Zara: Finally
Shoppable Online
September 7th, 2011 By

After taunting us for many, many months with the illusion of an e-commerce site (we can’t tell you how many times our throat caught because it looked like they had actually installed a shopping cart, only to realize that—psyche!—the only option was to tweet, facebook, or print your heart’s desire), Zara is finally, finally unleashing itself on the web.

We’ll most definitely be stocking up on work pants, because they tend to be cut longer than most: we’d like to try on the front-seamed trousers in sunny yellow, the pleated trousers in teal, and just because they look fun and swishy, the Palazzo trousers in cream. Meanwhile, if it weren’t too short for my personal comfort level (I have knee body dysmorphia), I’d be all over this sequined mini dress. What, pray tell, are you jumping to buy?

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Store Spotlight:
The Picket Fence
September 6th, 2011 By

We’re changing things up in our home to reflect the moody feel of fall. We found the perfect items at The Picket Fence, a store we recently discovered. The Picket Fence is an “independently owned boutique that caters to locals…”, and thanks to their online store, we’re lucky to have access to their philosophy of luxurious, yet comfortable living. The Picket Fence has everything from apparel to home goods, and they present it in such a stunning way. Here’s to cooler nights, shorter days, and fruitful discovery.

Jan Barboglio Cruz VesselDransfield & Ross Dr. Spock Pillow

store spotlight l-f: JAN BARBOGLIO CRUZ VESSEL, $146.00; DRANSFIELD & ROSS DR. SPOCK PILLOW, $155.00 all available at The Picket Fence.

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Brands We Love: Haute Hippie May 11th, 2011 By

American designer Trish Wescoat Pound launched Haute Hippie in 2008 which emphasizes the art of layering with eclectic style and sophistication.  The brand is known for its bohemian aesthetic and combination of intricate detailing with glamorous design. We love that Haute Hippie provides everyday fashion basics, layering items, and loungewear with an air of independence and style.

Haute Hippie Strapless Belted Gown, $695.00

Haute Hippie Strapless Belted Gown

Haute Hippie Belted Chiffon Minidress, $595.00

Haute Hippie Belted Chiffon Minidress

Haute Hippie Cowl Neck Silk Tunic, $225.00

Haute Hippie Cowl Neck Silk Tunic

Haute Hippie Belted Chiffon Dress, $595.00

Haute Hippie Belted Chiffon Dress

Haute Hippie Convertible Belted Strapless Minidress, $495.00

Haute Hippie Convertible Belted Strapless Minidress

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The Happy Recessionista: Madden Girl Pumps March 22nd, 2011 By

In these days of universal belt-tightening, we thankfully don’t have to do without style.  For that, we should all give thanks to Madden Girl pumps.  Take these Madden Girl Sursey Polka Dot Pumps, for example.  Adorable!  And only $39.95.  Or check out these strapy and sassy Korrral Shoes by Madden Girl. Versatile and fun, they have a sassy wood heel and a pretty coral color.  If you’re looking for something a little edgier, check out the Madden Girl Kobiee Pumps, for just $35.



For more ideas on finding inexpensive brands and places to shop, explore our Style Profiles section where Beso users express their style and show off their favorites.  We love recessionistafashionista’s profile and also shop at dELiA*s, Forever 21 and Old Navy when we’re on a budget.

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LAFW Presents: Gypsy05 Fall 2011 Runway Show March 17th, 2011 By

LA Fashion week was out in full force at last night’s Gypsy05 runway show.  Hosted in downtown Los Angeles at the gorgeous baroque venue Vibiana, no detail was overlooked from the lavish cocktail reception and beauty bar to the fantastic show itself.  The brand known for its eco-friendly outlook, gorgeous silks and dyes, and celebrity following knows definitely knows how to throw a party.

As the guests mingled, photographers relentlessly snapped and Leblon natural cane cocktails garnished with rose petals were served.  I won’t mention how late the show started, but it was definitely time enough for me to take advantage of the beauty bar in the back and have my nails done by Nubar.  I had never heard of the line before, but learned they are cruelty-free and vegan, not to mention free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.  The founder was inspired to create a healthy polish alternative in 2000 after cancer struck his family — truly amazing, and a perfect fit for Gypsy05′s dedication to the environment.

Before the show: My own stacked style and with the Style Chihuahua from Paris

Detail shot of my new Donni Charm scarf and Nubar Polish in silver sword

The show began with a dramatic entry.  A pale model with crimped red hair walked down the runway with a flowing neutral skirt and bronze box top, setting the tone for an etheral fairy tale collection.  Olive greens, shades of grey and deep, watery blues floated past me and I found myself lusting after the long skirts and sexy, slouchy mini dresses and longing for fall.  Below are some of my favorite looks from the show:

Cool blues worn with flat boots and light blue hair hydrangea

I loved the crimped hair and flowing skirts worn with earthy sandals

One of my favorites, I loved this knit mini dress worn with socks and sandals

 

Thanks again to Gypsy05 for hosting such a fun event.  Stay tuned for another giveaway from Beso tomorrow!

> shop Gypsy05 dresses
> shop Gypsy05 men’s

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Cynthia Steffe on Sale March 4th, 2011 By

One of the reasons we love shopping on beso so much is because we have the ability to shop all the sales all in one place.  And, since it’s Friday and we’re all in a good mood, why not shop Cyntia Steffe on sale?

Cynthia Steffe is an American contemporary fashion line known for putting a luxurious spin on classic basics.  Here are some of our favorites that are on sale right now. (Editor’s Note:  Hurry!  We try our best to bring you stuff that’s in stock, but can’t help it if it sells out)

This Cynthia Steffe bustier dress features an abstract floral print and sweetheart neckline, available at Saks for $226.99 (30% off $325).

Cynthia Steffe Pleated Bustier Dress

This Cynthia Steffe oatmeal lace and ruffle top is available at Bluefly for $87 (40% off $145).

Cynthia Steffe Lace and Ruffle Top

Faux fur and an oversized lapel makes this Cynthia Steffe graphite jacket one of the season’s must-haves, on sale at Saks  for $157.99 (60% off $385).

Cynthia Steffe Faux Fur Jacket

New this spring, the Cynthia Steffe ‘Ella’ dress is on sale for $165 at Bluefly (40% off $275).

Cynthia Steffe Ella Dress

Add this stylish Cynthia Steffe jersey zip tee to your wardrobe for just $45 (40% off $75).

Cynthia Steffe MushRoom Jersey Zip Shoulder Tee

> shop all Cynthia Steffe

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Still the One: Manolo Blahnik March 4th, 2011 By

We all fell in love back when Carrie introduced us to Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha; and you and I were filled with so much yearning.  But long after Sex & The City faded from HBO, that passion and desire for a lifetime hookup with Manolo Blahnik hasn’t gone away.

How could it go away when Manolo Blahnik is still creating works of art one puts on her feet?  Shoes like Manolo Blahnik Patent Leather Mary Janes.  Eye-catching yet playful – and the most theatrical presentation a woman could expect out of a pump.

Or the super sexy and architecturally romantic Manolo Blahnik Swirly Halter Sandal. Casual enough for day, but dramatic enough for night. Good news, considering you’ll never want to take them off!

And the Manolo Blahnik Suede Flower Thong Sandal from the 2011 spring runways. If the weather doesn’t warm up soon, wear these shoes anyway; they’re hot enough to melt anything.  You can take the girls out of the Manolo Blahnik store, but you can’t take the Manolo Blahnik out of a girl’s heart.



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Announcing the New Beso Blog Layout! February 28th, 2011 By

Hello, lovelies!  As you’ve probably already noticed, we have a fancy new layout on the Beso Blog.  Aside from the fresh new design, we’re also able to showcase some of our newest features with ease.  Check out the side bar to the right, where you’ll see your chance to enter our Weekly $250 Cash Giveaway, check out what other users are loving right now, and download our FREE Beso iPad Shopping App!

Sleaker, sexier, and sassier, the Beso Blog is your resource for the latest fashion and beauty trends from all of your favorite stores.  Whether you’re checking out Accessory Style File or Beauty Talk, you’ll find out where to shop our favorites, discover honest reviews, get the best deals, and hopefully feel inspired to live your life to the fullest. 

Please let us know if you have any feedback in the comments section!

Happy Shopping,
Mara

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Topshop Treasure Trove February 23rd, 2011 By

Perhaps my favorite thing to do when I’m bored is go shopping in search of inspiration, because nothing cheers me up faster and makes me work harder than looking forward to dressing for an event or a good party.  Admittedly, a lot of this shopping is online and on beso, where you can shop everything at once without having to deal with annoyances like, say, other people. 

So anyway, I was shopping at Topshop earlier today, and I must say I’m pretty impressed with a lot of what they’re showing these days.  Everything from accessories to lingerie is at affordable price points and in cheeky colors.  Check out some of my favorites, and hopefully a few will make it into my closet sooner rather than later.





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Haute & Naughty, Getting Caught Up, #NYFW February 15th, 2011 By

I have to tell you about the most insane mascara I just tried.  Gifted to me from M.A.C., it’s called the Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara in black and I haven’t really tried any mascara like it before in my 10+ years working as a makeup artist.  What makes it so different to me is the formula itself.  Extremely black and very, very wet, the mascara glides on with a super dense look that is a little intimidating at first.  With around 21+ swipes and a few minutes of not moving/blinking/waiting for it to dry, the lashes are manipulated in a manner where each lash is thick, dramatic and LUSH looking.  And this is just with the main applicator.

Bonus:  There is a second layer of packaging for a much less dramatic look should you so choose! (I’m big into mascara options for day/night or dramatic/natural looks).

Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara

I also wanted to tell you that I got fitted for a free pair of Levi’s Curve ID jeans (I’m a demi) while in New York last week, and I can’t believe how well they fit.  Thanks again to IFB for hosting such a lovely conference with such awesome folks as Levi’s, TheFind, Gucci, and many more (complete list of sponsors here).

In other fashion news, I also got an e-mail from QVC about their Mercedes Benz Fashion Week plans.  They’ve got some amazing brands these days — Gypsy Mara Hoffman, B. Makowsky, Muxo by Camila Alves — way to go, QVC!  So check ‘em when you get a chance.  NYX is also in full force on the West Coast, featuring Janelle Monae at Sunday’s Grammy Awards.  If you haven’t heard of NYX, they’re an indie artist’s line that is both affordable and high-quality.

We’ve got a contest coming up tomorrow, so stay tuned, beso lovers!  I hope you all had a lovely Valentine’s Day.

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New York City Recap + Love February 14th, 2011 By

After a whirlwind six day trip to New York City, I’m back in Los Angeles and still recuperating.  My mind is buzzing with ideas and love, love, love for the blogging community, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so inspired and humbled. 

While I didn’t get to stay for the entire NYFW this year, I still got an exciting taste of the city during NYFW’s Social Media Week; and much of my fashion exploration was spent during off-hours with fellow fashionistas and actor friends.  Some highlights include finally getting to meet the lovely Taylor and Christine in person, and  I was also able to say hi to Jessica and chat briefly about the importance of staying warm while looking good.  Also, Jennine is just as lovely in person as she is over e-mail.  If you’d like to take a peek, below are some snapshots from my trip:

One of my favorite panels of the trip, “Working with Brands Gracefully,” moderated by Kristina Medhus of Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  Panelists from left to right: Kristin of The Clothes Whisperer, Rebecca of Clothes Horse, Lindsey of Saucy Glossie, Sasha of Liberty London Girl, and Rachna of KCD Worldwide.

IFB Conference Panel 

Jennine of IFB and The Coveted presenting a See by Chloe bag to one lucky winner during a break at the IFB Evolving Influence Conference.  I’m currently coveting her shoes.

Jennine

Spotted for the first time in the local Starbucks: my mom’s community tables!  She designed and manufactured them in Los Angeles — look out for the nationwide.  So proud of my mama.

Starbucks Community Table

The narrowest house in NYC — once owned by the great poet Edna St. Vincent Millay.  I’m wearing some random navy pea coat I picked up in Amsterdam, Zara bag, Citizens of Humanity skinny jeans, and my black motorcycle boots (riveting, I know). 

Mara at the Narrow House

Gucci swag in honor of their new bamboo collection (thanks Robin and Anna, it was the greatest party I never went to)!

Gucci Swag

Charming Lower East Side decor (I love the typewriter on the wall and I need this Van Gogh print).

Antlers and Typewriter

Van Gogh and a Stove

View from an unnamed actor’s apartment (what is this, a celebrity gossip blog?), off-hours outfit shot (shirt from boyfriend’s closet, gifted necklace (Lanvin?), ubiquitous Ray-Bans).

View from Mercer

Mara from Mercer

Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler giving the key note discussion of the IFB Conference.  Even more handsome in person, I tell you.

Camera shot of my red and silver half moon nails (blogged about here, tutorial from The Cherry Blossom Girl found here), just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Red and Silver Half Moon Nails

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