A Salute To Our Troops

Hi Bel readers! Guess what?! It is almost Memorial Day weekend! Wahoo!

That means beaches, suntans, hot dogs, popsicles, barbecues, sunscreen (remember to always use an appropriate SPF!), and fun! 

However, this time of year...more importantly...reminds us to take a minute to thank our troops for protecting our nation and our freedom. Here at Bel Boutique, we wanted to extend a warm "thank you" to all of the men and women who have or are currently serving in any of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. We are forever indebted to your bravery. 

So while you are lounging in your inflatable pool, rocking some chic shades this weekend...be sure to think of all the heros who gave their lives to this nation. 

Happy Memorial Day! xo 

B is for Bandeau

Happy Monday Bel loves!  We hope that your weekends were utterly fabulous and that you are prepared for this upcoming week!

Have you started making plans for Memorial Day? We don't know about you all but here in good ole' Delaware this holiday weekend is due to be a stunning one full of sunshine and with golden rays come sweet little outfits. Some of our very favorite pieces in the boutique right now are super fun blouses that feature cutouts and pretty detailing...the only issue is that some these items aren't always "bra friendly"...which can be traumatic for women blessed with curves!

Don't worry though...we have you covered...literally. There is a wonderful little garment called the bandeau and it will solve all of your coverage issues. This strip of fabric, which is essentially a wider strapless bra, can fit over your choice of undergarment and will add a fun pop of color to your already great top or dress. Gone are the days of worrying about your underpinnings or having to pass on something that you love for fear of over exposure!

Naturally we have included some photos of this gem for your viewing pleasure...and we obviously have tons of color options here at the shop for you to choose from so grab your car keys and head on over!

We can't wait to see you! Until next time...xo

P.S.- What are your plans for this weekend...do you already know what you are wearing to your 'start of summer' events?! Please, please share with us! We love hearing from you!

A super cute cobalt blue outfit featured on the blog...I Shopped til I Dropped! See how a fun bandeau can add so much to a simple white button down!? 

While we tend to adore Camilla Belle...the bandeau look she wore to the premiere of Prada to Nada sort of missed the mark. This is an excellent example of how NOT to wear a bandeau unless you want to look like you have a patch of daisies sprouting on your chest. 

Looking to show off a little bit more of your bandeau...this look from the Elie Tahari Spring 2011 show is a wonderful example of how to do so! Select a flashy bandeau such as this metallic gold one and pair it with a more understated piece like a worn chambray shirt for a slouchy and summery look.

A sweet and pretty bandeau with delicate lace detailing is the perfect way to make a simple black tank more feminine. This look can be found on Styleminx.com.

A is for Asymmetric

Here it is Bel readers...the start of our "26 Letters of Summer Style" installment...please get out your notebooks and pencils because class is ready to start!

Asymmetry is all the rage this summer season...wether it is a hem, a neckline, or simply in detailing...if your ensemble isn't balanced, you are totally in style. Now we aren't suggesting you go out for a night on the town in some sort of crazy ensemble but to embrace this trend subtly. 

Here are some of our favorite examples to get you started thinking with an uneven state of mind... 

Cate Blanchett looking wildly chic in a bright royal blue asymmetric dress...see this trend can be done while fully embracing simplicity!

 In the DKNY Spring/Summer 2012 show for NYFW these wonderful tunic, asymmetric dresses were featured...all you truly need for summer now is this dress and a beach...and perhaps an umbrella (we support sun safety here at Bel).

Blogger, Natalie Joos looking effortlessly fashionable waiting for the Mui Mui show to begin
during Paris Fashion Week.

The Leotie skirt by Sanctuary is simply perfect in a pretty hue and crinkled chiffon...the outfit possibilities with this  piece are seriously endless...I think I need this now.

Selena Gomez...so young yet so fashionable.

A bright and happy Tommy Ton skirt to wrap up this series of luscious images. As usual, you are
welcome for this eye candy feast.  

Now go and dress yourselves in your most favorite asymmetric piece of attire. 

Class is dismissed...well until next time anyway. Happy summer! 

Loving on Our Momma's

Here at Bel Boutique we just adore our momma's and are so excited to celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday!

Our gifts are boxed up and wrapped in style...if you aren't quite on this step you have no need to fret! Here are some last minute tips on presents that would be perfect for that special woman in your life!

• A Bel Boutique Gift Card
• Let's be real...who doesn't love picking out their own present?! With gift cards available in any denomination you can let her select just the thing she has had her eye on whether it is a cute top or a bold accessory. 

• Pandora...You already started the obsession you might as well keep it going!
• Truly, you can never go wrong with a Pandora charm. Not only are the charms beautiful, they have sweet meanings attached to them! Plus the fact that you picked one for her will score you some major "brownie points". You are welcome. 

• A luxurious Brighton necklace
• Not to brag or anything but we just began to carry Brighton and couldn't be happier! This is great news for you because chances are that she would love a sparkling statement piece of jewelry to pair with all of her summer basics and Brighton has just the thing! Their stunning stones and craftsmanship make receiving a necklace from them a total treat. 

P.S. - Be sure to send us photos of the amazing ways that you spoiled your mothers this weekend!

The 26 Letters of Summer Style

As you all know, we are heading full steam into the summer season and since we love you all so much we would hate for you to not be fully aware of the hottest trends for the upcoming months. After agonizing for hours over how to properly inform everyone...the ladies at Bel finally came up with an extremely brilliant idea!

Over the next few months we will be introducing a series of posts entitled "The 26 Letters of Summer Style". These bits of advice will keep you fashionable as the temperatures rise and we all flock to the beach...please feel free to applaud at any point.

Image via Fashoinizers

Until next time, feast your eyes on a preview of some amazing fashion that will be featured in "The 26 Letters of Summer Style".

Anthropologie for Summer 2012

J.Crew for Spring/Summer 2012

J.Crew for Spring/Summer 2012

Style via Pocket Friendly Fashion

Image via agirllikeme.com

Stripes, Stripes, Stripes

Vertical, horizontal, nautical, chunky, thin...if it is a stripe it is totally in. The fashion gods have deemed any sort of linear detail right on trend for this summer. Possibly influenced by what is sure to be a scorching season any stripe will do.

Feeling bold...try combining two different stripes in one ensemble! Sound crazy? Don't worry we would never lead you astray...we love you too much for that.

So don't be left out this summer...be sure to hop on-board the striped bandwagon!

P.S.- Craving some inspiration? Here are some luscious 'stripey' examples to get your creative fashion sense going!

Alexa Chung looking super sweet in Brenton...such a great way to wear stripes in an understated way! 

A stunning way to combine various types of stripes as shown by Daisy Lowe while taking in the beauty at Paris Fashion week.

Favim.com shows a chic and slouchy way to rock your stripes.

 

It is Fendi...we really don't even have to say anything else.

Jessica Szhor looking stunning in this multi-stripe number...see we told you that you can mix and match stripes effectively...just proceed with caution! 

This Marc Jacobs jumper is sweet and poppy with it's fun mix of colors!

Moschino showing stripes, stripes, stripes. 

Will The Real Calvin Klein Please Stand Up?

Counterfeiting. It is a major issue that has plagued the fashion world for years and is only growing in intensity...but this spring, 75 world-renowed designers teamed up to combat this awful and illegal trend.

Creative geniuses such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Peter Som, Badgley Mischka, and Diane Von Furstenberg launched 75 major 'fashion missiles' on the counterfeiters of the world...in the form of handbags that read, "You Can't Fake Fashion".

These wonderful totes, satchels, hobos, and clutches (just to name a few) were sold via eBay's Fashion Vault beginning on March 20nd, 2012...and sold out in half an hour.

An auction like this is not the first of it's kind...events and charities to increase consumer's knowledge regarding the trade of illegal goods have been increasing just as swiftly as the production of fake Burberry bags.

So arm yourself with as much information as you can and help spread the word. After all...why would you ever try to compete with these stunning designs.

Peter Som for the You Can't Fake Fashion Campaign 

Libertine for the You Can't Fake Fashion Campaign 

Dana Lorenz for the You Can't Fake Fashion Campaign 

The Row for the You Can't Fake Fashion Campaign 

Kate Spade for the You Can't Fake Fashion Campaign 

Rachel Roy for the You Can't Fake Fashion Campaign 

Blake Mycoskie of Toms for the You Can't Fake Fashion Campaign