Saturday, 18 October 2014

Bemsy's Guide to Shopping Online: Part 1

Photo: @charlielanks

Running See it, Want it! has made me something of an expert when it comes to locating items in online stores, but it's also made me quite the savvy online shopper. So, I've decided to share some of the things that make online shopping easier, more fun, and cheaper than buying in-store.

1. Do your research
If you're looking for an item from a particular brand, google it before you shell out your hard-earned cash on the first site you find it on. Often, an item may be reduced or part of an offer on one website but not on another. You can use Polyvore to find out who else is selling it, or even ebay.

2. Make the most of voucher code sites
Before I buy anything online, I search for discount codes because I hate that sinking feeling when you realise you could have saved some money on your order, but it's too late to change it. There are loads of discount and voucher code sites, all you need to do is type the name of the store and then "discount code", "voucher code" or just "code" into google and you'll hopefully find a great offer. And don't forget, some online stores allow you to combine multiple codes.


3. Check the returns policy
This is SO important. I only had to make the mistake of not checking once, and now I don't buy anything before I've read what the returns policy is. There is nothing worse than buying an item that you hate or that doesn't fit, and then you find out that you're stuck with it because the returns policy is rubbish! I'd actually go as far as recommending that if the returns policy doesn't seem quite right, you shouldn't place an order.

4. Try items on in-store and then order online
Okay, so I know this sounds a bit odd, but for some brands, it's a great way of saving money. H&M, for example, often have discount codes for their online store but not for their actual stores, and ASOS often runs offers on particular categories such as dresses and coats. 

Do you shop for clothes online?

Bemsy x

Thursday, 15 August 2013

Swim Suit Season

One of the highlights of summer is swim suit shopping. This year I have seen more unique styles than I have ever seen in years before. There are so many cute options and I can't wait to buy a few! 



fringe bikinis
Top row left to right: Damsel @ Tilly's; Damsel @ Tilly's
Middle: Damsel @ Tilly's
Bottom row l - r: Crash & Burn (sold out) similar at Couture Candy; Kandy Wrappers (sold out) similar at Tilly's 



bandeau bikinis


Top row l - r: Violet Lake (sold out); Beach Riot @ Swell; Charlotte Russe
Bottom row l - r: Paul Smith @ Zappos; River Island (sold out), similar at ASOS; Hurley @ Pacsun


bustier bikini

Top row l - r: Mara Hoffman (sold out) similar by Mara Hoffman at Saks and Free People; Mara Hoffman @ Saks
Bottom row l - r: Seafolly @ ASOS; 80s Purple ; Mara Hoffman (sold out)

My suggestion would be to pair these bikinis with high waisted shorts and an open knit sweater for night time! 

What's your bikini of choice this summer?

Riss x

Sunday, 16 June 2013

Get Ashley Benson's style!



If you’re a fan of Ashley Benson then you’re probably used to seeing her in either a pink bikini in Spring Breakers or “three inch heels or nothing” as Hanna Marin in Pretty Little Liars. But when she’s not on set or on the red carpet then Ashley’s style is pretty laid back. She’s a fan of the beanie as well as slouchy tees and black jeans; some may describe her style as grungy with a trendy edge. I personally love it, so here are some ways in which you can get Ashley’s style!


Where? Coachella 2013
1. Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters; 2. Cape - Capology; 3. Jeans - Krisp; 4. Tank top - Nasty Gal, alternative at Nasty Gal; 5. Stud bracelet - ASOS; 6. Bracelets - sold out @Topshop, similar at Nordstrom; 7. Stonewash Converse - Converse

Here are some other outfits Ashley has worn lately, what do you think? Comment below!



Beth x

Monday, 27 May 2013

A run through San Francisco (or how to stay in shape while traveling)


Who said your outfit couldn’t make heads turn when you’re working out?

The sun has finally decided to show up and the warm weather is, from my perspective, synonym of “get outside ’cuz it’ll only be there for 3 months”. Bikini season is approaching and so I’ve decided to make a special “welcome back” to my running shoes, and this made me think of the beautiful West Coast of the United States.



This week’s destination? San Francisco, or should I say “A day in San Francisco”. Between the tourists attractions, and the wonderful view, San Francisco is a city of health on the food level, as well as on the sports level.



Make the most of your day
Start your day with a walk to Pier 39, the biggest Pier of the city, where you’ll see runners passing by at every moment. From there, take a boat to Alcatraz, where you’ll face the impressive reality of prisoners of the middle of the twentieth century. Back on shore, rent a bike, and enjoy the wonderful view of the Golden Gate Bridge, as you bike on the road aside of the water. Stop at a small kiosk for a worldwide known “Clam chowder”, and make a small visit of Ghirardelli to enjoy the amazing smell of chocolate. Back on your bike, make a detour to Lombard Street, and reach the end of the road to visit Fort Point, under the Golden Gate. Leave your bike near the entrance and take a walk on one of the most acclaimed bridge in the world!



You’ll probably want to enter the Nike store in Union Square, where the rainbow of running shoes on the wall makes you want to buy every each of them.




Finish your day with a Cable Car Ride, and make sure to catch a picture of the amazing architecture!

This summer, if you’re planning on a trip, take your colourful running shoes with you. Running through the streets is a wonderful way to discover hidden places! It also gives you an absolute different perspective... And it burns the calories you over-eat all-day because you are so right if you want to taste everything!

Lori

Monday, 13 May 2013

Spring Spotlight: Maxi Dresses

Left-Right: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

A HUGE trend for the Spring/Summer season is maxi dresses. I am obsessed with how boho and carefree they look. I suggest pairing plain maxis with a statement necklace and some strappy sandals. For plain maxis, I suggest keeping it simple and adding a few bracelets and some sunglasses. 
Here are a few of my picks for the season!



I love the back on this dress. It is so simple yet stunning. It is perfect for those summer days where a top knot is necessary. Tobi.com has great affordable dresses for any occasion!



This Lulu's.com dress is perfect for a night out! Perfect dress to pair with your favorite statement necklace and your favorite pair of wedges!



I can absolutely see myself wearing this dress during the summer. This A'gaci dress gives a bohemian vibe with the hat and belt. You can dress this up or down for night or day looks! 

Which dress is your favorite?

- Riss x


Tuesday, 30 April 2013

How to dress for Spring when it's still obnoxiously cold!


Photo used with permission from Collage Vintage

Here's the deal: I live in Minnesota, also known as The Coldest State of the United States. And I mean it when I say it was literally blizzarding this time last week, but I've been desperately trying to incorporate spring-y items into my "winter" wardrobe. Some of you may want to skip right over this article because it may well be warm where you are, but to my ladies that are still freezing your asses off, but want to spring up your wardrobe, this is for you!


This option is perfect for a day in class or running errands about town! It may be too soon to rock a crop top on its own, but that doesn't mean they can't be layered! Pair it with high-waisted pants and a loose-fitting sweater, and you'll be good to go!


These options are perfect for a night out with your girls, or even if you just feel like dressing up a little on a normal day!


This outfit isn't dissimilar to what I wore today! Super simple, and comfortable, but still put together! 

Anyways, hope my ideas helped you! Getting on polyvore definitely helped me :)

xoxox

Monday, 29 April 2013

The 90s are back!



Known and loved TV shows and movies from the 80's and 90's have been my recent go to for a few giggles. It's hard to believe what some people work back then and how they thought bucket hats folded up with a giant fake flower or two on them looked good - you know the ones I'm talking about. Plaid on plaid was cool, and the tighter your curls were, the better. Justin Timberlake anyone?



But I am not here to hate. I'm sure we will all regret some of our own styling choices in centuries to come. It happens to the best of us.

I am writing to commemorate. To honor those who have subconsciously predicted the fashion future. whenever I wach a cheesy Beverly Hills 90210 episode, or the classic Clueless, I get excited when I see clothes I actually like and would wear. Not in a vintage way but in a full priced new season kind of way. Cher Horowitz, a fashion icon in the 90s, is still influential today. I love that in 2013 someone could wear the cute high-waisted shorts and blue sleeveless shirt worn by Lisa in Dirty Dancing and it would not be deemed weird. They have defied the odds of wearing some of the many past trends that are now frowned upon, and this is an achievement.

- Lauren

Cher Horowitz in Clueless

Lisa (Baby's sister) in Dirty Dancing

Tori Spelling as Donna in Beverly Hills 90210 Season 3