If you’ve been shopping lately, you may have noticed that stores are starting to resemble gardens.  Spring has sprung, and with it comes a burst of bold floral prints.  This is definitely a trend that’s easy to translate into plus sizes, as long as you take your shape into consideration when choosing your prints and placement.

Macy's Alfani Floral Dress

Dresses:  With floral dresses you need to pay attention to the placement of the pattern to make sure it flatters.  Also take into consideration the cut and length of the dress.  A knee length wrap dress is flattering on almost every figure.  The sash at the waist can be adjusted to fit tightly if you want to show off your tiny waist, or left a little looser if you would like to conceal the tummy.  If you’re top heavy, wear a camisole underneath or pin at the neckline to avoid showing off more than you intend to reveal when you bend over!  If you’ve got narrow hips, a big bold random pattern can add fullness.  If you’re trying to minimize wide hips, choose a more consistent all-over print.

This Alfani dress from Macy’s has pops or turquoise in the pattern that go well with almost every skin and tone and hair color.  The contrasting trim of the dress really draws lines at the best part of your body — the v-neck to showcase your face, along the waistline to accentuate the smallest part of your torso, and then down the legs to elongate your body.   I also like the length (just above the knee) and the elbow sleeve which makes the dress versatile for spring, summer and fall.

Jessica London Print skirt

Skirts: What I love about this Jessica London skirt (besides it being purple, my favorite color!) is that the pattern is concentrated on the bottom half of the skirt.  I have pretty wide hips, and stretching a bright floral across them can sometimes be unflattering.  But with the solid color covering the widest part and the pattern at the bottom, the eye is drawn downwards.   Pleats are still very chic for spring, as is the retro style (think  the TV show Mad Men), so this skirt hits a trio of trends. 

If you’re short, you may just want to take the skirt up a little at your tailor, because calf length could be frumpy.   Tall girls, you may find the calf length perfect because it’s not too short and yet still gives a nice peek at your gams.  This skirt looks to be a bit high waisted, which you could conceal with a longer top if you prefer to break up your figure a little.  Otherwise, play up that waist line by tucking in a white tee, as the model is shown wearing here.

Sihouettes Floral Top

Tops:  Floral tops are everywhere in styles ranging from halters to tunics, kimono sleeves to t-shirts.  I like ones from Silhouettes, and mixing prints is hot right now. 

You can rock tunic tops like this with skinny jeans or leggings, since fitted pants aren’t going away as the weather warms up.  But this top would look really great as a beach cover up or with some shorts and wedge heels too, so its quite versatile!

Blank Bushwicked Denim, $67

I love expensive denim just as much as the next person (well… probably a little bit more, but let’s keep that between us).  There’s nothing better than a quality pair of jeans that won’t break your bank and don’t cost as much as your rent. What are my favorite brands under $100? Oh, I’m so glad you asked! 

1. Anoname: beso has a stellar collection of Anoname, and they’re probably my favorite under $100 brand. Okay, so some of the pairs are over that (it looks like the prices are ranging from $55 to $110), but they’re amazing. Between the soft denim, hand detailing and great washes, nobody will ever know that you paid so little for these gorgeous babies! 

2. Blank Denim: A brand that’s on-trend AND every pair under $90? Not many brands can pull it off, but the fabulous Blank Denim does! This NYC-based brand puts out a ton of new styles every season and they’re all a great price. I own a pair and this is one of the few brands that I’ve paid full price for because… well, full price is only about $60! 

3. Cheap Monday: Sweden might be known for blonde, blue-eyed bombshells, but this Swedish brand might just change that thought! These jeans offer a great fit that has been seen on everyone from celebrities to scenesters, girls next door and style mavens… all for under a Benjamin.

Is there a brand that you love under $100? Share it in the comments and we’ll duke it out! Want more denim advice to tide you over until my next post here at beso blog? Head over to DenimDebutante.com!

Spring is in the air – even if you’re living in a place still blanketed by snow and buried under winter’s chill. What better way to look forward to saying goodbye to cold weather than to take a look at some of the hottest shoes for sunny days? 

Nine West Witton Sandal Flat, $79

Get ready for pretty pedicures with these gorgeous grey Nine West Witton flats. Part gladiator sandal, part upscale urban attitude, totally sexy — just  $79! 

Gastonia Open Toe Flats, $89.95

Need a shoe to take you places this spring? A shoe that’s cute, comfortable, versatile and stylish? Look no further than the Gastonia Open Toe flat in luscious, delicious, delightfully ripe orange — $89.95. 

Steve Madden Sleakk Plum Suede Bootie, $54.98 (50% off $109.95)

This perfectly plum spring Sleakk bootie by Steve Madden may not be as versatile as the Gastonia, but with something this fab – and this purple – who needs practical? Shop now for a price of 109.95 $54.98 (50% off)! 

Delman Star-SK Sandals, $153 (45% off $279)

Delman t-strap, snake skin embossed leather Star-SK sandals. If these lovely, yellow, strappy sandals don’t make you think of sunshine and springtime, than baby, your heart has frozen over —  $279 $153 (45% off). 

Christian Louboutin Patent Platform Pumps, $735

When the days warm up, you know the nights are also about to get a whole lot hotter. These gorgeous Christian Louboutin pumps are ready to take spring by storm for those girls who really know how to make a statement — $735. 

However you choose to chase away winter’s blues and get ready for spring, it’s time to heat things up. 

beso colorful this season!

Backpacks have never been my favorite accessory.  As a matter of fact, I used to wonder how anyone actually enjoyed the backpack-style purse.  I don’t know if it was the design (or lack thereof), the size and shape, or simply my thinking they weren’t cool to wear.  I can’t imagine having to reach back and fumble around for my lip gloss, or stopping to take it off completely just to get my wallet.  I understand that backpacks are convenient, especially for women with small children or while traveling.  However, must we compromise our style for convenience?

If we continue to see a new trend in backpacks, I hope to find more that are in line with the current trends and still functional.  Men seem to always look great with a backpack but I rarely see cute backpacks for women.  Prada, Tumi, Gucci and Louis Vuitton have mastered the unisex backpack which I have grown to appreciate but there is still a void in the market.  I found a few cute backpacks on beso. Which would you wear?

1.  Prada Tessuto Medium Backpack in Turquoise, $219 at Designer Imports

Prada Tessuto Backpack in Turquoise, $219

2.  Tokidoki Abraccio Backpack, $185.99 at Amazon

Tokidoki Abraccio Backpack, $185.99

3.  Kate Spade Gramercy Park Backpack, $225 at Amazon

Kate Spade Gramercy Park Backpack, $225

Rachel Bilson in Utility Jacket

Spring is here, and reporting for duty!  Actress Rachel Bilson was spotted wearing an army green utility jacket on her way to a casting in Santa Monica on February 26, 2010.  I know what you might be thinking… Really? An army jacket? Trust me, this jacket is a must-have.  This spring, military is making a strong statement and I have to say… I am very excited about it! (I already have two). If you don’t believe me, take a look at the Spring 2010 runways.

The great thing about this trend? You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg. There are so many options I don’t even know where to begin. Let’s start with this linen one by Victoria’s Secret for only $49.50. If money is no object, you’ll love this cropped version with detailed shoulder patches by Juicy Couture for $198.00. So green isn’t your color… So what? You can still wear this trend in another color, like this grey one from Old Navy for only $39.50.

The trick to wearing this look is to balance the masculinity of the jacket by pairing it with feminine pieces. Bilson passes this test with flying colors. She smartly pairs her jacket and trousers with a flowy scarf and nude pumps. Try this scarf from Love Quotes (also another celebrity favorite) and these basic nude pumps by Milan. If you want something more funky on your feet, you’ll love these cage sandals by Jimmy Choo or these zip-front wedges by Twelfth Street.

Milan Pump from Piperlime, $110

Chloe Marcie Leather Satchel, $1,595

Bilson finishes the look with her Chloe Marcie Bag, but if you want a similar one without breaking the bank, take a look at this equally chic brown leather satchel by Botkier.

You can get this entire look at beso!