lustworthy vs. mustworthy…belles, you need this!!
24 Friday Oct 2014
Posted in fashion forward, what's ringin' our belle
book it, belle…brilliant accessories for the home
23 Thursday Oct 2014
Posted in belle maison, what's ringin' our belle
Feel free to get out the fireworks and celebrate. We belles have come across two incredible design books that are as inspiring on the outside as they are on the inside…the total package, if you will.
Now, we have gone over decorating with books in the recent past. In case you have forgotten or would like a lil’ refresher, find examples here…and here (notice the books on the “dining/library” tables).
With these ideas in mind…just imagine adding these recent finds to the mix. First up…
Markham Roberts The Way I See It
This book is insightful, delectable and worthy of being in any belle’s home. You will find so many beautiful rooms and vignettes inside that your heart will just soar.
But wait! Here’s the knock-your-socks-off part! If you happen to slip the cover off, just look what you get…voila!!
We know!! Can you believe the gorgeous-ness?? Swoon worthy!!
Once you’ve collected yourself and caught your breath, we have another gasp-for-air option for your collection…
Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers
A classic, clean, beautiful book of gorgeous, livable spaces….
And this cover is no less heart thumping!!
Couldn’t you just squeal with delight? We aren’t ashamed to say we did!
The two little beauties together…
We might have mentioned before…we are sorta into “collecting”…and love the idea of finding more books as divine as these…so please share if you have made any of your own happy, book-ish discoveries!
Accessorizing…in all different ways…is very important, belles…and these are perfect examples of how to get your style on in your own belle maison!!
a&a
freshen that air, belles…a super-scented friday friend-1-1
17 Friday Oct 2014
Posted in belle maison, friday friend 1-1, what's ringin' our belle
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Now here is something that will ring your belle! We all love a beautiful scent…not over-powering, fresh, clean, pretty. And when we can have this in a home air-freshener, and it doesn’t plug in or twist up, how exciting! Well…we have found it!
Agraria, out of San Francisco, makes these gorgeous tassels that are treated with the most beautiful scents. Hang one in your closet, the coat closet, the powder room…wherever you would like to infuse a waft of fresh air. And, by the way, they make a great gift!
Order online from Agraria or “smell-n-buy” at Neiman Marcus.
Scents include Lime & Orange (pictured), Meditteranian Jasmine, Lemon Verbena, Cassis, Balsam, Bitter Orange, Lavender & Rosemary, Cedar Rose, and Golden Pomegranate. Now don’t they all sound absolutely delicious!!
ring-a-ling!
a&a
shoe of the moment…a belle’s must-buy
16 Thursday Oct 2014
Posted in fashion forward, what's ringin' our belle
Well, ladies, super-belle, Dee Keller, has done it again!! One of our favorite shoes of the summer was one of her brilliant creations…and another one is about to be just as awe-inspiring.
We introduce the “Sheffy” in all it’s gloriousness…
Also available in a beautiful matte gold…you might just need both! For you local belles, one of our fave retail haunts, Monkees can set you up. Our more far-flung belles can check Dee’s site for shops near them or the latest online options. (Hint…Dee says they are available on her website on Monday).
…and if you don’t believe it will be an instant classic…check out this Manolo Blahnik classic from seasons past…
You just can’t go wrong with a classic heel, black, and a pop of wild (as in animal print). Hurry, belles…these sweet babies won’t last long!!
a&a
arm party addition…a pearl bracelet discovery
15 Wednesday Oct 2014
Posted in fashion forward
Bauble Bar has done it again with this bracelet…
Old-fashioned pearls raised to a whole ‘nother level!!
Wear it stacked to the nines for a pearl-infused arm party, let it stand alone as a modern statement piece, or layer it with a gold bangle for a just touch of interest to any outfit…perfect for every occasion and ideal for travel.
Now, in case y’all are getting ready to throw a hissy fit because this particular bauble is wait-listed, just settle down and take a gander at this option…
This one could do the trick as well…on its own or as yet another addition to that arm party. Belles know…the more, the merrier! Order this one now, and when the other little latecomer arrives, they can party together…or alone…belles love choices!
BONUS!!! Bauble Bar is offering 25% off through the 16th! Do. Not. Wait!
Here are some styling suggestions…
the full-on race-to-the-elbow…shown here with watch from Michael Kors, a selection from David Yurman, and a gold bangle. Holla!
For the more petite belle who can’t quite carry so much on her dainty little arm…
pair it with a simple, delicate option like this one from local designer, Charme Silkiner
So give these pearls a whirl, belles…
a&a
Good luck…maybe…just sayin’
12 Sunday Oct 2014
Posted in just sayin'
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crossing our fingers…a belle is always hoping for the best (with a little help from the old stand-by’s)
a&a
layering…the long and short of it…your friday friend-1-1
10 Friday Oct 2014
Posted in fashion forward, friday friend 1-1
Belles come in all shapes and sizes, but we all still want to be on-trend in the fashion department. Given that one of us is tall and the other petite, we figured we would be the perfect belles to share our favorite white shirt options for layering (you’ll need one or both of these with that new leather jacket we mentioned yesterday…just sayin’)
A tall belle often struggles with layering as tops just aren’t long enough…and if you get ’em long enough, then they look like your chuffy (part chubby, part puffy) boyfriend’s…and that, ladies, ain’t the least bit flattering. But this season, the dears at J. Crew have come to our aid. The Endless Shirt is the solution! Longer in length, slimmer in silhouette, it’s the perfect layering white shirt. Not to mention it provides a nice proportion to anyone who is short-waisted.
For our more petite belle-friends, we have you covered as well! Sometimes the long shirt, collar, and cuffed sleeves can make a petite belle look like she’s playing dress-up (fun…but hardly practical) and just plain overwhelmed. Well…not to fret…
The “drape hem” tank from Vince comes in white and black…super comfy and excellent for layering year-round…hits at the bottom of the hip on petite belle…
Get busy with the buying, belles. That leather jacket needs some wearin’!
a&a
tough as leather…a belle fashion update
09 Thursday Oct 2014
Posted in fashion forward, Uncategorized, what's ringin' our belle
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.
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
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.
Or how about this gem?? From Joe Fresh
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
maple candied bacon…a sweet n savory friday friend-1-1
03 Friday Oct 2014
Posted in belle-icious, what's ringin' our belle
Bacon. Maple syrup. Crunch. Could there BE a more enticing combination??
Now, a belle knows the value of a good piece of bacon…it can season up a pot of greens in a skinny minute, and it’s aroma can beckon even the drowsiest of family members or house guests to the kitchen at the crack of dawn.
But this little twist on bacon prep takes it to a whole new level…cocktail party/fancy brunch level even! From The Clever Carrot, this recipe will knock their socks off over and over again!
(Photo from The Clever Carrot)
Might as well start stocking up in the bacon now, belles…just sayin’!
a&a
white bean salad…belle-style
02 Thursday Oct 2014
Posted in belle-icious
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Belles love salads of all varieties…but we especially love a lil’ salad that keeps in the fridge and only gets better with time. This easy, tasty recipe will have your mouth watering…sending you back to that fridge for just one more taste.
So here we go…you are going to need 1 can of white beans (northern or cannellinni), drained and rinsed.
Then add 1/4 cup green onion, chopped. Feel free to use any onion you have in your larder.
Now, chop up 3 stalks of celery.
In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste.
Whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil. We threw a clove of chopped garlic into the oil for a bit of added flavor. br />
Finally, chop up 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs. In this version we used cilantro, parsley, and mint….mmmmm good!
Add herbs into bowl and stir. Combine beans, onion and celery. Pour dressing over and enjoy!!!
If y’all can control yourselves for a bit, it will only get better with time! Of course, we would never claim to have much control….
a&a
the RARE belle 