Thursday, March 8, 2012

Skinny Cuff

So often when you think of a cuff bracelet you think thick and clunky, but I'm really loving the skinny cuff right now. It resembles a bangle but with the structure of a cuff.

Madewell, Gold Dot Cuff, $24
Simple and can work for some many styles depending on what you pair it with. Preppy with an oxford, boho with some buffalo plaid.

This industrial looking bracelet has a great rocker edge to it.

Natalie B, Love Word Cuff, $48
A little hobo chic, no? But add it to your gold watch and you can dress it up.

Free People, Mulholland Cuff, $28
I love this Aztec inspired engraving on this piece, something rugged about it.

House of Harlow, Spike and Cone Cuff, $95
I'm obsessed with this bracelet. It is so unexpected for someone who usually dresses very girly. This cuff to me says, bring it on.

So if you've avoided cuffs because they're too thick, too much of a statement on your arm; check out these options and layer a couple on to add some bling to your outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Reader Request: Bridesmaid

IT'S HAPPENING!!!! (Bridesmaid reference, if you didn't get it, go rent it immediately).

For those ladies who will be taking one for the team this spring or summer and standing up there next to the bride, this one is for you.  I have a reader and friend who needs two dresses, one navy blue and one black and she wanted a one shoulder. Let's see what I found.

This lightweight dress would be perfect for an outdoor wedding and easy to add any accent colors to accessorize.

The banding of the chiffon on the bodice is just beautiful, you could even add a skinny belt around the waist for a little extra pop of color.

Oh my gosh I LOVE this dress. Forget the wedding, I want to wear this now! The silk, the one shoulder, it also comes in dark navy.

The length on this dress is great for a wedding, not mini, not tea length, just great.

Navy and black isn't always the most fun color dress to shop for, but don't worry, the bride might be open to a hot pink heeled sandal, or a skinny glitter belt. Have some fun with it! And don't be limited to bridal shops, look at your normal stores and find a great tailor in your area!

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A Little Me

You guys. It's my birthday! Yep. And while I'm not expecting any monumental changes to happen today, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for reading TCB. The Capital Barbie is about looking good without breaking the bank. I hope it offers you inspiration for outfits, creative gift ideas and just a fun place to get away from the everyday.

So often when I sit down on Sundays to write a couple of posts I think, why am I doing this? It's not how I make a living, but what I realize is it's how I want to live. I want to make you feel fabulous. I want you to feel fabulous when it's freezing and raining outside and I want you to feel fabulous when you're late and running out the door to work. Sometimes work, kids, or life gets in the way of us just taking a moment to look in the mirror and realize how amazing we are. I hope you take that moment every.single.day.

You're fabulous because you care, because you inspire, because you motivate. And when you remember that on the inside, it shows on the outside. Yes, labels are nice, but so are groceries and rent, and other things you should probably keep paying. So use this place for fashion inspiration that will allow you to look amazing and feel amazing about the amount of money you're spending.

Before I get all sappy and thankful to each and every one of you I'm going to end with what I'm going to wear to my birthday dinner on Friday with some of my great friends.

Be fabulous today!

Asos, Spot Mesh dress, $62

Monday, March 5, 2012

Reader Request: Graduation Dress

Hey lovebugs!

I hope you had a great weekend. Today we're taking a look at graduation dresses for a reader who happens to be graduating from my alma mater, George Washington University. Now this reader, she has requested something with color, parent appropriate, and preppy. Let's see what I found.

J Crew, Mika, $99
I love this dress for so many reasons. One the cobalt will look amazing with her blonde hair, two the waist band is the perfect width to define but not distract, and finally this dress is easy to layer a cardi or jewelry of any kind.

The layering of this fabric is so delicate and feminine perfect to transition from a daytime ceremony to a early evening dinner.

This keyhole is beautiful on this dress. And the colors are GW!

Ann Taylor, A-Lined Tiered Dress, $99
Some may think this is a little bridesmaid-y but to me, the lines and the fabric is perfect for a soft statement.

Now remember, GW's graduation will be outside in the Washington, DC heat this May, so these dresses I feel are a good mix of cool and chic and all are easy to put on a cardi or pashmena.

Congratulations Maddie and all 2012 grads!

Be fabulous today!