Spring Style: Embellished Cardigans

Don't you just adore spring?!  We do! The warm air and sunshine...and the cool breezes that come with it! A typical spring day on the East Coast can range from frigid, to warm, to chilly, and then sweltering hot (like today, eek!)  Today it's 80 degrees, and you probably think we're crazy for posting sweaters, but tomorrow will be a brisk 60 degrees!  You just never know what to expect from good ol' mother nature, which is why layering is essential to the spring wardrobe! Also, it is important to note that here in NJ we go from one air conditioned building to another, so it's always handy to keep a sweater on the back of your desk chair even on the hottest of days. 


We think the most fun way to layer your clothes is to pair your t-shirt or tank with an updated version of your classic cardigan. Here are a few we think could certainly pull triple duty - great for the chilly office, the night out with friends, or the midnight stroll on the beach.

This cream colored, 3/4 sleeve sweater from Forever 21 is the perfect piece to compliment an old pair of jeans and white tank!  The style is very simple, but the beading on the shoulders gives a real rocker feel to it.  Add some metallic gladiator sandals to compliment the beading and you'll look effortlessly put together!

This fabulous sweater by Calvin Klein is a softer version for your spring wardrobe. The embroidery is a leaf pattern and is slighter more feminine and low key. You can show of your curves with this sweater as it has a longer, leaner cut and is meant to be pairs with your skinny jeans or leggings for a very sleek look.

Here we have cardigan that is even more romantic still! This dainty sweater from Top Shop is the perfect example of how anything can look sexy by just adding a little lace.  We love the contrast between the black sweater and white lace and of course the placement has a very military kind of feel that we also very much enjoy. Plus, this sweater just screams Audrey Hepburn and we can't help but adore that.

Look prim and proper this spring in this salmon colored cardigan, available at The Limited. This sweater is very versatile and professional!  It would be perfectly lovely paired with a nice pencil skirt and heels for work or dressed down with jeans and flip flops when just hanging out with friends. We also adore the pleats and the whole 1950's feel it gives it. Very charming!

And, finally, for the sailing (or Rugby!) enthusiast, we have this striped cardigan from Antropologie. We love the stripes and think the navy gives a fairly nautical and masculine looks...which is then completely offset by the giant lace appliques that we can't get enough of!

Happy Shopping!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Color Day: I carried a watermelon...

Green grass blowing, pink flowers dancing in the breeze, spring is here in full swing!  And, to celebrate, here is our fun and refreshing color inspiration, pink and green!  These colors are as mouth watering and delicious as watermelon taffy, which is what we always think about when we see these charming shades together!  Don't be afraid of color!  These two are preppy and romantic but also fun and unconventional.

Images from the following: Flickr,  Stylish Events Blog, The Vegas Wedding Planner, Party Wedding, ADozenEggs, BestWeddingSites, PolkaDotBride

XOXO,

Jen and Saira

An interesting twist on an old classic...

Hello, dolls!

We are very excited about our post today, because we feel that being a girl means more than just weddings and shopping. Today's post is reflective of some of our other interests, including art, literature, and yes, even comic books. Pretty much every little girl is familiar with all the traditional fairy tales, and every teenage girl has read the classic novels by Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters featuring strong, independent females. That is why we wanted to share some new updated versions of these classics that have been such an important part of our life. So here are some new renditions of some of the greatest stories of all time:

This illustrated version of Jane Eyre is absolutely gorgeous. With beautifully detailed glossy images in both black-and-white and vibrant hues, these Gothic inspired illustrations by the talented Dame Darcy are wonderful compliment to this haunting tale. It's a must-have for anyone besotted with this unconventional love story.

Like many girls, we are in love with Elizabeth Bennet and Mark Darcy. So you can imagine our excitement when we first saw this 5-issue collection by Marvel. This is a faithful adaptation to the classic by Jane Austen, with Hugo Petras immortalizing all of our favorite characters with his rich illustrations. Plus it's combining two literary giants: Jane Austen and Marvel.

Keeping in theme with Jane Austen, I'm sure many of you have already read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith. And if you loved that, you are sure to love Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. The Dashwood sisters are forced to live on Pestilent Island after their father is tragically eaten by a hammerhead shark. Mr. Willoughby sweeps Marianne off her feet after she is attacked by a giant octopus, and poor Elinore learns that her true love, Edward Ferrars, is engaged after facing off against a deadly sea serpent with his fiancee, Lucy Steele. While keeping true to the original plot (to some extent) this version of the story is action-packed, high-paced, and dare we say, romantic?

These are definitely not your childhood fairytales. Vertigo's ingenious series by Bill Willingham is one of our favorite comic book collections right now. All of our favorite fairytale characters, including Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Pinnochio, among countless others, are brought to life in this clever series set in modern day NYC. Be sure to check out your local comic book store to grab Volume 1 of Fables: Legends in Exile.

With all the hype of Alice in Wonderland, the movie, we thought it would be nice to focus on Alice in Wonderland, the book. Lewis Carroll's original story is available, in full, with art by Camilla Rose Garcia. Her art escalates Alice into a darker, more surreal universe than what has been traditionally associated with the classic story, but still keeps the lovely, whimsical feel of the original intact.  

Happy reading!

XOXO,
Jen & Saira

Gossip Girl Style, Part 4 of 4: Blair Waldorf

All hail Queen B! We decided to save the best for last to complete our Gossip Girl style look book. Blair's look is classic and sexy, with plenty of ruffles, frills, and bows. She is always dressed to impress, and we admire how she can take conservative collars and Victorian styles look so intriguing. Here are some looks that we think reflect the epitome of Upper East Side royalty, Blair Waldorf.

Blair Waldorf knows how to wear a little black dress. This chic pencil dress from Karen Millen is a knockout with its embellished neckline, jeweled sleeves, and cinched waist. Add an oversized pair of sunglasses, and you're ready to plot, scheme, and bring down anyone who dares to take your throne.

Everyone on Gossip Girl always has the cutest little coats to go with every outfit, and Blair is no exception. This short and classy coat available at Anthropologie has a classy, Victorian look that is just made for royalty, a la Queen B. 

But you can't be Queen without your headband of power! Even though Queen B has relinquished her throne, the headband is still a Waldorf staple. This satin, oversized bow by Tasha is a symbol of royalty in the Upper East Side (and in this case, is also the color of royalty!) Just be careful, looking this good you might get you a nairtini in the face.

 Plaid skirts aren't just for schoolgirls. This skirt from ModCloth is a chic, grown up version of the Gossip Girl staple, plus it has Blair's signature bow! With a well-fitted v-neck or button down, you are sure to rule the school (or office).

Spotted: B eyeing up this ultra femme lace and pearl bib necklace by AllThingsTinsel.  It's called "I'm the Queen"...how fitting!  This seller also has a great bow necklace and other items that our girl Blair would go Gaga over!

We can't help but envy how polished Blair looks all the time. Even when she's just lounging in her room reading Vogue, she is so put together. This two-piece dress by BCBG is exactly what we are talking about -- very sophisticated, classy, and sexy, just like our Queen B.

 And of course Manhattan socialite would not be complete without the perfect pair of preppy pumps by Gabriella Rocha.  Strap these babies on and you're set to stomp on the dreams of young Manhattan socialites everywhere. 


XOXO,
Jen & Saira

Wedding Style: The Guest Book

Wedding guests books are a keepsake of your wedding, something that you traditionally would take out and look at on your anniversary and then tuck it back inside it's storage box until next year.  It's always nice to look back at the words of advise and well wishes of those who where there to witness your special day.  But, just because a guest book is a lovely tradition does not mean that yours needs to be traditional!  Nowadays people are turning their guests books into decorative, meaningful items that can be enjoyed year round.  Put that boring old book aside and take a look at some of our favorite fun and fresh guest book ideas:

A wish tree is a unique alternative to a guest book.  Have your guests sign little paper pieces and hang them on manzanita branches for a decorative look. Color coordinate it to your wedding colors for a totally put together look, add crystals for extra sparkle, and be sure to leave out instructions so your guests know what to do! 

This is a similar idea to a wish tree, but instead, guests sign small cards that get placed into an envelope and into a decorative glass jar.  During the wedding it will serve as a modern, decorative piece and afterward you and the hubby can have fun opening all of your little notes to see what people wrote you!

 

Signing a vase is another great alterntative.  Place your bouquet in the vase after the ceremony and have guests sign the vase instead of a book.  We love how practical this is!  Also, think about how nice it will be when your hubs gets your flowers for your anniversary and you can put them in this vase that was used for your wedding day! So romantic!

The Platter is probably one of the most popular guest book alternatives.  One issue with platters is that they are nice for decorative purposes, but would you ever want to actually use it and risk ruining such a beautiful memento?  With this platter, there is no need to worry!!  They come with special pens so the guests sign it, you bake it in the over for some amount of time, and the ink actually bakes into the platter itself so you can enjoy it, permanently.

This typewriter idea is just simply adorable.  Typewriters are mostly a thing of the past, but we have to say they bring a very charming, retro, and fun feel to the usual boring guest book table.  Here were see a cute old fashion type writer with pieces of paper for guests to type onto. This is a very unique alternative that guests will find interesting...or at the very least, they'll be entertained trying to figure out how in the world to use a typewriter.

The Coffee Table Book is for the couple that wants easy access to their memories and is not looking to have a guest book that sits in a box it's whole life.  Take your favorite coffee table book, something that is important to you or that you both enjoy and have your guests sign that.  Here they have chosen Calvin and Hobbes, which we think was a brilliant choice! You can keep it on your table all year, every year, to remind you of your loved ones and your special day!

This is by far our favorite idea for a wedding keepsake as it has serious family heirloom potential.  Have your guests sign small pieces of fabric (coordinating with your wedding colors, of course!!!) in lieu of a book.  Then, hire a professional or friend who is good with a sewing machine to stitch the pieces together for you and create a cozy quilt that you can cherish for a lifetime! 

XOXO,
Jen and Saira

April Showers call for Rain Boots!

Happy April, dolls!  Us NY/NJ folks are used to rainy days and typically the month of April is pretty unforgiving.  Although not the most stylish footwear out there, rain boots are certainly practical and sometimes necessary for the woman on the go.  Will they look silly?  Probably... but we've found a few styles that we think are easily wearable and even, if we dare to say it, cute!  Plus, you can guarantee that your feet and your shoes will stay warm and dry until you get to wherever it is you are going, be it work, school, or just running errands around town.  Take a look at some of the ones we think will have you singing in the rain in no time at all:

These boots, available at Delia's, are simple and are pretty cute as far as rain boots go (we love the polka dots!) Gone are the days of getting to class with your socks wet and your jeans soaked!  Just slip your feet into these cute boots and you're feet will stay dry all day long!

Looking for a pair that is still fun but slightly more sophisticated?  Be impermeable to puddles with this colorful, equestrian style boot by Chooka!  We like this boot because it has a longer, more sleek and adult look to it, but is still fun with its youthful bright colors and pattern.  Tuck in your skinny jeans or leggings and you'll be ready to brave any storm!

Chooka seems to be the front runner for the more stylish rain boots, so here is another one that we think is extremely wearable.  This one is the most work friendly so far.  It is has a nice shape, adjustable straps, and the herringbone print which is slightly more professional looking.  Wear these to work while keeping your flats or heels safely tucked away in your purse so you can change when you get to the office!

Of course, you can also opt for the traditional Hunter Wellington boots, which are definitely not just for British fisherman. They come in a variety of colors, but we prefer the classic olive green, navy blue, or black. They're durable and comfortable, and your feet will definitely stay dry. Plus Kate Moss wears them, so that means they must be chic.

Ok, so we know these are kind of weird looking...but, the concept is completely awesome!  We've all had this happen: You get to work or class and it's bright and sunny and you're wearing your cute new peep toe pumps.  Then, you're getting ready to leave when you notice it is completely pouring outside and you've got no choice but to trek it down to the subway station in the rain, completely ruining your shoes and drenching your feet in the disgusting water!  The Shuella is the solution to this problem.  They are rain boots that simply fold up to be carried around in your purse and then, when you need them, they quickly unfold and slip right over your heels (or flats or sandals!) for instant protection.  Completely genius, in our opinion.  Now, if they would just come out with some cute patterns...


Stay dry!


XOXO,
Jen & Saira

Hot Spring Fashion: Tights as Pants!

FINALLY!  We are so excited to finally see tights make it into the main stream as an actual garment, and not simply an undergarment. Gone are the days where we will leave something to the imagination!  These days, if you've got it, flaunt it!  And be sure to show every single cellulite covered inch of it! Just pair your t-shirt with an adorable, sheer, colored pair of tights and you'll be sure to turn more than a few heads!  Check out some of our favorite looks for this smokin' hot trend:

APRIL FOOLS!!

Tights. Are. Not. Pants.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira