Fall Together Not Apart

How to Make Your Wardrobe Fall From One Season to the Next

Send your wardrobe from summer to fall in just a few short steps.  Don’t store those tanks and minis in the deep dark depths of your closet just yet, you CAN wear them in October – you just have to know how!

Layering

 Layering should be a major word in your vocabulary when it comes to your fall wardrobe.   YES you can be chic on a budget this fall – the key is layering and it’s so simple!  Layer your summer tanks under a big chunky oversized sweater, and for your bottom half layer a cute denim mini with a pair of tights or leggings and a great pair of boots!  You know those flowy silky tunic length dresses that you wore all summer with your favorite sandals – now’s the time to throw them on over skinny jeans or leggings and put on a pair of boots and ta-da you’re fall-fierce in an instant. Just a few extra layers and accessories change your look from summer to fall in the blink of an eye and it doesn’t even really require that much brain power! 

Pair this GLAM tunic dress ($70) with Dolce Vita wedges ($88).  Add fun, bright jewelry like this yellow Chan Luu look-a-like bracelet for a fraction of the price of the real thing (only $25) for a summer look. Take it into fall by pairing the same tunic with a tan braided belt ($25), chunky bracelet ($20) and William Rast Sienna jean leggings ($155) & a pair of tan thigh high boots!

Accessorize

Scarves are a great way to push your summer looks into fall.  Switch up your scarves from a silk or cotton to a heavier weight fabric.  Also consider the color and pattern of the scarf.  Deep jewel tones, animal prints, plaids, and dark florals are perfect for fall.   As far as handbags go, it’s time to retire your straw tote that you carried all summer and replace it with a dark leather bag with lots of hardware for added bulk.

Wear this Theme tan & black sleevless dress ($48) with a pair of Sam Edelman Gigi sandals in black ($50).  Add fun colorful accessories like this necklace ($30) and braided knot handbag for ($65) for a summer look.  Switch out the handbag to a black & gold studded bag ($75) for a more fall appropriate look and add an animal print scarf ($25) and bangle with jewel toned stones ($25).  Add a pair of your favorite black leggings and boots to complete the look.

Mix Fabrics

While mixing lighter weight fabrics with heavy weight materials was a major no-no in previous seasons, this fall it is a definite YES!  The idea is to mix opposite elements to exaggerate their effect.   Mix textures to add dimension and interest to an outfit.  Velvet and suede are two fabrics that are big this season and will add interest and make your look more fall appropriate. 

Follow these simple tips and before you’ll know it your wardrobe will be a GO for the fall!  Challenge yourself to pair different things together that you wouldn’t normally consider and by doing so you’ll be amazed by how many outfits you can make out of your existing wardrobe just by adding a few new pieces here and there. 

Until next time, stay fabulous! 

Want to share your own tips, suggestions, & tricks for transitioning your wardrobe?  Or have you seen some upcoming fall trends that you’re LOVING right now?  Leave us your comments below and you may win a bevello gift certificate!

bevello coming to South Charlotte!

bevello’s newest location in South Charlotte is finally up-and-running. It’s located at South Charlotte’s up-scale shopping center, Blakeney (we are across from Encore restaurant).

Like other three locations in Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and Huntersville, we are featuring designers such as William Rast, Citizens, Rock & Republic, Max & Cleo, BCBGeneration, Aryn K., Theme, RYU, Frenzii, Dolce Vita, TOMS, Sam Edelman, and much more. Most importantly, you will meet our friendly sales associates that will make your shopping experience one-of-a-kind.

Be sure to come by and check out our fabulous clothes and accessories!


How to be the perfect wedding guest (and look fabulous too!!)

Well hello July!  Looks like we are right smack dab in the middle of wedding season which means most every upcoming weekend is likely filled to the brim with wedding festivities – engagement parties, wedding showers, bachelorette parties, bridal luncheons, and of course – those BIG days!  Whether it’s your college roommate’s wedding or your boyfriend’s weird cousin’s, the informal barefoot beach wedding or the blowout wedding of the century… you’ll need the best dress for the occasion.  You’ll also need to know the biggest do’s and don’ts for wedding guests.  

DO take time to RSVP!  And do it by the reply date – otherwise you’re just lazy and rude.  The couple has spent a lot of time, money, and energy making plans for the special day, so be considerate.

Yes, you DO have to buy the couple a gift.  It doesn’t have to be a silver platter from Tiffany & Co. or the $400 Margaritaville Margarita Machine they registered for.  In these T.E.T.’s (tough economic times) check out places like Marshalls and TJ Maxx – they’re brimming with unique, yet affordable, wedding gift treasures!

DO be on time!  Ideally we would all always be on time to everything,  but life happens and occasionally, so does “lateness.”   However, a wedding is just not an event one can be late for.  If problems arise and you do happen to arrive late, say during the processional, be respectful and wait until the bride has processed in before you go in.  Also, don’t make your “fashionably late” entrance down the center isle – that’s for the bride so use a side isle and slip in quietly.

DON’T try to outdo the bride!  It’s her day and when it’s your day you’ll want the guests to respect you just as much.  Don’t wear anything too skimpy or revealing.  That teeny tiny little painted on dress you looked super cute in at the bar last night is not appropriate to wear to a wedding (even if you did look great in it!)  Do NOT – ever-for-any-reason –  wear all white (or even off-white) to a wedding.  It competes too much with the bride’s wedding gown.  Don’t wear red either – some things are just wrong, so take our word and obey – no red.  Don’t wear black to a daytime wedding; it will make you look like you’re in mourning instead of celebrating.  However, black to an evening wedding is completely appropriate.  You have so many color options, these few are just off limits.  Period.

NOW ONTO THE FASHION!

Follow the dress code if one is printed on the invitation.  If not, here are a few tips:

There are clues everywhere when trying to figure out what will be appropriate to wear to the wedding.  Is the invitation on nice heavy paper with formal script writing?  Is the wedding in the evening?  If so, the wedding will be similarly formal to the invitation.  Does the invitation have bright colorful fun graphics and fonts with a cute catchy invite?  The wedding will probably be less formal so you can look for something along the lines of the invitation.  Think about where the wedding will be – outdoors, tropical, country club, posh downtown restaurant?  Dress appropriately for the location. 

 Try this mocha C. Luce dress for the rehearsal dinner! The style and color make it appropriate for multiple events.  Add a splash of color with this chunky bib turquoise necklace.  Both dress & necklace available at bevello.

 

Daytime appropriate:

  • a soft flowy dress
  • a flirty floral dress
  • a skirt and sweater set or nice top

For a daytime outdoor wedding, a bridal luncheon, or wedding shower try something like this adorable polka dot dress by Burlapp. Add a fun chunky bracelet to top off the look. Available at bevello.

 

Evening appropriate:

  • Darker colors
  • Cocktail dress
  • Little black dress (just not too little)

For a formal evening wedding try something like this BCBGeneration LBD paired with a chunky translucent black necklace. Strappy sky high heels by Dolce Vita. All available at bevello!

Now you’re ready!  You’ve got the tips, the rules, and some fabulous examples from your favorite boutique.  So make us proud ladies – go forth and conquer! :)  

Until next time…look fabulous, feel fabulous, be fabulous!

Mix and Match Without Looking Mismatched

Ok readers, we can all admit that we’ve had one of those rushed yet creative mornings where we were standing in our closet trying to decide what to wear and amidst that closet FULL of clothes, we just simply could not find anything to wear!  So tapping into our creative spirit, the solution that felt right at the time was to throw something crazy together (like an outfit full of different patterns) and run out the door, fingers crossed that passersby would keep their opinions that we looked completely ridiculous to themselves, or that perhaps, at least one person might actually like the jumbled mess of an outfit. 
We get this crazy idea to mix prints because after all, if our style icon Carrie can do it, and celebs can do it, shouldn’t we be able to?  True – this whole pattern-mixing phenomenon may look a little bizarre to some. Nevertheless, if done correctly (and assuming you own the look and rock it), it can come off fantastically chic. 

Whitney Port shows us how it's done! Bravo!

Good news! Mixing patterns and prints is a YES – especially right now!  However, to avoid looking like a hot mess, there are just a few guidelines that all women should take into consideration .  So ladies, follow these few simple steps and you’ll be making an outfit of mixed prints look effortlessly chic instead of looking like your grandmother’s closet of plaid and polka dots just threw up all over you.  Before you know it you’ll be looking like you stepped right off the runway!


1.  Find a base color.  This is the first and most important step.  Have the base color appear in each of the prints, whether you choose 2 or 3 prints to work with.  This repeat of color will tie all the patterns together and give them a common tone.

2.  Work with patterns that are different from each other.  You don’t want any pattern be too similar to another.  The key is contrast.  Try balancing a larger, bolder print with a smaller, softer print.  A great example of this is pairing a large, bold stripe or gingham print with a soft floral or paisley print.

3.  Mix old with new. Let’s face it, in this economy we simply cannot afford to run out to the mall every time we want a new outfit or find ourselves staring blankly into our closets.  The best way to keep your look fresh and to fake “new” outfits is by mixing and matching pieces.  Of course, your inner shopping diva who has no awareness of your limited budget or that your rent is due tomorrow will sometimes win out and force you right over to the mall.  When this happens, take clothes from your closet with you, or wear them out on your shopping trip so that you can find new pieces to coordinate with them that make them feel new again.

bevello's version of mixing prints!

Mixing this striped GLAM top ($45) with a paisley printed scarf ($25) is a definite YES! Pair the look with a simple denim jean like these Anoname jeans for $110 and for those cooler nights throw on this Aryn K. white summer blazer for $123 (notice the oh-so-subtle tiny blue & white stripe on the cuffed lining of the jacket - I love it).  All available at your beloved bevello.  Ta-da!

So now it’s your turn fellow bevelloans.  What do you think of the pattern-on-pattern look?  What are some of your favorite ways or tips to wear prints?  Will you or have you tried it?

Get the Look: Sex and the City – Day 4: Carrie

Carrie Bradshaw. Carrie. Bradshaw. The name falls under synonyms for “fashion” in the dictionary.

Carrie’s style has been described as many things, ranging from “bizarre” to “perfect.” You’d be hard pressed to find someone who has loved every one of Carrie’s outfits, just as you’d have just as hard of a time finding someone who didn’t love at least one.

The style of Carrie Bradshaw...Perfect or Bizarre? We love her either way.

Carrie’s flair for fashion includes wearing unexpected combinations, mixing patterns and textures, donning ridiculously oversized accessories and pushing the envelope of what’s trendy…and at times, socially normal.

Keep in mind, readers, that Carrie’s style is not as casual-oh-I-just-threw-this-on as you’d think. A team of experts put together over 50 options for each episode for Carrie, settling on the ones you’ve seen in the movies and series after much deliberation.

Don’t let Carrie’s style intimidate you, and whatever you do – don’t try to copy it exactly. Carrie’s look is all about originality and what works for the wearer (you!).

Ladies, the finale in our series of SATC looks for less: Carrie Bradshaw.

Day 4: Carrie

The best way to get an outfit that feels “Carrie” is to pick one piece that you really want to wear – and build. The only rule not often broken: stilettos are a must.

Lunch with the girls: This outfit is a prime example of starting with one piece and moving from there. We started with the Black Ruffle Lace Hem Wrinkle Shorts by RYU: ($60), added a simple fitting White ¾ Sleeve Glam Top ($48), some chunky layered gold necklaces by Lori Snyder ($78) and Golden Stella ($25), the huge Black Studded Gold Handbag ($70) and some patent pumps for a funky look that is definitely one-of-a-kind.

 
 

 

Funky/Fresh

At the office: The office for a writer like Carrie is a fairly fluid concept, since it is normally in her apartment or the local coffee shop. This comfortable Plaid Neck Tie Romper by Theme ($53) is a fun piece to pair with the flexible White Boyfriend Blazer with Aqua Stripe Trim by Aryn K. ($123) for when it gets chilly in the Starbucks. A fun, funky Sparkly Pink Pendant Necklace ($18) adds shine while sky high Porter Brown Gatsby Leather Wedges by Dolce Vita ($88) are a must.

Isn't the whole point of making money to spend it?

Date Night with Big (or Aiden??): If it weren’t for the preview showing Carrie and Big in matching tuxedos, I’d say she normally goes for a more romantic look on dates. That’s Carrie for you though, folks. Always unexpected! However, we still feel like this dress is a safe bet for a date with the Big in any girl’s life. This C. Luce Aqua Cutout Dress ($73) is flattering to a multitude of skin tones and hair colors and pairs fabulously with the Aqua Candy Jade Lori Snyder Necklace with the huge vintage pin ($78).

 
 

 

We've seen big flowers on Carrie before...

Out on the town: Not only did we mix and match to create this going out look, we reworked the dress itself! We took the metal and cloth necklace embellishments on this Esley Black Dress ($45!!!), added a Stretchy Black Belt ($32), Gold and Orange Studded Bangles ($25), a Gold Studded Orange Clutch ($35) and the killer Black Jeweled Bib Necklace ($65) to make a look that is nothing but vamp. The back looks great, with the beading sweeping the shoulder blades. If you don’t read anything else on this outfit…Note. The. Shoes. These Lance Black Napa Leather Heels by Dolce Vita ($184) are sky high and still feel great to walk in (seriously!).

Note the shoes, folks!

Get the Look: Sex and the City – Day 3: Samantha

Samantha’s style is all about sex appeal.

Samantha Jones, folks.

Daring necklines, short hems and impossibly tall shoes are just the beginning. Samantha pushes the envelope of what is age/work/time-appropriate fairly often – and makes it work.

While Sam may have platinum cards and access to 5th Avenue and Rodeo Drive, her fiercely femme signature look is completely doable. Leave it to your very own bevello boutique to prove it – for the third time!  

Day 3: Samantha

Lunch with the girls:  Samantha would be sure to be in on the white denim trend. These White Skinny Jeans from Anoname ($110) highlight the pop of color and texture in the Sea Foam Feathered Trinity Tank ($55) with the delicate rope belt and funky racer back. Add a stack of gold Lori Snyder chains with Cranberry Jade ($58) on top and the delicious Dolce Vita Brown Gatsby Leather Wedges ($88) for a sexy, powerful look.

Confident and Sexy - the best of Samantha's style!

At the office: This Two Tone Pink and Gray Dress by Esley ($55) is a super-affordable find that would still satisfy the voracious appetite of a Samantha-type gal. Layer on simple pearl-and-chain strands and shiny peep toes to soften the look.

Change up the accessories for an easy night out outfit, too!

Date Night with Smith …or anyone: It may look like you’ve taken forever to get ready, but throw on this Racer Back Orange and Gold Sequin Dress by Aryn K ($105) and the Penley Dark Silver Raja Leather Wedges by Dolce Vita ($69) and you have a look that exudes confidence and demands free drinks.

The orange color looks great with a bronze tan, too!

Out on the town: Samantha is known for her daring choices – especially when it comes to color splashes. This strapless Glam Chiffon Tube Dress ($90) has a sexy middle ruffle that is a perfect lead in to some patent gladiators (model’s own). For a little extra glitz (and you know Samantha wouldn’t be able to resist), accessorize with the Chandelier Clear Crystal Necklace for ($28) and a white studded handbag ($55).

Ruffles, Straps and Studs....nothing is too much for Samantha.

Stay tuned for our finale – Day 4: Carrie!

Get the Look: Sex and the City – Day 2: Miranda

Continuing our countdown to the Sex and the City 2 premier, we look to Miranda Hobbes, the sometimes cynical, always brave, power-player redhead of the group.

While Miranda may have sport a law-partner budget and live in the heart of American fashion, her signature look is easy to pull off on any budget. Leave it to your very own bevello boutique to prove it – again!  

Day 2: Miranda

Miranda is probably the most underrated of the four girls when it comes to style. For rookies to the show, it’s easy to project her cynical, blunt personality onto her wardrobe. She has made some interesting choices, but haven’t we all?

While she's made some regrettable choices (joveralls?!), Miranda has redeemed herself in the later seasons with spot-on accessorizing

Lunch with the girls:  As I mentioned earlier, even if Miranda dons a plain ensemble, she does it up right with the accessories. In this outfit, the silky femininity of the Trinity Sea Foam Green Silk Blouse ($65) pairs nicely with the matte texture of the Linen Pencil Skirt with Chocolate Wrap Belt by C. Luce ($58).  Low slung simple heels keep the look clean and chic.

Use the chocolate wrap belt (comes with the skirt) on other outfits as well!

At the office: Miranda’s no-nonsense work style conveys power and professionalism, while still highlighting her best assets. This sleek Aryn K. Charcoal Blazer ($90) provides a nice foil to the girlie look of the Pleated Lace White Blouse by RYU: ($65). Pair these with a simple pencil skirt or trousers and a low kitten heel for a look that says, “your case is safe with me.”  

Feminine and Professional do not need to be antonyms.

Date Night with Steve: Miranda has the LBD down to an art. This Wish Collection Lace Short Sleeve Dress ($98) is the perfect date night fit for someone who works long hours. Even without a proper toilette, you can slip into sexy with the lace peek-a-boo shoulders and form-fitting shape. Throw on some sassy, shiny patent heels to glam it up.  

 
 

You can never go wrong with a LBD

Out on the town: Back to the LBD, this sleek Kimono Jersey V-Neck is a sexy fit with a secret weapon – pockets! Comfortable, yet chic – this look is perfect for the Mirandas of the world looking for a good time with no fuss.

This LBD is heavy on the "L," making your legs look a mile long!

Stay tuned for Day 3: Samantha and Day 4: Carrie!

Get the Look: Sex and the City – Day 1: Charlotte

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard about the premier of Sex and the City 2 arriving this Thursday to theaters (and even if you were living rock-chic, we’d be surprised if you haven’t heard about it).

In the film, the four best friends go on an overseas trip together and experience new men, new culture and of course – new fashion!

If you’re like us, in the past few years you’ve envied Charlotte’s apartment, laughed at Samantha’s escapades, been inspired by Miranda’s bravery and fallen in love with Carrie’s writing. However, what really speaks to most women is the fashion of SATC.

While they may have designer budgets and NY shopping pools, their signature looks are easy to pull off at any level. Leave it to your very own bevello boutique to prove it!  

Day 1: Charlotte

Charlotte’s style is unarguably one thing: classic. She prefers clean lines, conservative cuts and multi-piece outfits that go together without question. While she may not be on the cutting edge of fashion trends, Charlotte is always two things: appropriately dressed and chic!

 Charlotte – Lunch with the girls: This effortlessly chic look is achieved with one woman in mind: Joy Han. The detailing on the white cotton dress by Voom by Joy Han ($215) provides a point of interest while the sleek body stays conservative and comfortable. Pair it with a bright accessory like our Blue Faux Crocodile Clutch ($35) for a Park Avenue look at an affordable price.

Charlotte - At the Office: Who says you can’t look sexy and professional? This Max and Cleo Cap Sleeve Dress ($117) looks like a well thought out skirt-and-blouse combo, but is actually one piece. A Black Oversized Bow Purse ($75) adds a feminine touch while keeping functionality in the picture (you can fit a ton in there!).

Charlotte – Date Night with Harry: Max and Cleo makes another appearance on the Charlotte style list with this Romantic Black and Gold Floral dress ($148). The flouncy, romantic champagne skirt pairs well with a sexy, low cut black v-neck top. Throw on the Compact Shiny Black Wallet Clutch ($35) and you’re ready for six courses of glamour.

Charlotte – Out on the Town: Charlotte’s “going out” look takes conservative pieces and pairs them with a bit of sheer, a body hugging line or a daring hemline to make them sexy. Charlotte would be ready for the swankiest of NY martini bars in this Cream Aryn K. Skirt ($71), Trinity Black Sheer Ruffle Top ($68) and Lori Snyder chunky long asymmetrical pearls ($68). Manhattan, anyone?

 

Stay tuned for Day 2: Miranda, Day 3: Samantha and Day 4: Carrie!

The Ladies of bevello: Meet Mara!

Meet the newest member of our bevello Winston-Salem family: Mara Schilly! This sweet little Elon grad joined us about a month ago and has already proven her teeny little weight in gold!

What drew you to bevello (why did you want to work for us)? The wonderful staff! The atmosphere that they have created at bevello is very welcoming and fun. I have a great interest in fashion, and what better place to get involved in the industry than bevello.

Other than work/shop/play at bevello, what else do you do? Thanks to shows like Project Runway, my mother and I have been inspired to make clothing in our free time. It’s a great chance to spend some quality mother-daughter time together and expand my wardrobe! I also enjoy singing in choir, my car and the shower, as well as attending Carolina Hurricanes hockey games!

Describe your personal style. My style is classic with a punch of color. I’m a big fan of cardigan sweaters and little black dresses that you can dress up with a great Lori Snyder necklace. You’ll either see me wearing a pair of jeans with a cute top or a fun dress.

What is your favorite trend right now? What do you see being big for spring/summer? My favorite trend right now is stripes and nautical-inspired clothing. Although you have to be careful that your stripes don’t resemble jail apparel, stripes are so hot right now! I’m so thankful the cold weather is gone! The nautical-style clothing is getting me ready for the summer ahead.

What do you think is the worst fashion mistake a girl could make? I think the worst fashion mistake a girl can make is VPL, or Visible Pantie Line. This is a horrible distraction and completely takes away from the outfit being worn. So make sure you get a friend or family member to check before you leave the house!!

This will never be you with Mara Schilly in your life...

This will never be you with Mara Schilly in your life...

What is the fashion staple every girl should have in her closet? JEANS! I think every girl needs to have a good pair, or several pairs, of jeans. You can make a multitude of outfits with jeans! Jeans have been around for awhile and definitely will not go out of style!

What do you want to be when you grow up? When I grow up (which is sooner than I thought) I want to be part of a non-profit organization. I am very passionate about giving back to the community and I believe there are many organizations out there that do a wonderful job. And who knows, maybe I will found one of my own someday.

Who is your celebrity fashion icon? Why? My celebrity fashion icon is Sarah Jessica Parker, more specifically her character Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City. Although outrageous at times, Sarah’s character, Carrie, stands out of the crowd with her sense of style. Her bright colors, sexy lines, and fabulous jewelry are definitely inspiring.

It's all about discrete accessories and details here, folks....

It's all about discrete accessories and details here, folks....

What is your favorite item in-store right now and why? There are so many cute things to choose from! If I had to choose one, I would have to say Theme’s turquoise skirt with the swirly detail on the bottom. It’s flirty and fun! It’s perfect for the summer months. The color is so vibrant; the perfect “pop” for your outfit.

Mommy Deare$t

How can you show the woman that raised you that you are appreciative of all she’s shelled out to make you the fabulous person you are today? By showering her with gifts, of course! In all seriousness, most female guardians would prefer a gift with some sentimental value on Mother’s Day. However, as the years pile up there are only so many ways to present your mother with a photo of yourself without looking narcissistic.

Consider these options (most available at bevello) for a real treat for mom and save the sentimental stuff for the card.

$38 – $78 Lori Snyder: Duh, of course we’re going to recommend Lori Snyder. The best option here is a really bright Lori Snyder necklace. Sure, it may only work with a few outfits, but that’s the beauty of it. If mom is a practical shopper who rarely treats herself, she’d appreciate a piece that is unique and stands out, but probably wouldn’t get it for herself.

$44-$79: TOMS For the mother who wants to give back and look good, TOMS are a great option. At $44 a pop for the plain canvas ones, you can feel good about your gift since each pair purchased warrants another pair donated to a child in need. See www.TOMS.com for more information. Available at bevello in limited sizes in Ash, Black, Navy, Natural, Red, Olive, Yellow Linen, Blue Linen, Blue Tangier and Leather. $25 Scarf: For your boyfriends mama. Get points for being thoughtful without being creepy or offending your own mom. Available at bevello in lots of fresh, springy prints scarves are a great gift and universally loved by all ages and styles. Be sure to ask for the cute gift wrap option of having the scarf in a bevello shipping tube!

$20-$50 Pedicure/Manicure: Okay, you lazy, last-minute, non-committing daughters…this one is obvious. It is not creative. It is always a good idea. If you have the cash, get one for yourself too and make it into an afternoon date (coffee beforehand is a good idea…not after because your nails will be wet. Duh).

Bevellonians, what are your thoughts? What are your most creative Mother’s Day gifts of years past? Comment here for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate! You can also enter on Facebook or Twitter.