The Jewel Box: Shape Up! February 10th, 2010 By

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

Shopping for jewelry should be just as fun as shopping for shoes and handbags.  Aside from seasonal trends, start incorporating jewelry that expresses your individuality and tells a story.  There are more fun and whimsical shapes and designs than ever before!  The great thing about jewelry is that you can never have too much. Take a look in your jewelry box and figure out what’s missing.  Update your collection with items that inspire you.  Below are pieces that remind me of something I love, and also reflect my personal style.

1.  kate spade Coral Reef Pearl Star Ring, $75.00 at Bloomingdales

kate spade new york Coral Reef Pearl Star Ring, $75, Bloomingdales

Kate Spade New York Coral Reef Pearl Star Ring

2.  Wildthings Large Alligator Pin, $136.49 at Amazon

Wildthings Large Alligator Pin, $136.49, Amazon

Wildthings Large Alligator Pin

3.  Tarina Tarantino Crystal Pave Heart Necklace, Black, $120 at The Giant Peach

Tarina Tarantino - Crystal Pave Heart Necklace, Black, $120, The Giant Peach

Tarina Tarantino Crystal Pave Heart Necklace

4.  Lauren by Ralph Lauren “L’Hermitage” Textured Snake Earrings with Briolette Drop, $38.00 at Bloomingdales

Lauren by Ralph Lauren "L'Hermitage" Textured Snake Earrings with Briolette Drop, $38, Bloomingdales

Lauren by Ralph Lauren "L'Hermitage" Textured Snake Earrings with Briolette Drop

5.  Tory Burch Maggie Cuff, $225.00 at Tory Burch

Tory Burch Maggie Cuff, $225, Tory Burch

Tory Burch Maggie Cuff

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Bag It: Chain Strap Bags February 2nd, 2010 By

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

Chain strap bags have been reinvented as the new “it” bags!  If you are in search of a handbag specifically for ‘dress to impress’ occasions, consider one with chain straps.  Perfect for parties because of the elegant details, chain strap bags are more elegant than your everyday bag without crossing over into fancy evening bag territory.  The wearability factor for chain strap bags is high because of their versatility.  Check out some of my favorites listed below:

Tory_Burch_Distressed_Bag

Tory Burch Crossbody

1. Tory Burch Distressed Metallic Mini Crossbody
$250, Saks Fifth Avenue

This bag is versatile because its platinum metallic color can be worn with almost anything.  The chain straps are long enough for the bag to be worn across your body, making it the perfect bag to hit the dance floor!

Caliente Tote

Caliente Tote

2. Caliente Ninety Nine Tote
$43.98, Endless

This shoulder bag shows how multiple colors and textures can create a striking bag.  The copper and gold metallic snakeskin embossed fabric complement the mustard, black and taupe leather, making this a fun and funky evening bag.

Marciano_studded_flap_bag

Marciano Flap Bag

3. Marciano Oversized Studded Flap Bag
$195$129.90 (33% off), Nordstrom

Talk about a chic alternative to sequins and rhinestones.  The camel pleated leather balances the large pyramid studs and serves as the focal point of the outfit.

Dolce & Gabbana Bag

Dolce & Gabbana Clutch

4. Dolce & Gabbana Miss Martini Jeweled Clutch
$1,295, Neiman Marcus

This over the top chain strap bag nails the embellished look with gorgeous detailing.  Made of blue denim with multi-jewel and beaded flap, it’s designed for the woman who enjoys turning heads at the fashion forefront.

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Shoe Cravings: Tory Burch January 22nd, 2010 By

Tory Burch Jelly Reva

Tory Burch Jelly Reva

If you know Tory Burch, you know the Reva shoe.  The Reva is a classic ballet flat with a logo medallion at the toe.  This ubiquitous shoe has become synonymous with Tory Burch, but I’m here to show you that there is much more to this chic line. 

Tory Burch Liv Sandal

Tory Burch Liv Sandal

 

The truth is that there is a great range of styles available, once you look past the much-loved basic flat.  The Iona and Liv cage sandals are a great example of this. These styles are super sexy and very different from the preppy Reva.  Perfect for a Saturday night out, these strappy heels have an edge. 

 

 

  

Tory Burch Melrose Bootie

Tory Burch Melrose Bootie

The Melrose platform shoe bootie is a sexy ankle boot.  The top of the shoe is form fitting, eliminating the gap at the ankle that is often present on shoe booties.  This means it’ll look extra sleek and sexy paired with a skirt or dress and black tights.

If you want a cool spin on the Reva shoe, try the Jelly Reva pictured at the top of the post.  The Jelly Reva comes in yellow, blue, orange, black and pink and will look great this summer with denim shorts on the weekend and colorful print skirts during the work week.  They are also amazingly comfortable and you can find the pink and yellow Jelly Revas on sale for just $57!

 

 

 

Tory Burch Sophie Wedge 

Tory Burch Sophie Wedge

Looking for something to make that work day to dinner date transition?  Try the Sophie wedge shoe.  With a high platform heel and the classic Tory Burch medallion, the style is classic for work, while the height is sexy for a night out.

Take another look at Tory Burch!

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Bag It: Travel in Style December 22nd, 2009 By

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

tory_burch

Tory Burch Sail Duffel Bag, $350

Choosing a travel bag has become just as important as choosing an everyday handbag.  Why not turn heads while waiting in long lines at airport security with a stylish duffel or overnight bag?  There are several factors to consider when buying your next travel bag: size, functionality, and design.

If you have mastered the art of packing lightly and re-working a few outfits over a weekend or week-long trip, a compact travel bag is more suitable.  The advantage of a small weekend bag is having it by your side at all times.  On the other hand, some prefer to have more options by packing a few extra outfits, shoes, and handbags.  A larger duffel bag or small piece of luggage should be roomy enough to hold everything.

Functionality helps to minimize hassel and delays to avoid funbling through the bottom of the bag for your lip gloss, cell phone, or boarding pass, consider a travel bag with inner and outer compartments to keep your essentials organized.  Expandable luggage with wheels is great for bags that are too heavy to carry.

lug_duffel

Lug Duffel in Sunset Orange, $99.95

Design is all about personal style and preference.  Travel bags come in many shapes, colors, and prints.  Bright colors and prints are easier to spot in baggage claim.  If you want to stick with a neutral color, shop for stylish luggage accessories such as luggage tags, which will make your travel bag stand out in a crowd.  Safe travels!

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Monthly Inspiration: December 2009 December 1st, 2009 By

Let the holiday shopping season begin!  This December, I know all of you are planning to beso giving — and to beso getting!  That’s why we’ve drawn up our Holiday Gift Guides for all of you shopaholics out there.  Check out our Stocking Stuffers, Gifts under $50, Gifts under $100, and Luxury Gift Guides.  We’ve compiled our top picks for 2009 and you won’t be left disappointed.

On my personal shopping list so far are Tory Burch cosmetic bags and rosette headbands for my two sisters, a Love Quotes scarf and the Laura Mercier Honey Bath for my mom, a new pair of men’s leather gloves for my dad, and plenty of tubes of Kiehl’s Hand Salve for stocking stuffers (it truly is the best hand cream).

Coming off of a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, I’ve also been thinking a lot about the importance of not only giving gifts to loved ones, but also to those less fortunate. I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at a local animal shelter with a few coworkers.  We showed up at the shelter not knowing what to expect, but soon found ourselves surrounded by the sweetest dogs just begging for attention and a nice long walk outside.  During this time we exercised not just our bodies, but our minds and hearts as well.  I can’t wait to go back and play with all of my newfound furry friends, and plan on bringing in some inexpensive towels and holiday dog toys next time.

This December, I hope all of you feel as inspired as I do to make a difference in someone else’s life.  Even the smallest gift can show you care.

How do you beso lucky?  With beso.com!

Happy shopping,

Mara

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Get This Look: Leighton Meester’s Louis Vuitton Arm Candy November 23rd, 2009 By

Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton

Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton

Gossip Girl Leighton Meester spotted at Paris Fashion Week with the Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton Suede Asphalt Bag  as her arm candy. The classic day bag shape, reminiscent of  the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy Tote, combined with ultra-soft, casual suede is a great accessory for the Manhattan Queen Bee’s casual-chic look.  Leighton’s floral print dress and platform sandals pictured here are all LV.  We can’t all strut LV from head to toe, but can come close with this look for less.

Get This Look (for less!) at beso:

Rebecca Minkoff Black embossed suede 'Morning After' Bag, $357

Rebecca Minkoff Black embossed suede 'Morning After' Bag, $357

Tory Burch Lou Lou Dress, $279

Tory Burch Lou Lou Dress, $279

Stuart Weitzman Teeny Dress Sandals, $365

Stuart Weitzman Teeny Dress Sandals, $365

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Bag It: Hello Metallic! November 20th, 2009 By

– Staci from HandbagReport.com

Tory Burch Metallic Wristlet, $155

It’s time to replace your black, brown, and tan handbags with a metallic one to instantly transform your look from simple to glam with minimal effort.  Allow me to take a moment to dispel the myth that metallic should be worn only to a formal event.  Since they complement just about everything from a t-shirt to a cocktail dress, metallic accessories are worth the investment.

Choose a medium to large size tote, hobo, or satchel for an everyday bag that is practical and functional.  Since metallics are naturally elegant, you can go straight from work to happy hour or dinner without worrying about whether to switch bags.  If you want to carry a metallic bag on special occasions, consider a clutch or wristlet as a chic alternative to the little sequin or jeweled bag.

Metallic is a trend with staying power because of its versatility.  Women appreciate options within a trend because there is room to express individuality.  Whether you opt for silver, gold, or a bright color metallic, there are plenty of choices that make you want to shout, “goodbye neutrals!”

To begin shopping for the perfect metallic handbag on beso, just click here or check out some of my favorites below!

Nicole Miller Mia Foldover Clutch, $174.95

Nicole Miller Clutch, $174.95

Michael Kors Brass Satchel, $1295

Michael Kors Brass Satchel, $1295

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What’s New: Love [of Shoes] is a Burch November 19th, 2009 By

I have a problem, and I’m woman enough to admit it. I love shoes.

Oh, Tory Burch, what are you doing to me?! Patent and spunky AND a wedge heel? I have to buy groceries, you know!

My addiction isn’t my fault. If designers like Tory Burch would stop making such deliciously divine shoes, I’d stop buying them! That makes sense, right?

So check out these and all the other stuff that’s new this week at beso. Just be warned…especially if you have to, you know, pay rent this month or something.

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beso Deals: Tory Burch | e.l.f. | Saks.com | Macy’s October 16th, 2009 By

Tory BurchFeatured beso Deal – Tory Burch

Shop the Tory Burch Private Sale (Exp. 10/19 at 11:59 p.m.) and get up to 70% off apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories, and more!

e.l.f.Take 50% off the e.l.f. professional studio makeup line.  Stock up on this limited sale and enter code EGSTUDIOX with $20 orders.

Saks.comChoose from two offers!  Get free shipping on all your Saks.com orders with coupon code OCTSHIP9 — see site for details.  OR shop the Friends & Family Sale!  Take 25% off select items with code FRIENDS2 at checkout.  Online only (Exp. 10/18).

Macy'sGet free shipping with $99 men’s clothing or shoe purchase at Macy’s.  Use promo code WARDROBE at checkout!  Ladies, save on any fall fashion clearance purchase with $0.99 shipping with promo code FALL99.

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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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Fan It To Bag It: Enter To Win 1 of 3 Designer Bags September 30th, 2009 By

Fan It To Bag It!

Which of these three handbags can you see yourself carrying this fall?  Is it the tough slate leather Motorcycle Tote from Frye?  The lush bordeaux suede Natasha Tote from Kooba?  Or the effortlessly chic Efram Hobo from Tory Burch?  We couldn’t decide, either!

We at beso.com are obsessed with handbags.  That’s why, to celebrate the arrival of fall fashion, one lucky beso Facebook fan will win one of the the new handbags featured here!

How it works:  Become a beso fan on Facebook and enter the sweepstakes to win.  Sweepstakes ends 11:59PM, PST on 10/31/2009.

Winner: The winner and handbag selected will be announced on the beso.com Facebook fan page on 11/04/2009.

How do you beso lucky? With beso Lucky Sweepstakes!

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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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