Happy New Year! January 1st, 2011 By

Wow, 2011.  So much has happened over the past year it’s truly incredible.  On the company side, we starting mailing out our beso sale e-mails, had a few awesome contests where we gave away Hunter Boots and 3 serious designer handbags from Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, and Mulberry. 

Our company also launched TaDa, a group shopping site that offers limited time sales at unbeatable discounts from the top retailers online (like Groupon for products).

We also had a lot of fun on the side.  From group outings (complete with shopping) to community service days and happy hours, we love being a team and love what we do.  Here’s one of my favorite purchases from 2010, my limited-edition Pierre Hardy for Gap wedges (with Essie Chinchilly nail polish).  I’m so looking forward to all of the new things that are coming my way. 

I hope you have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

Mara

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The Hold Everything Sweepstakes December 22nd, 2010 By

Have you entered The Hold Everything Sweepstakes?  You could win a Marc Jacobs bag, an Alexander Wang bag, or a Mulberry bag!  There are just 2 days left!  Enter to win 1 of these 3 designer bags!

Mulberry Handbag Marc Jacobs Handbag Alexander Wang Handbag Hold Everything Sweeps Hold Everything Sweepstakes
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Winner Announced: Eve’s Apple Contest December 20th, 2010 By

I’m so excited to share with you the winner of our Eve’s Apple contest! 

Congratulations to: cindy champion*

You have won a $100 Eve’s Apple Voucher.  Thanks for playing. 

For the rest of you lucky readers, feel free to use the coupon code Beso30 at checkout to receive 30% off yoru first purchase until the end of December.

Eve's Apple Beso.com

*results generated by random.org 

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Coupon Code and Contest: Eve’s Apple December 10th, 2010 By

Hey Beso lovers!  Today we have a contest from Eve’s Apple, a new fashion site filled with goodies from Cynthia Vincent, Vince, L.A.M.B., and much more.  We’ve teamed up to bring you  both a coupon code and a contest!  Here are the details:

1. Coupon Code: Enter Beso30 at checkout to receive 30% off your first purchase from now until the end of December.

2. Contest: We’re offering a $100 Eve’s Apple Voucher to one lucky winner!  Just become a fan of Beso.com AND Eve’s Apple on Facebook.  Then, leave a comment below telling us what you’d spend it on from Eve’s Apple.  We’ll choose a winner at random.*


Eve's Apple on Facebook Beso.com on Facebook

*Contest runs from December 10th to December 17th, midnight.  Winner will be announced on the Beso Blog Monday, December 20th.

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Joanna’s Holiday Picks for Baby December 3rd, 2010 By

Joanna's Holiday Picks for Baby

Baby’s first holidays are a special time of year filled with new memories and special moments.  Check out some of Joanna’s top holiday picks:

1. Oeuf Eco-friendly Eiffel Tower Toy, $49.92 from Amazon.com

2. Haba Triangle Wood Rattles, $14.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond

3. Animals Knit Blanket, $68.00 from Petit Tresor

4. Guess How Much I Love You Book, $14.99 from Amazon.com

5. Learn-to-Play Piano, $69.99 from Pokkadots.com

> shop all of Joanna’s Holiday Picks for Baby

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I’m Thankful for Beso! November 25th, 2010 By

This month marks my one-year anniversary contributing to beso.  I still remember my very first article – Hello Metallic! I began with weekly posts to Bag It – reporting on what I know best – the latest handbag trends and designers. 

Over time, I branched out to other categories – Accessory Style File, The Jewel Box, Kids’ Corner and The Nesting Spot.  I embraced the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone to write about topics beyond handbags.  As beso continues to grow as an online shopping destination and reliable source for comparison shopping, I’m thankful to celebrate my 1st anniversary as a daily contributor!  What are you thankful for this year?

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Introducing Our New Babies & Kids Editor Joanna Goddard November 24th, 2010 By

A Screenshot of Joanna and Baby Toby!

Meet Joanna Goddard, our new Babies & Kids Editor.  Magazine writer and author of the style blog A Cup of Jo, she lives in New York with her husband and new baby boy, Toby.

beso would like to extend a warm welcome, and I’m pleased to share her answers to some of our most pressing questions:

Q&A:

beso: Can you share a little about your professional background as a writer and editor?
Joanna: After graduating from the University of Michigan, I took a deep breath and moved to New York in fall 2001.  I started out interning at Cosmopolitan Magazine, which was a great place to get a foot in the door.  (My main responsibility was to walk around Manhattan and interview cute guys on the street!) Since then, I’ve worked as an editor, writer and blogger for large and small magazines, including Glamour, Cookie, New York and Budget Travel.

b: How did you come to start A Cup of Jo?
J: I started blogging in January 2007 — almost four years ago, crazy! — as a fun way to stay in touch with my mom and sister, who live in Michigan and San Francisco, respectively.  I never expected it to become such a huge part of my life, but I’m so grateful that it has! I’ve really loved it and have met so many amazing people through the blogging community.

b: Are you settled in New York or do you think you might move again?
J: New York is such a fun place to live, and we might stay here forever.  But now that we have a baby, my husband and I daydream about where we might move next.  It would be awesome to have a backyard with a swing set and a hammock, as well as a quiet street where we could teach Toby how to ride a bike.  We fantasize about Maine; Portland; Cornwall, England.  Who knows? We might live in New York forever, but it’s always fun to daydream about other places over a glass of wine.

b: When shopping for baby clothing, what are some of the first things you look for?
J: Adorable patterns, like polka dots, stars and stripes!  And I look for how quickly I can put the outfit on — snaps are faster than buttons; leggings and leg warmers are easy.  Toby hates getting dressed (hates it!) so speed is essential.

b: I absolutely love your baby and kids winter picks on beso.  Is there anything you’re eyeing for Toby at the moment?
J: Thank you!  We just got an amazing stroller bag to keep him warm this winter.  We walk everywhere — so I was thrilled to find something that will keep him cozy on those bitterly cold January days.  It’s like a sleeping bag!

 

b: What is your go-to holiday party outfit?
J: A little black dress with red tights.  Simple and festive!

b: What is your favorite brand of jeans right now?
J: Good question! Gap Always Skinny jeans and the Stevie jeans by AG.  Both are super flattering.

 

b: What bag do you find yourself carrying most these days?
J: The Market Bag by Moop, which fits everything from my phone and wallet to Toby’s diapers and toys…but doesn’t look like a diaper bag!

b: What sunglasses do you find yourself reaching for most?
J: Ray-Ban Aviators.  They somehow make you feel cool, even when you’ve got a baby on your hip and haven’t showered in three days.

b: Any suggestions for fun, affordable holiday hostess gifts?
J: Saipua soaps are handmade in Brooklyn and Diptyque candles smell incredible, look gorgeous and last forever.

b: By the way, I think this Gap Shark hat from your Beso Baby Gifts section is hilarious.  Would you dress Toby in it?
J: Yes!  Animal hats are one of the best parts of being a mom :)

b: What are some of Toby’s favorite toys right now?
J: The Fisher Price Rainforest jumper.  It’s such an eyesore in our living room, but he totally adores it!

 

b: Any recommendations for cute baby bedding?
J: Dwell is my absolute favorite for baby bedding.  We have their chocolate dot fitted sheets, but I love all their patterns.  Also my friend has the polka-dot flannel crib sheets from Garnet Hill, which look lovely and cozy.

b: It seems as if the holidays always fly by.  What are some things you’re looking forward to in 2011?
J: Toby’s first word!  I’m secretly hoping it will be “Mama.” :)

b: me, too!  Thanks for the interview, Joanna.  I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy holiday season.

> check out the rest of Joanna’s picks

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Black Friday Shopping Tips November 21st, 2010 By

 

Black Friday is the busiest time of year to go shopping.  While the sales and discounts are unbelievably great, the crowds are crazy!  The overall experience of shopping on such a busy day can be frustrating and overwhelming.  Here are a few tips to help battle the crowds to get the deals you want:

1)  Make a list of all the items you plan to shop for and who it’s for.  In the midst of all the excitement, you may forget what you need and who you’re shopping for.

2)  Get to stores early.  It’s impossible to avoid lines on Black Friday, however, if you arrive late in the day, the items you want may be sold out.

3)  Collect the sales ads to know what’s on sale, the actual sales price and where to find it.  If the original item you planned to buy doesn’t work out, having the sales ads with you will save time.

4)  Keep a close eye on your shopping cart.  Black Friday brings out the desperate side of shoppers.  Someone may snag sold-out items from your cart, so don’t leave items unattended.

5)  Stay home and shop on beso.  Pull out your list and sales ads to begin your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own home!

helpful links:
beso.com
beso sales
Emily’s Picks
Joanna’s Picks – Joanna Goddard is our new Babies & Kids Editor!

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Recently Viewed Products – Halloween October 4th, 2010 By

Do you know what you’re going to be for Halloween yet?  I’ve been thinking about this for at least two months now, and my boyfriend and I talked about doing a couples costume like Bonnie and Clyde or recreating the famous Alfred Eisenstaedt The Kiss photo.  But now I think I’m going to be Hit Girl from Kick-Ass.

Alfred Eisenstaedt's The Kiss

A great source of inspiration is our brand new Recently Viewed section of the site.  Just check out the recently viewed Halloween Costumes!  That’s where I discovered the Hit Girl costume. 

Recently Viewed Halloween Costumes

This feature can be used to search multiple categories by clicking through the left-hand navigation – a great tool when searching for gifts and inspiration!  My favorites are Recently Viewed Beauty Products and Recently Viewed Women’s Shoes.

P.S. Don’t forget the last day to enter the We ♥ Brands Contest is this Wednesday!

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Have You Entered the We Love Brands Contest? October 1st, 2010 By

The We ♥ Brands Contest ends next Wednesday! I can hardly believe it. We’ve gotten so many fun, creative entries so far.  Just check out our Facebook Fan Page to see them all!

Still haven’t entered?  It’s easy!  Just sign up for a Beso account, select a minimum of 10 brands (see how), and like Beso on Facebook!  Be sure to leave a Beso link on our fan wall to something you’d like to buy if you win.

1 $1,000 Grand Prize + 4 $250 Prizes = 5 Winners!

Enter the We Love Brands Contest!

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Be a Savvy Shopper with our Beso Favorites Feature September 20th, 2010 By

beso has a personalized shopping feature and, in a word, it’s “amazing.”  Besides being one of the premiere online comparison shopping destinations, beso has taken it a step further by allowing you to “favorite” all of your favorite products, brands and stores!  We’ll remember your favorites when you shop, so your experience on the site is tailored to your taste.* 

How it works: Start browsing on beso.com and any time you see a grey heart you simply click it so it turns into a purple heart  – favorite saved!

Check out our Style Director Emily Schuman’s favorites and start clicking the grey hearts!  You can see that I already favorited Alexander McQueen, Barneys, CUSP, and Forever21.

Emily's Favorites

We’re also running a favoriting contest right now!  Select a minimum of 10 brands from your account and fan us on Facebook for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree.  Enter the We ♥ Brands Contest!

*P.S. Don’t forget to create an account or sign in each time you shop so we can remember your favorites for the next time you shop.  You can also sign up for our e-mail newsletter that sends you customized deals based on all of your favorites!

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