Maya Hansen Corsets at Bella Bella Boutique

I'm so glad it's finally September! Fall is my favorite fashion season because of all the intricate layers that you can create with different pieces of clothing. It seems fitting that we're talking about corsets today, since more and more women are making corsets part of both their underwear and outerwear wardrobes.

Maya Hansen corsets from Spain have been added to Bella Bella Boutique this week! Maya Hansen has spent the last several years racking up awards all over the world for her corsets. Fans of her work include Lady Gaga, who has worn several for red carpet events.

One of the great things about corsets is how many different ways they can be worn. Traditionally they are a boudoir item, especially when paired with traditional ruffled panties in a matching color. If you're looking for a corset for the bedroom, it's worth going all out in terms of color and fabric. This Maya Hansen Charlotte Corset in blue is a perfect example.

Corsets as formalwear have been around for years, but now we're seeing them more and more on the red carpet. A corset works as a sexier take on a blouse and can be paired with everything from a straight black silk or stain skirt to a fuller skirt in a matching color. If you're going for this look, either keep your corset or your skirt plain. You don't want them to fight with each other. This Maya Hansen Charlotte Corset in sand is a perfect choice for a formal evening out.

If you're not sure about wearing a corset out solo, you can try wearing one out over your favorite blouse or dress. This Maya Hansen Helsinki underbust corset will go with a wide range of outfits and can be worn with anything for an extra dash of style.

If you've never worn a corset before but are interested in trying one out, don't be intimidated! Feel free to email [info@bellabellaboutique.com] with questions about sizing or what corset would work best with your body type. For many people corsets are like potato chips -- you can't have just one.

by Holly (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: Bring On The Colors

I was wandering through my local market the other day and I was blown away by all the amazing colors and textures at the ceramics and glass blowing stalls. The artisans were able to blend and mix a stunning palette of shades, without overwhelming the piece as a whole. It was just the inspiration I’ve been looking for now that colored denim is back in a serious way. I left thinking that I had to try it out with our next Lingerie as Outerwear outfit!

I’ve been waiting for just the right moment to use this stunning Fair Verona babydoll in an outfit and these super bright Habitual skinny jeans are exactly what I was hoping to find. By blending the neutral tones of the babydoll, the Modern Vintage boots and the Just Cavalli jacket with the highbeam, attention grabbing colors of the pants, jewelry and the Vivienne Westwood bag, we achieve a complex balance worthy of those artisans. Plus, a pretty feminine look for a casual day of sightseeing and enjoying the sunshine.

Kinda makes you want to get out of the malls and check out the markets doesn’t it? Especially when you can look this fabulous doing it!

1. Fair Verona Bed & Breakfast Babydoll: Doesn’t this babydoll just remind you of everything soft and sweet on a summer day? The floating hem and touch of girlish frill on the bodice are far too pretty to keep indoors. This babydoll makes a fabulous warm weather top. 

2. PAMELA LOVE Lapis Cut Out Ring: The shape of this ring is just so cool. The bronze cutaways echo the decorative design of the Vivienne Westwood bag and will have everyone asking for a closer look.

3. JUST CAVALLI Leather Biker Jacket: This stylish contemporary jacket is just about as cool as they come. The sturdiness of the leather is the perfect backdrop to the more ethereal nature of the babydoll.

4. YVES SAINT LAURENT poppy ring: The glossy red sheen of this ring is a real eye catcher. Pair it up with your ruby red lips and you have a winning combination.

5. Habitual Aaron Rolled Skinny Jeans: A quick blast of color on your legs is the perfect way to welcome in summer.

6. Harlette Northern Lights Tie Me Up Bra: Okay, I have to admit, this is really just another excuse to add in some more gorgeous lingerie. But can you blame me? Look at how beautiful the frills and the halter neckline are!

7. Modern Vintage Carina Bootie: These booties are nice and neutral, but maybe it could be a wee bit fun to liven them up with some red and blue laces.

8. Vivienne Westwood Harlequin Bucket: This bag just pulls it all together, now doesn’t it? A whole lot of color and plenty of room for all the nice bits and pieces you’ll find at your local market.

9. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm: Some moisture and a quick zing of color in Two Ton Tomato. Just that and a smile are all you really need to make this look work.

10. Dirty Pretty Things Vivian Pale Pink Thong: A little DPT goes a long way. Sometimes a few pretty pink details and leopard print fabric are just necessary to finish off a fabulous outfit!

Why not take your lingerie out to your local market and enjoy all the colors of summer this weekend!

Cheers,
Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: Tango in Tangerine

When Pantone announced that the color for 2012 would be Tangerine Tango, I have to admit, I was pretty nervous. Orange is notoriously difficult to match and a lot of people just aren’t fans. Which is a real shame because it’s such a luscious color and looks equally good in a white or brown based tone.

If we’re going to have a whole year devoted to Tangerine Tango, we may as well enjoy playing with it. I decided to double dip with both Sonata and Zinke for modesty, visual interest and to pick up the pattern of the Milly skirt. I toyed with the idea of a jacket or cover up, but I just couldn’t bring myself to cover up the back of the bodysuit and that beautiful silk satin bow.

The Tom Ford low heels have a delicate cut-out pattern and peep toe. They match up beautifully with Lelo’s silk blindfold, that I have decided would make an admirable hairband. The jewelry is black and gold and minimal, letting the sunburst of color from your lingerie sing out loud and clear.
 

1. Zinke Scout Reversible Bralet-Orange/Orchid: The bralet is optional, of course. If you aren’t concerned by the open weave of the lace bodysuit, then by all means don’t bother.

2. Kate Spade New York 12k Goldplated Scatter Necklace/Black: The circular gems of this Kate Spade necklace mimic the sweet little silk buttons of the lace bodysuit.

3. TOM FORD Low Heel Shoes: I love the mobility of the low heel as well as the sexy cutouts of the leather. The peeptoe is just that much sweeter and almost begs for a reverse french pedicure with tangerine tips.

4. MILLYIvory Perfect Pleated Date Skirt: The femininity of the knee length pleats partners up with thebody conscious cut of the Sonata bodysuit to give an almost retro feel to this elegant outfit.

5. Double Wrap Coin Bracelet Black Suede: The outfit was beginning to feel a little too syrupy sweet, so I needed something a little more substantial to balance out all of the delicate pieces. The coiled leather of this bracelet and the solid metal coin adds that extra bit of weight to keep the lingerie as outerwear grounded.

6. Acne Ralston mini-suitcase bag: I wanted to find a bag that had both the black and the brown accents of the outfit but what luck finding a design with so much character and style.

7. Cook M*A*C Tendertone Lip Balm: A little swipe of this stunning tangerine gloss across your lips will have you purring, which is handy because the color is actually called Purring.

8. Danae Lace Bodysuit by Sonata Lingerie: The front of this bodysuit is gorgeous, but I’m really enthralled by the back. The deep V with the scalloped lace edging and that stunning silk bow frame the shoulder blades so nicely.

9. Lelo Intima Silk Blindfold in Black: Okay, now I do realize this is meant to be a blindfold but if you’re going to wear your lingerie out and about, you may as well bring your boudoir accessories
along for a stroll too!

See? Tangerine is easy to work into your life and who doesn’t need a sunny burst of color with all of these April showers?

Cheers,
Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: Neon Heatwave

The freaky weather continues and now we’re facing bizarro heatwaves in the middle of April. Rather than engage in discussions on climate theory or whether Whoopie Goldberg lip synched the better version of the song Heatwave, I’d much rather plan out an on-trend neon outfit to help us get through the swelter.

A heatwave seems like the perfect time to haul out the lingerie and parade it around in the blisteringly hot sunshine. Priscilla Jade has created some beautiful silk bras in red and teal and I’ve been looking for an excuse to show off her craftsmanship. A hot day calls for minimal coverage, so some highbeam teal shorts from alice + olivia and a barely there pair of Tory Burch sandals will keep your lower half comfortable.

I’m really loving the Beautiful Bottoms set, with its delicate straps, slithers of sequins and light as air silk fabric. The vibrant color of the bra will shine through the transparent silk and pick up the soft blues in your jewelry and the fun scarlet of your polka dot bag.

If the temperature climbs too high, you can nestle into a sweet cafe patio, pop on your Prada shades, apply some of the Kama Sutra Cool Mint Cream to your pulse points and sip some iced mocha lattes. After all, it’s not every year, you can get heatstroke in April. We may as well enjoy it!

1. Beautiful Bottoms Swan Camisole and Skirted Thong Set: I know I only mentioned the top, but the frilled thong is absolutely stunning too.

2. Cassia Sandal: The Tory Burch medallion is worked into the minimalist straps perfectly, making these the go to shoes for scintillatingly hot days.

3. Kendra Scott Harlow Necklace: I love the way the turquoise gems appear to float in formation on the collarbone.

4. Brahmin Vivian Polka Dot Dome: This is a pretty fun little domed bag. Whether you carry a portable battery powered fan or a few extra water bottles, it’ll look good on all your errands.

5. Kama Sutra Body Souffle Creams: Cool Mint Cream sounds good enough to eat and if it’s gracing your pulse points, it may just encourage a few extra kisses.

6. alice + olivia Aqua Cady Shorts: Not too long, not too short, these shorts are just right! The color picks up the teal in the bra and the jewels without blinding your admirers.

7. Prada 'Baroque' Round Sunglasses: I couldn’t resist these glasses. It wasn’t even their crazy round frames that pulled me in. It’s the fabulous swirl details on the armature. These are gorgeous whether shielding your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays or keeping your hair out of your coffee.

8. Michael Kors Drop Slice Turquoise Earrings: When your lingerie is on display, you really don’t need to go overboard on the jewels.

9. Priscilla Jade Vania Bra: Red, teal and white silk make for a decadently colorful bra choice that’s perfectly in keeping with the bright neon color trend.

Whatever you wear, remember to rehydrate regularly and stay cool!

Cheers,

Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: Perfectly Pastel

I was at an Easter parade the other day and couldn’t help but notice how many people were jumping
on the Spring pastel trend. I also noticed how many people resembledgiant easter eggs. So, I thought it might be a good time to explore the wild and wonderful world of pastels for adults.

The blue playsuit from Beautiful Bottoms was the perfect starting point for this little adventure. But I was a little concerned that the top might be a wee bit bare for a family event like a parade. Luckily I came up with the brilliant plan of doubling up on the silk playsuits and adding in Bristols 6 nipple covers for a little extra insurance in the modesty department. They’re made from such light material that there will be virtually no bulk to contend with under that stunning Prada skirt.

Now to avoid resembling my cotton-candy-colored neighbors at the parade, it was important to not
over do it with the pastels.The gentle shell pink of the Anne Klein Jacket and the periwinkle of the romper is moderated by the deeper tones of the skirt and shoes. The medium blue of the Rebecca
Minkoff purse and the strong gold accents in your Coach and BCBG jewelry pull it all together.

1. Beautiful Bottoms Blue Bird Silk Playsuit: Made from soft, barely there silk, you may need to keep reminding yourself that you’re even wearing it.

2. Anne Klein Suit Petites Boucle Jacket Dress: It’s still a little gusty this time of year and your light as air lingerie worn as outerwear isn’t going to keep the chill out. Obviously you won’t need the matching dress with our lovely playsuit and skirt all ready to go.

3. LUIS ONOFRE kitten heel sandal: Every piece in this outfit is delicately feminine and these teeny tiny heels are no exception. They’re just a little step up from a flat, but a little step is all you need.

4. BCBG Layered Snake-Chain Necklace: Multiple chains of gold draping around your collar bones,
spilling over onto your chest just above that stunning playsuit.

5. Prada Organza Button Detail Aline Skirt: A silk A-line skirt in a rich aubergine shade to really set off the periwinkle of the Beautiful Bottoms Playsuit.

6. Crislu Ring, 18k Gold Candy Couture Ring: Just a little something to shine on your finger tips
and keep the Coach ring company.

7. Beautiful Bottoms Taupe Silk Playsuit: You could go with just one of these playsuits, but you’ll have better opacity if you layer them. Luckily doubling up won’t add any bulk at all, so the smooth lines of your skirt won’t be interrupted.

8. Coach Flower Domed Ring: This is a pretty playful choice and it’s rather nice to be able to carry
an entire bouquet on your finger.

9. Rebecca Minkoff Luscious Hobo: With a structured skirt, jacket and heels, the blousey style of the
lingerie needed something a little more free form like this bag to match. Plus, who could resist the color?

10. Bristols 6 Nippies Skin - Light: These are just incase you still need a little extra modesty to go along with your double dip on the lingerie front.

Voila, trendy but not tending towards “My Little Pony" colored!

Cheers,

Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: A Night At The Symphony

One of the things I love about going out to the symphony is that all the attendees do their own thing. Some people show up in ball gowns, some people are in jeans and a tshirt and still others wear whatever they happened to be walking down the street in. Everyone’s welcome and they all bond through their enjoyment of the music.

I usually wear moderately fancy things, but I would love to spruce it up a bit more. I would take a Velda Lauder corset, in a pearlescent beige, and pair it up with a structured tweed suit from Moss & Spy. When you’re wearing your lingerie as outerwear and with a super sweet pair of La Lilouche ruffled panties underneath, then your shoes had better be just as sexy and cool. the natural choice is a slamming pair of Louboutins.

If my top is a corset, then my jewelry is going to have to work pretty hard to keep up. I’m thinking
pearls, luxe and bling. But it wouldn’t be my outfit if I played it completely safe now would it? Nope, and that’s why it needed another pop of color from a sweet red velvet clutch from Miu Miu.

Decked out like this I would thoroughly enjoy an evening of Yo Yo Ma!

1. Velda Lauder Nude Satin Overbust Corset: The black piping will outline your every curve in this corset, while the sweetheart bodice provides an excellent frame for those black pearls.

2. Tom Binns Large Pearl Necklace in Black: A Multi-layered strand of pearls that will drape gently just above the bust line of your glossy satin corset. They’ll be visible with the jacket done up and have even more of an impact when it’s open.

3. MÉLANIE GEORGACOPOULOS Earrings: Let the corset bring all the drama. These pearl earrings match the beautiful nude silk and echo it’s sheen.

4. La Lilouche Colette Lace & Silk Suspender High Waist Brief:It would be easy to wear any old undies and  trust to the corset to be the wow factor, but I think it’s infinitely more fun to create a burlesque feel with these mesh and ruffles, high waisted panties!

5. Moss & Spy Black Cream Tweed Stripe Suiting Skirt: The tweed and the below the knee hemline of this skirt verge on the fuddy-duddy side until you notice the unrestrained side pleats and the high and defined waist. This skirt works with or without the jacket to give you just right amount of coverage to pull off a corset at the symphony.

6. Manhattan Pearls Pearl and Black Diamond Ring: It’s pretty cool how the ring matches both a silk satin corset and a grey tweed suit isn’t it?

7. Christian Louboutin: nude patent leather 'Delico 100' d'Orsay pumps: The sexy shape and curves of these open toe, nude pumps is almost a mirror image of the silhouette of the corset.

8. Miu Miu Velvet Clutch: An evening out calls for a zinger of a purse. A bright pop of color and some super soft, plush velvet give a gentle hint that just maybe there’s a little more to this outfit, than a well cut tweed suit.

9. Heaven's Alchemy Athens Perfume Crystal Set: The gentle floral notes of this perfume float on the lower tones of the amber and sandalwood. Remember to add a dab to each pulse point, so that when your heart beats in time with the music, you get a multi-sensory response to the orchestral variations of the symphony!

10. Moss & Spy Black Cream Tweed Stripe Suiting Jacket Coat: The gorgeous flaring of the hemline and amazing tailoring of this suit jacket is too cool to be relegated to a mere coat. It provides the perfect backdrop to your lingerie when it’s worn open.

Care to join me for a glamorous evening out?

Cheers,
Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: Rock'n Rolla

So, the weather has tanked again and I’ve been curled up on the couch reading and listening to my favourite tunes. The reading is wonderful, but I’ve found myself dropping the book to groove out to some of the more rockabilly sounds and wishing we had a more active scene. Who doesn’t love a little retro glamor and funky fashion now and then?

The outfit for this post was created during a particularly rowdy scootin’ boogie around the living room to Drop The Lime’s “Hot as Hell”. I may have knocked over the lamp and woken my sweet little sleeping dog while deciding which lingerie was cool enough to pull off this wicked look.

Zinke intimates manages to create lingerie that can compliment any style. Their cozy little Tulsa Bralet in a stunning cherry scarlet is just begging to join forces with these high-waisted, skinny leg, cigarette pants from Deadly Dames, so you can run amok and cause a little Mayhem with Imelda May.

It’s pretty darn tempting to throw in a super sexy pair of heels to give you the legs of an Amazon, but I like the subtle fun of these quirky polka-dot, peep-toe, ballet flats instead. That way, when you find yourself on the fun side of Blue Harlem, you’ll be able to do more than stand elegantly. You’ll shimmy shake out on the dance floor, but don’t forget that your necklace is a potential danger, so watch the eyes when you twirl!

When you do emerge back into the night, it’ll be chilly, so don’t forget that teeny weeny little shrug top. Not that something this tiny is really going to keep you warm, but you certainly wouldn’t want to lose track of such a wicked little mix and match item. It really does complete the look, along with that vibrant little flower in your hair.

1. Zinke Tulsa Bralet in Spice: Stretch silk charmeuse in a half-cami is a pretty sweet combination, but throw in a shelf bra and that spicy red color and you have the perfect lingerie cami to wear out and about.

2. RUBY Red Flower Accessory: - I seriously doubt there could actually be enough room on your bolero to wear a flower corsage. It will look much better in your hair anyway.

3. Deadly Dames Cigarette Pants in Black Sateen: Now you may recall that I usually have a pretty steadfast rule about not wearing pants with any kind of shine. I broke that rule once for some really cute pink trousers and I’m breaking it again for these amazing black pants. That highwaist and super slim leg cut make these the ultimate in rockabilly chic. I gotta say, these would look pretty fabulous wherever you wear them and whatever you pair them with.

4. SEE By CHLOE Army and Rose Bowling Bag: If you’re going to do something, you may as well do it all right! The bowling bag shape of the leather bag combined with the retro styling was just too good to pass up. Plenty of room for a flask and any other treasures you may need to carry along.

5. KISS KRISS Peep-toe ballet flats: I was a little worried that these were a little too close to something Minnie Mouse might have in her closet, but then I realized I didn’t care either way. They’re the perfect dance partner for when you just want to let loose and enjoy a little boogie time.

6. Velda Lauder Super Soft Black Shrug Top: Not much coverage, but a whole lot of attitude. The stocking effect is my favourite part of this itsy bitsy little bolero. While the outfit works nicely without it, this shrug top really completes the look.

7. Triskaidekaphobia Dagger Necklace: The necklace just had to go with the outfit. It could have been the name of the brand (fear of Friday the 13th) or it could just be that the outfit had lots of delicate pieces with the spaghetti straps on the cami and the ties on the sweater. It really needed a bit of a heavier chain on the necklace.

8. Broken Heart Flask by Retro A Go Go: Generally I like to accessorize my lingerie as outerwear outfits with jewelry, maybe a glitzy bag but not usually a flask. Of course, if you have to have a flask, it had better be one as nice as this.

9. Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc enameled brass stud earrings: It would be pretty hard not to grin when faced with these super-cute lopsided smiles dangling from your earlobes. I like the way the studs seems a bit more grounded along with the flats on your feet.

So, what do you say? Are you game for a little dance on the wild side? The music is great, the clothes really sing and who doesn’t love a sexy retro bowling bag?

Cheers,
Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: Sunshine Daydreams

 

Summertime and the living is easy. Janis knew what she was singing about and I have to say, as I sit in my office and stare out at the beautiful sunny weather and all those lucky folks getting to enjoy it... I sincerely wish I had been born rich and not beautiful, so I could join them.

Now, if I were to join them, you know I would need to incorporate some lingerie into my look. So naturally I’m going to look to Sonata Lingerie to supply the top. The silk chiffon keeps the look light and fresh and who doesn’t love a little extra bling in the sunshine.

On this glorious sunny day I’m going to want to all my options open, so it’s definitely all about the jeans for maximum fun. The beauty of these cute capris jeans is the opportunity to flash around some wicked beaded Jimmy Choos. Now granted, I won’t be out hiking in these towering heels but won’t I rock the cafe scene in a big way!

Although these capris sit fairly high on the calf and my poor legs haven’t seen much sun in quite awhile, I’m not going to fake a bake. Nope, I plan to show my pasty gams in all their glory. Don’t worry, I’m a big proponent of sun smarts, which is why the Bare Escentuals will be packed in the Coach tote right next to a little shiny lip tint. Which I’ll probably need to keep applying as I like the tasty vanilla mint flavor off while savouring my caffeine fix for the day.

I’ll be sipping my iced cap, jamming to some tunes and enjoying a little solitude. As the temperature rises, so will the sweet scents of snow pear and cedarwood from my moisturizing LELO massage oil. A handful of gold and shiney baubles will keep me twiddling my thumbs and grinning from ear to ear. But who wouldn’t be if they had the chance to hang out on a patio in full sun mid week?

Can you think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon?  It certainly would beat the heck out of the sitting in the office staring out the window.

1. Mimi Silk Camisole by Sonata Lingerie: I think the lush chocolate color of this silk camisole is perfectly rich and would be perfectly wasted if it were never to see the outdoors. The design is tasteful with the transparent silk chiffon panel just grazing the upper bustline but extending over the shoulders and a bit down the arms. You’ll need to wear a strapless bra so you don’t distract from all the extra little blingy details.

2. Current Elliott Bayberry "The Matchstick" Jeans: The lightly washed blue of these jeans will give the impression that they’re an old favorite rather than a new splurge. The hem falls just below the knee or it can be rolled up for a longer line short look. Either way, you can dress them up, down and sideways and always turn out perfectly polished.

3. Origins Rain And Shine Liptint With Spf 15 Sunscreen: Let your smile do the talking with this protective liptint from Origins. Plenty of colors to choose from, but even more amazing is the fact that these sheer shades give your lips a Sun Protection Factor of 10. The vanilla mint flavor is a little extra treat that will make this your go-to product for summer fun. Even if it is only March.

4. LELO Luxury Massage Candle - Snow Pear and Cedarwood: The beauty of this massage candle is that the oil is super emollient rich and comes with a fabulous perfume that is both light and flirty. There’s plenty of different scents if the sun has made you shy of anything affiliated with snow.

5. Valerie Egee sculpted ring: The rough edges and irregular angles of this ring are mesmerizing and will provide plenty of hours of good old fashioned admiring and daydreaming. It isn’t too cute and it isn’t too pretty, but it is plenty of interesting and beguiling.

6. Oscar dela Renta 24-karat gold-plated cabochon ring: Just a little pop of color on your hand to keep the red of the poppy Coach bag company. Bright and sunny weather deserves to see bright and sunny flowers, even if they are 24 karat gold. Who would have thought there would be poppies blooming in March?

7. Jimmy Choo Nude Suede Beaded 'Della' Sandals: These sandals are just so sexy! I love the beaded trim detail from the ankle down and the way the straps have been arranged to look so structured and architectural. If anyone manages to look away from your beautiful silk top, they’ll be equally mesmerized by your fancy feet. Jimmy knows his shoes alright!

8. Miu Miu Headband: With this much bling on the camisole, you won’t need much jewelry so why not decorate your hair? This double band of pearls is the perfect casual day decoration.

9. Coco de Mer by Coco de Mer: Take one part opera, one part dance beats and a good side of ambient and you have a pretty sweet mix to keep you hopping all afternoon long. It’ll be a nice break from the formulaic top 40 stuff that the local coffee shop is always piping in.

10. Coach Poppy Placed Flower Large Tote: I don’t know many people that could resist a Coach bag, much less one as pretty this. The punch of color from the poppy flower is fabulous and it carries on through to the lining as well. Strung over your shoulder or swinging from the crook of your arm, this is a beautiful piece of eye candy!

11. Bare Escentuals Bareminerals Spf 30 Natural Sunscreen: This sunscreen is oil free and preservative free and kind to your skin. Breathable, weightless and delivering SPF15 so you can glow without chancing crows feet in the near future. I would even suggest a light dusting under the silk chiffon portion of your camisole. After all, nothing ruins a wonderful afternoon like an evening sunburn.

A nice breezy kind of outfit for a nice breezy kind of a day! I’m loving the warm weather and the ability to avoid all the layers, here’s hoping that the cold weather doesn’t come back to interrupt my fun.

Cheers,
Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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Lingerie as Outerwear: Venturing Out

The hills are alive with the sound of shutters clicking. Well, that’s how the song would go, if Julie Andrews had been spinning around on a grassy knoll near me this past week. I swear, every where I looked, there were people out and about with their cameras! But who could blame them? Spring is here and everything is so beautiful! Which is why I decided that my little mini break would happen right here, in my own backyard! Yup, I’m heading into the little village near my house to explore and look around with the eyes of a tourist! (and the wallet of a pauper)

I’ve always wanted to learn how to use my little retro Nikon camera, however, I have little to no time now-a-days, so I found something that could help me cheat a wee bit and still look cool. Oh, and speaking of looking cool, half the appeal of photography is the opportunity to dress all casual,
stretchy knit and free! I’m not going to tell you how I’ll be cheating at SLR photography ‘till the end, so stick with me folks, it’s going to be a fascinating ride.

Now that spring is here, I’m all about wearing things that help me get out the door
that much faster. Things that can pull double duty of form and function and adapt to most of the situations I find myself in. So, I began this outfit with these nifty Lytess capris. They’re comfortable, stylish and if they help me loose weight and cure this orange peel skin of mine, so much the better.

It would be pretty silly to wear cozy leggings and then put on a stiff formal, anything. So, naturally, I reach for a nice stretchy slip that can double as a tunic or a dress. Pretty crafty right? This Naked Princess chemise is all comfort with twice the sex appeal when it comes to the delicate lace bust inset. There are modesty panels backing the bust, so you can rest assured that you’re safe and sound when you’re bending and twisting to get the perfect angle on that shot.

Now, in between pictures, don’t forget to pop your sunglasses back on to avoid sun damage. These Linda Farrow glasses will help you stand out from the crowd of clones, all wearing the same over-sized, face-obscuring styles, while you have these wicked gold, round framed sunnies on. Trust me, it’s good to be an individual!

If you find you need to take a break from artifying yourself and filling your camera with a million shots of that super cool, steampunk-esque piece of random mitten stiffened into the exact profile of Drew Barrymore’s mother, simply pop your sneaky camera into the handy dandy, leather camera bag along with any other cool treasures you happen to find on your rambles.

Your hair is barricaded from the wind by a slouchy beret to reveal your unique little
gold piggy ear studs. I can’t really explain the piggies, they just spoke to me. I’m gonna say that the rings just followed me home and can I keep them please? Think it’ll work?

Tory Burch’s statement necklace is too pretty to hide, so make sure you leave that fabulous
cardigan open. Alright, we’re near the end now, so I suppose I can tell you my sneaky little photog secret. The funky vintage camera is actually a pretty neat little iPhone case that actually allows you to take pictures! Pretty awesome right? I know! All in all, you’re now outfitted for a seriously awesome day, capering about and enjoying the balmy weather and sunshine. Enjoy!

1. Naked Princess Lovely Ever After Cashmere & Lace Chemise: The cashmere/micro modal blend is so soft and stretchy you may just find yourself dancing and singing the opening number to The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews. Just remember to blame it on Spring Fever should anyone give you strange looks. Don’t forget you’re wearing boots though, so keep those pirouettes to a minimum.

2. Linda Farrow Gold Frame Sunglasses: A girl can never have too many pairs of sunglasses and it’s always good to have options. Unless you’re hiding from the paparazzi, why not take a chance and show your face in this minimalist style? You’ll be happy you did years from now when you still have no crows feet, yet can be identified in pictures.

3. Esmeralda Cardigan | Women's Open Knit Odelya Cardigan: This cardigan has a lot going on. For example, the hemline is made to dangle in front, elongating your silhouette. That over-sized safety pin closure is just the perfect mix of punk with an otherwise safe wardrobe staple. It’s totally cozy and balances the exposure of the chemise with the snug coverage of it’s long sleeves and full back.

4. Tory Burch Resin Circle Statement Necklace: I love the way the colors dance and swirl in this necklace. It pairs up beautifully with the soft tones of the chemise and the shaded cardigan. Tory
Burch blends colors and gold so perfectly, it was difficult to narrow down my choice.

5. Fucci House Tiny Gold Pig Studs: It could be because I’ve gone Muppets crazy or maybe I just like swine, but these little piggies are so cute I couldn’t resist adding them in. Don’t tell Miss Piggy, she’s always scared me a little bit.

6. Gizmon iCA iPhone System: This fake-out camera actually comes with two phony lenses, so you can play the part to the max! I love that the shutter button on top is placed so that it actually takes pictures with your phone. Brilliant!

7. Lytess Slimming Capri: Lytess rocks. The shapewear is comfy, there are cosmetic advantages and the potential for weightloss! Seriously cool clothing. I was wearing it as an extra layer in the winter and now I’m happy to keep wearing it in the warmer weather too!

8. Kimberly McDonald 18K rose gold and diamond geode ring: Just a little bit of luxury to celebrate the changing seasons. That’s my justification and I’m sticking to it. Don’t judge me, it’s such a pretty ring!

9. Black Cashmere Purl Stitch Beret: Have you noticed I have a thing for hats yet? Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all Princess Beatrice on you or anything. We’ll keep them wearable and avoid anything that will get you taken down by homeland security as a potential alien life form.

10. Brown Leather Camera Bag: Isn’t it awesome? I would happily tote all of my myriad necessities around in this little bag! Don’t ask me why I have a hockey puck, tourniquet and package of cookies, just be grateful they all fit in the bag!

11. Yves Saint Laurent Arty gold-plated glass ring: This ring has some serious heft to it and we could probably pretend that it’s all part of your Spring exercise tune up. Just remember that when you’re counting your reps, as you lift that massive Starbucks, you’ll need to switch arms every
so often. We don’t want you looking like Popeye, now do we?

12. Frye Phillip Harness Tall: Tall boots with a harness and slightly distressed leather. Where have you been all my life? Go trekking through the mud or Urban muck in these beauties and add that
extra edge to another wise rather dainty little outfit.

So get yourself outside this weekend and enjoy the Spring, but don’t forget to bring your lingerie along for the ride.

Cheers,
Maggie (Blog Contributor for Bella Bella Boutique)

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