Timex Men’s Expedition Rugged Shock-Resistant Digital Watch October 17th, 2010 By

Timex Men's Expedition Rugged Shock-Resistant Digital Watch

Timex Men’s Expedition Rugged Shock-Resistant Digital Watch combines easy-to-use technology with durable materials to create the ultimate watch for the outdoors.  While this watch is great for everyday use, there are many digital features to test out including the 16-cardinal point compass, countdown timer with stop and repeat functions, and dependable water resistance to 100m.  My favorite element is the yellow INDIGLO night light.  If this one is too sophisticated for your needs, beso has more Timex watches for both men and women.  My favorites are the Timex Womens Stainless Steel Diamond Accented Bracelet Watch, Timex Chronograph Watch and Timex Women’s Multi Dial Calendar Watch.

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Classic Watch Styles from World of Watches August 19th, 2010 By

I’m a watch person.  I wear one every day, and feel lost if I forget to put one on in the morning.  I always coordinate my jewelry with the watch I’m wearing, and I think it’s cute when couples wear matching watches.  My boyfriend has been letting me wear his watch a lot this summer (he’s not a watch person), and I love its oversized look.  However, I was browsing World of Watches the other day for deals, and found myself drawn to these classic, feminine styles that remind me more of jewelry than timepieces.

1. Women’s Movado Rondiro in Yellow Gold, $699.99 (53% off)

Women's Movado Rondiro Yellow Gold Watch

2. Women’s Gucci Signoria Diamond Horsebit Watch, $1847.50 (50% off)

Women's Gucci Signoria Diamond Horsebit Watch

3. Women’s Bulova Marine Star Diamond Two Tone Watch, $231.92 (42% off)

Women's Bulova Marine Star Diamond Two Tone Watch

4. Women’s Jacques Lemans Geneve Goldplated Watch, $249.99 (75% off)

Women's Jacques Lemans Geneve Goldplated Watch

5. Women’s Citizen Eco-Drive Solar-Powered Watch, $129.99 (51% off)

Women's Citizen Eco-Drive Solar-Powered Watch

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Get This Look: Justin Timberlake March 28th, 2010 By

Justin Timberlake

Does JT ever get it wrong? Well, he definitely got it right as he took a stroll outside of his apartment. This day he managed to look perfectly undone in this monochromatic mix of blacks and greys with blue Gucci sunglasses. If you love Justin’s jacket, you’ll swoon over this grey wool version by Ben Sherman, or this very similar grey pea coat from Urban Outfitters. Pair it with a lightweight Diesel scarf or this slightly heavier cashmere scarf for only $35.00. Top it off with a woven black beanie by Quiksilver. 

All you need now is Jessica on your arm…

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Retail Interview: farfetch.com March 4th, 2010 By

Many of us find our most unique fashion pieces at trendy, hidden boutiques.  Trouble is, when life gets busy, we don’t always have time to trek to these places to score the newest items when they first arrive.  I love the idea of being able to shop for all of my favorite boutique items in one place.  Lucky for me, the people at farfetch.com share a similar vision.

I spoke with Marketing Director Paul Brine to find out what farfetch.com has to offer, as well as some of his personal “must-haves” for this year.  Herewith is what Paul had to say:

Q&A:

beso: Tell us about the farfetch.com philosophy and the idea behind the site.

Paul Brine: In 2001, farfetch.com founder José Neves helped open a boutique in London called b Store.  He found that when entering the world of e-commerce, marketing a smaller store wouldn’t be easy.  José came up with the idea of a site that would pull all the boutiques together, because they all had a different voice.  farfetch.com began with just 20 stores.

b: Luxe, Lab, and Cult are three ways to shop farfetch.  Tell us how you came up with the idea for these categories and what treasures we would find in each.

PB: These [categories] were Jos’s idea.  We had a massive list of over 200 labels, in which some were casual and some avant-garde. We needed a way to separate them.  Luxe is high-end, well known designers.  Lab is up-and-coming and avant-garde designers.  Cult is more casual, like denim and diffusion lines.

b: Are there any plans to expand farfetch.com to include more than U.S. and European boutiques?

PB: Yes, we are working with Brazilian boutiques right now.  We plan to have these out within the next six months.

b: Your site not only carries exclusive designer fashions, but also lifestyle items.  What are some of your favorite pieces?

PB: I like the Snake and Skull Candle by D.L. & Co. because it’s very gothic.  I also like these prints by a company called Jaguar Shoes, which feature various artists’ work.

D.L. & Co. Skull with Snake Candle

b: What are some of your favorite fashion “must-haves” right now?

PB: For women, Pierre Hardy shoes.  They have these silver metallic wedges with lots of straps.  There are also these brass cuffs made by Givenchy.  For men, Henrik Vibskov sweaters, which are colorful and have big faces on them.  I also like the Opening Ceremony Desert boots.

Pierre Hardy Wedge Bootie Sandal

Givenchy Stud and Brass Cuff

Opening Ceremony Brown Leather Boots

b: What hot men’s accessories are key for summer 2010?

PB: Sunglasses.  The Zanzan Zazou sunglasses are very retro and handmade in France, so they are great quality.

b: Who are some of your favorite designers?

PB: For women, it’s Christopher Kane.  For men, I like Martin Margiela and Robert Geller.

b: Name the one item you have acquired from farfetch.com that you cannot live without.

PB: I have a shirt by Blaak Homme.  It’s a navy shirt with white polka dots.

b: Who would be your ideal celebrity spokesperson for farfetch?

PB: It’s hard to pin it on just one.  We would love to have Lara Stone.  She is a Dutch model who has a lot of personality.

b: With over 400 designers on the site, can you tell us some of the most popular lines right now?

PB: Right now the top is Alexander McQueen.  Although he has always been a top designer, with his recent death we have seen an increase.  Opening Ceremony is big, too;  we have a lot of their shoes on the site and they sell very well.  Henrik Vibskov’s whole collection is on the site and has become a real cult label.  All of these items are hard to find.

Alexander McQueen Yellow Heart-Shaped Peep Toes

b: What do you think it is about your site that keeps people coming back for more?

PB: The sheer amount of products found here.  You can get lost in there for hours!  We add new items every day, so you can come back next week and find all new things.  Also, we have many exclusive brands that you just can’t find anywhere else.

b: Lastly, we’d like to know — What’s your beso?  My beso is “be so unique.”

PB: I’d say our beso is “be so individual.”

- Dana for beso

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Designer Profile: Calypso & Vineyard Vines February 20th, 2010 By

Calypso Mabli Dress

Calypso Mabli Dress

Calypso St. Barth was founded in 1992 as a small boutique store, featuring resort wear from some of the most exotic locations across the world. Over the past 16 years, the company has grown from a small collection of high-end shops into an international luxury lifestyle brand. But one thing has remained the same over the years and throughout the changes: Calypso embodies the feel of warm beach breezes, spring rains and hot summer nights somewhere beautiful.

I’ve been a fan of Calypso clothing for several years now. I remember walking past their storefront in Sunset Plaza, and no matter what the weather or the time of day, one look at their window displays, and I felt like I was on the beach in Fiji or Bali or Bora Bora. Few designers are

Calypso Nuna Shirt

Calypso Nuna Shirt

able to embody the feeling of spring and summer so wholly, but Calypso St. Barth does the job and then some.

As you prepare to defrost from winter and celebrate spring, can you think of a better way to get into a warm-weather state of mind than with these beautiful caftans and tunics and dresses?

Even better, many of Calypso’s prettiest pieces are currently on sale on

Calypso Senona Dress

Calypso Senona Dress

beso – just in time to awaken those bright green daffodils in your defrosting spring heart!

Vineyard Vines is equally breezy and beachy, but a bit more laid back. Started in 1998, The Vineyard Vines frame of mind is a little bit preppy with a dash of Nantucket and a dollop of its home base of Martha’s Vineyard mixed in.

Vineyard Vines Sailboat Tie

Vineyard Vines Sailboat Tie

With sporty collections of ties, cummerbund sets, boxers, college pride wear, mens’ and ladies’ clothes and accessories,Vineyard Vines has your beach lifestyle needs completely covered (even when you are barely covered and ready to swim!), so that everyday will feel like a day on Martha’s Vineyard.

Whether you prefer the elegance of Calypso or the beach/collegiate/golf lifestyle philosophy

Vineyard Vines Jupiter Dress

Vineyard Vines Jupiter Dress

of Vineyard Vines, here at beso, we’ve got everything you need for spring and summer – and those golden, sunny days are right around the corner, no matter what that groundhog says!

Heat things up right now on beso!

Vineyard Vines Patchwork Madras Cargo Shorts

Vineyard Vines Patchwork Madras Cargo Shorts

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Get This Look: Heeeeere’s Johnny! January 26th, 2010 By

Johnny Depp-initely Do!

I thought I’d mix things up a little and do a Get This Look segment on a boy. Specifically a boy named Johnny Depp. Because I love him and we’re going to run away together any day now and he’s “gonna take the squeak out my door” and I really can’t wait.

In the meantime, fellas, note the love that all the girls around you feel for this smokin’ piece of delicious manly-man-ness and maybe bite his style a little. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up taking the squeak outta some doors, yourself…

Let’s start with his shirt. Right now there are two very similar styles – both on sale – on beso:

Striped Shirt by Toscano

Striped Shirt by Toscano

Prana Sanderson Stripe Shirt

Prana Sanderson StripeD Shirt

Add any ol’ black or gray suit vest and a pair of dark-wash jeans, like these:

Get Diesel, Live Better!

Diesel Jeans

Live better in Levi's 501s, too...

Live better in Levi's 501s

AND ACCESSORIZE:

This belt from Men’s Warehouse should suit perfectly:

Hand-Stained Black Casual Belt

Add a great watch and a cool brown leather cuff:

Fossil Watch

These cuffs are handmade, from Etsy.com:

Etsy Leather Cuff

Etsy Leather Cuff

Etsy Leather Cuff

Etsy Leather Cuff

Toss on a pair of simple black shoes, like this pair from Doc Marten:

Doc Martens are classic cool

Dr. Martens

And finally, finish the look with a pair of cool, blue aviator sunglasses like these:

Tom Ford, $360

Tom Ford Aviators

Oliver Peoples, $325

Oliver Peoples Aviators

Army Universe Style Aviators

There you have it, boys! I’m not guaranteeing that you’ll start stealing enough hearts to make yourself a Public Enemy or some kind of Pirate. Or that you’ll even lead more ladies to Find Neverland.  But you’ll sure look cool, and that will certainly Be Good.

 

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Must-Have Men’s Accessories for the New Year January 4th, 2010 By

The holidays came and went, and all you got was a damn Snuggie. Time to take care of yourself now, Mister. Here are some essentials to kick off the New Year right:

Diesel “On the Road… Again” Laptop Bag: You need something to carry around your new HP 2140 Mini-Note Notebook, and this sophisticated yet laid back look is perfect for the train, plane or sipping your Joe at Starbucks. And though a retail price of $170 isn’t anything to sneeze at, I love the 30% off deal at Zappos.

Jack Georges laptop bag

Jack Georges laptop bag

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, drop your computer into this sexy, supple Jack Georges laptop bag. The Generations Lite model, this is one that’ll certainly get second glances on your commute.

One of our favorite stores is Etsy, and you have to give them credit: they seem to know what you need, even if you don’t know it yet. The fates say that you’re soon going to be invited to Victorian costume party, but since it’s a little icy out there in January, this custom-made wool cape and cloak is a perfect merger of form and function. People will comment upon your arrival, and potentially your departure. It will also be custom cut for your height, all for $199.

wool hat

Norko Fur and Wool Hat

The news has been aflurry with news reports of winter storms battering the east and midwest. If you live in one of those areas, then you definitely need a WWII bomber-style wool hat made with rabbit-fur trim of as you trudge your way to the car, to the office, and home during January. Fur Hat World is selling this comfy lined piece for less than $40.

Let’s say you’re not living in the frozen tundra of ice and snow, however. You’re going to want to check out the collection of men’s fedoras at Hats in the Belfry. Now’s your chance to get a little Sinatra going on in your life. Personally, I love the leather lambskin fedora for $98, but I don’t quite have the cachet to pull it off. If you do, let me know how it works out…

Lastly, as you head out into the cold January night, you can’t be without your scarf (or so mom says). We have opined here in the past about the importance of scarves and its impact on dating, but I’ve fallen in love with Ben Sherman style, and this Ben Sherman scarf in a woven plaid is absolutely the perfect complement to any evening outfit, and it’s a steal at $19.98.

Of course, if none of these accessories are quite your style this year, you can always fall back on your Christmas Snuggie present. After all, it seems to have worked for this guy:

HootersSnuggie003

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Men’s Leather Gloves: UGGs Aren’t Just for Feet December 8th, 2009 By

Ugg men's gloves

UGG Australia Men's Leather Gloves

Brrr, it’s getting cold outside. That could mean some stylish fur boots or a new winter hat; but, without question, you’ll need some men’s leather gloves for those chilly winter nights. For driving, for putting an arm around your sweetie, and for generally looking like someone who knows where they’re going in life, leather gloves are a must. There are a number of great brands and stores for men’s leather gloves. Orvis and Wilson’s Leather have a great selection of traditional hand mitts, and we all know that department stores are a great place for gifts for dad. But while the UGG boots craze has been running hard for the past 5 years or so, did you know they also make fantastic men’s leather gloves? You can be manly and stylish in these genuine deerskin puppies (yeah, that’s kind of a mixed metaphor, I realize), and while they’re a bit on the high end of the price scale at $95, your hands will be as snuggly as your sweetie’s feet are in her sheepskin UGG boots. Check out UGG leather gloves at beso today!

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Accessory Style File: Buckle Up December 2nd, 2009 By

Imperial Guard

Imperial Guard

As long as there are pants that fall down, there will be belts to hold them up. Logically, therefore, belt buckles are a timeless investment. And they can be super-cool.

Maybe a Darth Vader belt buckle isn’t quite your style, but beso has a bevvy of other out-of-this-world belt buckle styles that are sure to blow your Deathstar.

Just look at this one! I know, STFU, right? It’s a BELT BUCKLE FLASK! I don’t know if you’d ever find anything like it on the runways, but I mean…really…who cares?! It’s a belt buckle flask. And that’s just awesome.

Drink up!

Drink up!

But for those more conservative folks in the crowd, there is plenty for you, too. Frankly, I’m loving this Polo Ralph Lauren Saddle leather belt, and this Chocolate Logo Disc belt buckle from Michael Kors.

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Editor’s Picks: Neck Ties for iPods? November 16th, 2009 By


Commuter Tie

Thomas Pink Commuter Tie

You’re a busy guy. Trudging to the office, 5 days a week. Sick of the man keeping you down, putting that nylon noose around your neck each day; all you really want to do is rock out.

That’s why the London designer Thomas Pink has come up with the commuter tie. What is a commuter tie, you wonder? It’s a neck tie that holds your iPod, that’s what.

Let me say that again: it’s a tie that carries your iPod. No more looking like a pretentious ass on your fancy, $300 phone. Now it will discreetly slip behind the fold of a neck tie from one of the top European designers. Sharp, dramatically clean colors like green, red and purple, with just the subtle iPod cords snaking into your ears blasting AC/DC as you fight your way through the Tube.

Just because Thomas Pink is in London, however, and you’re working your way through the New York subway doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. They ship anywhere in the U.S.

I, frankly, love these ties and am desperate to pick one up, though I hope they hold all sizes of iPods. If you’re looking to grab one, head on over to Thomas Pink’s website now.

But if that’s a little too functionally out-there for you, I’m also in love with the rest of Thomas Pink’s collection of classy, understated neck ties, where beso has a fantastic inventory. Definitely on my favorites list.

Thomas Pink Tie

Thomas Pink Tie

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Accessory Style File: Men’s Watches & The Sands of Time October 15th, 2009 By

Clearly, men don’t accessorize with the frequency or passion as women. Sure, we have our options, but accessories are considered mandatory rather than optional. However, men’s watches have long been a staple of the wardrobe, ever since the 1500s when the pocket watch was invented. This remained the fashion for rich men until 1915, when Rolex introduced the first wristwatch. They remained a key staple of the male wardrobe for the rest of the century, but then this happened:

Wristwatch search volume

Wristwatch search volume

Searches for wristwatches have plummeted since 2004.  Think a little graph on the Internets is meaningless? The New York Times confirms this trend, as high end watchmakers like Rolex, TAG and Patek Philippe have been slaughtered by the recent recession. Apparently with all the extra time, the Swiss have shifted their focus from making fine watches to arresting French directors. But look at the shift from 2004. That’s not just representative of the global recession. Rather, there’s a much clearer reason for the decline in men’s watch-wearing — and watch buying:

The iPhone

The iPhone

Who needs a watch when you have a computer in your pocket? You can get the time in L.A., Switzerland, or Zimbabwe, if you’d like. And it demonstrates your status as a taste maker at best, or a techie geek at worst. Now, I’ve worn a watch ever since growing up as a child in the ’80s. But now? I’ll generally whip out my phone to check the time, and rarely wear one my favorite Bulova or Nixon watches.

So are men’s wristwatches destined to be forgotten like Michael Vick’s criminal record? I sure hope not.  Because while I wasn’t blessed to look like Paul Newman (who was?), sometimes wearing a classy wristwatch can make you believe you were, if just for a minute.

Paul Newman's Rolex

Paul Newman in Rolex

Do you wear a wristwatch any longer, if you ever did?

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How to Wear Men’s Scarves and Date Coffee Baristas October 6th, 2009 By

Fall is here. Breathe in deeply, savoring the details: brisk autumn temperatures, falling leaves, that cleanness in the air (OK, perhaps not if you’re in NYC). Your wardrobe starts to change to reflect the weather, leaving you pondering:

“I love my pilot jacket from the Gap. But I wear it every day and I can tell that the cute barista at the coffee shop is getting bored with my look. How do I mix it up? How do I get her to notice me?”

While I could suggest a larger tip or perhaps charm school classes, I’m thinking that accessorizing with men’s scarves is the way to go. There are more styles out there than facial hardware worn by those sexy baristas, and choosing the right one for you is a mixture of the weather, the shirt you’re wearing, and how far you’re willing to go for style.

Bulky scarf

Bulky Scarf

For instance, feel free to go with a bulky men’s scarf, but be prepared for a little neck sweating, and maybe a lot of coffee dribbling down your lip when you ask that Starbucks barista out this Friday night (here’s a hint: don’t invite her for coffee). But this is the kind of scarf that best complements a jacket/shirt of a dramatically different material. Don’t go knit scarf with knit shirt, for instance.

thin scarf

Thin Scarf

You could also go the thin route, like this black satin men’s scarf. But there’s always the danger of getting it caught in the blender. That would not be pretty, and significantly diminishes the odds of getting Date #2.

pretzel scarf

Pretzel Scarf

Personally, I like this little grey number, which kind of reminds me of a pretzel. Makes me somewhat hungry. This will greatly increase the odds that the barista will want to dine with you, during which you can wear another men’s scarf, lest she be inclined to nosh on this one.

Most importantly,  remember that wearing a men’s scarf – no matter the weather – is just as much a style statement as your shoes, jacket, or those $200 jeans you’re sporting. Women are frequently suckers for this attention to detail, and when you go this route, remember one thing: own it.

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