Work-Day Wear Wednesday (x3 outfits!)

In honor of the holidays and the upcoming Black Friday, I decided I'd go a little crazy with today's "Work-Day Wear" post and post 3 different outfits. YAY!!! Hopefully this will help inspire the shopping spirit in all of your bombshells. I wore a lot of necklaces this week to work. I guess I was in the mood to accessorize :-)

Shoes & Skirt: Target

Belt: hand-me-down & Top: Vanity (fabulous curtains behind me are Cindy Crawford @ JcPenny)

Necklace: $1.50 at Forever 21 (Don't you love it? Oui Oui)

Trying to talk my necklace out of being in a knot

Sweater: Banana Republic (love the button sleeve detail)

Shoes: Pink & Pepper at DSW, Pants: Banana Republic (sloan fit)

Necklace: Wal-Mart $10 (gasp!), Ring: Forever 21

Got into hair this day. Section into 3 areas, twist and bobby pin.

My next outfit is something totally new I put together. I had never worm all of these pieces together before, but I woke up inspired . This inspiration carried over to my outfit of choice this day. Think art deco (bright colors, clean lines), meets the 70s (the pants and ruffled top), meets Ralph Lauren (tailored blazer).  A very interesting fashion trio, I must say. I loved how chic the outfit felt. Clean lines, without much fuss (aside from the ruffles of course), but it was still modern, bright and fun.

Blazer & Ruffled Tank: Forever 21

Pants: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Urban Outfitters for $7

Necklace: bought at the San Juan Capistrano Mission in California

Hope this Work-Day Wear Wednesday gives you the inspiration you need to try new things, when getting dressed for work. Whoever said work-day wear had to be stuffy and bland was clearly not a bombshell :-) I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving, full of love and family. I am so thankful to live in this incredible city of Boise with my loving husband and family! What are you bombshells thankful for? Do tell! :-)

XOXOX The BoiseBombshell

PS- I'm going to Bella Blue Boutique in Nampa today, stay tuned for tales of my adventure to Canyon County :-)

Feels like fall...

This bombshell's favorite season? FALL!!! I love the colors of fall (red, orange, browns, yellows), I love the clothes (boots, sweaters, scarves) and I love the weather (cool, crisp, refreshing). Plus, I feel like fall is the kick off the the holiday season: Halloween (though Oct. 31st is a major BoiseBombshell dislike, something about masks has ALWAYS freaked me out), Thanksgiving, Christmas (a BoiseBombshell favorite) and of course New Years (though I tend to prefer the even years, they just work out better for me, so I'm a little nervous about 2013). I must admit I started decorated for Fall (I know seasons aren't capitalized, but I think they should be) in early September :-) 

Fall is welcomed at the DuPont's

I made this, tutorial to come soon :-)

Cute sign from Michael's only $6.99!

My husband surprised me with hay bales..best gift ever!

Oscar & I

Dining Table Centerpiece

Glass Vase: On sale @ Pottery Barn (less than $40)

Candy Corn, unfortunately not Brach's :-( Corey bought them in bulk, he will eventually learn there are somethings you cannot compromise on...candy corn being one of them haha

Mantle, still needs more decor

Love these sparkling pumpkins ($1 for a 2pack at Michael's)

Another confession: I  have been listening to Christmas music since August. HA! Seriously. I won't listen to it all day or anything but a few songs here and there such as: ''What Are You Doing New Years" by Diana Krall, "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays" by N*Sync (I am obsessed with this song, I never listened to N*Sync personally but this song is a must), "The Christmas Song" (so many versions to choose from, I like Martina McBride's), "Take a Walk to Bethlehem" by Trisha Yearwood, I do also love Kenny G Christmas music and the majority of the Sugarland "Gold and Green" Album (my favorite Christmas CD). 

My new fall obsession? Pumpkin Spiced Lattes! I've already had 2 this season. And bonus!!! Sometimes the drug reps bring our office free coffee, so I can order them for free on occasion (what a fun little perk to working at a doctor's office).

The holidays are so much more fun than regular days :-) Don't you agree bloggies?

This bombshell is headed to Vegas after work Friday, stay tuned to see what I'm packing. 

PS- This will be my first Vegas experience. We're going all out and getting a limo to drive down the strip in, you know hang out the window, waving at strangers, screaming "VEGAS!" for no reason to random people and all that other "lame," or I think AWESOME, cliche stuff ;-) CAN'T WAIT!

XOXOX The BoiseBombshell

Work-Day Wear - It's all about the shoes...

Want a simple way to add a pop of color to any outfit? Put on some bright shoes! I love bright colored or patterned flats. I usually don't wear all of one color, such as black. When I do wear all dark or all light I add interest to the outfit by adding contrast via shoes, lipstick and/or accessories.

Top: Belle Boutique in Boise (unfortunately this store is no longer in business, so sad...)

Jeans: My typical Banana Republic skinny jeans

Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft (less than $8!)

Another great idea? Change things up by adding an edgy piece to a light/flirtatious outfit. I love wearing cowboy boots with lace. Often I'll wear lots of bangles or a bulky cuff with light silk blouses.

Boots: Forever 21 (not the greatest quality, but I always get compliments when I wear them because they're so unique)

Dress: Target (the one bad thing about this dress is that it's really "static-y", I've tried wearing a slip, nylons, no nylons, rubbing a fabric softener sheet on the inside, hair-spraying the inside, nothing works...)

I went to the store on my way home from work and this little boy behind me turned to his mom and said, "Whoa mom look at those shoes!" He was asking for a pair, it cracked me up. :-)

XOXOX The BoiseBombshell

Boise FNO Info (Compliments of ThisIsBoise.com)

So I have been trying to find some events related to Fashion's Night Out here in Boise for the upcoming 4th annual FNO on September 6th (http://fashionsnightout.com/). Unfortunately, Boise doesn't seem to have one cohesive FNO event, but thanks to ThisIsBoise.com (http://thisisboise.com/), I have been informed of 2 fashion-related events occurring on September 6th here in Boise. Now, it's no New York FNO, but we'll take what we can get of the fashion world here rural Idaho.

The following fashion-related events are going down in Boise, September 6th:

Downeast Basics

Boise Towne Square Mall

6pm-8pm

20% off coupons (good for a future purchase)

Meet Fashion Kellie (blogger, Fusion magazine journalist and stylist)

http://www.thisisboise.com/events/fashion-night-downeast-basics-blogger-open-house

LunchBOX Waxing Salon & Fusion Magazine Party

Downtown Boise @ the LunchBOX waxing salon

5pm-8pm

Art, cocktails, swag bags, giveaways

http://www.facebook.com/events/275458929229644/

Now don't be too disappointed bloggies. I'm going to keep digging around and see what I can find, but these 2 events are a great start. For those of you who don't know, ThisIsBoise.com is a site full of information on local happenings (day and night life). The site easy to navigate and the staff is super-friendly and eager to help you find what you're looking for. Have questions about an event or want to post your event with ThisIsBoise.com? Simply e-mail them at info@ThisIsBoise.com or give them a call (208) 991-4402. Like them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ThisIsBoise/info tell them BoiseBombshell sent you. ;-)

XOXOXO The BoiseBombshell

Work-Day Wear

Although I am only a student worker at Boise State University, I take my work wardrobe rather seriously. I try to dress my age with fun and flirty prints, while still maintaining a professional attire.  It's been quite a task to dress for work this summer with the 100+ temperatures to compete with outside and then walking into our well air conditioned office. I love dresses and skirts, but as us girls know (and guys too, maybe) shaving your legs everyday can be harsh on your skin. While rotating between skirts and dresses, I opt for lightweight cotton or linen pants, capris and of course the occasional skinny jean. I tend to layer a lot due to the extreme change in temperature between inside the office and outside in the blazing Boise summer heat (that I love). See the various elements of Tuesday's outfit from top to bottom below:

Papaya military jacket, Lauren Conrad ruffle tank, Knitted bead necklace (hand-knit by my Aunt Cyndie), I don't remember where I got the brown lace tank (JcPennys, Kohls, one of those I think) but I wish I had bought it in every color because I wear it all the time :-)                          

  

Cream colored pin-striped cotton pants from Banana Republic, love the button and tie details. There are 2 brown buttons on the back pockets. I did take a picture, but my husband said it was weird to put an up-close picture of my butt pocket buttons online. Oh he makes me laugh, love him!

My "go-to" flats: nude patent leather jeweled from Forever 21

 XOXOXO TheBoiseBombshell

Mary Poppin Madness - 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony

Mary Poppins has always had a great sense of style: red lips, a stunning complexion, satin full-length dress featuring multiple layers of petticoats (I've always been a sucker for volume in clothes, hair, everything). Miss Poppins tops it off with fabulous accessories: an over sized carpet bag, brilliant high-heeled side button-up boots, and a  and a chic umbrella. Mary Poppins has always sported a classy chic ensemble and the multiple Marys that propelled from the sky in the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony were no exception. Love the accessories (their hats and velvet over-sized carpet bags). Their umbrellas actually had lit light bulbs on the end of each panel, incredible! I can't wait to find out who designed these fabulous ensembles! Stay tuned...

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/slideshow/2012/07/27/london-olympics-opening-ceremony/#slide=12

http://imgace.com/pic/tag/the-ring-lights-up-at-london-2012-olympic-opening-ceremony/

Note the incredible lit umbrellas!!!!

http://imgace.com/pic/tag/the-ring-lights-up-at-london-2012-olympic-opening-ceremony/

On a side note, are you looking for more Mary inspiration? Check out http://disneybound.tumblr.com. Disney Bound is run by Leslie Kay fashion and Disney enthusiast. This red-headed beauty finds ways to interpret Disney characters into everyday wearable fashions, including Mary Poppins. 

http://disneybound.tumblr.com/LeslieKay

SO CUTE!!! She also created a fabulous look in honor of the 2012 Olympic games, hosted in fashion-forward London.Leslie Kay has such a fun, flirty & sophisticated sense of style sprinkled with a little Disney magic. Love her ideas!

http://disneybound.tumblr.com/

XOXO TheBoiseBombshell

Target's Epic Fashion Collaboration

I have always loved Target, but my love for the company has reached an euphoric level today after finding out about their upcoming collaboration with Neiman Marcus. SAY WHAT!



http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

This July the luxury superpower department store, Neiman Marcus, revealed it's previously top-secret collaboration with Target for the upcoming holiday season of 2012. This seasonal partnership will result in 24 major fashion designers housing affordable items at Target & Neiman Marcus. Store labels for these designer items will feature both the Target and Neiman Marcus brand names. The launch of this epic partnership will happen December 1st online and in stores (for both Neiman Marcus & Target). I'm sure we can all recall the massive sell out of Missoni offered through Target, last fall, so mark your calendars this year to keep from missing out. *****DECEMBER 1st!!!*****



http://www.target.com/

The line will run for 3 weeks and include 24 world renown designers, such as Dian von Furstenburg (love her), Lela Rose (a BoiseBombshell favorite), Jason Wu (another BoiseBombshell favorite!), Oscar de la Renta (I will be buried in one of his gowns, I swear) and the infamous Marc Jacobs...just to name a few. Other major names include brands such as Alice + Olivia, Rag & Bone, Skaist-Taylor (from the creators of Juicy Couture, see their recent article in this month's Harper's Bazaar: Gela & Pam Part Two pg. 170). Did I mention I'm on cloud 9 right now?



http://www.neimanmarcus.com/category.jsp?itemId=cat44320738&parentId=cat8900735&navid=footer_holiday24



Prices for products will range from just under $8 to a tad under $500, which sounds more than reasonable to me for anything with those designer names attached to it. I cannot believe this is really happening!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This will be EPIC (to say the least)!

XOXOX The BoiseBombshell

Bane's Bomber Jacket

I never thought there would come a day when I would blog about anything related to Batman, but never say never I suppose. Although I am certainly no Batman fan and I do not condone the violence depicted in the film, the costume design was incredible. The "Dark Knight Rises" has Lindy Hemming,  63 year old award-winning costume designer, to thank for the creation of the infamous bomber jacket worn by the character Bane (Tom Hardy) in the recent film. According to British GQ online, Hemming got her bomber jacket concept by merging a Swedish military jacket and a "French Revolution frock coat" (http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2012-03/06/the-dark-knight-rises-costume-design#./the-dark-knight-rises-costume-design?&_suid=1343101675943003647732707112178).  The British GQ online recently did a spread on shearling coats (http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2011-09/27/gq-style-news-autumn-essentials-mens-fashion-trends/viewgallery/#./0?&_suid=134310325333206244683207079849) that I found rather disappointing. Leave it to the fashion industry to take a sexy manly masterpiece and turn it into a feminine frock worn by men with gelled back hair and waxed eyebrows, sad. Despite the unfortunate photoshoot by GQ, Bane's Bomber Jacket will certainly go down in BoxOffice history and will quickly become a must have for this fall. Gentlemen, go get your bombers (leave the face mask at home)!

XOXOX Amanda

Tom Hardy as Bane in the Dark Knight Rises

Love the popped collar!

Images:
http://www.focusofswfl.com/2012/07/the-dark-knight-rises-july-20th/the-dark-knight-rises-bane/

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00050491.html

~Burberry Bliss~

Something about the classic sophistication embodied by Burberry has always left me captivated. Throughout the years, Burberry has continued to keep my attention and this season is no exception. With fall (my favorite fashion season) rapidly approaching, I am left drooling over Burberry's suede and leather clutch , their wool blend duffle jacket and the stunning wool peplum trench. My other Burberry loves include the fringed field boot and the versatile ruched silk bow belt (heaven!).  These images alone will make you wish you were walking through Central Park, enjoy the brisk New York air of the fall, sigh.

XOXOXOXO Amanda

The Fringe Field Boot
$950

Wool Blend Duffle Jacket
$1,195

Wool Peplum Trench Coat
$3,995

Check Jacquard Suede Detail Clutch
$1,295

IMAGES

Clutch: http://us.burberry.com/store/womens-accessories/bags/clutch-bags-slings/prod-38263011-check-jacquard-suede-detail-clutch-bag/

Jacket: http://us.burberry.com/store/womenswear/new-arrivals/london/prod-38225371-wool-blend-duffle-jacket/

Trench: http://us.burberry.com/store/womenswear/new-arrivals/prorsum/prod-44669481-wool-peplum-trench-coat/

Boots: http://us.burberry.com/store/womens-accessories/shoes/ankle-boots/prod-38441201-the-fringed-field-boot/

Outfits: http://us.burberry.com/store/womenswear/jackets/prorsum/prod-44615921-leather-detail-herringbone-field-jacket/

http://us.burberry.com/store/womens-accessories/belts/

Beauty Breakdown

Hey Ladies! I've been testing out some new products and I've become completely obsessed with a few. Lately I have become really picky about my skincare and foundation products. My latest regime includes, in order of application: Olay Complete SPF 30 Defense ($12-$15 at local grocery or drugstore), Too Faced Prime & Poreless Pure ($30 @ Sephora) Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + ($36 @ Sephora), bareMinerals Matte ($27 @ Sephora). I've never used primer before, but I noticed that it really helps give a smooth/poreless appearance.  First, I apply the Olay sph 30 to my face, neck and hands. I let the Olay dry on my skin for a few minutes before applying primer, then I do the primer on my face and the Makeup Forever liquid foundation. I let the liquid foundation sit for a minute or two and then brush on bareMinerals powder on face and neck in a circular motion to help the liquid set. LOVE LOVE LOVE the results!

My other new favorite thing is Maybelline's "The Mega Plush Volum' Express" mascara in blackest black. It was less than $6 at WalMart, plus I loved the color of the bottle :-). My only complaint is that I wish the brush was curved, but I do love the bristles. I always curl my lashes BEFORE putting on the mascara.

Okay this is my last favorite thing, I promise... well at least for now ;-) The Victoria Secret Makeup kit, was featured in their catalog last fall (somewhere around $50). They no longer offer  the same one I have, but they do still carry a mini-version of the one I have. Mine has 64 eye shadows, 16 lip glosses, 16 lip stains and 8 blush colors to choose from. It's perfect for traveling too! The smaller version is offered online: http://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/makeup/hello-bombshell-makeup-kit-vs-makeup?ProductID=21872&CatalogueType=OLS.

XOXO Amanda