Frugal is the New Black

B was recently asked at work if she would be willing to spend $98 on a pair of flats. Naturally, flats are shoes (Read: B's addiction!) so B automatically thinks $98 on a pair of shoes, "If I loved them, sure."

But then B got to thinking: While a pair of flats are wonderful to walk in compared to the pain heels can provide, there is something a pair of heels do to a girl's stature that a pair of flats can never accomplish.

So, while B loves her shoes, she would rather spend $15-$30 on a pair of flats from Payless than $50-$100 on a pair of similar flats. Payless offers cute, comfortable options that can translate from work to play! Look at these two options:

Both are "American Eagle by Payless" and are under $25.00!

And plus, deciding to spend less on flats, she can put some more towards her heels.

Unfortunately, whenever B walks into any type of shoe store to get a pair of shoes she always ends up with extras (maybe that isn't so unfortunate).

Hot Mess or Fashion Success?

Halston: Monk chic?

I know Jackie O. will be rolling over in her grave¹, but file this one under "Hot Mess."

The "Serena," pictured above, is from Halston's Spring 2009 RTW², originally retailing for $3,995.00.

Yes, maxi dresses are definitely still "in" for the season.

Yes, the 70s are iconic for fashion inspiration.³

Yes, bright colors accentuate your bronze summer bod.

But this: no, no, no.

The "poppy" colored dress (and we feel awkward even calling it a dress!) is a garment that no real person could ever possibly pull off. (We don't even think it looks chic on the model!)

As far as the coloring goes, Halston labeled it "poppy," which is likely an attempt at garnishing an exotic name to match "Serena," hoping for a sheep-consumer to think "Oh, it must be worth every cent since it is made in Italy and of silk...oh, it feels so nice in my hands, where's my VISA? Mmm, "poppy" sounds chic. I'm so in."

WRONG!

And, last time we checked, "poppy" had more red than orange.

Secondly, what happened everything we ladies have learned about accentuating your curves and highlighting your best body? (Oh, lovely collarbone you have there, Miss.) No waist. No hips. No thighs. No toned Mish. O-approved arms. Just fabric. Just no.

You can't even belt that sh!t to make it flattering!⁴

Third, when investing in a designer piece, you should have more than one occasion to wear the piece and be able to coordinate it into your wardrobe. Outside of the Himalayas where she would likely whisper prayers with the monks, we are not sure where, exactly, you could wear this. Summer BBQ? You get ketchup on that because you were a little over-aggressive taking a bite into that hot dog and there goes $3,995.00 into the toilet. The work place? This does not even meet the standards for "Casual Friday." On a date with that hottie you've been spying since March? He may very well laugh in your face.⁵

To make the maxi dress work for you, B & L recommend finding a dress that is fitted in the top and tailors in at the waist. The dress does not have to be form fitting, but should, at the very minimum, show off that you have a figure. There are a lot of options out there from everyday retailers. Look for detailing or embellishments along the top, then you can skip out on worrying about pairing a necklace with it. But do try an understated bangle bracelet.

As with all summer dresses, remember proper support for the girls and tailoring the bottom for a length that suits your height. Because nothing is worse (aside from "Serena") than having your girls a mess all over the place, or having a maxi that you're tripping over!

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1. Roy Halston Frowick was Jackie O.'s milliner (a.k.a. hatmaker) back in the day. After this post, I guess we should be glad that Mish O. (L's idol!) is sticking to names like Michael Kors, Thakoon, and L's everyday fav., J.Crew.
2. RTW: Thats, "Ready To Wear."
3. Think: Jane Birkin. (Yes, she who Hermès designed the bag for.)
4. Now you know you have a problem!

5. And there go your chances at date number two!

What was I thinking?

A few weeks ago, B received a text message from one of her hometown friends, inviting her to accompany them to "The Hangover."

B thought, "The Hangover? Must be a new bar." (F.Y.I.: B gets lost in her hometown, which just so happens to be the same city that she has lived in her whole life-- her own sorority sisters know the city better then she does!)

B decided that if she got enough school work done (because we all know by now she loves her studies) she would definitely meet them up at this new bar, especially since she wants to seem "in the know" for once when it comes to this city!

Unfortunately, that does not happen, so B goes to work and tells her co-workers how she's bummed that she won't be going to this new bar "The Hangover" with some of her hometown friends. (P.S. The Box Office numbers came out that same day where The Hangover took No. 1 for their first week-- B still had no clue it was a movie!)

B texted her friend and told her the sad news, wishing she could check out The Hangover, but has to do school work instead, but maybe another time they could all go to The Hangover.

B's friends go to The Hangover and tell her it was really good. B is still thinking it's a new bar and not a movie, and still can't wait to check out the scene.

B goes on Facebook and on her homepage, she notices another friends status update: "The Hangover is hilarious." B automatically wonders, "How can a bar be hilarious? Maybe I'm missing something. Maybe it's a play."

Finally, the Box Office numbers come out again and list "The Hangover." All of sudden everything seems to click. The Hangover is not a new bar in her hometown, but an actual movie!!

Update: B has since seen "The Hangover," and yes, it is hilarious.

Courtroom Couture

Gucci's Fall/Winter '09 Collection preview has hit the 'net.¹

And, B and L think it was love at first sight!

Introducing, Gucci's Barclay Highheel Sandal:

We especially love the wing-tipped styling, a detail that has usually been reserved for mens footwear. Matched with the feminine peep toe and platform heel, the elements perfectly compliment each other.² And, the deep cherry color will easily pair with a number of your wardrobe staples.

Ladies, when you wear these, heads will turn!

You can pre-order your pair from Neiman's here for $690.00.

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1. Normally, being June, we'd balk at the fact that the new seasons are out this early, savoring every bit of the sweet summer sunshine we get. Not this year. We're pretty sure it's rained for three weeks in a row now. Might as well bring out the parka. Bla.

2. And, who can't love the interlocking G emblem?

Rest In Peace

3 a.m. infomercials will never be the same without Billy Mays, TV's infamous, bearded middle-aged man YELLING at you to buy some household gadget. Followed by, of course, flashing you his trademark thumbs up.¹

Question: Who will step up and take his place now?^{2, 3} And, what ever happened to Ron "Set it, and FORGET IT!" Popeil??

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1. And a sigh of relief that they just cut to commercial because your ears may or may not be bleeding.
2. L would like to see the "Domestic Diva," herself, Niecy Nash, from Style Channel's "Clean House" tell us about some "foolishness" that we're doing and correct it with her sassiness, complete with a coordinating flower in her hair. Yea, girl!
3. The ShamWOW guy is no longer a reputible source for such magical inventions, as he may or may not still be in jail. Fail.

Rest In Peace

Thursday was a heartbreaking day for all. Not only did we lose Farrah Fawcett, but we also lost the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

B & L are saddened by both losses and both Farrah and Michael are in our thoughts as well as their loved ones.

Water Cooler

Goose: Exposed.

Setting & Introduction: L pulls into the tanning salon's parking lot to start her work day off a bit late, but she figures it's OK, because it's June and not January, which means less to do in the mornings (Read: the beds and booths don't have to be warmed up for the full time, just 5 or so minutes will do.) and usually there isn't anyone waiting for you to unlock the door so they can hurry up and get their tan on like there is in the colder months.

Not today.

The first thing L see is "Goose,¹" sitting in his beat-up red pickup. Goose, a 62-year-old man, comes in at 6'5'', 280lbs, and built like a truck. He has been tanning since the place opened over 10 years ago. He is really close to one of the girls that worked there every night. She's gone, but he still comes in and thinks everyone is on the same close level that he was with her. To give everyone a better understanding of Goose he's THAT guy who stands over the counter for as long as he can, with his old sweatshirt, old sweatpants (of course with butt-crack showing), and some new lotion mixture he has concocted in his spare time. (Let's not even think about what he puts in it!) Goose's favorite pastime while at the tanning salon? Isn't it obvious?? It is telling you the same four stories: how dark he is, how often he checks his tan with the black light, what he likes to stock his fridge with, and his t-shirt collection. L knows them all by heart! (Come on now, wouldn't you if that was all you heard!)

L pulls in next to him, and gives him a friendly wave. (Just like retail, you have to smile and be everyone's BFF. Actually, it's probably more like being a hairdresser. For the two minutes while people sign in, figure out how long they want to bake for, and pick out a lotion, they often dump their day's trials and tribulations on you...like you care.) Goose points to his watch, signaling that I'm late to open.

"Really? It's not even that close to 9am I still have a good 15 minutes...what time did you get here??² "

Goose strolls in, tells L that she isn't even tan after her fab vaca to Aruba and insists on comparing arm tans for a good 20 minutes (sorry Goose, we all don't fry up like a strip of bacon on vaca). Goose then describes today's secret lotion concoction-- a mixture of a couple low-end accelerators, one high-end bronzer, and some oil. ("You know, oil is the key ingredient here, because it doesn't dry up right away..blablabla" - just tune it out, this is why you purchase the tanning lotions so you DON'T have to think about it)

Goose goes on for another 20 minutes about how dark he is and how he likes to check his tan under the black light he has in his bedroom. You know, the one next to his California King-sized water bed. "Oh yea!" (Insert your own eye roll here.)

L tells him firmly that if he gets any darker, he is clearly not allowed to check the box next to "Caucasian," while wondering to herself, "where is everyone this morning? Pleaseeee someone come in!"

Finally, after a few more not-awkward-at-all moments of Goose pulling up his sweatshirt to show me his "black" belly, rolling up his sleeves so we can both examine how dark his scars got, because you know, they just don't tan as well as the rest of him because of the scar tissue, and inching his sweatpants down, ever-so-slightly, to expose his thigh, and ultimately reinforce that, yes, he really is dark, Goose is ready to tan. He instructs L to meet him upstairs after his lamps go off so L can see how dark he got. Because, really, right after he's done, he is just bron-ze!

(Yea, not gunna happen, there, Goose.)

Thankfully, he goes upstairs, tans, and new people come in. (New people are great when you need to be distracted. You can sit there for a minute, explain to them their different options and hang out while they fill out paperwork. Not entertaining when it's busy, but, like L said, a good excuse to not see Goose's freshly baked skin.)

Goose comes down, moisturizes and then wants to talk about his tan for another 20 minutes. (Again, why aren't more people coming in this morning??) Wanting to show me how the black light really can point out your whitest sports, he summons L into the bathroom, keeps the light off, and takes off his sweatshirt.

L attempts to pacify Goose (Ladies, we all know what to say to make the guys happy to shut them up and don't pretend like you don't!!) by saying: "Oh, yup. There you go! Just under your armpits! White as a ghost. But not the rest of you. No, no, no. You are BLAACK!³"

Unfortunately Goose replies: "Yea, oh here, I'm not modest.."

Goose then pulls down his sweatpants so L can see the white spot above his crack (pressure point that doesn't tan if you always lay down in a bed for all you non-tanners out there), but he doesn't stop there, he keeps going!

Sweatpants: off.

Ok, at least his back is to me. (Nakedness doesn't really bother L. Especially not here at a tanning salon, when you're likely to accidentally walk in on someone.⁴)

Goose admires himself in the mirror for a few more minutes. (Why is L still standing there? Oh yea, Goose needs the compliments and hell, no one else is coming in.)

And then he turns around.

In all his 62-year-old glory, L see the Goose peen. Tan (!) and sagging.

All L can think of at this very moment is, "Oh, my girlfriends at their grown-up jobs are going to be soo jealous when I tell them!!"

"Ok, you put your clothes back on before someone comes in!" L kids (not really.) and closes the door, walking away, and hurrying to her phone to text the masses. (B being one of the masses who P.S. laughs out loud, literally not just blogging that, everyone in her office turned and look at her like she has lost her mind).

As if that wasn't enough, Goose gets dressed, and needs to talk about how dark he is some more. L look at the clock: 11:02. (Alright, enough already. L has seen PLENTLY of Goose to last her a lifetime and then some.)

Goose has been here for over 2 hours. (Someone please get this man a job!)

L announces the time and Goose FINALLY takes a hint and gets going.. leaving the image of all 6'5'', 280 lbs, and nothing but a saggy crotch, burned into L's retinas forever (so not an exaggeration).

So worth the little salary.

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1. Names have been changed to protect the innocent...errr not so innocent as you will read on!

2. L usually doesn't officially "wake up" until 10:30. The morning coffee hasn't kicked in yet and she's probably just rushed around her house like the usual mad-woman trying to pack up everything for the day and later evening commute into Boston for class. Yea, she knows.."helps if you plan ahead and get things ready the night before." Falls on deaf ears. Moving on..
3. The best compliment a Goose can get: "You are BLACK!" He loves it! Hey, we all have goals, I guess.
4. Still waiting for the day when something goes wrong with the DILF's booth or bed. Don't you worry, DILF, L is right here and ready to help. You want lotion on your back? Ohh.. I'm your girl!

The Usual Suspects

The Questionable Questionnaire

We have all heard the saying, "there is never a dumb question." Many of us have been told to ask as many questions as necessary, as you need to understand the topic, because "for every one person asking a question, there are likely ten others wondering the same thing."

However, in a class of one hundred plus students, one person usually takes these pieces of advice overboard and asks the most ridiculous questions on just about every topic you will cover in class.¹

Now, granted, some of the questions are good topics for a classroom discussion; however, the majority of them should be asked during a scheduled office hours meeting with the professor.

So, when you experience the Questionable Questionnaire during a lecture (and P.S. the suspect will most likely be noticeable the first class you have!!) be prepared and don't say B & L didn't warn you!

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1. Subjecting everyone else to tuning out the lecture and sporting glaring eye rolls his/her way.

Thirsty Thursday

Naughty Schoolgirl

Ingredients:

2 1/2 oz raspberry vodka

1/2 oz simple syrup

splash of sour mix

sugar

club soda

lollipop

ice

Instructions:

Fill shaker with ice.

Add vodka, simple syrup, and sour mix.

Shake well.

Wet the rim of a martini glass and dip it in the sugar.

Pour contents of shaker into the martini glass.

Top with club soda and garnish with the lollipop.

Cheers!

Recipe from the May 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine.

BOSTON UNCOMMON

B & L are all for outfit coordination and wearing comfortable shoes while walking around Boston, but we think this went a little too far:

It's just too matchy-matchy. Aside from Prom and pulling your duties as a Bridesmaid, when is it OK to wear shoes that exactly match your outfit?

Another item wrong with this picture: She is wearing Crocs. Cute on two-year-olds. Not cute on adults. (Unless, maybe you're in the nursing profession and you wear those colorful scrubs in the Children's Unit. Minority situation. Can also apply to Dental Hygienists.)

Ladies, please remember that there is something called too much coordination. Mix and match color, don't be afraid of them!

Unleash your inner fashion diva!

Hot Mess or Fashion Success?

A dress that is way too tight and has to be held together with a safety pin: Hot Mess!

Unfortunately, I was unable to snap a pic, but I will provide all the deets.

Spotted: A girl with all the potential for looking cute. The dress was casual-- a breezy cotton number-- seersucker and strapless, very appropriate for the afternoon. It had slight detailing of small buttons down the front. Her hair was put up nicely in soft curls and her make up was done, but not over-done. However (and this is a BIG "however"), her dress was way too tight for her. The fabric bunched and pulled throughout the entire dress (which also made the dress look shorter than it suppose to be! Read: Bend over and I see your goodies!). To top it all of, she safety pinned the top of her dress because it couldn't zip!

Ladies, fit is very important. You can have the nicest clothes, made from top designers, but if the fit is off, so is the outfit. When your clothes are too tight-- to the point you have to safety pin your outfits--it's time to look at yourself in that dressing room mirror and say "I think I need another size." We all know it's hard to do, but trust B & L: do it because fit is way too important to jeopardize for a number.

Loves It, Hates It

B & L are officially seeing CIRCUS (!!!) for the 2nd time on August 29th...Loves It!

If you aren't a fan of B.Spears that's fine, we won't force you to love her, although we do think she is FABULOUS!

However, you have to give props where they are deserved: Britney is the top female selling artist of this decade (that's the 2000s) and is the fifth best selling artist overall (again of this decade). If you don't believe it, just check out this article.

We could continue going on and on with all of Britney's accomplishments but there are hot messes and fashion successes to spot.

xoxo

Dating101

Listen up, ladies!

So we all have bad relationships and we've all made mistakes in the relationships, but now there is actually a book that explains the things you should never do with your ex and a few you should do.

According to the Yvonne K. Fulbright, Ph.D, author of "Sex with Your Ex," the seven biggest "don'ts" in dating are as follows:

• Never have sex with your ex.
• Never let your ex keep photos of you in your b'day suit.
• Never use the toilet in front of your partner.
• Never write your ex a letter letting him know how you feel.
• Never fake orgasm.
• Never drop your girlfriends for your guy.
• Never keep your ex in your phone or your buddy list.

Dr. Fulbright has a lot more advice where that came from. So, if you feel like you have broken all of the "Nevers" and need some help figuring out your relationship life, check out "Sex with Your Ex."

B & L recommend to never rekindle an old flame: The same problems will likely be there, serving as a reminder for all the reasons you parted ways in the first place. If you can remain friends, that's great, but sometimes it's best to leave old relationships in the past: learn from them, and appreciate your new romance for everything it is!

Ladies, let us know your biggest ex mistake(s) or lesson(s) you've learned from dating! We would love to hear from you!

For more information, check out ivillage.com.

Loves It, Hates It

Wearing sunglasses on the top of your head, while it is raining out: Hates It!

Really? It's raining. And, we're not talking "sun shower!" (Btw: even if it was a sun shower still NOT ok!) There is no need to wear sunglasses on your head when there is no sun. If you want your hair off your face, get a headband or a hair elastic.

Your sunglasses shouldn't even be out when it is raining.

(Guys, no excuse. I guess, unless you're rocking the 80's Hair Band style and using the aforementioned excuse, in which case we have some talking to do.)

I'm pretty sure sunglasses on top of your head is filed away in the same category as "wearing your sunglasses in the club," which went "out" the same time as "wearing a towel around your neck in the club."

Hates It!

Frugal is the New Black

Prelude: As you may know, L traded her ballin' lifestyle of designer shoes, monthly spa services, and other little life necessities (some say "luxuries," she said "necessities") for a quick sabbatical going back to school. With her income slashed over 80%, she has found some worthy substitutes that allow her to not cry every time the credit card bill arrives in the mail.

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One item from my make-up bag I decided to substitute, since I would just be working at the tanning salon and interning one day a week has been my mascara. (Read: No need to get all dolled-up if you're going to be cleaning up butt-sweat 4 out of 5 days a week! Also, leave the good jewerly at home!¹)

There have been a lot of new drugstore releases and I thought it might be a good time to check them out. Averaging around $6 per tube, it wasn't a bad deal, either. Hate it? Just toss it, no big!

Since high school, I have loved and remained faithful to Lancome mascara²: it goes on very black, and enhances the natural lashes to great volumes. Nothing could quite compare...

...until now.

L's worthy substitute: Maybelline's Lash Stiletto^TM. Granted, I did fall for their chic marketing, "The only mascara that does for lashes what stilettos do for legs." Reining in at 5'2'', I was, needless to say, intrigued.

It's probably the best substitute I can find without being tempted to go into a department store or Sephora³.

The only downside I found was that, at first, it had a little perfume-y scent to it that takes some getting used to. Nothing offensive, either.

Grade: A.⁴

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1. One item that will never be replaced: Bare Escentuals bareMinerals..ahhh-mazing.
2. Read: Longest relationship L's had, ever.
3. You know what I'm talking about, a quick little run in for mascara, and twenty minutes, two hundred or so dollars later, you have just bought "the essentials" Lancome and M.A.C. have made for the season. And a few new brushes.
4. Not "A+," because, like in law school, there will be no such thing here.

Courtroom Couture

One word for you: FRÉJUS. And, we're not talking about the coastal town in southern France.

Rather, it's the name of the outfit pictured below from The Victoria Beckham Collection (and yes it is expensive, but who said couture was cheap?¹).

Dresses in the collection range from £600 to £1,900.²

Check out her site for more. FRÉJUS is dress no. 4

It's both long enough and covers enough on top to be appropriate for the courtroom or boardroom.

The top with the tie adds a little flair and uniqueness. The mixture between the color pattern and the fit of the dress allows the person who wears it to say, "I'm here to work, I'm serious, but I'm oh so hot."

Just don't forget the pair of pair of fierce shoes and your confidence!

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1. It's "couture" not "KMart."

2. So, double that for the U.S. market. But, with your lawyer salary it shouldn't be that hard on the wallet!

Inaugural Post

Welcome to Counsel Confidential, where you'll find the musings of two former sorority girls as they take on the next chapter in their lives: law school and careers.

Look forward to all the fabulousness headed to the web:

BOSTON UNCOMMON

Candid fashion disasters captured throughout the city.

Classroom Do's and Don'ts

Oh, you think they were joking when they said that your classmates can see you lurking on Facebook during lecture? They weren't. (Hey, it's your money you just threw away.) Practical advice to make the most out of your lectures while in stadium-style seating.

Courtroom Couture

Yes, some Justices still want to see female attorneys in a traditional skirt suit (Zzz! Booor-ring. But, it comes with the territory.) Here you will find new corporate-style trends that you can get away with-- from the Boardroom to the Courtroom.

Dating 101

Now that we again find ourselves with lockers and maybe wearing backpacks to class, it does not mean we are in the 8th grade again and forgot how to interact with the opposite sex. Practical dating advice because, frankly, you need it.

Frugal is the New Black

Tired of hearing about the current state of our declining economy? We are, too. Find cute solutions to spice up your outfits that won't break your budget or have you crying when the credit card bill comes in.

Hot Mess or Fashion Success?
Stacy and Clinton (hosts of TLC's "What Not to Wear") aren't the only ones that can decide if someone's outfit shouldn't be worn out in public or if its fierce and should be on the runways. Enjoy a quick break from the grind while you figure out; is that a Hot Mess or Fashion Success?

Loves It, Hates It
Did you ever see something that made you instantly say love it or hate it? If so then you have to check this out for things that made us say "loves it!" and "hates it!"

Thirsty Thursdays

Throwback to possibly your favorite night of the week in college, with a new drink recipe every week.

The Usual Suspects

Profiles of classmates you are likely to meet while in law school or colleagues while on the job.

Water Cooler

Office gossip and other necessities worthy of sharing.

"What was I thinking?"
Embarrassing stories you may or may not encounter with lessons to learn (even if it's how to laugh at yourself).