2 Comfy & Stylish Sandals

This post is dedicated to all the ladies out there that either prefer, or are forced, to wear orthotics but don't want to sacrifice on style! The combination of comfort and style is generally incredibly difficult to achieve and so we thought it best to let you in on our Stegmann sandal secret! 

Two styles, in two metallic shades, arrived late on Thursday and it's safe to say every BB woman was excited! We've since all taken home a pair and sold a few more so I thought it best write this while we still have them in stock...

A spring/summer collection, these sandals are focused on delivering comfort without sacrificing on style. German design and made from 100% leather the two sandals offer soft leather uppers, padded insoles and super flexible wearing outsoles. The soles of the styles themselves mould and move with your foot. 

Ali from Ali Kay Style recently purchased a pair of our metallic pearl slides (see her picture below) and said "they are the perfect shade of metallic and are incredibly comfortable but so on trend. Think I am a little in love!!"

Image via Ali Kay Style on Instagram

1. Pearl Crossover Leather Slide $119.95: Shop Now

2. Silver Crossover Leather Slide $119.95: Shop Now

3. Gold Leather Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

4. Rose Gold Leather Strap Sandal $119.95: Shop Now

It's scary to say but it's one sleep until Spring! Yes...that means it's sandal season - time to book in for those pedicures and get that tanning regime started! Armed with one of these styles you'll at least be motivated to start one of the two!

4 Ways to Stylishly Wear One Dress

This post takes one of our favourite new arrivals the "Black Tee Dress" for $69.95 and shows you how to style it four ways! 

Now don't get me wrong, this style can certainly be worn more than four ways BUT I have a golden rule when it comes to shopping. Before I buy something, online or in-store, I take a minute to think "can I wear it four different ways?", or if buying separates I ask, "does this go with four things in my wardrobe?".

HOWEVER, of course this rule flies out the door if I "have to have it", "need it for an occasion" or can't imagine life without it...Feel free to use the rule at your own discretion - don't let it deter you from ALL of the impulse purchases because they're what make late night shopping in your sweatpants fun!

1. LOOK ONE - EVERYDAY

1. Light Wash Denim Jacket $69: Shop Now

2. Roc Miranda Sunglasses $89.95: Shop Now

Lightweight, easy to wear and crease-free this style is ideal for everyday (or weekend wear if your 9-5 calls for corporate glam)! Throw it on with a denim jacket to achieve that extra bit of casual cool. As this piece is fabricated from polyester/elastane it means you'll stay crease free all day!
This look can help you run errands, glide through school drop-off like a breeze or brunch and lunch with girlfriends.

2. LOOK TWO - GOING OUT

1. Animal Zip Clutch - Zebra $135: Shop Now

Heading out for dinner and drinks? It's time to accessorise! If you're feeling a bit feminine, add a belt to cinch the waist and then pair with monochrome accessories. This formula will help you achieve simple chic.
BUT, because this dress is basic and black you have free reign to go wild! Why not try adding some colour or a bit of bohemian bling? Try heels for dinner and drinks, wedges for parties on the grass and sandals or flat boots for a BBQ at home!

3. LOOK THREE - BEACH TO BAR

I can almost feel the Santorini breeze kissing my cheeks when I look at this ensemble. Too far? A girl can dream...
This look was styled with from "Beach to Bar" in mind. Black may not conventionally remind you of summer but this fabric will, it's certainly a quick dry style. Lightweight enough for the beach, but not see through - SO you can easily carry on to the bar!
Throw on a Panama Hat and you'll be screaming "Hello european summer", but don't worry ours is just around the corner! 

4. LOOK FOUR - TRANS-SEASONAL STYLE

1. Navy Linear Scarf $29: Shop Now

2. Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now

Finally, if you're not seeking summer you can still style this tee dress up for the trans-seasonal, or even, the end of winter period! Easily pair this shift style with a scarf and felt fedora to instantly shield you from the chillier temperatures. If you're inclined to get cold more often than I do (I write this whilst wearing a summer dress) then I also suggest a knit jacket and tights! 

Check out my favourites, both warm and both on sale, below:

1. Aztec Tiger Cardigan $50: Shop Now

2. Monochrome Knit Jacket $50: Shop Now

Well there we have it, one dress and four ways to wear:

Which way would you wear?

FINAL TIP: If you're sold and you go to buy this dress - when in doubt size down! This style is slightly oversized so keep that fact in mind.

Aloha from Hawaii

Well it's been a week...reality has set in and I've well and truly slumped into post-holiday depression (first world problems I know). But, they say the best thing to do is recount your experiences and well, plan your next holiday! At the moment I'm thinking it could be a fabulous plan to escape every Australian winter and head to a tropical destination instead. Could I call it market research?

But first I'll take a step back and give you some of my tips and suggestions, rookie errors and favourite moments from Hawaii. Aloha to the sunshine, salt and sand...

Tips & Suggestions:

• Use Hawaiian Airlines
  If you're stuck trying to find a hotel I suggest jumping onto the Hawaiian Airlines website. We booked our flights and hotel stay as a package and managed to get it cheaper than any where else. However, even though it is an Australian website the prices are still in USD. We got a little bit over excited and then realised a bit further down the track. There's plenty of other options when booking your stay but for a couple that haven't traveled much this was easy, fast and reliable.
• Do stay at The Modern Honolulu!
  
  This was our hotel for the whole duration of our stay and it was so beautiful! 5 star rating (reasonable pricing - we got every 4th night free), cocktails by the pool, comfortable yet beachy decor. It's not right in the middle of Waikiki so you beat the hustle and bustle but it's certainly not too far. One quirky fact is that the hotel smells amazing, they had their own 'hotel scent' fabricated and it is divine - the essence of Plumeria. It has now taken to the top of my list as favourite Island scent

The Rooms (Image from The Modern Honolulu)

Our View from the Room

Daybeds by the Pool

• Eat local!
  Sure we tried our fair share of American eats but when you're in your togs and on the beach there's only so many cheeseburgers you want to stomach for the fear of sinking...My personal favourite was a cafe not far from our hotel - GOOFY Cafe & Dine.
  Their tagline was "Local First, Organic Whenever Possible" and it truly made a difference. Great service and delicious fresh food! It's safe to say that we went there a couple of times.

What's island living without an Acai Bowl?

Eggs Benedict with Taro Potato and Kale

Omlette, brown rice and kale - delicious!

• Visit Pearl Harbour -
  I found the experience moving and educational. I would suggest reserving your tickets online the day before as the USS Arizona Memorial only has 2000 tickets a day. Not booking online means getting up earlier, not being guaranteed a ticket and having to wait for your time slot which could be a couple of hours. We opted not to do a tour because we prefer to do things in our own time and it turned out to be a lot cheaper. We also did the USS Missouri experience which proved to be worth the entry cost! If you don't mind a selfie get involved on the #BattleshipSelfie.

USS Arizona Memorial 

#BattleshipSelfie

• Catch Public Transport!
  Depending on your disposable income or holiday budget, catching the bus can be one easy way to save money! Consider Pearl Harbour - public transport was only $2.50 each, each way, as opposed to $40 each for tour packages. The travel time was relatively the same and we were relaxed as we didn't have time constraints!
• Be a Tourist!
  I was not ashamed to take too many photos, buy inflatable sun lounges from the cheap store (and float for hours I might add), get too sunburnt (unintentionally), google "how to tip", eat at chain restaurants, see below, and buy silly souvenirs - it added to the whole experience. I could say that I had an instagram worthy holiday the whole time but that would be a lie, and the experience was so much better than the photos (one would hope). 

One of many cocktails!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co

Rookie Errors:

• Pack a Straw Hat:
  You wouldn't think I worked for a lifestyle brand because I packed a felt hat - and yes, it did look good...but in 30 plus heat my head felt like it was on fire. Invest in a good hat before you leave - the tourist prices were inflated big time for headwear!
  
  
  Shop Hats
• Pack Plenty of Kaftans:
  I honestly over packed, I think the thought of 32 kilos of baggage excited me too much. I hardly wore any of my day outfits and absolutely LIVED in kaftans. Should have packed more - I only had a couple on rotation.
  
  
  Shop Kaftans
• Pack Your Own Sunscreen:
  You can clearly tell we hadn't travelled much because my partner and I didn't know that you could take liquids in your suitcase. We thought that you had to put everything in 100ml bottles - yes we squirted the shampoo into these, talk about a rookie error.
  I realised the thing I missed most was my sunscreen and the retail for it in Hawaii was expensive!
  
  
  Shop Eco Tan

I could go on forever but I simply think I could be borderline gloating and wasting your time. If you have any questions please post them below! Finally, check out some of my favourite moments -

What's your favourite tropical holiday destination? 

Where should we travel next?