PrepStyle

Sorry I have been MIA...and a mini-rant.

2011-08-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

I promise, friends, that I will be back blogging outfits this week. Between finishing grad school and moving apartments, things have been hectic.

My vent? Dating sucks, and I quit. Between exchanging emails on eHarmony, and then having your date essentially walk out on you. Another guy (who I have 8000 mutual friends from college-went to college with) ignoring your fb message (yes, I know you ignored me, since you had time to post 10000 pictures from your trip) after approaching me first....the cute teacher who said he wanted to go out again and then closed me out....or the fact that EVERY man I have ever dated is now: engaged and getting married this weekend, engaged and getting married next month, married or dating a girl that looks like a vogue model-and I am going to my friend's wedding in January: of the eight bridesmaids? They are ALL married or engaged, except me. F.

At least tonight I have a bottle of wine and Bachelor Pad to entertain me. Watching those trainwrecks always makes me feel better about myself.

Online Dating

2011-07-22T08:44:00.000-04:00

If you saw one of my first posts, I wasted a lot of time on one guy in Chicago. Looking back, I am shocked that my best friend did not smack me in the face (well she may have tried, but I am scrappy and ran away before she could hit me..). Now that I am in DC, I have a fresh start. My confidence is higher than ever, so I am going to make a real effort to date...well if things with my college crush do not go anywhere....

That being said, gentleman of EHarmony, there are several things you can do or say which will cause me to automatically close you out.

1) "I work hard and play hard" - Blehghhhhhhhhh. Thanks, asshat. I was hoping to find someone who lacks balance in his life, instead of having both a work and personal life. Guys who say this are the same guys who wear tight shirts, order couvissier at the bar and greet you with the "oh ehhhhhhhhhhhhhh heyyyyyyyyyy".

2) "I don't drink" - Hmmm, either you are too obsessed with your body and refuse to consume extraneous calories, or you have some medical condition. Either way, you probably do not want to hang out with me; according to EHarm, I drink "once a week." If you know me, you have seen me drink, and have seen crazy drunk ElleBelle....

3)Pictures of you with your shirt off - Either you are extremely arrogant, or you are something that rhymes with SmooshDag.

4) Pictures of you with hooters girls, professional cheerleaders or scantily clad women - See number 3; that or you are just a creep who sits at a pool to watch girls walk around in bathing suits.

So week 1, and I am send out messages to anyone who seems remotely normal and cute. Stay tuned...

-ElleBelle

Happy Hour Date

2011-07-21T09:34:00.002-04:00

I have a good number of college friends in DC, and I spend most of my free time with my ROTC guy friends. Being in the Navy, I have a lot of guy friends, so I usually do not care how I look around them. Tomorrow, however, it is different. We are doing our monthly happy hour, and I have developed a crush on one of the attendees.

I always thought he was cute, but he was two years younger, so I never though much of it. Well, we have hung out a few times here, and I have got it.....baaaaaaaaaaaad. As a result, tomorrow I will be taking extra care in what I wear to work, so I can impress over post-work cocktails.

Jackie Cardigan: Sleeveless is not ok in my office, so I have to wear a cardigan over my top. These are a staple in my wardrobe, and you can usually stock up on new colors when JCrew offers end of season sales.

Pencil Skirt: Yes, I am a JCrew addict, but the clothes fit me, and the styles last from season to season. They accentuate my small waits, and I feel confident in them. When it comes to flirting, confidence is important...or else I will end up getting drunk in efforts to ease my nerves.

Top: Blogged about this last week, and it is sexy enough that when I take off the cardigan, it will draw his attention...plus, tiny waist!

Accessories: Simple and classic, my style.

Wish me luck! As a side note, I am giving eHarmony a try, so I will share stories soon!

-ElleBelle

RueLaLa Vs. Gilt Groupe

2011-07-18T19:00:00.001-04:00

When I was in grad school/waiting tables, I did not have a lot of money to shop....sadly, my desire to fill my closet with pretty, expensive things did not go away. Lucky for me, online sample sales have become popular, and they offer fantastic deals.

I have never done Idelii or Hautelook, but I have placed at least twenty orders through RueLaLa and Gilt Groupe. Gilt tends to be a touch more expensive due to the designers, but now they have expanded to Gilt City which offers great deals on city experiences. RueLaLa offers more low cost options, but unlike GG, you cannot reserve an item for ten minutes...so if you want something, buy right away or risk it selling out.

In the year I have been shopping these sites, I have a few favorite items....and in no particular order.....

DvF dresses - with shipping, combined these were purchased on RLL for $220.

Lilly Pulitzer Dress - RLL $45

Kate Spade Flats - GG $68

Hanky Panky 3 Pack - RLL - $40

Rebecca Minkoff Wrap Bracelet - GG - $15

Thread Social Sweatshirt - GG - $40

Call Me Kate

2011-07-15T17:23:00.001-04:00

I have a girl crush on Kate Middelton. In my opinion, everything about her is perfect. Hair, style, makeup, posture....So of course, when I saw her wearing this gorgeous blue Issa dress...

I just had to have it. The rich color. The v-neck and long sleeves. The waist definition. It is the perfect dress, in my opinion. Sadly, ISSA sold out right away, and the Ebay re-sellers are asking $1300+. Sadness.

Enter the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.....

Typically, I use this sale to stock up on cosmetics and underwear, but as I sat at my desk browsing the sale clothes today, I found this gorgeous dress.

Be still my heart.

Is it Kate's exact dress, no. The tie is slightly different, but for $78.90....I will channel Kate, drink tea and pretend that I am Catherine of Whales.

-ElleBelle

A Royal Wedding - US Style

2011-07-11T20:21:00.022-04:00

My best friend is going to a Royal Wedding next month; that is, a British wedding, so she will be donning a fascinator. For this, it was easy to channel Kate Middelton, who I am completely obsessed with. This really gave me a chance to spend hours looking at her clothes and style online, and I feel she would definitely endorse this outfit.

Kate has perfected the classic look, and while keeping it simple, always looks completely put together. Her clothes are tailored to her body, and they look ladylike, yet still sexy. This is what I kept in mind when putting together this outfit, which is designed around the fascinator my friend selected.

Dress - M has a rocking body, fit, toned yet still has curves. It is not fair...anywaysssss....This dress has a v-neck to accentuate her assets, a center panel to show off her toned stomach and draping on the bottom to skim her curves. It is a light jersey material, so it will not be too warm for an August, and it will move as she shakes her groove thing at the reception.

Earrings - Once again, my beloved Kate Spade gumdrop earrings. Normally, I am a pearls girl, but these are similar yet a bit more fun.

Shoes - I picked a simple nude pump to lengthen the leg but not distract from the rest of the outfit.

Clutch - I did not want all neutral accessories, so it compliments the fascinator without being a distraction. Plus, it is large enough to carry the essentials.

Cheers to the open bar!
-ElleBelle

Using an Ann Taylor Sale to Show off my Waist

2011-07-09T20:55:00.034-04:00

Accentuating a Small Wasit by PrepStyle featuring short sleeve tops

I have been blessed/cursed with my mothers shape. I have wide hips but a small waist, which means any dress or skirt that lacks shape makes me look quite squat. Because of this, I look for articles of clothing which have ties/belts/definition around the waist.

My work wardrobe is centered around pencil skirts (I recommend the J.Crew Double Serge Pencil Skirt, which will be restocked soon as fall clothes arrive in stores.) and a-line dresses. For the days I wear pants, I make sure to add a skinny belt to define my waist.

Ann Taylor recently had a 40% off everything sale, and I decided to bite and add to my professional wardrobe. I have learned how AT clothes fit me, so I can order sale items and feel confident that they will fit. As for the items...

Three of the blouses have a tie of some sort around the waist to create the desired skinny effect. The peach and black ones also have modest v-necks, which further draws attention up and away from my "trouble areas".

While the pink sweater lacks the tie, the gathering around the bust focuses attention up and once again creates the illusion of a small middle.

As for the dress, a wrap dress in a dark color hides that bloat from eating too much late night pizza and drinking too much beer....so yes, I will be wearing it every Monday!

-ElleBelle

A Country Music 4th

2011-06-27T19:57:00.002-04:00

I am flying down to Charlotte on Friday to spend the weekend with one of my best friends. Not only is it my favorite holiday, but we will be spending it drinking sweet tea cocktails and going to see Zac Brown Band in concert.

Country music concerts already have a patriotic spirit to them, but being America's birthday weekend, I except it to be even more red, white and blue. K and I have both been thinking about our outfits, and I personally needed to put together something revolving around my favorite cowboy boots.

An easy to wear blue is my favorite chambray shirt, which has turned out to be one of the more versatile things in my closet. The white skirt may get ruined sitting on the lawn, but for less than 20 bucks, I can live with it being disposable. The thing that makes the outfit, though, is the flower pin.

My favorite blog highlighted EmersonMade; a husband/wife team who sells adorable american-made clothing and accessories. Once I saw this gorgeous flower pin, I knew I had to have it. It is in the mail now, so real life photos are coming soon.

Hope everyone enjoy's their weekend of beer and bbq; remember those who serve and afford us the awesome freedoms of the USA.

-ElleBelle

Help Me Style!

2011-06-23T21:00:00.000-04:00

Floral Long Swing Skirt - Look 1 by PrepStyle featuring a v neck cardigan

I have been obsessed with this skirt since it appeared in the Summer Lookbook. Sadly, I could in NO WAY afford $400 on a skirt. To my surprise, it appeared on the website, on sale PLUS 30% off. After a brief g-chat with my friend, I clicked purchase.

Now, I just needed a way to style it. I own the belt, shoes and earrings, and I have a shirt this color. I need a critical eye, because sometimes I do not realize that I am dressed like a clown. :)

-ElleBelle

Bachelorette Power Rankings - Week V

2011-06-23T19:12:00.000-04:00

I am officially no longer on Team Ashley. She is needy, insecure and a bad dresser. Like I said last week; Jillian is attractive, because she is confident, fun and has a fantastic sense of style. Ashley, if I was the Bachelorette, I would drink all that free champagne and kiss every cute suitor. Live it up!

Another comment. If you only listened to the show and heard the conversation between Ash and Wine Ben:
"We shouldn't....but I really want to.."
"Can we? I mean we really shouldn't...but it is so hard saying no..."
"Well, maybe quickly, for just a second..."

We all know they were talking about, wait, kissing? This was all over a peck on the lips? Sounded like a "just the, well you know, to see how it feels" conversation.

On to the rankings....

1) Ben F - He was attracted to her, even though she was wearing a terrible romper. Did I mention free wine for life?

2) JP - That lil guy rocked it in the ring. Even next to Nick (who I will say has a fantastic body, and as a baseball player, he is used to tossing ~~people~~ things around), he held his own and looked adorable doing it. He may be the cutest lil Hebrew from Long Island.

3) Ames - He let all the cool kids go first and pick out their fighting pantelones, so he got suck with the hot pink ones. He got knocked out, but even in a loopy state with messy hair, he was precious. You may have a giant forehead and is slightly socially awkward, but I think he would make a good hubby. Who needs a trainer to take the raw cake batter out of your hands when you are married to the fitness king?

4) Ryan Sunshine - EW.com gave him this nickname, and I love it. His eyes twinkle when he smiles, and I don't think he would yell at me when I microwave lean cuisine pizza and tell him I made him dinner.

And sadly, that is all I want to rank. Mickey and Blake/Lucas (nondescript blondes) made zero impression on me in three weeks now. Constantine, you like your dude time, and that is ok with me. I had high hopes for you, but you got boring. Sigh...

That is all I have got this week. Let her pick her man, already, so I can play groupie and stalk her leftovers.

-ElleBelle

Outfit of the Day - JCrew Suiting

2011-06-23T15:59:00.000-04:00

I am a JCrew addict, and now that I no longer wear a uniform, I can shop and wear fun work clothes. JCrew makes fantastic professional clothes, from their dresses to silk camisoles to pencil skirts.

A few months ago, I emailed my best friend this dress; she told me that I needed to buy it immediately, and I do what she tells me to. Well, unless it involves dating, and then I drive her insane by making terrible decisions over and over.

The Accordion dress in Super 120s is on sale, and while it currently appears sold out, I am sure it will pop-back every morning. The dress runs HUGE, and I had to order a 2. I am no where near a two, so if you are very tiny, this may not be the dress for you.

I paired it with a grey tan Jackie cardigan and Ann Taylor porcelain pumps. I think next time, I will layer a thin sweater under, and then in the winter, a thicker sweater.

At the sale price, I highly recommend the dress...

-ElleBelle

Adding Color to a Neutral Outfit

2011-06-21T18:37:00.001-04:00

After one week at my job, it appears that people are afraid of color. How are we supposed to get past the after-lunch food coma surrounded by grey and black? Fact of the matter is, as you can see by one of my closets....

I love color, well and stripes. Yes, that is one black shirt, and in my other closet I have three black items: black pants, black pencil skirt and black suit blazer. So because of this, I needed to find a way to incorporate color into my dull office atmosphere.

Enter layering....

Normally, this outfit while classy, is somewhat boring. The dress is fitted at the waist and has a slight A-line which flatters my curvy frame. If I was cold, I would throw a navy blue cardigan over it and be done. Like I said, however, I love color.

I bought this blouse on mega-sale at JCrew last year but yet had found an occasion to wear it. Its slightly sheer arms keep me from roasting in the DC heat. It took me a while to become comfortable with layering UNDER dresses, but when I finally did, the outfit was a success.

Professional. Colorful. Flattering. Comfortable. Looks good paired with pearls.

Enjoy!

-ElleBelle

One Year of Wedded Bliss- Photo Time!

2011-06-20T20:41:00.000-04:00

In this post, I picked out an outfit for my good friend to wear on her one year wedding anniversary. As she promised, she sent me pictures to document the experience. The most important piece was the dress, because she wanted something flattering, yet still sexy.....and it had prevent "wardrobe malfunctions"...if you know what I mean.

The dress is not the only reason she looks fantastic; she looks radiant, because she has confidence. Sometimes the way we wear an item of clothing is just as important as what we are wearing. A smile, good posture and confidence is attractive on anyone.

If you are like me, and rarely wear black, here is another great option. Pear it with simple pearls or diamonds and enjoy being a classic beauty.

-ElleBelle

Bachelorette Power Rankings - Week IV

2011-06-16T19:15:00.001-04:00

We get it, girl has got it bad for Bentley. I am sure she is the victim of poor editing, but my patience is wearing thin. I judge, that is what I do. As a warning, if you post daily photoS of your niece/nephew, I will email my best friend and judge you. Seriously, they are NOT your children, and it is just weird. Anywayssssssss....

I was lucky enough to watch this week's episode with my cousin and her fiance, and while he is heartbroken that his three-legged-dog-owning-masked-man favorite is no longer around, we still had a good talk. My mom commented several times that there is no way Ashley can make out with ten guys in an hour and get engaged weeks later. Another friend texted me "Fkkkkkkkk you, you got me into the Bachelorette...I like Ben F, esp bc he makes wineeeeeeee...."-good to know we agree.

Last comment before the rankings, Ashley needs to call Jillian and ask for fashion advice. I apparently did not realize we are still tying our shirts to make them shorter and expose body parts.

1) JP - Once again, he is at the top. I did not love the white t-shirt under the button down, but I can forgive him. Take note of that JP, I forgive and forget. I am a catch. Plus, we both have a dimple, it is meant to be.

2) Ryan - Yes, I said it. Everyone else seems to find him annoying, but his sunshine-puppies-happiness persona appeals to me. I figure it will balance out my slightly judgmental side and make one normal personality couple. One last thought, he gave a shootout to the troops, even it it was super out of place and awkward. Ryan, you can show me your solar energy anyday.

3) Ben F - Like my friend said, we like him because he makes wineeeeeee. My cousin's finace has deemed Ben his new favorite. Maybe I can bring him as my date to their wedding, and he can count as my gift, as well?

4) Ames - Yes, the OL (Oompa Loompa). In no way do I find him attractive, but I am starting to think he was always the smart nerdy kid and never had a chance to make friends. He probably had no one to hold hands with at the roller skating rink during his junior high field trip. It is ok, buddy-Funway Roller Rink was always sad for me too. Plus, Ames can do my stats homework and get my lazy butt in shape.

5) Ben C - Did any of you look at him closely at the end whilst he was in swim trunks? That, plus the rest of the guys have some serious negatives working against them, Ben C wins the 5th spot this week.

5.5) Constantine - My love affair with you had to end due to your horrid Ed Hardy wanna-be tshirt, and you seemed slightly boring. I will give you another chance next week, so start training.

7) Lucas - You are still in love with your ex wife. Coming from someone who has had to deal with a man with ex issues, run fast away Ashley. The only reason you are not ranked lower, is because your broken heart is not a flaw, and it is better than boring, catty and creepy.

8) Nick - Just blah, which may work for some people, but even your display of push-ups with Ashley on your back didn't win me over.

9) Blake - A catty, gossipy girl is one thing, but when it is a guy, I find it extremely unattractive. You have nice teeth and a good job, you don't need to put my Ryan down to win the girl.

10) Mikey - swarmy.

Till next week in Hong Kong....

-ElleBelle

My Love Affair With Rebecca Minkoff Continues...

2011-06-16T18:09:00.001-04:00

I use my Rebecca Minkoff MAM in grey at least five days a week. Unfortunately, it is slightly too small for the documents and briefs I need to bring home, so I have been looking for a new bag. Since her bags are so well made, though, I was on the search for a different style/larger option that I could use for work.

The pricetags for her bags can be a shock, and despite the amount of use I get out of them, I recently needed to buy a bed and couch (so I did not have to sleep&sit on the floor)

so.....I just could not spend $500 on a new bag when I have my functioning Longchamp.

Enter the Rebecca Minkoff Online Sale.

Once a year, a large selection of bags go on sale online for almost half price, which makes them fantastic deals. The sale ends tomorrow, and there is still a great selection of styles and colors left. If this sale ends before you can buy? Gilt.com runs Rebecca Minkoff sales every once in a while, but they usually sell out within minutes.

As for the bag......At half price plus free shipping, I could not resist....The Paramour bag in navy.

Cross body strap + Versatile navy blue color + Side zip pockets for organizing + Large enough to fit 8.5/11 size folders = perfect bag. Now I just have to patiently wait for it to arrive....

-ElleBelle

Office Grey

2011-06-16T17:37:00.002-04:00

Office Grey by PrepStyle featuring a long cardigan

So I wore color to work yesterday, but I realized that every other female was wearing only black, white, tan and grey. While today was my first day with my boss, I decided to tone it down and wear something more conservative.

Pants - I got these on super sale at Ann Taylor, and they fit perfect...after taking the length up to accommodate my short legs. I am heavier on the bottom, and the looser fit and wide legs were flattering and comfortable.

Shoes - Complete impulse purchase on Gilt.com when I was bored in class. They only expose a tiny bit of toe, so they are office appropriate...The leather is soft, soles are padded, so they are extremely comfortable.

Top - Because of the aforementioned hips, most tops are too tight around the middle. Kate Spade, on the other hand, cuts their tops to fit women who have shape. Plus, they are thicker, so no see through issues.

Cardigan - Thin, cool enough to deal with the DC heat, but warm enough to protect against high A/C.

Bag - This has been my go to bag....but a recent online sale has given me the chance to buy a new work bag...so see my next post...

-ElleBelle

Bachelorette Power Rankings - Week III

2011-06-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of postings; my schedule out here has been more hectic than I planned, so it has made blogging difficult.....

As for the show...wow, what a train wreck. Granted, I have been equally as naive when it comes to men, but poor Ashley. Does anyone actually think Bentley is that cute and worth the pain and embarrassment?

On to the rankings....

1) JP - Seriously, I love this guy. Between the plaid pajama pants and the tight white tshirt, if I was Ashley a few more glasses of Pinot G, and it would have been wika-wika-bow-chick-a-wow-wow in front of that fireplace.

2) Ben C - I love a man who dances, especially when it is goofy dancing. My best friend knew that I adored her husband the day he threw the dice with me on the dance floor. The kiss between Ben and Ashley was cute, albeit staged; he has definitely showed some staying power...despite the somewhat intense conversation about a love bubble?

3) Ryan P - Yes, I understand what the point of a roast is, but I love how he still refused to make fun of Ashley. The girl is insecure, and it is getting to the point where it is no longer attractive. Regardless, he is handsome, kind and seemed to have her best interests at heart.

4) Ben F - Yup, no real facetime, but he makes wine and wore a bowtie. I am apparently easy, and those two things alone do it for me.

5) Blake - Wins for the biggest rise of the week. Between his off-the-cuff remarks and perfect teeth, he almost wins the 5th spot by default. In reality, the rest of the guys are boring or weird, so congratulations Blake, you are the least blah of the remainders. Cheers to mediocrity.

6) Constantine - You are cute, and you apparently can cook, so that right away puts you at number six. I don't cook; I order food and microwave. I had high hopes for you, but you have been pretty nonexistent lately. Step up, buddy. Live up to your potential.

7) Lucas - Cute, maybe is funny? I would still make out with him drunk, so that says something?

8) West - Dead wife, feel bad for him, blah.

And this is when it gets weird, so I cannot even rank them, but rather will just provide commentary.

Ames - A picture is worth a thousand words.

William - Apparently did not listen when his mom told him "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all...."

Nick - Soulpatch, really?

Jeff - The guy had a three legged dog, and I still think you are weird. Fail.

Mickey - Still gives me the creeps....

Bentley - He is the guy that we all dated when we were 16 and believed if he was mean, he liked you. Ashley is approaching 30, that theory no longer applies.

If I missed someone, well he apparently has nothing going for him.

Till next week.....

-ElleBelle

Cur-Cur-Curly Hair

2011-06-04T16:46:00.000-04:00

For those who know me, my hair is straight--like straight, straight, straight, as you can see above. I have tried it all in efforts to give life to my hair. Wide barrel curling irons, narrow barrel curling irons, perms-yes, a perm. Sadly, none of them gave me the look I wanted to badly.

Enter, the Hollywood Style Curling Iron. It claims to create three different types of waves, making use of three different temperature sections on the barrel. It was on sale at the Navy Exchange on base, so for 34.99, I could afford it. I would just have to drink eight instead of twelve beers today.

Heating Time - It took about a minute to fully heat up, and I selected the "glamour waves" setting; this is high-low-high

Ease of Use - The box gave three looks and their corresponding heat settings. It took me less than ten minutes to curl all of my hair.

Results - LOVE. The "after" photo is below. The Hollywood Styler finally gave me the gentle waves, not spiral curls, that I have been looking for, for so long. Two thumbs up, and my top recommendation!

Finally Back in Cali...

2011-05-30T20:44:00.000-04:00

San Diego by PrepStyle featuring flip flop shoes

Right out of college, I was stationed in San Diego. As a Chicago girl who then spent four years in Massachusetts, I had absolutely NO CLUE how to dress for Southern California. Fast forward to seven years later, and I am back in San Diego for two weeks of Navy fun.

The interesting thing about the weather here is that while it is warm during the day (70), it can seem chilly at night (60-ish)...so because of this, I recommend dressing for evening...enter the J. Crew Maritime Dress. Many other bloggers complained about the heavy-weight cotton, but for this climate, it is perfect-cool enough for the day, heavy enough for the cool evenings.

I ordered the dress in an extra small, and it comes about 2.5-3 inches above my knee (I am 5'2''). I paired it with:

Shoes - My favorite Rainbows (perfectly broken-in after five years of wear), which are the quintessential California footwear.

Sunglasses - Ray-Ban aviators, my favorite sunglasses. Plus, since I am staying next to the jet flight line on the Naval Air Station, I need to channel Maverick. Top Gun, what up.

Earrings/Belt - To keep with the cool California lifestyle, I chose the effortless gold hoops. The belt defines my waist, but blends in and keeps the look simple.

Bag - Are you sick of seeing my favorite bag yet?

As for my postings, I will only be blogging one, maybe twice, a day for the next two weeks while i am in San Diego. Don't miss me too much!

-ElleBelle

The Best Part About Going Away...

2011-05-27T11:03:00.001-04:00

GOING AWAY PRESENTS! Last night, one of my best friends A and I did our normal routine: Hot yoga and post-hot-yoga-drinks. After we watched the Bulls completely collapse, it was gift time. We often comment that we are soulmates, so in my card she explained my gift:

Something Old
Something New
Something Borrowed
Something Blue

The one I needed to share was Something Old....

If you could not tell, the Bachelor/Bachelorette show is my guilty pleasure, and Jillian Harris is my all time favorite. Her spunky personality, contagious laugh and fantastic sense of style....I really think we could be friends if we knew each other. That all being said, during Jason's The Women Tell All, Jillian wore a fantastic dress that meets my checklist.

Structured-Check.
Saturated Color - Check
Simple/Begging to be Accessorised - Check
Affordable - Check.

Sadly, this is the best picture I could find. I am sure when I get bored writing my 1000th paper of the quarter, I will spend more time on google to find a better one...but that being said...

A had purchased this Club Monaco dress for herself, however when it came back from the tailors, it was too short-too short that she would probably suffer a wardrobe malfunction getting out of the car. What is that saying, her loss is my gain? Well it was....

THE dress, and it fits perfect. I think this may be my first day of work outfit...and I envision it styled with a crisp white blouse, pearls and simple heels.

She also passed on a fantastic Something Borrowed---a small frog that reminds me that I need to kiss many a frog before I find my prince. At this rate, my prince better be pretty flipping fantastic... ;)

-ElleBelle

Bachelorette Power Rankings - Week 1

2011-05-26T19:12:00.002-04:00

I apologize for being a few days behind; next week I will have these up on Tuesday. These power rankings are based on my opinion, who I think would be best for Ashley, and of course, who I like the best. I will not rank anyone who did not receive a rose, and photos are included for the top five.

1) Ben F- He is adorable, appears sincere and makes wine; being married to him means free wine for life. That alone wins him the number one ranking this week.

2) JP - Any man who admits that his nickname is "Cupcake" is precious in my book. Based on looks, he was the most physically appealing to me, and he seemed to be there "for the right reasons." My cousin agrees with me, and she has him at number 1.

3) Ben C - Not only were the cue cards hysterical, but the YouTube video of him dancing on RealitySteve's website shows his goofy side. I am a huge believer that the best catches always have a goofy side. Speaking French to Ashley, knowing she speaks, was a nice gesture.

4) Ryan - Successful, check. Cute in a Chris O'Donnell/boy next door type way, which has always been my weakness. He is obviously a smart guy, and that is a good fit for an intelligent woman like Ashley.

5) Constantine - Long hair is usually not my thing, but he is focused on family, which is important to me. Watching Ashely interact with her's last season makes me believe that she wants a man who has a similar relationship. He does not get involved with the early drama of the season either, unlike drunk Tim.

For the rest of the guys, comments are only added if he made a significant impression on me.

6) West- Despite his former in-laws dragging his name through the mud, the compass stuck on west was cuter than Constantine's floss gift. Seems like a down-to-earth dude and looked good running without a shirt on.

7) Will - precious, seems nice, nothing stand out about him, though.

8) Blake - attractive, fellow dentist, could be a good match.

9) Lucas - Everything is bigger down in Texas, ahem...

10) Matt - His mom asking if they had protection won him points; I would definitely throw back a few white wine spritzers with her.

11) Chris - He is a Chicago boy, from my friend's hometown of Moline...but he hit on my friend at 4 am the night before he left for the show. Does not sound like a 25 year old man ready to settle down and get married...sounds more like the guy who will not even offer you cab money before your walk of shame home.

12) Ames - smart, check. athletic, check...but something just is off with him-can't put my finger on it, though.

13) Ryan - asking Ashley to take a picture of you and Chris Harrison, eh, lame.

14-15) Nick/Stephen - No clue who either of them are, and I have seen this episode twice. Talk about boring.

Now this is where it gets hard, because I don't like any of them, and I wish I could rank them all last.

16) Jeff- How the man in the mask is not ranked last? I guess he was trying to be creative, but it was more lame and weird to me. He can thank our last two men for making him look good...
17) Mickey - ew, ew, ew. I felt the need to shower after watching him. The attempted kiss and his overall slimy persona creeped me out. Who tries to kiss essentially a complete stranger?!
18) Bentley- Where to even start..... If you saw the previews for next week, he tells Ashley that he wishes she was Emily AND is not good enough for him. Congrats Wes, you are no longer the villain of the Bachelorette franchise.

**Photos are taken from ABC.com

How to Buy Items You See on my Blog

2011-05-26T17:45:00.000-04:00

A few friends have asked how they find the items I post on my blog, so here is a quick tutorial!

1) Click on the large photo collage with the set of items (example below), and this will take you to Polyvore.

2) On the right side of the screen, there is an itemized list of everything in the set, as you can see below.

3) Select the one you want, click, and it will take you to a new page. This has the specific item, as well as a link to the website to purchase.

4) Click on the big green box, where it says "BUY AT ___________" and you are set!

Happy Shopping!

-ElleBelle

Yup, I am a Bag Lady

2011-05-26T17:36:00.000-04:00

What's in my Bag by PrepStyle featuring black hair accessories

Like many other bloggers, I am a huge fan of the Rebecca Minkoff MAM. I considered posting a picture of mine, but it is desperate need of cleaning. I use it almost every day, and with the extent of stuff I cram into it, it is no wonder that it needs a trip to bag repair at Nordstrom.

Today when I dumped out the contents of my bag, this is what fell out...as well is my statistics homework. My life revolves around stats these days; grad school is a pain.

Carmex-If you can see, red lip color is a staple in my bag. That being said, red lip color only looks good on soft lips. Chapped Lips + Red Lipstick = flakes of red shedding off your face. ew. I use Carmex for everything, from chapped lips, chapped nose (happens when allergies force me to blow my nose every five minutes), to emergency hand lotion. Plus, it is cheap. win.

Bobbie Brown Hollywood Red lip gloss - hands down, my favorite red gloss. Not too sticky, goes on even, great shine and color.

Clinque Chubby Stick in Chunky Cherry - subtle red plus moisturizers. Plus, it is called a chubby stick tehe.

Hair ties&rubber bands - I always have the best of intentions to wear my hair down the whole day, I always end up pulling it back.

Bobbie Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm - My dry skin begs for lotion, and this one adds a tint of color to provide coverage. It is also SPF 25, and we all need to protect our skin...no one wants to look like the old lady who tans too much/leather face.

RayBan Aviators - I want to be Maverick, duh.

Smart Water & Luna Bar - In efforts to be healthier, I am carrying water (SmartWater is best tasting in my opinion) and a Luna bar with me, to prevent me from just getting french fries. No, the luna bar is not as satisfying as fries, boo.

Cell Phone AND charger - I text a lot. I Facebook stalk a lot. I take a lot of pictures....so my phone dies quickly. Many a bartender has charged my phone behind the bar for me.

After a night out, I have found a lot more random things in my purse, but I don't need to embarrass myself too much here....

-ElleBelle

These Shoes Were Made for Walking...

2011-05-26T10:50:00.002-04:00

Comfortable Kicks by PrepStyle featuring peep toe sandals

If you had not seen the theme yet, my friends give me the ideas for all of my posts. This one is for my friend A, a former college athlete who is finally being punished for years of stress on her soles. When she found out she had some major foot issues, the doctor told her she needed to wear orthopedic shoes...unless she wanted to be a gimp the rest of her life.

She complained that none of the suggested brands were cute, so it was my job to find her some approved options...and by approved I mean doctor AND Clinton&Stacey approved.

Finding colorful options was difficult, but I managed to find a pair of Cole Haan bright yellow slingbacks, and a pair of Sofft coral flats. In my opinion, coral and bright yellow are both great colors to add to any summer wardrobe.

As for the neutrals, the three sandals are great while they do not (say it all with me..) cut the leg line, and will give the illusion of one long leg. A actually wore these gold Sofft sandals walking around Napa all day last weekend and said she was the only lady not complaining about pain in her feet.

Our flats are Born, and as we know a gold ballet flat is a perfect shoe (I wear mine at least twice a week), and the croc print is subtle enough to wear to work.

Ladies, you can now carry a small purse out with you-no longer will you have to carry a back-up pair of shoes with you! You will be walking happy in your Born, Sofft and Cole Haan shoes.

-ElleBelle

Something Borrowed

2011-05-25T21:54:00.006-04:00

I have never been so sympathetic to someone who has an affair with her best friend's fiancee. She went behind her best friend's back and fell in love and ultimately married him. Why do I and so many women want her to end up with Dex and find happiness? Well, a lot of us have been there, and we know how she feels. The excerpt below is from Something Borrowed, and it hits close to home.

I am alone in a city of millions. I have plenty of friends, as proven by the solid turnout tonight. Friends to Rollerblade with. Friends to summer with in the Hamptons. Friends to meet on a Thursday night after work for a drink or two or three. And I have Darcy, my best friend from home, who is all of the above. But everybody knows that friends are not enough, although I often claim they are just to save face around my married and engaged girlfriends. I did not plan on being alone in my thirties, even my early thirties. I wanted a husband by now; I wanted to be a bride in my twenties. But I have learned that you can’t just create your own timetable and will it to come true. So here I am on the brink of a new decade, realizing that being alone makes my thirties daunting, and being thirty makes me feel more alone.

(Giffin, Emily (2010). Something Borrowed (p. 4). St. Martin's Press. Kindle Edition. )

People have commented on the amount of friends I have. I never have to look far to find someone to drink with, or go to a movie with, share my Bears tickets with...but as I watch my friends get married, find that special someone, have babies......buying another bridesmaid dress, at almost 30, is difficult. There is something missing when you are not in love; there is a sense of loneliness when you are the one person who is the token single friend.

Like Rachel, I am cute, but I would never turn heads while walking down the street; we are pretty, but above average on a good day. We are the reason that personality matters. :) I seem to be the girl who every guy friend sees as a sister. We both are adorable brunettes, but we tend to put everyone else first. Everyone has that one gorgeous friend who always steals the show and gets the attention. Like Rachel, I am also apprehensive about being single and 30, and unless something changes soon, I will once again be going to weddings without a date. Was this my plan? Absolutely not. Do I have to tell friends that I am ok at times when I am not? Definitely.

It should be obvious then why I feel for Rachel.....because I identify with her....you know, except for the whole stealing my best friends fiance-obviously you need some drama to sell a book. :)

So raise your glass to Rachel, me and all the rest of us single girls who find themselves in a position we never thought we would be in....encourage us to continue to believe in love, believe that we will find that person that inspires us and loves us and wants to spend the rest of their lives with us...all I can say, is make the most of it and rock that single life. Our friends need someone to live vicariously through, right?

-ElleBelle

One Year of Wedded Bliss = Champage Drinking Outfit

2011-05-24T21:47:00.000-04:00

Anniversiary Date by PrepStyle featuring cable jewelry

My good friend contacted me today, and she wanted to make a deal. I design an outfit for her one year wedding anniversiary dinner, and she takes pictures in the outfiit for PrepStyle-how could I pass that up??

I know her style and her figure concerns, so I put a lot of thought into the effort to find something that was:

1)Flattering - She is a well endowed lady, so I needed to make sure that her ladies would have support and a little coverage, and yes, just a little--I mean, she needs to give her husband some view ;) She is also a curvy gal, so shapeless shifts were not an option.

2) Her Style - Loves her some sequins and shimmer as well as color and fun.

3) Affordable - Since they are getting a hotel room and have to pop bottles, I wanted to keep the outfit under 200 dollars, including accessories. I figure, she probably has black heels already, which takes the total cost to $175.

As for the outfit....

Dress - While it is a V-neck, it is high enough to provide coverage, allowing her to wear a great bra, lifting the girls and giving a peek. Wear a black lacy bra that can show a little adds to the sexiness. The rouching at the middle, plus the panel, accentuates the waist and slims the tummy. The length is flattering, showing enough leg without looking trashy.

Shrug - Hellooooooooooo sequins. It is a great price on piperline, and they have free shipping and returns-win win. This also adds a touch of shimmer while still being classy enough for a nice restaurant.

Clutch - Gold and simple, adds to the outfit without being flashy.

Ring/Earrings - The texture and length of the earrings add enough pizazz and compliment the ring. If you aren't sick of me saying it, the cocktail ring adds a pop of color and glam.

So happy one year M&J, toast to many many more. Pop those bottles!

-ElleBelle

Style Inspiration - Part II

2011-05-24T19:49:00.002-04:00

Oh I love Blair. And by love, I mean obsessed. If I could be someone else, I would be Blair-especially so I coud have an affiar with Chuck and strip on stage. (Just because you wear pearls, does not mean you are innocent, trust me....)

My favorite thing about her style is how she combines classic with fashion forward ideas-she takes chances with colors, she plays with trends...but she always stays true to her look (and don't get me started on her no-headband nonsense we have seen in seasons past....boooo).

For this outfit, we see Blair in her signiture headband and preppy blazer, but she experiments with texture and print. If you wanted to recreate her outfits the easiest, see JCrew. See Marc Jacobs. I channeled Blair by selecting:

Headband-she loves red, and she rocks that red lipstick. I suggest Bobbie Brown Hollywood Red gloss.

Shoes-Cole Haan, low wedge, classic & neutral.

Pearls-obvious.

Now this is where it gets interesting....

I chose a structured, yet ruffled. white blouse to keep it simple, but not boring (tuck it in). Then I took a chance with the skirt and sweater. The pencil skirt is one of the best things that could happen to a woman's figure, especially one that has two vertical stripes giving the appearance of longer, slimmer legs. The cardigan may be horizontal stripes, but it works because you still have black stripes and a neutral second color.

The purse adds an additional splash of color, and as we can see above, B loves this combination.

Until next time

XOXO

ElleBelle

Channeling Blair Waldorf by PrepStyle featuring pearl bracelets

Can you Find Love on the Bachelorette?

2011-05-24T11:13:00.001-04:00

I was "lucky" enough to spend about 36 hours with some of the Bachelorette alums from Ali's season. They were a blast, don't get me wrong, but from their talk, none of them were truly there to find love. They all cared about her, and our favorite landscaper did seem to hold a very special place for her in his heart.....but they were there for the fun, friendships and alcohol. If they ended up meeting "the one"-added bonus. Feel free to email me for more details...

ElleBelle and Kirk

So after watching last night's show and seeing previews for future shows, my heart is already breaking for Ashley. Bentley, albeit charming and handsome, could not care less about our budding dentist....but she keeps him around-why? Well, we all tend to fall for the wrong guys time and time again .

Season after season, we see our female leads choose men who our friends would NEVER like. They pick the charmers, the one who already has red flags galore (Ed), the one who could not manage to find one person to vouch for him (Jesse)-like I said in a previous post, if it starts of with lies, nothing will change...If I had to pick based off what I saw last night, this guy would be in the lead; any guy who is the cute/average looking one AND admits he is called Cupcake? Precious.

So how does this translate to real dating? Well, I may be naive, but I think you can find love on the show and in real life-but be open. I had a long conversation with my close friend last night about this, and we both agreed that none of our friends that are happily married are with the "hot" guys we all wanted. They are married to the cute guy, who has a fantastic personality. He is the guy you would gladly set up with your best friend and little sister.

Yes, chemistry is important. Yes, attraction is a must have, however attraction is a personal thing. I fell in love with a short balding italian man at one point, but to me, he was handsome. Love can be found if you look for the good, honest man, who loves you for you and makes you laugh. He is not the man with the perfect hair, perfect clothes and knows how to charm a room. Here is to Ashley, and all of us, finding the right guy--and kicking guys like Bentley in the arss when he or anyone else, says we are not good enough for him.

-ElleBelle

You Know, Being Single Has its Perks...

2011-05-23T10:53:00.000-04:00

Most of my close friends are in serious relationships, and it all happened in the last year. We used to have Single Supper Club, and now I am the last man standing. There are days where it is very hard on me, and I am lonely and feel rejected. Why am I the only single one? Is it because I have saddlebags? The times I notice it most is when I am out with all my non-single friends, and I usually end up feeling stupid or drunk. Usually drunk-I like champagne, a lot.

Something changed, though, and in the last eight months...I made some new friends, and they are all single. And I love them. It has helped me get out and go crazy, and I mean, go crazy....so for this post, my top three Chicago "dating" experiences.

1) Any Bachelorette Fans out there? Let's just say, Cape Cod Chris L is as attractive in person as on TV....wink wink, ahem, nudge nudge.

2) Somehow, deep down I am a country girl. I love sweet tea and country music....so when my friend and I had the chance to experience a private country concert one night? Well, someone had to play groupie.

3) The night the Blackhawks came into the bar where I worked with the Cup, an young Hawk was slightly buzzing (and by slight, I mean like freshman in college drinking jungle juice for the first time drunk) and made out with me. Made out with me = caught me off guard and shoved his tongue down my throat as I was frozen in shock.

So yes, being single has it's perks. I can easily say the last year has been the most fun of my life...and it was the best way to get over heartbreak. Watch out Washington DC, you have no idea what you are in for...

-ElleBelle

Where I Find My Style Inspiration-Part I

2011-05-23T09:21:00.002-04:00

I have always been team LC, even since the Laguna Beach days. Brody and Jason, you missed out; I am happy that she is with the adorable Kyle Howard from My Boys. I also waited on K-Cav, and she really is not all that cute... so that being said...

Lauren Conrad is the epitome of California style, effortless and natural. She never wears too much makeup, and if she rocks the smoky eye, she coordinates with a natural lip. LC has made the french braid popular, but she also knows when hair back or soft curls is more appropriate.

For my inspired look, I tried to recreate her exact look, however I was in a pink sort of mood. With a dress that finds its style in simplicity and structure, the accessories need to be simple.

Channeling LC by PrepStyle featuring a gold shoulder bag

Thank You Readers!

2011-05-22T21:58:00.001-04:00

After less than 72 hours of blogging, Polyvore wanted to congratulate me on my set popularity. So to all you visitors, please feel free to follow me...email me, ask for outfit suggestions-I would love to help!

-ElleBelle

It Took Me 29 Years to Learn....

2011-05-22T18:52:00.000-04:00

That.....

1) True friendship should be easy: In junior high and high school, I often put so much energy and effort into relationships. I was finding ways to fit in and be who I thought was popular, who I thought I should be, instead of who I actually was. I would plan ahead and think of things I could talk about-I was always nervous, worried about how I looked and tried so hard, it was exhausting

...but there were a handful of people who I instantly clicked with, and it was easy.

My best friend and I met the week before high school started during volleyball, and it was one of the first easy friendships I had. On the back of her freshman picture she commented that we would be friends forever, and we are. She is one of the most genuine, intelligent people I know, and I am lucky to be her friend. I never have to dress my best or be on my A game, because she loves me regardless. We argue and we have our disagreements, but we know that neither of these things are worth ending a friendship over. The icing on the cake? She married a man I adore, and he is the closest thing I have to a brother. Like I said, true friendship while not effortless, should be easy.

2) If a man lies in the beginning, the relationship will not change. A few summers ago, I met someone at work, and I fell almost instantly for him. Within weeks, things changed and he led me on and lied to me on a daily basis. I tried convincing myself that things would change, and I spent close to three years emotionally attached to him. My friends watched me cry countless times, and saw my heart break every time I thought "this time will be different." I don't know why I finally moved on, maybe it is next weekend's move, but I did. I finally deleted his number from my phone (pfew no more waking up after a night out and wonder what text messages I sent him...), and I took a deep breath and let go.

Call it cliche, but if a man wants to be with you and cares about you, he will never deceive you and lie. He will make an effort to be in your life and make you happy. I have too many friends who are beautiful and successful and tolerate unacceptable and disrespectful behavior from men....so here is to all of us holding out and waiting for someone who wakes up every day and wants to make us happy.

3) Some Risks Can Be Good. When I finally moved back to Chicago three years ago, I swore up and down that I would never leave again. Even last fall, I was not open to relocation....but then for some reason, I bought a plane ticket to visit DC over a long weekend, and now I am moving in a week. Sometimes just taking a chance, making a decision and sticking to it can be a great thing. I made all my plans before I could change my mind, and now there are no words to describe how happy I am for my fresh start. Worst thing that happens? I hate it and move back....so next time you are scared to ask that guy out, or cut your hair, or quit your job, remember that some risks can be good.

You Don't Have to Wear Pink to Look Cute at a Bulls Game

2011-05-22T09:45:00.000-04:00

Game Day by PrepStyle featuring ballet flat shoes

We take our sports very seriously in Chicago. As someone who obsesses over sports, it has been a good year in the Windy City. We got to experience the return of the Madhouse on Madison and Lord Stanley's Cup. While our baseball teams, as always, are less than mediocre, our basketball team appears headed for a run like the Jordan era Bulls.

Derrick Rose is the biggest reason, and our MVP has won the hearts of the city. Everyone wants to wear Bulls attire, so here is an outfit that supports the team while still having a feminine side (and I promise, you will never see me posting a pink Bulls shirt on this blog. belch)

Jeans: I own pairs of these loft skinny jeans, and they are my favorite. They offer them in petite and tall, and they highlight my curves yet are still slimming. I chose black, while it is coordinating for the team colors.

Shirt: Ladies cut, so it has shape and will not drown you out like mens' shirts. Men will take notice of your small waist in this, trust me.

Earrings/Watch: Simple, they accessorize without distracting or being "too much" for a sporting event.

Headband: Like Blair Waldorf, I love headbands. like LOVE. This one is very simple, and it pulls the look together, if you hate them, skip the headband.

Bag: My beloved Rebecca Minkoff. This is my favorite purchase to date....are you staring to see how versatile it is?

Shoes: Black flats, with metallic hardware. Most of us own a pair of black flats, and they are a perfect fit for this outfit. Heels are not a top choice for a stadium, and these blend with the jeans to continue the leg line...sensing a theme here ladies?

The idea really can apply to whoever your team is....unless it is the Heat, Vancouver Canucks or Green Bay Packers. :)

-ElleBelle

Style Does Not Have To Be Expensive

2011-05-21T19:05:00.002-04:00

While in grad school I waited tables. Yes, it was great money, but I only worked 2-3 shifts a week. As a Naval Officer, I was used to shopping at Bloomingdales and still have money to boost my savings account....So it was quite the shock when I realized my income had decreased by over 50%. Did this mean I couldn't shop anymore, NOPE!

Enter Forever 21....

Yes, a lot of the clothes there are too small, too young and too (if possible) sequin filled. Most you will not be able to pass on to your granddaughter like that timeless Chanel tweed jacket (which I will own someday) but there is one huge plus for the store, and that is the price. Today's outfit costs a total of $99, so you can walk around and shop on a Saturday afternoon, buy this whole new outfit, and then still have money to go out and rock it later that night. I think it looks like a perfect ensemble for drinking prosecco.

Shorts: The length is mid-thigh, so it will hide imperfections...ahem, saddlebags.

Top: Light and breezy, the straps are thick enough to wear a normal bra.

Belt: If you did not already know, a good belt is an instant way to slim your middle. This brown one is versatile and can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Bag: It is a slightly different shade then the belt, so it is not too matchy-matchy. I drool over this Mulberry Bag every day, but considering I still need to buy a bed and couch for my new apartment, I will stick with the Forever 21 version.

Earrings and Ring: Pearls, duh, they go with everything. The ring is the statement piece of the outfit, and the sapphire color compliments the shorts and the gold accent incorporates the shoes.

Shoes: Gold is my neutral, and the straps on these are thin enough not to cut the leg line.

-ElleBelle

Weekend Frugal by PrepStyle featuring pleated shorts

The Heavy Truth

2011-05-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

I write this, because I know most women have felt this way at some point in their life. Some of us feel it every day; we are not comfortable in our own skin and desperately would do anything to change it.

Losing weight has never been easy for me. I have walked on that line between curvy and chubby as long as I can remember. Even at 29, I cry when I try on jeans and bathing suits (I mean seriously, can stores PUHLESE get better lighting-I am looking at you JCrew!) Today, I somehow weighed in at my heaviest in five years...and I was shocked.

Don't get me wrong, I don't eat healthy 100% of the time. I like my drinks and bad food, and I enjoy going out to dinner. It is hard, though, when I work out so much, count every calorie and try so hard to lose weight....and just don't. One of my best friends is naturally thin, and loses weight without trying. My best friend has a figure every woman dreams about....it is hard to not be jealous and dwell on my shortcomings. It makes me question if my self-worth relates to the number on the scale.

But after the tears today, I remind myself that there is tomorrow. I need to continue to work on this and remember how much my friends love and support me...and remember how much I have accomplished....and remember how I dress for my shape and make the most of what I have...and remember how wonderful my parents are. If it came down to NEVER eating junk food, NEVER having that "just one more drink" to be super thin? I don't think it is worth it....

I hope with this blog, I can share my struggles and suggestions in efforts to help me and all you readers find a way to love ourselves. There is more to be than those extra pounds or loose jeans-so I will let myself cry today, and then tomorrow get back on that treadmill--I mean, sundress season is only a few weeks away.

-ElleBelle

Even YOU Can Wear White Jeans-Part II

2011-05-20T23:11:00.003-04:00

Date Night by PrepStyle featuring slim fit jeans

For Part II, I created an outfit for another tall, skinny friend of mine. (And yes, I am starting to question why I continue to make friends with women who make me look squat :))

As you can see, I am trying to reuse items as much as I can. I understand that some of these pieces are expensive, so I want to show how versatile things can be. If you wear a $200 dollar pair of shoes three times a week, within two months, they are down to less than nine dollars a wear.

Shoes: Even though my friend is tall, she loves her some high heels. These will giver her those extra inches, plus blend well with the white jeans, making her legs look long and lean.

Top: DvF knows what she is doing. The tailoring is impeccable, and the tie cinches the waist and creates that hourglass figure we all want. Additionally, the cap sleeves further accentuate her curves and even out her athletic frame. As for the color, the bright orange stands out against the white, and she will stand out in the crowd.

Jewelry: Purple and Orange may be my new favorite combination. The rich color draws out the bright orange even more, and the gold accents tie in the neutral bag (with gold hardware) and shoes.

As for hair, in the hot Chicago summers, most of us end up pulling it back. I recommend a low ponytail with bangs to show off the earrings and keep her cool. Can't you just picture her drinking a margarita on a patio somewhere?

-ElleBelle

Even YOU Can Wear White Jeans-Part I

2011-05-20T21:35:00.004-04:00

Shopping Trip With Baby by PrepStyle featuring slim fit bootcut jeans

In the last week, two friends of mine have asked my opinion on white jeans. As a petite, yet curvy, gal, I was once terrified of anything white on my bottom half. After playing a lot of dress up, I realized that white jeans are a great addition to any summer wardrobe.

Today's outfits are for my friend who lives in the south and has a soon-to-be six month baby. The first is her every day outfit, even though she doesn't believe me that white jeans can be for anything other than going out. I wanted to make the most of pieces which are casual and available at Gap & Old Navy.

Jeans: I used the same pair for both sets. These are a slim boot cut, which will add curves to her tall, thin frame. I suggest cuffing them to make it even more casual.

Earrings: I own multiple pairs of these Kate Spade gumdrop earrings. They are affordable (under $40), come in every color imaginable and are a great way to add a small pop to an outfit. I picked these for my friend, while I guess she does not want a baby pulling at dangling earrings.

Shoes: Everyone owns a pair of Rainbow flip flops. She does, and she is comfortable in them--ie-good for running errands or grabbing a casual lunch with friends.

Bag: As a mom, she needs to carry a lot with her. This one is washable and affordable, plus everyone has access to an Old Navy.

Top & Scarf: Inexpensive tshirt and scarf, both pieces are low-maintence, but they still pull together the outfit and give her a cool, yet effortless look.

-ElleBelle

Dressing Outside Your Comfort Zone

2011-05-20T19:53:00.003-04:00

My best friend emailed me a link to an ASOS dress today. As an attorney who wears a suit every day, she tends to fall back to wearing black most days......but to my excitement, the dress she picked out was full of bright color. As for styling, I wanted to make sure she felt comfortable as well as use some wardrobe staples; for all of you who are scared to try a new trend? Start with one piece, and then pair it with things you are already familiar with.

Bag: Zara Clutch. With such a dramatic dress, a minimalist purse is needed. This one is a basic shape, and it is big enough for your going out essentials-phone, lip gloss, gum and ID/Credit Card.

Shoes: To lengthen the leg, I paired the dress with a neutral shoe. Cole Haan tends to run in the $150-200 range, but they are worth every penny. The Nike Air technology makes them extremely comfortable, and once they need to be resoled, you can bring them to any Cole Haan store.

Jewelry: These Kendra Scott earrings are a great pair to own, especially if you are just building your wardrobe. The rich color adds to any outfit, and goes with a variety of colors and textures. For this outfit, the blue compliments the bright pink and adds a pop of additional color. The ring is a neutral, and does not distract from the rest of the outfit.

-ElleBelle

Rooftop Cocktails by PrepStyle featuring mini dresses

Champagne & Pearls

2011-05-20T19:15:00.002-04:00

The title is simply dedicating my first post to my two favorite things.

Most people know me as the girl with the red lipstick and perfectly cared for stand of pearls. I have more bad date stories than you can count, but of course with them comes some fantastic tales of romance. I have woken up many mornings thinking "did that ACTUALLY happen..." My friends comment on my impeccable style, which somehow manages to bring preppy to popular. I give advice on career, which is funny considering my only adult jobs to date are Naval Officer and bar server.

Prep, in my opinion, is not limited to Lily Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines. I believe it is simply dressing with a touch of class and maturity. While there are times we all love all things pink&green, establishing one's own sense of style using these elements is my idea of PrepStyle.

So as I get ready to leave my home of Chicago and move to DC (to be a government consultant, just like everybody else), I decided it is time to start a blog. Expect outfit suggestions, stories of drunk text messages gone bad and whatever else you all request.

-ElleBelle