Caitlin and Justin Frech of Gypsy 05 at their L.A. Headquarters

I had the opportunity to go to the Los Angeles headquarters of Gypsy 05 and meet with Marketing Manager, Justin Frech.  He gave me the inside scoop on this hot brand, which is a favorite amongst celebrities like Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron, Alessandra Ambrosio, Taylor Momsen, and Olivia Munn.  I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the new collection; and while I can’t give anything away about the new designs, here’s what I can tell you about this awesome, eco-friendly label:

How Gypsy 05 got started:

Brother-sister duo Dotan and Osi Shoham are the masterminds behind the label.  Dotan brings his many years of experience in the dye industry, and Osi takes the helm as lead designer.  They launched the brand in 2005 because they saw an opportunity to bring a unique vision to life: SoCal bohemian-inspired clothing with an emphasis on comfort.  What began mainly as a t-shirt company has now evolved into dresses, pants, and accessories.

How they developed a following:

For being relatively new to the scene, Gypsy 05 has an impressive list of celebrity clientele and a loyal following.  Perhaps the one design that put them on the map is their hugely-popular cotton maxi dress.  Today, their continued success can be attributed to the quality and comfort of their designs, and word of mouth is a powerful PR tool (also check them out on their facebook fan page).  Celebrity clientele, who are photographed in the designs on a regular basis, keep coming back for more.  Gypsy 05 has also developed relationships with stylists and wardrobe assistants, who have featured their designs on TV shows like Gossip Girl, The Daily Ten, and American Idol.

Where their inspiration comes from:

Born and raised in Israel and currently living in southern California, Osi draws much of her inspiration from her natural surroundings.  The ocean, nature, and respect for the environment are apparent in the colorful, flowing designs of each piece.  Tie dye and organic shapes are signatures to the collection.

On being eco-friendly:

All of their products are made locally in the Los Angeles area using eco-conscious manufacturing processes.  They use organic fabrics whenever possible, and the color process uses low-impact dyes and water-based printing.  As far as they know, they are the only clothing manufacturer in the United States that have installed solar panels to power their office and factory.  100% of their headquarters’ operations is powered by the solar electricity that these panels generate!

What looks we can expect to see this summer:

We can expect to see a lot of their signature prints in the form of flowing silk mini-dresses and jumpsuits.  Updated versions of their sportswear have already been pre-released with huge success.  And in a new twist, some shredded, rocker-inspired items are also being added to the Gypsy 05 summer collection.

Hints at their fall collection:

Staying true to their origins, Gypsy 05 will be releasing fall pieces featuring more bold colors and tie dye prints but will be branching out into new silhouettes.  Expect to see a combination of silk, jersey, and cotton fabrics, and as always, comfort and eco-friendliness will remain at the center of each design.

Where you can buy:

To purchase these products online, please visit the Gypsy 05 Official Site.  Fine department stores Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus also carry Gypsy 05 clothing.

What is Gypsy 05’s beso?  be so natural.

 

Gypsy 05 Organic Maxi Dress

Gypsy 05’s Organic Maxi Dress in Tie Dye is one of their best-selling looks!

Gypsy 05 Allie Silk Jumper

The Allie Silk Jumper is an example of some of the new styles Gypsy 05 is releasing for spring and summer 2010.

Gypsy 05 Cut-Off Sweatshirt

Gypsy 05’s cut-off sweatshirt is another best-selling item.

Gypsy 05 Jade Silk Peasant Dress

The Jade Silk Peasant Mini-Dress is one of my personal favorites.  The silk fabric makes an easy transition from day to night!

 

- Caitlin for beso

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

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

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

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

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

Rebecca Stice, The Clothes Horse

The widely read blogger, Rebecca Stice (23) of The Clothes Horse, recently participated in a panel at the chictopia 10 conference. In catching up with her, we learned that she started blogging almost 3 years ago as a form of personal expression upon returning to Pennsylvania after living in Japan for six months. With her post-college plans currently pointing to a career as a (J.A.G) lawyer, we’re certain that her she’ll apply her interpretations of law as judiciously as she does her unique sensibility for fashion & style. So, herewith is what Rebecca opines.

Q&A
beso: What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?
Rebecca Stice: I have a dark green pair of Cheap Monday jeans. They’re surprisingly comfortable despite being skinnies and I love that they’re not a traditional color.

b: What bag(s) are you carrying right now?
RS: I just found this vintage croc doctor bag that barely holds my camera. It makes me feel dainty and elegant, a nice contrast from my usual massive, tote bags.

b: What gloss are you wearing right now?
RS: I don’t wear lip gloss; I just like Chapstick.

b: What’s stores are calling out to you? what stores are you drawn into?
RS: Right now, I like vintage stores and antique malls where you hunt around and find random bits of clothes between cluttered bookshelves and carosel horses.

Votive Light

b: What color is your new black?
RS: I’ve actually never been into black, but I love blues. Lately, I like navy and I am reawakening my love for teal.

Navy Military Band Jacket & Stockings

b: What’s your favorite LBD?
RS: A simple BDG tank dress with pockets; it is really comfortable in summer and can be styled so many different ways.

b: What’s your favorite vintage piece?
RS: A brown feather fascinator, the colors of the feathers blend seamlessly with my hair and since it is a neutral it goes with everything.

b: What Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court (past or present) do you most admire?
RS: Sandra Day O’Connor, I admire her on so many levels and agree with her case-by-case approach to judicial decisions and political views.

b: Lastly, we’d like to know: What’s your beso? My beso is: “be so compassionate”
RS: Choose happiness.

Well, Rebecca, we wish you much happiness and continued success with The Clothes Horse. Enjoy chocolate!

Handful of Chocolate

Lee Alexander McQueen at the finale of his Spring 2010 Ready To Wear Show, image from Style.com

The fashion world was shaken on February 11th to learn that Lee Alexander McQueen had committed suicide at age 40.  In the midst of New York Fashion Week, the loss of one of fashion’s best and brightest cast a shadow over Bryant Park.  McQueen’s shows were always cutting edge, exciting and daring.  His fashion vision was singular.

McQueen rose from a working-class background on merit of his incredible talent.  He worked through various apprenticeships on London’s Savile Row and honed his talent for tailoring before becoming head designer at Givenchy in 1996.  He went on to establish his own lines Alexander McQueen and McQ, where he was able to design without constraint.  He was honored as British Designer of the Year four times between 1996 and 2003.

McQueen dressed fashion trend-setters like Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna and Lady Gaga.  Lady Gaga wore McQueen in her Bad Romance video, including the fantastic (and scary) Armadillo shoes.

Lee Alexander McQueen and his dedication to individuality will be sorely missed by all of us.

View images from his runway shows at Style.com.
Find Alexander McQueen and McQ on beso.

Gillian Laub Family Potrait - photo by Gillian Laub

We recently contacted Gillian Laub, the acclaimed and published photographer whose work ranges from portraits of Israelis and Palestinians to celebrity photo sessions, the common thread of which is strong juxtapositions in photographic compositions. Stepping out from behind her lens, she shared with us some of her favorites. Herewith is what she’s feeling.

Israelis at Guard and at Play - photo by Gillian Laub

Q&A
beso: What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?
Gillian Laub: Rag & Bone jeans. So comfy.

b: What’s pair of shoes are you wearing on the weekends around town?
GL: I LIVE in my Martin Margiela boots. I don’t think I’ve taken them off all winter.

b: What bag(s) are you carrying right now?
GL: LeSportsac for work stuff…great durability and Chanel for play.

b: What gloss are you wearing right now?
GL: I don’t wear gloss, just Rosebud Salve.  Good for lips, dry cuticles, and any area that needs some softening.

b: And your scent of choice?
GL: Dr. Hauschka Rose Body Oil.

b: What’s stores are calling out to you? what stores are you drawn into?
GL: I am drawn to small boutiques where it’s an intimate experience and things are more curated.  I wish I didn’t get panic attacks in department stores because I like the idea of a one stop shopping [Gillian, beso.com anyone?]

b: What nail polish color are you loving?
GL: I don’t wear nail polish.

b: What color is your new black?
GL: Black will always be my new black. But I love all shades of purple as well and adding accents of color.

b: What’s your favorite LBD?
GL: A Mayle dress i bought years ago. so disappointed when the boutique closed.

b: What camera do you keep in your purse?
GL: Canon G10; it’s the best digital point and shoot!!

Gillian Laub, camera in hand at her own wedding

b: Lastly, we’d like to know: What’s your beso? My beso is: “be so compassionate”
GL: I can’t really do better than ‘be so compassionate;’ how about ‘be so open minded’

Rag & Bone Jeans

Martin Margiela Wedge Boots

LeSportsac Handbag