B Sightings: Christmas moments in Seattle

Last weekend was filled with first a family evening watching the Christmas ships off of Carillon Point followed by a dinner at Le Grand Bistro. I was able to sneak in a few pictures but mainly was mesmerized on snapping photos of my nephew enjoying his first Christmas.

B Inspired: Christmas button down

With the cold weather comes the necessary layers. This season I've found my layer has started with the plaid button down followed by a sweater and pounds of glitter baubles. I've been drawing inspiration on how to dress my Christmas button downs up and down for the rest of the season. What's your favorite way to wear a button down?

P.S. Have you heard? Seattle Magazine listed me in their Best of 2012 issue as a top local to follow on Pinterest (see here)! So thankful for the pinning props, I knew my imaginary wedding would come in handy!

*click on images for sources

B Festive: Holiday skirts

Trust me, you aren't alone. I'm also looking for the perfect holiday dress but I've called defeat (for now) and have turned a corner with the holiday skirt. The skirt has been underestimated. It can be interchanged with different tops and shoes to change seasons. Now you can trust that a festive skirt is on my shopping list this weekend.

ONE: Tory Burch metallic skirt
TWO: All Saints Embellished dream catcher skirt
THREE: Madewell dotted sequin skirt
FOUR: J Crew collection skirt
FIVE: Stars by Jonas Hallberg feather skirt
SIX: Dororthy Perkins peplum skirt

B Extended: 4 Things I've learned about eyelash extensions

It's been over a year since I got my first eyelash extensions. I have tried a handful of places, bought those famous groupons and really found the key to the best eyelash extension experience. It's a conversation I always seem to have with one random girl in a bar. The conversation always starts with "Your have beautiful eyelashes" or some get right to it and ask "Are your eyelashes real?". And being the beauty junkie I am, I go into a 10 minute conversation about how and what eyelashes can do for you. Here are the highlights:

Treat them as they're your natural eyelashes:
Eyelash extensions are individual lashes glued to your natural eyelashes and if done properly won't cause long term damage. Do you pick at your own eyelashes? When you do, do you find that they fall out? Yes, same will happen if you pick at your eyelash extensions. Eyelashes fall and grow just as the hair on our head does. And with special treatments applied to your lashes, it is important you take care of them.

Special treatments require special care:
Adding length to your eyelashes do make you more aware of how you use your eyelashes. For instance, when you wash your face your voluminous lashes will collect water. TIP: Pat eyelashes gently with towel when wet before opening your eyes.

Darker lashes save time and make-up costs:
I have never found the perfect mascara that I love. Eyelash extensions took this dilemma away from me. I haven't worn mascara in over a year and in return wear less make up in general. I found that the dark eyelashes applied created a more natural eyeliner to my eyes that worked for day makeup.

Not every "deal" is a good deal:
Your initial session could take over a hour and a half depending on the speed the of the technician. I found my salon in Seattle through a recommendation of a friend. This is the most secure way to find an appropriate price and clean salon in your area. When I moved to NYC, I looked for online deals and unfortunately wasted money on eyelashes that only lasted 1-2 weeks at most. I have found from experience that no eyelash fill should cost more than $75 and should last you at least 4 weeks between fills. With eyelash extension becoming more popular, this reasonable price is possible!

B Tried and Tested:
Seattle: Myano's Nails & Spa
NYC: Red and White Spa many times and saw my eyelashes lasted 3- 4 weeks
NYC: Blink Beauty in Union Square- eyelashes only lasted 1-2 weeks (don't recommend)

Any other eyelash extension questions? Tweet @brookeandersen!

*I am not a professional and only share recommendations through my own experiences.

B Outfitted: English country weekend

Confession: I have a new guilty TV pleasure... Made In Chelsea. Because my reality TV intake wasn't enough already, I stumbled upon this British gem via the Style network and found my self clinging on to every perfectly accented word. Now don't let my beaming disguise this to be intellectual streaming but something about the dramatic life of London has me captivated and I'm 99% sure it's the preppy, luxurious fashion on the show.

Men rarely seen without pocket squares and women with undone hair with perfectly applied red lipstick have gotten my attention. My below outfit is an inspiration from a weekend they spent in the English country side (if you re read that sentence with a British accent, you'll see how fabulous country sounds.) This is the country I could get use to where I wear tailored blazers with fur accents. Sign me up!

ONE: Corgi cashmere heart socks
TWO: Black fleece plaid wool jacket
THREE: Madewell faux fur vest
FOUR: Rag & Bone Floppy Brim hat
FIVE: Via Spiga Riding Boot
SIX: Clare Vivier weekender bag

B Textured: Black on black

It's here, the holiday season is upon us which means ladies that it is time to get your party outfits together. I typically don't stray away from sequins during this time (though still present below) but lately I'm attracted all things dark and textured. I love the brocade pants with velvet flowers or the sequins that get lost in darkness. This is starting my holiday planning to a dark but good start.

1. Givenchy 'Taylor' Stud Earrings
2. TopShop Devore Peplum Top
3. Red Valentino Oversize Velvet Clutch
4. Current/Elliot Velvet Flocked Skinnies
5. J Crew Mini in black sequins
6. Big black bow headband

B Documented: Sushi date night

I've been back in Seattle for two weeks. It's the longest amount of time I've been within driving distance of my family and boyfriend for the last year. It's given me chances to play with my nephew every other day (dying for him to crawl) and have date nights with Nick. When I lived in New York, we would face time on Friday nights and text each other "When we're together in Seattle, let's go here.." messages.

Just as Top Chef Seattle is giving the nation a glimpse of this Pacific Northwest treasure. I'm hoping I'll get better at bringing out my digital camera so I can document Seattle's restaurants and hidden gems for you with date nights to come. Meanwhile, here are two Instagrams: one His, one Hers documenting our date night in Wallingford.

HIS Instagram: Sushi in Wallingord at Issian.Variety of sushi options and busy on a Sunday, all sure signs for a good meal.

HERS Instagram: Salted Caramel Ice Cream at Molly Moon's Ice Cream. I'm typically the one that drives the dessert truck during dinner dates. For years in Seattle, I had never experienced Molly Moon's and thought it was the perfect treat. With flavors like Balsamic Strawberry, Salted Caramel and Pumpkin Clove it happily satisfied my craving. I'm looking forward to going back when more Christmas varieties appear!

B Patterened

Call it my Christmas spirit or being back in the Pacific Northwest but plaid has taken over my purchases. With building up my wardrobe after coming home in a quick fashion, I found myself with three plaid button downs in no time. Now while I'm trying to search for the perfect plaid scarf (red and green preferably) I have stumbled on other perfectly plaid items.

1. Gap Tartan iPad case
2. Embroidered tartan loafer
3. Penfield haverhill flannel shirt
4. Hanky panky plaid print bralette and boyshorts

B Styled: Leather leggings

When I start craving a clothing item, I can rarely rest until I find it. Last week I had leather leggings in mind. They had been on my brain for awhile but was skeptical if I could pull them off or afford them. Sure there are plenty of leather leggings out there but finding an affordable option that doesn't scream faux.

I finally found my pair (seen above) at Aritzia by Wilfred (for $135 -not available online). The faux leggings were thick to appear like real leather but stretchy to accommodate curves.When choosing leather leggings go with a first rule of choose ones that make you feel comfortable. They may need a few lunges to break in and give some more room. I like to pair mine with soft tops and classic accessories to off-set the "rock n roll' vibe.

Leather leggings:
ONE- Michael Kors Skinny faux leather leggings
TWO- Topshop premium heavy weight leggings
THREE- Blank denim faux leather leggings

Finishing details:
Over sized knitted sweater
Minimal flats from Aldo
Structured satchel

B Moved: From NYC to Seattle

It's been almost a complete month since my last post and that whole time I've been waiting to make an announcement. In the last year since I moved to NYC you may have noticed that my post consistency decreased. It wasn't as if I didn't want to blog anymore but had a hard time adjusting to full time work while balancing a personal hobby on the side. To be clarified, it wasn't as if it was hard to find time because I love but it was hard to defer on how to be honest on my blog.

When someone moves to New York, everyone's eye's light up when they ask you about living here. I feel as if I'm suppose to tell them about my five best friends who meet me everyday at the local coffee shop or my three girlfriends who have no successful personal relationshps. The truth is that there are parts of New York I love and then there are parts of New York that could never have me because my heart is in Seattle.

In the last year I've been in a long distance retlationship. I knew this from the beginning of my decision to move away from my family including my (at the time) pregnant sister and immediate family. It took me no time to make the decision to move to New York. Once I received my job offer, there was no question because I was so excited for the experience. Between that move, my long distance realtionship expanded to a romantic relationship with my boyfriend back home and a new relationship coming with the birth of my first nephew.

I knew very early that my heart was somewhere else. New york is a strong city and after living through one of the largest distasters to hit the city, I feel as if I'm leaving with a larger respect for those there. But when it comes to decision like last year when I followed my career dream I now decided to follow my heart.

Moving to Seattle sooner than planned came unexpectedly as I learned my building in New York was badly damaged from Hurricane Sandy. I came home with just a duffel bag while my belongings will sit in my apartment until power will be restored and the flooded parking garage filled now with gas is pumped out. I'm incredibly grateful for my safety and thankful that I had a warm loving family to bring me home. It's been the coziest week of being home spending time with my family and enjoying the natural beauty of Seattle.

Follow on Instagram @brookeand

B Needed: Owl sweater

I never thought I needed an owl sweater but this gives me a new outlook. Remember Kate Bosworth at last season's Burberry show effortlessly pulling off a sweater with a hooter on the front? Madewell recently just added an owl sweater to their new arrivals and it might be worth the purchase. What do you think? Playful and fun or too much and back away?

Madewell Owl Sweater- $88

Click photos for image credit

B Key: Velvet Pants

My fall must haves were built up last year by buying classics that would last more than one season. Skinny dark denim, pleated skirts and skimming sweater dresses are a plenty in my wardrobe. Though a pant that has yet to enter my closet is velvet. I probably haven't had velvet in my closet since 1995 but found myself attracted to the rich fall colors available in the classic silhouettes I wear daily.

INSPIRATION: Rosie Huntington-Whitely // Matiere Grise // Alexa Chung
VELVET PANTS: Pilcro Serif Velvet // Joseph Velvet Pants-// J Brand Super Skinny Velvet Legging
COMPLETE THE LOOK (from loafers clockwise): Kate Spade New York Carissa Loafers  // Madewell Silk Dulcet Top // J Crew Wild Side Skinny Bangle // Marc by Marc Jacobs Flipping Out Leather Satchel

B Picked: Rebecca Minkoff Jewelry

As if a whole handbag, ready to wear and men's accessory line wasn't enough. Rebecca Minkoff has now launched her first jewelry collection. I may already have most of the below in my pre-order cart.

B Cozy: The comfort of Fall

This weekend consisted of simple things while the weather changed so I could take advantage of Fall. Slipping on my Ugg boots, baking Trader Joe's pumpkin bread while sipping on apple cider and watching Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. Cheers to the first of many cozy Fall days in, hope you have someone to cuddle.

sd

ONE: Club Monaco Aran Sweater
TWO: J Crew Camper Sock
THREE: John Lewis Golly Gosh Mug
FOUR: Duffy Cable Knit Merino Wool Snood
FIVE: Anthropologie Bead Dusted Beanie
SIX: Honeydew lace bralette
quote photo credit here

B Truth or Dare

Let's play a game of truth or dare. First comes dare... next week will be a truth. You get the idea.

B Treated: DIY Pumpkins

Time to get crafty... but no tricks here only ideas and directions below.

OMBRE directions // GOLD directions // PAINTED directions // GLITTER directions // DECOUPAGED directions

B Dressed for the rain

I love rain. I might be nostalgic of Seattle but whenever I see 50% chance on my iPhone app a small part of me squeals. If only that meant I could stay in bed and watch Breakfast at Tiffany's but that also would mean I wouldn't get to wear my rain boots. Puddle splashing anyone?

ONE: Topshop 'Benny' Faux Fur Trim Parka
TWO: Furla 'Candy' Rubber Satchel
THREE: Hunter Original Tall Union Jack-Wellington tall boots
FOUR: J Crew Pocket Umbrella

B Sparkled: 3 Glitter polishes for Fall

Glitter polish is most easily worn during the holidays or if you're a fashion blogger it may be a year round necessity. For bloggers and all you others, these are my picks for the best glitter for fall.

Gobsmacked by butter London is the best example for fall glitter. Dark and mysterious with a hint of sparkle. With this polish your Halloween costume most likely includes a masquerade mask and a tiara.

Yumi is for the girl who wants an excuse to celebrate. You're prone to popping champagne mid-week (why aren't we friends yet?) and you want your nails to tell that.

Deborah Lippmann Cleopatra in New York gives you glamour in the perfect dark gold. Best transition color for those who would rather skip Halloween and put the Mariah Carey Christmas album on repeat. Hand raised.

gobsmacked // yumi // cleopatra in new york

B Outfitted: As seen on Instagram

An update on my life as seen on Instagram. In addition to my #ootd images, I can't help but capture some great photos of the city lately. 

Here's a breakdown of the below:

Up top: Loving neutral prints for fall. The leopard sweater is from Forever 21 (hidden treasure) and the plaid flannel has been a staple in my closet since 2010. Goes to show, a good classic top can last through the seasons.

Around my neck: feeling nostalgic over the city, I purchased this Madewell scarf that is printed with NYC neighborhoods on it. Statement necklace in eggplant is the perfect Fall jewelry transition piece. 

On my feet: Not much you need to say about studded loafers (from Aldo). They are studded and loafers, I live in them. Classic rain boots never go out of style. 

Weekend play: Moments captured before a night out. Wearing Madewell black sweater dress and Dolce Vita booties with Current Elliot for Kate Spade clutch (barely seen). 

B Listed: Fall beauty must haves

As the leaves change, so should your beauty routine. Here are three beauty must haves for fall that I will be working to perfect. 

1. Winged tip eyeliner: We all know Lauren Conrad has perfected this look and Adele kills it but I'm looking to make this work everyday. With all the many tutorials available I am determined to master the art of eyeliner.

2. Simple bun: I have to admit that this look is already in my daily routine (typically day 3 of dirty hair) and will use throughout the season. 

3. Dark lips: This is a stretch for me. Just last year, I started wearing lipstick and have fears of this dark lip color. The trick here will be finding the perfect shade that compliments my skin tone and the perfect formula that stays through the day. 

winged tip // simple bun // dark lips

B Converted: French Barn

I'm not one for barns, I'm actually far from country and outdoorsy you can say. But, if there was a barn I could live in with a fabulous chandelier like the one below then I would!

Images via Trendland

P.S. If you're feeling overwhelmed in your work // life // social balance then I recommend you read Grace's blog post today. It was inspiring and said a lot that I'm afraid to say at times.

B Paired: Black and gold

Let me introduce you to my color pairing go-to. Black is increasing being added to my closet and gold has always been a staple. I'm finding these to slowly take over my fall wardrobe. Will I wear color again? I'm not sure with all these chic options.

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX

B Printed: Socks for fall

I traded in my iced coffee for a hot non-fat latte this morning. But when do you know it's really fall? When you stop shopping for tanks and start shopping for socks, printed socks! I admit that there are days during the fall and winter that I walk out with mis-matching socks under my boots. But there's something about colorfully printed socks that make me excited! So far, I've found that J. Crew and Madewell give the largest collection of printed socks. Where do you find your socks for fall? 

B Posed: Emmy top four

Last night's Emmy's was filled with new blood that was catching my eye. While the countdown to Fall television begins, I picked out my top four because really after them I lost interest. 

From left to right: Emily Vancamp in J. Mendel, Jessica pare in Jason Wu, Alison Williams in Oscar De La Renta, Kerry Washington in Vivienne Westwood

P.S. Who is watching Scandal and Revenge with me this week? 

B Patched: Gwyneth Paltrow Goop Sweaters

Fall is creeping on us and soon it will be sweater goes with everything season. I love this new collaboration from Gwyneth Paltrow on Goop showing that heart sweaters with elbow patches aren't for elderly or ten years and under. It's the patched details that is perfect for a pumpkin spice latte and book read on a Fall saturday. 

B Minimal: Gold Strip Studs

There are some things you never would put on your list, then come these amazing earrings from Ginette NY that become a must have. The simple gold strip studs are the perfect minimal detail. I'm dying to add these in my growing stud collection but unfortunately the $300 price tag slow downed my impulse buying nature. So here is my public listing... WANTED: Gold strip studs under $75. If found, please tweet @brookeandersen immediately!

B Pinned: Olivia Palermo style

I know you're aware of the addiction of Pinterest but are you aware of addicted to pinning photos of Olivia Palermo? It's as if when she's in her closet she thinks, "what is pin worthy?". I have loved her simple approach to create a beautiful ensemble with just 4 easy pieces. Nothing to over think about but creative pairing with classic items, she is my pinning guru. 

sweater // envelope clutch // textured skirt // cap toe heel