Pull Yourself Together: Let’s
Call Them Splotchy Glasses January 26th, 2012 By

I’ve owned a pair of brown Ray Ban Wayfarers for a few years. The thing is, I’ve never been too bold when it comes to sunglasses because I don’t like drawing too much attention to my face. The things that come out of my mouth already do that for me. However, the other day I stumbled across a pair of sunglasses with a classic shape (still stuck on Ray Bans) that had a hint of something different: A pattern that was what I describe as “splotchy.” It was kind of like tortoise shell, or my skin after drinking a bottle and a half of white wine. Now that everyone—including my mom and all of my aunts—have the same Wayfarers as me, I figure there’s no time like the present to get out of my comfort zone and try these on for size. Maybe something louder on my eyes will force my mouth to be more understated.

clockwise, from l-r: RAY BAN WOMEN’S SUNGLASSES RB 4132, $131.99, Best Buy Eyeglasses; VERA WANG COSMO RETRO SUNGLASSES, $150.00, Nordstrom; RAYBAN CLASSIC WAYFARER IN TORTOISE, $150.00, Nordstrom; JUICY COUTURE WOMEN’S SUNGLASSES ERA/S, $87.20, Best Buy Eyeglasses.

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On the Subject Of Necklaces
I’d Like To Own… January 24th, 2012 By

What’s not to love about a neon, beaded/crystal combo deal? I’d layer one of these Adia Kibur necklaces with those Pamela Love pieces. True fact. One can never wear too many necklaces at once, in my opinion, particularly if you frame them with some sort of button-down or jacket.

ADIA KIBUR MULTI-STRAND NEON BEAD AND CRYSTAL NECKLACES, $174.00, Shopbop.

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So Unexpectedly Good:
Pamela Love Spike Necklaces January 24th, 2012 By

I don’t own a lot of super-tough jewelry (i.e., spikes and all that jazz). Maybe it’s because I’m already tall and thus, scary, but I just don’t think I need to make myself look…armed for combat. BUT, I’m pretty obsessed with these Pamela Love Tribal necklaces and cuffs—and on the subject, this Eddie Borgo yellow turquoise bracelet. Rad. And more rad.

 clockwise, l-r: PAMELA LOVE RESIN TRIBAL SPIKE NECKLACE, $198.00, Forward Forward; PAMELA LOVE CRUSHED SHELL TRIBAL SPIKE NECKLACE, $207.00, Shopbop; EDDIE BORGO YELLOW TURQUOISE CONE BRACELET, $375.00, Neiman Marcus; PAMELA LOVE TURQUOISE TRIBAL SPIKE NECKLACE, $200.00, Neiman Marcus.

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Floral, Floral, Floral:
The Obsession Runs Deep January 23rd, 2012 By

Sure, it’s a cart/horse situation (designers and labels must clearly be planting seeds in my head), but I really just want things that are floral…convenient, because there’s a lot of it! And I want to wear those florals layered on top of each other. (This shouldn’t be a problem so long as there’s a difference in scale—one tiny print, one huge print—and some shared neutral background.) To that end, I’ve made a whole floral-themed collection, which I’ll be adding to ad nauseum as designers unleash more and more of their spring looks. Btw, did you know that you can organize your shopping finds into collections on Beso? It takes about two seconds, and is a great visual reminder of everything you’re considering buying.

clockwise, l-r: TORY BURCH “DALTON” SILK BLOUSE, $325.00, Nordstrom; FLOWER MOSAIC EARRINGS, $65.00, Wendy Mink; TONYA WRAP SKIRT, $99.00, Rachel Roy; STELLA MCCARTNEY GARDENING KNICKERS, $135.00, Stylebop.

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Because I Can’t Help Myself:
My Winter Bike-To-Work Outfit January 19th, 2012 By

So last week, I went on a little rant about how hard it is as an editor to look beyond your own experience when dispensing style advice—particularly when it comes to the realities of your commute. So let’s just go with it, ok? Because January it may be, but I commuted to work by bike today (even though it’s a bit chilly here in LA at a whopping 59 degrees).  Anyway, as I peddle to and from the office on my very handy Trek Hybrid, I spend a lot of time thinking about my outfits: Whether my jeans of choice are comfortable (if they don’t have enough stretch, it can feel like you’re pulling against resistance training bands), whether my top is breathable and thus, not likely to get a little misted with (thoroughly lady-like) perspiration; and whether my shoes are properly tied (or lace-less), so that they don’t take me down by getting caught in my gears. I think about this stuff a lot. So here’s my outfit of choice:


Habitual jeans, worn cuffed, with a rise of at least 8.5-inches: Stretchy, comfortable, and they don’t expose the small of my back. A long button-down, normally from the men’s side of J.Crew (you can buy XS online and in a few of the stores), which further ensures that I’m not flashing anyone as I ride. A thin sweatshirt (yes, maybe sequined) is a key layering piece (plus I don’t seem constitutionally able to wear only one top at once, true fact). I find that Sperry’s are flexible and breathable enough for riding while still looking presentable for work. (I’m also inclined to wear my Nike Air Jordan 1 Phat Lows for more casual days.)


And then, of course, there are the safety requirements, because I’d like to think I’m not a total fool: While nobody in my neighborhood seems inclined to wear a helmet (they all have that vintage-y dress/long flowing hair/beach cruiser situation going), I’m all about having my Voltron-like moments, because, well, a subdural hematoma just wouldn’t be attractive. Nothing is going to ruin that long flowing hair like a shaved patch in the back for a brain-draining stent!  I’m also pretty crazy for these high-wattage lights, having almost been taken down during my dark ride home many a times. This one is great, because you can charge it via your USB portal. I also wear a Patagonia vest as an additional layering piece: It’s a handy way to keep my phone and keys in an easy-to-access place and I can tuck an abundance of necklaces inside and they won’t dangle in my face. Their crossbody bag is also great for hauling my computer and gym clothes around—I use the strap at the waist to deposit the weight, which means that it doesn’t rest flat against my back (thus making me sweaty).

Any other bike commuters out there? Tips, please!

top section, clockwise, l-r: HABITUAL “ALICE” SKINNY STRETCH JEANS, $195.00, Nordstrom; SEQUIN “ISABEL” SWEATSHIRT, $199.99, J.Crew; SECRET WASH SHIRT IN WINDOWPANE, $64.50, J.Crew; SPERRY TOP-SIDER, $85.00, Piperlime.

bottom section, clockwise, l-r: PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER VEST, $119.99, Moosejaw; SERFAS TRUE 150 USB RECHARGEABLE LIGHT, $81.50, Amazon; PATAGONIA HALF MASS MESSENGER BAG, $89.00, Zappos; BELL “ARRAY” HELMET, $74.99, Nytro.

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A Plea for Your Help:
The White Tee Edition January 19th, 2012 By

I don’t own many t-shirts and am so picky about the fabric and fit, I can never seem to find the right one. I have one muscle tank that’s perfect: tissue thin and slouchy in all the right places, but it took 10 years to get that way: That’s right, it was a $5 tank from Old Navy that went through it’s life as a pajama top, but once it hit wispy perfection, I re-introduced it to my closet. Now, I’m getting greedy for more, but don’t have the time to distress another cheap top. I don’t mind spending over $50 on these basic white tops, because if past history serves me correctly, I’ll be wearing these for the next 10 years. Which one would you go with?

Monrow Tissue V Neck TeeWomen's T by Alexander Wang Jersey Pocket Tee

I’ll Wear It For A Decade: The White Tee Edition: MONROW TISSUE V-NECK TEE, $50.00, available at Shopbop; T BY ALEXANDER WANG JERSEY POCKET TEE, $76.00, available at Neiman Marcus.

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With a Little Help
From My Friends January 18th, 2012 By

I’ve done a fair amount of dinner party polling in my day—all official, clearly—about whether people prefer to shop alone, or in roving packs of friends (who all maintain voting rights in the dressing room).

There are two distinct camps, and both seems to have an equal number of adherents. Online, it seems to work in the same way. There are those who dart from site to site, covertly and clandestinely, who sneak their packages into the their homes and closets and are loathe to share their finds with a wider audience for fear they’ll be copied—or mocked. And then there are those who put every potential purchase in front of a panel, whether it’s through e-mail, text, or Facebook.

I  believe in a world that hangs out somewhere in between these two extremes, where you can take recommendations from trusted friends—in a lowkey way—while still following the pitter patter of your heart. After all, when I decide I want printed floral jeans, I don’t want to be told that they’re insane! (it’s sort of like announcing the name of a child that’s not yet born—if it’s not signed, sealed, and delivered, everyone feels welcome to offer an alternative that they prefer…whereas, if it’s a done deal, they hold their tongue!)

We try to keep this balance in mind when putting together stories for Beso, because as much as we want to surface products you all might not otherwise find, we want to provide a space where it feels safe to just like what you like. To that end, I’m pretty excited to bring a host of my friends (and former magazine colleagues) on as contributing editors to Beso. These are women I turn to for shopping advice almost daily, whether it’s for a vacuum cleaner recommendation, or a tip on a designer I should look to for a truly inspired necklace. Because I trust them through and through, I’m hoping you will too!

And speaking of social shopping, I’m pretty thrilled to announce that I’ve just joined Opensky as a curator! Please, please FOLLOW ME, not only to get access to my sales (all things I love so much I would, or have, bought them in bulk!), but also to be nice. Because, let’s face it: I don’t want to be the least popular one at the Opensky party! I’m up against supermodels like Molly Sims and Veronica Webb and Top Chefs galore (including Padma Lakshmi and Martha Stewart). And while you’re at it, follow Kim France, too: As the founding editor of Lucky Magazine, she pretty much taught me everything I know about being an editor (I love her Opensky tagline, which acknowledges that Lucky was the first magazine to democratize style). Kim is also a friend with excellent, and relatable taste. Going shopping with her is one of life’s greatest pleasures…she can truly intellectualize and justify anything—to that end, she’s arguably one of the only people I’d listen to, should she tell me I’m not allowed to wear floral print pants.

P.S., I love the last round of emails from you guys—please keep them coming at elise@beso.com.

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Pull Yourself Together:
As Bought From TV January 16th, 2012 By

I don’t watch a lot of TV. Not because I don’t want to. But simply because I’ve had to make a conscious decision to not own a TV because of the black hole that can be basic cable. The minute I turn it on, I revert back to toddler years, where anything shiny and moving takes the form of entertainment. Example: I was house-sitting for my friend the other day when I realized that I had been watching an infomercial for a cleaning product for 30 minutes—I probably thought I was watching a rerun of The Nate Berkus Show. In any case, this is isn’t the first time I’ve been stuck in an infomercial vortex. In fact, I’ve often taken it one step further and bought whatever product they’re trying to sell me. Which brings me to “As Seen on TV” products that I fully endorse. See, not all of them are Pajama Jeans® (Google it and be horrified). Some actually have good use and work. Starting with the product that is near and dear to my heart (and face and legs and underarms), the No!No! hair remover system. IT WORKS AT REMOVING MY ITALIAN SHAME. And if your cat has the same problem, so does the FURminator.

clockwise, l-r: NO!NO! HAIR REMOVER SYSTEM, $270.00, Neiman Marcus; FOOD SAVER VACUUM SEALER, $141.29, Amazon; MAGIC BULLET, $49.99, Target; FURMINATOR DESHEDDING TOOL FOR CATS, $52.99, 1800PetMeds.

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Finally Online: Principessa January 14th, 2012 By

As one of the longest-tenured boutiques on Venice’s Abbot Kinney, I’ve spent a lot of hours over the years shopping the racks at Principessa. They always have an artful mix: There are really pricey, beautiful hand-made things, countered with super affordable cocktail dresses, and lowkey tops. (I always like a price range…it puts everything in a bit more context.) They also have a bunch of impossible to find designers, like Luxury Jones, Directional Motivation, Mother, and Madley. Anywho, they finally launched a site: Exciting stuff, even though the bricks and mortar shop is just around the corner from my house.

clockwise, l-r: MOTHER “DRAMA CRY OF THE PEACOCK” WASH JEANS, $242.00, Principessa Venice; DIRECTIONAL MOTIVATION DOUBLE BUCKLE BAG, $255.00, Principessa Venice;  LUXURY JONES SEQUIN TOP, $288.00, Principessa Venice; MADLEY TRIPLE RHINESTONE NECKLACE, $360.00, Principessa Venice.

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Pass It On:
Cambridge Satchel Company January 12th, 2012 By

I’m working from home on a video project today, with the ever-trusty Diana Ryu, and so my friend (and former Lucky colleague) Robin decided to join in the fun and stop by. She’s carrying a rad, neon yellow satchel, which naturally means, that Diana and I both want a rad, neon yellow satchel, too. She got the tip-off from Le Catch, the blog of Marlien Rentmeester (Lucky’s west coast editor, who arguably has the best style out there on both coasts). So guys, keep spreading the word! (Also, Robin got her initials embossed on the front: SO GOOD.)

l-r: Robin and my cat Dot, hanging out; THE FLUORO SATCHEL, $155.00, Bloomingdales’.

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Shopping Habits:
Do you Buy in Bulk? January 10th, 2012 By

As a child, I distinctly recall my mother’s tendency to buy in bulk, i.e., she would find a sweater or shirt that she liked, and buy every conceivable colorway. At the time, I thought it was mildly insane, and severely limiting (after all, my mother rarely shopped and so focusing her efforts on a single product seemed a little…boring?), but these days, I’m thinking it was pretty brilliant. After all, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to really zero in on the things that both appeal to my sensibility and my body—at this point, I pretty much know what flatters, and what doesn’t. (This is why I don’t buy skinny jeans.)


Which brings me to these Citizens of Humanity jeans: I couldn’t resist the ivory color when it first hit the racks a few weeks ago. Despite the seemingly eccentric print, they are arguably some of the most versatile pants I own. They go with everything, plus the subtle flare above the ankle is supremely flattering (and they’re not low-rise at all, which is my biggest pet peeve these days). I’m getting so much wear out of them, I’m thinking about buying them in navy, too. (My husband protests every time I put them on…placing him firmly in the “NO MORE CRAZY PANTS CAMP.”)  Thoughts? And spill your guts, please: Are there any pieces you tend to buy in bulk, or is it always a brief, one-off love affair for you?

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY “MANDY” JEANS, $189.00, Shopbop.

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Pull Yourself Together:
Tied to Nautical Rope January 9th, 2012 By

I’ve had an affinity for nautical rope since my early teens, back when I wore it as a bracelet to pretend I’d been to sailing camp, or any place outdoors (I hadn’t). I still live in NYC, home of the grey, smoggy, hot dog water reality. Not surprisingly, the idea of a quaint, sea bound existence remains appealing. The beauty of nautical rope it is that it looks great, but it’s also cheap and functional. And, no, I’m not trying to kid myself into thinking that I live in Nantucket; My studio apartment and Reggaeton blaring neighbor tells me otherwise. But I do think it adds a soothing element to what can be a noisy, tight, urban environment. I want to be clear that my apartment doesn’t look like the Nina or the Pinta—I just have a few hints of rope interspersed throughout. And I don’t limit myself to home décor. I just bought the buttons seen below and plan on replacing some old ones on a nautical striped-sweater… In re-reading this whole thing I’m amazed I haven’t developed scurvy.

clockwise, l-r: RIATA LAMP ENSEMBLE, $168.00, Anthropologie; GOLD NAUTICAL ROPE KNOT BUTTONS, $3.49, Ebay; TWO’S COMPANY ROPE MIRROR, $89.96, Amazon; NAUTICAL ROPES PILLOW, $178.00, Seaside Inspired.

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