For The Love Of Neon Pink

For The Love Of Neon Pink

SHOP

Neon pink is one of my favourite hues EVER; I swear you can't have a bad day when wearing it!

This weekend I hosted a HUGE clothing sale and condensed my wardrobe big time.

I was so happy to see everything go to good homes and it's left me with a manageable chunk to wear and store properly. In preparation for the sale I rediscovered items which have been hidden for months. My neon pink dress is a perennial fave and I almost did a little dance for rediscovering it. I love loose fitting dresses for lazy weekends and this was the perfect partner for Sunday.

I am fawning over the J.Crew cashmere collection right now, this hot crew neck is my favourite and its colour 'neon hibiscus' is just such a great name! I love this silky cami too, the perfect Summer accomplice.

Read on for my tips on how to style up neon pink . . . 

Styling Notes: Neon brights can be intimidating, and a little while ago I think that the market was saturated with brights for the sake of OMG impact. Neons have however persevered and now the best way to wear them is slotted right into your everyday wardrobe. For me, I love top to toe colour, but if you're more shy of eye popping brights then an accent bag like this gorgeous Sophie Hulme number  is great way to dip your toe in. Equally this pretty printed top is ace with jeans and a steal at £30!

Dress: Similar, Jumper: Similar, Bag: Primark, Trainers: Jack Purcell Converse

Happy Cinco de Mayo for those of you lovelies that celebrate it! And Happy Bank holiday to all my UK readers too. I'm off for a BBQ brekkie with pals! Follow me along for a super fun day on Instagram. 

And of course, tell me (because I LOVE a good wardrobe gossip!) do you love my favourite hue too?!

Love, 

MB x

BRETON

BRETON

Glassons striped dress / Mink Pink sunglasses (similar) / Diavolina platforms by Robert Robert / Sussan bag / Colette earrings

Made famous by Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn (ultimate lady/one of my top style icons) and basically anyone who was big in the 50s and 60s, the humble breton stripe has always been in fashion and will never go out (great news for people like me!). When I saw this striped dress come into work, I knew that it would end up in my closet. Although I already own a tonne of stripes - tops, jumpers, dresses, pants - I figured it never hurts to add a few more to the collection, right?! Besides, it's made out of a mid-weight cotton which makes it the perfect transitional staple piece for any season, and if the big leather pocket details don't make you fall in love with it then I don't know what will because basically any item of clothing with pockets earns big points in my books.

Also an update: The mini store full of goodness for your hair is finally up and running and can be found here!! Should you make a purchase, please read the policies before you do so as the standard shipping rates are via Australia Post, but I can also send them via Skippy Post if you prefer shipping to be 50 - 75% cheaper (who doesn't want that?!).

My March Budget

My March Budget

Limited  /  American Eagle (similar)  /  Forever 21  /  Lord & Taylor
Banana (similar)  /  Limited  /  Limited  /  American Eagle (love this one)
American Eagle  /  LOFT  /  Limited  /  Express

After a six week hiatus from the mall (unintentional, I was swamped), I spent an afternoon shopping and spent my March budget all in one day. And what a day it was - I was emotional and my mood definitely affects what I buy. I wound up with fun, unique and "loud" pieces and hardly any staples, because hey - I was looking for fun things that would lift my spirits. :-)

The other reason I wound up with so many fun items is because I didn't have a wish list. I often stress how important I think it is to have a list during shopping. Whether it is a certain color of jeans I want acquire, or a type of shoe (such as flat sandals), I like to mostly stick to that list and then also get a couple unplanned pieces that catch my eye. But the double-whammy of not having a list and being emotional? That's how I wound up with all "sizzle" pieces. I'm letting it slide this month, but next month I will be back to a more disciplined routine!

1. Limited dress, $26 - This dress was on promo plus I used a coupon, so I got it for a steal. It was an Easter contender, and I plan to use it for on-camera and work functions.
2. American Eagle dress, $46 - Can you say obsessed? This might be my favorite dress ever. I love the boho vibe and white dresses in general.
3. Forever 21 dress, $20 - Another fun piece for a night out that I talked up in this post.
4. Lord & Taylor top, $10 - The one item I bought before I hit the mall. I ordered it online due to the crazy low price (it was originally $78).
5. Banana necklace, $26 - Wait, I didn't need another statement necklace? A girl can never have too many in my opinion, and I love the sweetness of this one.
6. Limited belt, $15 - A bow belt just seemed necessary at the time. And the tough zipper detail is perfection.
7. Limited belt, $15 - A black belt with zebra heads also seemed necessary (did I mention I was in the mood for fun?). It's like a statement necklace for your waist.
8. American Eagle top, $38 - More bohemian love. This navy, slightly sheer top is my favorite kind of top to wear on weekends. Looks great with my coral fringe sandals for summer.
9. American Eagle shorts, $35 - I love printed shorts but I especially love these because they are denim. And American Eagle's "midi" fit is my favorite inseam length for shorts.
10. LOFT skirt $40 - I wanted this for Easter. I had already bought the bow belt and realized it would match. It was a bit more than I wanted to spend (they had a 40% off promo going in the store), but to save time and so I could wear it for the holiday, I went for it.
11. Limited cardigan, $17 - The only item I might return. I love this kind of colorblocking so much, I'm just always afraid I will tire of it quickly.
12. Express top, $25 - Mint and peplum? Say no more. And I love high necklines like these for statement necklaces.

Total = $313

Forever 21  /  Target
Forever 21  /  Forever 21

Also thought I'd share my little "head start" on April's budget. I ordered these three Forever 21 items online. I saw the camo shorts in person and they are awesome - way baggier and not nearly as short.  The jeans and t-shirt will totally depend on what they look like on. And I bought the neon orange fringe swim suit at Target. I love the fit!

What were your favorite March purchases? What items are on your April wish list?

For more info see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

My January & February Budget

My January & February Budget

Here's a recap of everything I bought in January and February! Items on my wish list that I crossed off include mint jeans, nude pointy toe pumps, a sheath work dress, cobalt blazer, and dark skinny jeans. I also picked up a bunch of t-shirts for casual days and a few fun, trendy items like the neon anorak. But my overall goal was to buy quality versus quantity, and pieces that I will wear to death. What items have you invested in this year? What items are on your spring wish list? 

1. Zara jacket, $90 (similar, similar, similar)
2. Zara jacket, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
3. F21 mint jeans, $25
4. F21 mint tank, $7 (similar)
5. J.Crew shirt, $35 (similar, similar)
6. Piperlime pumps, $32
7. DSW Audrey Brooke, $20 (similar)
8. Gap t-shirts, $9

= $258

1. This jacket was a huge chunk of my budget, but well worth the investment. I've already worn it ten times and plan to love it for years to come. It was on sale, original price $130.
2. Another sale purchase (I don't recall the original price) and another classic ladylike jacket that I'll love forever. I have nothing similar in my closet.
3. After a year-long hunt, I finally crossed off mint jeans on my wish list! I also acquired these Gap mint jeans c/o.
4. An undershirt / summer tank in the perfect shade of mint.
5. I added yet another silk campshirt to my collection with this top from J.Crew. I couldn't pass up the in-store sale price; the Blythe blouse is usually $110 full price.
6. My hunt for nude, pointy toe pumps ended when I found this brand-name pair for a steal online.
7. Buying out-of-season sometimes pays off, like these sandals on sale at DSW (original price I believe is $90). I will be wearing them a ton this summer.
8. I used $20 in Gap rewards to get these three t-shirts for $9 total. I love the neon colors (periwinkle, orange and pink) and they are perfect for casual days.

1. Banana dress, $50 Christmas gift card
2. H&M jeans, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
3. Limited anorak, $37
4. F21 cobalt blazer, $30
5. F21 Journey shirt, $18
6. Limited cardigan, $30
7. Express cardigan, $27
8. Express aztec t-shirt, $25
9. Limited belt, $20
10. Ann Taylor lace shirt, $30
11. Old Navy mint tee, $10 (similar)

= $259

1. I've been on the hunt for classic work sheaths in fun colors and this one was $70 in the store (only petite sizes), plus an extra 25% off sale promo. I used a $50 gift card from Christmas so only wound up paying a few dollars for it.

2. My hunt for the perfect pair of dark, slightly distressed denim ended - of all places - at H&M! I never buy jeans there, who knew? I used a 20% off coupon on the original $40 price tag.

3. I fell in love with this fun anorak online and had to have it. In-store price was $49, and I used a coupon for an additional $15 off.

4. I featured this blazer in this blog post and wound up ordering it. Looks great in person, I can't wait to wear it.

5. I featured this baseball tee in this blog post and wound up ordering it!

6. I unwrapped a piece of chocolate when I entered the store that was good for 40% off everything full-price, which I used on this Tory-Burch-esque cardigan.

7. I've worn my similar sweater coat to death, and thought a thinner version would be a perfect staple for Florida weather. It was on promo for $39 in the store, plus I used a coupon for another $15 off.

8. This shirt is way cuter and more neon in person. I used a coupon to get $15 off.

9. This belt was an instant "yes" for me - I want to spend the day on a yacht and wear a navy blazer with gold buttons. It also kind of reminds me of an underwear band, but I'm comfortable with that. I used a 40% off coupon. 

10. I was shopping with a friend and tried on this sale shirt and fell in love. I want to style it in a boho outfit, stay tuned.
11. Another great casual t-shirt, found on clearance.

My monthly budget is $250 (I had a little left over from December). For more info, please see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

My December Budget

My December Budget

Old Navy / Old Navy / Limited / Limited
Banana / Limited / Banana
Gap / Limited / Marshall's
Banana / Old Navy / Target / Gap / Limited

It's my favorite time of year for shopping! You simply can't beat the post-Christmas deals in stores. Here's how I spent my December budget - most items I picked up yesterday, and some I grabbed during Christmas shopping last week. Not everything is 100% final, but pretty close! Here's what I got:

1. Old Navy plaid, $17 - I can't get enough plaid lately and this top was perfect to wear on Christmas Day. I also love this red plaid shirt from Banana.
2. Old Navy fox sweater, $16 - A reader helped me track this sweater down a couple weeks ago. Using the style # (see link for it), I called the store and had one shipped to me from another city.
3. Limited bow sweater, $25 - I'm trying not to go overboard with the graphic sweater trend, but I couldn't resist this blush pink sweater on sale yesterday. I also love this bow sweater from Forever 21.
4. Limited sequin cardigan, $20 - I was crushing on this sweater last month but couldn't bring myself to spend $40 on it. I found it for half that yesterday (75% off original price) and happily scooped it up.
5. Banana burgundy cardigan, $22 - You may recall that I bought a burgundy cardigan from Banana last month for $19 - a button popped off and I don't have a replacement button so I decided to pick up a replacement sweater. Still hoping to fix the other one, but I also love the four front pockets on this version.
6. Limited striped skirt, $25 - I bought this on Black Friday and only recently decided to keep it. It's soft and comfy and I can't wait to pair it with boots.
7. Banana navy top, $20 - A classic piece that I will wear for years, and grabbed on sale yesterday.
8. Gap hat, $10 - I immediately regretted this purchase. No idea how I'm going to pull this hat off, but I just might try!
9. Limited necklace, $20 - I used a $15-off coupon they were handing out in the store yesterday for this price. Not entirely sure I'm keeping it yet.
10. Marshall's shoes, $28 - The Me Too shoes pictured are very similar to the ones I picked up at Marshall's on clearance yesterday, but mine have a slight wedge. I need more practical almost-flat shoes in my closet and I love the cap toe.
11. Banana white dress, $24 - I fell in love with this dress a couple months ago and am beyond psyched I found one at this price! I need to have it altered (none of the sizes fit perfectly), however, the tailoring cost is worth it with that price.
12. Old Navy pink dress, $9 - This dress is much more neon than pictured, and will be perfect this spring. It was on clearance in the store, no coupon.
13. Target pink jeans, $22 - I tried on these blush pink jeans on a whim and fell in love. They also come in mint and tons of other colors online.
14. Gap velvet jeans, $24 - I ordered these from another store (my store didn't have my size). Can't wait for them to arrive.
15. Limited plaid jeans, $20 - I never would've given these jeans a second thought if they hadn't been on the clearance rack, but now that I tried them on, I love them.

Grand Total = $302

My budget is $250 per month. I had $26 left from last month's budget and will either carry over the remaining $30 into January's budget, or return an item. To learn more see "How To Set a Clothing Budget."

LOFT / Ann Taylor / Gap

Also, an update on mint skinnies. I tried on all three of these while Christmas shopping and loved all of them. The Gap ones are my favorite color-wise, but I liked the length of the LOFT ones better. I'm waiting for a good sale/promo on the Gap ones and will likely scoop them up. All three are good options though!

What deals did you score in December? What items are on your January wish list?

Win $100 to H.C.B. Boutique! [now closed]

Win $100 to H.C.B. Boutique! [now closed]

Peplum top $34 / blue jeans $36 / purse $48 / necklace $26 / shoes $30
Peplum top $34 / black jeans $42 / necklace $22 / shoes $30

I'm so excited to introduce H.C.B. Boutique to you guys today! Short for Hilary Caroline Boutique, the owner (that's Hilary) opened her online store in summer 2012. Everything I'm wearing I borrowed from Hilary for a little try-on session, and will be sending back (except for the ankle boots... might have to hold onto those!) You guys are in for a real treat though - one lucky reader will win a $100 gift card to H.C.B. Boutique, and everyone gets 20% off before 12/22 with code "HappyHolidays." To enter the giveaway:

1. Stay in touch with H.C.B. Boutique by "liking" their Facebook page.

2. Leave a comment on today's post.

A winner will be selected on 12/26. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Above: I would be more than happy to add peplum tops like these in every color to my closet! They are so festive for the holidays, and are super-comfy with their soft, stretchy material. Consider sizing up; the small (pictured) fit snug. 

Peplum top $30 / blue jeans $36 / necklace $22 / purse $42 / shoes $30
Striped top $34 / black jeans $42 / necklace $26 / purse $48 / shoes $30
Lace top $28 / blue jeans $36 / shoes $30

I'm equally obsessed with the sleeveless version of this peplum top, and H.B.C. stocks tons of other cute tops like this striped silky top and crochet lace top. I'm also a huge fan of both pairs of denim I tried - both the blue and black skinnies fit like a dream (and ran true to size).

Multicolor sweater $42 / blue jeans $36 / boots $54
Aztec sweater $40 / black jeans $42 / boots $54

The outfit on the right might be my favorite of the whole bunch, I love the sweater! I also really dig the pattern on the left sweater, although I'm convinced I look silly in crop-tops. ;-) Sweater on the left also fits snug in the arms/elbows, so consider sizing up. 

High low dress $44 / necklace $22 / purse $42 / boots $54
Pattern dress $34 / necklace $26 / purse $48 / shoes $30
Maxi dress $42 / necklace $22 / shoes $30

You will find dresses galore at H.C.B. Boutique - my favorite is the high-low dress on the left, I love the boho vibe and can see myself wearing it for both dinner and errands. The middle print looks great with cognac and turquoise and would also work with boots and leggings (I would size up because of length). The far right dress is a super-comfy option that works with sandals on the beach, or heels for the holidays.

Which outfit or clothing item is your favorite?

This post is brought to you by H.C.B. Boutique. As always all opinions, reviews and editorial decisions are my own. 

Congrats to our winner!

Just Add Tights

Just Add Tights

Wearing: Zara Dress - Similar | Commando Tights | OASIS Booties | Helmut Lang Jacket | Phillip Lim Bag | All Saints Beanie | Vintage Sunnies (from American Apparel)

I bet we all do the same when it comes to switching from our summer to winter wardrobes - we either send clothing home to the rents, sell it, maybe even store it somewhere besides our tiny NYC closets. Yes, I do most of these myself, but I've recently started saving pieces from my summer wardrobe that I can "just add tights" to. Btw, I was inspired by a current Nifty Thrifty sale for the title of this post. Speaking of, make sure you sign up before next week because there is something coming up that you do NOT want to miss - maybe a collection of vintage clothing curated by me, or something like that.....

Project Runway Recaps: "Rock-a-Bye Runway"--My "Extended" Recap of this week's episode!

Project Runway Recaps: "Rock-a-Bye Runway"--My "Extended" Recap of this week's episode!

Oh Baby!

Episode 11 Project Runway Muse: a "Real Care Baby" doll

Last night's Lifetime Network Project Runway Season 10 episode had CRYING fake babies, Diva Moms, and a nice self-contained ad for Heidi's new fabulous--and oh-so-cute line for children called "Truly Scrumptious"--available exclusively at Babies "R" Us. Oh and yeah, and an ending I didn't like...



First, The Babies and Baby Couture:

 Heidi Klum and her "Truly Scrumptious" line of children's clothing for Babies "R" Us

The Challenge was--not surprisingly to anyone with half a brain--to design a look for a toddler. In fact, it was to design a look for Heidi's new line; there would be TWO winning looks (a boy and a girl look) and each would be put into production and sold at Babies "R" Us.

Designers Meet Mommies and Babies---Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

The designers met their clients--and their mommies. They later found out about a "Twist" (it's Project Runway after all) that, in addition to creating looks for the babies, they also had to make looks for the moms.

 No Mommy Zone: Season 10 designers and their fake babies

As part of some annoying edition to the episode, someone decided that the six remaining designers should also get one of those "Real Care Babies"--that you see on "Dr. Phil" or "16 and Pregnant" that cries and cries and cries--when it needs to be fed, diaper changed or taken care of. The designers spent A LOT of wasted time caring for these babies and not so much time working on their designs. It was, needless to say, annoying (maybe that was the point).

 Boris and Natasha Have Babies

But, my favorite snapshot of all that needless crying baby doll mess, was this pic of Boris and Natasha (i.e. Season 10 contestants/designers Dmitry Sholokhov and Elena Slivnyak), holding their fake babies. They seriously look like a mom and dad who've been "through it"!

 Designer Christopher Palu and his Diva Mom Client, Nanci--Episode 11 Project Runway Season 10

There was a "Diva Mom" of course who made for good TV. Nanci--designer Christopher Palu's mom client--was a DIVA from the get-go, especially when she took one look at Heidi's very cute line of children's clothing, turned her nose up and remarked "Baby Dior has Tulle..." Now, I know "Baby Dior" not because I've bought it but because it's known in the industry as the "Caviar" of Children's Clothing. And yes, I looked up what a red tulle little girl's dress from "Baby Dior" would go for...

 Baby Dior red tulle baby dress

And I came up with (wait for it!), $3680 for this red tulle dress above at Bergdorf Goodman (naturally). What Millionaire's Wife is buying this? I want to meet her and I want her as a CLIENT to buy my NIKOLAKI gowns. Period.

Let's Get to The Runway:

Guest judge actress and new mom, Hilary Duff (above), was on hand to see who was IN and who was OUT this week...



The Runway:

Dmitry Sholokhov: one of my top faves was the look Dmitry designed--a very cute red hooded onsesie jumper that was very "FASHION" and had hints of a Superhero Halloween Costume--or at least, one of a CRAYOLA crayon one:

Crayola and Superman Baby Costumes

Truly Scrumptious Boy and Girl: The Winning Boy and Girl Looks from Episode 11--Project Runway Season 10

Heidi Klum with the Boy and Girl Winning Looks for her "Truly Scrumptious" Childrenswear line at Babies "R" Us

Sonjia Williams designed the winning BOY look which was so cute: a gray jacket and pants with contrast lapel, pockets and waistband. Her baby model, Jude, SOLD IT!!! 50% of her win was because of HIM! Seriously. The GIRL winning look was the one by Christopher Palu (yet again!)--Miss Heidi kind of guided him back in the Parsons Workroom when she suggested he do a skirt out of that white fabric with sewn-on applique....so I am sure lots of you might say "Well, Heidi TOLD him what to do!!". I agree, she kinda did.



The Bottom:

Season 10 Contestants/Designers Elena Slivnyak and Melissa Fleis were the bottom vote-getters. Elena's was TOO MUCHEEY. Michael Kors thought it was very "Sample Sale" (she's right). And Melissa's white too-short/too-tight dress with bland black jacket was...THE WORST. In my eyes. However. Melissa stayed and Elena was OUT.

Season 10 designers Melissa Fleis (top photo)and Elena Slivnyak (bottom)--Project Runway Season 10

Was this a case of the judges looking at the overall designs from the entire season and thinking "Let's keep Melissa" or was Elena's really the worst? I think the former and not the latter...Oh well, viewers rejoice--or take comfort in knowing that...we'll most likely see Elena on Project Runway All Stars Season 3. I am sure of it.



If you want to know how I REALLY FEEL, continue reading...

Rock-a-Bye-Runway



Last night's "Project Runway" was one of those episodes that left me
saying "Wh-Wh-What?", mainly because a designer stayed, even though in
my eyes they did the worst job. In addition, I think it was one of the
first times a designer was NOT eliminated for doing Safe and Boring. The
episode left me quite dumbfounded, trying to justify in my mind the
outcome. All I could think is that the judges looked at the designers'
overall work as opposed to the actual design for THIS challenge at hand.
And they always say they do not do that — but it's obvious they do.
There's more that irked me — and yes, things that I LOVED — so, allow me
to give my "Nick Two Cents" for this week.



Oh Baby!



There are only six designers left on this season and therefore they
are feeling the pressure as they get closer to the grand prize. This
week, they all go to a Babies"R"Us store, where Heidi and Tim are
waiting. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to guess what this challenge
will be. Heidi has a new line of affordable baby clothing, "Truly
Scrumptious", that sells exclusively at Babies"R"Us. The challenge this
week is to create a look for this line that will then, be manufactured
and sold at "Babies 'R' Us". Heidi tells the designers that there will
be 2 winning looks — one boy and one girl — and they only have one day
to do it.





Why Do I Care What The Mommies Like to Wear?

The designers' tepid yet pretending-to-be-excited reactions are
priceless. Before they can run out and say "I'm Outta Here!", the
dreaded velvet bag comes out and each designer is "assigned" their baby
models and respective moms. Each designer confers with the moms as to
what their needs and style ideas are for their toddlers. The mom's are
also describing their own styles, which makes me wonder, "Why do I care
what YOU like to wear..." unless (cue the dramatic music in my brain)
there might be a TWIST later and they have to design for the mommies too
(not my first time at the "'Project Runway' Rodeo"). The only thing
that's memorable from this consultation is when Nanci (Christopher's
baby momma) says "Dior uses a lot of tulle" in talking about the
children's clothes. In case y'all are not aware, a "Baby Dior" tulle
dress — for a BABY — goes for $3,680. I instantly think "Oh no, this
one's a DIVA!" Later we find out, she was.





Faux Babies...Why?

The designers head back to Parsons where Ms. Klum left them dossiers,
fabric, notions and trims from her "Truly Scrumptious" collection so
their creations can coordinate with the rest of her line. There are also
toddler body forms and a "special surprise": Lifelike Crying Baby
Dolls. Yeah, the kind those "16 and Pregnant" girls use. They cry, cry
and cry; when they need to be fed, rocked or diaper changed. Is this
really necessary, I wonder? The explanation — from Poppa Tim — was that
they are there so the designers know "what goes into creating baby
clothes." I don't even think he believed what he said...



Click HERE to continue reading my "Rock-a-Bye-Runway" Blog on mylifetime.com