CROWN ME PLEASE

You may remember Lauren Conrad as the fresh faced girl from MTV's reality shows Laguna Beach and The Hills. But after this weekend, you may remember her as the designer of some of your favorite fall pieces. Lauren's new contemporary line launches this Saturday and is called "Paper Crown". The line is comprised of on-trend basics like leather shorts, silk blouses in blush tones, slouchy blazers, tight cocktail dresses, tiered ruffled maxi dresses (a Conrad staple) and short, flouncy, belted dresses. I would describe Paper Crown as sweet and innocent, just like Lauren herself. Paper Crown will be sold at Nordstrom, Ron Herman, Fred Segal and Planet Blue, among several other department stores and specialty boutiques.

FRIENDS+BENEFITS+STYLE

If you've been watching TV, picked up a magazine lately, or have a girlfriend/wife, then you know all about the buzz surrounding the new movie "Friends with Benefits". The romantic comedy, (code for corny), stars the not-so-hard-to-look-at Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake. I must admit, if it wasn't for the fact that the movie itself was shot in NY and the stars are HOTTT together, I wouldn't have paid to see it. Oh wait, I didn't pay - thanks LINDZ! Anyway, it turned out to be a surprisingly funny, charming, and sexy movie! However, what I enjoyed the most was the FASHION! GUYS - if you get nothing else from this movie besides a bedtime "Thank You" from your girl for taking her to see it, take notes on J.T.'s wardrobe! He was effortlessly handsome and well groomed. A chino pant, button down shirt and tie, goes a looooooong way. A dark denim paired with a black polo shirt couldn't be a better outfit for a night in with your "friend with benefits". I mean, come on! J.T. made looking good so easy, I almost forgot he was the star of a horrible boy band. Oh, and let's not forget about his gorgeous co-star Mila Kunis! Her looks were fun, sexy, and professional - which unfortunately, most working women can't pull off as easily. As women we have to be very careful with what we wear to work, not too sexy, not too boring. Thankfully, Mila's character found the happy medium in the movie. Here are some of my favorite looks!

 Don't forget to check out their hilarious interview and gorgeous shoot in this month's issue of Elle!

          *photos via Elle.com*

FOR THE CLOTHES MINDED

Every now and then fashion takes my breath away. Introducing......

 

             T A y ˩ ● ᴚ ’D
             New York

                                                                                  

 I recently had the pleasure of meeting the the Creative Director behind this New York based brand, Ray Mckie. Ray along with Anthony Taylor, the luxury brand's brilliant designer, have brought art to life. Anthony caters to the expressive needs of consumers on a personal level. Interestingly enough, each piece is unisex and inspires individuality. Anthony's work was most recently featured in Elle Vietnam.

Looking forward to seeing their stunning collection walking down the runway soon! www.taylord.us

BE OUR GUEST....

 For most of us summer time means sun, beach, and bbq's. However, it can also stand as code for thee dreaded "WEDDING SEASON".  Key the Wedding March music and get your credit cards ready for swiping. First you receive the save the date magnet, followed by the formal invitation, as the date comes closer, the panic sets in. What to wear to all of the "pre-game" events and what gifts to buy?? There are engagement parties, bridal showers, bacherlorette parties, and finally the actual wedding reception. Personally, I have the honor of attending four weddings this summer. I've already survived two of them, two more to go! So, after much observation during all of these festivities, I have some advice to pass on to my lucky summer wedding guests......

The "I DO's"

1. Wear a bright color

2. Go for a shorter length

3. Cold shoulder silhouettes are trending

4. Pack a travel size deodorant, blotting cloths, mini bar bottles in your clutch

The "I Do NOT's"

1. Wear florals (wearing florals to a wedding is as expected as wearing them for Spring)

2. Wear Silk (unless you want us to see exactly where your sweat glands are)

3. Wear uncomfortable shoes then change into flip flops (keep a pair of chic flats in your car for emergencies ONLY)

4. Wear tight dresses that does not fit your body! (Accentuate your best assets)

Lastly, fellas - keep it simple. Tailored suit, tie, fresh haircut, clean shoes, and a nice handkerchief to wipe your sweaty forehead. 

Here are a few of my favorite looks for the ladies....

Maggie London $65.50

Adrianna Papeli $65.90

Aqua $68

Bar III $59

BCBGeneration $118

Chequer Ruffle Dress $144

DKNY $192.50

CONGRATS to our friends Brian & Veronica!

  

JUNE STYLE LETTER

 

June 29, 2011                    Happy Summer Everyone! I have recently become addicted to a few fashion blogs. I consider them to be my "daily cup of coffee". One of my favorites is Refinery29. They seem to find the perfect mix to fashion, art, and culture. But even more impressive is they write specifically for NY, LA, Chicago, and SF. I highly reccommend you make this website you daily cup of coffee if you live in any of those cities, or plan on visiting them. http://www.refinery29.com recently posted thier Top Summer Essentials, and I couldn't agree more! Here are a few of my faves!                                                                                                                                                                         *All photos via http://www.refinery29.com*                                       Bernadette Carrasco                         Personal Wardrobe Stylist                         WWW.BMCSTYLE.COM                         WWW.TWITTER.COM/BMCSTYLE                         WWW.BMCSTYLE.COM/BLOG

                                               

A NIGHT OF BEAUTY & NETWORKING 6/30/11

Elite Networking is hosting a fab event tomorrow at 1764 San Diego Avenue #130! Women's night of networking and Beauty, Free Make up applications and eyebrow touch ups by A Robert Cromeans Salon, free personal style tips by Bernadette from BMC Style. Tegan Taylor Trio is playing their mix of jazz, pop, and swing. Ladies, come mix and mingle 6-8 pm!

LA LA Land

Here are two must-sees for me during my next visit to L.A. I know, I know, so artsy fartsy of me but I thought I'd share nonetheless. Deal with it.

We all know that downtown L.A. hasn't always been a pretty place, to put it kindly. However, since the building of L.A. Live (located across from Staples Center), high rise condos, and retail space - DTLA is surely on the come up! Now that the area has a little more buzz going, their "Art Walk" event that takes place every second Thursday of the month, has become more popular as well. The first Art Walk began back in 2004 with approximately 70 visitors, now they average around 3,ooo! Live street artists, galleries, music, fashion, and of course food trucks are some of the attractions you can expect to see!

Next up on my LA agenda is the controversial "Art in the Streets" exhibit at the MOCA. “Art in the Streets will be the first exhibition to position the work of the most influential artists to emerge from street culture in the context of contemporary art history,” said MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch. I can't think of a better way to learn about the history of street art, the writings on the wall.