Two Ways: Grey Studded Bag

Bag: Urban Expressions Frenchy Bag (DSW, $50)

From Left, Ring (clockwise): Kevia Rose Quartz Ring ($76) Ring: Enamel Band ($85) Ring: Gabriella Artigas Rope Ring ($180) Belt: DvF Double Wrap Belt ($69) Shoe: Vince Camuto Bello Pump ($79) Top: Sleeveless Peplum Blouse ($68) Skirt: Pearl Grey Skirt ($95)

From Right, Earring: Aqua Colorado Earrings ($28) Sunglasses: Kors Redonda Shades ($99)  Belt: Pieces Felia Belt ($16) Shoe: Loeffler Randall Mignon Flat ($295) Blouse: Old Navy Chiffon Blouse ($19) Jeans: AG Ballad Jean ($168)

Polyvore Set Here.

For the Office. Typically, I would add a cardigan to this outfit.  And until the final edits, there was a cardigan.  This aqua-printed Magachoni cardigan to be precise.  But something about it felt forced, plus it ruined the sleekness of the outfit.  And I just won't have that.  

In theory, you could also add a white blazer (or a grey suit jacket), provided, of course, that it didn't strangle the peplum to death.

Also, I know this is my third blue set in as many weeks.  Apparently, like Picasso, I am going through a blue period.

Anyway, I like the mix of the raspberry belt and the peach and pink rings.  The colors are in the same family but not identical matches, so they coordinate.  And the shoes...Lord, the shoes.  How sweet are these?  

This outfit is sleek and feminine, so I would try a traditional French twist.  For the makeup, I would wear a pale pink manicure and a raspberry pedicure polish.  I would also add a hint of berry gloss to my lips and some brown liner and brown shadow to my eyes.  

For a Concert.  This outfit is bohemian chic.  It has a slightly 70s vibe, but subtle and updated.  I love the orange as an accent and the fact that the bag isn't an exact match to either the belt or the shoes.

The blouse is airy and light, so remember to wear a cardigan (that should have said camisole).  I would tuck in the blouse, and run the belt through the loops on the jeans.  I like the fact that these jeans are wider than a skinny cut but slimmer than a full-on flare.  It's modern, but relaxed as well.

The earrings, with their filigree and amber stone, and the sunnies, with their wide frames and lighter color, pair well with the rest of the outfit.  And the sandal adds just a bit more color to the look.  Frankly, I love these Loeffler sandals in every color, I just wish they weren't so pricey (sale! sale! sale!).

For the hair, I'd wear it down for sure.  Whether you want to go straight or wavy is your business.  For the makeup, I'd keep it beachy and natural.  Bronzer with a pop of pink blush on the cheeks, defined browns and glossy lips with just a hint of color.  

The Perfect Red Polish for Summer

So, I've been wearing the "Belle" shade from Zoya for several weeks now.  After all, when someone names a nail polish after you, you're sort of obligated to wear it.  But this weekend, I wanted to wear a black sequin top to an event, and you can't wear a copper-coral mani-pedi with black.  It's like wearing a flirty pink sundress to a funeral, something's just off about it.

Sometimes, a girl just needs, NEEDS, a red polish.  

Photo Credit: Danni and Chels

While bloggers across the Interwebs rave about Essie's Lacquered Up, I'm here to tout the brand's cherry red shade known as Lollipop.   This color is, in my opinion, the quintessential Parisian red.  Not too deep, not too bright, but definitely bold.  It's the perfect red polish for summer.

10th Commandment: May 15

Frenchy Urban Expressions Shoulder Bag (DSW, $50)

I've never really warmed up to chain persons.  They're a bit too prim for me.  However, this bag with it's rocker-chic studs and tassel details would be welcome on my shoulder at any time.  And I love how easily this bag could transition from daytime to evening wear, which would make it great for a vacation.

Check back at 1:00PM for Two Ways to wear this bag.

chain tassel bag

Ask Belle Roundup May 14

Belle,

Thank you for putting a plus-size piece on the blog last week. I never lost the weight after my last child was born, and I'm finding it difficult to dress my new body.  Can you suggest a few blogs that specialize in plus-size fashion?

Thank you, Katrina

If you're looking for plus-sized style blogs, you need to start with Nicolette Mason.  That girl has mad style.  In fact, no matter your size that is a blog you need to be reading.

Looking for more suggestions? The Curvy Fashionista has an excellent blogroll featuring dozens of great sites. 

Dear Belle,

I have not worn a watch since high school.  I hate having to check my phones to see the time, and figure that I should at least get a professional looking watch.  I've looked online at Coach, Ann Klein, and Michael Kors, and would like to keep it under $100, considering my watch-wearing past.  Do you have any suggestions?  (I also have tiny wrists, and those giant watches will just look like clocks on my arm.)

Thanks! Betsy

When spending less than $100 on a watch, it's important to find a timepiece that won't look cheap.  This means you need to avoid faux-diamonds, trendy shapes and decorations and fake, plated metals.  Personally, I like a leather or colored band in a traditional, versatile, style.  But you can also choose a piece that makes a statement if you're a bit braver than I.

1: Fossil Georgia Watch ($75) 2: La Mer Paris Print Watch ($88) 3: Skagen Line Extensions Watch ($95) 4: Timex Chronograph Watch ($95) 5: Fossil Watch Case ($75) 6: AK Purple Aluminum Watch ($75)

Polyvore Set Here.

Here are a selection of watches under-$100, some are classic, some are bold.  Leather bands are especially good for the tiny-wristed, but if you prefer links, you can have a few removed.  And if you're a person who changes her mind frequently, buy a watch case (like example five) and a few bands in different colors.  That way no matter what mood you are in, you can have a watch to match.

Belle,

I have several summer weddings and I've been looking for a bra that is both strapless and backless.  Any suggestions?

KL 

Depending on cup size, finding a strapless, backless bra is either is or a Grail Quest. If you're a B-cup or smaller, try a NuBra.  It sticks to the skin (and it really sticks) and stays put all day providing a little lift and decent coverage.  

Need a little more support? This bra from Fashion Forms has a bit more structure.  Need a lot more support? One of my well-endowed friends loves the Goddess bra line, says theirs is the only strapless bra that actually holds things up without causing back pain.

SOS: Every Lash Mascaras

Miss M is serious about mascara, and I mean serious.  Even though she was blessed with the longest natural lashes that I have ever seen on a person, she will buy any product that promises to volumize, lengthen or enhance them.  You would be hard pressed to find a mascara that she hasn't tried.

Splurge.  Diorshow New Look Mascara ($29) has a special brush head that is tapered at the end.  The brush's shape is designed to grab and lengthen all of your lashes, especially the tiny lashes hiding in the inner and outer corners.  

I talked to a handful of women who tried this product and they all agreed on one thing: The product it great.  That is, until the clumping starts.  

Everyone I asked about the product had the same problem, a few weeks after buying the mascara, the formula began to clump.  The clumps would gum up the tube, gum up the brush and gum up their lashes.  We all know that mascara has a shelf life (replace mascara every three months), but it isn't that short.

Save.  A few weeks ago, Miss M was sitting in a client meeting when the woman attending the meeting called a halt to the conversation.  At first, M thought that she might have said something wrong, but the reason for the pause was that the client was desperate to know what mascara she was wearing.

That mascara was Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes ($5).

Designed with a tapered brush head, the product is built to enhance every lash.  Personally, I like to mix the product with my regular mascara by applying a single coat of Lots of Lashes, allowing that to dry, and then, applying a coat of volumizing mascara over it.  I like Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara ($7).

And there you have it.  When it comes to mascara, it is sometimes better to save than splurge.