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) 

(source) 

(source) 

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source) 

(source)

(source)

(source) 

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



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

Rocked it & Swapped it

This is one of my favorite swaps with Lisa to date - The minute I saw her in this shift dress from LOFT, I decided I either had to head over and purchase it myself or request it in my next friendswap bag and keep it (forever)

She looks amazing with the pink lip and necklace combo, so I tried to mix it up with some emerald blue and nude belt, perfect for the wedding I attended.

Let's not forget how I continued to accessorize the dress throughout the evening... I think the hat makes it ;)

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

I saw this photo of Kaitlyn back in July of last year and knew I needed to borrow this dress. How stunning does she look?! I finally asked her in August to borrow it and she gladly added it to my friendswap bag!

Dress: Francesca's, Bag: Coach, Earrings: Francesca's

 Not sure why, but I felt like a light mint colored dress needed to be worn in early summer/mid summer, not early fall which is when I borrowed it. (YES, Kaitlyn let me keep this dress in my closet for almost 1 year!)

I FINALLY wore it for a early dinner date with the hubby in late June...

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), Watch and Earrings: Kristin Hassan, Sunnies: Loft

What do you think? Is mint just for spring/early summer or can it be worn year round?

#Lisa

Rocked it & Swapped it

One of the many reasons I love having a sister in-law? If one of my outfit options fails, she has a closet and multiple wardrobe racks full of options waiting for me. It was one of those days where I didn't like anything I owned (big problem, I know) so Lisa came to my rescue with this GentleFawn dress. We both chose to pair it with wedges (mine, nude and Lisa, dark brown) and a braided belt, but Lisa definitely went the extra mile by adding turquoise earrings. I always love a pop of color ;)

#Kaitlyn

Rocked it & Swapped it

When I saw Kaitlyn's stripe tank from Forever 21, I knew I needed to borrow it ASAP! ;)

Now that I have, I'm not sure I want to give it back. I have actually called DIBS on this one (meaning when she's ready to sell, I get the first stab at it)! Kaitlyn rocked this look out with white denim and studded sandals (and an awesome background to boot)...

I decided to keep it casual too and paired it with jean shorts and an orange flat for a pop of color:

I can also totally see this tank with a great maxi skirt, colored shorts, and even with pants and a blazer. This is a super versital shirt for sure. (LOVE THAT) ;)

#Lisa

Because we went to a Bon Voyage party

Lisa and I attended "Baubles and Bon Voyage," a shopping/shipping off party for a fellow Chicago blogger, Jessica from Bows & Sequins. It was held at the Suite Lounge, a hidden gem on Wells street. The inside looked like an old cave and was definitely a place I would love to visit again with the fiance for a drink. 

We had a great time shopping Kristin Hassan's Passport to Style collection, sipping champagne and having mini-photo shoots with some of our favorite fashion friends. Not to mention, we came home with some sweet swag bags filled with stackable rings and Zoya nail polish...Definitely better than your average Thursday night. Good luck to Jessica in NYC...We can't wait to see the new outfit posts ;)

Dress/Belt: Swap with Lisa (dress via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service), Earrings: C/O Kristin Hassan, Shoes: LuLu's (similar)

Lisa: Tank: Forever 21, Skirt: Kristin Hassan, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Bag: Coach, Bracelets and Watch: C/O Kristin Hassan, Necklace: Forever 21

Don't mind if I do...

Excuse me while I lust for Jessica's shoes!

KH Arm Candy ;)

We just had to...

#Kaitlyn