simple with your name. Play around with words, the thesaurus will be your best friend. Don’t rush your name as this is what will be the first thing one might notice when browsing your blog. 

What is is going to look like? There are a billion blog designers out there that would love to help you brainstorm a layout for your blog. But if you can read directions and know any basic computer knowledge then just remember to google. I have worked on my own blog design by googling and seeking counsel from others. Create a header in photoshop and your blog design can be unique and your own. 

Now what? Start writing. Writing frequently will help you with the most success to gain readers but don’t stress yourself out. If you are in need of inspiration subscribe to newsletters, browse the internet for different things you can share to your readers. Try even creating a weekly post that your readers will be expecting each week to check back on.

Lastly! Love what you are writing about! It is clear to readers when you are writing a blog just to gain recognition. A blog is a way to share with your readers your unique perception and expertise on a certain subject matter. As long as you love to write and blog then you will have no problem being a blog success in 2011.

B Completed: 8 Unknown 2010 resolutions

This past year has been a huge blessing. I didn't give myself any sort of New Year resolutions for 2010 but there were some ones I conquered without even knowing.


1. Travel to New York City twice
B Spontaneous: IFB conference in NYC
B Celebrating: Fashion's Night Out
B Recap: Christmas in NYC

2. Fall in love with Chanel nail polish
B Pale: Chanel Resort Riva nail lacquer
B Daily: Limited Edition Chanel nail polish days of the week

3. Wear more sequins
B Clutch: Tons of sequins
B Casual: Sequins during the day

4. Try new nail trends
B Minxed: Celebrity Minx Manicure
B Converted: My gel nail experience


5. Meet three of your fashion inspirations
B Introduced: Celebrity Manicurist Deborah Lippmann
B Celebrating: Fashion's Night Out with Rebecca Minkoff
B Enjoyed: An eventful weekend with Lauren Conrad

6. Start video blogging
B Curious: Just B on vimeo


7. Bake things from scratch
B Challenged: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
B Festive: Pumpkin Cheesecake

8. Join Dressbarn's style squad
more to come in 2011...

B Dazzled: A year of sparkles

Harper's Bazaar took the sequins right out of my mouth with their 2011 calendar. Just goes to show that this coming year can be filled with sparkles each month of the year. The publication left rhinestone nails February and March but I plan on pulling this one out for my birthday month of January. And just let my list of ways to wear sparkle begin.

January: Rhinestone birthday nails
February: Glitter valentines
March: Emerald green jewels on ears
April: Shower in sequins
May: Sequin mini skirt
June: Watch the sunset sparkle on water
July: Tan in sequined bikini
August: Transitional summer to fall sparkle
September: Fall golden headpiece
October: Jeweled masks
November: Glitter pumpkins part two
December: Sequins from head to toe

B Gifted: Christmas with family

This weekend was so nice to relax and enjoy time with the family. With my sequined skirt on Christmas Eve was moved last minute to my sister's house but with the thanks of her friend Cassandra of Coco + Kelley, her tabletop fit the occasion perfectly. Laughing, dancing to Christmas music, sharing stories and wine was the big theme of weekend.

Christmas morning came fast and finally having my family opened the presents I've been mulling over for weeks was a huge relief. My family knows me well as I was given plenty of sparkle, monograms and Rebecca Minkoff but one present took me by surprised. With an extended family agreement to not buy presents but make or "re-gift" my Aunt on the east coast surprised me with a clutch my late Grandmother had made years ago for a family friend's wedding. I was so shocked by the gift that it had me tears and was grateful to have another piece that reminded me of her amazing talent.

 

So after the emotions had past I did have some fun with my toys and couldn't help but post this video I shot of my hilarious brother-in-law. With the gift of the flip camera hopefully more videos will be coming soon to Just B in the new year!



B Gifted: Christmas with family from Just B on Vimeo.

B Meaning: Merry Christmas

Many different ways to say it, but one meaning...

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” 
– Luke 2:8-14

B Merry: Christmas Eve

Finally, it is here! Christmas Eve and tomorrow the best morning of the year.  I'll be curled up watching White Christmas on repeat while finishing up my elf duties wrapping up some presents. While I'm still dreaming of a white Christmas of my own, I am content with the rain hitting the roof. Wishing you a very merry Christmas!

B Festive: Hair Tinsel

Yesterday I mentioned on twitter and facebook that I was going to get hair tinsel. I got many curious responses just asking "what is hair tinsel?". Well to make it as simple as possible, hair tinsel is literally shiny tinsel for your hair. I know you've seen it on Beyonce and maybe that Real Housewife if you pay attention but its just another girly thing we get to do.

My sister and I went to Swink Style Bar in downtown Seattle which got us both addicted to blow outs. The Swink Style Bar is a blow out and stye salon only so there is never that anxious feeling of wondering how or what color your hair will turn out (my sister's words). The hair tinsel comes in a number of colors and we both decided to go with bronze. With her lighter dirty blonde hair it stood out and glistened while against my darker brunette it shined and highlighted my natural color.

The tinsel is tied to the root of two hairs and simply lasts as long as your hair does so no damage to your hair line. There are different ways to wear the tinsel and the upcoming New Year's Eve parties would be the perfect time to have a bit more fun and get tinselfied (my word)!

Swink

Tying on the tinsel

Finished product beneath her natural part

Tinsel very subtle in between my curls

B Strolling: Cheers to Seattle!

There is something about great cities that can capture your attention for hours at night even when it is cold out. Spending the last few days in Seattle I have seen the city lit up at night. The only thing missing is Christmas carols playing in the background every where you go. But shopping downtown or happy hour at the new Starbucks that offers wine and beer (I have proof) you can't help but enjoy this city to the fullest. Cheers to Seattle!

B Chilled: Harpers Bazaar China January 2011

I wish i could look this glamorous in cold conditions. But really I end up with a pink nose and red ears. What's her secret?

B Recap: Christmas in NYC

Wow. Can't believe I was just in New York City less than a week ago. It was all last week where I only checked facebook and twitter on my iPhone, let my unread posts on google reader go up to the hundreds and failed miserably at planning posts while I was away with Dressbarn. The video shoot was an all day event on Thursday and I really can't wait to tell you more but I am. It is hard to explain the exact details of the shoot and so I am going to make you bear with me as I also anxiously wait for the final product!

Meanwhile, I will give you my favorite part of New York City during Christmas. If you've been to NYC and didn't like it or you've been and loved it and it was never during the holidays then, go again. I fell in love with NYC all over. With the bright lights and cold air, you can't help but dream. (Am I cheesy enough for you right now?) Promptly on my arrival I met contacts for drinks then found my way to dinner with two of my very favorite bloggers Lauren and Erika. Met these girls back in September during Evolving Influence and it was such an amazing time of gabbing about fashion, blogging and our love for NYC.

B Jetsetting: Packing up the closet

Finally, the day has come where I am headed back to the concrete jungle. My last visit was back in September (here and here) and I have been craving some East coast attention. I have briefly shared on my twitter and facebook that I am will be in New York to shoot a video style series with Dressbarn! I am very excited about this project and really can't wait till I learn more so I can spill all the juicy details to you.

The impromptu trip to New York came just before I was going to head to Seattle for Christmas with friends and family so to make as least possible trips through airport security I will be flying directly to Seattle after. That means some serious clever packing. I hope you aren't looking for some brilliant packing philsophy because you'll be dissappointed. My system is to pull everything I love/want to wear at the moment then making it fit. Which always leads to going back and eliminating while really needing to think about what is needed and what is frivolous (insert gasp here).

I managed to pack the essentials: sequins, lace, all jewelry, eight nail polishes, leopard scarf and of course, those delicious Elizabeth and James booties.

Be sure to follow me on twitter or like my facebook page to keep updated on all the behind scenes of the shoot!