Get This Look: Jessica Szohr March 26th, 2010 By

Jessica_Szohr

Jessica Szohr (Janet Mayer/PR Photos)

At a recent Jill Stuart fashion show in New York City, Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr rocked an effortlessly sexy look, perfect for a hot date or a night out with the girls. She layered a trench coat over a white mini cutout dress, then finished off with two standout accessories – a black clutch and red hot peep-toe stilettos for a burst of color. With her side-swept bangs and smoky eye makeup, Jessica was the epitome of that last minute, thrown-together look so many women hope to achieve. It’s easier than you think to steal Jessica’s sassy style as long as you own a few key pieces from her wardrobe!

Jessica’s mini dress with sheer black cutouts is by designer Jill Stuart, but you can opt for a simpler and far more affordable one like this New York & Company frock. Its sleek silhouette and sweetheart neckline are flattering, while subtle metallic accents give it a boost of glamour.

New York & Company White Strapless Mini Dress

New York & Company White Strapless Mini Dress, $89.95

Banana Republic’s nylon trench ($130) is the perfect shade of brown – they call it root beer float! Like Jessica’s, this trench is classic and lightweight, ideal for layering over a dress at night or pairing with a more casual weekend outfit.

Banana Republic Nylon Trench

Banana Republic Nylon Trench, $130

Take a cue from Jess by pairing your outfit with a basic black clutch. This super affordable version by Converse ($16.99) features zippers, braided straps, and several compartments, combining function and fashion!

Converse One Star Foldover Clutch

Converse One Star Foldover Clutch, $16.99

Finally, Jessica’s look just isn’t complete without those stilettos! A pair of lipstick-red heels, like these flirty Nine West peep toe platforms ($49.47), offer the perfect finishing touch.

Nine West Women's Liatris Peep Toe Platform

Nine West Liatris Peep Toe Platform, $49.47

 

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3 Ways to Update Your Wardrobe Right Now February 17th, 2010 By

-Ehmonie from Handbag du Jour

New York Fashion Week marks the start of the new fashion season, and while designers are showing their fall wares, stores are starting to sell their spring lines. You might be wondering what you need to snag for spring but so you don’t have to break the bank, check out the top three key pieces you can buy to update your wardrobe right now!

Banana Republic Womens Black Tall Lightweight Wool Blazer

Banana Republic Womens Black Tall Lightweight Wool Blazer

1. Structured blazer
The strong shoulder trend is dying down just a bit, but a structured, boyfriend-style blazer with a bit of shoulder detail is the perfect accent to a dress, blouse and skirt, pants…you name it! The Banana Republic Womens Black Tall Lightweight Wool Blazer provides a chic fit and can be dressed up or down as you please.

Prada Cervo Lux Patterned Print Bowler Bag

Prada Cervo Lux Patterned Print Bowler Bag

2. Exotic print bag
A statement bag is a must for any season, and exotic print bags never go out of style. The Prada Cervo Lux Patterned Print Bowler Bag is a blend of neutral brown and gold tones that complement any spring looks. Sling it on your arm and go.

Citizens of Humanity 'Slick' Skinny Stretch Denim Leggings - Dust Wash

Citizens of Humanity 'Slick' Skinny Stretch Denim Leggings - Dust Wash

3. Denim leggings
Denim is always in, and jeggings are the newest form of them. Jean leggings blend the look of skinny jeans with the comfort of leggings, and they’re a stylish alternative to pants. The Citizens of Humanity ‘Slick’ Skinny Stretch Denim Leggings (Dust Wash) are the perfect pick. Pair with any top…they’re just like jeans!

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Bag It: Gorgeous Grey February 16th, 2010 By

Gucci Guccissima

Gucci Guccissima

Black may go with everything but if you want to give your look more personality, try a grey handbag. A pebbled or woven leather bag in this lush shade looks classic yet unique worn with a work casual look or even a pair of jeans. Rachel Bilson was featured on People StyleWatch carrying her Eel Pliss© grey woven bag by Pringle of Scotland.  We love Gucci’s Large Jackie Guccissima Bag, Lockheart’s Holly Bag and Banana Republic’s Zermatt Satchel, Amalfi Crossbody and FlatIron handbag. A grey handbag is a must-have for girls who love classic style with a modern twist.

Lockheart Holly

Lockheart Holly

Banana Republic Amalfi

Banana Republic Amalfi

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beso Deals: Nordstrom | Puma | Saks | Banana Republic November 6th, 2009 By

The holiday gift giving season is upon us – get a jump on sales going on across the web. If you want to give lady luch a try, I recommend signing up for our latest sweepstakes to win a $500 shopping spree to your favorite store.

saks.com – Get free shipping on orders of $150 or more with code SHIPFALL9 at checkout. (Expires 11/8)
Visit MEN | WOMEN

Puma – Check out the Friends & Family Sale! Get 30% off full-priced items when you use FANDF0911 at checkout. See site for more details. (Expires 11/8)
Visit  MEN | WOMEN

NordstromFree shipping on orders of $100 or more! Use code HOLIDAY09 at checkout.
Visit  MEN | WOMEN (Don’t forget it’s also their Half-Yearly Sale)

Banana Repbulic – Take 25% off orders of $100 or more.  Use coupon code BRNOV25 at your checkout. (Expires 11/11)
Visit  MEN | WOMEN

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How to Wear Pearls with a Modern Twist October 27th, 2009 By

Banana Republic Pearl and Chain Necklace, $45

Banana Republic Pearl and Chain Necklace, $45

We’re all about this new take on the classic pearl necklace.  No longer prim and proper, pearls are dressed up with chains or piled on  in ’80s excess style.

Wear multiple strands in varying sizes and lengths. Banana Republic offers an affordable take on this trend.

You can also combine a multistrand pearl necklace with a separate chain necklace.  We think a black chain and black pearl combo would look fresh.

Just make sure to pair your pearls with something edgy/casual to keep the look modern.  Try it with distressed skinny jeans and an off the shoulder top.

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Monthly Splurges: October October 13th, 2009 By

Burberry Skinny Giant Check Scarf in Regiment Red, $195

Burberry Skinny Giant Check Scarf in Regiment Red, $195

I love a good splurge every now and then.  The key is not to wake up the next day feeling guilty for my purchase.  That’s why I always make sure that any indulgence is not only worth the money spent, but also a luxury I will be able to enjoy for years to come.

This month, I’m all about neckwear.  From fabulous flirty necklaces to yummy cashmere scarves, my d©collet© is just dying to be draped in extravagance.  These pieces are all valuable investments, worth their price, and won’t go out of style.

The Burberry Skinny Giant Check Scarf in Regiment Red is probably one of the most versatile items you’ll ever own.  It can add style to jeans and a simple shirt, and looks equally appropriate worn with a jacket over a cocktail dress to keep warm.  While $195 might be steep for a scarf, wear it with a Target t-shirt and your whole outfit will still look like it came from Burberry.

Banana Republic Floral Necklace

Banana Republic Floral Necklace, $125

I simply cannot get enough of this floral necklace from Banana Republic.  The mixed metals and antique detail make this piece look like it’s worth far more than the $125 price tag.  And the grey satin bow — sweet and sexy.  Since statement necklaces are hot right now, this is something that can be worn casually during the day and dressed up for night.  But even after this trend has been worn out, I can still see myself wearing this with an LBD to a holiday party.

Rag & Bone Maryna Leather Jacket, $1325

Rag & Bone Maryna Leather Jacket, $1325

But what goes with my new scarf and necklace?  This Rag & Bone Maryna leather jacket, that’s what.  The asymmetrical cut ensures that this look is thoroughly modern, and the softness of the leather adds a nice feminine contrast. Top everything off with a spritz of Marc Jacobs’ latest fragrance, Lola, and you’ll see why this is money well spent.

Marc Jacobs Lola, $85

Marc Jacobs Lola, $85

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The Store I Can’t Live Without September 29th, 2009 By

Everyone has one – that go-to place for clothes where you love to go when a little extra cash is burning a hole in your pocket. For me, it’s Banana Republic. I love the clean lines of the store, the shiny hardwood floors, the very official-looking headsets worn by employees, and the strong sense of seasonality. But mostly I love the clothes, from pants to jeans to their tasteful shirt selection that can be worn to the office, a nice dinner, or for just for drinks at a buddy’s house. Like this one:

Banana Republic slim fit shirt

Banana Republic Slim Fit Shirt, 36% off at beso.com

It’s a store that sells clothes that work for a variety of occasions and seasons. I also love that they do a great job of putting stuff on sale. For instance, check out what Banana Republic has on sale in men’s shirts right now. There’s a lot of great women’s dresses on deep discount, too.

What store can’t you live without?

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Men’s Peacoats for Fall September 17th, 2009 By

Living on the West Coast, the arrival of fall is sometimes nondescript to the point of total absence.  Sure, I own a few men’s coats, but they’re generally not a crucial element of my wardrobe.  But with a trip to the Midwest coming up, looking forward to breathing in the crisp, autumn air, it leads me to wonder what the styles are for men’s jackets this season.

0010hBritish designer Giles Deacon seems to have nailed the men’s peacoat with his fall entry; I trust that he knows something about coping with brisk air and cool temps.  But what I like about this coat is that it looks like it could almost be worn as a style-piece rather than just a functional piece – I could keep rocking this inside the party, and not just to the front door.

What I like a little bit less is the price tag.  As a Barney’s exclusive, it’s running $1,650, which is decidedly not a recession-era price for something I’ll only have the opportunity to wear one or two months out of the year.

Fortunately, some of my favorite shopping haunts like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Banana Republic all have men’s peacoats at much more friendly price points.

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beso Deals: SALES up to 80% Off February 4th, 2009 By

beso Sales

Shop the beso SALE department for all your favorite stores and brands!  Choose to shop 20%, 40%, 60% or up to 80% off markdowns.  What a perfect way to holiday shop – find your bargains now!

shop it all:

WOMEN | MEN | HOME | JEWELRY | BEAUTY

shop by brands (Women):

Anthropologie
Nine West
Juicy Couture

Kate Spade Cole Haan Manolo Blahnik Theory

… and More

shop by brands (Men):

Kenneth Cole Michael Kors Nike The North Face

Banana Republic Cole Haan John Varvatos Tod’s

… and More

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