BUZZNET Exclusive: Keltie Colton Interviews BC Footwear at LAZR Tradeshow

BC Footwear's star designer, Leah Salimbene, talks about the line and what inspires her to churn out stellar designs time and time again. A huge shout out to LAZR and BUZZNET for capturing BC Footwear magic!

tuc + wes and BC Footwear Collaboration

"Don't let the Kardashians ruin it for you, it's a beautiful town." says Orly Shani on her blog about being a native Angeleno. If her infectious sense of humor doesn't capture your attention, it's her stunning looks and fiery attitude. 

A New York transplant and former contestant on NBC's reality TV show Fashion Star, Orly is the creative director and lead driver for her brand tuc + wes. The tuc +wes collection is a versatile and affordable clothing line with items ranging from tanks and tees, to trouser and blazers. We want one of everything we see on the site but some of our favorites are the Blondie Leopard Blazer and the Convertible Valentina Dress (on sale now for $20!). 

We had the pleasure of working with the creative dynamo on a shoot where she styled timeless BC items 'Crocodile Tears', 'Eager Beaver', 'Snake Eyes' and 'Swagger' with her collection. BC Footwear and tuc + wes are a natural compliment and we know that the friendship will continue to grow.  

All items are available now to purchase at: 

www.bcfootwear.com and www.tucandwes.com

Beauty: A Lipstick Story

At lunch the other day we couldn't help but notice the woman in the back of the room with a bold bright and enchanting pout. She was tres chic. wearing little to no makeup and dressed in a simple subdued outfit. Not knowing her at all, we felt like we maybe knew a little about who she was. Mysterious, demure, reads Proust in French but also loves denim and American bluegrass. 

Regardless of what and who she truly was, her bold lips made a statement. It wasn't her lipstick that appealed to us but rather her natural ability to be fiery and confident in her own skin. 

Image: Passione De La Mode

Summer Drink: Oat Milk Smoothie

Adult life kind of sucks (that's a mild exaggeration). The truth is the transition from being an irresponsible undergrad, to joining the ranks of the majority and plugging away at a 9-5, is tough. Sleeping in till 9AM becomes a point of celebration, eating Target frozen pizza is a surprise treat and speeding down the freeway on a Friday at 5PM brings you to tears. It's the small things. 

Not to be the bearer of doom and gloom, but get ready for two things in particular to suffer when it comes to quality: 1) food and 2) sleep (say goodbye to hibernating or pulling all-nighters!). To help you adjust a little to your new way of life on the go, we've suggested a delicious, healthy and quick meal option. This oat milk smoothie recipe by Golubka gives you everything you need in a cool and convenient glass. Try it out and let us know what you think! 

Late Summer Oat Milk Smoothie
Oat milk
1 cup oat groats - preferably raw
3 cups purified water, plus some water for soaking the groats

Cover oat groats with purified water and leave to soak overnight. Drain and rinse. In a high-speed blender, combine the groats with 3 cups of water until very smooth. You should end up with a drinkable yogurt kind of consistency. Keep refrigerated. Add to smoothies or top with fruit for breakfast.

Oat Milk Smoothie Layer
1 cup oat milk
1/2 cup ice cubes
1 tablespoon raw honey
dash of cinnamon

Combine all the ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.

Fig and Grape Smoothie
1 cup oat milk
2 cups ice cubes
4 cups grapes - your favourite kind
1 cup ripe figs
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 vanilla bean - optional
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Pour to fill 2/3 of a glass. Top with the oat milk layer, pouring carefully. Enjoy! 

Hair DIY: Top Knot and Braid Bun

Not all of us were born with Rapunzel-esque hair. Even those who do suffer from the dreaded bad hair day. For everyone who wants a break from wearing your beautiful or lackluster locks down, we suggest the beloved top knot or braid bun. 

Both looks are easy to achieve when you're running late to work, slept through an alarm or pushing the deadline on washing your dirty hair (you should be ashamed of yourself if you said "ew" to that one! It's happened to all of us, including you). Because we understand that those days come around more often then you'd like, we trolled the internet to find you the best top knots and braid buns for the days when you just don't feel like leaving the mane down. If you try it at home be sure to share your shots with us on @BCShoes on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! 

Hey Girl Hey: Emma Dime

Emma Dime is a delightful mix of Texas sweet and LA feist. She's an absolute pleasure to be around and we're so happy and honored to announce her as our newest Hey Girl Hey. None of this will come as a surprise the second you read more about this stylish lady. Want more? Read all about her below and check out how she styled her 'Eager Beaver' booties  on our homepage. 

Buzznet Exclusive: BC Footwear Designers Talk about LAZR Tradeshow

Back to School: Tips and Trends

As summer winds down and Fall starts to make its way into our lives, we start our preparation to go back to school. Trading in bikinis and sandals for boring T-shirts and comfortable sneakers is not fun for most. But who said that your school uniform had to be a stale top or your shoes orthopedic? 

Glorious fashionable prospects await you just around the corner. Feel confident strutting down the hallway in your super cool outfit armed with color pencils, soft-spiked studs and a fierce wedge this year. You will undoubtedly be the talk of the town. 

BC Footwear, 'Salt of the Earth' in Black

TopShop, Heart Mesh Flippy Dress

TopShop, Pearl Look Spike Studs

Kimmel Kids, Garden Pencils

Kate Spade New York, Composition Notebook Resin Phone Case

Zara, Antik Messenger Bag

Recipe Idea: Watermelon and Fresh Berry Mojitos

On a humid hot summer day, all you really want is something to quench your seemingly insatiable thirst. A cool and refreshing inviting recipe for watermelon and fresh berry mojitos is exactly what the doctor ordered.  Everything from the mint sprigs, to the freshly picked berries down to the glass jars are the ideal way to beat the heat.    

Shop the Look: After-Hours Ankle Boots

One of our dear friends at BC Footwear likes to start her weekend countdown every Monday. The Monday blues are a serious problem for her and without a doubt, when asked how she's doing her response is almost always, "Oh well, you know...it's Monday".   She  manages to keep her Eeyore-esque thoughts at bay by brainstorming what she has planned for the weekend. Most important of which, are thoughts of what she's looking forward to wearing. To help our friend, and sweet sulky coworker along, we put together an outfit post that will help her look forward to her long awaited weekend. 

BC Footwear, 'Snake Eyes' in Cognac/Southwest

Les Pommettes, Woo Madrid Tank

Max&Chloe, Blu Bijoux Protection Bracelet

Republic, Glamorous Denim Hotpants

Oasis, Leather Cross Body Bag

Image via Stuck in ze Queue

Musical Spotlight: Blind Pilot

If searching for the best indie-folk bands is your forte, then look no further. Let us introduce you to, Blind Pilot, the phenomenal Oregon based band that we have to thank for the great music we've been listening to on repeat the past few weeks.  We first heard the duo singing on a thread on Pandora.com and haven't been able to stop following them ever since. Not that this comes as a surprise to anyone, but the musical dynamos have racked up awards and stellar reviews, including having their debut album, 3 Rounds anad a Sound, reach number 13 on Billboard Top Digital Albums chart.  We are obsessed to say the least.  

Recipe Idea: Cotton Candy Cupcakes

Cotton candy is a timeless treat that reminds most of us of childhoods spent at a baseball game or hanging out at the local festival. Cupcakes on the other hand, were the popular confection of the uber cool fashionistas like Miranda on "Sex and The City". For those of us who don't want to choose between the two, we've found the perfect recipe that melds together the illustrious cupcake with that cotton candy treat. (Thanks to Becoming Lola for this amazing recipe and visual!)  

cotton candy cupcake recipe

• 3 cups cake flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 16 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1¼ cups buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners. Set aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together and set aside. Add the butter to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the bowl of the mixer with the butter and discard the pod (or reserve for another use.) Beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes, until light and creamy in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for one more minute.
3. Add the sugar to the butter mixture, ¼ cup at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition. Mix in the eggs one at a time until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Combine the buttermilk and the vanilla extract in a liquid measuring cup. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients alternately with the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing just until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for 15 seconds longer.
4. Divide the batter between the prepared paper liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full (you will likely have batter left over after filling 24 wells.) Bake 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Replace paper liners and bake remaining batter if desired. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired

Cotton Candy Buttercream

adapted via Sugar Sweet Sunshine

• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• pink food coloring (or 1 drop of red)
• Tiffany blue food coloring (or two blue drops, one green drop)
• cotton candy, pulled into small pieces

Using the paddle attachment on a mixer hand beater, cream the butter. Add half of the sugar and half of the milk. Cream these ingredients until well blended. Add the rest of the sugar and the milk and combine. Add the vanilla and mix in. Separate the frosting into two containers. Add food colorings to each bowl and mix until even. Add cotton candy pieces until well combined. Frost cupcakes. Garnish with remaining cotton candy.