When we think of summertime at the beach, we think of hot hot heat and bright white light.   And what we want to be wearing the next time we hit the beach is a white cover-up, preferably one from Victoria’s Secret.  White reflects light away from the body and helps to keep you cool.  Check out some of our favorites that are stylish and relatively inexpensive.

Beach Sexy Cotton Slub Cover-Up Dress, $24

Becca Crinkle Cover-Up Dress, $58

Beach Sexy Strapless Ruffle Cover-Up, $24

Beach Sexy Macrame Cover-Up, $64

Embellished Beach Cover-Up, $79.50

> shop all Victoria’s Secret Cover-Ups
> shop all Victoria’s Secret Swimwear

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 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, $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, $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

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. 

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.

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!

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.

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 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!

1. Strapless Push-Up Bra by Ambrielle, $30

I obsess over maintaining a complete and up-to-date wardrobe.  I take into consideration my daily routine, social calendar, and any potential events that could come up before making a purchase.  I ask myself: Do I have something similar?  Would this work for both x-function and y-event?  Is this just a trend or a classic investment piece?  Is it worth the price?

Similarly, I apply the same logic to my underwear.  As I learned early on, wearing the right underpinnings can make a dress fit like a dream, make a man fall to his knees, or give you confidence that can only come from a Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Bra.

There is such a thing as the LBD of underwear, and I’ll show you the value in having the perfect wardrobe — that should include lingerie.

Here are my top 5 picks for making sure those dresser drawers hold a treasure trove of intimates so you won’t be left in a bind, or worse, without a pair of Spanx!

1. Strapless Push-Up Bra

I don’t care if Carrie Bradshaw shows her bra straps in practically every SATC episode.  This is real life, not HBO.  Buy a strapless bra.  But I’ll do you one better and tell you that nobody looks good in a bandeau or spandex soft cups — we can still see your nipples and now your boobs look smushed.  You need a strapless push-up bra because the soft foam cups provide shape and uplift that is normally provided by your straps (not to mention nipple coverage).  My personal favorite is the Very Sexy strapless by Victoria’s Secret because of the plunging front.  It can be worn with even the most low-cut top (if your tops are still too low in this bra then they’re just that — too low.  Buy some pasties or go shopping for new tops).

2. Cosabella Babydoll Set, $158

2. A Black Babydoll Set

This is the LBD of lingerie.  No matter what curveballs life throws you, you’d better make sure that you’ve got one knock-out set for when the mood strikes.  My favorite is the Cosabella Polka Dot Babydoll & G-String Set.  Unlike other flashy, brightly-colored babydolls that you won’t really wear more than once, a basic black babydoll is as versatile as it is sexy.

3. Satin Kimono Wrap, $42

3. Victoria’s Secret Satin Kimono Wrap

If I could live in my Victoria’s Secret Satin Kimono Wrap, I would.  This one-size-fits-all robe comes in a range of flattering colors.  It’s luxurious, it’s sexy, it’s practical.  It packs easily for weekend trips, without wrinkling.  One time, when I was running horrendously for a date, I answered the door wearing this robe.  I swear he fell in love with me on the spot.  I could’ve put on head-to-toe camo and a fanny pack after that and he wouldn’t have cared because he knew that if he played his cards right, he might get to see me wearing it again someday…

4. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong, $18

4. The Perfect Pair of Underwear

I’ve extolled the virtues of the Hanky Panky low rise thong before, and I’m about to do it again.  There is something to be said when a product is purchased over and over again.  Hanky Panky delivers with their sexy, lacy low rise thongs that don’t ever show VPLs, ride-up, or leave unsightly strap marks on your skin.

One-size-fits-all underwear in a vast range of candy colors?  I’ll take 28, please.

5. Victoria's Secret Set, $26

5. The Perfect Cami and Boyshort Set

Part sexy, part sleepwear, the Victoria’s Secret Cami and Boyshort Set is one I can’t live without.  Whether I’m painting my nails on a lazy Sunday morning, or prancing around my bathroom getting ready for a girls’ night out on the town, my cami and boyshorts set does the trick.  Right now, save $15 off $100/ $30 off $150/ $75 off $250 when you enter the coupon code: SPRING10 (expires 2/15/10).

I hope this list helps you update your current lingerie drawer so that you can be sure you have the right intimates for every occasion.  Now, I realize that it does not include shapewear or an everyday bra.  However, you should already own shapewear and a regular bra.  If you don’t, RUN!  Run to the nearest store as fast as your new push-up strapless bra will let you!  Or, you could always do the easy thing and shop on beso.  You’re welcome.

Valentine's Day Editor's Picks

Valentine’s Day is coming our way.  Regardless of your feelings toward the holiday, I like to embrace all the amazingly flirty, girly, naughty, and sexy things that crop up in order to get us ready for the day of love.  Consider my picks a fun, and feel good buying experience that is perfect for February 14^th and every day before or after. xoxox

1) Charles by Charles David Women’s Curvey Platform Pump
$131.90

2. Victoria’s Secret – Very Sexy Lacy Sling Bra
$34.50

3. Victoria’s Secret – Terry Tie-Dye Smocked Dress
$39.50

4. Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal
$24.00

5. Honeydew Intimates Panties
$18.00

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:

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!

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 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

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! Tianni Metallic Wristlet

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

‘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

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

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!