Tag

wardrobe

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

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

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

Features

#SheShines Spotlight:
Radiant Magazine’s Kelsey Chapman

Kelsey Chapman, 27, has been an entrepreneur since her lemonade-stand days. Now this Instagram influencer is the founder and CEO of Radiant Collective, which includes Radiant Magazine, The Radiant Community and The Radiant Podcast — all of which aim to provide women with a supportive, encouraging, joyful community.

Kelsey embodies what it means to be a Body Bark woman: strong, passionate and enthusiastic about supporting other women. Body Bark recently caught up with her to hear about her career, including some life-changing world travel, the launch of her new e-course InstaBreakout, and life in Colorado Springs.

What prompted you to start Radiant Magazine? Have you always had an interest in publishing?

As I allowed my personal blog to evolve, I realized I wanted a more formal space where we could more intentionally speak into the lives of women. I had a guest writer sharing each week but felt a magazine would be a more formal setting where our readers could expect to hear from someone other than me. I started thinking about all of the amazing writers I had been introduced to during my first year of blogging and ways we could come together to have a maximum impact on women across the world. And there you have it, Radiant Magazine came into existence.

But in reality, I have dreamt of working for a magazine since I was a little girl. Writing and the idea of working for a magazine is yet another of my many passions coming together in a beautiful tapestry of God allowing me to walk out all of my many dreams.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school? (Kelsey has bachelor’s degrees in both Spanish and Global Studies from Middle Tennessee State University.) Or did you immediately dive into being an entrepreneur?

My first job after school was actually working on Young Life (a Christian youth ministry’s) staff. I worked with the ministry as a volunteer all through college and following graduation went on part time staff. I planned on segueing into full-time staff with Young Life but decided at the last minute to attend a missions school in Pemba, Mozambique, instead.

You launched your career in the digital industry as a fashion blogger — how did you get started down this path?

It was actually in Mozambique that I started realizing how my unique passions across the board could be woven together. I have always had a knack for business, from selling handmade business cards to my parents’ co-workers at 10 to neighborhood carwashes netting profits most 12-year-olds don’t think of. But seriously, entrepreneurship has always been FUN for me. On the flip side, I have always had a creative side to me as well when it comes to writing and my love of fashion. Lastly, missions have always been close to my heart.

It was in Pemba that I realized that I wasn’t meant to solely live in one single niche, but instead bridge the business, creative, and mission fields together. I came home, started a blog that reflected everything I love, and took it step-by-step from there!

What steps did you take to prepare for your business launch, and how did you know you were ready?

Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing being an entrepreneur and launching Radiant. I don’t think that’s a bad thing because it kept me bright-eyed and open-hearted! I took each day step-by-step and utilized Google like a girlboss. Also, I have been SO thankful for women in the publishing industry to believe in me and REALLY live out the mantra of community over competition. My biggest strategy has been Instagram, because hello, that’s my thing.

You’ve had so much success on Instagram. When did you realize this was more than a hobby and could be a solid career path?

I realized it was more than a hobby when I gained my first client, launching my life as an entrepreneur. It was right before I moved to Colorado and in the middle of a job change. I took my first client hoping to be able to segue into working from home instead of having to job hunt in Denver. It turns out I did end up taking a job and commuting to Denver for about six months before I was able to build up my client portfolio to be able to work in Instagram Management full time.

You recently launched your first eCourse. Can you walk us through InstaBreakout? What was your biggest learning curve when launching? What types of business owners is this course for?

InstaBreakout has been such a blast to launch. Since I began my own blogging journey, I have utilized Instagram to leverage my brand and business. I never anticipated working with clients and helping them to manage their accounts, but slowly but surely, it began to happen. And man, it’s my favorite thing in the world to see a business be able to grow because they finally had the exposure they needed all along. Working entrepreneur to entrepreneur gives me that extra boost because I understand all their struggles.

It’s not that I love Instagram, but I love that it enables small businesses and influencers to put themselves out there! At a certain point, I realized I would be able to help more people do this by compiling everything I have learned working with clients into an eCourse. So many entrepreneurs have limited marketing dollars in the early stages of their business so they cannot afford to hire someone to solely focus on Instagram. This course allows them to learn the information and implement it themselves. With these strategies they are able to grow their accounts in the same way that I do for my own clients! In the course, I cover photography, scheduling, content curation, defining your niche, growth, engagement and so much more!

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. As an Instagram business consultant and coach, fashion blogger, publisher, and entrepreneur, what has been the most challenging part of running your own company? Any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream their full-time reality?

Mindset has absolutely been the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur! I had no idea what thought patterns would trigger from any given situation. I am so thankful for incredible mentors to help me work through questions and struggles I may have along the way. My absolute biggest piece of advice would be to find someone who can be that mentor for you. Support goes a long way, and you need it!

One thing about you that may surprise people is…

Even though I built my brand as an Instagram influencer, I rarely take photos! I have to remind myself in special moments to take pictures because I so often just want to be “in the moment.” I often batch my photo-taking so that I don’t waste my life trying to create an “Insta life.”

Favorite way to spend the day in Colorado Springs…

Loyal Coffee and a drive through Garden of the Gods!

Your all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…

Grace Lever and Marie Forleo for what they bring to the business world, but hands-down, Ellen Degeneres for the level of joy and brightness she brings to the world at large.

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

I am a casual girl through and through. Most days, you can find me cozied up in my house with a cup of coffee working from home. I love to be able to dress up a casual piece but still feel like myself at the end of the day, laid back and easygoing.

—
Thanks for hanging out with us, Kelsey! You can follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelschapman and shop for her Body Bark look here. We’ll be back soon to chat with more women who inspire us. In the meantime, keep being girl bosses!

April 17, 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

Fashion

This Is the Most Versatile Piece of Clothing You’ll Ever Own

Seriously.

Need some examples? Here are a few day-in-the-life scenarios to show just how versatile a Body Bark piece is.

For the executive

Kiana is an executive at a tech company. She has a penchant for classic accessories and a long list of client meetings and formal evening engagements.

A day in the life: Kiana layers a Body Bark Modest Scoop Long Sleeve with a blazer, pencil skirt and elegant pearl necklace. The shirt lays flat under her skirt, and the long sleeves add warmth under her blazer. But someone turned up the heat on in the boardroom, so she leaves the blazer on her chair while she confidently presents on her company’s shifting competitive set. After work, she meets a client-turned-friend for drinks, switching the blazer for a sweater jacket and adding some chandelier earrings.

For the mother

Sheree is a mom who used to be a high school track star. These days, she uses her speed to chase twin kindergarteners around.

A day in the life: Sheree wears Capri-length workout pants and a jean jacket over a Body Bark Tank to a PTA meeting, then ties the jacket around her waist to go on a walk with her neighbor before picking up some groceries and the twins. That evening, she switches the workout pants and sneakers for heels and pleather leggings for a girls’ night out.

For the adventurer

April is a travel writer who focuses on sustainable practices and efficient travel.

A day in the life: April’s flight leaves at 6 a.m., so she gets dressed in the dark in the outfit she laid out the night before: a tunic top, Leggings, and her favorite all-day flats. Her destination? Iceland. As usual, she’s traveling with a carry-on only, so the leggings will also serve as soft sleepwear and an extra layer under her snow pants when she goes on a glacier tour.

Finally, women like these aren’t the only ones who love Body Bark. For fashion buyers, Body Bark inventory moves all year long — summer tops layer smoothly and provide a soft underlayer for scratchy sweaters, and long-sleeved tops offer just the right amount of coverage on breezy summer nights. Manufactured in the US, Body Bark is made from sustainable beech trees, and this fabric holds its shape, color, softness and fit through washing after washing. Try it and see just how versatile a wardrobe essential can be!

March 20, 2017 0 comment