New Year's Nails (On a Budget!)

As New Year's Eve draws closer, I thought I'd give myself a spiffy at-home manicure for the event. Personally, I find the holiday to be a little disappointing when it comes down to it, but at least I'll have pretty nails when I'm sitting on the couch contemplating which celebrities will divorce in the new year. 

I borrowed this colored french tip tutorial from Studs & Pearls, who does awesome DIY projects. So check it!

(What I used: Paper reinforcing stickers, Revlon in Minted, OPI Nail Envy topcoat, and Hard Candy in Trailer Trash.)

(Apply basecoat and bottom coat of polish. Allow it to dry WELL, if you apply the tip color too soon the stickers will ruin it.)

(Place stickers so that you've got a couple centimeters to paint. You can cut the stickers in half or use the whole thing if you're lazy, like me. Apply your tip color and remove the sticker once it's dried a little bit.)

(Sorry, Instagram made my hand look gnarly.)

Apply topcoat and ta-da! You'll look real classy when the ball drops, and hopefully thereafter... lawl. Be safe and have fun!

-B

P.S. The best colors for the tips of your nails are better if they're darker than your base polish or metallic. It'll show up better.

Band of Outsiders Pre-Fall 2012

Band of Outsider's Pre-Fall collection for 2012 is one of my favorites to date. Perfectly tailored blazers, pencil skirts and pants with feminine colors and subtle touches of leather and stripes galore. They may not be show stoppers, but they sure are classy as hell. 

Plus they have cutie models. (Donald Glover, Dave Franco, and James Marsden)

Check out Band of Outsider's full collection here and other Pre-Fall 2012 collections here. 

-B

A Day in San Francisco

Today I got to spend the day in San Francisco with my mom and older brother. We did some major exploring and got to enjoy the beautiful weather.

An intricate arch at the Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco- it's modeled after the Legion Hall of Honor in Paris. 

A late lunch at B-Star Bar in Inner Richmond, an incredible spot with a unique Asian fusion menu. Chicken and shrimp biryani and butternut squash soup. 

LEOPARD PRINT LOAFERS!!!! ARE BELONG TO ME!!!!

What have you all been up to with your post-holiday free time?

-B

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: Chunky, Loose-Fitting Sweaters

Today I'm going to talk about something very near and dear to my heart: the sweater. It's been a wardrobe staple of mine for as long as Seattle has been a miserable place to live, and there's a few reasons why I love them: They come in every color, shape, style, material, etc. etc. etc. Furthermore, they're incredible easy to find for cheap- the 20 or so thrifted sweaters in my closet are a testament to that. 

One particular style begs for digression, however. Chunky or loose-fitting sweaters are incredibly versatile and often offer a chicness and comfort that only your grandpa's cable-knit can achieve. There are more ways, however, to wear them other than with jeans and unwashed hair (okay, maybe that's more of a personal anecdote), and here's how!

Untitled #3 by raincitystylistas2 featuring striped pants

                              

(From left to right: Thakoon P/F 2012, Rag & Bone P/F 2012)

                                                            
                                                              

(Sweater: J Crew, thrifted; silk wrap skirt: vintage, bag: knockoff, Ebay)

And there you have it, folks. The frumpy sweater isn't actually so frumpy, is it?

-B

Pre-Holiday Outfit Post (With a special guest!)

Hey everyone! I've once again neglected posting for which I have no excuse (besides having marvelous adventures in LA), so I won't make any... besides the one in parentheses. Lots o' shit has happened in the past few months.*

Living in LA was educational and transformational in a lot of a ways. I ended up doing some serious people-watching, and picked up a few tips regarding urban style, one being the ease and casuality of Angeleno fashion. I saw some ladies and gents rock casual shapes and styles while maintaining a fresh, chic, and edgy air. Second, they really know how to wear neutrals in terms of color, cut, and outfit palette.

While my first impulse is to wear teal, brights and lightweight fabrics, I've been really digging a more androgynous style as of late, mixing muted colors and more structured shapes that just make me feel... snazzy.

Claire came to visit the past few days, which was totally kickass. Reuniting always gets out creative juices flowing, so expect more from us in the coming weeks! Here's what I wore on an adventure day to Santa Cruz:

(Top: Gap, thrifted; blazer: vintage, thrifted; scarf: Eugene, OR; pants: BDG, thrifted; belt: thrifted; SHUZ: Plenty by Tracy Reece, sample sale)

(If you didn't notice, these shoes are UNGODLY AWESOME. I snagged 'em for $30 bucks at a sample sale in San Francisco over Thanksgiving. They feel like a dream after a whole day of walking and can we talk about how crushed velvet and menswear shoes are a match made in heaven?)

I apologize for the unintentional hiatus. Hopefully you all still enjoy our inconsistent yet enthusiastic tirades. Much love to you and yours this holiday season! May your eating binges taste like holiday cheer!

Love,

B

*I spent the fall semester living in inner-city Los Angeles, my parents relocated from Seattle to San Jose, and I've been trying to figure out where I'll spend five months abroad beginning in June.

Outfit Post, Los Angeles Style

This is my third week living in Los Angeles- I'm here for the semester as part of an urban studies program for my major. I'm living in Koreatown, taking classes nearby and interning with a non-profit for the next few months. Check out my personal blog if you'd like to read about my experiences and transformation!

It's starting to cool down a bit, especially since there's about a ten degree difference in temperature in LA proper from Azusa. Here's what I wore to the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival in Chinatown. Forgive my ridiculous posture and facial expression, as always:

(Top, Tulle (bought at this random wholesale weird shop in Santa Monica); jeans, Urban Outfitters; brogues, Forever21; bag, Ebay; scarf, Mother's; hummus, delicious)

(Tying a scarf to the handle of your bag is an easy way to add some chicness to an outfit and maximizing the use of your layers- plus I've got to admit my secret love for cheetah print :3)

(My favorite accessories lately. From left: vintage, Mother's; etched PVC pipe, gifted; enamel butterfly, vintage)

I've been digging blouses so hard lately, I guess it's just a new season in my style!

Also, I've added quite a few new items to my Etsy shop lately- take a look! Tell a friend!

Love you all

-B

Berit's Jewelry Giveaway On The Emerald Closet!

Hello everyone!

So as I'm sure you're all well aware, I've been making jewelry from vintage buttons and selling them in my Etsy shop. Well, I've got some exciting news...

The Emerald Closet, one of my favorite Seattle-based style blogs, is conducting a giveaway for my shop! The talented team over at TEC not only captures what is happening in the fashion world 'round the world, but beautifully represents the uniqueness of Seattle street style as well.

Beginning Monday, August 8th (tomorrow, lulz) through Monday of next week, you can enter to win one of three rings from my shop that we'll be giving away!

Keep your eyes peeled for the giveway at The Emerald Closet, and good luck!

-B

On Trend: Lightweight Button-Ups

In September, I'll be heading back to Southern California- but this time I'll be living in inner-city Los Angeles, completing a required program for my major. A huge part of this experience will be interning with a non-profit organization, which I'm so excited about (Of course I'll keep y'all posted on my experiences there!).

Living in an (at times) insanely hot concrete jungle won't allow me any excuses for wearing tank tops and cutoffs every day- I'll still have to dress like a professional for my professional obligations. That's why I've been really liking the idea of gauzy, lightweight buttons ups that will retain a stylish but professional look while keeping me cool.

Here's a long-sleeved version of a top I just got for a steal on HauteLook (click here to join!).

I couldn't get an actual photo of it, but you get the general idea. Lightweight, dressy enough for dark slacks but also endlessly versatile! Here's some other great examples:

Sleeveless Woven Shirt- $17.80

Boy Shirt in crepe de chine- $110.00

Sheer Woven Top- $17.80

Pleione Roll Sleeve Tunic- $44.90

Also, PROJECT RUNWAY STARTS THURSDAY. I believe the show is splitting its time between New York and LA... either way it'll be entertaining as usual. But don't forget to read the news sometimes, too...

-B

Outfit Post: Sailor Stripes

When I was in the Bay Area a week ago I visited a really, truly wonderful vintage and used consignment shop called "Black & Brown." If you're familiar with Seattle vintage shops, think Red Light- but more every day wear and waaaay less pricey.

I scored this vintage skirt for $16 along with a great teal dress and a comfy flannel! I've been trying to push myself to mix & match patterns, stripes, and textures more often, so here's my latest try!

(Top, H&M; skirt, vintage Black & Brown; belt, thrifted; heels, MIA; necklace, vintage; earrings, self-made via my Etsy)

What are your favorite patters to mix together? New post on health coming soon! :)

-B

On Trend: Graduated Sparkle Nails

Hey y'all! Hope everyone had a fun, relaxing and moderately redneck 4th of July! Here's a trend that's caught my attention lately... Graduated/Ombre sparkle nails!

As with most things in life, this style can look either really cool or really tacky. Emily on Cupcakes & Cashmere wrote a great, fool-proof tutorial with the ever-hip technique of glitzing up only her ring fingers:

And here's my poorly-photographed version, with coral and gold. If you know me, you know I love nail polish, and this was a super easy way to spice (or sparkle, lulz) things up a bit! I accidentally went a little too heavy with the sparkles, but what can I say, I'm drawn to shiny like a crow.

A random photo off the interwebs, but the topcoat only with the sparkles looks great, too!

All it takes is a normal manicure and a bottle of sparkles (from the craft store or your local beauty supply, just make sure they're pretty small.) I always start off with base coat (it'll protect your nails from the undeniably yucky chemicals in the polish.), add the color, and then apply a topcoat. Add another small bit of topcoat to the tip of the nail and use a small paint brush to apply the sparkles- you can either sprinkle them on or brush them on for a more controlled graduated look.

Enjoy!

-B

Sunny Day Outfit!

You guys... I think... summer... is here!!!

Or at least, it was for today. So I took advantage of the beautiful weather to put on some summery colors!

(Top, H&M; skirt, thrifted; sweater, F21; combat boots, BC; sunnies, Betsey Johnson.)

I found these Betsey Johnson wingtip sunnies at the Rack a few weeks ago for a saweeeet deal! They remind me of the bejeweled one I wore as a kid :D

-B

On Trend: Spiked Punch

Spikes aren't just for punks anymore! While pyramid and circle studs are common lately, spikes are a few steps farther up the badass staircase. I mean... spiked Burberry trenches? OH YES.

Here's some affordable options for "spiking" your look:

Rachel Rachel Roy Crystal Tip Spear Earrings- $38.00

Spikez Ring by KLxTL- $15.00

ASOS Long Metal Spike Earring- $10.76

Gold Spike Necklace by okalexk- $10.00

What do y'all think?

-B

"Balenciaga and Spain" at the de Young Museum

Hi everyone! I've been lucky enough to have spent my vacation in the Bay Area, with many trips to San Francisco on the glorious public transportation available.

On Tuesday my mom and I checked out the "Balenciaga and Spain" exhibit at the de Young Museum, containing a showcase of some of Balenciaga's most famous 20th-century designs. Coming within inches of the silk-taffeta and hand-embroidered creations that influenced designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy.

Below are just a few snapshots taken off the web -the great thing about seeing his pieces in a museum was that the exhibit offered many insights into the religious (one beautiful sheath gown embroidered with crystals actually featured a crown of thorns pattern) and Spanish cultural influences on Balenciaga's designs. Art, in my opinion, is often more greatly appreciated when inspiration and influence are taken into account.

I wanted to walk out of there with every dress stuffed under my arm (respectfully and reverently stuffed, of course)! On a personal note, two weeks from now I'll be in Seattle for summer break... it doesn't even seem real that I'm already half-way through college. Someone pinch me! (not really)

-B

Prada Resort Collection/Capsule Collection 2011

In 2005 I was lucky enough to travel to Spain and Portugal with my mother and some friends. One of my favorite places that we visited was the Portuguese town of Sintra, home to the Palacio Nacional and its beautiful "azulejos," or blue tile murals.

Flashback from the weird geography lesson: I was delighted to find out that Prada not only included azulejo-inspired designs in their Resort 2011 collection, but created an entire blue-and-white capsule collection based off of them!

Prada's designs as of late have been a really great mix of classic mid-20th century America/pinup mixed with a little Lolita, and I wiiiiiiiiish I could have found a good photo of the beautiful three-quarter-sleeved, full-skirted dress made in this same print. So beautiful!

It's so wonderful to see designs that evoke deep emotions or memories in a fashion world where so many designs are judged based on their shock factor.

Hope you're all having wonderful holidays! I still have a food baby!

-B

Clothing Swap Success!

Tonight I hosted a clothing swap at my house; it was rather hastily planned but so much fun!

(Attempting at organization- see the teeny signs? :3)

Although there were only 6 of us, it was actually pretty ideal- two huge bags of clothes are sitting in my basement waiting to be donated!

Everyone left with some treasures!

(Natalie with her favorite find: an adorable romper from Gavia)

Hilarity also ensued:

(Brooke. No words for this.)

I'll post a couple of my favorite finds later- ladies who attended, feel free to post a photo of your favorite item found in the comments

(or send it to me and I'll post it)!

All in all, hosting or attending a clothing swap is a great way to freshen up your wardrobe for free and relieve your closet of unwanted items that will be enjoyed by a friend (also for free!).

Oh, and I made cupcakes for the event. Of course. Lemon Lavender :)

-B

Paula Abdul's Grammy Fashion Miss

Words fail me. For once. OK. 'Hot mess' comes to mind. Oh Paula, Paula, Paula.....