Summer Wardrobe Series: By The Water

Let's go to the beach each, let's go get a wave. 

Now that that's out of the way. On to the important stuff in this post: what to wear by the water. Summer is finally among us, and that means trips to the beach, lake, river, pool, or any body of water. You're not alone thinking that you have no idea what to wear! The girls at B&G want to make the packing list a little easier on you!

First, let's start with the item that you do not want to be without: a swimsuit! There are tons of bikinis that are in style this summer whether they have sequins, patterns, cute backs, or just your regular triangle top. Check out our previous post specifically on swimsuits! If you go to Target, you are sure to find something to suit your fancy! Another good thing about shopping at Target is there are always sales. I have bought plenty of swim suits from Target that have lasted me years.

If bikinis aren't what you feel comfortable in, don't feel discouraged! There are tons of cute tankinis if you want something to allow some sun on your back. Otherwise, there are always one pieces. I know what you're thinking right now. A one piece? No way! Well, I'm not talking about the ones that swimmers wear and get those awful X and O tan lines on their backs. (Trust me, it's taken me years to get rid of mine...) There are one pieces out there that have halters and are really cute! They might even be better if you're going to be in a lake doing jet skis and other things!

Floppy hats are becoming a must have on the beach these days! I recently bought one with my monogram on it. I love it for laying out by the water and reading a book. I didn't think it would make a difference of seeing my book, but I don't strain my eyes nearly as much! Not to mention the fact that I am saving the sun from hitting my face and causing wrinkles...

Another essential when hitting the water is a cover up. My favorite cover up is a dress that I found at TJ Maxx. It is a knee length dress that is towel material. It is a tube top type of dress with elastic around the breast to the waist. It is super cute over a bathing suit or alone with a cute set of flip flops! Really, any flowing dress is cute over a swim suit or without when by the water. I add flowing because we all have been sunburned before...The last thing you want to put on your sunburn is tight clothing...

*All pictures were found on Pinterest*

Stay fabulous and enjoy the water!

Morgan

www.thecollegebblogger.com

Get Organized!: Makeup

From make up to school supplies there are so many things that need organization. If you are anything like us here at B&G Designs, we have way too many things and it is nearly impossible to keep them all organized. This post is starting off our 'Get Organized!' series where we will share our tips and tricks on organizing almost every part of your life!

We are going to start with makeup. Many of us use it and have much more than we will ever use or run out of. How on earth can we organize it in a way where you can find everything you need when you need it?

If you love to craft, like most of us do, a magnetic make-up board might be the thing for you. As pictured (right), you can customize it and completely make it your own. This is a super handy way to not only organize, but see all the make-up you have without digging through numerous drawers. This is a simple way to increase your counter and drawer space which is especially essential when living in smaller housing, such as dorms or apartments, as a young adult. Even though the picture does not show this, to save even more counter space, buy a cup or pencil holder, add magnets to one side and use it to keep all of your make-up brushes on your board! These boards are definitely a popular pin on Pinterest and can make getting ready in the morning much easier! If you're interested in making your own, you can find instructions here.

If counter space is not much of an issue for you (jealous!), then this counter top organizer (left) might be a great option! While this does take up some space, it seems like it is one of the best ways to keep everything organized and in one place. With something as simple as this you can keep your eyeshadows separate from your lip glosses and your foundation separate from your mascara. This type of organization also makes everything easy to see. Having a place for everything will keep your counters tidy and make getting ready much easier.
These are only two suggestions on how to organize your makeup and are definitely not the only options. Depending on what space you have available and how large your collection is something else might work better. Hopefully this inspired you to get creative with your organization and will make your life easier!

xx. Brittany 
B&G Designs President/Co-Founder

Summer Wardrobe Series: Summer Dates

Summer is here, but what do you wear?

Lilly Pulitzer's summer collection is amazing this year. I had a shopping day there and I found so many great outfits. One of the outfits I found was this skirt (left top) in "She She Shells" and a pink ruffled top. I love this outfit because there is so much blue in the skirt that the pink from the top really makes the starfish in the print pop. For accessories you could do gold or silver, I chose to do my gold monogram necklace, gold Alex and Ani bracelets, and pearls. For shoes since I chose to go with the gold, I wore my gold Jack Rogers. This would be an outfit that I would like to wear out to a nice dinner on the pier.

This piece is more of an everyday look. This is simple to duplicate and very cute. The shorts featured in the picture (left middle) are J. Crew, sailboat patterned. The top is a simple blue jean shirt and the belt has a roped look that you can find at most trendy stores, like J.Crew, Gap, and Von Maur. Like any preppy lady she made this outfit complete with her silver Jack Rogers. Jack Rogers can be worn with anything. The nautical theme it looks very comfortable while still stylish it is great to wear for a daytime date to the farmers market, just around town whatever else your day may bring!

Navy. Navy seems to be the hot color this year. I mean look at this outfit (left bottom)! Along with the navy trend we are still seeing a lot of nautical themed pieces in the upcoming summer months. This outfit is very easy to duplicate. All you need are white jeans and a cute navy top (such as this one from Reiss outlet) to get this look. Now, accessories! The Michael Kors navy travel striped tote is adorable. It goes perfectly with this outfit as well as the other accessories in gold. The gold Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet accompanied by a Rita gold necklace, and a C. Wonders gold ring adorned with a navy anchor add the finishing touches to this outfit. Add some Kate Spade pearl earrings and gold Jack Rogers and your look is complete. This outfit is easily transition-able from day to night. It would be perfect for dinner on the terrace at the country club or a nice evening walk. It's comfortable, simple, and still adorably cute! 

Much Love,

Elizabeth & Brittany

Blogger

Ambassador Spotlight: Brook Clifford

Stephanie "Brook" Clifford

Birthday:
March 18, 1994

Where do you go to school? 
Northern Kentucky University

Why did you choose your school? 
Small class size, general feel of the campus and I received a full ride.

Major/minor? 
Journalism/Communication Studies

Where do you hope to be in ten years?
Finished with graduate school and employed by a University working my way up to higher administration.

What are some of your favorite things to do?
I love to read and write and like to try new things. I like being outside, like watching sports. Want to travel around the world.

What is your go-to fashion accessory?
Earrings, always.

If you had to pick one food to eat forever, what would it be?
Grilled chicken I guess.

What is your favorite part about B&G?
The people, they are great!

Why did you decide to apply to B&G?
I wanted a new experience & I love working in PR.

If you could be best friends with one celebrity, who would it be and why?
Ellen DeGeneres, does that even need an explanation?!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Not everyone can be the person you want them to be.

What’s one thing that will always make you smile?
Making other people genuinely happy.

Three interesting things about yourself:

1. I was born in Northern California.
2. I am incredibly picky food-wise & I hate cake.
3. I am recently re-obsessed with working out!

Much love,
Elizabeth
Blogger

Summer Wardrobe Series: Bathing Suits

Let's talk bathing suits.  Some people dread summer, because of bathing suit season.  Let me tell you, with our fashion industry today there is so many different styles of bathing suits that you won't dread it anymore. This Lilly bathing suit in "She She Shells" could be worn anywhere. The bright colors are perfect for a day at the pool or beach.  There are tons of new one piece's that are adorable. The one piece below is more nautical.  This bathing suit would be adorable with a large, floppy, navy beach hat.  Lots of people are going for the vintage look this summer.  There's vintage one-pieces and two-pieces.  I love the vintage look on people.  It's a fresh look that hasn't been around for awhile. The bikini on the right is adorable, the polka dots are simple but cute.

One of the biggest trends this summer (that has been going on for a while) are monograms! They're everywhere! From hats, to bandeau bathing suits, shorts, tanks, tshirts, frockets, headbands, purses jewelry, etc.  As some people say, "If it isn't monogrammed is it even yours?" Some of my favorite monogrammed looks are the beach hats. They're fun, flirty and just so dang cute! Another one of my favorite monogrammed looks are the monogrammed long champs.  Whoever came up with that idea is a genius.  So many people have long champs now, that it is fun to personalize your own to make it a little different.  You can do it as shown in the picture, or on the flap that closes it.

 Maxis. Maxi skirts and maxi dresses are a new fashion trend.  From J.Crew, to Francesca's, to Von Maur, to H&M, maxis are everywhere! You can find so many different patterns, colors, and fabrics.  Floral maxis are a big hit everywhere. You can put a simple top with it but still be able to wear it to fancy events.  Solid color maxi's such as black are a huge hit too.  You can put them with an extravagant top, or a simple top with lots of accessories.

Trends are always popping up everywhere. Keep your eye out for the newest summer trend!

Much Love,

Elizabeth

Blogger

J. Crew Chino Shorts

J.Crew Chino Shorts

How many of you all have a pair of  J.Crew chino shorts in your closet? I know I have multiple pairs.

Chino shorts seem to be the new style that everybody is obsessed with this spring and summer.  Why? Well it's simple. They're comfortable, not too short, not too long, and have cute colors and patterns. Why wouldn't you want to wear them?

They come in four different lengths: three inch, four inch, five inch, and seven inch. Personally I like the three and five inch shorts. Why? Well because if I'm trying to wear them to school they have to be longer, so the five inch works out perfectly! The three inch on the other hand is a good length to wear anywhere!

And what's even better that I know a lot of you ladies would love, is j.crew will monogram the shorts on their website when you order them! Now if that doesn't make you want to buy them, than I don't know what is! 

You can wear chinos with just about anything. Sweaters, simple solid colored tees, sweatshirts, or shep shirts.  For shoes you could wear any sandals, wallabies, sperries, even tennis shoes if you wanted!

So go online and get your own pair of chinos, and be the trendsetter in your area! 

Elizabeth
Blogger