Archive for the ‘Apparel’ Category.

What’s New: Purple Mania

It’s finally Friday, which means it’s time to spend that paycheck on new goodies! The first things I started searching for this morning were brightly-colored pieces to get me in the spring spirit. Check out my fab finds in my favorite color of the moment, purple!

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Wushishi' Sweater, $228

A long, lightweight sweater is always nice to have hanging in your closet because you can throw it over a pretty camisole or a graphic tee. I found this MARC by Marc Jacobs sweater in bright purple and fell in love with the diamond-shaped design detailing and the long length of the sweater.

 

Purple Crocodile Stretch Butterfly Belt, $22.00

 

Spring dresses can look more polished with the help of a belt at the waistline. I like this belt mainly because of the big butterfly in the front, and I like my accessories to catch attention!

 

Jessica Simpson Esis Flats, $27.99

 

Next I found these Jessica Simpson flats in raspberry. These flats would add a pop of color to any jeans and t-shirt ensemble.

 

Ann Taylor LOFT Purple Hair Pin Set, $12.50

 

To add a bit of flair to your hair this spring, I found this Ann Taylor LOFT hair pin set with purple detailing. Use these pins to pull back your bangs, or to add interest to a bun or ponytail.

 

For obvious reasons I advise you not to wear all of these items at once.  However, use your own judgment to incorporate the right splashes of color.  Check out other great new purple things and many other great colors too at beso!

Get This Look: Olivia Palermo

Style maven Olivia Palermo

Style maven Olivia Palermo | Photo Credit: PCN

Style maven Olivia Palermo has a knack for pulling off an urbane fashion aesthetic that belies her young age. Here, she pairs a classic breton striped tee and pleated front skirt with statement accessories. Then she tops if off with a covet-worthy ruffled coat.  Olivia’s look is not only the personification of classic with a twist, but serves a shining example of how one can outfit themselves in order to seamlessly segue from winter to spring.

Steal her fab transitional style with a few key items from beso!

oliva-p-style

Steal Olivia Palermo's Style

1. Ray-Ban 2132 New Wayfarer Sunglasses, $74

2. BCBG MaxAzria Indigo Pleated Cotton-Wool-Twill Skirt, $94

3. Mixed Media Bib Necklace, $29.50

4. Aerie Striped Boatneck T, $19.50

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Napa Ukita Bag, $458

6. Kenneth Jay Lane Clear Faceted Crystal Cocktail Ring, $45

7. Tie Sandals, various

8. Burberry Ruffle Trim Trench, $795

Be Bold in Plus Size Florals

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

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 Plus Size Border Print Skirt

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

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!

Top Denim under $100

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!

Get This Look: Rachel Bilson Rocks the Utility Jacket

rachel_bilson

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!