B Blue

  In a previous post I explained how I have sometimes become color obsessed. Last time it was coral and without even realizing it I guess I was feeling a bit blue. Turquoise, sky, cerulean-- there are alot of different shades of blue and they've all found their way into my closet.

Tory Burch 'Miller' Logo Thongs are the perfect compliments to brightly painted toes! Try a color other than blue so that they pop against the turquoise. If you ever paid attention in art class you should know that orange would be a great compliment.

This is one of my favorite finds from Urban Outfitters recently, finding its way into every ensemble. I bought with this gut feeling I had seen it somewhere. Just a mere week later, looking through old pictures I discovered my best friends owns it. Typical.

Banana Rebuplic is my secret jewelry go-to place. I always find miraculous pieces with killer price points during sales. Add BR to your next jewelry find checklist.

Anthropologie never does me wrong. While getting distracted in search of a graduation present I came upon this necklace and even pretended that my intention was to give it to the graduate. But when really when there is only one left, I knew who it was coming home with. (Thankfully I didn't, she owns that one too!)

If you've been reading Just B long enough you should know this post wouldn't get far without a mention of some nail polish. You've already seen Chanel Turqouise and I loved so much I just kept finding other suitable blues. OPI's No Room For The Blues is vibrant and a good hue for summer. And in a last minute phone order I chose Artful Dodger from Butter London and can't wait to try it.. only so many fingers and toes.

B Jelly

It was only just a handful of years ago where we were all running around the playground in jelly sandals. Who's happy they're making a comeback? I'm loving all the jelly that is perfect for summer and running around.

Tory Burch introduced her Jelly reva flats last year that come in the most adorable of summer colors. Something new she came out with this season is her basic Thora sandal in jelly as well!

Jimmy Choo is also following the jelly suit with their 'Maui' Jelly Thong. The turquoise color is a perfect compliment to your summer denim or your turquoise Chanel polish on your toes!

 Jelly isn't coming out just in footwear either but in nail polishes! Butter London's newest collection is titled appropriately 'Jelly' as the nail polish is sheer and meant to layer. One coat for subtle, 2 for color and 3 for pure color. You can also layer over each other and make new colors!

Another jelly for your wrist is Michele's 'Tahitian Jelly Beans' watch. Every woman should have a white watch for spring and summer but personally I am a fan of the lime green. Something unexpected always gives an outfit interest. 

 

B Dyed

We've come a long way from the seventies days of head to toe tie dye and parties where you created your own shirts. But just like the rest of fashion, tie dye is making a come back.

The Olsen twins have made quite the child star comeback from singing along videos to their newest endeavor, Elizabeth and James. Elizabeth and James, named after their parents, has created amazing pieces that have great tailoring and draped fit. They take classic pieces but have a spin. In a down time during work I spotted their Overdyed Drape Back Jersey Tee and my obsesesion with tie dye was ignited.

When looking for tie pieces stick to classic shapes. This is a trend that you don't want to over due or you'll look dated. Some great pieces are coming from Rebecca Minkoff and Tory Burch. Tory Burch whole new collection is focused on blue tie dye. Both of these designers are staying true to sticking to one trend though Minkoff can't resist a few studs here and there but who can blame her?

B Craving

While the fashion world is focusing on Fall 2010 at fashion weeks, the rest of us are anticipating spring. Retailers are receving spring shipments and I am beginning my list of spring must haves:

Nude Shoes
 Perfect for dresses, skirts, denim and shorts. Everything associated with spring will go with nude shoes. A little extra pick me up about nude shoes is that they'll make your legs look longer!

 

Clockwise from Top Right: Jimmy Choo, Elizabeth and James, Tory Burch, Chloe (all on Nordstrom.com) 

Statement Necklaces

Making their way over from fall, switch up this trend with brighter colors and lots of metallics! 

 

Clockwise from Top Right: Amanda Pearl, Noir Jewelry, Sachin + Babi, Adia Kibur (all on shopbop.com)

Crossbody Clutches
Every spring outfit needs a pop of color and crossbody clutches are perfect. I am in love with the hobo international turquoise color!

 

Clockwise from Top Right: Hobo International, Rebecca Minkoff, Treesje, Marc by Marc Jacobs (all on Nordstrom.com)

B Judging

Don't judge a book by its cover.

A quote we have all heard time and time again. But I have to admit, I do judge. When I browse borders I do wait to see what catches my eye. There is a reason why publishing sets asides a budget for book cover shoots. We're all about appeal and of course my favorite part of this appeal is the ones that have two handles on one side and come with something new inside! A shopping bag of course!

Not that I'm an expert but I have one theory about retailing, its all about the bag. Can you imagine walking into a Neiman Marcus and coming out with a plastic bag stamped with thank you three times? Exactly. There's something to say about a well made bag or gift wrap. It is a catch to persuade you and promote their brand imagine and I think its brilliant! I realized that I was a victim of this marketing strategy when I realize I have about a dozen robin egg blue boxes around my room. Every girl wants a gift in blue box with white ribbon oh and with the name Tiffany & Co. on it.

I grew up in the packaging/boxes world so maybe this is why I love shopping bags (my dad will get a kick out of that one) but I do have quite the pile up in my closet. But only of the good ones, I keep them so that I can reuse them if needed or they just look pretty! Some of my favorite packaging just happen to coincide with my favorite retailers. Tory Burch had the most amazing gift boxes I noticed this last Christmas when shopping for my mom. Honestly I wanted to give her the presents in hallmark gift bag and keep the boxes for myself! Another similar retail Kate Spade also seems to out do themselves on this one as well. Just the other night I walked away from the store with the most adorable small retail bag.

It says a lot for a company who cares how their product is packaged and exiting the store. It is possibly one of the most expensive parts of the business that some companies don't think about. But personally its the reason I, as a customer, return to the store and most always leave with the perfect package.