JILL'S VMAS RED CARPET RECAP

The MTV VMAs is just like Twitter for celebrities - you find out who they truly are. The dress code sits somewhere between strip club attire and a formal affair, giving celebrities a ton of room for interpretation. And for us in the audience, that makes it way too much.

All images via E!

Best

Hailee Steinfeld: Although she's pretty young, Hailee is pulling off this sophisticated look without trying too hard to be mature. I also like the toned down makeup mixed with the statement piece necklace. I do wish the hem of the pants were a tad bit longer.

Laura Marano in Victoria Beckham: I really have no idea who this is, but I do know this dress looks great on her. She is also absolutely stunning and her makeup and hair complete the look. Bringing a little class to this $H!+ show (#respect).

Miley Cyrus: Before you close the window out and completely discredit me, let's remember what the VMAs are all about (Lil' Kim's mermaid outfit, anyone?!). As crazy as Miley may look, I appreciate her having fun and not disappointing us. 

Worst

Kylie Jenner: Things aren't going well for you on the carpet when you're standing next to your sister who is in her 30s and you look like her mom.

Jeannie Mai: "Let's add some stars to it. And then throw birds on it... yes, birds! And why not a number 25 just because?!" This is the conversation I imagine happened when designing this dress.

Justin Beiber's hair: If a "cool mom" from the suburbs's hair had a baby with Donald Trump's hair, this is what they would produce.

What did you think of last night's show?

x Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: SOLUDOS

Temperatures are definitely nowhere near dropping here in Houston, but boy, do I wish fall was here. In the spirit of being in between seasons, I've got my eye on Soludos. They're the perfect pair of shoes - espadrilles to dress appropriately for the heat, but forgoing sandals to get my mind on the upcoming changes.

One of each pair, please!

Zebra Zute Smoking Slipper ($100.00)

Jupiter Leather Smoking Slipper ($75.00)

Jason Polan Wink Smoking Slipper ($65.00)

Ikat Smoking Slipper ($65.00)

Fringe Suede Platform Smoking Slipper ($110.00)

Suede Smoking Slipper ($85.00)

Dali ($36.00)

Perforated Leather Smoking Slipper ($100.00)

Do you have any pairs of Soludos?

Jess

WEDDING INSPIRATION: JEWELRY

I've got the dress and now it's time to accessorize! 

I obviously have my heart set on rose gold jewelry as my engagement ring is the same metal, but also wanted to tie in black somehow since I'll be wearing black glasses and shoes. Thankfully, rose gold and onyx is all the rage. We've got rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets - all with the exact contrast I dreamt of. 

Now the hard part - which ones do I choose?!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Pamela Love Onyx Inlay Horn Earrings ($208.00) - Neiman Marcus, 2. ginette_ny Black Moon Onyx Necklace ($290.00) - Shopbop, 3. Horizon Duality Ring ($200.00) - Bing Bang NYC, 4. Vita Fede Mini Titan Stone Bracelet ($400.00) - Shopbop, 5. ginette_ny Black Moon Onyx Boulier Necklace ($495.00) - Shopbop, 6. Michael Kors Tribal Hinged Bangle Bracelet ($145.00) - Neiman Marcus, 7. Black Onyx Disc Ring ($665.00) - ginette_ny, 8. Onyx Marquis & Diamond Lariat ($550.00) - Zoe Chicco, 9. Monica Vinader ($123.90 - On Sale!) - The Outnet

What's your favorite jewelry combination?

Jess

FRENCH CUFF BOUTIQUE GRAND OPENING AT TOWN & COUNTRY

French Cuff Boutique has opened their third location in Houston at Town & Country and it's time to celebrate! 

The grand opening will be held next Wednesday, September 2nd, from 6 to 8 PM with special guest, Lyndsey Zorich of L. Avenue. You'll be able to shop the newest pieces from Bella Dahl's fall collection and enter to win a free item given at the end of the night. 

There will be sips, sweets, and shopping for a cause! All day Wednesday, French Cuff Boutique will be donating 15% of proceeds to the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). 

RSVP here and make sure you're one of the first 50 guests - I hear there will be amazing swag bags!

See you there!

Jess

RED HOT FASHION ON WCIU

I've mentioned before that I've gotten to play dress up on TV, and last Friday, I got to do it again on WCIU!

My lovely (and insanely talented) friend Heidy, the stylist behind BECLOTHESMIDED, did a segment on red hot fashion. Outside of being the most fun color to wear, she showed how you can work the color into your everyday work wardrobe and a night on the town. And I loved the Topshop jumper that I got to wear.

Check out the segment below!

x Jill

THE CONTAINER STORE DISCOUNT LOVE

We have to admit, when we were students, we loved shopping for school supplies. Now that we're a little older (maybe more than a little), we find enjoyment in planners, business card holders, and storage containers. I know, we sound so cool right now, but there's no better feeling than cleansing and organizing your house. And with a new season coming up and back-to-school time around the corner, now is the perfect time. That's why The Container Store - a DREAM for us organizers - is having a special from now until August 29th. Simply use code TCSLOVE at check out and receive 15% off your next online or in store purchase. Shop by clicking here!

Admit it, you're just as excited as we are!

Happy organizing!

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: OLIVIA PALERMO X CIATÉ LONDON

While doing our post on fall beauty, I came across the Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London collection - a Sephora exclusive. Mrs. Palermo has always been a fashion and beauty inspiration (really, how does she get her hair to look cute while "messy"?!), so it's no surprise I'm stoked to see beautiful, classic, and timeless makeup. This collection includes lipsticks, nail polishes, kohl liners, and bronzer/blush duos. I'm definitely planning a trip to Sephora tomorrow! 

And then I saw the promo photo of the collection... I knew I finally found my beauty inspiration for my wedding. I can't wait to show my makeup artist at my trial next week!

Nail Collection ($24.00)

The Cheekbone Cheat Blusher Bronzer Duo ($32.00) - Sephora

Satin Kiss Lipstick ($25.00) - Sephora

Smoked Out Gel Kohl Liner ($20.00) - Sephora

What are your favorite beauty collaborations?

Jess

JESS IN NEW YORK

Earlier this month, my fiancé had (yet another) conference in New York, so I decided to tag along this time around! I set off to the Big Apple for a little bit of sightseeing and shopping, lunches with old and new friends, relaxation, and delicious food. Although we had a little hiccup during our trip (read about it below), it actually made the trip one of the best ones yet!

The view from my fiancé's NY office is surreal.

My first day there, I explored Midtown and made my way up and down Fifth Avenue. Typical tourist! Once my fiancé was done with his meetings for the day, he took me up to his NY office that features some breathtaking views. You may recognize his building from Friends!

The next day, we headed out to SoHo to meet up with a couple friends from high school (if that doesn't make us feel old...) and to get our shopping fix in. After a few hours and a lot of damage, we headed to Williamsburg to finally step inside Catbird and grab some sweets at Momofuku Milk Bar. We fell in love with Brooklyn! 

Selfie time!

We were set to leave the next morning, but we woke up with news that our flight was canceled. (The only one of the day, of course.) We decided to make the most of it yet and make our way to The Metropolitan Museum of Art via Central Park. I was absolutely in awe of and completely overwhelmed by everything there - so much to see, so little time! 

True fact: I have loved Egyptian history and artifacts since I first saw a mummy in London when I was a child. I was unaware of the exhibit in New York, but my fiancé successfully kept it hidden from me - all to catch cheesy smiles from ear to ear. I really felt like a kid in a candy shop! 

See you in October, New York!

Jess