Pull Yourself Together: Let’s
Call Them Splotchy Glasses
January 26th, 2012 By

I’ve owned a pair of brown Ray Ban Wayfarers for a few years. The thing is, I’ve never been too bold when it comes to sunglasses because I don’t like drawing too much attention to my face. The things that come out of my mouth already do that for me. However, the other day I stumbled across a pair of sunglasses with a classic shape (still stuck on Ray Bans) that had a hint of something different: A pattern that was what I describe as “splotchy.” It was kind of like tortoise shell, or my skin after drinking a bottle and a half of white wine. Now that everyone—including my mom and all of my aunts—have the same Wayfarers as me, I figure there’s no time like the present to get out of my comfort zone and try these on for size. Maybe something louder on my eyes will force my mouth to be more understated.

clockwise, from l-r: RAY BAN WOMEN’S SUNGLASSES RB 4132, $131.99, Best Buy Eyeglasses; VERA WANG COSMO RETRO SUNGLASSES, $150.00, Nordstrom; RAYBAN CLASSIC WAYFARER IN TORTOISE, $150.00, Nordstrom; JUICY COUTURE WOMEN’S SUNGLASSES ERA/S, $87.20, Best Buy Eyeglasses.

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When life gives me lemons
I go shopping.
October 14th, 2011 By

So, if you ever decide to move across the country, come talk to me, because I have lots of tips. Namely, you have to keep your sense of humor because it’s a logistical nightmare, and even with the best, most compulsive planning, nothing stays on schedule. Case in point, we shipped our car through Dependable Auto Shippers. They picked it up from our house on September 29, and gave us a delivery window that would land it at our door here in Los Angeles today, October 14. Seemed like a pretty generous window to me! Well, friends, our car is still sitting at the origin port in New Jersey, and nobody can tell me when it will be loaded on a truck and shipped our way. Thinking it would be wise to put two small bags of clothing in the car to see me through until our boxes arrive (5-10 business days and counting!)—since we flew with two cats (more on that later) and didn’t have the capacity for a proper carry-on, or the time to check something—I literally have two days worth of clothing. The unthinkable, the laughable, the absurd has happened: I actually, by necessity, have to go shopping. If you were to watch wardrobe box, after wardrobe box, after wardrobe box leave my apartment earlier this week, you’d know how flat-out hysterical this.


I’ve loaded up with items from the Anthropologie sale online, which should be descending early next week, but in the interim, you’ll find me tomorrow morning, waiting for the doors of Heist to open, one of my hands-down, favorite boutiques ever. (Why do you think I decided to live within shouting distance of it in Venice?) I will be scouring the racks for Vanessa Bruno blouses and Raquel Allegra tops, and will most definitely be leaving with this Gregory Parkinson tie-dyed tank. Next, I’m going to meander over to Century City, because I love a mall with all my heart (and due to a dearth of them in New York, I’ve been deprived of their pleasures for far too long). I will be stocking up on t-shirts at Juicy Couture (they’re really good, because the sleeve is perfect and slightly fitted, but they’re slouchy through the body), rail-straight jeans at Madewell (I own six pairs), and this tie-dyed dress by Splendid at Cusp (clearly having a tie-dye moment, huh?). And because I only have spin shoes (true story), one pair of Nike Jordan Phat Low, and some ballet flats, I think I need this pretty Pour la Victoire pump, and yet another pair of Sperry Top-Siders (for riding my bike to work!). It’s going to be a proper haul…perhaps I should make a video about it?

 clockwise, l-r: GREGORY PARKINSON TOP, $195.00, Shop Heist; BASIC V-NECK T-SHIRT, $58.00, Juicy Couture; SPLENDID TIE-DYE MAXI DRESS, $148.00, Cusp; SPERRY TOP-SIDERS, $85.00, Shoes.com; POUR LA VICTOIRE “DAINA” PLATFORM PUMPS, $175.00, Bloomingdale’s; RAIL STRAIGHT JEANS, $98.00, Madewell.

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On the Subject of Dip Dye,
I’m feeling this necklace
September 28th, 2011 By

So Juicy Couture might still be unfairly saddled with a reputation for only making velour tracksuits and charms (which I unabashedly love), they actually have pretty great—and unexpected—jewelry. And their fancier Bird by Juicy Couture line is rife with good stuff, too.

Case in point, will someone please buy me this ombred-out fringe necklace. I’d tie it loose, and layer it with a handful of delicate gold necklaces: So pretty, in a bohemian art school kind of way.

necklace: JUICY COUTURE “WANDERLUST” GRADIENT FRINGE NECKLACE, $88.90; Piperlime.

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Fall Trend: Plaid Accessories July 29th, 2010 By

Plaid is back again and coming on strong for fall, and I am determined to make it work this time around.  Usually, I buy one or two plaid things which end up sitting in the back of my closet because I can’t figure out how exactly to wear them.  I think it’s more fun to combine seasonal trends, so this time around I found plaid accessories that can be worn and layered with the plaid that’s already in my closet.

Airwalk Plaid Oval Sunglasses, $14

Airwalk Plaid Oval Sunglasses

O’Neill Hunter in Amethyst, $28.95

O'Neill Hunter in Amethyst

MARC by Marc Jacobs Plaid Flats, $195

MARC by Marc Jacobs Plaid Flats

Juicy Couture Plaid Wool Wristlet, $88 

Juicy Couture Plaid Wool Wristlet

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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.

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Get This Look: Rachel Bilson Rocks the Utility Jacket March 5th, 2010 By

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!

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The Jewel Box: New Neons March 3rd, 2010 By

neon bangle bracelets jewelry

The New Neons

Have you had a chance to explore the new neons?

newport news linked watches

Newport News Linked Watches, $39

These may look like the neons of yore – happy reminders from the 80s, when life was more simple and infused with totally cool Brit-Pop.

jules smith wrapped up jellies

Jules Smith Wrapped Up Jellies, $50

But no! These neons so nuevo!

juicy couture neon necklace

Juicy Couture Neon Necklace, $58

These neons are modern upgrades. Better, hauter, hipper and even more fun.

CC SKYE Neon Screw Bracelet

CC SKYE Neon Screw Bracelet, $79

Grab yourself a better bit of the old.

tarina tarantino tokyo hardcore buddha necklace

Tarina Tarantino Tokyo Hardcore Buddha Necklace, $112.70

Disney Couture Bambi Hoop Earrings

Disney Couture Bambi Hoop Earrings, $56

beso modern, beso glam, beso neon this spring!

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The Jewel Box: Dramatic Pearl Necklaces February 3rd, 2010 By

WHAT WE WANT RIGHT NOW: A dramatic pearl strand necklace.  Check out our jewel box for some of our favorites from Kate Spade, Lee Angel, and Forever21.  Wear with your favorite boyfriend tee for a casual chic look, or a crisp white blouse for a bolder statement.

theJewelBox_strands

The Jewel Box: Dramatic Pearl Necklaces

Kate Spade Single Strand Necklace with Bow Juicy Couture Multi Strand Tie Necklace Forever21 Flower Pearl Drape Necklace Forever21 Decorative pearl Strands Lee Angel Gray pearl Ribbon Necklace St. John Women's Pearl Strand Necklace

1. Juicy Couture Multi Strand Tie Necklace
$128, Nordstrom

2. Lee Angel Gray Pearl Ribbon Necklace
$450, Neiman Marcus

3. St. John Women’s Pearl Strand Necklace
$495, St. John

4. Forever21 Decorative Pearl Strands
$14.80, Forever21

5. Kate Spade Single Strand Necklace with Bow
$195, Piperlime

6. Forever21 Flower Pearl Drape Necklace
$12.80, Forever21

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beso Deals: Top 5 Accessory Finds January 30th, 2010 By

I’ve decided to go hunting for amazing accessory deals using the beso jewelry sales department.  What a treasure chest!

I’m super excited to share my top 5 fab finds with you.  Get them while they last!

1) Juicy Couture Stacking Rings
$78.00 $35.00 (55%  off)

2) MICHAEL Michael Kors Ludlow Studded Lambskin Coin Purse
$68.00 $47.60 (30% off)

3) Anthropologie Discus Bloom Necklace
$44.00 $29.95 (32% off)

4) Ann Taylor Light Camel Bronze Pearl Cluster Earrings
$35.00 $9.88 (72% off)

5) Ann Taylor Gunmetal Stretch Bracelet
$50.00 $9.44 (81% off)

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Get This Look: Blake Lively January 19th, 2010 By

Photo credit: Demis Maryannakis/SplashNewsOnline.com

Photo credit: Demis Maryannakis/SplashNewsOnline.com

If the Gossip you’ve heard is that Blake Lively is a girl who knows her fashion, you can bet the rumors are true!

No doubt the outfit shown here is a pretty fantastic combo of elegant-meets-rocker-girl-glam, but don’t let the leather leggings discourage you; if you sub out the cow pants for cotton, this is a great outfit for day that you can easily take with you to happy hour. If you dress it up with some snazzy, sparkly accessories, I dare say you might be able to sport this look all the way past the dinner hour.

So how do you do like lady Lively? Read on!

Blake’s jacket is by SMYTHE and available at shopbop for $550. If you’re looking for something a little less spendy, you might take a look at these boyfriend blazers, instead:

necessary objects boyfriend blazer

Definitely a "Necessary Object!"

This very similar boyfriend jacket from Necessary Objects retails for $58 at Nordstrom:

Or you might be interested in Banana Republic’s version for $130. It’s a little more streamlined and a tad more grown-up-ish than the jr’s version pictured.

Want to take the plunge into some hot, hot, hot leather leggings? Alice + Olivia makes a pair that makes me swoon. These babies go for $698.

But as luck would have it, Victoria’s Secret has a remarkably adorable pair ON SALE NOW AT BESO for $208.

Viva Victoria's Secret Sales!

Viva Victoria's Secret Sales!


But if leather ain’t your bag, there is plenty you can do with a tried-and-true pair of black cotton leggings, instead. Take this pair from Juicy, for example:

She's got legs and knows how to use them!

She's got Juicy Couture legs and knows how to use them!

Cute, comfy and very, very versatile.

Pair with a lightweight white tee shirt, and  some killer black high heels (boots would work, too!) like either of these:

These Jessica Simpson heels go with almost anything

These Jessica Simpson heels go with almost anything

So will these beautiful black heels...

So do these awesome black Pelle Moda heels...

All you need now is the perfect pewter clutch, like this sleek and simple wristlet from Tianni)…

Shine on!

Shine on! Tianni Metallic Wristlet

…and you have a look everyone will gossip about for ages (in a good way)!

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beso Deals: Shop under $50 … doubles as gifts! December 11th, 2009 By

shop_under_$50

‘Tis the season for gift giving, but have you noticed all those great deals?  I know, I know — we are trained to not buy gifts for ourselves at this time of year; but why? I’m giving you permission to buy one, give one.  At fifty bucks or less, you too could be wearing a fabulous New York & Company sleevless knit v-neck dress for only $7.99!

Wrap it up!

1. LOFT
Ann Taylor Loft Women’s Black City Suiting Pencil Skirt
$59.50 $9.88 (83% off)

2. New York & Company
Women’s Grey Ny&c Red Label Sleeveless Knit V-neck Dress – New York and Company
$59.99 $7.99 (87% off)

3. Azuri
Azuri Pashmina & Scarves – Lucky Draw, Linen Wrap
$222.00 $29.00 (87% off) Free Shipping
Extra 20% off any order
Code: HOLIDAY09 Expires: 12/12/09

4. Urban Outfitters
Deena & Ozzy Snake Foldover Clutch
$38.00 $14.99 (61% off)

5. Boscov’s
Nine West Antioni Medium Hobo – Deep Purple
$79.00 $27.49 (65% off)

6. Victoria’s Secret
Colin Stuart Peep-Toe Mary Jane
$78.00 $39.99 (49% off)

7. Nordstrom
Juicy Couture ‘Wish’ Ring
$42.00

8. Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Tassel Lariat Necklace

$28.00

9. Victoria’s Secret
POPbeauty 24K Goddess Clutch
$32.00 $19.99 (38% off)

10. Sephora by OPI
SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour Gift Set ($27 Value) Nail Colour Gift Set
$18.00

11. Nordstrom
M.AC. ‘Baroque Boudoir’ Lipstick
$22.00

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Get This Look: Taylor Swift, A Star in Stripes December 7th, 2009 By

Get This Look: Taylor Swift's Fun With Stripes

Get This Look: Taylor Swift's Fun With Stripes

Taylor Swift’s unique sense of style is our inspiration this week.  Taylor mixes a casual t-shirt dress with flirty herringbone tights and a neat pair of brown oxfords.  The combination of bold striped patterns, colors, and textures shows off her confident young spirit.  Taylor makes this look chic for evening by letting down her hair and swapping out the patterns for black opaque leggings.  Get this look by pairing your choice of patterns in leggings with your favorite print dress.

Get This Look:

Juicy Couture Scarf Jersey Dress, $77.00

Juicy Couture Scarf Jersey Dress, $77.00

Hiolo Sweater Knit Pattern Tights, $3.11

Hiolo Sweater Knit Pattern Tights, $3.11

FRYE Erin Oxford, $168

FRYE Erin Oxford, $168

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