fashion

Last Minute Holiday Fashion Guide

| The Bee Life

Last year I fell in love with furs – mainly because of my winter wedding and then pulling those fur wedding vibes into my holiday looks. Fur is still my go-to piece for all my holiday looks this season!  Here is some inspiration for last minute holiday looks from my closet – plus I sourced some current pieces in case you want to shop any of the pieces (and a few of them are on sale!!)
Holiday Fashion Fur - bee life (1)Formal Christmas Party.  Burgundy is a great warm and sultry color to introduce into your wardrobe especially around the holidays.  Now pair burgundy with some floral prints and a classic capelet fur and you’re holiday ready! I love this look as it’s a bit more formal for a party without feeling overly Christmasy – not to mention it’s a little sexy too!

Classic & Comfy Plaid with Fur. Okay, total disclaimer this might be my favorite outfit – it’s so stinkin’ cute plus it screams Christmas! My plaid tights were any early season purchase from Old Navy, I can no longer find them on their website, but I found some for $13 at Walmart (linked below!) My awesome shoes (which are basically a shoe version of an ugly sweater) are from Katy Perry and appear to no longer be available – but she has new festive ones for this season to shop!Holiday Fashion Fur - bee life (2)
Fur Meet Metallic.  For a happy medium between dressing up and casual – I love mixing this classic blush scoop tee with a fun metallic skirt, throw that fur capelet on and you have a wintery look ready for a holiday party or evening mass.  This look is the right amount of festive without going over the top!

The Ultimate NYE look. When I think NYE, I think gold, glitter, sequins and sparkle… so what better look that a sequin dress and a fun fur vest!  When I was looking for a similar piece (my gold sequin dress is from Target last year) I found this adorable black large sequin dress from H&M that is on sale <linked below> and I might like it better than my gold dress! Anyways, this outfit is party and champagne ready.  Holiday Fashion Fur - bee life (3)

Shop the pieces: Faux Fur Capelet – Nordstrom $83 [on sale!] | Lace Shift Dress – Nordstrom $59 | Burgundy Floral Sheath Dress – Old Navy $26 [on sale!] | Red Plaid Leggings – Walmart $13.95 | Faux Fur Vest – Target $39.99 | Sequin Sleeve Shirt – Target $16.99 | Metallic Animal Print Wrap Skirt – Express $29.95 [on sale!] | Black Sequin Dress – H&M $34.99

One of my favorite fashion times of the year is the holidays – it’s an excuse to dress up and be as sparkly as you want!  I’ll definitely be rocking a few of these looks in the next couple weeks for coming office parties, family festivities, Christmas Eve mass and of course NYE!  What’re some pieces you’ll be incorporating into your holiday looks this year?

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Latest Obsessions 12.18

| The Bee Life

It’s December! I think I’m almost done decorating our house… just a few final finishing touches and we’re in full on Christmas.  With the decorating nearly behind me there is all the other holiday fun to get ready for and obsess about! So here are my final latest obsessions for the 2018 year.
Latest Obsessions 12.18 - bee life blog
Adding a Little Sparkle.  From sequin sleeves to glittery heels, I always love a little sparkle especially at this time of the year.  I’ve had my eyes on these taupe block heels from Old Navy since I spotted them and love the subtle touch of the heel, which is perfect for a holiday party or four.  I’ll have more holiday fashion inspiration up next week!

All the Greenery Wreaths.  Yup! I’ve obsessing over just plain old, classic green wreaths – but the fun part comes with the styling and finding different ways to hang them a little less traditionally.  Like hanging them in our dining room, as an accessory on the back side of the door facing into the living room – and even our main door having a large wreath hang a bit lower on the door than normal.  Styling simple pieces, with fun pops of ribbon in different styles or places can had a designer touch.

Pottery Barn’s Plaid Alphabet Mug.  I know it’s the season of buying for other people, but sometimes it’s hard not to shop for yourself!  I absolutely love these plaid alphabet mugs from PB – they’re classic and festive. B and I first spotted them when we were window shopping in Palm Desert – and said we’d order them online!

Christmas Jammy’s.  This year we’ll be having a quiet Christmas with my family, so I had a fun idea of couple-christmas themed pajamas, just to have a little fun!  I found these super cute and funny Elf Sweatshirts on Amazon and was inspired – and the rest of the family was game too.  Can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with.

As I hinted – I’ve definitely been obsessing a bit over all the holiday fashion trends (like always!) so I’ll be sharing a few of my holiday fashion obsessions on the blog next week!

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Image Source: Wreath Photo 

6 Pieces To Expand Your Wardrobe for under $30

| The Bee Life

Who doesn’t love a good accessory? As the seasons shift and the days get cooler, layering and switching up options for versatility is always a goal for me.  I like having outfits that work daytime and can easily be updated for an evening look for those week after work happy hours or last minute date nights.  The best part is you don’t have to spend a fortune to expand your wardrobe options!  Here are a few key pieces I always like to add to my wardrobe to help switch up looks – plus I’ve found pieces that are under $30 to help you expand your wardrobe too!Expand Wardrobe - bee life(1) More Scarves, Please!  Expanding your scarf collection with patterned and neutral scarves can expand your wardrobe options dramatically.  If you’re working with a  patterned scarf, like this Leopard Print Scarf from Gap  – you can stick to a neutral color palette as your base canvas versus a neutral scarf with a patterned dress or sweater.  Scarfs can also help you transition summer pieces into fall!

(2) Classic Booties. And buy multiple colors! Once you find a good classic pair of booties, stock up! You will quickly find that you’ll be switching these in and out all season long.  A great pair of booties can go with a variety of looks from a dress to jeans, plus they keep your tootsies warm!  Check out these booties from TJMaxx that come in both camel and black… and yes they’re under $30.

(3) Statement Necklace.  A statement necklace can change a whole look taking it from basic to glam.  I love taking a more casual look and adding a necklace making it feel more complete and ready to take on the day.  This is also another easy way to transition an outfit from daytime (no necklace) to nighttime (necklace!)  Pro-tip: Stock up with sales, like this sale at New York & Company happening right now!

(4) A Nude Handbag (or four). You should probably have like four nude handbags in different styles from over the shoulder, to a structured tote, to a work bag.  A nude bag can help make a statement when paired with fun colors, and is also professional for the work week! Aldo has a handful of nude stunners on sale, for under $30.

(5) A Neutral Jean Jacket. For under $30?! Hell yeah! The key is finding one that is classic and neutral both in colors and embellishments like this Jean Jacket from Target.  With the right jacket your wardrobe can be styled from casual to evening and from summer to fall.  Pro-tip: if you plan to layer a lot with you jean jacket, consider going up a size, or you may be somewhat limited to your seasons!  I love styling my jean jacket with a fun dress or styling it down with a t-shirt.

(6) Layering Vests.  Adding a few vests to your wardrobe will not only be functional, but will also give you a variety of options for switching out looks for continued versatility.  Having a few key vest types can help whether you’re dressing up a look (like this Vest from Nordstrom Rack) or being more casual on the weekend for a quick trip to the store or a walk with the pup (shop this Puffer Vest from Old Navy)!
6 Pieces Wardrobe - the bee life
Shop the pieces: Leopard Print Scarf from Gap | Vest from Nordstrom Rack \ Jean Jacket from Target | Booties from TJMaxx | Structured Tote from Aldo | Statement Necklace from New York & Co.

I am always looking for easy and budget friendly ways to expand my wardrobe while making sure my looks and pieces are functional!  A lot of these may seem like basics, but the key is to expanding and adding to your wardrobe expanding outfit options for all occasions.  Happy Shopping!

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Bee’s Tips for a Vacation Ready Wardrobe

| The Bee Life

For our honeymoon, we were headed someplace warm during our cold months – but that also meant we were going to have a pool available to us 24/7 while we were away, so I became a bit swimsuit obsessed.  And since then, it’s expanded to having comfy day-outfits, and evening wear that is on trend for our vacay destinations, especially those warm spots!  The fun part of vacations is that you’re traveling and exploring someplace new – so it’s an opportunity to have a little more fun with your wardrobe and pull out all the stops!
Bee's Tips Vacay Ready - bee life blog
Here are some tips and tricks I use to help find not only the perfect pieces but also some great deals to help build my vacation ready wardrobe!

Pre & End of Season Sales.  These are great especially if you’re vacationing someplace warm in the traditional ‘off season’ – I love taking advantage of sales on swimwear and other summer dresses at places I wish I could shop at more regularly like Athleta, The Loft or Anthropology.

Amazon. Amazon is not the first place I go to when I’m shopping for clothes, but lately it’s been a spot I’ve been checking out especially for coverups, casual rompers, or dresses. I think what I love the most about shopping for clothes on Amazon is the ease of customer reviews, tips and photos that help guide sizing or my steer you away from a bad purchase – plus you can’t beat the affordable prices or two-day shipping!

Research Your Destination. Do some research on your destination and look at historical temperature data so you can somewhat plan appropriately, like if it cools down in the evenings it might be wise to pack a jacket or jeans!  Also it’s good to research some spots you might want to visit whether it’s a day outing, evening dinner, or brunch spot – so you can plan outfits accordingly and have versatility for your destination.

Build on Current Pieces.  Especially when it comes to bathing suits – sometimes it’s more affordable to just buy a fun new bikini top or more conventional bottoms that work with other pieces!  This goes the same with cover ups or finding pieces that can easily go from pool to dinner with a change of shoes and a little extra mascara.

Living in the midwest, the warm clothes see a blimp of daylight and often have a a couple years of live under them – that’s why I like shopping for some new pieces for our upcoming trips, it makes them feel ever more special than they already are!

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Latest Obsession 07.18 – Fashion Ed.

| The Bee Life

This summer has been HOT! So lately I’ve been trying to find outfits that are not only cute and fashionable, but are easy with the heat.  So I’ve been leaning on a few staples to help me stay inspired through this hot hot heat, and these are my latest obsessions!
Latest Obsessions 07.18 - bee life blogClassic Neutrals.  Jean shorts have been my go-to weekend outfit, because you really can’t go wrong with a pair of these and a neutral tank or tee. Whether you’re dressing these down for a more causal day, at the ball game or running errands, or dressing this up with a sexy tank or fun top for date night, jean shorts are a perfect staple for casual or cute!

Mixed Prints.  Whether it’s polka dots and stripes, or a floral print with a pin-stripe – I’m loving mixing patterns up to pull off a fun statement. This also gives a bit more variety of options in your closet for switching up your looks if you have multiple outfits throughout the day!

Lots of Dresses.  Because who wants to wear pants when it’s 90+ degrees!? Not me.  So my dresses are being fully cycled through, even needed to dig into a few dressier options for day looks. For my dressier dresses, I’ll usually grab a denim jacket to help dress down for a day at the office.  And some of my more casual dresses I’ll mix with a fun statement necklace or wedges.

Kimonos for Summer.  Kimonos were one of my fall obsessions and they’re carrying on into the summer months. I love wearing one over a plain dress or paired with my classic neutrals, the fun patterns lend endless options! Plus they’re easy to go from picnic to pool with a singular look to navigate through the day over a one-piece and jean shorts.

What are you favorite summer trends? Comment below!

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Image Sources linked above. 

 

Latest Obsessions 06.18

| The Bee Life

May seemed like such a blimp in the radar, that I totally forget to share my latest obsessions! Fear no more, here are the latest and greatest things that have been consuming my life lately from the latest headlines, to the finish touches for DIYs, to just hanging out with friends!
Latest Obsessions 06.18 - the bee life
Anthropologie Hardware. …Sorry that was me just drooling a little bit. Talk about a swoon!  Anthropologies hardware covers all the bases; knobs, hooks, handles, bath hardware, door knobs, switch plates, curtain hardware, and shelves and brackets!  My search started with just wanting a few fun, unique knobs for a DIY project to wanting a complete re-do on my bath hardware and finally finding some decent curtain rods, however I’ll be saving my pennies!

Plans with Friends. Since the summer is that weird time of the year that is either super busy for everyone or has random lulls of nothing, I’ve been finding myself trying to plan ahead with friends from drinks after work, to dinner parties with the significant-o’s to just hanging out in the back yard sharing a few drinks & stories.

Kate Spade. Upon learning about the tragic passing of Katherine Brosnahan, better known as Kate Spade, I found myself scrolling and scrolling through all the beautiful creations that build her brand.  My social feeds were filled with photos of people’s own Kate Spade bags or favorite pieces of clothing – her signature black and white polka dots and bright pink accents have become a staple.  My bridal shower was inspired by the signature look as well. She was so young and it’s just sad to see (but also amazing) how much she accomplished and the joy she brought to millions of people through her brand.  Read a few other times I’ve gushed about Kate Spade on the bee life here and here.

The Cavaliers.  It’s NBA finals season and we find ourselves back again for the fourth year against the same damn team. In our house we are basketball lovers, and the Cavs are our favorite team so we don’t start watching other teams until their season is wrapped. This season has been a whirlwind for the Cavs, and just getting to the finals has been no easy feet – but here we are up against the odds again, against “the best team in the league.” We had fun celebrating in 2016 and are looking forward to celebrating again this year!

Share your latest obsessions with me in the comments below!

 

 

Image Sources: Anthropologie Hardware | Cleveland Cavs | Kate Spade Bag 

 

Cabi – Spring Fashion Preview

| The Bee Life

The spring collection of Cabi is full of pastels, fun patterns and bold shapes – all designed with inspiration from Spain. In case you missed it; I shared a preview for the Fall/Winter 2017 collection this past August sharing a few of the staples to jump start your Cabi wardrobe.

Cabi 2018 Spring Preview - the bee lifeMy absolute favorite piece for this Spring collection is the Bralette it is such a fun and comfortable piece that can be worn over the Whitney Blouse paired with the Brick Dust Skinny pant. You could also throw the Bell Jacket over the bralette with some nice tall skinny jeans. And finally I love the Flipside Blouse with the white Zip Skinny pants and the stunning Tanner Trench Coat to finish off the look.  The Tied Up Sandal is just a fun statement to dress up any look.

These are just a few of the many pieces that fill this stunning collection to make hundreds of different looks and styles.  You can also get inspired by shopping by look from casual, to girl boss, to dressy and date night.  And I will say again, every collection I see the clothes online and there will be a few that jump out at me.  And 9/10, I will fall in love with other pieces and won’t even end up picking anything I initially had my eye on.  The pieces fit your body so much differently than how they look online, the fabrics are stunning, soft and so unique.

Enjoy the full collection; here!

Latest Obsessions 12.17 – Holiday Fashion

| The Bee Life

Guys & Gals! This year’s holiday fashion trends have me heart-eyed emoji-ing and are my latest obsessions this month! I love looking for new pieces each holiday season to rock at holiday parties for work or with friends, Christmas Eve mass and into the midnight hours of NYE! Finding pieces that are versatile but also unique to stand out is all in the fun of putting together your holiday-ready look.
Latest Obsessions 12.17 - the bee life
Sparkles.  Always sparkles! Sparkles are especially perfect for a holiday party or to finish off your NYE look.  They’re festive and fun and make you feel pretty! Finding a statement top with sparkles is like the ultimate win-win.

Velvet. This is definitely a newer trend that has come out in full force this season and is filling stores.  This look is warm, fun and ads texture and style to any look for holiday festivities. Plus these trendy velvet tops are coming in all sorts of colors like maroon, light pink or blues, these translate into the later winter months!

Kimonos. Introducing the new, trendier poncho. These can help dress up any causal look with their intricate designs and use of fabrics.  You can go high-end on these or shop a bit more affordable options that can be switched out more! Either way, these are a must, and perfect for covering up a sexy tank.

Furs. Faux of course! Finding a fun faux fur to use as a cover-up or dressing up a plain sweater with a statement vest is perfect for a family or office party.  These can also add a layer (no pun intended) of fun to your look while keeping you warm in transit to and from!

It’s just another reason to love this time of the year – and excuse to wear an excessive amount of beautiful things that make you sparkle! Cheers to another year of creating memories and looking fabulous while doing it.

 

Image Sources linked above

Latest Obsessions 09.17

| The Bee Life

It seems like every time I check the calendar it’s the last week of another month! Where did the month of September go!?  I hope you enjoy this month’s latest obsession; spoiler they’re fall focused – because as much as I still love soaking up all this warm sun, I love all the fall feels.
Latest Obsessions 0917 - the bee life
Booties: I think booties are the perfect transitional shoe for cool summer nights into fall days. Not to mention booties are still the perfect accessory to cute dresses into the winter and spring seasons. I need all the booties!

Cozy Fall Mornings: There is nothing I love more than sitting and enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee, especially when it’s on the weekend and the sun is shining bright with a nice cool breeze. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend and get ready for the day!

Sweatshirt Dress:  I had featured a dress in a recent blog post highlighting Cabi’s Fall/Winter collection and I’m still dreaming over the Flashdance Dress! I’ve been trying to find a similar one that is a little more affordable, but no luck yet. The shape of the Flashdance dress is so flattering and the fabric used for the Cabi dress is like wearing the softest blanket around your body!

Our Wedding! Okay, this one isn’t so fall related – but we’re less than 2-months from our wedding day. EEEK! Like everyone else who has ever gotten married, I am just ready for the actual day. It’ll be bitter sweet.

What are you favorite things about fall?


Photo Source: Top Left | Top Right | Bottom Left | Bottom Right