Store Appeal

Karen Millen: The Little Black Dress

Karen Millen is a glamorous and chic clothing collection brought to you from the UK. Founded in 1983, you can see the European tailoring and style that make Karen Millen special. All of their gorgeous clothing is designed in house, and the collections range from day, work, weekend, and formal wear.

I was especially attracted to the lovely party dresses in the Karen Millen collection. You can see the beautiful couture type details and craftsmanship in each one. Here I’ve picked out a few signature Little Black dresses, a key staple for every woman’s wardrobe. Take a look below:

Karen Millen Ruffle Prom Dress, $160.00. Strapless tutu dress with contrast silk satin panel corset bodice.

Karen Millen Satin Dress, $99.00 (Original price $380.00!). Satin fitted pencil dress with deep v-neckline ruffled small cap sleeve detail. The necklace is detachable so you can wear it with or without depending on the occasion!

Karen Millen Cupro Dress, $59.95 (Original price $350.00!) Soft cupro dress with deep v neckline and shoulder drape detail. I especially love the wonderful draping details on this dress. It’s chic and a bit asymmetrical for a unique twist on the little black dress.

Shop more Karen Millen here.

Gypsy 05 Celebrity Fashions

Hollywood California: Celebrities, fashion, glamour and… Gypsy 05? What exactly is Gypsy 05? Gypsy 05 is a clothing company founded by brother and sister duo Osi and Dotan Shoham. Born and raised in Israel, they gather inspiration from life, culture, the beauty of their foreign ancestry to create unique and colorful garments. They have gone on to receive lots of attention from celebrities and the media, and you can see their fashions in the wardrobes of tons of Hollywood lovelies. Check out some of their creations below:

Who doesn’t want to look like Blake Lively? Get closer to celebrity status with this stunning Gypsy05  Marlee Silk V Tunic, $79.00. The blue is absolutely gorgeous and would look amazing this summer!

Add some texture and pizazz to your outfit with this unique Gypsy05 Talya Scarf, $49.00.

And feel like an off-duty celebrity in this flowy Bella Silk Flutter Maxi Dress, $125.00, seen here on Jennifer Love Hewitt.

See more Gypsy 05 here.

Clinique: A Classic Favorite

You’ve probably found yourself walking right past the Clinique makeup counter time and time again. Yes it’s been around for ages, but that’s for a good reason! Clinique has been a trusty makeup and skincare leader since 1968. I always have something or another in the bathroom vanity from them, whether it be my mom’s signature lipstick or favorite eye cream. I can always count on Clinique to satisfy my skincare and makeup needs. Check out some of my favorites from Clinique below:

Get long pretty lashes with this mascara set, featuring a cute pink makeup clutch.

For breakout prone skin like mine, choose a lightweight oil-free moisturizer that helps clear up your skin.

And for a moisturizing lipstick that will outlast the others, try Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick.

Find more Clinique products right here.

Marc by Marc Jacobs: Online Bargains

Marc Jacobs is infamous for being creative director with Louis Vuitton, as well as his Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs brands. Seen in the arms of tons of celebrities and stylish people alike, you can’t go wrong with one in your arm too. But, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for the Marc Jacobs bag you covet. I’ve been finding tons of really great bargains online. Here are some Marc Jacobs bags I found that won’t leave you feeling broke.

This is an adorable classic, in a color that would go with any outfit in your closet. The Marc Jacobs Natasha Q Crossbody bag, only $138.99 (60% off of $348.00 original price) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The perfect small classic leather saddle bag, in a trend forward olive green. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Bell Saddle Bag, $90.99 (60% off of $228.00) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

This one is my favorites that I found, with it’s adorable slouchy silhouette and sleek grey color. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita Satchel, $347.99 (30% off of $$498.00)

Find more deals from Marc Jacobs here.

Alice + Olivia: Funky + Contemporary

Store Appeal: So if there’s one thing Alice + Olivia are good for – and known for – it’s their impeccable selection of party dresses. The youthful, contemporary line represents the “quirky style” of its founder, Stacey Bendet. In addition to the dresses, the line expands into tops, pants, jackets and even basics (read: white tees with a flair) and some accessories. A kids line and a charity tee selection makes this hipster fashionista brand quite likeable.

Our Vote: With over 60 dresses on their site to choose from, it’s a virtual closet of young Hollywood. Priced well between the $200s and $500s, it’s a great online destination to find that killer cocktail dress that most likely no one else in your circle will have. But probably what’s more entertaining that sifting through the well-stocked online showroom is the “4AM Finds” which truly represents that quirky nature Stacey confesses to have. These pieces include oddball frocks and accessories from other stores like Sephora and Amazon.com that not only make it a pleasure for the online shopper, but make the brand that much more…appealing!

Our Favorites:

1.)    Alice + Olivia Tabitha Dress – $198

2.)    Alice + Olivia Sydney Faux Wrap Dress – $368

3.)    Alice + Olivia CeliaVest – $264

Intermix – Fun, Designer Style

Store Appeal: Intermix is the designer boutique for designers and high-end brands that most stores don’t carry. Always au currant with the latest styles, if you’re a label lover or want to be the first in your group to wear the latest/yet-to-be-seen trends, Intermix is your place.

Our Vote: If you’ve never been to an Intermix store, you’re missing out. Although they’re not in every city, the Intermix store can be somewhat of an anomaly, as it is a boutique with the designer labels and looks most high-end department stores don’t even carry.  However, with discounts and free shipping for qualifying orders, it’s easy to fall in love with Intermix.

Our Favorites:

1.)    Splendid Long Sleeve Stripe Throw – $165

2.)    Guiseppe Zanotti for Balmain Zipper Crisscross Suede Sandals – $995

3.)    Parker Bustier Swing Dress – $218

4.)    Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Stone Cuff – $125

Be&D Handbags, Shoes and Accessories

Store Appeal: Very rarely does an American designer craft handbags that could pass for the Old World glory that is seen in Chanel and Balenciaga – with the exception of Marc Jacobs.  But many American handbag designers have a very streamlined, modern interpretation, which is not a fault, but they find it hard to recreate what’s already been so successful in Europe for over a century.  American designer handbag line Be&D does a brilliant job of melding the two for modern twist on an old favorite, though this is not by accident.  Be&D, which was founded in 2004 by Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain, is now helmed solely by Dumain, who grew up with an affection for antique luggage and in college studied international business, Spanish and art. The handbags, shoes and other leather goods are modern and sexy, but carry elegant and flattering lines. Just what every woman wants.  My personal favorite is the Be&D Kan Kan Tote.

Our Vote: While the online store is easily navigable, the photos are only one-dimensional and can be a bit lackluster, particularly when trying to demonstrate the detail of the fabrics, materials and hardware used on the products. Nonetheless, the shopper still gets a decent idea of what the product might feel and look like in hand, and fortunately, the dimensions and vivid descriptions of the materials used in each product are listed.

Our Favorites:

1.    Be&D Kan Kan Tote - $1,390

2.    Be&D Rizzo Shoes – $458

3.    Be&D Dallas Tote - $895

Accessorize Yourself: Vivienne Westwood Rings

Store Appeal: Let’s talk  Vivienne Westwood rings. I’ve gone crazy for a bunch of her punk rock inspired jewelry after discovering a great collection of her stuff on beso. She’s got amazing rings with crosses, crystals, and little crests. It’s the perfect amount of punk! If you aren’t familiar with this British designer then get to know her! She practically invented punk rock style, with bands like the Sex Pistols rockin’ her gear since the 70′s.  Think fun, funk, and punk with a new wave twist. Her jewelry showcases this style, and it’s a mix of gothic and punk that’s perfectly brash and yet a bit girly and glamorous at the same time. (On a fun and interesting side note, according to wikipedia, “Joseph Corré, son of Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, is the founder of lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.” Cool, right?)

Our Vote: Love her website! There is an amazing retrospective of her work from the 70′s-present day with wonderful images to illustrate her unique fashion sense. I highly recommend you check it out. It’s well organized and the images are so captivating, but you do need a flash player.

Our Favorites:

1. Vivienne Westwood New Skull Ring, $399.00. Punk love!

2. Vivienne Westwood Cemetary Ring, $279.00.

3. Vivienne Westwood Mini Orb Ring, $249.00.

Urban Fashion: Baby Phat

Store Appeal: Baby Phat is the urban lifestyle and clothing brand brought to you by Kimora Lee Simmons. Who exactly is Kimora Lee Simmons? She can be considered a jack-of-all-trades with her many endeavors including modeling, acting, designing, and being a mom to two adorable little girls. She even had her own reality TV show (a guilty pleasure of mine in the past), Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.  How does she do it? I have no clue. I can barely juggle own life minus all those complications. So I guess she leaves a lot to be admired for. Now let’s take a look at what her Baby Phat line has to offer.

Our Vote: A lot of their stuff I dismissed right away because it’s just not really my style, but taking a closer look at their website I found that it’s not only apparel, but also shoes, accessories, lingerie, handbags, beauty, and even swimwear. There is definitely something for everyone, no matter your fashion sense. Like they say, never judge a book by it’s cover. And that saying holds true to this urban brand that is slowly morphing into a sophisticated and intriguing global brand, much like Kimora herself.

Our Favorites:

1. Baby Phat Marianela Open Toed Cage Heels, on sale for $82.03!

2. Baby Phat Checked Button Up Top, $27.03.

3. Baby Phat 2405 Women’s Sunglasses, $45.99, pictured below.  Cute, right?

4. Baby Phat Patent Leather Hobo Handbag, $125.00.

Stuart Weitzman Espadrilles + Summer Shoes

Store Appeal: For years, I have been a huge Stuart Weitzman fan. His shoes are so beautiful and fit so well. It’s no surprise women all over the world, including celebrities like Jennifer Anniston, have been singing the praises of Weitzman shoes for over 30 years. Possibly more important than the shoe itself is the company’s customer service mantra: “…every woman who walks into a Stuart Weitzman store will be the most important customer we’ve ever had.” Learning the business of shoemaking and design from his father, Weitzman now creates more than 300 new styles of shoes and handbags a year, proclaiming each is a monument to fashion and innovation. Weitzman shoes are even featured in Beso.com’s “Go Nude” shoe promotion – this season’s hottest trend in shoes!

Our Vote: Aside from each pair of shoe being made in Spain with over 80 pairs of expert cobbler hands of the course of 6-7 weeks per pair, each shoe also has its own very special place on StuartWeitzman.com. Click on a shoe, it will take you to its page, where size, color and material availability is presented to the shopper with the greatest of ease. What’s more, to the right are the metrics about each shoe – where it was made, materials it’s made from, design elements like platform rise and type of heel. Additionally, each shoe has photos taken from every angle to give the shopper the best feel for the shoe to aid in their decision-making. With prices that are hard to beat especially considering the craftsmanship, quality and mastery of design and function, Stuart Weitzman shoes are as much as symbol of status as they are a testament to the shrewdness of the woman who wears them.

Our Favorite:

1.)   Stuart Weitzman Alexa Espadrille- $375

2.)   Stuart Weitzman Saxony Bootie – $256

3.)   Stuart Weitzman Blingy Jelly Sandal – $110

4.)   Stuart Weitzman Avignon Platform – $365

Jennifer Aniston Wears Stuart Weitzman Alexa Espadrilles