How to Wear: Trench Coats November 17th, 2009 By

KORS Michael Kors Leopard Trench

KORS Michael Kors Leopard Trench

One of my favorite ways to wear a trench coat is over a dress or skirt. Many trench coats already kick out at the hem and mimic a full skirt shape, so they really enhance the femininity of a look. You know that tying the belt will help keep the look neat and trim, but try tying it in a bow through the back loops so the front is clean and your waist is still nipped in.

A bright colored or leopard trench is on trend this season. Pair it with all black accessories (hat, leather gloves and scarf) for maximum impact. If bright accessories are more your style, rock them with a plain black trench coat. Burberry classic trenches are the perfect investment piece.  Your look shouldn’t be too monochromatic (no red scarves, hats and trenches) and there shouldn’t be any competition between colors or patterns (if you wear a leopard print, keep everything else solid).

Trench coats can be worn year-round, as they work over light summer blouses in early fall, as well as with thick sweaters when the temperature drops.  If you are lucky enough to live in an area where you rarely see snow, a trench coat may be all you need to get you through the seasons.

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Get This Look: Dianna Agron’s Fabulous Faux Fur November 16th, 2009 By

Dianna Agron, Faux FurGlee cheerleader, Dianna Agron, looking fabulous in an ensemble starring a Juicy Couture Faux Fur Coat. Fuzzy outerwear can turn an understated outfit into starlet glam.  The supporting cast, a flowy dress, leggings, boots, and the George Gina & Lucy Bag, are all in a chic black tone to complete this look.

GET THIS LOOK:

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Top 5: Oversized Houndstooth October 28th, 2009 By

Alexander McQueen Houndstooth Dress

Alexander McQueen Houndstooth Dress

This fall many designers take the classic houndstooth pattern and make it modern. Here are our top 5 picks for the best use of oversized houndstooth:

The Alexander McQueen houndstooth dress is amazing.  The silhouette is ultrafeminine and the houndstooth pattern varies in size to give your curves extra oomph while slimming your waist.  The high ruffled tie collar and ultrafine merino wool fabric keep the dress winter appropriate while the sleeveless design lets you show some skin. It is a little out of my price range at over $1500, but if you can afford it the dress is definitely money well spent.

jessica-simpson-houndstooth-dress

Jessica Simpson dress

This Jessica Simpson houndstooth dress is a steal at $118.  Paired with black tights and a pair of red cut-out booties or sandals, you’ll look like you spent a whole lot more.

From left, Michael Kors, Via Spiga and Hilary Radley

From left, Michael Kors, Via Spiga and Hilary Radley

Houndstooth is a classic pattern for coats and these three styles make it modern.  This Michael Kors houndstooth coat is less than $200 at Zappos.com.  The Via Spiga Carso coat, $150, and the Hilary Radley houndstooth coat, $300, are both on sale at Bluefly.

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Shop under $25: Skinny Belts October 27th, 2009 By

Skinny belts are an affordable item that will help you to take your outfit fashionably from summer into fall.  You can wear one belted over a long cardigan and jeans for instant sophistication; or try one over a short cardigan with a lightweight dress and tights. Skinny belts even help you look skinnier. They make sure you don’t lose your shape without adding the bulk of a larger cincher.

Left, Calvin Klein Skinny Belt. Right, Michael Kors Grommet Skinny Belt.

The chocolate Calvin Klein belt is a classic style that is sure to work with everything in your closet.  It is the best choice if you need one belt for many outfits.  If you want something more fun, check out the Michael Kors grommet skinny belt.  It would look great with a miniskirt, tights and over the knee boots or over a black suit jacket and blouse.

We also like these Michael Kors leather belts:

Top, Michael Kors Orange Braided Belt. Bottom, Michael Kors Neon Pink Belt

Top, Michael Kors Orange Braided Belt. Bottom, Michael Kors Neon Pink Belt

At just under $25, they are a steal but they are still sure to last a long time since they are well-made and real leather.

These bright belts will look great over fall neutrals.  The hot pink will cheer up a long black cardigan over a white shirt.  While this suede belt will create the perfect fall ensemble when paired with a brown cardigan.

Michael Kors Reversible Raffia Belt

Michael Kors Reversible Raffia Belt

This reversible raffia belt from Michael Kors will work now and later.  Wear the solid side out looped through wool pants and the raffia side out next summer with white linen pants.

Bluefly has so many high-quality designer belts on sale, it would be impossible for me to list them all here.  Check them out here.

Have a budget that calls for fast fashion’s rock-bottom prices?  Check out the Forever 21 belts.  They are all under $10!

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Editor’s Picks: Breast Cancer Awareness October 12th, 2009 By

Michael Kors Key to the Cure Tee

Michael Kors Key to the Cure Tee

We all love to shop, but shopping for a cause? That’s amazing.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It’s a great time to donate to charities that help women battle cancer and provide them with health care services, like mammograms, that they otherwise may not have access to.

My favorite Breast Cancer Awareness item is Michael Kors’ Key to the Cure Tee.  More than $30 from the purchase of this gorgeous graphic tee will be donated to women’s cancer charities, and it’s only $40!  At this price, it’s worth buying one for yourself and a few extras as gifts.

Michael Stars is donating $10,000 to breast cancer charities.  Some of his tops feature the iconic pink ribbon that represents the cause and others are simply signed “hope.”  The prices for these tops range from $14 to $60.

BopBasics Breast Cancer Awareness tees, from ShopBop, feature celebrity designs.  Half of the proceeds will go toward the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.  The tees are only $18 and ship free.  Nicky Hilton’s and Denise Richards’ designs would look beautiful paired with a miniskirt and blazer at night.

Want a new pair of jeans? Check out PRVCY jeans.  They donate 10% of proceeds to breast cancer awareness and free mammogram programs.

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Mixer

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Mixer

Do you have enough pink in your closet? Check out the Cook for the Cure pink appliances to perk up your kitchen.  We love the Cook for the Cure hand mixer and stand mixer (for the serious cooks!).

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Shoe Cravings: Shoes in Every Hue October 9th, 2009 By

Spice up any outift with bold, colorful shoes

Spice up any outfit with bold, colorful shoes

Anyone that knows me can tell you I’m a huge fan of bold color.  Whether I’m shopping for scarves, cardigans, or curtains, I’m drawn to rich vibrant shades of orange, purple, green, yellow and red.  Maybe it’s because I get bored easily and need to shake things up, or maybe because I’m the youngest of five and sometimes need to grab attention: either way, I love to add splashes of bright color to any outfit.

My favorite colorful accessory is an eye-catching pair of shoes.  Don’t get me wrong, I keep plenty of basic blacks and browns in my repertoire, but I can’t live without at least one pair of luscious purple pumps or spicy orange flats to mix things up once in a while.  Why not live out the latest trend with a pair of sexy red suede ankle boots?

A pair of juicy orange flats can brighten any day

A pair of juicy orange Michael Kors flats can brighten any day

Living in Los Angeles, I miss out on leaves changing color every fall (which totally makes me homesick for the Midwest), but at least I can keep that color scheme alive with fabulous footwear.

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Fan It To Bag It: Tory Burch Efram Hobo October 5th, 2009 By

Tory Burch Efram Hobo

Enter To Win: Tory Burch Efram Hobo

Tory Burch burst onto the scene as a designer in 2004.  In just 5 short years, her fashion line has been featured on Oprah, Gossip Girl, socialites, and soccer moms alike.  She was awarded the prestigious Accessories Designer of the Year in 2008 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America — beating out both Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors.

It should come as no surprise, then, that we’ve chosen her Efram Tote as one of the three stunning handbags we’re obsessed with this fall.  With glazed leather and logo-embossed resin studs, this bag is an instant classic.  Fan us on facebook and enter the beso Lucky Sweepstakes for a chance to take home this delicious arm candy.

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Classics: Trench Coats September 23rd, 2009 By

Burberry's Classic Trench Coat

Burberry's Classic Trench Coat available at beso.com

The Wall Street Journal reports that the sexy ’60s style on Mad Men is influencing designers’ fall lines.  Donatella Versace, Tory Burch and Michael Kors are fans of the show.  The fitted sheath dresses and pencil skirts that exemplify this style pair perfectly with a trench coat.  Get one in a basic black or khaki and one in a fun color, like blue, red or bright pink to make the most of this look.  Burberry‘s trench is iconic and is a great style investment.  Michael Kors offers bright yellow, pink and leopard printed trenches; they are the perfect way to cheer up a dreary fall day.

Trench Coats from Michael Kors

Michael Kors Trench Coats available at beso.com

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