Belle On Trend(ing): Current Obsessions

T R E N D I N G

Here's a little look at what's trending in Belle On Trend's world...

[1.0] Express Olive green fit-and-flare dress (online exclusive)
My cousin, Ashley, and my bestie, Mandy, always find the cutest pieces at Express. They motivated me to give Express another try (it had always been my favorite store growing up and through college, but I hadn't been there lately). This fit-and-flare shirt dress would be perfect for a winter night out. With tights and knee-high boots, you'll be warm enough through winter. Come spring, you could ditch the tights and swap out your Fryes for some peep-toe pumps and a fresh pedi.

[2.0] Express Off the shoulder ruffle dress (online exclusive)
How darling is this off-the-should ruffle dress? I am melting for it! It will be ideal for your spring break trip (if you're in a colder climate) yet ready-to-wear for my southern Belles!

[3.0] Kate Spade Bow Neck Workout Jacket
Beyond Yoga has teamed up with Kate Spade to create some of the most adorable workout pieces I have ever laid eyes upon. So many gals tagged me on Instagram for this workout gear (you girls know me well!). It combines three things I love: bows, Pure Barre gear and Kate Spade. Check out this bow neck jacket in the vibrant red (necessary for Fridays at work-- it's a school color!).


[4.0] The Nanette Dress by Camilyn Beth
Absolutely in love with the Nanette Dress by Camilyn Beth. The navy and chiffon is elegant enough to pull you out of the doldrums of winter.  Gray, suede over-the-knee boots would look amazing with this frock. Bonus: look at those dainty, ruffled-flare sleeves!

[5.0] Scalloped ballet flats-- 2 price points
I have been searching far and wide for a pair of scalloped ballet flats. I love all things scalloped; there's no exception when it comes to ballet flats. These Jack Rogers camel flats will welcome spring quite well, as I live in ballet flats at work once the temperatures hit 40 or above. I have three pairs of Jack Rogers sandals from over the years;  the quality is superior, and they remain in impeccable shape.  For an even more phenomenal deal, check out these Athena Alexander ballet flats from Nordies.  The scallops add femininity to any outfit.


[6.0]  J. Crew Tweed Dress (or the blazer version!)
SO many winners in the new J. Crew catalog! On my list to purchase post-tax refund (haha) is this tweed stunner. I can wear it to work AND pair it with fabulous pumps for date night. The color screams "spring," but the weight of the fabric will keep you warm throughout the winter months. Navy tights would be on point with this dress for work. A navy shell underneath and navy pencil skirt would flawlessly pair with the blazer version. Also, essential spring interviewing attire!


[7.0] Banana Republic Shirt Dress
I saw this beauty in stores when I was spending $36 total on four (I KNOW, RIGHT?!) shirts at Banana a few weeks ago. It was originally $118, and it has been marked down to $58. Pair it with navy tights and brown or camel booties (these suede ones are to die for!) until the temperatures stop dipping below comprehensible. :-) Then, pick up the coral, teal, or pink flowers from the dress and pair ballet flats, wedges or Jack Rogers sandals with this dress for spring and summer.


What's on your clothing "shopping list"? Happy weekend!
xxoo
Mary

Valentine's Day Date Looks

If you're like me, you enjoy a good plan. (Okay, maybe I LOVE a good plan; let's be serious here). I asked my hubs what we were going to do for Valentine's Day last week, and being the incredibly patient and understanding man he is, he knew that was a nudge to make some ressies. Again, he knows me so well!

Mike chose Villa Verone for our romantic dinner (we ADORE VV; we went for my birthday this year and a few times over the last three years of knowing each other).

I have already purchased Mike's Valentine's Day gifts, and I'd love to share them, but it's going to have to be post-February 14. (Hi, babe!). But I'll conjure up some ideas of great gifts for the men in your life for Valentine's Day in a coming entry.

Now for the fun part: dressing for Valentine's Day!

Last year I wore this outfit:

How cute is my man in that bowtie? <3

I get so much wear out of these red pants and polka dot shirt! The pants are perfect for Fridays at my school, as our colors are red and blue! 

Red pants: similar here for under $40!. 

Equally adorable shirt (with cherries!): here.

Lauren and I, accidentally twinning! 

Last year, Mike and I had dinner at Fiora's (another phenomenal restaurant in Geneva), and I remember the wind chill being (literally) 40 below 0.  It was PAINFULLY cold. My fingers are crossed that this year's temperatures will be slightly less torturous, but you know how Northern Illinois can be! Thus, the range of outfits for this Valentine's Day will vary, as I know some of you are in much warmer climates! (Hi, Mom in Florida! Hi, Kelly and Sarah in California!).


Here are my top 4 picks for Valentine's Day looks this year:

1. This Lovers + Friends fit and flare dress
I first saw it on Megan Runion's blog, and I knew I had to have it. Particularly at that price point! Check out her fabulous blog-- she's so stylish!

Similar dress idea here (in blush-- currently 50% off!), but it could also double as a work outfit (since the back isn't cut out like the Lovers + Friends find).


2. I talk about the BB Dakota Rhianna Illusion dress in practically every three blogs, but it is just THAT amazing. Mike recently purchased the green for me for my birthday, and here I am in the red for my friend's wedding at Notre Dame in December.  It would be perfect with tights and a cardigan for Valentine's Day!

My recommendation to you is to buy this dress in the Crimson pictured here or the Fuscia/Rose here. You will not regret this purchase! It's perfect to wear as a wedding guest, too!

3. This Camilyn Beth scalloped dress would be absolutely romantic for your Valentine's Day evening! I have to say, if I had the means, I would buy every. single. Camilyn Beth dress ever made. I swoon over every dress she creates! The team at Camilyn Beth is extremely helpful (they helped me decide on a size in my scalloped dress) and truly personal. If you are looking for a dress that is extremely high quality and a company that cares about you as a customer, go to her website and make a purchase.

Side note: her spring line can be pre-ordered, but the pieces would come in post-February 14. Otherwise, this would be the best V-day dress, ever! It is worth every penny, I promise you. Check it out! Love that blush with the ruffle! To die for!

I wore this Camilyn Beth scalloped dress for my wedding shower hosted by my sister and bridesmaids. I received so many compliments! I also wore it for my engagement photos by Blossom Lane Photography. 

Perhaps, a lower price point would be more appealing (trust me, I know!). If so, this and this (under $20, OMG! and that back!) are two other awesome scalloped options for Valentine's Day. The scalloped detailing is to die for, and that red is va-va-voom!

I wore a much more affordable coral scalloped dress for my friend Leah's wedding and again in Jamaica on our honeymoon. It was last season from Loft, but this Adrianna Papell dress (for under $60!) is very similar!

Wow. I want to be that tan again!! 

If you prefer a dressy blouse for your Valentine's Day and still want to incorporate scallops, Banana Republic has you covered. Here is my blue scalloped shirt in pink and red. Adorable! And 50% off currently!

There's something so dainty, fun and romantic about scallops! And the blush and red will be perfect for February 14!

4. My mom recently got her first Lilly Pulitzer items the other day in Florida. Of course, I was super jealous! But it has encouraged me to start shopping her new pieces. Check these out for warmer climates for Valentine's Day. This dress looked so cute on her! #BuyMeLilly

This shirt dress incorporates pink for the holiday! Throw on some black tights and black pumps if you're in colder climates or pop on your pink Jack Rogers sandals down south.

Monogrammed Jack Rogers from our Jamaican honeymoon! 

My mom also purchased this top, which I am totally lusting after! How fabulous would that look with a pair of punchy pink pants and gold wedges? (Can you tell I am daydreaming for warm temps? You're so lucky out west and down south!).

I'm already looking forward to a romantic dinner with my hubs. I can't believe this will be our third Valentine's Day together. :) Here's to 85 more.
Who are you spending Valentine's Day with? And what will you wear?

xxoo
Mary

Belle On Trend's Current Obsessions

Hello and happy "gain an hour of sleep" day!

I wanted to create a quick blog post about my current obsessions. I am spying on these various items and lusting after them!  Saving my money and stacking my coups for future purchases...


1. The J. Crew bright-and-cheery-colorful wool coats found here.





The hardest part for me is going to be choosing a color! These cozy coats will help welcome winter to Illinois with much less of a sting!


2. This tartan blanket scarf.

I have seen so many people rocking this tartan print, and I can totally see why! The color scheme makes me think warm and fuzzy November/December thoughts. Additionally, you can pair this with blue, green, red, camel, cream, or yellow. It's a fabulous piece that will take me through the cold months ahead!


3. These gorgeous studded pumps.

I know I have talked about these fierce pumps in an earlier post, but I can't get over how comfortable they are! I purchased the nude and black, inspired by my friend, Jackie. These are by BCBGeneration, and they can be found online at the link above or at a DSW store. They are SO comfortable! I am having major FOMO about only purchasing the nude and black; I may head back for the glittery rose gold ones! Pair any of the above with a plain black or navy dress and tights, and you have a conversation starter! "Are they Valentino?"


4.  This glittery-glam wallet by Kate Spade.

The biggest conundrum would be deciding on a color! Imagine how many compliments you'll get when you pull that stunner out to pay for your beverage at the local coffee shop! I'm dying for these!



5.  The Maura Top (on sale!) from Camilyn Beth and the Black and Ivory Pearl dress also by Camilyn Beth.  Peplum, bows and tulle are three of my favorite things when it comes to fashion, and the Maura Top and the Black and Ivory Peal dress cover all my bases. I love black and white together for winter soirees-- my plan is to channel my inner Sarah Jessica Parker with the Black and Ivory pearl dress for New Year's Eve! My hubs is dying to wear his tux again from our wedding. Any suggestions on black tie functions in the burbs for NYE?

Furthermore, I cannot say enough about how wonderful my experience with Camilyn Beth was. I bought the Ivory Fresh Air dress to wear in my engagement photos and to my wedding shower.  

Engagement and wedding pictures by Blossom Lane Photography

With my sweet sister, Anna, and my darling friends, Jackie, Libby and Alison at my wedding shower

The customer service at Camilyn Beth was phenomenal. I was able to get quick advice on sizing, and they even sent swatches of color to me (for my bridesmaids) with the most beautiful, personalized card. 

My bestie, Mandy, in the Ampi dress, (in peach) for our wedding.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween weekend!

xxoo
Mary