B Sightings: Christmas moments in Seattle

Last weekend was filled with first a family evening watching the Christmas ships off of Carillon Point followed by a dinner at Le Grand Bistro. I was able to sneak in a few pictures but mainly was mesmerized on snapping photos of my nephew enjoying his first Christmas.

B Inspired: Christmas button down

With the cold weather comes the necessary layers. This season I've found my layer has started with the plaid button down followed by a sweater and pounds of glitter baubles. I've been drawing inspiration on how to dress my Christmas button downs up and down for the rest of the season. What's your favorite way to wear a button down?

P.S. Have you heard? Seattle Magazine listed me in their Best of 2012 issue as a top local to follow on Pinterest (see here)! So thankful for the pinning props, I knew my imaginary wedding would come in handy!

*click on images for sources

B Festive: Holiday skirts

Trust me, you aren't alone. I'm also looking for the perfect holiday dress but I've called defeat (for now) and have turned a corner with the holiday skirt. The skirt has been underestimated. It can be interchanged with different tops and shoes to change seasons. Now you can trust that a festive skirt is on my shopping list this weekend.

ONE: Tory Burch metallic skirt
TWO: All Saints Embellished dream catcher skirt
THREE: Madewell dotted sequin skirt
FOUR: J Crew collection skirt
FIVE: Stars by Jonas Hallberg feather skirt
SIX: Dororthy Perkins peplum skirt

B Extended: 4 Things I've learned about eyelash extensions

It's been over a year since I got my first eyelash extensions. I have tried a handful of places, bought those famous groupons and really found the key to the best eyelash extension experience. It's a conversation I always seem to have with one random girl in a bar. The conversation always starts with "Your have beautiful eyelashes" or some get right to it and ask "Are your eyelashes real?". And being the beauty junkie I am, I go into a 10 minute conversation about how and what eyelashes can do for you. Here are the highlights:

Treat them as they're your natural eyelashes:
Eyelash extensions are individual lashes glued to your natural eyelashes and if done properly won't cause long term damage. Do you pick at your own eyelashes? When you do, do you find that they fall out? Yes, same will happen if you pick at your eyelash extensions. Eyelashes fall and grow just as the hair on our head does. And with special treatments applied to your lashes, it is important you take care of them.

Special treatments require special care:
Adding length to your eyelashes do make you more aware of how you use your eyelashes. For instance, when you wash your face your voluminous lashes will collect water. TIP: Pat eyelashes gently with towel when wet before opening your eyes.

Darker lashes save time and make-up costs:
I have never found the perfect mascara that I love. Eyelash extensions took this dilemma away from me. I haven't worn mascara in over a year and in return wear less make up in general. I found that the dark eyelashes applied created a more natural eyeliner to my eyes that worked for day makeup.

Not every "deal" is a good deal:
Your initial session could take over a hour and a half depending on the speed the of the technician. I found my salon in Seattle through a recommendation of a friend. This is the most secure way to find an appropriate price and clean salon in your area. When I moved to NYC, I looked for online deals and unfortunately wasted money on eyelashes that only lasted 1-2 weeks at most. I have found from experience that no eyelash fill should cost more than $75 and should last you at least 4 weeks between fills. With eyelash extension becoming more popular, this reasonable price is possible!

B Tried and Tested:
Seattle: Myano's Nails & Spa
NYC: Red and White Spa many times and saw my eyelashes lasted 3- 4 weeks
NYC: Blink Beauty in Union Square- eyelashes only lasted 1-2 weeks (don't recommend)

Any other eyelash extension questions? Tweet @brookeandersen!

*I am not a professional and only share recommendations through my own experiences.

B Outfitted: English country weekend

Confession: I have a new guilty TV pleasure... Made In Chelsea. Because my reality TV intake wasn't enough already, I stumbled upon this British gem via the Style network and found my self clinging on to every perfectly accented word. Now don't let my beaming disguise this to be intellectual streaming but something about the dramatic life of London has me captivated and I'm 99% sure it's the preppy, luxurious fashion on the show.

Men rarely seen without pocket squares and women with undone hair with perfectly applied red lipstick have gotten my attention. My below outfit is an inspiration from a weekend they spent in the English country side (if you re read that sentence with a British accent, you'll see how fabulous country sounds.) This is the country I could get use to where I wear tailored blazers with fur accents. Sign me up!

ONE: Corgi cashmere heart socks
TWO: Black fleece plaid wool jacket
THREE: Madewell faux fur vest
FOUR: Rag & Bone Floppy Brim hat
FIVE: Via Spiga Riding Boot
SIX: Clare Vivier weekender bag

B Textured: Black on black

It's here, the holiday season is upon us which means ladies that it is time to get your party outfits together. I typically don't stray away from sequins during this time (though still present below) but lately I'm attracted all things dark and textured. I love the brocade pants with velvet flowers or the sequins that get lost in darkness. This is starting my holiday planning to a dark but good start.

1. Givenchy 'Taylor' Stud Earrings
2. TopShop Devore Peplum Top
3. Red Valentino Oversize Velvet Clutch
4. Current/Elliot Velvet Flocked Skinnies
5. J Crew Mini in black sequins
6. Big black bow headband

B Documented: Sushi date night

I've been back in Seattle for two weeks. It's the longest amount of time I've been within driving distance of my family and boyfriend for the last year. It's given me chances to play with my nephew every other day (dying for him to crawl) and have date nights with Nick. When I lived in New York, we would face time on Friday nights and text each other "When we're together in Seattle, let's go here.." messages.

Just as Top Chef Seattle is giving the nation a glimpse of this Pacific Northwest treasure. I'm hoping I'll get better at bringing out my digital camera so I can document Seattle's restaurants and hidden gems for you with date nights to come. Meanwhile, here are two Instagrams: one His, one Hers documenting our date night in Wallingford.

HIS Instagram: Sushi in Wallingord at Issian.Variety of sushi options and busy on a Sunday, all sure signs for a good meal.

HERS Instagram: Salted Caramel Ice Cream at Molly Moon's Ice Cream. I'm typically the one that drives the dessert truck during dinner dates. For years in Seattle, I had never experienced Molly Moon's and thought it was the perfect treat. With flavors like Balsamic Strawberry, Salted Caramel and Pumpkin Clove it happily satisfied my craving. I'm looking forward to going back when more Christmas varieties appear!