I’m Elise Loehnen, the most recent hire here at Beso—and a recent Los Angeles transplant, too. Speaking of: Anyone have any thoughts about where my new (!!!) husband, Rob, and our two beloved cattens, Dot and Fletch (I refuse to acknowledge that our twelve-pounders aren’t kittens anymore), should live in the city? Considering all options…

So here’s my deal: I’m originally from Missoula, Montana, where I grew up with chickens, cats, dogs, horses, and my own “mountain.” These days, though, I seem to spend most of my time hunting around for things that are beautiful and useful, whether it’s at my favorite flea market in Connecticut (Elephant Trunk), my favorite dress-laden boutique in NYC’s West Village (Albertine), or at any number of awesome websites that I troll at all hours (more on all of these spots later). For the past decade or so, I’ve been an editor at Conde Nast in New York, primarily at Lucky Magazine, where as the Editor at Large (and ultimately Deputy Editor) I got to write guides about shopping the cities of the world, and a column about all the random (but I would maintain, covetable) things I found to buy online. Hand-beaded Navajo barrettes? Leather “Possibles” bags turned out by war re-enactors that are actually undeniably chic? Any takers?

I grew up in an editorial tradition where my job and sole duty was to canvas these cities that I wrote about as comprehensively as possible, so that readers would be armed with all of the info they could possibly need to make informed decisions about where they chose to spend their time shopping. If I missed a boutique worth writing about, that was a fail. How could anyone trust me? To that end, what was an otherwise pretty glamorous gig often turned into a deathmarch. When I wrote a guide on Paris, for example, I walked every conceivable, boutique-dotted street. And since I’m dorky enough to carry a Fitbit, I can tell you that that netted out to about 14 miles of walking per day. Easy justification for what became a two-croissant-a-day habit. When it comes to canvassing the web, what I can’t track in miles, I can track in hours: This office supply round-up that I did for Beso? It took me about 18 hours of clicking around, at a minimum. I know…martyr.

But the point of this ramble? You can trust that Marissa, Diana, and I will be spending our days tirelessly looking for the best stuff online so that you simply don’t have to. Best stuff sounds pretty vague, right? Well, we’ll be looking for the best stuff that we like, but we need to hear what you like, too: So talk to us, because we’re here to serve you. You can email all three of us at: help@beso.com, you can tweet us @beso, @eloehnen, @rissacontreras, @heydianaryu, you can talk to us on Facebook by liking Beso and writing on our wall, and you can register for the site and start “favoriting” the finds you love, so we can add them to our stream.

Happy shopping!

Just in – Naomi Davis as our September Guest Editor! You know her as Taza from the famed blog The Rockstar Diaries.  Her sweet and easy-going diary filled with every day family life inspired us so much, we just had to invite her to share her overall wears for the fall season. Instead of the normal Q&A, we decided to mix things up a bit with a Proust-esque questionnaire. Let’s begin …

I start my day by waking up to little fingers pulling at my hair and poking my face.

If I had to only wear one color for the rest of my life, it’d be yellow.

If I had to commit to one brand, it would be Hershey’s.

The best cost-per-wear item in my closet are my Frye boots.

The best vacation spot is a tent in the living room.

I am not always patient.

The first thing I do after powering on my computer is HELLO Twitter!

If I had five minutes to apply my makeup, I’d apply NARS foundation + blush, a little M.A.C. lipstick, and play with Eleanor in the mirror the last three minutes.

I am afraid of driving through tunnels and parking underground.

If Kingsley [the family English bulldog] could talk, he’d tell me give me five scoops, not one like the vet said.

The best part about being a blogger is belonging to a community of uplifting and friendly people from all around the world and all kinds of backgrounds.

To wind down at the end of the day, my family and I read together.

If I could name my own nail polish, it would be called M&M Red.

Naomi advocates going on “bear hunts” with your family, wearing the color yellow, and never leaving home without at least 2 cameras, since remembering the little things are what it’s all about.

SHOP ROCKSTAR DIARIES >

We admit it – we’re addicted. We’re addicted to Geri Hirsch and her forthcoming posts featuring LA street style, magazine spreads, do-it-yourself projects, yummy recipes and soon to launch LEAF. We recently chatted with the Because I’m Addicted cutie to review her August Guest Editor picks (we especially love her mix of home and wears). Check out her shopping tips to live by and more.

b: First, how would you describe your style?
BIA: Always evolving.

b: Tell us about your new adventure, LEAF.tv?
BIA: LEAF is a concept I have been working on for over 5 years. It was born out of being raised by a single mom, who didn’t have a ton of spare time, and a curiosity to learn how to do things on my own – be it cooking, decorating, sewing, etc. As I tried to find outlets to help teach me, I discovered more and more that despite there being a million cooking shows and decorating websites, nothing was really speaking to me (or my generation). Realizing there was a total hole in the market, I began formulating LEAF – living, eating & fashion – a really cool, easy to consume, how-to concept that is specifically designed for curious girls and young women just like me!

b: How has LA influenced your cooking (tastes), your home life, and fashion sense?
BIA: My taste in fashion, food and decor are eclectic and constantly evolving, influenced heavily by my surroundings: the ever changing mosaic that is Los Angeles.

b: If any retailer/designer could be your personal walk-in closet, whose would it be?
BIA: BARNEYS all the way!

b: What’s your number one shopping tip?
BIA: If you have to think twice don’t buy it.

b: Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
BIA: In the closet: A beautiful dress that makes you feel special even if you don’t have an occasion for it, your signature scent, a killer piece of outerwear and classics that you’ll keep forever.  In the kitchen: A great chef’s knife. Home decor: Art.

b: Lastly, what’s your be so?
BIA: be so you!

We welcome and would like to introduce, Jessica Quirk from What I Wore as our July Guest Editor!  Jessica has such a strong readership and fan base; she almost needs no introduction.  She began her daily outfit snapshots in 2007, and has recently published her first book, “What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style.” 

We wanted to find out a little bit more about her new ventures (and more), so we thought we’d share our recent Q&A.

b:  How did your book deal come about?
J:  This is a great story! After a couple years of receiving questions from What I Wore readers, I knew I wanted to put all of the answers in one place.  I also wanted to incorporate my own illustrations.  That year for Christmas, my husband gave me a blank note book and wrote “Recipes for Style (the early title) by Jessica Quirk” on the first page. The next day, I started to create the outline. A month later in January I met my awesome literary agent and in early May I made a deal with Random House! It was a very exciting time in my life. 

b: What was your vision for the book?
J: The book is like a cookbook for your closet.  I wanted to draw comparisons between how you stock your kitchen (buying ingredients that work together to create awesome meals) and how you organize your closet.  

b: What are some of your obsessions right now?
J: Fashion wise – I’m loving neon yellow accessories right now.  Hobby wise – I’ve taken to my sewing machine and have been making a lot of my summer dresses… and even a few button up shirts for my husband. 

b: We love fantasizing about our dream closet.  If any retailer/designer could be your go-to closet, whose would it be?
J: That’s a hard one! I think my own personal style is a nice mix of a casual jeans and tee shirt Midwestern girl (and a retro inspired lady like woman).  If someone told me I could only shop at Anthropologie, J.Crew and Kate Spade New York for the rest of my life, I probably wouldn’t object!

b: What are your favorite vintage and steal pieces right now?
J: On the vintage side of things, I’ve been scooping up 1950s and 1960s dresses… which can range in price depending on the condition of the garment.  On the cheaper side of things… I just helped with an estate sale and found a pair of wayfarer-like Polaroid sunglasses from the 1960s (I gave them to my husband!) 

b: What’s your number one shopping tip?
J: Make sure everything you buy will work with at least three other pieces in your closet.  

b: Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
J: It seems like everything goes on sale these days, but I advise people that they might want to spend a little (or a lot) more money on heavy use items like handbags, shoes, jeans and winter coats.  

b: Lastly, what’s your be-so? (For instance, one of ours is “beso thankful”) 
J: beso happy. There’s a silver lining in every cloud.  

Thanks Jessica!

SHOP IT:  Check out Jessica’s top 10 picks to beat the summer heat!

The Man Repeller, penned by the hilarious Leandra Medine, is one of my favorite fashion blogs.  Leandra puts together the most fashionable ensembles that are sure to garner attention from fashion loving females…now, heterosexual males on the other hand…. 

Leandra always has the most statement-worthy shoes and I’ve listed two here that I am totally enamored with. 

First, The Man Repeller‘s self-professed current favorite shoe are these Proenza Schouler Single Buckle Wedges.  Cue lust, drool and envy! 

(images via Refinery29) 

The Man Repeller at NYFW 2011, via Refinery29

The second are a Valentino pointy-toe studded pair! 

The Man Repeller in Valentino at NYFW 2011, via Refinery29

Thank goodness for beso!   I knew right away I could find them.

All my Man Repelling dreams can come true! 

Single Buckle Wedge Boot by Proenza Schouler 

Valentino Studded Runway Pump 

Fashion designer David Meister is known for his sophisticated, body conscious dresses that are a favorite amongst Hollywood celebrities like Katherine Heigl, Queen Latifah, Fergie and Drew Barrymore.  While working at Danskin, the original fitness and bodywear company, Meister learned the magic of stretch in fabrication and how it can flatter the curves of a woman’s body.  His modern designs of dresses, cocktail dresses, and gowns embodies sophisticated glamour that looks beautiful on women of all shapes and sizes.

David Meister Beaded Satin Dress

Neiman Marcus

$294.00

David Meister Sequined Jersey Dress

Bloomingdales.com

$310.00

David Meister One Shoulder Feather Detail Dress – Red

Saks Fifth Avenue

$388.00

David Meister Spliced Jersey Cocktail Dress

David Meister

$436.00

David Meister One-Shoulder Mesh Dress

Bloomingdales.com

$410.00

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!

7 A.M. Enfant Blanket 212 Evolution- Red/Grey — red size: one size

Diapers.com

$189.00

 

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.

AG Adriano Goldschmied The Stevie Jean – Howl

AG Adriano Goldschmied

$168.00

 

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!

Fisher-Price – Rainforest Jumperoo

Walmart.com

$65.00

 

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

I stumbled upon The Pioneer Woman several months ago, and have been a loyal reader ever since!  Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, was once a Los Angeles resident who fell in love and married a bona fide cowboy, and moved to a cattle ranch in Oklahoma to embrace ranching life and raise four children. 

There are so many elements to The Pioneer Woman that keep me (and over 2 million visitors each month) coming back for more.  She shares her transition from spoiled city girl to domestic country wife in such an honest, entertaining way, including pictures and stories about her home life on the range.  It’s her personal mix of musings, recipes, photography and home-schooling advice that has brought a devoted following that continues to grow.

My favorite, the Cooking section, consist of step-by-step photos of delicious and sometimes complicated recipes for all occasions.  The Photography section has tips for beginning photographers, photography assignments, and simple Photoshop tutorials.  The Home & Garden section includes step-by-step, start-to-finish remodeling projects, general home tips and more photos of things The Pioneer Woman loves.  There is also a Homeschooling section that shares the adventures of homeschooling four children on an isolated cattle ranch.

Once you visit The Pioneer Woman, you will be hooked!

Launched in 2006, Danielle Nicole handbags are known for classic styles with a fresh, modern twist.  Only the finest materials are used and each collection shows a beautiful blend of different silhouettes and textures. 

Designer Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and studied in Europe with design houses like Hermes, Fendi and Prada, which explains her sophisticated taste and the impeccable quality of each bag.  Here are my favorite Danielle Nicole bags I found shopping on beso.

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Danielle Nicole bags at Beso.com

]]> http://www.beso.com/blog/bag-it-danielle-nicole/feed/ 1 http://www.beso.com/blog/designer-profile-tracy-reese/ http://www.beso.com/blog/designer-profile-tracy-reese/#comments Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:17:08 +0000 Staci Diane http://www.beso.com/blog/?p=11355

Tracy Reese launched her first collection in 1998, and over the years, has become synonymous with ultra-feminine, luxury pieces.  Her distinct point of view is seen each season as she delivers timeless, modern looks with a vintage twist.  There are three collections – Tracy Reese, plenty by Tracy Reese and frock!, all of which incorporate her eye for detail, color and fit.  Plenty by Tracy Reese is a boho chic, ethnic-inspired collection, while frock! consists of flirty dresses that go from day to evening.  Tracy Reese has expanded the brand to include footwear, handbags and a Tracy Reese home collection that is whimsical and fun.  Before you start shopping for Tracy Reese on beso, check out some of my favorites!

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Tracy Reese at Beso.com

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