Store Appeal

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

Alexander McQueen – Legacy through Fashion

Store Appeal: In no capacity is it an overstatement to say that Alexander McQueen was a genius. He did more with clothing than most others could dare to dream. His collections mirrored the boundlessness of his imagination. While I’ve never been one for the oddities of fashion, something about McQueen’s visions, which often left the earthly realm, resonated favorably with the general public. It seems insulting to call his runway theatrics mere “fashion shows,” as they were performance art in every sense of the word. The fashion world lost a leader and a visionary – but his legacy lives on through his fashion. I have written about McQueen several times since I began fashion blogging in late 2008, and am privileged to continue doing so. His works of art became my immediate favorites because of his impeccable attention to tailoring and subtle detailing, like the sunbeam stitching found on his shoes and purses, and the hour-glass inducing curvature of his dresses. The McQueen brand is currently offering its spring/summer sale – 60% off – which in the world of high-fashion is both a steal and a crime. Nonetheless, if you are a fan of the McQueen brand, you do not want to forgo the Alexander McQueen sale.

Our Vote: There are less than a dozen McQueen boutiques in the world, so the majority of your McQueen shopping must be done online or in high-end department stores. This leaves many shoppers, such as yours truly, troubled with selecting a size, but luckily they have a generous return policy and customer service to assist. The website is a treat to navigate as it, unlike many other brands of the same nobility, provides high definition, multi-angle product shots of the products. The shopper may find it a bit laughable to click on “trousers and skirts” only to be met with geometric-print lycra leggings – not the typical “trouser” I’m used to, but the Brits are famous for their wry sense of humour. If you have a moment, check out the Alexander McQueen Experience which houses videos of his runway collections and a very moving tribute video.

Our Favorites:

1. Alexander McQueen Draped Jersey Dress – $750

2. Alexander McQueen Purple Skull and Bee Cocktail Ring – $280

3. Alexander McQueen Skull Brittana Clutch – $1,350

Designer Showcase: Jill Stuart

Store Appeal: New York fashion designer Jill Stuart made her debut in 1993 but according to her NY Magazine bio, her collection really took off with the 1995 release of the movie “Clueless“. Those plaid skirts and knee highs Cher Horowitz donned were all Jill’s doing, creating a spark of interest in her fun sportswear collection and helping her brand really take off. Since then, her label has come a long way, with stores in the Hamptons and Japan, a growing beauty collection, perfume, watches, and other accessories.

Our Vote: Jill’s aesthetic is sexy, sophisticated, and New York chic. Her collection reaches a broad audience, from feminine and frilly to vintage/military influences.  The website showcases her runway collections and ad campaigns from current and previous years, and it has a store listing with online retailers as well.

Our Favorites:

1. This lovely number, a one-shoulder tulle party dress, is over 64% off!  Jill Stuart One-Shoulder Tulle dress, $71.28.

2. Jill Stuart Linen and Lace Zip front dress, $498.00.

3. Jill Stuart Strapless dress with Flowers, $228.00.

See by Chloe Summer Sandals

Store Appeal: See by Chloe, the ready-to-wear line by Chloe is a younger, sportier feel. Though the brand still uses the same great colors and signature styles as the Chloe line, the pieces are little bit more budget friendly.

Our Vote: Shopping the site is a bit like most high-end lines where you have to choose the collection, choose the season and then click through styled photos of the products. So ultimately the actual shopping has to be done through affiliate sites like net-a-porter or of course, Beso! Still the products are displayed beautifully and showcased for the fashion-loving online shopper.

Our Favorites

1.) Red Espadrilles – $241

2.) Yellow and White Flats with Chain Detail $245

3.) Blue and White Leather Wedge – $259

4.) Jelly Sandal with Interchangeable Straps

See more See by Chloe…

Balenciaga Handbags and Wallets – Old World Meets Modern Girl

Store Appeal: While Balenciaga has been around since the beginning of the Twentieth Century, this luxury lifestyle brand has expanded its collection of handbags, leather goods and fragrances to appeal to the modern women while maintaining the couture quality the brand is rooted in. From opulent materials like lambskin, to vibrant use of color and shapes, a Balenciaga bag is easily defined by its structure, use of hardware and well-designed details.

Our Vote: Unlike many high-end designer’s online stores which either have very little content or are more about the design of the site versus the utility of shopping, the Balenciaga site combines both artistry and function, making it highly navigable and a pleasure to view. While Balenciaga is well-known for its red carpet gowns and couture frocks, its handbags and leather goods are perhaps what the brand is best known for in recent years, thanks to the advent of the “it bag.”

Our Favorites:

1.) City Patchwork (in blues or golds) – $2,345

2.) Giant Money (in Moutarde) – $555

3.) Canard Compagnon Wallet – $ 575

Shop Balenciaga online…