HAPPY HOLIDAYS + WARBY PARKER

Hi!! Taking a quick break from my working sabbatical to check in with you guys! Oh I hope you are SO WELL and enjoying this holiday time with your most favorite people and doing your most favorite things.. I've have been tacking up the snapshots of our Christmas adventures over on Instagram.

I'll be kicking off this holiday party season at Tony's company party and then at a fun little soiree sponsored by The Bitter Southerner and Warby Parker at the Atlanta store.  I was super excited when the folks over at Warby Parker asked me to help spread the word about the launch of the newest collaboration. 

The Concentric Collection, which introduces three new styles, alongside a new color, Whistler Grey - makes its appearance not a moment too soon, just about the time our heavy layers could use a little zing. The latest looks are all about complement and contrast, with a bit of luxury and a subtle dash of color. 

YES and YES PLEASE. 

As a fellow "four eyes" (they are much better than two), I'm always admiring and on the look out for stylish and statement spectacles. I've been wearing glasses since I was eight years old, and  I've pretty much decided I'll never wear contacts. I've grown quite accustomed to the smart sexy librarian look? Umm.. 

The Concentric Collection focuses on eyeglasses styles and sunglasses styles.  I Will be drooling over trying on a few pair and especially that crystal pair - which must come home with me I think are my favorite.

Which pair would you wear? Going to any fun parties? 

Not compensated for this post. I just thing these specs are super cute. Experience a day in the life of Warby Parker

xxB

P.S. Just like all of their existing collections, for every pair sold, they distribute a pair to someone in need through their non-profit partners. 

SIX FALL SHOES YOU'LL WEAR FOREVER

hunter original short wellies | kilty moccs | tieks ballet flats

I have plans for a bit of fall cleaning and a purge for the closet.  I don't do a lot of shopping for  clothes/shoes (for myself) but a couple times a year, I pick up or replace a few things to get me through the season.. And in between I drop mad hints (for hubby) on the blog for gift ideas and such. As I get older, I'm spending less on trendy items and leaning in the direction of classic, quality items I can keep and wear for a long time…

I picked up a few items on sale over the Labor Day weekend which had me thinking of these shoes, I'd love to add to my wardrobe. A "shoe bucket list" if you will..

I have a few of these already and some I'm still stalking *shakes piggy bank*… 

1. Short Wellies

I have tall ones, but would really like the shorter version in black. I think you'd get a lot more wear out of them.. Its a rainy night and my legs are currently sweating in these tall rain boots:-/ The Hunter Original Short Wellies are well made and will be in your closet for ever (and hopefully mine).

2. Moccasins 

I saw a chic on the playground pushing her little one on the swing in some super cute mocs. I've been stalking them ever since. I was able to score munchkin some (sale) Minnetonka fringe boots last year (which she has already outgrown). These Kilty flats would be just right for mama. 

3. Ballet Flats

There's a theme here: stylish AND comfortable. Which you think is inherent in all ballet flats - NOT SO. I can attest to the fact that all are not made equal. I have some super cute flats that kill my toes. You can't go wrong with a comfy ballet flat in any color. And these snake print ballet flats are stylish and a classic print/texture, and as I understand it - feel like heaven on your feet. I want to go to heaven.  

animal print loafers | frye black leather booties | all black or all white converse all stars

4. Loafers/Drivers
Every shoe closet needs a splash of  animal print. Apparently wildly popular - I'm actually having trouble tracking down a pair in stock..

5. Leather Booties
A bit on the pricey side (for my piggy bank anyway) these comfortable, attractive, and sturdy  Frye Leather Boots would be a staple in any closet. Kinda biker chic in my opinion, but I'm envisioning a button down, some skinny pants and an oversized cardigan (to start)… Saving up for these babies..

6. Converse All Stars
Self Explanatory.

Now these are just the cute and comfy.. I'd actually probably add a cute stiletto bootie for date night?

Did I leave anything out? What are your fave Fall shoes? Can you tell I'm already obsessed with Fall?

I think this list is good enough to save and SHARE:-)

xxB

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PLAYGROUND POLISHED: 5 MINUTE MANICURE

So I've been doing a much better job these days of giving myself a little mani in lieu of getting an actual manicure at the salon. Not unlike most mamas I'm washing my hands a gazillion times a day, and it just feels like a waste when the polish is looking all chippy after day 2 and who has time to scrounge up nail polish remover and take polish off. Instead, I've found the perfect pale pink shade of polish barely noticeable when it starts to chip leaving me plenty of time to get back around to giving myself a little refresh. So my nails look pretty clean and crisp most of the time (pats self on back).

That was my round about way of saying, Here's my 5 minute manicure routine!!

What You Need:

Nail File
Olive Oil
Base Coat
Perfect light Pink Shade of Polish
Clear Top Coat

What to do:

Step One: File underneath nails with emory board - Makes them rounder and not sharp.

Step Two: Oil the cuticles with a bit of olive oil. I don't do any pushing back, but just rubbing around. I actually just wipe off the excess oil with a baby wipe:-)

Step Three: I've been using Essie's Grow Stronger as a base coat. Just one coat.

Step Four: Apply Color. One swipe down the right, One down the left, then in the middle, and then the tip.  Let dry for a minute, then apply another coat.

Step Five: After two days or so, apply a top coat to keep it fresh for the rest of the week.

Now about those hang nails.. another story for another day…

I'm a big fan of Essie polish. They do a really good job with the range of colors and is pretty affordable. I've tried Madmoiselle, and Ballet Slippers, but  Essie Sugar Daddy is quite the perfect nude shade of pink. Definitely my all time favorite, and looks gorgeous on all skin tones.

What is that on my skirt? who knows after a day of this and this with the littlest.

At any rate, This is super easy to do and I leave the polish on my little kitchen cart so that if I have a spare 5 mins I can give myself a quick mani before heading off to the play ground..

Whats your "go to" nail polish brand/color?

xxB

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GIRL CRUSH: LUPITA NYONG'O

Beauty, Style, Intelligence, Grace, Talent. This list goes on. Totally Crushing on this lady.

I don't usually talk race, but this Forbes article has me feeling some kind of way about Ms. Nyong'o. And this heartfelt and personal story on the business of being beautiful inside stirred so many emotions within me it stole my breath. It excites me beyond measure to have this beautiful young woman blazing a path for all young women and especially women of color. I could not wait to show munchkin pictures of this Academy Award winner and have her hear the eloquent and beautiful acceptance speech she gave.  I will admit although I have been following her this awards season I had not seen the movie. I try to steer clear of movies that will make me burst into tears in the theatre (or make me want to throw things at the screen). But I hear its being re-released this weekend. I'm eager to make sure I see this woman and her amazing style not only on the red carpet and in magazines but in her acting debut.

So excited for her, and wishing her continued success.

What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion, for yourself and for those around you - Lupita Nyong'o


Did you see Twelve Years a Slave? What do you think of Lupita Nyong'o?

xx,
Bunnie

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p.s. in case you missed her speech, you can watch it here. you have to.

BOYFRIEND JEANS - THE NEW "MOM JEAN"

See Fabienne. I told you. My jeans are supposed to be baggy. Well those weren't my exact words, but I'm really excited about the return of this casual denim.

Don't get me wrong on a good skinny day, I'm proud to rock the skinny jean. HOWEVER, Halloween and the delicious festivities that followed have left my quest for high school skinny on quite the hiatus.

I'm thinking these could be a welcome (more comfortable) replacement and quite possibly the new and improved Mom Jean. Definitely a step up from these.

I don't claim to be a fashionista by any stretch. But I try to give the appearance that I've taken a bath and gotten an adequate amount of rest.  Concealer, lipstick, and riding boots - oh and sunglasses usually do the trick.

Scoured the web to find out just how to rock these bad babies in the colder months. Pull them on over some tights add a scrunch or fold over a chunky boot (e.g. UGGS) or some booties and voila!

Kinda have a mom crush on Jessica Alba and Sarah Jessica Parker -  always effortlessly flawless right?

If you're interested and don't already own a pair - check out these at HandM, Gap, and this Current Elliot pair is a bit pricey but if you're into that sort of thing:-)

If I get myself together maybe I'll put my own look together and link up with baby shopaholic for a mamanista friday!

what's your vote MAMALISCIOUS or no?

xx,
Bunnie

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STYLE BOOK {FALL STAPLES}

I realized my glasses are missing in action. They are either in the bottom of the garbage can because little h decided they needed to be disposed of or somewhere in this house.. a toy bin, a drawer?!!  So In my search for a new pair of frames, I decided that I'm pretty sure I need a major wardrobe over haul. Logical deduction..

In a perfect world, I'd get up early (run, meditate, shower... hahahahaha) - pull on classic, comfy, and warm wardrobe staples every day and add a little flair - before dashing out to drop the munchkin off at Kindergarten and get into whatever messiness little h and I have planned for the day. A hot pink lip, a funky hair clip.  Oh and this crush worthy messy ponytail (which might require some extensions, but you get the jest).. YES PLEASE.  And these cords would fit perfectly in all the right places:-)  This looks a bit dressy on first glance, but I'd totally put my puffer vest over it and a chunky scarf (and these sneaks I've been eyeing for ages) and rock this to the play ground..

I said in a PERFECT WORLD...

So those Cat Eye frames are super sexy right?

I'd be interested in your input on what you'd add to your closet? 

Oh! shop these items here:
Cords | Frames | Nail Polish | Gingham Top | Shoes | Lipstick | Ponytail Holder

xx,
Bunnie

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p.s. see more of my hair crushes here and my virtual dream closet here:-)

What to Wear On your Next Play Date: Mommy Street Style

rugby shirt dress // canvas cooler tote // round frame glasses sunglasses
african beads necklace // ballet flat

I'm one of those moms who tries to look her best (i dont mean a prom gown) even on the play ground (I feel you judging me). I take all meetings with Sesame Street on in the background (that's what mute is for) or with a toddler on my lap (even in person). Its what I've always wished for. But when you are talking to toddlers all day it helps (my self esteem) to put on some blush and cute shoes. 

I actually have this dress from my favorite boutique (tar jay) and its super versatile. Its getting pretty hot here so I just shove the sleeves up. I also linked to Target Sunglasses because thats where I always cop mine. Until little people can stop chewing and throwing them, these are in my price range. Plus they are super cute:-) 

Someone PLEASE GIFT ME THIS BAG!! It is big enough for all of the madness that I need to have with me at all times (change of clothes, inhalers, graham crackers...) has a cooler on the bottom which I will most definately need for milk and sippy cups and bloody mary's!! 

Always the messy bun (with bangs) cause its easy and makes me feel like the ballerina I should have been.

Do you like to look cute on the playground or is it just me? Its okay, I wont tell anyone.

xx,

Bunnie.

The Perfect Ballet Flat

dress

NO COMPROMISE ON FASHION

I'm on the hunt to find the perfect ballet flats. I must admit I could live and die in them. In my old age (and being forced to carry another person around quite regularly) I prefer to be low to the ground. Long gone or the days of sashaying to brunch in super sexy platforms (I save those for date nights and special occasions - sad but true).. So the goal for me is to find cute AND comfortable, which isn't always the easiest task.

What Do You Want for Mothers Day {NO SHAME} ??

Pushing our WiFi to the brink tonight running all laptops and iPads while playing Words With Friends on the phones. What in the world would we do without all of these gadgets??

Speaking of which - Ahem. Mothers Day. Just around the bend. Oddly, I'm not that into gadety things. As long as I can use it to watch my favorite show, listen to music, and take some good pictures of the munchkins - I'm all over it.

But I digress... I used to use the blog (back in my Pearls and Khakis days) to send subliminal images to H's about what gifts he should be considering for any upcoming holidays or special occasions.

Thinking I'll give that a try again. Or I'll just try the direct approach:

SIMILAR Earrings/ Leather Shoes /Handbag / Bracelet/ Engraved Necklace / Cat Eye Sunglasses/ Stationery

As for gadget overload, dont worry...We will shut it all down in time to snuggle up and watch the latest episode of Scandal.

What shows do you like to snuggle up and watch with your hubby/boyfriend/boo thang?

xx,
Bunnie

P.S.   H - Some good chocolate and a JCrew Gift Card is also acceptable:-)

Valentines Wish List

1Heart Scarf/ 2 Bow Dress/ 3 Intimates/ 4 Heart Sweater/ 5 Earrings/ 6 Earbuds

Giving hubby a few hours to his self this afternoon. Hoping he'll use this as a map:-)  

Impromptu Soiree - Holiday Cocktails

(sources: 1/2/3/ 4/5/6/7 /8/9)

I actually dont have a one fancy Holiday Party to go to this year (Woe is me). But just in case I get a last minute call, I know exactly what to wear. Here are a few items that i can pick up in hurry and shine myself up (like a new penny).  A trip to Target, Anthropologie and a few items from my closet and I am ready to paint the town.

Ann Mashburn Luxury for Less

I've been crushing on her from afar. I'm kind of trying to wait until I lose all the baby weight before I treat myself with my gift certificate to Ann Mashburn. No sense in buying skinny jeans that will be baggy in a couple of months (i hope) right?!

She has a self proclaimed "Tom Boy" style, which she fems up with a hot pink (Revlon - Wild Orchid) lipstick that I ran out immediately to get when I saw it... I'm TOTALLY IN LOVE with her "grown up classics".

I realize all of these things may not be "in season" but I've never claimed to be a fashionista. I just like what I like.  Now I wouldnt wear sandals in winter (even if it were warm enough), but I'd wear a hot pink shirt if I liked it and it was warm.. but I digress.

On a quest to find Luxe for Less (i.e. use my certificate most efficiently:-) . Here's what I came up with:

9 Ann Mashburn Finds for Under $200

Ann Mashburn Luxury by bunnie-hilliard featuring crewneck sweaters

Gingham Top  $175 / Crewneck sweater  $165/ Cigarette Jeans $169 / Leather Bracelet $70/ Umbrella $95 / Cashmere Scarve $145 /Books My Mother's Clothes $25 / Ann Mashburn Turtleneck $165/ Books 6 Fairy Tales $25 / Sid Mashburn Large African Beads /Books I Love Your Style $25

Playground Polished - Mommy Style

I must admit, I do make a special effort to look like a real grown up most days even if I'm just going to be on the playground with my munchkin that day. Mainly because these days, I'm not so impressed with whats going on underneath my clothes (6 month old and 15 pounds to go). I must admit i do have some what of a uniform. It takes the guess work (and ironing)out. In case you care.. 

Here is my magical equation:

Most of these things serve at least a dual purpose.  See details below:

1. For flair. Short Trench jacket (Coach)
2. For comfort, no ironing, does not show drool/milk. 
    Dark long sleeve t shirt (Jcrew)
3. Camouflages lack of sleep.
   Dark Over-sized Sunglasses/ House of Harlow 1960
4. Self explanatory - Messy Bun 
5. No muffin top. high waisted skinny jeans (Citizens of Humanity)
6. Cute and comfy.ballerina shoes (Tory Burch) 
7. Because I'm a bag snob. crossbody bag (Marc by Marc Jacobs) 
8. Yes please. Cashmere Cotton Blend Scarf (Banana Republic)

This collection will take you through the fall and most of winter here in the South. I do not own these actual items although I wish I did. Hopefully my husband will read this post in its entirety as Christmas is around the corner (insert Puss in Boots eyes)...