Musical Spotlight: Florence and the Machine

Florence Welch is an absolute undeniable operatic-pop phenomena. The lead singer of UK indie-rock band, Florence and the Machine, has a robust voice that has continued to seduce millions ever since their debut in 2009. Even with the bands colossal appeal and recognition, the band still remains to churn out timeless hits that you can dance to for years to come. One of our favorites that we have playing on repeat right now is her tongue-in-cheek song, "Kiss with a Fist". She's playful, clever and feisty and we like it. 

Get the Look: Western-Inspired Picks

With country music stars like Taylor Swift crossing over into the mainstream, we're a little scared to admit we're seduced by country.  Sure, you may not like country music, but that doesn't mean you can't like denim, flannel and cowgirl enhanced ankle boots dipped in glitter. That and the huge plus of being able to wear Western-inspired fashion year round without having to line dance! It's a perfect transitional look to take you from Summer into Fall, with plenty of fringe, glitter, horseshoes and denim to make you change your mind about country. 

BC Footwear, 'Eager Beaver' ankle boot in Sand

Matthew Williamson, Blue Suede Jacket

Alex and Ani, Texas Rangers Cap Logo Bangle

TOTEM, Ecru and Black Small Saddle Blanket Fringe Bag

Kimberly Baker, Tiny Horseshoe Necklace

Sheinside.com, Light Blue Crochet Collarless Sleeveless Denim Shirt  

Animal Love: Chibita the Cat with No Paws

Counting your blessings is hard when it's easier to be Emo and sulk about small petty issues. Leaning towards being a narcissist happens to everyone. For those of you who want to deny it, you're only delaying the process of being closer to change. 

We stumbled upon this sweet image of Chibita earlier today, a strong little cat that was born without paws. No more than a half hour before we were stressing about loves lost and time wasted and this shot put everything else back into perspective. Instead of caving to selfish feelings of shame for dwelling on the trivial, we in turn have decided to celebrate the selfless courageous behaviors of others including our newest friend, Chibita. 

DIY Party Idea: Raspberry Sorbet in Lemon Bowls

It's Friday and you're eagerly waiting for the bell to ring to start your weekend party! We stumbled on this delectable shot of raspberry sorbet sitting in bright yellow lemon bowls on Pinterest and had to share it. This is a really fabulous pot luck idea that is bound to trump anything else anyone could possibly bring to the table tonight. It's ridiculously cute, easy to assemble and affordable. And you even have bragging rights/excuse to strut around talking about that cool cat who brought awesome raspberry sorbet in lemon bowls. We can't wait to get off of work to try them out! 

Musical Spotlight: Sea Wolf

Sea Wolf, the LA-based hit indie-folk band, has taken our office by storm this week. Led by Alex Brown Church, the band has you rocking to the rhythm and humming to their tunes the instant the sweet melody hits your ears.  Our favorite song is "You're A Wolf" from their album Leaves in the River, but the entire record is stellar.  September 11th 2013 can't come soon enough so we can hear the newest album release titled Old September Romance! 

BC Footwear: Instagram Daily Happenings

The past two weeks have been filled with photo shoots, July 4th celebrations and drumroll please...new Fall styles coming into stores! Be sure to follow us on Instagram to gain access to footage of the coolest cats on the West Coast @BCFootwear x 

Our beautiful blogger friends, Elsie and Emma from A Beautiful Mess, wearing our 'Stare' sandal on a trip to NY  • Jess, BC Footwear's favorite pixie, wearing a dra clothing dress to our Spring 13 photo shoot • One of our office mascots wishing all of you a happy and safe 4th of July! •  A foot model jumping for joy in our 'In the Winner's Circle' in teal and soft suede • Kicking back in our patriotic 'Ruffle' wedges • A shot of one of our favorite posters in the LA showroom  • A glimpse of what one of our office gypsies packed as summer essentials for her weekend trip • The new addition to your shoe closet with our  'Salt of the Earth' wedge in vibrant red • 

Shop the Look: Red Story

Red is the new black and if you don't have it fully stocked in your closet right now, then you have to go out there and start using that plastic wisely. BC Footwear's  'In the Winner's Circle' just arrived in stores in a rich burgundy and soft suede and would look amazing with almost anything. We suggest playing dress up this weekend and pairing it with red matte lips, heart shaped hair pins and a saucy red dress. You can now cue the non-80's music!  

1 BC Footwear, ‘In the Winner’s Circle’ in Burgundy

2 Diesel, Silicone strap round watch

3 Topshop, Mesh insert skater dress

4 Hannak Zakari, Tiny heartlette sparkler hair pins

5 NARS, Velvet matte lip pencil in 'Dragon Girl'

(L-R Images) Karlee Hill, Lori Gustafson, Michael Madalinski, Refinery29.com 

Recipe Idea: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Some days we need more chocolate than other days. Today, we need a lot of chocolate with a side of peanut butter! We were sucked in by this delectable, melt-in-your mouth, "come to mama" shot of these brownie bites on Baked Perfection and had to share the recipe with the fellow choco lovers of the world. Try it out and let us know how your sweet escape goes! x 

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Recipe adapted from Nestle’s Very Best Baking

Makes 40 brownies as adapted

1 box of your favorite brownie mix
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 40 mini-muffin cups.

Prepare boxed brownie mix as directed. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups (about 1 heaping teaspoon). Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still warm spoon about half a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.

Music Spotlight: The Lumineers

If you like hand clapping, foot stomping and rustic then you'll love the folksy sound of the Colorado based band, The Lumineers. The indie crew has a low-key vibe which give us something unique to dance around and chant to. The entire album is filled with songs about heartache, hope and cheer. Our personal favorite is the robust and popular song, "Hey Ho", which you're bound to listen to on repeat. We're excited to see what else these lyrical and musical geniuses produce in the future. x 

Get the Look: Outdoor Picnic

Some of our fondest childhood memories were spent doing somersaults ad nauseam followed by hours of rolling around in the grass. It was great fun and all until it came down to the grass and the crazy amount of itching you'd be doing almost immediately after. We'd spend almost entire afternoons scratching ourselves, happily like the old flea bitten dog you may or may not have owned. We're older now, and think we're slightly wiser when making decisions. Things may have changed a bit but we still love to rock polka dot dresses (and ones with bunnies on them), lipstick red flats and heart shaped earrings. This outfit post is for all of you who enjoy galavanting in the sun, rolling around the grass and outdoor picnics  with friends and family. 

ONE: BC Footwear, Limousine in 'Lipstick Red'; TWO: AX Paris,  Polka Dot Skater Dress; THREE: boohoo.com, Gemma Geek Chic Glasses; FOUR: FarFetch.com, Blank, heart earrings; FIVE: FarFetch.com, Freitag Reference, 'Macclaren Shoulder Bag'; SIX: MAC Lipstick, MAC Red 

DIY: Fourth of July Inspired Nail Art

Fourth of July is the holiday for BBQ fiends and pool party fanatics, for family recipe cook-offs and debuting your brand-new bikini (and slimmed-down bikini bod). Given that most of us will only be wearing probably one or two articles of clothing max this Wednesday, your nails can play as your standout accoutrement. Our friends at Teen Vogue shared some of their patriotic-inspired tips to show off our red, white and blue.

{the finished look}

{step one: apply your base}

{step two: add stripes}

{step three: add glitter}

{step four: draw a star}

{step five: use a top coat}

***All photos: courtesy of Mars the Salon

Swimwear and Sandals: The Pool

Swimwear is great when you look like a Victoria Secret model. 

Not. (Who even started that anyway?!) 

Regardless of what kind of body type you have, you're going to look amazing. You don't have to be paid to walk the runway or model sans clothes to feel confident this summer.  All you need is a cool swimsuit matched with a great pair of sandals and you're good to own that pool. You're sexy and you should know it (two thumbs up to LMFAO for this one). 

1 Mara Hoffman, Techno Animal Printed Swimsuit
2 BC Footwear, 'Spinning Plates' in Black
3 Deben Hams, Twist Front Bikini Top
4 Fat Face, Bold Stripe Tie Bikini Bottoms
5 BC Footwear, 'Spinning Plates' in Vachetta