College students: Fashionably step into that big interview

As the dreaded interview process begins for those graduating seniors, not only should resumes and profiles be created but that professional interview wardrobe should as well.

Unfortunately, whether we wish to believe it or not, dress truly is crucial in making that desirable first impression. Therefore, jeans, sneakers, sweatpants, and wrinkled shirts are not acceptable for an interview. Don't even try to wear those items.

Keep these wardrobe essentials in mind as you shop for that perfect outfit.

Women.

Two-buttoned suit. A suit is absolutely essential for any graduate school or job interview. Opt for a timeless, two-buttoned suit in either solid grey or black so it will never go out of style.
Make sure to take the suit to a tailor so it fits correctly because there is nothing worse than looking like you borrowed your friends’ suit.

While suits should be a splurge item so they will last for years, they really do come in a variety or price points to accommodate that graduate budget. Try Banana Republic, J. Crew, and, H & M for suit options.

Solid button-front shirt. A solid, button-front shirt that complements your skin tone, as well as your suit is crucial for an interview.

Make sure the shirt always is pressed, and structured to achieve the most professional look. Stop by Express or Gap for shirt options.

Black pumps. Do not even think about entering an interview in flats; therefore, every woman need s a pair of basic black pumps. Again, choosing something as timeless as possible is smart.

Make sure the heel is not too short, but also not too high. While 5.5 inch Christian Louboutins may be desirable for some people, a pair of 3 inch heels from Nine West also can be perfect for your interview.

Tote bag. A beautiful bag is necessary as you prepare for an interview because you will need something sophisticated to carry that resume and portfolio.

Again, a timeless tote bag should be a splurge item so it will last for years. However, beautiful and affordable bags also can be found at Target, Banana Republic, and Kohls.

Men.

Two-buttoned suit. Just like the women, a two-buttoned, classic suit in black, navy, or grey is necessary for any man. Just make sure the suit is tailored to fit perfectly.

The best part about a suit is you can mix and match it, and pair the blazer with jeans or the pants with a polo for a casual look. Try Banana Republic, Bacrach, or Boston Store for suit options.

White button-front shirt. Every man needs a basic white button-front shirt for a classic, sophisticated look. Again, just make sure it is as crisp as possible, and pair it with your favorite color tie for the interview.

Dress Shoes. Just like the above items, a perfect interview outfit cannot be complete without classic dress shoes. Opt for a more rounded-toe shoe for the classic, timeless look.

Also, make sure your belt always matches your shoes, and your socks match your pants.

Johnston & Murphy, Calvin Klein, and even Target have great dress shoe options.

Keeping the above fashion tips in mind will definitely impress an interviewer as you take that stylish step forward in life.

-B.

Spring Accessories for Men

Whether they like to think about it or not, men do need accessories, and believe me, there a few that stick out in my mind that are essential this spring.

1. Plastic Aviators. While it seems as if the classic wayfarers took over the planet last year, it's time to bring out those classic aviators again. Aviators are the absolute best way to give off that effortless, cool style.

2. Camera Bag. Yes, it is alright to have a man bag, especially if you desire that all around put together man look. Wear a cool, suede camera bag on your way to work, or for a casual walk in the park.

3. Boat Shoes, again. Good news, boat shoes are in again. Live your life on a cruise deck with colorful boat shoes this spring. Try them in a different color rather than brown, like red or blue.

*Make sure to keep these items in mind as you step into spring this season with style.

B

Oscars: My Picks for Best Dressed

Hey-

Let's face it, the Oscars really are just as much about the fashion as they are about celebrating fantastic films. Here are my picks for the top 5 best dressed woman:

1. Sandra Bullock.

Absolutely everything was stunning about Bullock. Her smile, hair, energy, the win:), and obviously the Marchesa gown. The beautiful hand-made embroidery on the bodice literally made her look like an elegant, tall drink of water. L.I.

2. Cameron Diaz.

Thanks to my love, Rachel Zoe, Diaz always looks stunning, and tonight was no exception. I'm pretty sure I hit the floor convulsing with her stunning Oscar de la Renta gown. It was effortless, chic, and classic movie star. Genius.

3. Demi Moore.

Zoe did it again. Moore's Atelier Versace gown screamed effortless glamour, and I'm pretty sure she looks better with age. Love her.

4. Penelope Cruz.

Not only is Cruz's accent insanely gorgeous, but her Donna Karen gown is as well. I especially loved her easy, somewhat messy updo to balance out the dramatics of the gown.

5. Kristen Stewart.

While I've never seen Twilight, Stewart definitely embraced her new found movie star potential in the navy, Monique Lhuillier (one of my favorites) gown. There's nothing I love more than a bare neck, and Stewart rocked that well.

While these woman held my spots for best dressed, there were many others that definitely could have been on the list as well.

Fashion was definetly a success at the Oscars this year!

-B-

NYFW

Hey Everyone!

My favorite designer, such as Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren, produced show stopping runway shows at New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Feb. 11 through Feb. 18.

To commemorate the last time the shows would be held in the Bryant Park tents, designers made sure to leave the legendary Garment District with a bang showcasing genius collections, and creating desirable must-have trends.

Fall off the runway, and incorporate my top five favorite trends into your everyday style next September:

1. Military Pieces.

It truly is time to join the fashion military. Everyone from Marc Jacobs to Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala's William Rast had fantastic military elements this season. Try a great camo pant, or cool, chic, military-inspired tote as you stroll the city.

2. Velvet.

Velvet accent pieces were seen all over the runway in jackets, dresses, and even sunglasses! While it may not be desirable to have an entire outfit consisting of velvet, make sure to incorporate little pieces of velvet in your wardrobe.

3. Capes and Ponchos.

Beware, the poncho is back. Try channeling your inner Carrie Bradshaw, and place a beautiful, black cape over a cool, embellished tops and black skinny jeans for a fashion night out.

4. Black is Back.

Fortunately, black is here to stay, especially black on black. Designers such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for The Row showed amazing black tops, jackets, and pants. Join PR powerhouse, Kelly Cutrone, and try pairing a black v-neck tee, blazer, and skinny jeans for effortless, amazing New York street style.

5. Fur.

Thanks to celebrities such as Rachel Zoe, the fur trend caught on last year, and will continue to be desirable through fall. Opt for jackets adorned with fur, or faux-fur, collars and sleeves to utilize the trend effectively.

Make sure to consider these trends next fall, and stay tuned for more trends from the London and Paris collections.

B

Step Into Spring.

Hello everyone,

Given the massive snowstorm Wisconsin is supposed to have tomorrow, I deemed it extremely appropriate to write about my top three spring trends. (Just to get ready for when the snow FINALLY decides to cease.)

Step into spring with these must-have trends:

1. Denim everything.
Denim really is making a comeback. Make sure to incorporate denim into your ensemble in other ways besides your jeans. I particularly love Forever 21's Denim Cadet Vest and Banana Republic's Indigo 3/4-Length Trenchcoat (I just saw this in the store and loved it!)

2. Neutral Tones.
Everyone from Donna Karen to Marc Jacobs showed off neutrals this season. Yes, you can still stand out when wearing neutral tones. In fact, if I see you walking down the street in neutral, I will stop and stare even more. Haha. Make sure to checkout Topshop (my favorite store) for greeattt neutral dresses and other pieces.

3. Florals. Of course.
As always, florals for spring are here to stay. You'll be sure to look as sweet and beautiful as a tulip by incorporating standout floral prints into your spring wardrobe. I personally love Gap's Mini-Floral Roll-Up Shirt and Target's Xhilaration Woven Dress

Stay tuned for my top spring trends for men as well!!

B

The Fashion Military

Hey everyone,

It seems as if military inspired pieces were one of the biggest trends on the NYFW Fall 2010 runways. Everyone from Marc Jacobs to Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala's William Rast had fantastic military elements.

I can actually remember being in high school and wanting military inspired, camo pants, which is quite a change from my hipster meets preppy style. But, I am 100% willing to try the military look again, especially after viewing the William Rast line. Everything was so wearable. I especially loved how J.T & Co. mixed the rock 'n roll elements with the military pieces. Genius. L.I.

So, gear up, it's time for all of us to embrace the trend, and join the fashion military.

Visit gq.com to view the entire Marc Jacobs and William Rast collections.

Stay tuned for more of my favorite trends from NYFW.

B

The New Olsen Twins

Alright, I'm going to be honest...I've basically loved the Olsen twins since I was born, ever since Full House.

While they are credited to many acting gigs along the way, I strongly believe their fashion and sense of style has made them who they are today-fashion moguls.

Today marked the day of the twins' presentation of The Row furing NYFW, and I must say, after looking at the photos, I was very impressed. Probably because I'm obsessed with black, and there was almost no color in the entire collection:)

I can't wait to see what these twins do next!!

B