Bright Eyes

When Derek Lam sent his models down the runway with wild eye makeup to compliment his colorful spring designs, he helped create a bright, optimistic new beauty look for spring. (Kudos, Derek).

If you, like us, want to master this look, but don't have a professional makeup artist like Tom Pecheux at your disposal, we suggest you pick up M.A.C.'s no-fuss Crush Metal Pigment: Stacked 2! eyeshadows. The expertly coordinated shades can be easily mixed on your lids to create picture-perfect eyes -- all for just $32.50.

Jackie

I'm With the Band

Confession: Lynnie and I are reformed bank geeks. Yes, it's true. I and my fashionable cohort spent many grade school hours practicing the tune, "Three Blind Mice," on our respective saxophone and clarinet. But, being both non-committal and not musically inclined, we both quit our instruments by the time we reached junior high school.


That said, we've been feeling a bit nostalgic for our pre-fab pasts in light of this season's go to item -- the band jacket. Both a comfortable piece of outerwear and a high-fashion design, the band jacket has been popping up on runways and in magazines as the must have item for spring. Lynnie and I love Juicy Couture's cotton version (above), but at $298.00, we aren't ready to invest so much cash into what may be a temporary trend.


Instead, we're opting for Urban Outfitter's very similar linen version (above), priced at a much more affordable $68.00.


Perfect for those of us who can't commit.

Jackie

Deal of the Month: Urban Outfitters’ Jumpers

I apologize for posting February’s “Deal of the Month” a few days late! I hope all will be forgiven once you see the super cute items we’ve selected for this month. Jackie and I are currently going gaga for Urban Outfitters’ jumpers. Ranging in style and price (no worries, the most you’ll be spending is $58), select the one that works with your wardrobe.

Kimchi Blue Ruffle Apron Jumper $58

Silence & Noise Knot Front Jumper $48

Kimchi Blue Lady Ruffle Jumper $58

S.S.W. Asks: Do these jumpers have you counting down the days until Spring?

Lynnie

Dare to Bare

This spring, designers are daring fashionistas to wear the bralette -- a lace-y little lingerie top that is more sexy than it supportive -- and not just under clothes. Indeed, the bralette has emerged on many a runway this season under sheer shirts, almost as an alternative to the plain old collared shirt. While the risqué underpinning will likely not become a workplace wardrobe staple, it certainly has the makings of part of a great after hours outfit.


That said, we've picked our wallet friendly favorites for your visual -- and physical -- enjoyment:

Lynnie Likes: Aerie Ruffle Bralette, $19.50

Jackie Enjoys: Hanky Panky Lacy Bralette, $38.00

And want to know -- Would you dare to wear this trend? Sound off below!

Jackie&Lynnie

Let OPI Take You to Wonderland...

As I am a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, it will be of no surprised to our readers that I am extremely pumped for the March release of Alice in Wonderland. My enthusiasm increased tenfold when I learned that OPI created a line of nail polish (below) inspired by the film.

Left to Right: “Thanks so Muchness”, “Absolutely Alice”, “Mad as a Hatter”, and “Off with Her Red!”

“Thanks so Muchness” and “Off with Her Red!” (above) are great for both day and night, vibrant colors that are subdued enough to wear to work. “Absolutely Alice” and “Mad as a Hatter” (below) are perfect for the evening, adding a touch of glamour and fun to any look.

Buy the whole collection now on Amazon.com for a mere $9.49. Individual shades are selling for $5.28.

Happy Shopping!

Lynnie

Walkin' Tall

I started a new job this week and wanted to look my best, so I busted out an old stand-by -- a black pencil skirt. With its figure-hugging design, a pencil skirt demands that you stand up straight, walk tall and project a super confident appearance at all times -- even when, like me, you have no idea what you're doing.


If you, too, need a confidence boost, we suggest you pick up one of our under $100.00 favorites -- and then start strutting!

BCBG Max Azria Ponte Pencil Skirt, $98.00

Anthropologie Pleated Pencil Skirt, $88.00

Gap Tuxedo Pencil Skirt, $59.49

S.S.W. Super Steal: Charlotte Russe Striped and Pleated Pencil Skirt, $22.99

Jackie

Jackie's Picks: Ruche's Ascending Pleats Dress

If you follow Style, She Wrote regularly, you probably know that Lynnie and I are really into dresses. (Half of Lynnie 's closet is, in fact, just dresses.) So you can imagine how excited I was when I found the best dress ever for spring -- a one shoulder dress by Ruche. I learned of the brand on Snapshot Fashion, who did a lovely post about one of their many stylish vintage-inspired pieces.

Why have I fallen so hard for this dress? With its flattering, neutral-colored pleated top and sunshine-yellow polka dotted bottom, the dress is the perfect mix of sweet and sexy. I'd wear it with a cardigan to work, then go bare skinned for a night out on the town.


Two times the wear -- for less than the price of dinner for two! (A.k.a. $38.99.)

Jackie

Look for Less: Valentino-esque Bow Belts

I've been in the market for a waist-cinching bow belt and finally found the perfect one -- a luxurious and stunningly beautiful Iris Crystal Leaf Bow Belt by Valentino for -- gasp! -- $695.00.



Realizing this dream would never be a reality -- I do work in the arts, after all -- I decided to capture this look for myself by mixing some affordable, silver-y belts...

Forever21 Patent Bow Belt in Grey, $5.80

ASOS Oversized Bow Skinny Belt, $13.60

with some inexpensive, shimmery flower brooches.

Newport News Crystal Flower Pin, $19.99

(And for a slightly edgier look) Topshop Speckled Abstract Brooch, $25.00

Nothing like a D.I.Y. style steal to brighten the day!

Jackie

Tried & Tested: BCBGeneration’s Asymmetrical Tops

Looking for a fun, flirty blouse for spring? Why not try one of BCBGeneration’s asymmetrical printed tops? For under a buck -- $88.00 to be exact – you can get a playful, retro-inspired silken blouse that dresses up any outfit – even the most basic blue jeans. The shirts have figure-flattering v-necks and stylish, elongated backs with oversized zippers.

Lynnie and I both bought these shirts recently– hers in Ultramarine (above), mine in Red Multi (below) – and we have been wearing them non-stop! Lynnie chose to pair hers with black velvet leggings and black leather and suede riding boots for a night out in New York City last weekend, while I paired mine with blue jeans and BCBGirls moc-crocodile round heel booties to run errands in today.

Either way, we both looked stylish.

Get your own at BCBG.com.

Jackie

And the winner is...

Congratulations to Kylie from Georgia! She is the winner of our fifteenth and final (until further notice) giveaway. Tamara, founder of Nesting Pretty, will be sending Kylie the lovely "Like Red on a Rose" earrings (above), valued at $8.

Jackie and I would like to thank Tamara for donating such beautiful earrings. We would also like to thank the founders of all of the Etsy shops that we worked with over the past few months; and all of our readers who participated in our many giveaways.

While the giveaways are currently on hold, check back regularly for exciting updates regarding the fashion world and for other opportunities!

Stay tuned...

Lynnie