Stop, crop & roll.

Jacket: Tahari // Skirt: Banana Republic // Shirt: TJ Maxx // Bracelet: Rebecca Minkoff // Shoes: Franco Sarto // Lip: Fresh Sugar 

I will get this right out of the way. I'm probably never taking this jacket off. I purchased a (faux) fur cropped jacket, and it may be the best thing that ever happened. This piece makes any casual outfit feel exquisite.

This past weekend was probably the last time I could get away with not wearing tights outdoors (will I come home without legs?), so I decided to style a casual skirt outfit around my new fur cropped jacket, paired with the all-important crop top. The crop top was a bold choice in my life, as I really haven't worn one since the late 90's with a beaded choker necklace. Styled with a high-waisted pencil skirt, I believe it highlights right part of a woman's figure, and can be very flattering. Although, this is an outfit I would save for weekends or after work (not workplace appropriate). With a bold-colored top, I explored different textures with the black pieces of clothing; the fur jacket, patent leather shoes, and cotton pencil skirt. I think it's a fun way to incorporate this favorite color in ways that add life to the outfit.

I also loved a good stacked bracelet situation (hey, arm party!). There aren't enough pieces here to classify it as an arm party, but I do love pairing two cuffs together to add a simple but sophisticated look. Take a peek at this run Rebecca Minkoff leather cuff. I'll be doing more posts in the future about perfect bracelet pairings.

So I leave you with this, my friends. Explore different textures and try bold choices that you might have not tried since 1999! Could be fun.

xx sjb

Lips & lapels.

Coat: Calvin Klein (similar) // Jeans: BDG from Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Tamaris (similar) // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Rings: Vintage // GET the Pout Perfection set from Illamasqua. 

To me, fall is a cozy coat and dark lipstick. But as any New Yorker will tell you, black is the choice color for a winter coat. However this year, I decided to invest in something a little different (I'm still saving up for a leopard print number). This season, I went with a camel-colored wool trench coat from Calvin Klein (say THAT three times fast), which I basically haven't taken off since purchasing.

When picking out a new coat, it's important to remember to focus on your personal body frame and find a look that flatters you. For me, a belt is key, because it highlights the natural waist (because let's be honest, giant coats aren't always the most figure-flattering). This particular coat also has lapels, which broaden the shoulders, further highlighting one's waist. I also tend to go for a coat that hits on the mid-thigh, so as to not overwhelming the figure, but is long enough to give an elongating effect.

I styled this outfit with a basic black bootie, my favorite jeans from Urban Outfitters, and big sunnies -- perfect for a day strolling around Central Park.

Need more coat couture? A fabulous friend, Ms. Ashley Kiely has some great advice on how to nail a runway look this winter (and not break the bank). Check out her tips on Sweet Lemon Magazine, here: Five Fall Coat Trends. 

As for the lipstick (a gal can always have more burgundy), I tried out Illamasqua, a new brand that has a similar style to MAC Cosmetics (one of the great loves in my life). Lately, I've been seriously jazzed about wearing dark lipsticks -- it can feel like a bold choice, but it's really confidence that solidifies the look. So put on that pout and go for it, girls!

P.s. A big shout out to my fantastic photographer, and fellow fashion blogger, Ms. Mia Maree! This gal just has all the talents.

xx sjb

POP! goes the Rubi collection

Great style is about not only loving what you're wearing, but feeling comfortable and confident. Well Popbasic (my new obsession) does just that. And beautifully lays out the whole outfit for you. At a good price.

This new fashion subscription service releases a monthly micro collection - typically including a main garment, handbag and jewelry combo. The best part, the outfit will only cost you $75-$85 (much less than if you bought the same said items separately). 

Ms. Madeline Veenstra (brainchild/co-founder of the Popbasic phenom) was kind enough to have me design a set for their newest collection! The Rubi Collection includes a basic grey dress, leather belt, and a ruby-colored necklace. Great pieces that are very versatile! Check out how I styled one of the items with other pieces from my wardrobe, and be sure to visit the Rubi Collection in full, here. 

Bring a POP of color to your wardrobe today! 

xx sjb

But wait, there's more!

SOMEBODY PINCH ME. I really can't believe it! Today Huffington Post's HuffPo LIVE discussed our Runway to Realway spread in Verily Magazine, and the magazine's "no photoshop" policy. It feels incredible to be a part of (what I believe) is a new age for women. Take a look!
Link to article. xx sjb

Who's that girl?

IT'S HERE! My very first print feature in the incredible Verily magazine. 

I can't thank the Verily team enough, for not only presenting me with this opportunity, but for reminding women everywhere to be who they are. If you haven't checked out their site yet, don't waste any more precious moments....go now! The magazine focuses on real issues that every woman faces. They invite honest conversation, through inspiring and empowering the average women to be herself. It was a honor to work with such a genuine group of beautiful women, who are comfortable and happy in their bodies. 

I was chosen for the "Tough Girl"look (this girl does love leather), modeled after 3.1 Phillip Lim's fall runway look. I love the way they incorporated plaid and punk-inspired pieces, yet still maintained an overall feminine elegance.

GET THE LOOK:

Jacket: H&M (similar), Shirt: Mango, Jeans, H&M, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklace: H&M (similar)

From runway to realway, this has been SJB. xx

Behind the scenes (c) Verily Magazine, Sara Baker, 2013. 

With the fantastic Co-Founder and Style Editor of Verily, Janet. 

Racks of beautiful clothes. 

RIGHT!?

The lovely Grace - another model on set. 

"Less of who you should be, more of who you are. " (Thanks again, Verily!) 

xx sjb

Fight like a GIRL.

Fight like a GIRL. #thinkpink

As many of you probably know, October is breast cancer awareness month (or Pinktober, as some have come to call it). 

My mom is a breast cancer survivor. I am not only blessed to have my mother as a parent, but also to simply know her. Her positive attitude never faltered before or after cancer. Her resilience was, and is, amazing. 

Every October, I look forward to rockin' a pink hair strand in support of BCA. Yesterday, I went to the wonderful Ted Gibson Salon, who has partnered with Hairdreams to offer clients “Pastel Pink” hair strands in honor of breast cancer awareness month.  The strands are $25, and 100% of proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen. Here's a link, should you want to book your visit and GO PINK!

To the women currently fighting this battle, you have my thoughts, strength, and love. 

xx sjb