Cropped Sweaters:
Secret wardrobe workhorse
September 27th, 2011 By

One of the few upsides of abandoning your adopted hometown and moving across the country is that you suddenly have the right to demand that all of your friends clear their schedules in order to find time to see you. Which is how I found myself seated at Sushiden, across from my extremely busy friend Zareen. Zareen is a book editor who has no qualms about showing up at work in a long red maxi dress and platform sandals. (Maybe exuberant color is a thing amongst book editors: My brother, also an editor, can often be found in outlandish shades of Bonobos pants, like teal and lime green).

But I digress: Zareen was wearing what was probably a beachy dress. But this dress’s summery nature was completely obscured by the fact that she had layered a tidy white buttondown (tied at the waist and tucked) and a printed scarf over it, fall-ifying the whole outfit. While I am very handy with a blazer, a cardigan, and an unbuttoned oxford (I’ve been known to effectively layer all three simultaneously), I’m not particularly inventive with layering dresses. I might adopt Zareen’s tied and tucked buttondown trick, but her look also got me thinking that I really should add a cropped sweater to my repertoire. The upside of a cropped sweater is that its shrunken proportion makes your lower half look even longer in comparison. Since I’ll be wearing it with long, billowy dresses, I want one that’s fitted (to counter all the volume below). Clearly, by these selects, I’m also having an ombre moment. Any thoughts about which one I should get?

clockwise l-r: CROPPED ANGORA DIP-DYE SWEATER, $118.00, TopshopBIRD BY JUICY COUTURE CHUNKY DIP-DYE SWEATER, $378.00, Neiman Marcus; WREN DALLAS CROPPED SWEATER$378.00,Saks Fifth Avenue; CROPPED DOUBLE V-NECK CROCHET SWEATER, $32.94, Old Navy.

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Shop under $20.00: Old Navy Accessories May 6th, 2011 By

We have already established that buying new accessories is a quick and easy way to update your wardrobe each season; and what better way to do that than with beautiful summer accessories from Old Navy that are under $20.00!  Old Navy is one of our personal favorites; with cute basics for the whole family what’s not to love?  Check out our favorite accessories that could easily make great gifts for Mother’s Day, too.

Old Navy Straw Fedora, $14.94

Old Navy Straw Fedora

Old Navy Dip-Dye Jersey Scarves, $10.00

Old Navy Dip-Dye Jersey Scarves

Old Navy Thin Faux-Leather Belt, $12.50

Old Navy Thin Faux-Leather Belt

Old Navy Scarf-Print Tote, $19.50 $12.99 (33% off) at Old Navy

Old Navy Scarf-Print Tote

Old Navy Espadrille Wedge Sandals, $29.50 $19.99 (32% off)

Old Navy Espadrille Wedge Sandals

 

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Old Navy Shirtdresses September 26th, 2010 By

Even the pickiest fashionistas are turning into the thriftiest recessionistas these days. But there’s nothing uncool about getting a great deal. Time and time again, Old Navy comes through with great staples at great prices. Shirtdresses are always in style – and right now you can get  Old Navy shirtdresses for a steal.

Brought to you by Beso.com
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Back to School with Old Navy Graphic Tees August 9th, 2010 By

One of the most exciting things about August, aside from end of season markdowns, is back to school shopping!  Now is the best time to start updating your kid’s school wardrobe, while also avoiding the rush.  Old Navy graphic tees for boys and girls are a great deal right now, with most shirts hovering around the $10 mark.  Allow your child to pick out their five favorite designs, and they will be even happier to get dressed in the morning.  It’s all about getting your kids ready for the new school year ahead.

P.S. Some of these tees are so cute, you’ll want one for yourself!

Old Navy Hello Kitty Graphic Tee, $10.00

Old Navy Hello Kitty Graphic Tees

Old Navy Girls Licensed Cartoon School-Graphic Tee, $10.00

Old Navy Girls Licensed Cartoon School-Graphic Tees

Old Navy Girls V-Neck Graphic Tees, $8.50

Old Navy Girls V-Neck Graphic Tees

Old Navy Boys Marvel Superhero Graphic Tee, $10.00

Old Navy Boys Marvel Superhero Graphic Tee

Old Navy Boys Marvel Superhero Graphic Tee, $10.00

Old Navy Boys Marvel Superhero Graphic Tee

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Shop under $100: Dresses for Spring April 15th, 2010 By

It’s hard to pass up shopping for new dresses as spring approaches.  Most stores usually have an overwhelming selection.  There are countless styles and event-specific dresses to choose from: day, evening, cocktail, mini, maxi, sleeveless, strapless… the list goes on.  Check out some of the dresses I love for under $100 on beso.

Gap Khaki drawstring shirt dress

Gap Khaki Drawstring Shirt Dress

Gap Khaki Drawstring Shirtdress, $59.50
is a classic, versatile dress that can be worn to the office or running errands on the weekend. The key is to accessorize since a neutral solid is like a blank canvas.  Choose a bright color handbag, chunky bangles or play up the military-inspired details with gladiator sandals.

Spiegel Signature Collection: Floral-Print Jersey Dress

Spiegel Signature Collection Floral-Print Jersey Dress

Spiegel Signature Collection Floral-Print Jersey Dress, $49
This dress has a figure-flattering pencil shape.  Wear it to work with a cardigan or switch it up for evening by carrying a clutch. 

Old Navy Tie-Front Wrap Dress

Old Navy Tie-Front Wrap Dress

Old Navy Tie-Front Wrap Dress, $28
This dress is great for work, evenings and weekends.  Wear it with a cute ballerina flat when running errands or with heels to dress it up. 

OC by Oleg Cassini Printed Jersey Dress Dillard's

OC by Oleg Cassini Printed Jersey Dress

OC by Oleg Cassini Printed Jersey Dress, $90
This is a colorful dress that can easily be worn from day to night.  Since there is a bold contrasting pattern, keep accessories to a minimum.  This dress makes a statement all on its own. 

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beso Deals: Spring Essentials up to 62% off March 6th, 2010 By

If you haven’t started spring wardrobe shopping yet, you are in luck!  Get up to 62% off of the essential pieces that will carry you through the season at beso:

Shop and save for spring at beso!

1. Straw Studios Canvas Wooden Handle Clutch, $42 $15.99 (62% off)

2. Newport News Straw Fedora, $44 $34 (10% off)

3. Victoria’s Secret Silk Boyfriend Blazer, $88 $48 (45% off)

4. Old Navy Sweetheart Distressed Skinny Jeans, $34.50 $12.99 (62% off)

5. Three Dots 3/4 Sleeve Round Neck Pullover, $54 $23.98 (56% off)

6. Old Navy Pleated Cuffed Shorts (5′ inseam), $22.50 $14.99 (33% off)

7. Cole Haan Andra Wedge, $195.00 $78 (60% off)

8. Calvin Klein Crepe Shirtdress, $118.00 $46.90 (60% off)

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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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Musings on Serendipity and Shopping December 10th, 2009 By

Sunny's Moccasins on the Beach

Sunny's Moccasins on the Beach

Hi!  Greetings from Sunny, the very lucky gypsy-trotting girl who won the Fan It to Bag It Sweepstakes!  This very minute, my amazing Frye tote occupies the seat across from me here at the coffee shop in Myrtle Beach.  And my laptop (which my roomy Frye now totes from place to place for me) is my quill and ink as I do a little Christmas shopping online.  And this year, I’m shopping with beso… and I’ll tell you why.

While on my road trips, I recently traveled to New York City and stopped by Serendipity’s 3 for a frozen hot chocolate and discovered my new favorite word… serendipity.  “The art of making happy discoveries, or finding the unexpectedly pleasant by chance or sagacity.”

Let me just tell you, my friends, chancing upon the beso Fan It to Bag It Sweepstakes was quite indeed serendipity for me.  I entered the sweepstakes, got a call somewhere between Virginia and New England from beso saying that I had won a gorgeous-bag-which-I-love… and, in the process, I discovered some of the warmest people I could meet and a jewel of a site for shopping!  I found philosophy, Target, Sephora, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Levi’s and a bajillion others all on one site (with frequent online sales to boot!).

Here’s a little of my beso-style serendipity.  Moccasins for Thanksgiving on the beach.  I know, they are sort of relegated to fall wear and most of us are over that.  But nothing spells free spirit like fringe and natural comfort.  I did the whole Last of the Mohicans thing and wore them while hiking trails in Virginia.  But I rethought the flip-flops for long walks on the beach and that was a happy discovery…

Sunny and Her Moccasins in Myrtle Beach

Sunny and Her Moccasins in Myrtle Beach

By the way, friends, if you haven’t entered the new 12 Days of Gifting Sweepstakes, do it!  You could be one of the very lucky 12 to win!

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At-ten-tion! September 14th, 2009 By

Royal Underground Military Jacket

Royal Underground Military Jacket

Forget camouflage, get your military style inspiration from a soldier’s dress uniform.  Military jackets are featured in the September 2009 issue of Lucky Magazine as one of “Fall’s Most Versatile Pieces.”  A little school-girl chic, a little rock and roll, they’ll lend a tailored look to everything in your closet.  This fall, the styles are more understated than in the past — black enamel buttons rather than gold and more feminine, but they’ve still got great structure and detailing.  Pair with a ruffled blouse and pencil skirt for work or a strapless dress on the weekend.  We love Royal Underground’s jacket (check out those grommets close-up!), as well as Old Navy’s bargain casual blazer ($39.50).

Old Navy Military Jacket

Old Navy Military Jacket

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