Theme Swap: Sweaters & Knits

For our second "theme swap," we chose sweaters & knits, because let's face it Midwest friends -- this sh*t is getting brutal. With 19 inches of snow in ONE DAY this week, we're about ready to call it quits. Sure, it's beautiful, but then you realize driving isn't avoidable any longer and it becomes a nuisance. Anyone else counting down the days until Spring?

Here's how we styled each other's knits:

Anchor Print: The last time I wore this sweater, I didn't play around and layer it at all. Recently, Kaitlyn wore the top and put a plaid blouse under which got my style wheels turning. ;) When I found it in my swap bag, I wanted to keep with her idea of pairing a blouse under, but I stayed in the same color palette of navy and cream.

Polka dots and anchor prints seemed like love at first sight. I added riding boots, skinny jeans, and a plaid scarf to finish it off. I loved how this very "spring/summer print" is easily worn year round by simply editing the style! - Lisa

Flannel Cardigan: I am a sucker for buffalo plaid, especially when it comes in the version of a snuggly wrap that I can cocoon myself in all day long. This is the ultimate weekend piece, perfect for comfort (as seen here) but also looks good roughed up a bit with black and gold booties, leather and a graphic T - Kaitlyn

Gray Cable Knit: I just love this sweater of Kaitlyns! It's so cute and classic I decided to wear it alone and let it be the star of the outfit. By adding my UGGs, a great tribal cross body bag, and my super warm puffer coat, I kept my look cute but still functional for this very cold day.

I find myself layering and pattern mixing tons lately so it was nice to just wear a very simple outfit. Sometimes it's ok just to wear jeans and a sweater. It's as easy and classic as jeans and a tee! - Lisa

Neutral Poncho: This winter, over sized is the name of the game. I'm all about a top I can practically swim in and still look attractive. The key is to keep with form-fitting jeans and layers underneath so I opted for my favorite LOFT denim, a basic black long-sleeved top and to a pack a punch, my plaid combat boots.

I look ready for a weekend in the snow, right? Perfect because we are in the thick of it, #Chiberia! Next time, I'll try mixing it up with stripes (and copying Lisa's gorgeous fat braid). Oh, how I miss those extensions! - Kaitlyn 

Theme Swap: Blouses

As you guys know, we swap clothes approx. every two weeks - it's a great way to feel like you have "new clothes" without shopping and it creates a fun challenge to try and style each other's pieces differently each time. 

We usually just trade our most recent or favorite items but recently, we have been doing some themed swaps to invite some change. We both tend to gravitate towards chunky knits in the chilly temps so to add a little variety to our winter wardrobe, we decided to swap 4 blouses each, prompting us to find new ways to mix, match and layer.  

1) Kaitlyn's Blue & Black Blouse: I wanted to get away from the normal a bit, so I layered the blouse over a turtleneck and under a wrap cardigan jacket. Three layers kept me warm on this cooler early December day - Lisa

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2) Lisa's Plaid Sheer Blouse: Not sure if you guys know how we feel about plaid...we haven't talked about it enough on the blog so let me reiterate it once again ;) It's an obsession and I love the challenge of finding new ways to incorporate it so I paired this great blouse with one of my other print passions, anchors. I think it was a fun combination and allowed me to transition a spring-ish sweater to winter - Kaitlyn

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3) Kaitlyn's Mustard Yellow Blouse: I actually went to pair this blouse with regular blue denim but then saw these green cords and the wheels got turning. I added some leopard wedges plus a great bag & jewelry and it was a perfect color match in my book! - Lisa 

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4) Lisa's Polka Dot Blouse: When I see this blouse, I instantly think feminine - I envision it paired with a high-waisted skirt or jeans with a blazer and pumps so I took another route and roughed it up a bit. I am always a fan of all black with a pop of color (hello, lips!) so I paired it with distressed denim, a cozy knit beanie and plaid combat boots. By adding the statement necklace, I think it still keeps it girly and playful - Kaitlyn

Next in our swap rotation? Sweaters...Stay tuned!

Rock & Swap Top 10: 2014

We really enjoy our “rock & swap” posts because that idea of swapping clothes with a friend and making something new again is where the idea of our business began (bistm & btgtf), motivating us to create an online experience where fashionistas (and kids!) alike can share clothes.

And let’s not forget the time we showed up a family party wearing the EXACT same outfit from head to toe (even the styling was the same!)…that’s when we decided, these things need to be documented somewhere ;) 

Here is our top 10 outfit swaps of 2014:(source) 

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Which rock & swap do you like best? Do you enjoy seeing how different pieces can be remixed?

Rocked it & Swapped it: Blogger Remix

Now that Spring has finally arrived, the flowers are in full bloom and not just in our yards but adorning our pants, flowing on our skirts (and in our hair if we’re still pretending we’re at Coachella and let’s be honest, we are). 

We LOVE the way Megan recently styled her Sisters graphic T – she made it her own by adding opaque tights and a vintage pair of cowboy boots (which we’re obsessed with to say the least – hello #Nashville!) Lisa took a different approach by mixing her T with a gorgeous pair of lattice pants…a sneak peek of the ankle is the ultimate pant look for Spring, no?

You know where to find the T...what about the floral bottoms? Here are 6 of our favorites:

Reiss Stara Pleated Print Skirt

Karen Millen Neon floral skirt 

J.Crew Patio skirt in photo floral 

River Island Navy floral print high waisted trousers 

Women's Senia 2 Satin Floral-Print Pants 

RAXEVSKY HELLIUM Floral Stretch Pants 

Top 10 Rock & Swap in 2013

We wanted to share a few of our best "rock & swap" moments with you guys because not only is it one of our favorite themes to blog about, but it's the idea that launched both of our websites (bistm & btgtf) 

We both enjoy going through each other closets and picking items to swap for a week or two -- it not only keeps our wardrobes fresh but our bank accounts in check (okay, our husbands might disagree on that note) but it is a great way to get a "new" outfit for an event because let's be honest, us girls have a bad a habit of only wearing things once ;)

Here's a few bonus fashion favorites...Make sure to follow us on Instagram if you aren't yet!

Which swap is your favorite?

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Have a wonderful Holiday with family and friends! 

We'll be back on Thursday :)

Rocked it & Swapped it

This is the second time I have swapped a Golden Tote dress with Lisa and I a officially a fan! I wore this dress 3 different times during its "visit" to my closet and got all kinds of compliments because it's such a great mix of prints and looks awesome under a jean jacket or blazer for the cool nights ahead...

By the way, if you are looking for a pair of comfortable wedges, stop the search: I walked all over in this pair from Just Fab and never felt the usual "I wish I had back up flip flops" pain. Plus, they go with everything. Yes please!?

Has anyone else shopped on Golden Tote yet?

Rocked it & Swapped it

Kaitlyn has this beautiful mint lace top from Loft that I found myself drooling over when she wore it on Easter. With lace and delicate items like this one, I'd never ask to borrow for fear I would snag it (or my kids would for that matter) so I was surprised and excited when I found it in my Friendswap bag in May.

To ensure I got no snags, I wore it for a kid free night with a friend and had it dry cleaned to show my appreciation! ;)

Here is how we both styled the top:

I wanted to mix up the colors a bit but I loved the hot pink with mint so much I wore hot pink lip stick!

What colors do you pair with mint?

#Lisa



Inside a Kids Closet...

"Parents know the excitement of buying a cute outfit for their kid but also understand the expenses included due to rapid fast growth and minimal wear, so this is our solution." - Lisa 

No longer will you think twice about purchasing sequin TOMS or the ever-classic Air Jordan's...Once your child has grown out of an item, upload it to your closet and give another child the chance to make it their own. 

Start a closet on Because They Grow Too Fast!

V-Strap Dress with Bloomers, Juicy Couture Set , Monster's Sleeper , Lightning Bolt Onesie

Questions about signing up? Let us know: info@btgtf.com

(Hint: It's Free!)

Rocked it & Swapped it

Kaitlyn has this beautiful light chambray top from H&M that she wore to her wedding hair and makeup trial last month. This type of top is great when worn alone as a shirt, but it is also really cute when worn as a light-weight coat for spring weather. 

I decided to layer it over a great maxi dress when we were shopping over Memorial Day weekend.

Here is how we both styled this H&M top:

Do you own a chambray top? I have two, a dark (similar) and medium (similar) colored one but now I want a light colored one too! Versatility at its finest. 

#Lisa

Did We Really Just Say Turtlenecks?

With Fall Fashion Week 2013 behind us, we have lots of new trends to look forward to.

Yes, of course we realize it has only been spring for just over a week (though it's hard to tell!) but it's never a bad idea to look ahead at what trends are yet to come.

You can also find some great pre-fall turtlenecks on BISTM:

Faith Connexion gray sweater dress / Maison Martin Margiela / LOFT petite sweater / I Heart Ronson turtleneck sweater / Autumn Cashmere turtleneck sweater / J.Crew j crew / Vero Moda over sized sweater, $55 / Mango turtleneck sweater, $30 / Schumacher turtleneck sweater

 Elbow patches (LOVE), shorter sleeved turtlenecks (super versatile and great for layering or by themselves when it's not quite cold yet), color blocking, and textures. 

If this is a preview of what is to come, count me in.

Which is your favorite?

#Lisa

Friday's Featured Closet

This weeks featured closet belongs to Michelle M. Most of her items are sizes XS and S, but she does have a few mediums and larges too. Here are a few of our Favorite items currently for sale:

 Lots of great items for year round wear (more knits and sweater dresses in her closet too). We spy a few items we wouldn't mind owning ourselves. 

Check out Michelle's closet here and don't forget to update your own closets!

I'm sure now that the holidays have passed, you have lots of new items to upload... I know we do!

#SistersMarie

Swap in the Suburbs!

This week we hosted Swap in the Suburbs, our first BISTM party. We asked guests to join us for a night of swapping and shopping - whether it was last year's cocktail dress or a purse that hadn't been worn, we all gathered pieces that no longer have a place in our hearts and enjoyed a stylish (yet thrifty!) evening with friends.

(Check out the twitter feed at #swapinthesuburbs)

Here is what we wore:

Blazer: Piperlime, Top: American Eagle, Jeans: 7 for all Mankind, Necklace: C/O Pree Brulee, Bracelets: House of Gemmes, Ring: T plus J Designs, Boots: C/O Just Fab, Earrings: Jewelmint, Belt: Fossil

Dress: Urban Outfitters(swap w/Lisa)(similar), Scarf: JC Penney, Tights: Von Maur(last year)(similar), Boots: Go Jane, Belt: Target, Watch: Nordstrom, Bracelet: T+J Designs

Head over to our Facebook to check out the photo booth pictures!

Thank you to everyone who came...we're already busy preparing for the next ;-)

#SistersMarie