Fashion

3 Trendy Ways to Style Body Bark For a Tailgate Party

Raise your hand if you went to a tailgating school!

Raise your hand if to you, fall equals football, food and tailgates!

Raise your hand if you have no idea what the big deal about tailgating is!

OK, hopefully we all have our hands raised now. If you’re in the last group, here’s why tailgates are so great: They’re parties without the pressure. Yeah, it’s some work to get everything set up and cleaned up, but the social situation pretty much takes care of itself. Plus, at tailgates, everyone is in a good mood. No one’s team has lost yet. There’s friendly trash talk. There are new friendships with the folks in the next spot over.

Even though Tailgate Day (or, as some people call it, Game Day) is awesome, there’s still a lot to think about. The food, for one: breakfast, pre-lunch snacks, lunch, drinks, post-lunch snacks, snacks for the ride home… There are paper plates and napkins and ice to pick up. Chairs and tables and tents to unfold. You have the option to go big or go small (or go home, if you prefer to tailgate from your back deck). There’s weather to plan for, kids to entertain, friends to invite and tickets to procure.

And then there’s your outfit.

You want to be comfortable, but cute; spirited, but not tacky; pretty, but able to move around if you get the urge to toss a football before you heat up the grill. So whether you party with a TV and a generator or just a couple camping chairs and a cooler, Body Bark has your tailgating style covered.

Look 1: The Cool Mom

Being a cool mom doesn’t mean you need to wear the same clothes as current teens (and anyway, bringing the ice cream sandwiches makes you pretty cool to begin with). For this look, pull on some slim-fit jeans and strappy sandals. Add a droop neck tank and some team-colored chandelier earrings, and you’re ready to rock out to whatever country jam is on the pre-game playlist.

Look 2: The Alum

Whether you grew up a die-hard fan or you’re going along to hang with your girls or partner, you can still pull off this look. Opt for a solid white Body Bark basic with black cropped pants and flats for your foundation. Then add the fun stuff, all in team colors: Jewelry. A bright manicure. If you’re feeling spunky, maybe even some pom poms and one of those little temporary logo tattoos for your cheek. Then go live it up!

Look 3: The Girl Scout

If the weather is looking iffy, do what people in fast-changing climates have been doing for decades: Dress in layers. Wear Body Bark leggings under your jeans. Wear a tank under a crew neck so you can peel off as needed. Throw a scarf, ear warmers, a pair of gloves, a puffy vest and a rain jacket in the car, and just like the team, you’re set for just about any weather!

August 16, 2017 0 comment

Fashion

7 Fall Outerwear Designers You Don’t Want to Miss

Fall is right around the corner, and while we don’t want to think about school supplies quite yet, we are definitely ready to start collecting and curating our fall outerwear. Here are the designers we can’t get enough of.

William Okpo

Case in point: Varsity of Love

William Okpo, a label founded by two sisters whose parents immigrated to the United States from Nigeria, explores the intersection of old and new cultures. The “WO” on the Varsity of Love jacket pays homage to the sisters’ father. Pair it with a Body Bark turtleneck tank, and also check out the oversized eyelet trend in their current collection.

The Arrivals

Case in point: HTML Moto

The Arrivals is a direct-to-consumer company obsessed with providing functional, architectural clothing without retail markups. Their HTML Moto jacket, with its tongue-in-cheek :// on the back, is perfect over a Body Bark camisole for an edgy, casual look. We’re obsessed.

PM Waterlily

Case in point: Winter 2018 Collection

Patricia Michaels (you might recognize her name from Project Runway) draws inspiration from nature and her Native roots. Her pieces are custom-made in her studio in New Mexico, her home state. It might be a little early to buy from her Winter 2018 collection, but keep an eye on this structured, mandarin collar jacket that we adore — we can just picture it with Body Bark leggings.

Vivienne Hu

Case in point: Sleek Asymmetric Cape

Vivienne Hu’s ready-to-wear collection is feminine, classy and sometimes funky. We love it. See what we mean in the case of this colorful Asymmetric Cape, which you could wear with a Body Bark v-neck as an almost-invisible, cozy first layer.

Tibi

Case in point: Atticus Houndstooth Oversized Trench

Tibi has some unique offerings (patent wool, anyone?), but they also shine when it comes to plain old favorites. We’re fans of the Atticus Houndstooth Oversized Trench, where a tiny pattern meets an oversized cut, paired with a Body Bark crew neck. The look is different enough to stand out and classic enough to fit in.

Kate Spade

Case in point: Back Bow Flounce Jacket

We’re almost positive you’re familiar with Kate Spade, but we couldn’t leave this brand out when we saw this adorable hourglass-shaped jacket. It’s what we call errand-wear (or yoga-wear, or latte-wear) and fits cleanly over a colorful Body Bark tank.

Burberry

Case in point: Macramé Lace Trench Coat

This is another brand you’ve heard of, but no one does a trench coat like Burberry, and even though the Macramé Lace Trench Coat may be a splurge, it’s just so darn pretty. You could also check out the less-expensive Hooded Lightweight Oversize Parka, over a simple Body Bark scoop, if you’re in an area with fall rains.

August 9, 2017 0 comment

Beauty Fashion

6 Fall Pieces to Buy Now And Wear Later

It’s easy to get totally caught up in summer, but as kid’s clothing catalogs and the seasonal section of the grocery stores love to remind us far too soon, fall will eventually arrive. With that comes the changing of the wardrobe. Here are a few pieces we’re shopping for as we look ahead to fall (although our beach bags are still clutched firmly in hand).

Cape

No longer solely the sartorial choice of comic-book superheroes, the trench cape is your new fall best friend. Flattering with pencil skirts or narrow cropped trousers, this versatile piece will get you through wind and rain and will finally highlight your role as a real-life superhero.

Bomber jacket

On days when you need an effortlessly cool, simple style — that will keep you warm at the soccer field but still look good at drinks after work — a bomber jacket has your back. This floral embroidered edition layers perfectly over a short-sleeved Body Bark scoop-neck. Wear it to work with a skirt, or throw on a pair of skinny jeans for a dinner out.

Blazer

If you’re in the professional world (or if you’re a #girlboss in general), there’s a good chance you already have at least one go-to blazer. If not, now’s the time to start shopping for one. It’s becoming a trend in and out of the office, so it’s the perfect piece to go from office chic to happy hour classy. We like this lapel-less open-front style for its possibilities with flowy dresses and tops in a business setting, but the best thing about this classic is that it can be about as dressy or as casual as you want.

Lace-up booties

When it’s no longer warm enough to wear sandals but not quite wear-snow-boots-and-bring-flats weather, lace-up booties are a great footwear solution. Go dramatic with this pointy-toed, Jenner-inspired style, or go for a chunky heel and simple style that will fit seamlessly with just about any outfit.

Over-the-knee boots

Speaking of dramatic footwear, if you haven’t yet subscribed to the over-the-knee boot trend, this is your year. You can wear them with leggings, skinny jeans and short skirts (really!), with or without tights. They’ll instantly update any outfit, so if you like your wardrobe staples but feel like you need to spice up your rotation, try a pair of these sleek, low-slung beauties.

Body Bark Crewneck Long Sleeve

Looking for a versatile fall staple? The Body Bark Crewneck Long Sleeve is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe. Not only is it extremely comfortable and cozy (seriously, it’s the softest in the market), but it can be worn alone or layered under a sweater, silk top or a jacket. Whether you’re wearing this luxury shirt snuggled up at home with a good book, at the office under a chic blazer, or just out on the town the Body Bark Crewneck Long sleeve top will leave you feeling fabulous, comfortable and chic for all occasions.

And if you get a new favorite piece, don’t forget to tag us in your outfit pics so we can look forward to fall with you: @bodybark_ or just #bodybark (if you’re using any hashtags for engagement)

July 26, 2017 0 comment

Beauty Fashion Features SheShines

#SHESHINES WITH ANIMAL ACTIVIST, PAMELA HART

Pamela Hart, the director of the Animal Law Program at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, never stops finding ways to help others advocate for animals.

For example: She co-founded Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV) with her law school classmate Megan Senatori, whom she calls one of the most inspirational women she knows. She was the first to teach Animal Law courses at both the University of Chicago Law School and her alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

And she didn’t stop there.

Always looking to expand the field of animal law and equip people to defend animals and treat them humanely in the first place, this Wisconsin-based lawyer is launching three new educational programs this year alone.

Body Bark caught up with Hart to hear a bit more about how she got into animal law and what inspires her to keep going.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school?

My first job after law school was working with my dad at his law firm. This was a great experience as I got to work with an excellent attorney, mentor, and, most importantly, my dad!

Did you always know you wanted to go into law and animal advocacy?

I did not always know I wanted to go to law school. In fact, I took 10 years off between Business School (undergrad) and law school. When I did return to school, I was ready! By the time I went to law school, I had already adopted Max. He was a German Shepherd mix from the ASCPA in NYC. Unfortunately, Max had seen abuse and neglect in his young life. He opened my eyes to the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. This started me down my path of animal advocacy.

What prompted you to start teaching? Have you always had an interest in education?

When I was in law school, there weren’t any animal law courses or student animal law chapters available. After graduation, I and my classmate, Megan Senatori, approached the UW Law School administration about adding the first-ever animal law course. Thankfully, they were receptive, and we were able to develop the course curriculum and introduce UW law students to animal law. A few years later, I taught the first animal law course at the University of Chicago Law School.

You’ve had so much success in the industry. When did you realize this was the direction you wanted to take your career?

I am incredibly fortunate to be able to marry my passion with my profession. I have been involved in animal protection for almost 20 years. I have my dream job!

In 2001, you co-founded SAAV. What made you feel the need for this organization?

Max inspired me to recognize and care about the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. When Megan and I first met, we’d frequently talk about how we wanted to use our law degrees to help animals. We quickly realized there wasn’t a safe haven program for animals in our community, as a result, SAAV was born. We are so fortunate to have incredible partners collaborating on this program — Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) and Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS).

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. Is there any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their passion their full-time reality?

I don’t think there’s a secret sauce necessarily. I think following your passion, believing in your purpose, embracing the unknown, and surrounding yourself with amazing, supportive, inspirational female leaders along the way will make things happen.

I take it back, surrounding yourself with inspiring women IS the secret sauce.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

I’m a busy mom and attorney who leans toward professional casual. I love Body Bark because you can dress it up or down, plus it’s unbelievably comfortable. Also, every time I wear Body Bark, I think of my incredible and inspiring friend, Catherine Poirier. Not only is she the founder of Body Bark, she is one of my dearest friends and favorite people on the planet.

One thing about you that may surprise people is…

I play a mean game of H-0-R-S-E with my kids. I’m in it to win.

Favorite way to spend the day in Madison, Wisconsin…

Summertime in Madison is the best! Whether it’s enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes, strolling around the world-class farmers market, or taking in the view at the Union, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be!

Your all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…

Joyce Tischler, founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

—

Body Bark is so grateful to Pamela for filling us in on her career and how she helps make the world a better place for animals and humans alike! Want to know more about her story? Check out this article, and shop her Body Bark look here. We’ll be back soon with more from another inspiring boss woman!

June 21, 2017 0 comment

Fashion Work Wardrobe

3 Ways To Wear Body Bark To Work

Who else likes making a good investment? Like, getting Apple stock in its early days? Or buying (almost) any stocks Warren Buffett buys?

We all like to know that we’re spending smart and getting our money to work for us. But you don’t have to be a financial expert to make a good investment. Sometimes, it’s as simple as buying things for yourself, your family and your home that are made well, will last a long time and are versatile.

That’s kind of our thing at Body Bark. We want you to look and feel your best. We want you to be comfortable both with your fashion and with your eco-conscious purchases. We want you to have pieces that will work for you at the office, at the park, and anywhere else your busy life takes you. So with that in mind, here are a few Body Bark investments that will widen your work wardrobe and give you a great return on your investment.

For a summery corporate look

As the warm weather continues to roll in, try rotating this breezy look into your wardrobe: a turtleneck tank, seersucker suit and ankle-strap heels. Then (with the Belmont Stakes happening this past weekend, we have pearls and big floppy hats on our minds) you can easily dress down for a business brunch with an eye-popping Kate Spade.

For a business-casual look

Pair a three-quarter sleeve scoop neck with a brightly colored pencil skirt. Add some beige pumps to play it safe or some pretty floral sandals to add another pop of personality. With a scoop neck, you have options for jewelry: big beads and sparkles? A collection of tiny gold and silver pendants? No necklace, but statement earrings? A flowery headband? Or a sleek look with no jewelry at all?

Start with a classic white short-sleeve crew neck, and throw on a pair of boyfriend jeans and a long cardigan. You can throw on a pair of wedges if you’re in the mood to dress up a bit, but most days we’d just go with some chic Oxfords. One bonus to this look is that you can wear it every day, and it will work for spring, fall, and depending on where you live, a month or two of summer and winter. Which is great for you if, like at least one big-name agency art director, you’d rather invest your creative energies in your work than i

For a creative-industry look n choosing a daily outfit!

June 14, 2017 0 comment

Fashion Tech

5 Fashion App Must-Haves For GirlBosses

Who else is glued to their phones these days? We use our phones for waking up, tracking our health, taking photos and video, staying in touch with friends, networking, getting directions, ordering food, exercising, listening to music and checking the weather. It’s a lot. But even though some days we just want to hurl our phones into the nearest body of water, there is one thing that we always have time for, and it’s not Pinterest — it’s fashion apps.

Check out these apps to streamline how you look and feel your best.

Donde

Most women have probably faced the dilemma of knowing exactly what clothing item they’re looking for but not being able to find it. With this app, you simply select the features you want, and Donde shows you clothing that fits in your parameters. Because if you know you want a gold dress with an asymmetrical hem, it would be nice to be able to just find it.

Stylebook

This app costs $3.99, but that’s a small price to pay if you have a closet full of clothes but always wear the same three outfits. You’ll take snapshots of your clothes, clip them from the background, and voila — your closet is on your phone. You can track your outfits, see your most-worn clothing item, and even see which item has the best value (your Body Bark top, maybe?) based on how many times you’ve worn it. (Bonus for moms and wives: One reviewer said that the app works great for days when dad dresses baby, as well as for packing and for keeping track of what she owns while she’s out shopping!)

PS Dept

If you love having the latest fashion but don’t like having to track it down when everyone else has the same idea, this is the app for you. The PS team will locate that item that seems nearly impossible to find, and then you can make your purchase through the app. Easy peasy.

LIKEtoKNOW.it

This app is for the Instagram-obsessed among us. When you like or screenshot an influencer post, the app will keep your likes and screenshots in one place and allow you to shop the featured pieces.

The Hunt

Lip Sync Battle hostess, model, chef and social media legend Chrissy Teigen once gave a dress to a fan who commented on it via Twitter. But if you see someone wearing a piece you adore, and you’re not so lucky, you still have options. This app allows you to crowdsource fashion tips, style and, yes, what brand Chrissy Teigen is wearing. Have fun!

June 7, 2017 0 comment

Beauty Fashion Features Jewelry

One Top Worn 3 Ways for a Summer Wedding

Everything seems crowded these days: our favorite restaurants, our Facebook timelines, our brains. One space that doesn’t have to be crowded, though, is the closet of a chic, stylish woman. When you have a few well-constructed basics and a few favorite signature pieces, you’ll have enough combinations to keep you dressed for any occasion.

This summer, let simplicity, comfort, and style win out. Start with Body Bark’s soft, eco-friendly Turtleneck Tank, and add on the following items to carry you through wedding season.

Look 1: The Outdoor Garden Wedding

Slip on a modern romance pencil skirt and a pair of block-heeled ankle strap sandals (along with a wrap, in case it gets cool in the evening), and you’re ready to hit the garden. The block heels on the sandals are key — nobody wants to be punching holes in the turf with every step, and you’ll be thankful for some sturdy-yet-pretty footwear. Your look will be understated enough to not steal the bride’s thunder, but you’ll still turn heads with a sweeping skirt and flattering tank silhouette.

Look 2: The Urban City Shindig

Throw on a pair of culottes, quietly declaring your confidence in the way that only androgynous French pants can. Keep up the European globe trotter theme with a pair of cutout pointy-toed pumps. A slicked-back hairstyle will have you feeling like a runway model, and if you think you’ll head out to drinks afterward, bring a jean jacket as an after-wedding accessory.

Look 3: The Black-Tie Wedding

You can’t go wrong with a full ball skirt for the dressiest of events. Shimmery fabric adds an air of elegance and a creative pattern, print, and pockets will give your look a modern feel. Velvet pumps with gold piping will dial up the look so you’ll fit in with a posh crowd. Chandelier earrings, a sparkly clutch, nude nails and a twisted updo will complete this look and pull it all together.

May 10, 2017 0 comment

Fashion Jewelry

10 Jewelry Designers Who Are Making Our World Better

At Body Bark, we love shopping at businesses that make the world a better place. Why spend money on mass-produced items made in unethical conditions when you can support a cause and create a connection? Check out some of our favorite jewelry-designers-with-a-cause, and pick out some chic new pieces to dress up your Body Bark basics!

PURPOSE Jewelry

These pieces are handcrafted by survivors of sex trafficking in India and California. We love the delicate gold and silver aesthetic — and the fact that this business equips young women with marketable skills so they can reclaim their futures.

Noonday Collection

This business empowers Artisans around the world by connecting them with Ambassadors in the U.S., who run their own businesses selling the Artisans’ jewelry and accessories.

Lydali

Lydali curates ethically sourced goods from around the globe and shares the goods’ origin stories. As they put it, “We believe that talent is universal, but the opportunity isn’t.”

River Song

Founded during the off-season of organic farming, River Song jewelry gathers inspiration from the natural world and draws on artist partnerships to create delicate, unique pieces.

Tribe Alive

Showcasing a cute, airy summer collection, Tribe Alive connects female artists around the world to create quality clothing and accessories. As they say, “We work with women we know. We work with women we respect.”

Go Rings

A new college graduate started selling these cute wire rings to fund a mission trip. Today, proceeds from the sale of each ring and other pieces help fund nearly 50 people and organizations.

Soko

Soko uses smartphone technology to connect artisans to the global market. The company boasts a five-fold revenue increase for its source artisans around the world.

SLATE + SALT

If you’ve ever considered yourself a socially conscious, “globally minded, luxe nomad,” SLATE + SALT’s handmade bags, home goods and jewelry just might strike your fancy.

The Brave Collection

This jewelry is created by mothers and other women in Cambodia, a country still healing from genocide and plagued by sex trafficking. Along with fair pay, the artists receive health insurance and education stipends for their children.

The Shine Project

Threads by The Shine Project employs inner city youth who have received scholarships from The Shine Project, many of whom thought college would never be an option for them. The jobs enable them to continue working their way through school.

May 1, 2017 0 comment

Fashion

How to Style Body Bark for the Best Girls’ Night Out

Let’s be honest: it’s more fun to shop for accessories than basics. But finding the perfect base means that you can go to town dressing it up or down, and then go out on the town. Body Bark pieces are designed to fit seamlessly into the wardrobe you already have — or give you an excuse to go get some fun add-ons so that next time you head out for a night with the girls, you’ll have an outfit ready to party.

Black Turtleneck

Turtlenecks may have suffered through a history as the brunt of jokes about “covering up,” but the past is in the past. This sleeveless turtleneck says you’re ready to rock and roll. Add a statement necklace and a pair of skinny jeans, and you’re ready to go. Or keep building with the following items to show off your ability to incorporate a sustainable, stylish piece into a globe-trotter-worthy night-out ensemble.

Floral Pants

The spring/summer 2017 catwalks served up bold blooms and eye-popping bouquets of floral prints. Rock this feminine floral trend on a wide-leg pant and you have a winner winner chicken dinner. Plus a wide-leg will leave you feeling breezy and free without the hassle of a skirt.

Denim Jacket

If a denim jacket isn’t already a staple in your weekend wardrobe, one should be. They’re sturdy little pieces that layer well for cool nights and tend to have pockets that are just right holding the napkin on which you and your friends jotted down the idea for the next Microsoft. Girl bosses unite!

Ankle Strap Sandal

The best part of ankle straps on sandals, or on any other shoe, is that there’s no need to worry about a wayward shoe slipping off while you’re dancing with your friends or walking home. Plus, strappy sandals are just cute and always on trend.

Gold Hoops

As is often the case, the smallest item in this outfit is crucial for tying it together. Hoop earrings synthesize the attitude of the black turtleneck, the impulsivity of the denim jacket, the flowing elegance of the floral pants, and the sexy height of the strappy sandals.

Metallic Clutch

The final accessory for this outfit is the one tasked with guarding your keys, cards, lipstick and whatever other backup you bring with you on a girls’ night out. But just because the clutch has a utilitarian job doesn’t mean it needs to look utilitarian. Find a cute one. Fill it up. And have fun!

April 10, 2017 0 comment

Fashion

Eight Clothing Must-Haves to Buy with Your Tax Return

Key clothing pieces are like any good investment: they occupy a niche in the market (i.e. your closet), have long-term potential, and are easy to understand. If you’ve figured out the magic formula of filing your taxes without owing the government or being owed, you’re likely looking at a tax return this month — which means this is the perfect time to consider some clothing investments that will have you looking and feeling like the stylish boss lady you are.

(Disclaimer: We can talk clothing investments all day, but talk to your financial advisor about other investments!)

Classic Handbag

A bag like this one, with room for a laptop, allows you to always look professional as you work, travel and run errands — no personal essential left behind.

Stylish Flats

Flats have long been known as the shoe that goes from long-boardroom-presentation to busy-mom-picking-up-kids to date-night-walking-around-the-city. Flats like these kick it up a notch with looks without sacrificing versatility.

Quintessential Trench Coat

The trench: perfect for in-between seasons, for rainy days, for conquering the world.

Perfect Pumps

Pumps are like power suits for women: put them on and you feel more in-control. (We know that red soles are a status thing, but we have to admit — they do add to the effect!)

Slim-Fit Blazer

A good blazer is an investment that has the added benefit of helping pull together a capsule wardrobe: You only need one or two to pull together dozens of different looks.

Luxurious Long-Sleeve T

Choose a long-sleeve T-shirt that’s both dreamy-soft and sturdy enough to last you through pairings with sweaters, blazers, pencil skirts and yoga pants.

Tailored LBD

Slipping on a little black dress is one of the easiest ways to feel confident, sexy and ready for anything. Choose one with some unique details to make it feel like part of your personal brand.

Killer Jeans

Find a pair of jeans you love. And then buy 12 pairs (just kidding…sort of). Because when a girl finds the perfect pair, she knows not to let them go.

April 3, 2017 0 comment