After watching Bravo’s one-hour special “Christian Siriano: Having a Moment,” I became fascinated with all that Siriano has accomplished both before and after Project Runway!  Siriano began designing at the age of thirteen and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and the American Intercontinental University in London, where he interned with Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. 

His break came when he showed his fierce design skills in season four of Project Runway.  Siriano shows a full collection every season at New York Fashion Week, and has designed for a growing list of celebrities including Rihanna, Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham, and Lady GaGa.  Other projects over the past year include creating a recurring line of accessories for Payless; a makeup line for Victoria’s Secret; a design collaboration for Starbucks and with Puma to design a 15 piece mini collection exclusively for Estelle.  Siriano  has also written a style guide titled Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self.  I love his Fierce Mamas for Moody Mamas collection, available on beso!

Fierce Mamas by Christian Siriano for Moody Mamas Maternity Tunic, $78.00 $45.90 (41% off)

Fierce Mamas by Christian Siriano for Moody Mamas Maternity Square Neck Dress, $110.00 $65.90 (40% off)

Fierce Mamas by Christian Siriano for Moody Mamas Maternity Silk Sweetheart Dress, $186

Meghan Donovan of WIT & Whimsy

Meghan Donovan is the Editor in Chief of WIT & Whimsy, a lifestyle blog that obsesses over fashion, beauty, food, fitness, travel, and more.  She uses humor to bring a fresh perspective to her daily encounters, but it’s her thoughtfulness that causes readers to fall in love with her. 

Herewith Meghan gives us her beso:

beso: What shoes are you obsessed with right now?
Meghan: I am a shoe gal through and through, but never before have I ever wanted a pair of shoes as badly as I do the Jimmy Choo Private patent leather sandals.  They are to die for.

Jimmy Choo 'Private' Patent Leather Sandals

b: What is your go-to pair of jeans?
M: 7 For All Mankind Roxanne skinny jeans.  They pair perfectly with pumps and a blouse for a night of cocktailing and flats for a more casual daytime look, but can also be cropped to wear with gladiator sandals. 

b: What brand can’t you live without?
M: I think I’d be lost without J. Crew.  Their staples and dresses are just so easy to throw on and look put together.

b: If you could be invited to any runway show, which would you choose?
M: I had a blast covering New York Fashion Week this past February and am anxiously awaiting seeing the looks that were showcased on the runway hanging on the racks and available online — but the one show I dream about seeing is the crème de la crème in Paris: Chanel.

b: What bag are you carrying right now?
M: Even though it’s summer and I’d normally be carrying a more seasonal bag, I’ve not been able to part with an old favorite of mine: The MARC by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier hobo in black.  I love that it has both shoulder and cross-body straps so it mixes up the look a bit.

b: Favorite beauty product?
M: Benefit Posietint.  It’s the perfect lightweight flush of color for both your cheeks and lips.  I layer Benefit Sugarbomb blush on top of it for an added pop, as well.

Benefit Sugarbomb Blush

b: Favorite charity?
M: I support the Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Fund as I love what the brand does to utilize fashion for good.  It’s an easy way for people to support a great cause (cancer care and prevention) both monetarily and fashionably by sporting your cause on any number of their items with the trademark pink pony.

b: What fall trend will you definitely be wearing?
M: I’m for sure after chunky knits come this fall, and saw great ones at Twinkle by Wenlan in February.  I’m also planning on seeing how well I can pull off thigh-highs with cute skirts and sweater dresses!

be: Lastly, what’s your beso? 
M: Be so you.

Originally from Vietnam, Chan Luu began designing her own accessories in 1996.  Behind each Chan Luu jewelry design is a story inspired by nature, world cultures and the purity of her design aesthetic.  She uses high-quality materials such as sterling silver, gold vermeil, leather, pearls and semi-precious stones to create innovative pieces that have gained a loyal celebrity following, and featured in many fashion magazines.  Check out some of my favorite Chan Luu accessories:

Chan Luu Silver Hammered Ring, $109.00$77.00 (29% off) at Zappos

Chan Luu Graduated Mixed Wrap Bracelet, $295 at Chan Luu

Chan Luu Gold Vermeil Leather Wrap Bracelet, $190 at Ron Herman

Chan Luu Turquoise Cube Necklace, $268 at Nordstrom

I first took notice of Trina Turk a while back when I was watching one of my favorite TV shows, What Not to Wear.  It’s obvious why the New York City boutique is repeatedly chosen for shoppers to rebuild their wardrobes.  The Trina Turk summer collection is no exception.  Inspired by California’s diverse cultures, architecture, and landscape, the collection consists of casual-yet-chic silhouettes.  Her philosophy is to create wearable, optimistic fashion that incorporates the best aspects of classic American sportswear. 

Today, the Trina Turk collection has expanded to include swimwear, jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, and a printed fabric home collection.  Here are some of my favorite picks out this season:

1. Trina Turk Rancho 2 Dress, $278

2. Trina Turk Trudy Romper, $190

3. Trina Turk Loop De Loop Atlantic Beach Bag, $198

There are also some really great Trina Turk sales on beso, so be sure to check it out!

At beso, we’re obsessed with style.  Whether we’re shopping for shoes or updating our living room, we want to recreate our vision just so.  We think style maven Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Home can relate.  Whether she’s designing jewelry (check out her latest collection of Beetle Belts), redecorating her home, or shopping for vintage finds, she is one woman whose style is effortless and truly her own.

Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Home

We had the opportunity to chat with Judy, who just returned from a trip to Tokyo.  She shared some of her secrets for traveling well and discovering vintage pieces.  She is one woman who inspires us to be true to ourselves.  Herewith is her beso:

Q&A:
beso: What is your go-to bag when traveling
Judy: It’s a bag I purchased at Brookstone at the airport — I can’t live without it!

b: What is your favorite luggage?
J: Hmm — I love vintage Hartman luggage — but really anything that is stylish and lightweight.

b: What sunglasses are you wearing right now?
J: I have a pair of YSL sunglasses from about 5 years ago — cannot believe they have lasted this long!  I’m notoriously harsh on sunglasses.

b: Did you bring anything on your trip that reminds you of home?
J: It’s silly, but I travel with a stuffed cat.  It doubles as a pillow on the plane, and it also pads my camera.

b: On your trip to Tokyo, was there anything you were hoping to find?
J: I like to visit the Comme des Garçons store.  It’s much less expensive in Tokyo, and [my daughter] Jane and I have a few boutiques we like to hit like Fur Fur and 55Hotel.

b: What stores call out to you, either in Dallas or Tokyo?
J: I like 4510 in Dallas, and V.O.D. boutique.  Barneys in Dallas is great, and the staff they have assembled is terrific!  Bedrock is a favorite in Tokyo — truly this store is a retail experience.  Beauty beyond description.

b: What designers inspire you right now?
J: I’m more inspired by the past right now.

b: What is your favorite vintage find in your closet?
J: Uh-oh, there are so many!  I have a large collection of vintage jackets ranging from YSL, Moschino, Lacroix — these jackets are my favorite things.

b: In your home?
J: A vintage zebra hide rug.

b: I know you’re in the process of redecorating your home.  Do you have a favorite room so far?
J: My living room.  I will unveil it soon.

b: What is your favorite piece of furniture?
J: I really like my 60s daybed.  It’s large enough for two, and so well made.

b: What are you looking forward to wearing this fall?
J: Lots of boots, and lots of vintage.

b: Lastly, what’s your beso?
J: My beso is — “spoil yourself.”

Beetle Belt Collection

photos courtesy of Atlantis Home