I Think I Need These:
Coral Jeans
February 7th, 2012 By

Clearly, they’re everywhere…and I’m guessing for good reason: There’s something so fresh and fun about the color, and I think they’d be surprisingly versatile, whether with a crisp white button-down or a chambray shirt. The J. Brand cut looks like it might be the most flattering, but I like the deepness of the pair from Urban Outfitters. Thoughts?

clockwise, l-r: J BRAND MID-RISE SKINNY JEANS, $170.00, Shopbop; PAIGE PREMIUM DENIM LEGGINGS, $169.00, Neiman Marcus; KSUBI LA FEMME CROPPED JEANS, $110.40, Tags; BDG TWILL ANKLE PANTS, $49.00, Urban Outfitters.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

A Cure for the Winter Wardrobe
Doldrums: Leather Pants
January 31st, 2012 By

It took me three years to finally purchase a pair of leather pants even though I had coveted them from afar for twice that amount of time. There were several things I considered during my hunt for the perfect pair: back pocket placement, inseam length, leather quality (stretch is a must!) and, of course, cost. Since most command quite a hefty price (between $800-$1,100 a pop), the purchase requires a touch of financial recklessness. Or, in my case, a dogged belief that one item could completely transform my wardrobe and quell my disdain for bulky, winter clothing.

Four months ago I took the plunge and can assure you, they were worth every penny.

Here’s why:
1. They’re comfortable. With the right amount of stretch they feel just like denim but…warmer.
2. They not only pair well with everything—fishermen sweaters, sequin camisoles, loafers and stilettos alike—they make anything infinitely cooler.
3. We’ve all heard it before but it bears repeating: if you invest in a quality item, you’ll wear it for years. I’d say a minimum of five years in this case, but I’m sure with the right care you could get even more mileage out of them. They’re timeless (and arguably ageless) so the cost-per-wear should deflate the initial sticker shock.

While mine (by Elizabeth and James) are now sold out, I’ve found four comparable options that are making me consider a second purchase. After all, since the season is winding down, some of these happen to be on sale.

clockwise, l-r: STONE LEATHER JEANS, $670.00, Acne Jeans; STRETCH LEATHER SKINNY PANTS, $920.00, J Brand; BLACK LEATHER PANT, $778.00, A.L.C.; LEATHER SKINNY PANTS, $920.00, Helmut Lang.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Spring 2010 Denim Trends April 14th, 2010 By

Suzi G show us the top denim trends for spring 2010.  Here are some of our favorites right now:

1. Paint-splattered Jeans
 We like Current/Elliott skinny jeans.

2. Jeggings
Denim leggings are still going strong this season.

3. Jean Shorts
We like cuffed versions of this style.

4. White Jeans
We like J Brand ankle skinny jeans.

Tags: , , , ,

A Tale of Two Cities April 5th, 2010 By

Melissa and Kim - crowded-closet.com

It’s been some time since I’ve returned from the Chictopia Conference during New York Fashion Week, but I won’t soon forget the first two bloggers I met at that event: Kim and Melissa of crowded-closet.com, who I sat next to during Rebecca Stice and Judy Aldridge‘s panel.

Kim and Melissa, who attended college together and now work at advertising agencies in New York and Philadelphia, aren’t the type to let the 100+ miles between their two cities that separate them.  Sharing a passion for fashion and love of shopping, crowded-closet.com chronicles their exuberance and contemporary looks, which has drawn the attention of Glamour, who named them as their Best Dressed Readers.  Herewith are Kim and Melissa’s favorites:

Q&A
beso: What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?
Kim: J Brand skinny jeans. They hug my body in all the right places!
Melissa: Era of Chaos black skinny jeans – they have phenomenal stitching detail over the knees.

Kim in JBrand skinny jeans

Kim in J Brand Skinny Jeans

b: What bag(s) are you carrying right now?
Kim: Lauren Conrad for Linea Pelle bag. The leather has been so durable I just can’t retire this bag. Love the partial chain straps. Also this bag opens into a tote shape, so I can shove everything imaginable into it.
Melissa: A Tylie Malibu black leather bag I purchased in Philly a few years back. A single angel wing and gothic hardware make it so rock and roll.

Melissa Carrying Tylie Malibu

b: What gloss are you wearing right now?
Kim: Russian Red by MAC. It’s so BRIGHT and sassy and easy to reapply between cocktails ;)
Melissa: Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 – all I need.

b: What nail polish are you wearing right now?
Melissa: essieViva la Vespa – it’s electric!
Kim: OPI Do You Lilac It? (Melissa gifted it to me!) It reminds me of spring time.

b: What stores are calling out to you? What are you drawn into?
Melissa: Ginette NY for jewelry – amazing delicate pieces in gold and silver. And Madewell and Urban Outfitters for my spring wardrobe. Stripes and hats please!
Kim: Let’s be serious here. Forever21 is ALWAYS calling my name. Lately, I am finding myself stumbling into a lot more boutiques. One of my new favorites in Philadelphia is Addiction Studios, a makeup and consignment shop.

b: When it comes to consignment, we like Celebrity Owned on eBay. What color is your new black?
Kim: YELLOW, my collection is already growing…
Melissa: Blush or nude. I love the neutrals all the designers are showcasing for fall. It just so happens it works REALLY well with my skin tone.

b: What’s your favorite LBD?
Kim: Honestly, it’s a little black skirt that I have a crush on right now. My high-waisted leather pencil skirt from Purdy Girl. I bought this in NYC the last time I was in town to visit Melissa.
Melissa: My Reiss one shoulder black Charlotte dress and my A.B.S. Allen Schwartz strapless leather dress. They both work so well with belts and I love belts.

b: What designers inspire you?
Kim: phillip lim, Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY. I like the mix of feminine and masculine between these three designers.
Melissa: Araks ready wear is very inspiring. The designer has created a perfect combination of lingerie with structured, menswear-inspired suits. It makes me want to wear my bras on the outside of my shirts.

b: Lastly, we’d like to know: What’s your beso? My beso is: “be so fit
Melissa: ‘be so real’
Kim: ‘be so positive’

Kim & Melissa at the Chictopia 10 Conference

Kim and Melissa at the Chictopia 10 Conference

Tags: , , ,

Get This Look: Cheryl Cole in Grey for Spring March 16th, 2010 By

Cheryl Cole/Photo from Zimbio

Cheryl Cole was spotted in this season’s color as she walked through Heathrow on March 2, 2010. She managed to look rocker-chic without looking like she’s on her way to a Metallica concert. I’m absolutely obsessed with the embellished shoulders on her Alice + Olivia Structured Parade Tee; little details like that really make the outfit pop. Get a similar tee in the same great color with this grey Embellished Tee by Bisou Bisou for only $24.99. Cole takes the look to the next level with some killer leather pants like this pair from True Religion. Not brave enough for those? No worries. These black J Brand jeans give the same effect. If you want something with a little more edge, try these skinny ripped jeans by Blank. You can’t go wrong with either.

grey_tees

Alice + Olivia Tee (left), Bisou Bisou Tee (right)

sunglasses

Aviators

Last, but not least, throw on some aviators to block out the flashes from the paps. Trust me… you’ll need them.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

How to Wear: The Boyfriend Blazer March 14th, 2010 By

A great way to update your wardrobe is to incorporate the oh-so-hot boyfriend blazer.  I love the simplicity behind dressing this look.  Recently, the blazer has taken on new meaning from office wear to making a statement in many different ways. It can be worn day or night, and can be dressed up or down. The most important thing to remember when wearing a boyfriend blazer is to play up your most feminine assets — whether it is with leggings or skinny jeans to show off the legs, or a chic fitted dress to show off those curves.  Here I will show you how to wear the boyfriend blazer look effortlessly put together. All the necessary pieces to complete your boyfriend blazer look can be found here at beso.

Elongate the body with skinny jeans or leggings:

J Brand 12 Pencil Skinny Jeans $149.99

necessary objects blazer $28.90

The trick to pulling off the boyfriend blazer is the proportions.  A blazer that hits past the waist looks great with skinny jeans as it makes the legs look longer and lends a slimming appearance. However, a blazer that hits right at the waist or above should be worn withdresses, with the emphasis on narrowing the waist.

When wearing jeans, pair the boyfriend blazer with a basic v-neck tee. Dress up the look with a long chain necklace or big earrings, and a cute clutch.

Dress up:

GUESS Matty Boyfriend Blazer $89.00

 

Juicy Couture pleated hem tee dress $158.00

When choosing a boyfriend blazer with contrast cuffs, I like to play up the style with ruffles or pleats.The boyfriend blazer can  look very flirty over virtually any dress. A tee shirt dress can be a perfect way to dress down the blazer. Also,when wearing a boyfriend blazer with a dress I prefer a dress that falls a few inches above the knee.

The long and short of it:

Tory Burch 'Vaughn' Jelly Sandal, $$86.90

 

Victorias Secret Boyfriend Blazer, $88

 Finally, the boyfriend blazer looks hot worn with shorts and is an unexpected look that is very trendy. This look can be paired with gladiator sandals for spring or summer.

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

What Judy Greer Wants November 24th, 2009 By

Judy Greer at 27 Dresses Premiere

Judy Greer at 27 Dresses Premiere

Our friends from Celebrity Owned, Hollywood’s go-to ebay consignor, introduced us to Judy Greer, who starred in 27 Dresses, was cast in the hit TV show Arrested Development, and who, appropriately enough, appeared in the film What Women Want. We had a chance to chat with Ms. Greer; herewith is what she wants.

What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?

Cropped J Brand Cotton Twill Jeans in Mulberry with zippers on the bottom.

What’s your go-to pair of shoes for around town?

Repetto Ballet Flats (I have them in black and red).

What bag(s) are you carrying right now?

I still love my black Balenciaga. I carry it every day.

What gloss are you wearing right now?

I’m wearing buxom glosses by bareMinerals (I rotate colors).

And your scent of choice?

Agent Provocateur.

What stores do you find yourself drawn into?

Always Target, but I also love Creatures of Comfort, Madewell, Steven Alan and APC.

What nail polish color are you loving?

Bordeaux by Essie.

What color is your new black?

Red.

What’s your favorite LBD?

I bought it a few years ago; it’s by a label called “Falls” and it’s got a gather skirt and fitted top. It’s so girly and cute (well, I think it’s cute).

What’s on the top of your holiday wish list?

A puppy. –Might we recommend a pocket beagle?

Judy, now we’d like to know which of the two you prefer?

Bikram or Vinyasa Yoga?

Bikram all the way; I’m addicted. –Guess what? So, are we. Let’s meet for a class.

iPhone or Blackberry?

Blackberry.

Leather bomber jacket or leather motorcycle jacket?

Neither. Cargo Jacket; I love pockets.

Ray Ban Aviators or Wayfarers?

I have Ray Ban Wayfarers, but I want Aviators. So, both? –We couldn’t agree more. In fact, we have both.

Lastly, we’d like to know: What’s your beso? My beso is: “be so compassionate”

be so grateful.

Well Judy, we’re grateful for your time. We look forward to watching in you in some of your upcoming films; Love and Other Drugs sounds interesting and has a great cast!

J Brand Skinny Jeans

J Brand Skinny Jeans

Balenciaga Handbag

Balenciaga Handbag

Repetto Ballet Flats

Repetto Ballet Flats

Tags: , , , ,