Category Archives: what’s ringin’ our belle

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

let’s be clear…ways to lighten up our home décor

12 Thursday Jun 2014

Posted by in belle maison, what's ringin' our belle

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

We are partial to acrylic furniture and both of us have a piece or two in our homes. They are great to float anywhere, create surface area, and avoid the crowding effect. A great way to add without adding clutter.

Here are some of our favorites…

20140610-183223-66743278.jpg20140610-183222-66742671.jpg

20140610-183221-66741490.jpg20140610-183220-66740858.jpg

20140610-183220-66740269.jpg20140610-183219-66739674.jpg

Crisp, clean…and clear!

One source we have found for stylish, sensibly-priced lucite pieces is Wisteria. We have been stalking them for some time now…as belles occasionally do. They are a purveyor of stylish, on-trend home furnishings and decor…and we love their home styling…makes us want to purchase absolutely everything!!

20140605-125140-46300895.jpg

So…while doing some Wisteria “stalking” recently, we found these acrylic wall brackets and just had to share! Great for any decor…modern, traditional, beachy, country, eclectic…whatever your home’s mood, a pair of these can only amp up the style.

20140605-130419-47059160.jpg

The perfect way to display a pair of urns, porcelain, coral, artwork, silver or whatever your lil’ heart desires.

Right now Wisteria is having a sale. $50.00 off a purchase of $200.00

These brackets are priced at $129.00 each so may we strongly suggest you invest in a pair. Otherwise, you’ll regret it and we will have to say we told you so.  Snap ’em up, belles!

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

y’all are going to love these “studs”.

03 Tuesday Jun 2014

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

You naughty belles!!! We are talkin’ about pearl studs…and not just any pearl stud either. These are happy-dance worthy. They are über-chic, edgy, on-trend, and happen to be the perfect dupe of these Dior pearl earrings…..

20140517-104732.jpg

20140517-104741.jpg
Via Pinterest

Belles love their pearls, and to be able to kick them up a notch…well, it just makes our hearts melt. And…bonus…when it turns out to be a belle-bargain, we do even more dancing and prancing!

That’s right belles, your wallets are safe with us for the moment. Bauble Bar has designed a pair that we deem Olsen-twin worthy ….can you say identical?? For $28.00 !!!! Whew…sorry…lil’ out of breath from all that celebrating!! They are called the 360 and come in blush or gold (gold being a white pearl with gold metal…what we ordered) So, get on it now, belles. Order here …please! We beg of you…we don’t want you to miss out!

20140517-111316.jpg

Your lobes will thank us.

a&a

for the graduates…belles give the best gifts…your friday friend-1-1

09 Friday May 2014

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You may be asking yourself…as are we…how on earth did graduation time get here already?! Didn’t we just stress over the perfect gifts for Christmas?? Now we are faced with yet another dilemma…the perfect gift for the graduate.

Well, belles to the rescue! We have some impressive ideas (and they won’t break the bank…a belle bonus!)

First…with total disclosure…we happen to have an industrious friend who has some of the cutest organizational products! Visit her on Etsy – The store is called Paper Petals (paperpetalsshop). Imagine one of these cute desk pads in a dorm room…

20140507-003227.jpg

20140507-003245.jpg

These come in 50-page pads, sell for $38, and come in so many patterns and colors your head will spin! You can create just the right one for that special girl…and while you’re at it, maybe you need one too (just sayin’).
Check out Paper Petals for more ideas than you can shake a stick at!

Next up…how about luggage/bag tags? As those graduates strike out on their own, they need all the help they can get keeping up with their stuff. Backpacks, totes, and suitcases can all look alike, so why not give them something that makes a stylish, yet identifiable, statement?

For a somewhat “grown-up” look…try this from Orvis

20140507-004744.jpg
There is plenty of space for name, address and phone…but for the sake of privacy (and the fact that those kids will change addresses who knows how many times) maybe just a name and phone number will suffice. Totally your call, belles…we are just here to make the suggestions.

Now, for a more stylish, playful option, your female graduates will love this bag tag (which comes with a bonus…can also double as a large key ring so the sweet little belle doesn’t lose her dorm key)…

20140508-012700.jpg
These come as a set of two for $29…not too bad, huh? And there are almost more patterns, colors and other options than a belle can imagine! Might take a while to choose, but the junior belles will be swooning when they see your creation! Find them at Rouge and Co.

And speaking of keeping up with stuff…monograms are a big help in that department. Sarah Belle Smith (SBS) just can’t wear her roommate, Mary Anne Miller’s, (MAM) monogrammed shoes, hat, belt, necklace, etc. why, that would just be w.r.o.n.g! So consider the options at a friend’s shop here in Greenville…The Pink Monogram. A favorite of ours is the sun hat…we need to make these belles start early to protect that perfect, collagen-filled, skin of their youth!

20140508-015208.jpg
Click here for the full selection of colors and such

Taking us in a different direction…think more nose-candy as opposed to eye-candy…check out these collegiate fragrances from Masik!

20140508-082813.jpg
What a great way to boost school spirit! Check them out here to see if they have the school you need…and the site has a handy store-finder so that you can find a location near you to take a whiff. We happen to own the Alabama for men (Roll Tide) and it is quite nice…smells like a winner! Just sayin’…and again, Roll Tide 😉

Now, you know we could go on forever…but we will just suggest two more items…

For the preppy, slightly modest belle…

20140508-124721.jpg
A monogrammed towel-wrap from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts. Perfect for those who might have to shuffle down the hall for a shower…just sayin’.

And last, but not least, a true classic from LL Bean…

20140509-010734.jpg
The open-top boat and tote bag…in all the old classic colors as well as a creat-your-own option that makes the possibilities practically endless!

So…you have some decisions to make! Good luck to you…and to all of those excited graduates out there!

a&a

Espadrilles = summer thrills…foot candy for belles

08 Thursday May 2014

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

We love shoes…all shoes…can’t have too many…and we are thrilled to pieces about this season’s espadrille trend! They come in all shapes and price points, and color and pattern choices are vast. While we love the flat version for the comfy casual chic factor, we swoon for the dressier versions because they appeal to our passion for contrast and a touch of whimsy.

Here’s a sampling …which one catches your eyes??

These animal print ‘drilles are a neutral (animal print is our favorite neutral!). They go with just about everything.

20140505-085334.jpg

These can be found at Shopbop. They are by Steven . ‘Nuff said.

20140505-085859.jpg
We actually own a pair of these darlings…love the lace-up factor…and you can get them at Soludos.

We love a feminine touch…belles are girls after all…and lace is another trend that we can fully embrace! Why not sport these with your boyfriend jeans? A touch of tomboy and a dash of girly-girl adds up to the perfect summer look.

20140505-091210.jpg

These Tory Burch are available at Shopbop but they are running out of sizes so you better get crackin’ !

And of course to take it up another notch we have a dreamy pair…but be forewarned they might break the piggy bank…but worth it…maybe…just sayin’….

20140505-092002.jpg

Scrumptious . By Valentino at Nordstrom .

Sometimes an LBE (lil’ black espadrille) is what we are pining for and these are just what the doctor ordered.

20140505-092414.jpg

From Topshop and available at Nordstrom . Love the leather, canvas and raffia textures!!

And where would we be without J.Crew? We belles often get a hankering for a J. Crew fix and these absolutely satisfied the craving.

20140505-093034.jpg
Wear them with pants, jeans, shorts, skirts, sundresses. Can’t. Not. Wear. So there. Get them here J. Crew.

Belles love adornment…aka em”belle”ishments … And these fit the bill….and our feet!

20140505-095944.jpg

From Kate Spade and you can get yourself a pair at Saks.

And lest you think we’d forget…you can always just put a bow on it! These will bowl you over….tee hee…

20140505-100607.jpg
These beauties are from Gucci and you can get them at Nordstrom .

So there you have it…a selection that is beyond….

a&a

Word to your mother…gifts that keep on giving…your friday friend-1-1

02 Friday May 2014

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

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and finding an appropriate and worthy-enough gift can be quite a trial. To make this undertaking infinitely less taxing we came up with the ultimate gift idea……

Monthly Gift Boxes!!!!!

They come in all price points, a limitless variety to suit any mother’s taste, and best of all, your momma will remember how thoughtful you are each time she gets a special delivery!

So without further ado ….

 

For the mom on the go:

image

“Delivering boxes of fun to the travel-obsessed…and busy people on-the-go”…this might just be the perfect choice for the mom who always has a bag packed, passport in hand!  Examples of items she can expect:  foreign language tools, portable phone chargers, sleep masks, portable sunscreen, and snacks from around the world.  From GoTravelBox.com

20140501-150659.jpg

For the mom who loves to “escape” even when she is forced to unpack that bag and stay home for a while, try escapemonthly.  They will send destination-inspired luxury products to help mom relax, renew, and escape.  So order, and leave her alone already!

 

For the gourmet mom:

20140501-151914.jpg

From Gourmet Spotting, mom can expect to receive 4-6 full-size gourmet products each month.  Bonus…for each box they ship, they donate one meal to charity.  Showing love to mom and those in need…beautiful!

20140501-152525.jpg

Help mom discover brands she will love with personalized boxes from the folks at tastetrunk.com.  You will be sure to find the perfect match for mom with their smart categories…gourmet, sweet, BBQ, and health.

 

For the gourmande mom:

20140501-153223.jpg

The “World Chocolate Club” from mysubscriptionaddiction.com…um, need we say more?!  We hope the junior belles are paying attention to this one, hint, hint!

20140501-153355.jpg

Starting at just $10 per month, the boxes from lovewithfood.com are packed with natural or organic snacks.  And the dears at Love with Food donate a meal to feed a hungry child in the U.S. for every box they ship.  Now that’s love!

20140501-153630.jpg

Choose a box from a variety of categories (New England, Cocktails, Sweets…) or subscribe to the “Small Batch by Season” plan to help mom maintain her “tastemaker” status among her friends.  Go to shop.eatboutique.com.

20140501-154004.jpg

For cocktail recipes, curated by world-class mixologists, and all of the required spirits and mixers delivered right to mom’s door, check out julibox.com.  Maybe mom will invite you over for a taste…cocktails anyone?

 

For the fit mom:

20140501-154429.jpg

The “KLUTCHclub Women” boxes are filled with items sure to delight the fitness-and-health-type mom.  Products range from fitness DVD’s to healthy snacks and beauty products.  Find it at mysubscriptionaddiction

 

For the mom who loves her non-human babies:

20140501-155222.jpg

Help mom spoil her sweetest, most obedient, and adoring “child” with spoiledrottenbox.com.  They have 3, 6, and 12-month plans as well as a pay-as-you-go option with boxes filled with toys, treats and more…and no worries, all treats are manufactured here in the U.S.

20140501-160322.jpg

BarkBox is another excellent choice for mom’s sweet, furry baby.  Every month she will receive four or more products, carefully selected by dog-size…from toys and bones to hygiene products and gadgets…that will be sure to please Fido (and the cardboard box is a bonus!) Oh, and mom will love this…10% of the proceeds are donated to dogs in need.  From barkbox.com.

 

For the fashionista mom:

20140501-160618.jpg

The Style Box from socialbliss.com is perfect for the on-trend mom!  Each box contains a selection of one-size-fits-all fashion accessories, hand-picked by stylists who are “in the know”.

20140501-160857.jpg

The stylists at wantable.com navigate the world of fashion and beauty to bring mom the latest trends.  Select a category (makeup, accessories, or intimates), and wait for the adoration to begin!

20140501-161247.jpg

For fashion-oriented items, another excellent choice is the Coco Rocha Fancy Box from mysubscriptionaddiction. Past boxes have included magazines, jewelry, sunglasses…wow!!

 

For the beauty-pro mom:

20140501-161803.jpg

The “Must Have Box” from popsugar.com will treat mom to hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food…and they are all full-size products from premium brands.  Go for it!

20140501-162131.jpg

And last, but far from least, mom will practically tackle the delivery-man each month (don’t tell dad) to tear into her latest shipment from BirchBox.  Boxes contain high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples, customized just for her.  Make her ever-so-happy…click birch box.com.

Whew!!! As y’all can see, the options are endless, but we think this is a great variety to get you inspired. So treat mom and be her favorite…every month.

a&a

belle de soleil

24 Thursday Apr 2014

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

With spring around the corner…supposedly…and bathing suit season just a hop, skip and a bunny jump away, it’s time to get our figures ready for exposure . A healthy glow is one of the solutions to a multitude of sins (anyone else have their way with a few chocolate bunny ears?).  Of course, we are all smart enough to know that tanning beds and too much of the real sun will only cause more issues so…

Oooooh belles, y’all are going to be so happy!! We have finally found it…THE self-tanner to beat all self-tanners.

20140416-091638.jpg

St Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan which you can get at Sephora.

Now, we get the medium/dark, and unless you are Casper the Friendly Ghost or transparent, we recommend that you do as well.

This is the creme de la creme for a variety of reasons:

1. It does not turn you orange.
2. It is not offensive to our dainty olfactory senses.
3. It reminds us of the commercial: “Bain de Soleil for that St. Tropez tan.” And who doesn’t want that??? (If you don’t remember that commercial then please don’t say a thing…we are at a sensitive age…)
4. IT DOESNT STREAK!!!! That’s right, no streaking, looking dirty and/or bruised. You can’t overdo, so as long as you don’t miss a spot, it won’t streak.

So soon-to-be-bronzed belles, get yourself some St Tropez and be evermore grateful to us for showing you the way to a sun-kissed glow even a frazzled belle can manage successfully!

We know, we know, y’all are most welcome. That’s how we belles roll.

a&a

(bobby) pin this…another RARE stroke of genius – your friday friend-1-1

18 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by in what's ringin' our belle

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

After you freshen your breath, don’t dare throw that adorable little box in the trash! We have a much better future in store for this tiny item. Storage….for your bobby pins!
Genius right?!? Another Pinterest find, we admit, and no we aren’t addicted, just a little preoccupied.

20140219-234247.jpg

 

You’re welcome…again.

a&a

dazzle, shine, sparkle, belle…your friday friend-1-1

04 Friday Apr 2014

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Dear belles, do we have a dazzler for you!!  With all of the cooking, gardening, and general living we do, it’s hard to keep our jewels sparkling. And a belle always needs to sparkle!!

Enter the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik.  This amazing little product is super easy, totally portable (about the size of your typical lip gloss) and makes that diamond ring shine like it did on the day that sweet man proposed!

Available on Amazon.com for less than $10, you might as well get one for home, travel, and on-the-go!!

>

dazzle, shine, sparkle, belle!
a&a

;