Fashion for the Cure

Earlier this month The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held in my city. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate this year because I was out of town. So I thought I would write a post to make up for missing the event and to raise awareness. Occasionally I see Pink Ribbon items when I'm out and about and it's something I didn't even know about (like the rain boots in my Rainy Days post). So maybe you don't know about them either. I comprised a collection of a few of the Pink Ribbon/Pink Pony items. It's fashion with a cause! A percentage of the profits benefit breast cancer research and patients.



Details: Ann Taylor Tee Shirt, $21 at Komen Pink Ribbon Shop; Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Slim Fit Tee, $65 at Polo; Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Hooded Sweatshirt, $135 at Polo.com; Pink Enamel Pin, $5 at Komen.org; 25th Anniversary Necklace, $40 at Komen.org; Ford Warriors in Pink Scarf, $35 at Komen.org; Komen Milano Handbag, $129.99 at Target.

There is a lot of other Pink Ribbon stuff out there, too. There are also all kinds of non-fashion related pink ribbon items...Kitchen Aid mixers, blow dryers, Dyson vacuums, etc. I absolutely love all the pink!

Please ladies...Bee sure to examine yourself regularly and if you notice anything, get it checked out ASAP! Early detection is key.

Look for The Race for the Cure in a city near you.

Dedicated to my fabulous grandmother and aunt.

Purse Trade-In at Dillards

FYI...
Dillard's is having their handbag trade-in event. It's a good way to get rid of some of those purses you don't wear anymore and get something in return.

Spring Style

I know I'm a little late with this post, but better late than never, right? Besides, spring style overlaps into summer style anyway.

Spring has sprung and that means it's time to rotate the wardrobe and get ready for warmer weather - except for those unseasonably freaky cold days (it snowed here on Easter!). I hear a lot of ladies say they like spring/summer clothes more than their fall/winter ensembles, but it's a toss up for me. I love cute tanks and peep toes, but I also adore my coats and boots.

Make sure these spring must haves are in your closet...

• swingy dresses


• shirtdresses


• sundresses


• cardigans


• peep toe pumps


• wedges


• cropped pants


• rain gear (Check out my Rainy Days post!)

With these essentials, you'll be ready for any spring occasion - graduations, weddings, April showers (or tornadoes if you live here), or just a day out and about.

I've put together a few spring looks using items from the list...

Details (left to right, top to bottom): Striped Trapeze Sweater, $58 at Banana Republic; Skinny Cropped Khakis, $29.50 at Gap; Liz X-Cross Cork/Wood Wedge, $34.99 at Ann Taylor Loft; Marc Jacobs Turnlock Jazz Bag, $458 at Nordstrom

Details: Ya-Ya Love Mahogany Cotton Rib Tank Top, $30 at Bluefly; Diesel Dark Wash Fuxim Long Shorts, $75 at Bluefly; Chinese Laundry Jammin Pumps, $72.95 at Zappos; Scoop-Neck Cardigan, $24.50 at Old Navy; Cole Haan Small Bucket Tote, $295 at Cole Haan.

Details: Playa Tank Dress, $250 at J.Crew; Abas Crinkle Patent Cylinder Clutch, $125 at Nordstrom; Enzo Angiolini Maylie Pump, $88.95 at Nordstrom

Details: Camilla Cotton Cady Dress, $280 at J.Crew; Kate Spade Pasadena Jocelyn Clutch, $268.95 at Zappos; Kate Spade Giselle, $278.95 at Zappos

Just add accessories and you're good to go!

I didn't realize I chose so many yellow items until I was uploading the pics. I guess that's my fav color for the spring. The J.Crew Playa Tank Dress comes in a pretty Bright Mineral color also. Having trouble finding springy stuff or accessories for these looks? Leave a comment and I'll try to help.

Until next time...

Bee You. Bee Style!

News Edition

I apologize for not posting this week - I've been a Busy Bee. Here's some news...

• Kylie Minogue inspires H&M swimwear line
• Disney creates princess wedding gowns
• Isaac Mizrahi wedding gown collection coming to Target
• Coach introduces its first fragrance
• Fashion News on Yahoo!
• Beauty & Fashion at MSN
• New York Times Fashion & Style

Have a good weekend!

Bee You. Bee Style!

Bee Good to Yourself

Every now and then it's good to treat yourself. I think most of you would agree with that statement. I'm not saying you should go crazy every time you're in the mall, but sometimes it's okay to splurge and buy yourself a present. Especially if you've accomplished something, reached a goal, or just survived the week from hell. Base the extravagance-ness on the size of the accomplishment (and your budget).

Most of us keep a wish list of things we want. The next time you finish a major assignment at work or drop those extra pounds, go buy those Choos you've been eyeing since 1982. Buy yourself a birthday present or graduation gift - don't wait on someone else to do it. Celebrate yourself!

I personally have a thing for purses, so most of the time I choose to reward myself with a shiny, new bag. Take a look at some of my past gifts to myself...

Details: Adrienne Vittadini pink leather with pony hair - purchased with money from my first job, an internship the summer after I crossed (it's pink and green, of course!); Louis Vuitton Sonatine - purchased after recovering from my tonsillectomy (2 weeks recovery - it was serious!); Dooney & Burke Mambo - purchased after I finally finished my Masters degree (yay!)

But maybe you're not into purses. Other gift ideas:

sunglasses, shoes, a spa day, jewelry, a new cell phone.

So go ahead and reward your fabulous self...Heck, you deserve it!

Until next time,
Bee You. Bee Style!

News Edition

Here's some news for ya...

• Look for the Kimora Lee Simmons reality show on the Style Network this summer
• Shut Up! It's Stacy London premiered last week on TLC
• The Spring Break Sale at Bluefly is still going on and ends on April 16
• 10% off at Overstock today for new customers
• Fashion News on Yahoo!
• Beauty & Fashion at MSN
• New York Times Fashion & Style

Have a good weekend!

Bee You. Bee Style!

Bee You!

So...the idea for my next blog came to me as I was waiting in the doctor's office the other day flipping through a magazine. Jumpsuits! It's a trend that I've been seeing alot lately. On Tuesday I while researching for my post, I took a break to surf through some of my fav sites when lo and behold...another site had a similar post! With a couple of the same jumpsuits and everything! I'd hate for anyone to think I'm biting from another site, so I decided to scrap the post. O well. But do head on over to The Fashion Bomb and check out the post (dated Tuesday, April 10).

In lieu of the jumpsuit post, I chose to post about individual style. Everyone has their own style, a way of making an outfit their own. You may be wearing the same outfit as someone else, but rock it in your own way. Does that make sense?

One way to make an outfit your own is to literally personalize it. There are a few sites out there that offer customized apparel. Customized Girl is one of them. I've purchased several items and have been pleased with their products and service every time. Take a look at some of my Customized Girl stuff...

The first one (left to right) might be hard to read. It's a "Soon to be..." top I bought for my sissy after her engagement. The other two are just some fun tops I got for myself.

Steve Madden also offers customized orders. It's the

Design Your Own Collection exclusively at SteveMadden.com. The user designs their own shoe by selecting from various styles, heels, and colors. It's pretty cool. Can't find that pink and brown wedge you're looking for? Design your own! I haven't ordered anything yet, but I'm thinking about it. If anyone out there tries it, please provide feedback.

One more site...Bags-Purses-Totes specializes in personalized items. They have several different items and make good gifts.

These are some fun ways to Bee You!

Until next time...

Bee You. Bee Style!

Little White Dress

So...I have a family affair coming up. My newest cutie-pie cousin is being dedicated back to the Lord and his mother requested that the family members wear white for the service. I immediately went into panic mode...I have nothing to wear! But before I began looking for a dress to spend my hard earned money on, I told myself to calm down and think. Turns out, I do have a couple of white dresses, but only one is appropriate for going to see Mr. Jesus (Did yall see Borat?). Anyway, my near crisis reminded me of a little blurb I read a while back on The Little White Dress. It's now a fashion essential, like the LBD.

In the March issue of Glamour (one of my fav magazines), there's a Spring Trend Dos and Don'ts article by Michael Kors...

"All Hail the LWD
Do learn the phrase: Little White Dress. It does the same as your LBD! This year there are so many fabulous ones; look for something textured, embroidered or with eyelets. Do try it with metallic accessories for night or black patent for day."

After researching for this post, I was thisclose to going out and buying a dress. *sigh* I guess I'll be good and work with what I have. First up, we have some dresses I think are cute and can be a good look for the summer...

Details (left to right, top to bottom): Empire Waist Goddess Dress, $148 at Banana Republic; Ralph Lauren Linen Halter Dress, $129 at Macy*s; Irene Voile Dress, $138 at White House Black Market; Springtime Halter Dress, $138 at White House Black Market; Empire Waist Dress with Pleating Detail, $199 at Club Monaco; Circle Eyelet Dress, $79.50 at Gap

Just like with the LBD, the right accessories can really make this outfit pop and you can make it your own. Let's look at some accessories that go along with Mr. Kors's suggestions...

Details (left to right, top to bottom): Charles David Alpha, $175 at Zappos; Porthole Handle Bag, $44 at Cache; Square Stretch Bracelet, $24 at Cache; Patent Leather Headband, $12 at Ann Taylor Loft; Steven Lalo, $116.06 at Zappos; Jessica Simpson Janey, $92 at Piperlime; Patent Leather Clutch, $39 at Ann Taylor Loft; Joie Last Child Patent Leather Ballet Flat, $155 at Shopbop

Tip: If you go with an Empire Waist, make sure it doesn't make you look prego. Sometimes that happens when you're well endowed in the bust area.

Another tip: If you're looking for a LWD, try to find one that is lined. It hangs better to prevent that clingy look, plus you won't have to worry about it being too thin/see through and showing your goodies. It might sound old fashioned, but it's a good tip for dresses, skirts, and dress pants, especially for clothing you'll be wearing to work or church. The good stuff is lined (my Momma taught me that). See Momma - I do listen!

Until next time,

Bee You. Bee Style!

Rainy Days Bee Style

So...it's been raining like crazy around here so I thought I'd write about Rainy Day fashion. I have mixed feelings about rainy days. On one hand, it makes for bad hair days and it makes me want to be lazy and lay around all day. (Who wants to be out in the icky rain?) But on the other hand, there's my cute rain gear that's always fun to wear. I have some super cute rain boots that I absolutely love. I get some looks from fuddy-duddys, but I also get a lot of compliments on them. They're fun and functional because they keep my feet and lower legs from getting soaked. I have a long trek from my car to the building at work and if it's been raining for a while, the parking lot turns into a lake (not exaggerating) so they really come in handy. I wear them in and then just change into my real shoes for the day. I get to wear my cute peep toes or sandals and I don't have to worry about wet toes. Wet toes aren't fun. Protect your nice shoes and pants from being drenched and invest in some rain boots.

Check these out...

Details: Pinky Plaid Rainboots, $19.99 at Target; Polka Dot Rain Boots, $16.98 at Wal-Mart; Pink Ribbon Rain Boots, $60.00 at Shop Intuition

When I was younger, one of my fabulous aunts passed on some good fashion words of wisdom. She taught me to wear bright colors on rainy days. It's a tip I've always remembered. It makes you stand out plus it helps combat that lazy, dreary feeling. My fav color to wear, rain or shine, is pink. Simply wearing a colorful top on a bleak day can make a difference. Try it. It might brighten up your day! One way to keep it bright is to get a rain coat in a fun color. Like these...

Details, left to right, top to bottom: Michael Kors Short Trench Coat, $145 at Bloomingdale's; Nine West Sateen Coat, $88 at Nordstrom; Michael Kors Rain Slicker, $98 at Nordstrom; BB Dakota Gabrielle Trench Coat, $39 at Nordstrom; Nine West Trench Coat, $169 at Nordstrom; Trench with Bow, $129 at Nine West

Or you can opt for a more traditional rain/trench coat like one of these...

Details, left to right, top to bottom: Casual Trench Coat, $69.99 at Gap; Long Twill Jacket, $695 at Burberry; Trench Coat, $995 at Burberry; Lilly Pulitzer Trench Coat, $358 at Bloomingdale's

No rainy day outfit is complete without an umbrella...

Details: Juicy Couture Motif Umbrella, $55 at Nordstrom; Burberry Ultra Light Mini Umbrella, $125; Clear Dome Umbrella, $29.95 at Umbrellas.com


Stay dry and cute!
Bee You. Bee Style!