Store Appeal

Crabtree and Evelyn: Stop and smell the…

Store Appeal: Romantic florals and the sweet smell of blossoming flowers…that’s what comes to mind when I think of Crabtree and Evelyn. Founded in 1972, Crabtree and Evelyn have created a long lineage of fine lotions, creams, and scents that showcase natural plant, flower, and fruit essences. I also really love their selection of gift sets; my cousin gave Crabtree and Evelyn gift boxes  to all the bridesmaids for her recent wedding.

Our Vote: An clean, simple, easy to use site with an amazing range of products separated by collections (i.e. Gardners, Citron, Lavendar, La Source, etc.) You just click on a collection/scent to view a description and list of products. I’m favoring the Citron collection, a scent infused with honey and coriander and an Allure magazine recommendation.

Our Favorites:

1. Evelyn Rose Triple Milled Hand Soap: $20.00

2. Citron Rejuvenating Hand Remedy: $25.00

3.  La Source Relaxing Body Lotion: $17.99

4. Purifying Aromatic Candle: $30.00

5. Distillations Relaxing Lavendar Oil: $20.00

Shop more Crabtree and Evelyn right here.

Clarks USA: Not your grandpa’s shoes…

Store Appeal: Clarks, you say? Yes, the Clark’s you’ve remembered your grandpa wearing since you were a kid. Slowly but surely Clarks is experiencing a revival among fashionistas across the globe. With an English heritage dating back to 1825 (yes, 1825!) you can be assured they know what they’re doing and their timeless style has stood up to it’s legacy. Don’t believe me? Here’s the fashionista herself, Sarah Jessica Parker donning the Clark’s Desert boot, an alternative to this season’s men’s inspired oxfords. I love the boyish rugged shoes paired up with a girly outfit for an unusual and modern twist on this summer’s fashions.

Our Vote: Very basic, straightforward site with simple navigation tabs. However, I do prefer beso’s online Clarks store for it’s easy-to-browse ability. I like seeing a bunch of options at once, and the beso site allows me to scroll through tons of shoes quickly and efficiently.

Our Favorites:

1. Classic Clarks Desert Boot, $95.00.

2. Clarks Splendor Lily Sandal, $90.00.

3. Clarks Miami Beach Wedge, $80.00.

UnitedShades: Let the sunshine in!

Store Appeal: A key essential now that it is officially summer is definitely a perfect pair of sunglasses. (Speaking of which, need a quick how to? Here’s a great guide to finding the right pair for your face type!) Getting back to track, United Shades is a great site for all of you picky people who want a ton of eyewear options all within the click of your mouse. 38 brands. 7000 styles. Online since 1997, they guarantee the authenticity of all their glasses so you don’t have to take a risk buying a fake pair from a shady site. I focused on sunglasses, but they also carry an amazing collection of glasses as well.

Our Vote: Ever wanted to order a pair of glasses online but been afraid if they’d look good or not? United Shades has the coolest feature ever on their site; virtual mirror! Upload a frontal picture of yourself and then virtually “try on” any pair of shades on the site!  Also, you can narrow your search options to frame type, frame shape, and they have a vintage eyewear section too!

Our Favorites:

1. Ray Ban Arista Gold Aviators, $127.00.

2. Dior Homme Black Tie Sunglasses, $187.00.

3. Christian Dior Symbol 3 Sunglasses, $214.00

Find more from United Shades here.

Alexis Bittar: Hidden Treasures

Store Appeal: I’m a simple girl when it comes to accessorizing and choosing my outfits, but don’t get me wrong; I’m a sucker when it comes to things like eye catching costume  jewelry. When I discovered Alexis Bittar’s jewelry collection I went all googly-eyed because his creations are the perfect mix of influences from things like vintage art deco to 80′s modern sculptural influences.  It’s to be expected from someone like him, whose credentials boast clients from Burberry to Pat Field of Sex in the City fame. No doubt you can see the craftsmanship and superb design talent from his various collections. Prepare to be wow-ed!

Our Vote: A very interactive website with Polaroid images of his jewelry and an illustrated timeline of his personal biography. You can find links to his blog as well as current/past jewelry collections. Great images of the jewelry as well as detailed descriptions.

Our Favorites:

1. Gold Crystal Encrusted Liquid Link Necklace. $195.00.

2. Crystal Encrusted Crevice Hinge Bracelet. $450.00.

3. Klimt Citrine Oval Drop Earring. $145.00.

More Alexis Bittar jewelry can be found here.

AG Adriano Goldschmied: Premium Denim

Store Appeal: AG by Adriano Goldschmied was founded in Southern California in 2000, and since then has experienced continued success in the women’s (and men’s) denim market. With a widely European influenced style and a large celebrity following, AG has become a go-to brand for the latest in denim trends. They now boast a wide range of denim, corduroy, and chino bottoms, in styles that range from capris to shorts to tights.

Our Vote: The AG site is great for finding out information about the company; it even has a video on their jean production process! Very cool. It also includes lots of press and event photos, where you can find out which celebrity was spotted wearing what pair of AG jeans so you can get your own. Interested in Zoe Saldana’s uber flattering jean leggings? Find ‘em here! Also, what’s nice is that they separate all the bottoms by fabric type, and there’s a handy fit guide on the site as well.

Our Favorites:

1. The Ex-boyfriend Crop Denim Pant, $235.00.

2. The Tomboy 17 years Jean, $295.00.

3. The Kiss Jet Straight Leg Jean, $172.00.

See the wide array of AG products here on beso.