What’s your shopping
Achilles’ Heel?
September 23rd, 2011 By

My husband and I often find ourselves meandering the aisles at our nearby Target Greatlands every Sunday: For, you know, kitty litter, John Freida Brilliant Brunette shampoo, and Archer Farms pita chips and roasted almonds (their house brand rocks!). Invariably, we keep wandering (PlayStation games! Notebooks! Jewelry Cleaner!) until we’ve amassed at least $150 worth of stuff. Without fail. Lately, the same thing seems to be happening at Lululemon (where, granted, you can hit that mark with just two or three things). Everytime I go in, or click around on their site, I end up with some new cropped tights (I own EIGHT pairs already, and these things don’t seem to wear out), and a jewel-toned top. Rob buys Core shorts faster than I can wash them, and will now only wear Lululemon No Show Socks, because they don’t slip. Know what’s also awesome about Lululemon (besides the fact that their tights are super slimming and flattering)? Shipping is always free. So, spill: What’s your shopping Achilles’ heel?

Lululemon, clockwise l-r: LULULEMON ATHLETICA X-LONG RACERBACK TANK, $48.00, Lululemon Athletica; LULULEMON ATHLETICA DEEP BREATH TANK, $58.00, Lululemon Athletica; LULULEMON ATHLETICA RUN: INSPIRE CROP, $86.00, Lululemon Athletica; LULULEMON ATHLETICA CORE SHORTS, $58.00, Lululemon Athletica.

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Mirrored Furniture January 26th, 2011 By

Our current obsession: mirrored furniture! There is no better way to add a splash of glam to one’s home than with mirrored furniture. My mirrored bedside table is a focal point in my room and one of the best furniture investments I’ve made.

This is Glamorous is a blog that reposts images of some of the most beautiful decor, like this mirrored bed:

I’ve found some of the most lust-worthy pieces on beso:

Amelie Mirrored Bedstand from Horchow

Clairmonte Mirrored Chest from Horchow

Mirrored Coffee Table from Target

 

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Monthly Inspiration: June 2010 June 1st, 2010 By

This past Memorial Day weekend was truly a memorable one.  One of my best girlfriends flew in from Chicago, and we had a full-blown girls weekend at Shutters on the Beach.  I love the seaside decor in this small boutique hotel   The charming gingham chairs and personal details make each room seem like home.  I actually left feeling inspired to add some maritime touches to my own home, like this sea turtle pillow from Anthropologie and this shell button pillow from Target.

Sea Turtle and Shell Pillows

We spent the days lounging poolside and catching up.  I sported my new Victoria’s Secret neon pink bandeau bikini - which, by the way, is only $35 for the set.  Now I’m feeling refreshed and ready to get back to work and kick off the summer!

Victoria's Secret Bikini, Shutters Pool

We have a lot of exciting news coming up this month.  First, we will be announcing the winner of Emily’s Bake Up Summer Sweets Contest.  We had over 730 entries, and I’m excited to what the winning recipe will be!  We will also be releasing a video we shot last week at the Skechers flagship store in Manhattan Beach.  They have a whole new collection of runway-inspired shoes for summer that I can’t wait to share with you.

If you haven’t already done so, please remember to sign up for Beso E-Mails.  You’ll receive customized sale alerts from all of your favorite brands and stores.

How do you beso lucky?  With beso.com!

Happy Shopping,

Mara

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Zac Posen for Target + More! March 17th, 2010 By

zac_posen

Designer Zac Posen

Zac Posen has taken the fashion world by storm and has become a household name with celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Claire Danes and many more. He is known for his old Hollywood glamour-inspired evening gowns and his sultry, body hugging designs.  Many feel that the designer is a symbol for change in the fashion industry. 

Currently, Zac Posen is set to launch a lower priced collection for Target in April 2010. The collection is named 100% Zac, and is made for the woman who loves fashion without the couture price tag.  Target customers will enjoy printed dresses, swimsuits, and a few dressier pieces such as the tuxedo jacket.

Posen also launched Z Spoke on February 24 at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC.  Z Spoke is different from Posen’s runway collections as it focuses on daywear rather than evening gowns.  Also, the sizes run up to a size 16 — great news for the curvy gals!

Check out all Zac Posen on beso for the latest deals and steals.

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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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What’s New: Bright Spring Loungewear & Accessories March 2nd, 2010 By

victoriassecretromperr

Victoria's Secret Romper

As spring quickly approaches, it’s time to trade in the turtlenecks and trench coats for a lightweight romper and brightly colored flip-flops.  Rompers seem to be an essential  piece for this year’s spring wardrobe, and are a comfortable and easy way to spend the day in the warm sunshine.

A great new find at beso this month is a  Victoria Secret short sleeve slub romper with a slimming drawstring and front pockets. The wide v-neck creates the perfect lounge look with a camisole or bikini top peaking through.

To accessorize this otherwise simple piece, pair with some candy colored flip-flops with cute embellishments like these Yellow Box sandals in turquoise. These sandals are also a great addition to your closet as they can be worn with virtually anything and add a punch of color to many looks. The star embellishment also gives a very tropical vibe to any spring look.

yellowboxsandals

Yellow Box Sandals

I am a fan of big, bold jewelry and this Nautical Multi-strand Necklace from Target — it definitely adds a fun flair to any outfit. Anytime you put this on you’ll feel as if you’re right at the beach!

nautical necklace

Nautical Multi-strand Necklace

Spring doesn’t have to be all about flowers and Easter eggs. Embrace the season with your own style, whether it be a chic lounge look shown here or a cute boho dress.

Check out what else is new at beso!

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beso Deals: Up to 80% Off Nordstrom | Anthropologie | Bluefly | Forever 21 | Target | Zappos January 15th, 2010 By

Nordstrom DealsDid you know you can shop by stores and your favorite brands in our sale department?  If not, I’m here to tell you it is my absolute favorite feature on the beso site.  I love name brands, and I like to shop at the top department stores, but I surely do not pay full price for items I know will eventually go on sale.  This feature allows me to combine all of my shopping vices into one!  Below is just a small sampling of deals from top retailers from both brick and mortar shops and the ones you only find online.  Start here to enjoy the hunt!

Nordstrom:
Shop Women | Shop Men | Shop Home

Bluefly:Anthropologie Deals
Shop Women | Shop Men

Anthropologie:
Shop Women | Shop Home

Forever 21:
Shop Women | Shop Men

Target:
Shop  Women | Shop Men | Shop Home

Zappos:
Shop Women | Shop Men | Shop Home


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Top 5: Gifts for the Hostess December 15th, 2009 By

Diptyque Limited Edition Holiday Candles

Diptyque Limited Edition Holiday Candles

This season, you’re sure to attend many holiday parties. Be a gracious guest with these great thank you gifts.

Give your hostess a break by bringing a pretty, modern vase.  Coordinate with another guest who is bringing flowers and save her the trouble of searching for something to put them in.

Someone is sure to bring a bottle of wine and nothing is worse than having a great bottle of wine to drink and realizing you can’t find the corkscrew.  Get her a Houdini corkscrew.  This year, you won’t have to try to pick out the cork with a fork.

Diptyque candles are classic and available in 50 scents.  For the holidays, Diptyque is offering three limited edition scents, Benzoin, Pine and Roasted Chestnuts, in beautifully colored votives.

A picture frame is a great gift since everyone has at least one more photo they’d love to display.  Get her a simple, modern frame unless you know that she prefers more whimsical or ornate items and that they will match her decor.  This modern glass frame from Macy’s can be situated horizontally or vertically while this bargain frame from Target is great for someone who has a more rustic style.  Send her a photo from the event with a thank you card post-party.

A LUSH gift

A LUSH gift

Give her some luxury bath products.  Molton Brown and LUSH are two of our faves.  LUSH’s much-loved Snowcake soap is almond-scented and available only in the winter.  These deliciously scented products are sure to help her to unwind after throwing that fab bash!

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How to Wear: Puffer Jackets December 2nd, 2009 By

Juicy Couture Puffer Jacket

Juicy Couture Puffer Jacket

Puffer jackets are perfect for winter’s cold weather, but you don’t have to look like the Michelin Man just to keep warm.

Picking the right puffer jacket, not too fluffy, and pairing it with the right outfit are key to looking snow-bunny chic.

A defined waist, whether from a belt or the shape of the coat itself, will help you to look svelte.  Petite women should be wary of long puffer coats as they can overpower a smaller frame.  Your other garments should be streamlined and slimming under your coat. Wear your puffer over leggings, skinny jeans or a pencil skirt. Avoid A-line skirts and anything that adds volume. Wear a dark puffer coat for a more slimming effect.

Fur trim, like the faux-fur on the Juicy Couture jacket above, will keep your neck warm and coats lined with shearling or fur are extra toasty.

Juicy Couture and Burberry offer some gorgeous belted puffers. For a more wallet-friendly option, check out Victoria’s Secret and Target.

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How to Wear: Rainboots November 3rd, 2009 By

Rainboots from Target

Rainboots from Target

On cold, rainy days, nothing is worse than getting to work with wet feet and soggy, unattractive pant hems after an unpleasant commute.  A pair of cute rainboots would have saved you some discomfort.  Wear rainboots with a cute dress or skirt and tights and bring your flats or a pair of cut-out booties along with you to work.

Rainboots are made to handle the elements, unlike your ballet flats so you won’t have to fear puddles.  Your flats won’t have to go into storage yet either, which is great for those of use who are reluctant to see the lovely warm summer weather go away and with it, some of our favorite shoes.

Burberry Rainboots
Burberry Rainboots

Rainboots come at all price points and styles.  We love fun, bright prints for grey days.  The rainboots at Target are all under $20, so you can afford to buy a few in different patterns.  As a bonus, you can wear a black trench coat and never worry about if the pattern clashes with your outfit.

Have more cash to spend?  Check out these Burberry rainboots.  Their classic plaid pattern will keep you dry in serious style.

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Monthly Splurges: October October 13th, 2009 By

Burberry Skinny Giant Check Scarf in Regiment Red, $195

Burberry Skinny Giant Check Scarf in Regiment Red, $195

I love a good splurge every now and then.  The key is not to wake up the next day feeling guilty for my purchase.  That’s why I always make sure that any indulgence is not only worth the money spent, but also a luxury I will be able to enjoy for years to come.

This month, I’m all about neckwear.  From fabulous flirty necklaces to yummy cashmere scarves, my d©collet© is just dying to be draped in extravagance.  These pieces are all valuable investments, worth their price, and won’t go out of style.

The Burberry Skinny Giant Check Scarf in Regiment Red is probably one of the most versatile items you’ll ever own.  It can add style to jeans and a simple shirt, and looks equally appropriate worn with a jacket over a cocktail dress to keep warm.  While $195 might be steep for a scarf, wear it with a Target t-shirt and your whole outfit will still look like it came from Burberry.

Banana Republic Floral Necklace

Banana Republic Floral Necklace, $125

I simply cannot get enough of this floral necklace from Banana Republic.  The mixed metals and antique detail make this piece look like it’s worth far more than the $125 price tag.  And the grey satin bow — sweet and sexy.  Since statement necklaces are hot right now, this is something that can be worn casually during the day and dressed up for night.  But even after this trend has been worn out, I can still see myself wearing this with an LBD to a holiday party.

Rag & Bone Maryna Leather Jacket, $1325

Rag & Bone Maryna Leather Jacket, $1325

But what goes with my new scarf and necklace?  This Rag & Bone Maryna leather jacket, that’s what.  The asymmetrical cut ensures that this look is thoroughly modern, and the softness of the leather adds a nice feminine contrast. Top everything off with a spritz of Marc Jacobs’ latest fragrance, Lola, and you’ll see why this is money well spent.

Marc Jacobs Lola, $85

Marc Jacobs Lola, $85

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