Category Archives: fashion forward

tough as leather…a belle fashion update

09 Thursday Oct 2014

Posted by in fashion forward, Uncategorized, what's ringin' our belle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

As we approach fall and the cooler weather, we can’t help but get excited about what’s trending…leather jackets, longer white shirts, and pattern play (think camo, not stripes and polka dots). So many options, so little time!!

This fall, if y’all don’t have one in your closet you must….we mean absolutely must…we repeat, MUST, get a leather jacket. It will serve you well now in the transition and long into fall and winter.

It is the perfect purchase…it travels well, can be dressed up or down, and comes in a variety of price points.

Layer with a crisp white shirt and your boyfriend jeans, or throw it on over a tank and some black skinnies, top your cocktail dress for a night on the town…the combinations are so plentiful, we’re just giddy with all the possibilities.

BB Dakota makes a very reasonable thin, soft jacket that looks like the real deal at a fraction of the price.

IMG_1280.JPG

Of course, it’s available at our favorite go-to shop Savvy. But lest you think that is your only choice, fear not because savvy has another unreal, too-divine-for-words option…a cropped bolero!! Shut it down, right?!? You just can’t resist it, and if you do, well you’re a belle off her rocker! Here, take a peek

IMG_2514.JPG

We told you it was beyond a normal human being’s ability to restrain themselves! Now is not the time to be superhuman…embrace your weakness for the phenomenal and just buy it already. ‘Nuff said.

The Gap also has a great moto inspired jacket with just a smidge of quilting to add some elegant detail.

IMG_1287.PNG

Or how about this gem?? From Joe Fresh

IMG_1474.JPG

Leather…(or a PETA-friendly version)…love it, live in it, languish in it… We just know you’ll wear it forevah and a day, dahlin’!

a&a

dare we go there…belles talk bras…your friday friend-1-1

19 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by in fashion forward, what's ringin' our belle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Now that we have tackled the dreaded panty line (see yesterday’s post) we felt it would be a terrible disservice to leave things hanging in the bra department (get it…wink, wink?)

20140615-111539.jpg
The ancestor to the modern-day bra (yikes!)

Yes…mothers (and even grandmothers) have always encouraged us to take care of “the girls”. We suppose experience…and gravity…taught them a thing or two. So how is it that one of us (and very likely many of our belle-friends out there) has never taken this issue seriously?

For one…camisoles with shelf bras, sports bras (including those awesome Lululemon racer-backs), allow us to escape the trappings of the dreaded brassiere quite often.

20140615-111600.jpg20140615-111607.jpg
Our favorite Lululemon racer-back tank…a wardrobe staple…
(more on our favorite activewear in future posts)

The second reason for the delay in taking the “plunge” (get it?) into purchasing a couple of good bras? Seems most retailers expect us all to be in the 36C range…give or take a couple of band and cup sizes. Well, guess what? Some of us might be a touch on the smaller side, and we are not at all ashamed!

First, a sizing lesson…

20140614-222737.jpg
Confusing as it might be…a “C” is not always a “C”! This diagram explains that the “F cup” that is sewn onto a 30 band is exactly the same cup that would be sewn onto a 36 band as a “C”. In other words…if said belle happened to feel respectable at a 30D…she might feel like hanging her head in shame when she realizes that if she happened to be a 36 band, she would be a mere 36A. Sad.

Now…when this belle decided it was time to give bra-shopping a go…again…the old frustrations seemed to creep right back up. Certain “grown-up” establishments just don’t carry the sizes at the bottom of the spectrum. They sent her to…wait for it…Victoria’s Secret. Really??

Well, who knew “Victoria” could be the mature (we use this term loosely…we ARE belles, after all) belle’s best friend? Turns out, Victoria’s “secret” all along has been that she has more than racy, lacy, cheetah-print bras and thongs…and she knows a thing or two about fit. Score!!

The sweet, perky dressing room staff went right to work, obediently listening to the requests for no crazy colors or patterns…and no pushing “the girls” up to an unnatural height (let’s not go overboard!). The goal: basic, comfortable support. Nothing fancy…just every-day functional. And, boy, did Victoria deliver!! Seems she has a couple of cuts that run a bit on the smaller side. Band issue solved. And with all of the different shape and cut options, this belle found THE answer to her decades-long bra-quest! The faves:

The “Body by Victoria Demi Bra”…

20140615-094828.jpg
This one is comfortable beyond belief…and a perfect fit! Bonus…the straps can crisscross when a racer-back is what the belle needs!

And to take the racer-back to a more permanent level…try the “Body by Victoria Front-close Racerback Demi”…

20140615-095801.jpg
Again…completely comfortable and a perfect fit!

And last, for a super-comfortable every-day option, try the “T-shirt Demi”…

20140615-103324.jpg
With the right fit, you barely even know you are wearing it!

So…if you are one of those belles who has worn the same, uncomfortable size for years, even decades, pull yourself up by that uncomfortable bra-strap and go find the nearest expert! You, and the girls, will not regret it!

Strap up, belles!
a&a

do the world (and yourself) a favor…no more panty lines!!!!

18 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by in fashion forward

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

Now that fashion contains a seemingly never-ending selection of spandex, jeggings, and leggings (all of which we embrace…within reason), there seems to be an increase in the dreaded panty line (gasp!).

Now let’s be very clear here…nobody looks good with a panty line! And y’all might not be able to see it on yourselves, but believe us when we tell you that the rest of the world can! The only socially responsible answer is to provide a reasonable solution. Being that belles like choices and have certain, shall we say…preferences, we have three very viable options for you.

The first up is a g-string…there, now that we have said it, we don’t have to feel awkward anymore (not as awkward as panty lines look anyway). Now, this isn’t just any underpinning…we can’t have you chafing, or uncomfortable, or distracted by foreign materials in all the nooks and crannies of your nether regions. We have found the gold standard, nay the platinum standard, of unmentionables. Cosabella makes the g-string to beat all g-strings…the talco g- string.

20140610-190140-68500244.jpg

They are available at cosabella.com and Zappos. Or…if your are a local belle…visit one of our favorite local haunts, Savvy, for a little retail therapy along with your Cosabella purchase.

The second necessity is the Hanky Panky Bare thong. This particular style comes in quite handy if you are wearing anything slinky. Often, even if the fit is perfect, a clingy fabric can show the slightest hint of a line. These keep that from happening.

20140610-191214-69134596.jpg
Purchase yours at NeimanMarcus.

Last, but not least by any means, we have a suggestion for those of you who just can’t “go there”…or for those times when you might prefer a little extra coverage. These are a proper panty, but they are made with no seams or elastic anywhere…and they are incredibly thin. Given those factors, we have found them to be the best panty option to avoid lines.

20140610-191623-69383947.jpg

Naomi and Nicole makes a wonderful edge hipster. Available at Amazon.

Here is what it boils down to, belles. First and foremost, please, we beg of you…on bended knee…to try the Cosabella. It is a life-changer. Just try one pair, we promise you’ll go back for more.

Secondly, we firmly believe there is no one perfect pair that works 100% of the time. Cut, fabric, seasons, coverage, etc…all play factors. And, as much as we wish it were so, we have yet to find the one and only underpinning that we belles must have. All belles need a repertoire…nay, an arsenal…of underpinnings from which to choose. If you’ve covered all the bases, then you’ll be prepared for every situation. And believe us, they will come up, crop up, creep up….so stock up, belles!!

a&a

the plight of white after Labor Day…go for it, belles!

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by in fashion forward

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Here’s a little emergency, bonus post. We feel compelled to remind you, dear belles, that you need not put away all of your white now that we have moved past Labor Day and toward the looming colder weather (we are kinda ready for some lower temps…aren’t you?).

We have heard many of our belle-friends questioning their fashion options in the last week because they have grown so attached to their white jeans through the summer…and they aren’t even close to being ready to put them away. Stop the madness!! Labor Day is not dooms-day in our book!!

Here’s proof:

This little video from Time gives a bit of history about the “no white after Labor Day” rule…and puts it to rest.

Glamour’s “Stop! Do Not Put Your White Jeans Away After Labor Day”. Says it all…and backs it up with these photos to prove the point:

20140910-131858-47938943.jpg

It’s all in the styling, belles!! Re-visit our posts from April 10 and May 1…for a quick refresher and some great white denim options…

Whew! You’re welcome, belles!
a&a

here, kitty, kitty…you will go wild for this friday friend-1-1

22 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by in fashion forward, friday friend 1-1

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Let’s all agree that the legs just look better in heels…and sometimes we are willing to pay the price for beauty with tender tootsies and sore soles….but thanks to the kitten heel trend, we don’t need to weep for beauty anymore!!

We can be practical and stylish with gazelle-like gams without getting cranky….and no one wants to cross a cranky belle, just sayin’! So without further ado, let us introduce you to the Dulci kitten heel from j Crew

20140821-145707-53827607.jpg
at $345, they are a bit of an investment…but the price-per-wear will make them totally worth it (a belle can always justify a shoe purchase…just sayin’)!

But…if the fall shoe budget doesn’t quite include this wild little kitten, the Dulci comes in a couple of other belle-worthy options…

How about the “bronzed brown”…

20140821-150243-54163069.jpg

or the “deep violet”…

20140821-150254-54174729.jpg
at a more palatable $198, these little kitties just might be calling your name!!

Time for some decision-making, belles!
a&a

a novel idea…fun, fashionable denim!

21 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by in fashion forward

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

We belles appreciate and adore that denim has become fully embraced as a uniform for day, night and everything in between. We love the skinnies, the cropped, the high-waisted, the boyfriend, the straight leg and the bell (of course). We swoon over dark wash, light wash, coated, colored and printed.

Thank you, world, for making denim a fun, fashionable workhorse for our wardrobes!!

This season’s trend toward the novelty jean has us whistling Dixie!! We are smitten with two in particular…so much so that we had to buy both! We are confident that they are going to be in continuous rotation for the foreseeable future.

First, the Paige Hoxton indigo pinstripe. A dark wash with a higher-waist, it makes bending over a non-issue! This denim can be sporty-casual with a tee or tank, but can easily be stepped up a notch with a leather jacket or blazer and some heels…or throw in a pop of color…be creative, belles!

20140821-180103-64863025.jpg

Available online from Paige or from one of our favorite local retailers, Savvy, here.

James jeans is always a go-to denim for us and they never disappoint. We just fell out over these camouflage jeans!! Again, dress them up or down and even play around with pattern…they look really cute with a black and white striped top! Also available at Savvy as well as online from James Jeans.

They are called the “espionage”…the name alone makes us want them!!

IMG_1116.JPG

A couple of other fun options we are debating are the 7 for all mankind striped jean at Saks Fifth Avenue…

IMG_1111.JPG

and the j brand kaleidoscope at Intermix…

IMG_1113-1.JPG

Fun, fashionable, denim in so many prints…what a novel idea!!

a&a

bless our soles…a foot fetish friday friend-1-1

01 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by in fashion forward, friday friend 1-1, what's ringin' our belle

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , ,

Thank you sole society!! The Portia is the best new shoe on the block!! Not only is it a wearable a height (3 inches) for long days and longer nights, but it’s also on trend with its strappy caged sexiness. And then…the icing on the cake is that the whole foot is padded!!! It’s like wearing mattresses on your feet!!

One belle chose black…

20140731-134853-49733539.jpg

while the other belle chose the natural….

20140731-134853-49733883.jpg

y’all better choose yours quick before they’re gone!!!

And…sole society gets huge bonus points for only charging $79.95 (with FREE shipping) for these hoof-friendly finds.

Happy shopping!
a&a

Smitten for kittens…kitten heels that is…feline foot candy

26 Thursday Jun 2014

Posted by in fashion forward

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

The latest kitten heel trend has us belles positively giddy. This low, dainty heel is such a wonderful feminine option and a nice change from the sky high stilts that have been in the forefront recently. While we love a good stiletto, a kitten heel works so easily with almost every outfit imaginable, is practical but pretty, and is the perfect option for long-term wear. These heels are flattering to the ankle and lengthen the calf. We have selected a few that piqued our interest and caused us to make a little extra room in the closet.

Now, because we’ve hit the warmer months, finally(!!), we are leaning toward sandals (the tootsies need a little vitamin D too!!), and we have been mighty partial to Vince Camuto lately. The selection of styles has been really on-trend and they are actually comfortable to boot!

The Hilarie is a darling strappy kitten that is subtle enough to wear day or night. Flattering, feminine, flirty…fabulous!
Find it here, here and our favorite local shoe boutique, Muse Shoe Studio.

20140603-134300-49380826.jpg

The next is also a Vince Camuto . This pair is frisky, fresh and just a touch edgy. Adore the snake skin heel. And the metallic strap seems to change from silver to gold based on what you are wearing. Available at Nordstrom, and they are 40% off so scurry along and get a pair!!! We also think they can be day-to-night and the suede front strap makes them cross over into cooler weather with ease.

20140603-142309-51789501.jpg

Now we know some of you are timid about your tootsies and prefer a covered toe option. Not to fear, we are here to please all of our belles!

Sole Society is a great site for shoes, and we have had great luck with fashionable options at awesome price points! The Jenn is one such shoe. Available in a wide array of colors including a divine gunmetal grey. For now, though we decided our wardrobes just need a lil’ pop and the coral was just calling our names. Our tootsies did a happy dance when they slipped into the soft suede and couldn’t wait to prance around town.

20140603-135832-50312988.jpg

Couldn’t you just eat ’em up?!?!

The next pump is a basic in our ever-so-humble opinion. We firmly believe that animal print is neutral and these kittens are ready to roar. Thank you Diane Von Furstenberg. These are timeless and every belle needs at least one pair of animal print pumps in her wardrobe. Get these wild critters here.

20140603-141438-51278920.jpg

And we would be remiss if we didn’t show you this last pair by Michael Michael Kors. A t-strap (we are quite fond of t-strap) adds interest and style…and keeps your feet from looking gargantuan.  Dare we say that they also VERY much resemble a certain shoe that is made by Valentino??? Classy, chic, and elegant, these would be a great addition to any of our closets. Order them from Nordstrom .

20140603-142101-51661016.jpg

So go on now, treat your tootsies…they’ve earned it!

a&a

we know a secret about Victoria…a belle-worthy friday friend-1-1

13 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by in fashion forward, friday friend 1-1, what's ringin' our belle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Well, y’all have probably figured out by now that one of our favorite things to do is shop…til we drop. Of course, we love all the high falutin’ brands and certainly appreciate good quality and high style. But there is no greater joy then when we find a real bargain…a great piece that knocks our socks off and doesn’t leave us dirt-poor in the process.

So let’s just say we aren’t shy, and when one of us was at the hairdresser before leaving town that day, our adorable stylist was wearing THE cutest tee ever. Well…a belle’ s got to do what a belle’s got to do…

“Wherever did you get that to-die-for tee??? That’s exactly what I need to take on my trip this afternoon! Do tell…pretty please..”

And the reply was a delightful yet maddening shocker. The price was delightful – only $29.50 . The maddening part was that it was from the Victoria’s Secret catalog! Can’t buy on the spot…or can we???

Yes, that’s exactly what this belle was willing to do for the sake of the perfect tee…slightly off the shoulder, fitted at the hip, long enough in the torso to be ruched and flattering.

“Please, oh greatest hair-stylist of all time. Won’t you let me buy yours and you just order a new one?? I must have it for this trip!! ”

And wouldn’t you know, because hair-stylists are belles too, she let this belle buy the shirt right off her back!!

Not to mention that as soon as humanly possible, we proceeded to order said tee in black and grey and an additional white!  They come in a slew of colors and are now on sale for 2 for $30.00 !!

So run, run like the wind, to your nearest internet connection and order our not-so-secret-anymore tee from Victoria.

20140513-221518.jpg

20140514-092056.jpg

20140514-092122.jpg

One more thing…we usually sport ours with a cami underneath. We are obsessed with this one. Have them in every color.

20140514-093449.jpg

You can get them at Amazon and RepeatPossessions.

Be forewarned…if you have daughters, they will steal them. Sneaky little things! Go ahead and get a few extra.

a&a

belles “jump” on the bandwagon…

05 Thursday Jun 2014

Posted by in fashion forward, what's ringin' our belle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Jumpsuits…another fashion trend, and a good one at that. Like a dress, once on, there is little to consider save for a few (or more) accessories! A jumpsuit is this seasons’s answer to the LBD…only cooler! Ideal for travel as it can be dressed up or down, layered or worn on its own, the jumpsuit adds an air of easy chic .

The jumpsuit can be sleek and sophisticated, cool and casual, boho flair, tastefully trendy, and much, much more. Bonus…it’s a blank canvas for creative accessorizing! Layer piles of necklaces or one statement necklace, have an arm party, scarf it, belt it, add a cardi…or how about a cool blazer?? The options are limitless and it’s a great opportunity to experiment!! C’mon y’all, get those creative juices flowing!!

Of course we’ve picked a couple to show you. The one that both of us purchased and a third belle in the crew had to have as well is by Drew and available at The Copper Penny.

20140530-173908.jpg

The necklace is fromJ. Crew and was 25% off!! Belles love a statement necklace that’s a bargain to boot!!

Now, as we had a little trouble finding the Drew jumpsuit on line we found a similar one at Topshop.

And a great, budget-friendly version is this one from Express.

20140530-175119.jpg

This one gives you a little more coverage on the top and we adore the sporty “track suit” edginess on the bottom. That tassel necklace? Another great purchase from J.Crew at 25% off. We will be sporting this one everyday.

Now lest you think we are boring, we decided to throw a printed jumpsuit into the mix…with ruffles…divine we tell you. This one from our local boutique of choice Savvy. And their website is Savvygreenville.com.

20140530-175901.jpg

With the necklaces from Furla and Kenneth Jay Lane, this jumpsuit just pops.

We love not thinking too hard when we don’t have to, and the jumpsuit sure takes care of a lot of the thinking for us.

So get a jump start on the jumpsuit action before they’re all gone. You’ll be glad you did!

a&a