I was recently searching for jewelry on beso when I came across some colorful pieces from New York retailer Max & Chloe.  They have an amazing selection of pendant necklaces and leather bracelets that are great for layering.  I tend to flock toward gold in the summer, and these designs feel fresh and young. 

Many of these pieces have meaning – bringing peace, love, protection, or even healing to its wearer.  While it may be simple superstition, I think we could all use a little help bringing positive energies into our busy and often hectic lives.  Here are some of my favorites:

1. This initial necklaceis a fun way to personalize your look.  Get your own initial, or even wear the initial of a loved one. The blue topaz bead brings a pop of color, which is very complementary with the gold tone.

2. Ever heard of jewelry with healing powers?  The three semiprecious hematite beads on this necklace are said to bring intuition and healing to the wearer.  There are also versions for true love, self-esteem, prosperity and hope, and patience and virtue. Plus, these necklaces are just too pretty to pass up (also makes for a wonderful gift).

3. This thin leather bracelet with the evil eye charm is from Ettika. The line has so many adorable options it was hard for me to choose my favorite, but I went for the evil eye to ward off evil and to protect. 

4. This beaded bracelet also caught my eye.  The peace sign is simple, chic and current.

5. Max & Chloe also sells astrological sign pendant bracelets from Ettika. This one is inscribed with “Leo” and the dates ”July 23- August 23.”  I love the rough-edged gold pendent with the etching, as it gives a very organic feel to the piece.

I had been looking for a new fragrance for the warmer months when Lollia suddenly made it onto my radar with their gorgeous packaging and refreshing scents — and I’m not just talking about the perfume!  Lollia makes a wide array of products including candles, bath salts, and body lotion.  The perfect words to describe Lollia perhaps come from their mission statement:

Lollia is a world created with lovely details, blushing fragrances and flirtatious touches.

The details are what make Lollia stand out.  From the little honeybees floating on their perfume bottles to the champagne-inspired bubble bath, Lollia is at once unique and charming.  After all, who can resist the perfect packaging?

Lollia Candles in Breathe, Cotton & Colver, and Wish

 - Jasmine for beso

Spring is here, and it’s got me thinking of light, comfortable fabrics and pretty new items to add to the wardrobe.  That’s where Joie comes in.  Joie clothing, founded in 2001, is all about casual, comfortable, and luxurious — their motto and mission statement.

The details are what make these tops so special, from delicate embroidered flowers to ruffles and ruching. They’re girly without being over the top, and perfect to toss over your favorite pair of jeans and strappy sandals in preparation for the warm weather ahead.

Joie 'Novella' Lace Trim Top

Soft Joie "Muse" Button Front Top

I’ve written about 7 For All Mankind on DenimDebutante.com a couple of times, but since some time has passed, I wanted to share my latest experiences exclusively with the beso blog readers!

To start with a little brand background, 7 For All Mankindwas started by denim powerhouse Jerome Dahan (the same designer of Citizens of Humanity denim line) in 2000. Dahan and his partner left the company in 2004 (if my memory and Google research serves me right), and the brand was bought out by Vanity Fair in 2007. Around the time when Dahan left, the brand started to slip. Quality, cut and fit seemed to fall to the wayside in favor of loud designs, crystals and other forms of flash.

I wasn’t 100% sure that I would ever buy another pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans, but I gave the line one more chance and I’m so happy to say that they have totally turned the fit and design around. The brand has made a complete 180 and has come back to wear they started – traditional styles, perfect fits and innovative washes.

Here are my top 3 favorite styles from the brand:

7 For All Mankind Gummy Gwenevere in Indigo

#3 The Dojo: The Dojo is the traditional flare that really made the line famous, and it’s pretty obvious how that happened. The fitted thigh, flared leg and perfectly sized back pockets made this great. Plus, for those of us who are shorter, the Petite Dojo is about a 30″ inseam, has a slightly higher knee break to elongate your legs and make you look taller.

#2 The Skinny: Clean, gorgeous and easy to wear, 7 For All Mankind’s newest skinny cut is awesome! This pair is perfect to wear with boots and a tunic… soft and simple. A definite winner.

#1 The Gwenevere: My all-time favorite pair from 7 For All Mankind is the Gummy Gwenevere Denim Legging in Indigo. They’re soft, a great length and a snug fit. The Gummy style does run a little bit small (about a half size, so if you’re in between sizes like me, go with your larger size), but it’s a pair you’ll keep going to again and again.

Curious about all the pairs that 7 For All Mankind has to offer? Don’t be! beso has all of them all in one place – everything from brand new to sale pairs – just go to their 7 For All Mankind Section and search through the different pairs to find what’s right for you!

Pop Quiz: Who was the original fit model for 7 For All Mankind? (Hint: She now has her own very popular denim line!)

For more of Jaime’s work, check out DenimDebutante.com.

Gucci Helena Cutout Boots

Personally, I think every girl looks fantastic in boots.  But these Gucci Helenasare reserved for the Catwoman at heart.  I can hardly decide if they are simply elegant or if you need to be carrying a matching whip with these on.  Take the whip with you to be safe.

These boots are made from rich black leather with a zipper in the back for easy wear on and off.  There is also an open toe that shows diagonally-shaped silhouette. You’ll get about an inch on the platform and another four in the heel.

Guys, if you know what’s good for you, pick up a pair for your Valentine today at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,550.