The Refined Woman

A Refined Woman | Brynn Watkins

1. Who is Brynn Watkins, and, aside from Being Elliott, what are some other projects you’re involved with?

I am a woman who is always looking for the next thing. I am always looking forward to the next step, the next collaboration or the next styling job. I love making connections and meeting new people with interesting life stories so I can learn and gain knowledge from their experiences. I am driven to a fault.

Projects are always coming at me from any which direction. Right now I am working on a summer styling shoot set in Montauk—think ”Mara Hoffman” esque.

2. What is Being Elliott all about?

Being Elliott is all about helping women discover the whimsical fascinations of life through inspiring ideas, style tips and personal touches which create their special looks. I really want to make women smile at the end of the day. If Being/Elliott can help do that, than I am ecstatic.

3. Why did you start Being Elliott?

I needed a platform to share all my crazy creative energy! I love fashion and finding inspiration from other blogs and content out there and I thought..why not contribute to that inspiration myself? It is now my passion and escape.

4. Describe who you think your typical reader is (her style and attitude towards life)?

She is independent, bold , knows what she believes in and is willing to fight for it. She also knows you don’t have to spend “an arm and leg” to look like a total fox.

I pray my reader always remembers to laugh at herself and to think of others before her own needs. I want to be her friend :)

6. Share your Favorite designer and why.

Oh gosh…. what a tough question!

Right now, I am loving 3.1 Phillip Lim. His style of minimalism and elegant line is really hard not to fall in love with. I have yet to find a piece he has designed I can’t see eye to eye with. 3.1 Phillip Lim was meant to be in my closet. His price tag is another issue :)

7. Share three products you are currently obsessing over and why.

-My Elize Cuff from Stendahl Jewelry is the perfect piece. I just slip it on my wrist and it takes my outfit to the next level. Love.

-My new scent from Goest Perfumes called “Dauphine”. The subtle hints of rosebud and almond musk is an instant confidence booster.

-My favorite new book and current read from my editor at LOLO Magazine, Lauren Scruggs’ ”Still Lolo”. This is an inspirational story about faith overcoming all obstacles. I can’t put it down!

8. Advice for bloggers just starting out?

Be bold and develop your own unique voice. Also, don’t be scared to reach out to brands and companies you love. Who knows what can happen. Try! Try! Try!

OUTFIT : Popped Collars + Penny Loafers

If you know me you know I love me some popped collars and prep, BUT you also know that I’m a bit of a hippie at heart (yes I actually do crave Kale Juice…I know it’s weird).

You can see my love for prep and bohemia all mixed together in this outfit: pearls, penny loafers, and popped collars. My bohemia shines through with my glasses, denim on denim and yummy fur vest.

It was one of our last days in NYC, and I had a day full of shooting in Brooklyn. This outfit is a bit more casual than I typically do for shoots, but hey it was Brooklyn…they can’t care. (#putabirdonit)

Glasses: Warby Parker / Vest: Thrift (similar) / Denim Shirt: H&M / Belt + Jeans: Madewell / Anchor Earrings: Forever 21 (how could I resist really?)/ Shoes: GH Bass (they’re killing it right now).

Refined at Fashion Week: Day V

Our travails at Fall 2013 New York Fashion Week have come to an end for now, and I can honestly say this has been my most favorite Fashion Week experience. Maybe it was because I was with my partner in Crime (Em), maybe it was that we got to attend shows of some of our favorite designers (Billy Reid, Trina Turk + JCrew), but I think a big part of it was all the new + old friends we got to meet and play with in the city!

We worked our little tails off, but we also played our little tails off as well. I really do think NYC is the city that doesn’t sleep, or maybe it’s the city that I never sleep in…

Either way, enjoy our last Refined at Fashion Week post with some of our favorite Behind the Scenes and Street Style that we photographed!

A little dance party after the Billy Reid Show last Friday night…

Sweet Heather who let us stay with her in Union Square, and was our official photog after Billy Reid when we had our lil dance par-tay.

Late night in Union Square after drinks at The Ace Hotel. Nemo couldn’t keep us out!

Bristish Blogger Ella Catliff looked poised + polished as usual!

Did I run after the GQ Men so I could snap their pictures? I don’t…maybe!? I mean come on how handsome are they? And I adore Justin Doss’ white denim in February (and his smile too).

Miss Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black

Shea of Cheyenne Meets Chanel with Mateo her beau.

Dallas Gal Courtney Kerr. This is her Grandmother’s Fur Coat; it kinda took my breath away. See more about her outfit on her blog HERE.

Sweet friend Shannon Yoachum of Lolo Mag + Style by Lolly. She’s another Texas lady that I just adore. Check our more shots I grabbed of her on her blog HERE.

In the midst of Nemo, Anna of In Honor of Design and I grabbed some photos in Union Square and a yummy coffee at Joe’s. She might be one of the cutest southern gals I’ve met!

Finally Miss Lauren Scruggs (a dear friend from Dallas) with Shannon Yoachum. The Texas ladies were representing at NYFW this season!

Well friends, that’s all for New York Fashion Week this season; it was unbelievable, we loved every second of it, and feel so blessed to have gotten to meet such lovely people, go to fabulous shows, and prance around the city as The Refined Woman!

XOXO,

Kat + Em

Refined at Fashion Week : Day 1

This week in honor of New York Fashion Week Kat + I are excited to share with you the highlights of everything we have been up to, what we are wearing (see also : The Woes of Being a Southern California Girl in A Snowstorm) and what we have been seeing on + off the runway.

We feel so grateful to be here experiencing all of this and so looking forward to sharing our highlights with you.

Really, you get the best of the deal, dear friends, because you get all the fashion minus the freezing winds, snow + slush.

Refined at Fashion Week : Day 1

I swear I looked at the forecast before I packed, but I think there’s only so much one California girl can do to really prepare herself for the reality of a snowstorm.

Coat : Thrifted (Similar) / Dress : Urban Outfitters / Tights : Uniqlo Heat tech / Riding Boots : J Crew / Cobalt Tote : Coach /Headband : H&M (old, similar) / Sunglasses : Ray Ban

(You can pin some of my accessories from The Refined Woman on Pinterest!)

Marissa Web’s new collection is so wearable! I love the tailored structure to her suits, skirts + coats.

The black + white accessories + inverted french manicure is the perfect compliment.

Some of my favorites from the Marissa Webb presentation:

The Monique Lhuillier runway show knocked my socks off. The way she innovates a gown season after season is such an inspiration to me. Every piece is fitted perfectly to be flattering for a woman’s shape. The texture and detailing was incredible.

Afterwards we made our way backstage + accompanied Krista Soriano as she was able to ask Monique a few words about the collection. See Krista’s piece on Elle.com for more!

xo,

Em

p.s. be sure to check out The Refined Woman on facebook + instagram for more photos + behind the scenes!