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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites - May 17

May 17, 2013 | By alisonde

Wedding Wear

'Tis the season when most people will be attending weddings. Myself included. First up, for my husband and I, is a wedding in Paris followed by a vacation in Italy where I'm looking forward to plenty of wine and pasta.

For this week's Friday Favorites we picked our top looks of what to wear to a wedding. Plus, two to-the-point wedding attending tips:

-Don't wear white unless the brides asks you. Don't wear anything too short, too low cut or just too revealing-leave your club-going dresses for just that, when you're looking for attention at a club. There's nothing worse than being the talk of the wedding for your breasts being on display. It won't snag a date from the inebriated groomsmen and you'll be disrespecting the occasion.

-If your invite doesn't say plus one, don't write one in or show up with a date. Weddings are costly and unless you've been dating someone for at least six months you shouldn't expect to be able to bring a date. Most brides and grooms are thinking ahead and a year from now they really don't want to look at photos of you and wonder who's that guy standing next to you in all the photos. Just go and have fun, dance with your friends and make new ones.

Alison's Pick

Raoul Bita Bow Maxi Dress, $590 Saks Fifth Avenue Crystal Crush Bobbi Pin, $25 Ban.do

I purposely skip black dresses at weddings and opt for color instead. Nothing that steals the thunder from the bride, but nothing that disappears among a sea of other dresses either. This blue dress is elegant for an evening or black tie affair. Then I'd add a crystal covered bobbi pin to pull hair away from my face and add a little more color to my outfit.

Christina Wright's Pick

Stapless Green Dress, $128 LuLu Ivory Crescent Necklace, $28 Francesca's

One of my favorite things about working weddings is seeing all the amazing style from the guests. My team style is always hip & onbrand when working, but we still have to have comfort and ease in our outfits when working 12+ hour days. So I LOVE when I actually get to attend a wedding and wear something absolutely fabulous! This dress from LuLu's is exactly that...the green is bright and fun for the season, and the silhouette is fun & flirty....perfect dress to dance the night away! Love the simplicity of neutral accessories with my bold dress. The styling makes everything feel much more luxe, and I love that I can get so much use out of them after the event.

Simply Modern Weddings

Lauren's Pick

Bead Embroidered Dress, $85 Feel Luxury Thyme Wedge, $95 Seychelle's Footwear

Two of my favorite things about weddings are a 1. open bar and 2. a rocking wedding band! If I'm gonna shake my stuff on the dance floor, I want to wear a dress that twirls along with me. This apricot, beaded & embroidered dress has a soft, romantic look to it to suit the ceremony, but give it a twist or two and that lace and those beads will be catching the eyes of all the eligible bachelors in the room. To top it off, I wear a comfortable matching wedge to give me some height without killing my feet from all the sweet moves I'll be doing.

Endless Amusment

Christina Moffitino's Pick

Bustier Georgette Maxi Dress, $148 BCBG Havanna Clutch, $88 J.Crew

With a friend's beach style wedding coming up, I'm planning gifts and, of course, an outfit for the occasion. I love this bright coral dress because the color reminds me of a beautiful summer sunset. It has a sexy silhouette with still enough room to get down for a night of dancing with the bride. I'd slap some bangles on with the woven clutch to create a perfect pairing for seaside style.

Street Swag

Tags: wedding style, what to wear to weddings, ban.do, seychelles sandals, Raoul Bita, Francesca's dresses, summer weddings, J Crew, lulus, bcbg, wedding accessories, clutch, maxi dress, feel luxury, Saks Fifth Avenue, hair accessories

Friday Favorites-May 10

May 10, 2013 | By alisonde

Work It In Style
I haven't owned a suit in, well, I can't remember how many years. I've learned you don't have to wear a suit to make a powerful impression. Stand tall, speak well, have a firm handshake and you could nab an interview, land that deal, or score that job. We prefer to make that impression in a splash of color.

Alison's Pick

Being on TV often requires a wardrobe with multiple personalities and what dominates my closet is dresses. I'm a sucker for a colorful dress. Easy to buy, simple to put on and I get to play with accessories to switch up the look. And for these two dresses I'd add a patent belt in pink or green that would pair well with both dresses.

Diane Von Furstenberg 'Jeannie' Dress (Blue), $375 Nordstrom

Ted Baker London 'Wallpaper' Dress, $295 Nordstrom

Lauren Scharf's Pick

Jack by BB Dakota William Pencil Skirt (Blue) - $58 Zappos

Pencil skirts and a nice blazer feel like a standard for me in the work place, but especially around this time of year, I like to leave the boring old Black & White for the suits. This vibrant blue, lacy skirt is all the color I need to break through the mundane look of the strictly-business-as-usual office attire. Plus, I like the way it fits tight but doesn't snag or bunch like longer skirts.

Endless Amusment

Christina Moffitino's Pick

iPad Mini Case, $32 Etsy

My iPad is my handy dandy study tool when I'm at school all day. I wanted a case that kept it safe but had still had some style to it. I love this studded leather case I found on Etsy because it looks like a clutch! It gives me all the more reason to bust it out and take on those finals I have this week!

Street Swag

Tags: ipad case, work in style, tech gadgets, etsy, studs, leather, skirt, zappos, office style, nordstrom, Tedd Baker, Diane Von Furstenberg, A-line dress, pleated dress, work dresses, spring work wear

Friday Favorites-May 3

May 3, 2013 | By alisonde

Top It Off - Our Hat Picks

With the Kentucky Derby just a day away, we, of course, think of all the big, bold and over-the-top hats that attendees wear. It's a see and be seen event just for the hats and, yes, watch the horses race as well. Derby hats are for one day, but our Friday Favorites can be worn all spring and summer. So top off your look with one of our fedoras, bowlers or wide brim floppy versions.

Alison's Pick

Tarnish Vintage Fedora, $46 Nordstrom

I can find many reasons to wear a hat, whether it's an early morning at the Rosebowl Flea Market or a vacation in Europe and it works wonders when you don't want to fuss with your hair. A stylish fedora like this one can top off a maxi dress or a t-shirt and shorts.

Christina Moffitino's Pick

Floppy Hat, $40 American Apparel

Summer is just around the corner and as I'm packing for a beach weekend one of my first must-haves is my floppy hat. I love that I can wear it to top off my cute day outfit or keep the sun out of my face at the beach. It's the perfect accessory for a festival outfit or a weekend getaway.

Street Swag

Lauren's Pick

Straw Bowler, $20 Juicy Couture

I'm not always one for hats but it's nice to have one for those hot summer days to keep the sun off your head. This beachy bowler shouts "Day at the Pier" with its navy bow and white stripes, and makes a perfect addition to my swimsuit at the beach. Then by night, I can use it to class up my sundress on a date, because nothing's classier than sending off your date with a tip of the bowler!

Endless Amusement

Christina Wright's Pick

Sequin Straw Fedora, $30 Gap

This sequin fedora from Gap is the perfect way to top off any outfit this summer! The straw keeps it fun and casual...perfect for beach, while the sequin dresses it up with a little bit of glam. I usually have one go-to hat for the summer season, and this is definitely on my list!

Simply Modern Weddings

Tags: hats, summer hats, fedora, floppy hats, Gap, american apparel, summer wear, summer accessories, nordstrom, juicy couture, bowler

Friday Favorites - April 26

April 26, 2013 | By alisonde

Waist Appeal!

I can find a reason to wear a belt with just about anything, and to me, it's an accessory that can easily change the personality of an outfit. Of course, you need your standard blacks and browns of various widths, but then there's skinny patents in multiple colors, leopard and cheetah prints, stripes galore, beaded, silk sashes, leather obis, wide leather bands with stretch, and the endless possible buckle designs. So for this week's Friday Favorites we chose several of our top picks that help define and nip the waist.

Alison's Pick

Snakeskin Covered Buckle Belt, $45 J. Crew

Best Mate Belt, $52 Madewell

If you saw my collection of belts you'd understand why I couldn't pick just one for this week's Friday Favorites, in fact I had a hard time just suggesting two belts.

Christina Wright's Pick

Take A Stroll Bow Belt, $13 Ruche

I don't always wear belts, but when I'm on the hunt for one, I always check out the selection at Ruche. They're always super cute and perfectly priced. I love this neutral bow belt and it would look great with just about anything!

Simply Modern Weddings

Lauren's Pick

Mixed Plait Belt, $17 ASOS

Funny thing about this: it's actually a men's belt, but I love the color contrast and the thickness of it. When it comes to holding up this gal's pants, a skinny-minnie belt just won't do. Plus, because of the plaited design, it can fit any length, so I can wear it at the hips with pants and shorts, or at the waist with a funky skirt.

Endless Amusement

Christina's Pick

Metal Plate Belt, $60 Witchery

It's amazing what a belt can do for an outfit. I'm a fan of the hardware trend on belts because it brings just the right amount of attention to the waist. The gold hardware makes it edgy but classy at the same time. I love styling it with a plain colored dress or an oversized shirt to create sexy definition.

Street Swag

Tags: belts, accessories, waist cinchers, waist appeal, cinch it, define a waist, j. crew, madewell, snakeskin, animal print, anchor belt, ruche, witchery, asos, hardware belt, bow belt, braided belt

Friday Favorites - April 19

April 19, 2013 | By alisonde

Rainy Days

Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens are some of Maria's favorite things and Gene Kelly loved singin' in the rain while BJ Thomas would sing, "Rain drops keep falling on my head." And, of course, the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers" is more than enough reason for us to make this Friday Favorites all about what we'd wear whether running for cover from a downpour or splashing in puddles. And the references keep coming -- "If you like pina coladas and taking walks in the rain..."

Alison's Pick

Tretorn Plask Mid Boot, $63.99 Zappos

Think high heeled galoshes. This wedge adds a touch of sophistication to sloppy, rainy days. The fitted ankle cut is slimmer and more feminine and can work with your skinny jeans or boot cut styles. When they say rain in LA it may mean sprinkles for five minutes or a down pour for an hour so these don't leave you looking silly if it's the former. Plus they're kind of edgy even for a day of walking when I'm back in NYC.

Christina Wright's Pick

Target Polka Dot Rain Boots, $30 Target

People are always saying, "It never rains in southern California." Well, they lied. It does. Just maybe not as much as other places, and not as often. Which is why people in California can never drive in the rain and also why the only rain gear I actually own is a simple travel umbrella I keep in my car, an adorable little trench coat, and these super cute rainboots from Target. I know there are the more expensive versions out there, but honestly these are more for fun vs. a huge necessity. Plus they keep my feet dry and looking cute while out running errands or walking my dog in the rain!

Simply Modern Weddings

Christina's Pick

Henry Ferrara Professor Rainboot, $35 Little Black Bag

Luckily for us Angelenos, we never really have a rainy season. But when the rain does start to flood the uneven paved streets its always good to have a pair of rain boots to keep your favorite shoes from socks from getting soaked. These rain booties are super cute and perfect for those rainy LA days. Pair them with your favorite skinnies and a sweater and you can even wear them in the cooler evenings.

Street Swag

Lauren's Pick

Vintage Butterfly Umbrella, $30 Artist Gifts

Why wait for May to say Spring has sprung? This adorable umbrella brings light to my rainy days. Designed with a unique, vintage collage from artist Heather Myers, it stands out above the rest. No better way to stay dry than with a little reminder saying "No worries, Spring is on it's way!"

Endless Amusement

Friday Favorites - April 12

April 12, 2013 | By alisonde

Ladies love their technology, too, and there's nothing better than finding an app or gadget that makes life simpler while keeping it stylish at the same time. Today's Friday Favorites is all about the technology we can't live without, that makes our lives simpler, better and more rockin'. These helpful and hot selections will show you ways to keep it all together, manage your media - and your life - and look good doing it in 2013!

Alison's Pick

Play 3 Speakers, $299 Sonos

Smaller AND sexier. Yes, I'm talking about the Sonos wireless speaker system. With this gadget package you can stream your entire music library, music services and radio stations. Control it all wirelessly, even from our phone. Put it anywhere in your house either vertical or horizontal. It's just that simple and discreet. Tuck it in a corner and get ready to blow off the roof!

Christina's Pick

Iphone Scuba Case, $85 Tat7

The beautiful warm weather means long days at the beach and lounging at the pool. And of course you've got to instagram all the fun! No need to stay taking "selfies" on the sand, instead your phone can go with you underwater. The scuba case allows you to take your phone up to 100 feet deep! It's the perfect gadget to take scuba diving, the beach or if you're staying poolside. Great way to capture all the blissful summer moments.

Street Swag

Lauren's Pick

Kindle Fire HD, $200 Amazon

I call this my pocketbook computer because it's got just about everything and it's so compact! I use it for email, Facebook, Pandora, writing notes, and of course, what the Kindle was made for, books. The best part is you can download free samples of books if you're not sure which novel is your cup of tea, and all books and magazines are stored for free in the cloud. If you're admittedly not much of a bookworm, that's where the 16GB memory for movies, pictures, and loads of apps comes in. Synchronizes easily with your desk or laptop when you're traveling or on the go, and the battery life is much longer than that of an iPad or other tablets.

Endless Amusement

Christina Wright's Pick

PicTapGo App, $1 I tunes

If you are as iPhoneography obsessed as I am, you must download the PicTapGo app immediately...trust me, you will thank me later!! It makes it super easy to edit your iPhone pics and upload them to social media. Love how you can custom mix your filters, and it will even save your favorite filter mixes. And don't get me started on how many bad lighting shots PicTapGo has saved of mine already!! You will never need another photo editing app after you fall in love with this!!

Simply Modern Weddings

Tags: tech gadgets, technology, gadgets, iphone, iphone accessories, girl has to have, scuba case, iphone apps, applications, sonos speakers, kindle, kindle fire HD, Amazon

Friday Favorites-April 5

April 5, 2013 | By alisonde

Carry On, My Friend, Carry On

As in carry a brand new bag on your shoulder! It's certainly a seasonal trend to want a new bag in the Spring and a new one in the Fall, but for Spring we take more chances with color, pattern and shape. Perhaps it the warmer temperatures, the sunshine and the chance to be outdoors that makes us want to break away from the constraints of a classic black bag and grab the straps of an eye catching, bold statement making bag like one of these.

Alison's Pick

Rider Bag, $495 Loeffler Randall

The Rider Bag in cobalt leather, a soft construction attaché handbag with a shiny black signature push lock and discreet straps that fasten to a bicycle. Yes, attach to your bike! How awesome is that! Ride to brunch, the movies, where ever you plan to tool around this spring and summer and you don't have to worry about your bag getting in the way.

Christina Wright's Pick

Cambridge Flourescent Satchel, $170 J.Crew

Love, love, love this cambridge satchel from J. Crew...it just screams SPRING!! The fun school girl shape and the bright bold color are just to die for! That neon color is bright enough, but not too crazy, to be a perfect hit with just about anything you wear this spring.

Simply Modern Weddings

Lauren's Pick

Suspenders Tote, $75 Uncovet

I'm all about tote bags, but they tend to be a little blah in comparison to cutesy clutches and pocketbooks. This tote, however, holds up (literally) on the unique scale. Made from thick canvas and leather straps, this bag is just as dependable as those suspenders holding up your pants. Suspenders are making a comeback, so why not let your tote bag in on it as well?

Endless Amusment

Christina Moffitino's Pick

Floral Tote Bag, $30 Target

Florals for Spring...Groundbreaking. Meryl Streep said it right in the Devil Wears Prada, but just because you're working hard doesn't mean you have to look like it. I couldn't resist this bag because it's the perfect size for my laptop. I love that I can use it as a briefcase or clip on the strap and sling it over my shoulder to run to my next class. It's stylish enough to use for work or as a simple tote bag for the weekend.

Street Swag

Tags: Cambridge sastchel, Style Expert, stylist, styling services, lfiestyle expert, Target, tote bag, satchel bag, neon satchel bag, J Crew, Loeffler Randall, canvas tote bag, uncovet bags, spring trends

Friday Favorites - March 29

March 29, 2013 | By alisonde

Layer Love

Spring is here and as the temperatures rise we think about all the ways we love to layer while avoiding a heavy-looking outfit. We're excited to wear sandals and sundresses, but until the weather changes we'll stick to layering with pieces that can easily slip on and off, depending on where the day takes us and what the thermometer reads.

Alison's Pick

School Boy Blazer, $198 - J. Crew

To me, a must-have in your wardrobe is a fitted blazer. Not the conservative, boxy kind of business styles past, but the slightly shrunken fit of a school boy blazer. The classic navy works with everything (even black) whether layering over a v-neck t-shirt, a button-down shirt or even a cute lace top. You can go preppy with a polo shirt or add flair with a Hermes scarf tied loosely at your neck. Whatever you do, just get one! A fitted blazer like this style will last for years and it's been around for so long already, it's not going out of style. I've been known to add a vest over the blazer or cinch it at the waist further with a skinny patent belt. This can even work as a replacement to your spring jacket.

Christina Moffitino's Pick

Outsiders Denim Jacket, $68 - Nasy Gal

Spring is one of my favorite seasons because it's all about layering up! One of my go-to outfits is a printed maxi dress and a denim jacket. I found a vintage Levi's jacket at a thrift shop and it's definitely one of my favorite staple pieces. Denim is a great neutral and will always have its place in your wardrobe.

Street Swag

Lauren's Pick

Essential Tank Tops, $19.50 or 2 for $30 - Victoria's Secret

Whether I'm wearing them as pajama tops, undershirts, or just by themselves, the oh-so-comfy VS Pink tank tops are all about layering. They have the most flattering fit and the best color options, so I usually double them up, or pair one with one of their looser-fitted racerback tanks. They also go well under a blouse or crop-top, so when I get to the gym or (more often) lounge around the apartment, I simply shed the outer layers and I'm good to go!

Endless Amusment

Christina Wright's Pick

Stretch Camisole, $12 - Nordstrom

I am obsessed with these little tanks from BP at Nordstrom. They are SO perfect for layering up for summer!! Because I hate wearing bras (if i don't have to), I wear them double or tripled up with a maxi skirt, or under t-shirts, sweaters, dresses...pretty much anything. They come in a multitude of colors to go with everything... and only $12?! You can't beat that!!

Simply Modern Weddings

Tags: layering, tips for layering, denim, nasty gal, J Crew, blazer, cami, tank tops, nordstrom, victorias secret, layer up, spring wardrobe, spring fashion

Friday Favorites - March 22

March 22, 2013 | By alisonde

Easter is nearly here and I have fond memories of competing with my brother looking to fill my basket with candy hidden by my mom around the house. Dying eggs was a must-do, and then there is our ill-fated trip to our town's fairgrounds for their one and only Easter Egg and candy hunt, which led to a lot of chocolate covered ants.

*Advice for egg dyeing: use a rubber ear syringe to help blow out the yolk, vinegar and food dye to create the colors and a piece of foam that you stick pins in to create a mat to suspend eggs for easy drying.

On to our Easter themed Friday Favorites picks:

Alison's Pick

While I’m not a big jellybean fan, I can eat a chick peep or two...

Jacques Torres Chocolate Peeps, Mr Chocolate $5 a pack

Your favorite Easter treat covered in fine Belgium milk or dark chocolate. Each package contains 4 marshmallow bunnies.

Vosges Eater Birdcage, Vosges Chocolate $75

Each metal birdcage arrives with one set of 3 Peanut Butter Eggs, one Banana Toffee Rabbit Lollipop, one set of 4 Enchanted Toadstools, one set of 5 Wandering Hare Caramel Bonbons and one Petits Chocolates Tin Egg, tied with Orchid Purple Grosgrain ribbon.

Christina Wright's Pick

Balthazar the Magician- $56 Blablakids.com

I really love blabla's super soft knit stuffed animals...they are so darn cute, made extremely well, and have the awesomest little names!! I especially love this bunny, "balthazar the magician" as a gift for my son on easter. Just look at his tux, he's so much cooler than those boring bunnies you always see in easter baskets!

Simply Modern Weddings

Lauren's Pick

Lace and Pearl Trim iPhone Cases - $8 Etsy

Nothing says "Sunday best" like pearls and pastels, and if you've already got your Easter dress picked out, why not dress up your iPhone as well? These pearl and lace trim cases from the Etsy shop Fancy Lucy are good for iPhone 4 and 5. My favorite is the pale pink/melon colored one, but they come in four other colors that all say spring has sprung!
Endless Amusment

Christina Moffitino's Pick

Viva Glam Nicki 2- $15 MAC

With Spring almost in full bloom and Easter days away, I can't help but reminsce about the days of Easter Egg hunting and dressing up in my favorite flowery dresses. I love rocking bright pastels in the Spring, and what better way to do so than by adding a pop of color to your lips! The Viva glam lipstick is a pretty pink lavender that'll add the perfect pop of pastel to our look.

Street Swag

Tags: pastels, spring, makeup, lipstick, easter, easter wear, phone cases, iphone case, lace, pearls, bunnies, bunny, easter bunny, etsy, blablakids, viva glam

Friday Favorites - March 15

March 15, 2013 | By alisonde

Spring Break Edition

This week brought me to San Antonio and Des Moines. In San Antonio, the riverfront was packed with tourists and restaurants had two hour waits for tables while families were enjoying spring break with their young kids and the weather was ideal for a stroll. In Des Moines, there was still snow on the ground and this time the airports were packed with families and college students making an escape from the cold for their spring break. Since I'm no longer in my twenties, the term "Spring Break" for me is a far off memory, but we all get what it means- a chance to get away. So here's our picks for what would make it just a little bit finer whether it's a spring break, vacation or simply a day at the beach.

Alison's Pick

Joie Louisa Woven Tote, $118 Shopbop

Good price, sassy tote! This is the ideal tote for packing your towel, sunscreen, hat, book and water bottle for a day at the beach or just loounging by the pool.

Christina Wright's Pick

Fashion Geometric Beach Towel, $11 Target

Now that the weather is warming up and we are headed into spring break season...I am SO ready to get in some time at the beach and pool!! Since I just love things with graphic modern prints, this towel from target is going to be perfect accessory for catching some rays...plus it's aqua!!

Simply Modern Weddings

Lauren's Pick

Too Much Fun Dress in Airplanes, $80 Modcloth

Maybe you'll go somewhere warm, maybe somewhere cold; all you know is you're in need of a well deserved jet-set! Wherever you end up, you'll look great in this adorable airplane dress from Emily and Fin. Wear it sight seeing, or pair it with a jacket/coat for a cooler destination or a breezy night out. In addition to the heavenly pattern, it's got a natural, flattering fit, a keyhole in the back, and - my favorite - pockets for your passport and pesos!

Endless Amusment

Christina Moffitino's Pick

So LA Nail Wraps, $16 NCLA

Midterms have taken over my life these past two weeks and I am dying for a break! I shaped, filed and wrapped my nails in NCLA palm tree nail wraps to keep me motivated while I study. They're the perfect pick me up during the stress of finals, papers and tests. As I type those long papers my nails give me the motivational reminder that my Spring Break is only a month away!

Street Swag

Tags: NCLA, ShopBop, joie, beach tote, nail wraps, nail art, Modcloth, airplane dress, spring fashion, beach accessories, towel, beach towel, Target, Spring Break, Spring Break essentials, what you need for spring break

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