The Siren Song Of A Sale:
Dollars Saved Justification
January 26th, 2012 By

Know what I miss about New York? Century 21. For many years, I lived just a stone’s throw from the downtown outpost, which means I had ample time to wander through the happy jumble of aisles every weekend. And sometimes after work. (One friend used to make a morning pit stop on her way to the office, and legend has it that she managed to befriend one of the security guards at the door who would keep an eye on her coffee while she shopped. No drinks and food allowed.) Anyway, one of the brilliant things about Century 21 is that the largest graphic element on the receipt is the number of dollars you managed to save—and when you’re dealing in high-priced designer gear, that number can be staggeringly high. For dollars spent, my friend Emily was super pro at maximizing that number (I don’t think she ever left without hitting at least a thousand)—in part, because she was super pro at finding that lone, pristine Balenciaga blazer amongst the racks that had somehow been put on triple clearance and was priced at $69. To this day, when it comes to sale shopping, she’s kind of like a truffle-snorting pig. But really pretty.


So what’s the point of this ramble? You can bargain hunt on Beso, too, without the physicality. (If you’ve been to Century 21 you know how aggressively physical it can get.) There’s a Sale tab on our homepage: Click on it, and the category of your choice, and then click on the Stores tab on the left to refine by your favorites (otherwise the search returns will be too staggering). You can also choose to see things that are at least 20, 40, 60, or 80 percent off. It’s dangerous territory though: If you’re anything like me, you see that 72% off banner and feel compelled to give the item a home. Meanwhile, I’ll be compiling my finds in this collection right here. In Century 21 style, if I buy the four items above, I’ll have saved $1,302.50. Isn’t that like paying myself to shop?

clockwise, l-r: THEYSKENS’ THEORY PAX FALM PANTS, $88.50 (from $295.00), Shopbop; DOLCE & GABBANA WATERCOLOR SKIRT, $125.00 (from $490.00), Bluefly; NICOLE MILLER STRAPLESS GOWN, $178.00 (from $550.00), Bluefly; NANETTE LEPORE “DIVINE” FLORAL PRINT DRESS, $239.00 (from $598.00), Bergdorf Goodman.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Bag It: Chain Strap Bags February 2nd, 2010 By

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

Chain strap bags have been reinvented as the new “it” bags!  If you are in search of a handbag specifically for ‘dress to impress’ occasions, consider one with chain straps.  Perfect for parties because of the elegant details, chain strap bags are more elegant than your everyday bag without crossing over into fancy evening bag territory.  The wearability factor for chain strap bags is high because of their versatility.  Check out some of my favorites listed below:

Tory_Burch_Distressed_Bag

Tory Burch Crossbody

1. Tory Burch Distressed Metallic Mini Crossbody
$250, Saks Fifth Avenue

This bag is versatile because its platinum metallic color can be worn with almost anything.  The chain straps are long enough for the bag to be worn across your body, making it the perfect bag to hit the dance floor!

Caliente Tote

Caliente Tote

2. Caliente Ninety Nine Tote
$43.98, Endless

This shoulder bag shows how multiple colors and textures can create a striking bag.  The copper and gold metallic snakeskin embossed fabric complement the mustard, black and taupe leather, making this a fun and funky evening bag.

Marciano_studded_flap_bag

Marciano Flap Bag

3. Marciano Oversized Studded Flap Bag
$195$129.90 (33% off), Nordstrom

Talk about a chic alternative to sequins and rhinestones.  The camel pleated leather balances the large pyramid studs and serves as the focal point of the outfit.

Dolce & Gabbana Bag

Dolce & Gabbana Clutch

4. Dolce & Gabbana Miss Martini Jeweled Clutch
$1,295, Neiman Marcus

This over the top chain strap bag nails the embellished look with gorgeous detailing.  Made of blue denim with multi-jewel and beaded flap, it’s designed for the woman who enjoys turning heads at the fashion forefront.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Bag It: More Spring Trends! Florals & Feminine Details January 26th, 2010 By

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

You can tell spring is approaching by the floral prints and feminine silhouettes seen on the latest handbags.  Florals have been taken straight off the runway and incorporated into some of the prettiest styles I’ve seen in a while, especially designs from Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi.  Also, the drawstring bag has returned and is better than ever!

Miss Angie Shopper by Dolce & Gabbana1. Miss Angie Shopper by Dolce & Gabbana
$1875

This bag is from the 2010 Cruise Collection.  The drawstring-cinched shopper features a beautiful rose print on cream leather, and is perfect for Sunday brunch.

Chef Rose Zucca Hobo by Fendi2. Chef Rose Zucca Hobo by Fendi
$940

Replace your everyday bag with this Fendi hobo.  A fresh remake of one of Fendi’s signature bags, it features soft pleats and a rose print over the logo patterned fabric.

Forever Small Zip Top Bag by Fendi3. Forever Small Zip Top Bag by Fendi
$460

This bag is great for a fresh spring night out on the town.  The floral watercolor print over the subtle Fendi logo print will definitely turn heads, and can easily be mistaken for a piece of art.

ID Chain Tote by MICHAEL Michael Kors4. ID Chain Tote by MICHAEL Michael Kors
$498

This tote shows just how versatile a drawstring bag can be with the use of hardware.  The focal point is the golden chain detail against the rich walnut leather.  Simply gorgeous.

Jagger Zipper Tote by Kooba5. Jagger Zipper Tote by Kooba
$598

Sleek and chic best describe the Kooba Jagger Zipper tote.  A simple style can have so much character with red leather, goldtone chain detail on the top handles, and zipper detaining on the front and sides.

Classic Q Drawstringy Leather Bag by MARC by Marc Jacobs6. Classic Q Drawstringy Leather Bag by MARC by Marc Jacobs
$528

This bag has a classic yet modern style with its round shape, pebbled leather and goldtone hardware.  It’s a great weekend bag and comes with a detachable shoulder strap.

Building your handbag collection should be fun.  You don’t have to always play it safe and buy “practical” bags.  If you add a print or new style at the start of each season, try mixing it up with a few of these items listed above

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bag It: When There Are No Boundaries January 5th, 2010 By

What’s the next best thing to getting a brand-new bag for Christmas?  Helping your best friend pick out a brand-new bag, of course!  While on our girls’ trip to San Francisco over the weekend, my friend Katy casually informed our gaggle of girlfriends that her big present this year was a new handbag.  Even better, her parents told her that she could have any bag she wanted. All she has to do is pick it out and they’ll make the purchase.

Now, I’m not sure if you’ve ever been in a situation like this, but I’m sure you can imagine the chaos of chatter that ensued.  Imagine four fabulous women, each as unique as they come, presented with such an awesome proposition.  It really did feel like a scene out of Sex and the City.  Names began flying – Louis!  Marc!  Michael!  Rebecca!  We were at each others throats vying to be the one to help Katy decide which direction to go.

And so, in the spirit of a true bagaholic, I’ve decided to map out my top choices for Katy.  She told me she’s looking for something that’s appropriate for work — that is, large enough to carry a script or two and an oversized pair of shades and a water bottle (she works in the entertainment industry).  Also, she needs something that won’t go out of style.  Here’s hoping she picks one out soon (because I can’t wait to borrow it)!

Fendi_zucca

Chef Zucca-Quilted Tote by Fendi

1. Chef Zucca-Quilted Tote by Fendi, $935: Established in 1925, Fendi’s name has become synonymous with elegance and high fashion.  This black calf leather tote has a classic, highly-functional shape with tonal Zucca quilting and signature Fendi cutout disk.  The glossy texture is perhaps why I chose this bag, as it adds a youthful and modern edge.

dg_sicily

Miss Sicily Tote by Dolce & Gabbana

2. Miss Sicily by Dolce & Gabbana, $1,895: This gorgeous bag from Dolce & Gabbana features buffalo leather with goldtone hardware.  Even better, there is a fun leopard print lining!  I like this bag for Katy mostly for the classic shape, but also for its practicality.  There are multiple zip pockets on the inside to help keep her organized; and with a magnetic snap closure it’s secure enough to prevent anything from falling out should it get knocked over.  Also, with top handles and optional shoulder strap, what’s not to love?

balenciaga

Arena Giant by Balenciaga

3. Arena Giant by Balenciaga, $1,925: Balenciaga bags are hot right, and it’s not hard to see why.  This Arena Giant bag just screams deconstructed elegance with a wrinkled lambskin body and rolled leather handles. I can tell that this is a bag that will be great for every day because it won’t show wear and tear.  Plus, with a 16″ frame, it will easily hold everything Mary Poppins couldn’t think of.

So tell me, bag lovers, which bag would you choose if you were given carte blanche for a new carry-all?

Tags: , ,