B Picky

I have had the reputation of being very picky. I am very certain to what I may eat and when (never leftovers) and I prefer well made denim that give me the perfect fit compared to the pair you will have to re wash before every wear. Though I remained picky in my shopping choices in 2009 that doesn't mean I didn't let some cases slip by me. That is why I have created some essentials for 2010. Some may be what you might call 'resolutions' but others are just pure items I don't want to live without in the next decade or season.

OPI Nail Polish: 2009 may have created a nail polish junkie in myself that I cannot walk into a beauty supply store without a new shade. OPI nail laquer always has the best colors embarking on new trends without mentioning their adorable titles!

J Brand Denim: On days where work will keep me from wearing blue denim, you can find me in my black skinnies. I live in them, I sell them constantly because they are the best fit I've had. So comfortable and flattering they are essential to your closet to break the mold of blue denim. Though there is a reason why blue denim is a classic and J Brand does the classic justice. While J Brands are known for running a bit small unlike many other denims, it is rare that they will stretch out. J Brand's spring washes are going on my NEED list.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant: Never thought I'd write about deodorant on my blog huh? Well don't skip over this. There are a few things that stick with you from high school. Those that do are very important to you and this is one of them. For years I have done nothing but rave about this Donna Karan deodorant! I can't live without it. It lasts forever, doesn't have that annoying deodorant smell and goes on easily. You would have to think this a great product for $18. I know it sounds crazy but it lasts forever and will out beat any cheap product at the drugstore. If you want to wait for a deal, almost every year Nordstrom sells a pack of 3 of the product for their Anniversary Sale. I buy a new pack every year and it lasts me more than over the year.

B Ready

Are you ready for some football?? While the men are worrying about the drinks and size of the tv I hope you're getting your Superbowl ensemble ready. I sure am! In full spirit of rooting on the New Orleans Saints in their first Superbowl I painted my nails with Dazzled By Gold, made by who else than OPI. While I don't have a jersey I will still be as fashionable as always with a pair of skinnies, black alternative tank and gold jewelry. Sporting events are never an excuse to be any kind of shabby so get ready, just ask "What would Kim Kardashian wear?" and cheer for the saints!

B Dreaming

Getting lost into a character's world is one of my favorite parts of the movies. And there is a reason why I love producer Nancy Meyers' films. The set design on these productions is incredible and guarantee you have seen the same movies and have agreed. My whole family would agree with me that we could move into anyone of the sets and be perfectly happy! What I love about Nancy Meyer's films is that all these characters have something in common, they are strong women with fabulous kitchens! Don't we all aspire to be fabulous with an amazing kitchen? I look at these sets for inspiration for decorating my own house so I thought you'd enjoy!

Meryl Streep's house in It's Complicated

 

Kate Winslet's cottage in The Holiday

 

 

Diane Keaton's house in Something's Gotta Give

 

 

 

Cameron Diaz's house in The Holiday (My favorite!)

 

B Preppy

Lately I have been very into the rocker look as you can tell by my obsession with my new leather jacket and all things studs. Though everytime I pass by a J Crew I can't help wanting to take a mini vacay to the Hamptons.

Now my aim is not to be one to step right outside an episode of Gossip Girl but Blair Waldorf is a great piece of impsiration. J Crew has the best selection of preppy favorites. J Crew offers most of their basics in array of colors so what does a girl choose with so many options? Navy. Too boring? If you don't own any conservative basic cardigans, navy is a great place to start and such a great shade to compliment with the burnt oranges and bright yellows coming into Spring.

There are a number of different ways you can wear a cardigan. Place it over a cinatge tee you've had for years and give the basic hoodie a rest. Or tone down the top you wore last Saturday night and let it see the afternoon casually.

For my recent obsession with preppy I conveniently tied in my new favorite trend of mixing prints. A pinstripe button down screams prep but paired with a floral sweater from Anthropologie, it gives it a bit more interest and less predictable. While in J Crew don't pass by their accessories, I am in love with their jewelry, hair accessories and belts. Nothing like a classic preppy piece to mix up your wardrobe.

B Alike

One of my favorite blogs is The Satorialist. Real photographs of real fashion. I always get so much inspiration from the fashion he captures through his lens. Here are some photographs of Miroslava Duma, that I absolutely love when he shot her for Harper's Bazaar Russia. I think I just found my celebrity look alike or my want to look like celebrity.

 

B Reads

I am such a sucker for a good bookstore. While I can get lost in any Barnes and Noble or Borders, I also always find myself getting tempted with Amazon's one click ordering. And since I did finally take the plunge to join Amazon Prime I thought I must take advantage of this and order order order! Just thought I'd share what is on my reading list currently:

If you have to cry, go outside: and other things your mother never told you. By Kelly Cutrone.
If you have been a Hills and City addict the past handful of years you have seen this boss from hell turned mentor to now mogul in work! Kelly Cutrone is known for leading young fashionistas such as Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port into fashion industry success. While her tactics may seem harsh to the viewing world, there is nothing but praise for Kelly. I will be sure to pass on the wisdom I hope to learn in her first book!

Sweet Little Lies. By Lauren Conrad.
Do. Not. Judge. Me! I admittedly bought LC's first book L.A. Candy last year and admittedly finished it rather quickly. Her writing is easy to follow and entertaining. Following the life of a girl on a reality tv show, something that Lauren knows very well, you can't help but get sucked up in the drama just as the shows this may/or may not be based on. If you are looking for a fun easy spring read then I do recommend taking the plunge into Conrad's novels. Review of the second to come..

And while I go ahead and enjoy these two new hardcovers I continue to anxiously await the releases and shipments of the following:
-The September Issue DVD (Releasing February 23rd, 2010)
-Heart of the Matter By Emily Griffin (Releasing May 11th, 2010)
-Last Night at Chateau Marmont By Lauren Weisberger (Releasing May 25th, 2010)

B Trendy

While the groundhog alerted us today that we have 6 more weeks of winter, it is never too soon to start planning your spring wardrobe! I anxiously can't wait for the new spring shipments to come into the stores and once they do I'll be grabbing prints left and right. Mixing prints is a hot trend for spring. Shopbop.com gave a few tips on mixing patterns this spring.

• Play with complimentary graphic prints
• Pair prints with similar sensibilities for a pulled-together look
• Polka dots and stripes are a playfully irreverent pair
• Stay int he same color family
• Do variations on a theme in cool neutrals. Add a bright bag for contrast
• Try two tones of the same print
• Choose subdued hues for a sophisticated look

More highlights of spring fashion to come: denim distressed vests, cross body bags, lace and sheers