Culottes 3 Ways

Culottes...I kind of half to laugh about this, seeing as how I just thew mine out from the last go around. I rarely throw things out, and I was pretty certain I wouldn't see another cycle of these for a long while. Shame on me...I knew better. Guess I'll have to go shopping. Darn. ;)

Culottes are back in full force!

These babies can be super tricky, I'm not going to lie. I have faith though, that with these guidelines you can rock them!

• It's all about proportion
• Think of them like a slightly altered A line skirt 
• Slim and crop tops are going to be the best bet 
• If wearing flats the pants need to be a longer length 
• Heels are a guarantee winner, especially with shorter lengths 
• Monochromatic palettes keep the outfit streamline making the cuts the focus

The fit: hit mid-calf allowing widest part of the flair to accentuate the skinniest part of your leg. This will make or break them. It can be tricky and why you'll probably have to try on several pair in order to find the perfect ones for your body type. It'll be worth it though, I promise! 

There are so many ways to style these pants. Don't be afraid to try different things. I think you'll be surprised with what works. I personally will play with some looser fit tops, with a front tuck of course. Also, a white dress shirt and some statement jewelry will help bring it home for me. 

Here are a few ideas:

Culottes by b-lovely featuring Free People

Oh, I'm also learning gauchos are all over and a little easier to find. Gauchos aren't quite as big and can be a little more tailored. Culottes are generally more flowing and skirt feeling. Gauchos feel like a baggy pant... Hope that helps. ;)

Overalls… I'm Not Kidding

I am fairly certain I noticed a comeback of these babies a bit ago. Oh yes, here. Ha! But, seriously I am a little surprised that they are back. I guess it was only a matter of time though. We are expecting baby (BOY) #2 in April and so I'm a lovely 4 months pregnant. Pregnancy and overalls, I have firmly believed, do not even belong in the same sentence. Guess what came to my door on Friday? Yep, maternity overalls! Oh man, I'm still trying to decide how brave I am. Especially, since I'm sure it'll be a good year before they catch on a ton here in Utah. I really kind of love them though! Like, really kind of love them!! My safety nets will be heels and a statement necklace. Also, loving cardis/blazers etc. Tyler is ready to sign me up for farmersonly.com, but I think I'm ready to rock them!

From my research the basic rules are to keep them modern. NO PLAID and no tanks tops. Heels will elongate the leg (as always), and make sure you find a pair that fit your legs well. I purchased these, and love the wash and the way they fit my legs. 

I really love the dark washes a lot too, but I guess I'll wait until next go around (or next year when I am belly-less), for some. I think you might be surprised how much you like them.  

overalls 3 ways by b-lovely featuring Free People


*UPDATE* after writing this post and getting so excited about these, about a week later I tried them on and my belly just didn't work with them. I carry super low and pretty sure every single person laughed. So, not for my prego self, but I WILL be buying them when my baby weight is gone.

Chambray Blazer 3 Ways

I feel (ok I know) since I have discovered Polyvore, I have steered from my original goal of putting together outfits you can run out and buy tomorrow that are wallet friendly. Hopefully, my next post will get us back there, but for now I thought I'd give you some tips on why I paired what I did. I never mean for you to go buy the exact $100 earrings, but just to give you an idea of the look. My favorite studs are from Forever21 and were about $4. :) Moving on, the chambray blazer is making an ever growing appearance these days. I have seen them at GAP, GAP Outlet, Banana Republic, J.Crew Outlet, Target, and I do not doubt Old Navy has one, as well as other stores. Real quick here are a few ways I would wear it. :)

Chambray Blazer by b-lovely featuring bezel watches

Mulberry mini shirt / Jigsaw stripe sweater, $74 / Top, $15 / Chambray jacket / Cheap Monday neon skinny jeans / Jack Wills low rise skinny jeans / H&M jeans, $15 / Sergio Rossi patent heels / Chinese Laundry strap sandals, $83 / ASOS flats sandals / Betsey Johnson bezel watch / Roxy sparkle jewelry / Kate Spade clear crystal earrings / White House Black Market faux pearl jewelry / Biba skinny waist belt, $52

TIPS: 
Look #1: Loving the neon jeans right now. Treat chambray like a neutral. I am also loving the florals. You just want a floral that can compliment both. It will probably be harder to find one that matches the bright pants, so look for ones that have lots of white/blacks/greys/navy (neutrals) in them. Camel is my new favorite neutral right now (see belt). You'll be surprised and how many neons it looks fantastic with.

Look #2: Loved the feminine cut of this bright top. With a less busy shirt I like to pair the chunkier necklaces to give the shirt more interest. Plus it will always direct people's eyes to your face. 

Look #3: The blazer makes a t-shirt and jeans a little more polished. Perfect for day to night. Also, a more laid back look, but you can change the feel with any type of shoe, heel/boot/sandal/toms. You also have great options again with the jewelry depending on how much fuss you want. :)

Lastest Fav Color Combo

As I was out and about today (no fab deals to tell you about yet) I happened to notice a lot of people mixing mints, greens, and yellows together. Maybe it was because I was on alert after buying a great pair of neon lime green jeans, but I swear tons of people were wearing it. It feels so fresh. I think there are so many possibilities! I hurried and threw together a few great options! :)

Untitled #50 by b-lovely featuring gold shoes

Abercrombie & Fitch off the shoulder sweatshirt / Cardigan / Monki party shirt, $45 / Madewell shirt / Equipment top / AG Adriano Goldschmied skinny leg jeans / Current/Elliott skinny fit jeans / Miss Sixty , $70 / Ballet sneaker / Gold shoes, $145 / Stuart Weitzman / Michael Kors chrono watch, $340 / White House Black Market fake pearl earrings / Bracelet ring / Ray-Ban ray ban eyewear / Eyeglass

My Great Pant Debate

Patterned pants are all the rage for Spring. MY dilemma is I cannot decide which ones I want! My past self would have purchased all of them. Maybe I narrow it down to two, but for now I don't feel like I need all of them. So the question is....polka dot, stripe, tribal, floral... There are SO many darling options. Once I decide on a print, then they also come in so many colors. Generally speaking I would see a pant on someone that would get the wheels in my head spinning resulting in a decision. I have yet to have any clarification. Hope you don't mind me trying to sort this out.. ;)

Floral Pant by b-lovely featuring a woven shirt

Equipment top / J.Crew j crew sweater / J.Crew j crew / Aéropostale woven shirt / Current/Elliott skinny leg jeans / GAP tall jeans / Colorful jeans / Sergio Rossi leather pumps / MICHAEL Michael Kors t-strap shoes / Nine West flats sandals

Polka Pants by b-lovely featuring water resistant watches

Equipment silk shirt, $250 / T By Alexander Wang / Diane von Furstenberg silk cardigan / J.Crew colorful sweater / Barbara Bui / One Teaspoon / GAP skinny fit jeans / Old Navy polka dot jeans / Forever 21 lightweight jeans / Urge ballet flat, $36 / Shine shoes / Charlotte Russe ballet flat / Ballerina shoes / MICHAEL Michael Kors water resistant watch / Meredith Wendell metallic belt

Print Pant by b-lovely featuring leather flip flops

Paul Smith Black Label slim shirt, $170 / J.Crew j crew sweater / J.Crew tailored shirt / Zara top / Madewell / Mango over sized sweater, $35 / 1969 geo print legging skimmer jeans / Jeans / Zara leather cowboy boots / Accessorize skimmer shoes / Abercrombie & Fitch leather flip flops / American Eagle Outfitters neon flip flops / Statement necklace / Broken-in straight striped khakis / maison skinny leg jean | Cotton On

Leopard

I picked up a leopard shirt a few months ago and it has become one of my very favorites. I have been shocked at how neutral it has been. I loved adding a pop of color to keep it young and fresh.

Leopard by b-lovely featuring citizens of humanity

H&M leopard print blouse, $23 / Cotton v neck sweater / J.Crew quilted vest / J.Crew tall jacket / rag & bone . / Citizens of Humanity / Diesel leather boots / H&M ballerina shoes, $13 / Lace up boots, $70 / J.Crew necklace / J.Crew vintage earrings / Swell belt

Lemon Obsession

Ever since I found this sweater for a steal at J.Crew Factory I've been obsessing with what to wear it with. I can't believe how versatile it's ended up being. One of my favorite purchases this year (ha ha) by far! Every time I think of a new way to wear it, I get even more excited. While I'm not quite sure it will count as "Lemon Zest" from Pantone since it's pretty bold, I think everyone should find this color for spring!

Lemon by b-lovely featuring short shorts

J.Crew long shirt / Long sleeve shirt / Sweater / H&M jean jacket, $48 / Dsquared jeans, $305 / J.Crew pencil skirt / Factory polka-dot popover washed shirts / Short shorts / Nicholas Kirkwood suede pumps, $630 / Diane von Furstenberg leather shoes, $185 / Betty Jackson. Black pumps, $57 / Jennifer Meyer Jewelry diamond initial necklace / Anton Heunis pink crystal necklace / Michael Kors watch / Yellow gold earrings, $205 / Marc by Marc Jacobs marc jacob / Banana Republic / Ann Taylor / Ana Spike Hairband

Geo Print Sweaters

These I am seeing all over right now. Honestly I'm not even sure if that's what they're called, but Polyvore allowed it so I'm sticking with it! ;) It took me a second to really fall in love, but with the right one I think they're a great addition to any wardrobe! I just ordered mine and cannot wait for it to come! Here are some ideas!

Geo 1 by b-lovely featuring monki

Geo 2 by b-lovely featuring a cashmere cable knit sweater

Geo 3 by b-lovely featuring a woven belt

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Not Christmas time sillies, FOOTBALL!! We/I love football season. One of our most favorite things about Fall. Our Ute season officially starts on Thursday and we are stoked. First thing that of course comes to mind is the fashion. Now, I'm not much of a t-shirt girl, so I like to find ways to take it up a notch. Here are a few ideas to take your t-shirt up a notch. :)

Game Day 1 by b-lovely featuring embroidered jeans

J.Crew graphic shirt / 7 For All Mankind embroidered jeans / Black pointed toe flat / Yellow gold jewelry / Utah Utes Ladies Galaxy T-Shirt White

Game Day 2 by b-lovely featuring flats

NW3 by Hobbs cotton jacket, $205 / Tory Burch flat / H&M metal jewelry, $9.49 / American Eagle Outfitters Jegging / Utah Utes Ladies Galaxy T-Shirt White

Game Day 3 by b-lovely featuring dolce vita sandals

Old Navy fitted shirt / American Eagle Outfitters jean jacket / Jolt slim jeans / DUSICA KOTUR SACKS flat shoes / Dolce Vita sandals / Charlotte Russe gold hoop earrings / Utah Utes Ladies Galaxy T-Shirt White

Once you know exactly what you want to wear, how about some party food?! I made these buffalo chicken bites last week and they were so yummy! They would be amazing fried, but just as great baked! You won't be disappointed! Great finger food!

Buffalo Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2. 1/4 to 1/2 cup hot sauce (to taste)
3. 3 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened
4. 1 3/4 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
5. 1/4 cup chopped green onions
6. 1 cup all-purpose flour
7. 4 eggs, lightly beaten
8. 3 – 4 cups Corn Flakes cereal, crushed

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese and hot sauce, cheddar cheese and green onions.
3. Roll a heaping tablespoon of mixture into a 1½-inch ball and place onto a plate or separate baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Place flour in a shallow dish.
5. In a second shallow dish, place eggs.
6. In a third shallow dish, Place cornflakes.
7. Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, then the egg and ending with the Corn Flakes. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Yields: 48 bites

How about some super cute containers to put your finger foods in?! I was going to make you all some and then came across these cute printables on HWTM. Exactly what I was going to make, so I figured I might as well just share these. They're darling!! Click here to get the file with labels, toppers, bags, boxes, and snack containers for all of your party needs. :)

*hostesswiththemostess.com*

*printables made by Jen St. Clair from Little Sprout Creations.*

Wahoo!! Let's party!! GO UTES!!!! 

Fall Trend Update:Polka Dots 3 Ways

Looks like Fall is going to be filled with Polka Dots.
They're all over the place!Excited to explore this feminine print.

Untitled #30 by b-lovely featuring warby parker eyewear

Rebecca Minkoff polka dot blouse / Theory white shirt / VILA cotton shirt, $31 / 
Current/Elliott jeans / Miz Mooz boots / Shoulder handbag / 
Carolee LUX multi strand necklace / Gold jewelry, $275 / 
Warby Parker eyewear / Warehouse leather belt, $22 / 
Essie nail polish

#2 by b-lovely featuring leather boots

BCBG Max Azria sequin tank top / American Eagle Outfitters boat neck top /
American Eagle outfitter / Tory Burch leather boots / High heel shoes / 
Jamie Wolf diamond jewelry / Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet watch / 
Paul Smith Light Chambray Shirt / Essie nail polish

#3 by b-lovely featuring a polka dot blouse

J.Crew polka dot blouse / H&M biker jacket, $47 / Linen skirt / 
Yves Saint Laurent high heels, $600 / Tory Burch envelope clutch / 
Diamond earrings, $6,325 / Astley Clarke stackable ring / 
CC SKYE leather jewelry, $210

Big Red

FINALLY! HERE is my fab find from black friday:

American Eagle Red Jegging

My sister-in-law Emily tipped me off to this great find! THANK YOU! They are seriously awesome! I was in the process of searching for a great pair! I ended up scoring these for $28! Wishing I would have bought the blue as well. They are a heavenly fit (and also the first pair of pants I bought post baby- so it added a little excitement ;) ) and so comfortable as well. There are so many things (surprisingly) that these go with! Thanks to Polyvore- these are some of my ideas of what to wear these with. I've actually already worn versions of the first two and loved it! ;)

Untitled #15 by b-lovely featuring longsleeve shirts

Untitled #13 by b-lovely featuring 14k earrings

Untitled #12 by b-lovely featuring a pearl chain necklace

Striped Jacket 3 Ways

I am loving the stripes that are taking over stores. Pregnancy is probably not the optimal time to start wearing them all, but I love them. Have you seen the cute navy striped jackets that are gracing us with their presence? They're everywhere and adorable! I think it can be a great transition piece into summer. I put together a few outfit ideas to go with this piece. The places I've run into this guy are- J.Crew, Forever21, Ann Taylor Loft, and this particular one is from Anthropologie. They have been out for several months, so hopefully you can find one, possibly even on the sale rack! :)
The Item:
En Route Blazer
$98
Anthropologie


The Looks:

Oxfords: 3 Ways

Remember how I said I was going to do this all of the time?! Completely forgot! Embarrassing! Anyway, I wanted to this "3 Ways" on Oxfords. I first saw them for last year for Fall, but wasn't completely sold on them, and they were super hard to find. They are hot again this season and are around (in stores) more than last year. I ended up finding a fantastic pair at Forever21. I was surprised at how comfy they actually are from Forever21. I really love these shoes. There are tons of different styles out there, so be sure to shop for some that you love. Here are 3 Ways I would wear them.
The Item:
Oxford Shoes
Chelsea Crew Perforated Oxford Shoes
Urban Outfitters $59.00

Some great guidelines:

Dress them up with feminine items.

Raise the hemlines of skirts, dresses, shorts. (just above the knee works just as well as a mini)

Voluminous pieces compliment the flat oxfords.

Boyfriend blazers work great when paired with tapered jeans.

Softer colors works better with dresses and skirts because there is low contrast between your leg and shoe color. Also makes it a little more feminine.

Tapered pants, jeans, or ankle length leggings make them look more feminine, while wide leg and bootcut create a more masculine look.

*youlookfab.com*

Remember that any items you want to submit to me are more than welcome! :)