49 Square Miles:
Not What You Think
November 7th, 2011 By

This weekend I drove way, way, way out east to Pasadena (I don’t often pass the La Brea perimeter living in West LA).  For the record, this was my second excursion ever—the first was to attend a U2 concert where I all but missed the opening act when Slash and Fergie sang a duet of Sweet Child O’ Mine to score some ice cream (it was darn good)—this time around I was going for a day of spa, shopping, and eating.

Once I was done having four layers of resurfacing by my facialist, we wandered into a little shop named Elise B. The staff was so sweet that a fresh brew of apple cider was made just for us.  While glossing over all of the accessories I stumbled upon these buttery leather wallets and clutches with exposed leather stitching and super-minimal hardware. They have the numbers “49″ stitched into them which peaked my curiosity. I was told the company, 49.SQ.MI. who makes them are based in San Francisco. Being from Nor Cal, I instantly got the reference: SF was built within a 7×7 square mile radius. Clever! Below are some of the items I’m currently coveting.

49 square miles l-r: FOLDING CARD CASE PATENT: $95.00; CLINGY WALLET: $195.00; LEE BACKPACK: $425.00; CROSSBODY IN CANVAS: $150.00 all available at 49 SQ.MI.

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Totally Smitten: Boticca.com September 29th, 2011 By

So, admittedly, I have a bit of a jewelry problem, which is why I just spent the better part of two hours looking at every single page on this UK-based site (good news for us here in the states, they ship worldwide). It’s like a global bazaar for little-known designers, and everything feels one of a kind (often, the items are). Trouble, trouble.

 

clockwise, l-r :JOLITA JEWELLRY “RHEA” NECKLACE, $184.00, Boticca.com; STEVEN HARKIN “BOHO” EVENING BAG, $212.00, Boticca.com, HELEN RUTH “TITIANA” SCARF, $208.00, Boticca.com, PAULA MENDOZA “ERUPCION” RING, $500.00, Boticca.com.

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Bag It: Treesje April 1st, 2010 By

I discovered Treesje while shopping for a new handbag a while back, and since then I have been debating which one to treat myself to.  Treesje is a California-based company that was launched in 2005 by designers Laura Darrah and Sheila Nazarian. Their inspiration was to capture femininity and originality in every piece created.

What I love most about Treesje bags are the rich colors and texture. The use of luxurious leathers and hardware make these accessories a must-have. Both designers combine their influences to design, sophisticated yet functional handbags with incredible detail in every collection.  It’s obvious why there is a growing list of celebrity customers including Drew Barrymore, Katherine Heigl, and Katie Holmes.

Below are my favorite Treesje handbags that I found on beso. Which one do you like best?

1.  Studded Lambskin Crossbody Bag, $355.00 at Bloomingdales

Treesje The Nude Studded Lambskin Crossbody Bag

Treesje The Nude Studded Lambskin Crossbody Bag

I have never seen a gray bag look so chic!  The pleat and stud details on soft lambskin with gold tone hardware is feminine yet tough.

2.  Treesje Marquis Satchel, $595.00 at Endless

Treesje Marquis Satchel

Treesje Marquis Satchel

I have said before that every woman should own a red handbag!  It pops against neutrals and exudes and element of power and confidence.  The rich cherry red, vertical seam detail and barrel-shaped hardware give this bag an elegant and polished look.

3.  Treesje Studded Metro Clutch, $370.00 at Amazon

Treesje Studded Metro Clutch

Treesje Studded Metro Clutch

This is not just an ordinary clutch!  The talented duo behind Treesje have created a beautifully textured clutch combined with vintage flair and modern details with angular gold-tone studs.

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Shop under $10 from Head to Toe February 18th, 2010 By

The 2009 holiday season is now a distant memory, but is your wallet still recovering from a full season of holiday shopping? Here are some of my favorite finds for $10 or less.

 

beso frugal without skimping on small treats to pamper yourself from head to toe.

headtoToe02.17.10

I was first introduced to Herbacin Cosmetics Kamille Glycerin Hand Cream by the sales girl at Anthropologie.  The natural chamomile extracts combined with vegetable glycerin and silicone softens the skin and protects against the harsh winter weather.  What a small price to pay for soft, smooth hands?   Hang on ladies, spring is just around the corner!  Warm thoughts come easy with a pair of Valentina Popcorn Mittens and Chenille Mary-Jane Slippers.  They will keep you warm and a Schweppes Ginger Ale Scented Soy Wax Candle will lift your spirits to hold you over for the next few weeks as the weather begins to warm up.  Two other great finds are this satin beaded headband to add some sparkle to your day, and my favorite for this month, the Envirosax reusable, reversible, marshmallow shopping bag.

Shop it all at beso

Herbacin Cosmetics Kamille Glycerin Hand Cream, $7.50

Valentina Popcorn Mittens, $5.99

Chenille Mary-Jane Slippers, $5.00

on10 Schweppes Ginger Ale Scented Soy Wax Candle Ginger Ale, $10.00

Satin Beaded Headband, $9.99

Envirosax – marshmallow reusable bag, $7.95

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Bag It: Hot Trends at Affordable Prices February 9th, 2010 By

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

I am a strong believer in that you don’t have to spend a lot to look fabulous! While most of us rely on magazines to learn the new trends of the season, we can also use it as inspiration to know what to shop for in order to stay current.  In today’s economy, it’s more practical to splurge less and shop the hot trends at affordable prices.  Allow me to show you how to get the designer looks for less without compromising your style.

1.  Deux Lux Twist Bag vs. Salvatore Ferragamo Miss Vara Washed Hobo

Deux Lux Twist Bag

Deux Lux Twist Bag, $68.00, Urban Outfitters

Salvatore Ferragamo Miss Vara Washed Hobo

Salvatore Ferragamo Miss Vara Washed Hobo, $1,590, Neiman Marcus

2.  Big Buddha “Mia” Rose Dome Satchel vs. Valentino ‘Petale’ Leather Hobo

Big Buddha "Mia" Rose Dome Satchel, $88.00 at Dillard's

Big Buddha "Mia" Rose Dome Satchel, $88.00, Dillard's

Valentino 'Petale' Leather Hobo, $1,895, Nordstrom

Valentino 'Petale' Leather Hobo, $1,895, Nordstrom

3.  Deux Lux Studded Hobo vs. Botkier Addison Tote

Deux Lux Studded Hobo, $49.99, Urban Outfitters

Deux Lux Studded Hobo, $49.99, Urban Outfitters

Botkier Addison Tote, $675, Shopbop

Botkier Addison Tote, $675, Shopbop

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beso deals: Shoes 75% Off, Dresses 60% Off, Bags 54% Off, Rings 55% Off October 30th, 2009 By

Find a little glamour amongst all the dark Halloween madness with scary deals at beso.

Pumps up to 75% Off Dresses Up to 60% Off Bags Up to 54% Off75% Cocktail Rings up to 55% Off Shop All Sales Now

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