Archive for the ‘How to Wear’ Category.

How to Wear: The Boyfriend Blazer

A great way to update your wardrobe is to incorporate the oh-so-hot boyfriend blazer.  I love the simplicity behind dressing this look.  Recently, the blazer has taken on new meaning from office wear to making a statement in many different ways. It can be worn day or night, and can be dressed up or down. The most important thing to remember when wearing a boyfriend blazer is to play up your most feminine assets — whether it is with leggings or skinny jeans to show off the legs, or a chic fitted dress to show off those curves.  Here I will show you how to wear the boyfriend blazer look effortlessly put together. All the necessary pieces to complete your boyfriend blazer look can be found here at beso.

Elongate the body with skinny jeans or leggings:

J Brand 12 Pencil Skinny Jeans $149.99

necessary objects blazer $28.90

The trick to pulling off the boyfriend blazer is the proportions.  A blazer that hits past the waist looks great with skinny jeans as it makes the legs look longer and lends a slimming appearance. However, a blazer that hits right at the waist or above should be worn withdresses, with the emphasis on narrowing the waist.

When wearing jeans, pair the boyfriend blazer with a basic v-neck tee. Dress up the look with a long chain necklace or big earrings, and a cute clutch.

Dress up:

GUESS Matty Boyfriend Blazer $89.00

 

Juicy Couture pleated hem tee dress $158.00

When choosing a boyfriend blazer with contrast cuffs, I like to play up the style with ruffles or pleats.The boyfriend blazer can  look very flirty over virtually any dress. A tee shirt dress can be a perfect way to dress down the blazer. Also,when wearing a boyfriend blazer with a dress I prefer a dress that falls a few inches above the knee.

The long and short of it:

Tory Burch 'Vaughn' Jelly Sandal, $$86.90

 

Victorias Secret Boyfriend Blazer, $88

 Finally, the boyfriend blazer looks hot worn with shorts and is an unexpected look that is very trendy. This look can be paired with gladiator sandals for spring or summer.

Be Bold in Plus Size Florals

If you’ve been shopping lately, you may have noticed that stores are starting to resemble gardens.  Spring has sprung, and with it comes a burst of bold floral prints.  This is definitely a trend that’s easy to translate into plus sizes, as long as you take your shape into consideration when choosing your prints and placement.

Macy's Alfani Floral Dress

Macy's Alfani Floral Dress

Dresses:  With floral dresses you need to pay attention to the placement of the pattern to make sure it flatters.  Also take into consideration the cut and length of the dress.  A knee length wrap dress is flattering on almost every figure.  The sash at the waist can be adjusted to fit tightly if you want to show off your tiny waist, or left a little looser if you would like to conceal the tummy.  If you’re top heavy, wear a camisole underneath or pin at the neckline to avoid showing off more than you intend to reveal when you bend over!  If you’ve got narrow hips, a big bold random pattern can add fullness.  If you’re trying to minimize wide hips, choose a more consistent all-over print.

This Alfani dress from Macy’s has pops or turquoise in the pattern that go well with almost every skin and tone and hair color.  The contrasting trim of the dress really draws lines at the best part of your body — the v-neck to showcase your face, along the waistline to accentuate the smallest part of your torso, and then down the legs to elongate your body.   I also like the length (just above the knee) and the elbow sleeve which makes the dress versatile for spring, summer and fall.

Jessica London Plus Size Border Print Skirt

Jessica London Print skirt

Skirts: What I love about this Jessica London skirt (besides it being purple, my favorite color!) is that the pattern is concentrated on the bottom half of the skirt.  I have pretty wide hips, and stretching a bright floral across them can sometimes be unflattering.  But with the solid color covering the widest part and the pattern at the bottom, the eye is drawn downwards.   Pleats are still very chic for spring, as is the retro style (think  the TV show Mad Men), so this skirt hits a trio of trends. 

If you’re short, you may just want to take the skirt up a little at your tailor, because calf length could be frumpy.   Tall girls, you may find the calf length perfect because it’s not too short and yet still gives a nice peek at your gams.  This skirt looks to be a bit high waisted, which you could conceal with a longer top if you prefer to break up your figure a little.  Otherwise, play up that waist line by tucking in a white tee, as the model is shown wearing here.

Sihouettes Floral Top

Sihouettes Floral Top

Tops:  Floral tops are everywhere in styles ranging from halters to tunics, kimono sleeves to t-shirts.  I like ones from Silhouettes, and mixing prints is hot right now. 

You can rock tunic tops like this with skinny jeans or leggings, since fitted pants aren’t going away as the weather warms up.  But this top would look really great as a beach cover up or with some shorts and wedge heels too, so its quite versatile!

Sustainable Style Makeover: Celebrity ‘It Girls’

We have been taking our cues from the super-stylish reality TV celebrity stars for a few seasons now, and it only gets better when you can draw inspiration from their fashion forward looks and turn them eco-conscious. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, it’s all broken down for you in this post.

LC + AP sustainable style makeover

Get the very classic look sported above by the lovable Lauren Conrad by incorporating pieces from Stella McCartney. The designer is known for her clean and classic cuts that transcend time and trend. If you can only splurge on one piece, go for the blazer- it will win its worth over and over again, season after season.

Prefer the edgy chic look on Audrina Patridge? No problem. To get this casual street chic look, opt for a pair of skinny jeans from Levi’s that you can distress yourself and a super comfy slouchy top from SUST.

WP + OP sustainable style makeover

Whitney Port came to Manhattan as an innocent girl from out West, but she quickly showed us that she has the style sense to carry herself through the fierce fashion world. Get this fashion-forward look with draped separates and a great pair of statement heels. Style tip: layer a wide-neck short dress under the slouchy jodhpurs for a little more of an interesting look.

Olivia Palermo epitimizes the ‘Manhattan girl in fashion’ every girl dreams of becoming! Her style is effortless and always classy.  Here she strikes a perfect balance of casual street chic with industry professional. Get her look with striped basics from American Apparel, and a classic mini skirt from Stella McCartney.

Keep your eye on these fashionitas for continuously evolving style and be sure to incorporate your new essentials from an eco-minded label to keep fashion moving forward.

What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

You  just received an invitation in the mail for the Jones’ wedding. While admiring the beautifully crafted cardstock, you almost forget to scan the details of the Reception To Follow: Reception…8 o’ clock…at The Villa… Black Tie.

You panic a little. You’ve never been to a Black Tie wedding before. What the heck am I going to wear? What’s a Black Tie wedding anyway? Okay, breathe. First things first: You can kiss the idea of that little red hot mini you wore to Michelle’s 30th goodbye and read on.

Having attended five weddings in the past 10 months and spending hours of trying to find the perfect dress, I know how complicated dress shopping for a wedding can be. Follow this style guide for how-to ideas on what to wear to a Black Tie wedding – and stop thinking about that red mini for goodness’ sake!

The Standard Dress Code for Black Tie Weddings

The Black Tie wedding is the most formal of all weddings. This type of wedding event calls for Hollywood red carpet glam – think The Oscars. In fact, it’s all about dressing up to the nines. Elegance, sophistication and a hint of sex appeal define this fancy affair.

 Long Floor Length Gowns

Adrianna Papell Strapless Ombre Silk Gown

Adrianna Papell Strapless Ombre Silk Gown, $198

Floor length gowns are most appropriate for a formal Black Tie wedding. Go for a long beautiful silk gown like this Adrianna Papell Strapless Ombré Silk Gown. Take note of the jeweled detailing around the midsection of the dress. Sparkling embellishments like rhinestones, beading, and gemstones are all details that are essential to a fancy dress .

 

Tadashi One Shoulder Rosette Gown, $398

Tadashi One Shoulder Rosette Gown, $398

Another long dress option to consider is one with intricate detailing like this Tadashi One Shoulder Rosette Chiffon Gown. The one shoulder dress features a delicate floral ruffle that wraps the shoulder giving off a sensual, romantic appeal. Ruching, braiding, and ruffles are also elements to be looking for when finding your dress.

Dressy Cocktail Dress

Maggy London Lace Bodice Mesh Dress

Maggy London Lace Bodice Mesh Dress, $98

Weddings these days are becoming more contemporary allowing guests more freedom and less rules when it comes to wedding attire.  With that said, if you happen to have a shorter cocktail dress you feel may be appropriate for an occasion such as this, make sure your dress has at least one — if not all — of the elements featured in this Maggy London Lace Bodice Mesh Dress.  Notice the fabric of the dress.  Sheer mesh instantly creates elegance while the intricately detailed lace bodice adds just the right amount of drama.  Try staying away from strapless, body hugging dresses.  If you opt for a traditional black dress, make sure you add an interesting accessory like a colorful, ornate hair flower.  Remember, glitz and glam is not optional at a Black Tie wedding, so vamp up your cocktail dress with sparkle, shine, and everything fine!

Remember this: When in doubt – go all out to a Black Tie wedding.

How to Wear: Work-Savvy Jeans

j brand jeans

These J Brand jeans are the right kind of dressy

They’re your favorite thing to wear, next to those sweats you still love from college. So how can you manage to make your jeans office appropriate?

It’s easy! Here’s how:
Find a jean that looks as if it’s been tailored, with an even wash that is a bit more elegant. You want your look to be put together, so leave the rips and patches at home. Also, the office really isn’t the right place for all those sexy super-low jeans. Just think of how awkward you’d feel bending over to pick up a box of paper clips in front of your boss!

David Victoria Beckham jeans show off your working assets

David Victoria Beckham skinny jeans show off your working assets

These three choices are sleek and sophisticated:

Pair with darker jeans

Pair with darker jeans

To help keep things a little more grown up, pair your jeans with a structured blazer. Consider avoiding boyfriend blazers – choose something with a more tailored fit. We’re going for sophisticated – not slouchy! Whether you love luxurious velvet, like this Elizabeth + James Lovelorn blazer or Ben Sherman’s special brand of cool, you’ll be queen of the conference room long after the whistle blows.

Finally, a classic pair of black pumps was, is, and always will be, an essential item for any smart career girl. I love these Napoli pumps by Franco Sarto. With a 1/2″ platform, the 3 3/4″ heel is manageable. The color and finish will never go out of fashion, and it’s easy to pair these pumps with just about anything – even a grown-up pair of slacks on Monday morning.

White looks right with lighter washes

White looks right with lighter washes

Black pumps are always a cool classic

Black pumps are always a cool classic

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