The Insider: Contributed by couture

Fashion Friday Links

couture — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:20:53 GMT

Love the Puffer Coat but Hate the Puffy Look? Try a Quilted Puffer Vest [Omiru] Burning Little Bridges [Trend de la Creme] PS I Made This Is My DIY Heaven [College Candy] Bird – By Juicy Couture [The It Lists] House of Harlow Jewelry New Additions! [Chic Intuition]

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Black Friday Promotions Get The Latest Shopping Deals Here

couture — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:56:05 GMT

Black Friday is here, and some of your favorite brands and stores are making it easy for you to find some really great Christmas gifts. Whether you’re willing to brave the crowds or happier shopping in front of your computer with a nice cup of coffee, you’ll be rewarded with some terrific finds from Charlotte Russe, Shopbop.com, DKNY and Tulle. Pom Pom Cable Knit Beanie - $8.99 Charlotte Russe stores and its online store are getting an early start with 25% off all clothing and accessories on Thursday, November 26. Black Friday, November 27, is a continuation of the 25% off sale, and shoppers spending $40 or more in Charlotte Russe stores will get a limited edition snakeskin print wallet. And, from 6 to 10 a.m. Friday, Charlotte Russe outlet stores only are offering an extra 10% off. On Saturday and Sunday, customers can buy any item in-store or online and get a second item for 50% off. November 30 (Monday), online customers receive 25% off their entire purchase and will get free shipping on orders over $60 on CharlotteRusse.com. Charlotte Russe is also pairing up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in their Thanks and Giving campaign. From November 28 till December 14, the retailer will ask customers to add $1 to their purchase as a donation, and in turn, Charlotte Russe will give you a coupon for $10 off a $50 or more future purchase. See www.charlotterusse.com for store and outlet locations. Animalia Print Silk Dress – was $325.00 now $149.00 The DKNY Black Friday Sale kicks off at DKNY outlet stores, DKNY full price stores, and DKNY.com Friday. A few particular specials are a Flame Pointe Dress, originally $295.00, marked down to $199.00 plus 30% off Wednesday through Sunday. The Animalia Print Silk Dress, regularly $325.00, will be marked down to $149.99 plus an additional 30% off Wednesday through Sunday. Alice + Olivia – Bustier Dress with Sculptural Skirt – $462.00 Shopbop.com is ready for Black Friday as well, Starting Friday, Nov. 27 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, November 30. When you spend $300.00, you’ll save $50. But that’s not all: spend $500.00 and save $100.00, spend $700.00 and save $150.00, and if you spend $1,000.00, you’ll save $225.00. To get these great discounts, just enter the code GIFT4U at checkout. Vintage Wool Coat – $83.00 Tulle’s Black Friday online sale is spectacular! The online retailer is offering the season’s best coats, sweaters, skirts, shirts, and more are going to be 50% off starting at 12 AM Friday November 27 through Monday, November 30. All items are first come, first served, so be ready to pounce! To view the items going on sale Friday, visit www.tulle4us.com.

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Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at Couture In The City!

couture — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:18:28 GMT

Wishing all of our loyal readers a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

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Isaac Mizrahi for QVC

couture — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:51:23 GMT

This December, get up close and personal with the lifestyle collection from award-winning fashion designer, accomplished author, and television personality, Isaac Mizrahion QVC. Add some dazzle to your life, style, and home with clothing, accessories, home decor, and even delicious food from Isaac. With over 20 years of experience, Isaac encourages viewers to “look for inspiration in their world and turn it into something beautiful.” Watch Isaac’s appearance on QVC’s Posh in the Park, live from the style capital of the world-Bryant Park, 12/4 at 8pm. Then get sit back and enjoy two full hours with Isaac during the official launch of Isaac Mizrahi Live! on QVC, 12/5 starting at 8pm. Isaac Mizrahi QVC store

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Making Holidays More Comfortablesponsored by Hanes

couture — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:30:48 GMT

The most important thing to remember is that you’re invited to holiday gatherings by people who like you, and chances are, unless you’re dressed as a reindeer, they’re not going to remember what you were wearing. A few years ago I was host to a Christmas Eve gathering and had a particular sweater I wanted to wear. It was soft and flattering, fit perfectly … and was flammable. In the house I lived in at the time, there was an upstairs fireplace in the master bedroom, and with a fire going well, I poked the logs around in an attempt to keep it smoldering while the guests were present. Then a spark flew out and caught my beloved sweater on fire! Of course my mother always taught me to stop, drop, and roll drill for smothering a fire, and fortunately, I was able to snuff out my sweater within a few seconds, but it was definitely damaged and I couldn’t wear it. My stress level shot through the roof, until I calmed down and realized: the people coming here are people who love me. I went through my closet, found one of my “go to” pieces that always makes me feel like I look good, and enjoyed my holiday gathering thoroughly. I figured, nobody’s thinking, “The only thing wrong with this party is what she’s wearing.” And if they were, then maybe they shouldn’t get invited next year! Sure, it can be fun to pick out a new party dress or outfit for holiday parties, but it can also be very stressful. Don’t spend too much time worrying about it. The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed and confident you’ll be. I even have a friend who takes the concept of “holiday fashion” and turns it on its head – resulting in a lot of fun! What you do is, invite everyone with the instructions that they have to wear the most hideous, over-the-top Christmas sweater they can find. You can always find plenty of these at thrift stores so nobody has to spend much money. Then, at the party itself, you have an ugliest sweater contest. It’s great fun, and a nice break from all the worries about making the holidays perfect. When you feel your stress level increasing as you look over your December calendar and see a lot of social engagements coming up, remember two things: 1) You can actually skip some of them and 2) You’re invited because you’re you, not because you’ve found the perfect cocktail dress/high heels combo.

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Weekly Shopping and Goodies

couture — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:37:52 GMT

Australia Luxe Collective “Dita” Tall Sheepskin boots – StyleMaven A Few Goody Gumdrops is ready for Aspen in her Australia Luxe Collective Vintage Cowboy Chic Fringe Boots! Be Seen In Hollywood brings you the newly crowned Miss California. Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is having a Holiday Giveaway Bonanza!! Enter Part 1 to win a jar of Perricone MD Cold Plasma! Couture In The City shares their latest obsession Gucci Sunglasses and Giveaway! Fashion Cents gives you a common “strand” for your style this season — PEARLS! Watch the latest video for a variety of ways to wear what used to be only for the demure. Fashion Hippo found the Best Organic Lip Balms these 6 Natural Picks to Nourish Your Pout Find your party dress in Quinta Trends Shopping and Info loves Alessandra Ambrosio’s Balenciaga giant hardware bag on sale. StyleMaven may indulge in a pair warm and fluffy fabulous Australia Luxe Collective “Dita” Tall Sheepskin boots. TheFind Blog is getting all wrapped up in wool capes this winter! Don’t forget to check out next weeks edition of Shopping and Goodies!

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My Must Have Holiday Gift List

couture — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:54 GMT

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been extremely good this year and I’ve got the Christmas list to prove it. I sure hope I’m on Santa’s “nice” list too, because there are a lot of great fashions I have my eye on. Here are some of them. Here’s a nifty Jacquard Biker Jacket from Topshop with gold zipper detailing and a squared-off biker shape: the must-have shape this season. Made of 65% polyester, 35% Viscose, this awesome jacket is $145.00 from topshop.com. I definitely want my face to be “well-dressed” in 2010, and this Bobbi Brown chrome-accented palette is just the ticket. With 10 eyeshadow shades, 4 lip colors, mini eyeshadow brush, and mini lip brush, I’m not sure I can wait for Christmas to open this one. $75.00 from BobbiBrown.com. A classic platform pump like this Tory Burch Isabella Pump is timeless and works in all seasons. This is a luxury that’s also a wardrobe staple, with round toe, 1 inch platform, and 4 1/2 inch heel. $325.00 from ToryBurch.com. Cuff bracelets are very popular right now, as is studded detail, and this Tory Burch Studded Cuff covers both trends. The 2 1/2 inch wide bracelet adjusts to 7 inches with interior snaps. $225.00 from ToryBurch.com. Few things polish off an outfit like a classic gold watch. This crystal embellished watch from Guess has a Swarovski crystal bezel, round dial, and stainless steel band with a clasp closure. $160.00 from Zappos.com. I already have my Valentine’s Day jewelry picked out: this oxidized silver plate heart necklace from Bing Bang Jewelry by Anna Sheffield. Isn’t it divine? $125.00 from bingbangnyc.com. Boots are the saving grace for those bleak winter days because we can be confident that our feet look great. Here’s a biker boot from Victoria’s Secret. With a 1 1/2 inch heel and metal detail, this boot does the job admirably. $198.00 from VictoriasSecret.com. The “hobo” bag is a hot look this winter, and the Donna Hobo by Alexander Wang is perfect. It is made from pebbled leather and has two welt pockets and four zip pockets with a knot detail on the shoulder strap. $795.00 from ShopBop.com.

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Jewelry Trend: Bib Necklaces

couture — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:43 GMT

One of the big jewelry trends this winter is bib necklaces. They’re like works of art to wear around your neck. The Blu Bijoux silver plated Austrian crystal ribbon necklace is adjustable in silver plate on a black ribbon. Bib measures 2 3/4 inches long. $118.00 from maxandchloe.com. Here’s a hematite beaded waterfall bib necklace is a daring style that will remind you of the gorgeous styles of the 1920s. It’s only $16.00 from torrid.com. Here’s something different: a flower bib necklace. This unique take on the bib necklace has shades of grey, teal, and violet. $45.00 from shopintuition.com. Here’s a classic ivory pearl bib necklace from Ann Taylor with cubic zirconia on a gold chain. Classic enough for work, and dressy enough for nights out. $68.00 from AnnTaylor.com.

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Get the Look for Less: Halle Berry

couture — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:01 GMT

Halle Berry’s street chic look for less Belted Zip Sleeve Bomber Jacket – $129 at bebe.com Hobo International Women’s Yvonne Steven Aviator Sunglasses – $70 at Endless.com Source: peoplestylewatch.com

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Who Wore it Best Ciara or Kim Kardashian?

couture — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:00:45 GMT

Two stars, one look. You decide who wears it better: Ciara vs. Kim Source: peoplestylewatch.com

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My latest Obsession: Gucci Sunglasses Enter for your Chance to Win!

couture — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:00:41 GMT

Jimmy Choo has you covered head to toe. His shoes have long attracted cult-like following by young women intent on living at the forefront of fashion. And now, Jimmy Choo sunglasses can make your eyes as chic as your perfectly pedicured feet. First made famous on Sex and the City, the Jimmy Choo brand gained worldwide following for its beautiful shoe designs. The great success of the brand allowed it to diversify into other luxury accessories such as handbags and now sunglasses. Jimmy Choo sunglasses are nothing less than what you’d expect from a designer so skilled in making beautiful accessories. They’re modern, yet classic, on-trend, but timeless, stylish, yet fun. And they definitely project an air of confidence. Made in Italy – perhaps the world capital for high quality eyewear – Jimmy Choo sunglasses are a great way for fashion-conscious women to buy into the brand without the great expense of buying a pair of the shoes or a handbag. Though Jimmy Choo does have some sporty designs, like the “Jimmy” seen on Paris Hilton, most of them are classic big movie star sunglasses, and celebrities have taken to them in droves. Victoria Beckham (who has her own line of eyewear) was photographed in Jane Nlu Striated Brown Sunglasses. Kim Kardashian was seen wearing a pair of the line’s “Marge” sunglasses, and R&B singer Christina Milian was recently photographed wearing a style called “Jackie,” a style reminiscent of that worn by Jackie Onassis in the 1970s. It would be hard to go wrong with any of the styles Jimmy Choo offers. Jimmy Choo Sunglasses Giveaway – Enter for your Chance to Win! TheTopSecret.com is offering a chance for one lucky Couture In The City reader to win these amazing pair of Jimmy Choo sunglasses worth $330! TheTopSecret.com is a subscription based (free) website you join to shop sample sales which run 2-3 days with top designers at members only prices. How To Enter: To enter this amazing giveaway submit your info at coutureinthecity@gmail.com. And title your email – Jimmy Choo Sunglasses Giveaway. This will run until December 8th 2009. So good luck! Visit TheTopSecret.com today to find some amazing gifts for Christmas! Giveaway Disclaimer: Couture in the City and the featured product is not responsible for any errors that may occur during the giveaway. Nor for any incorrect winners information that may occur during the drawing. To be entered into the giveaway follow instructions. A winner is picked one time only.

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Love or Hate? Rihannas Dress at AMAs

couture — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:16:50 GMT

Rihanna Before hitting the stage in her much-hyped AMAs comeback, Rihanna dazzled on the red carpet in a black and white, laser-cut Marchesa gown. Source: peoplestylewatch.com

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Glamorous Wrap Dresses

couture — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:04 GMT

The wrap dress is a classic shape that flatters most figures. This ColorBlock wrap dress by Marc Jacobs is a different take on the look that only Marc Jacobs could do. $274.00 from shopbop.com. Of course, the woman who made the wrap dress into a fashion icon, Diane Von Furstenberg, has some great styles, including this dressy version from the 2010 resort collection. $495.00 from dvf.com. You can relax in style with this Lounge Lover jersey wrap-over dress as a beautiful and stylish alternative to sweats. Worn with leggings, it’s just the thing for casual times when you want to look great. $210.00 from net-a-porter.com. The classic wrap dress in black is a “go to” fashion staple all year, and this Lotta Stensson version is absolutely perfect. $89.00 from couturecandy.com. Here’s a young, fun version of the wrap dress in a shorter length. The Corey Lynn Calter Purple Sam Wrap Dress is 96% Spandex and 4% rayon. $160.00 from luvcharlie.com.

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Countdown to New Moon Premiere Begins

couture — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:04:30 GMT

Photo from fOTOGLIF Photo from fOTOGLIF Friday is the day that the second installment in the Twilight movie trilogy, New Moon, opens, and teenage girls worldwide are giddy with anticipation. Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward Cullen in the movies, has been the flavor of the week all year for his portrayal as the darkly handsome vampire in the wildly popular movie adaptations of the equally popular books. For the two or three of you who don’t know, Edward Cullen is the vampire who falls in love with human Bella (played by Kristin Stewart) in the fantasy romance series. At first, readers were shocked, shocked! when Pattinson was cast in the movie. He had been in a couple of lesser known films, and had a small part as Cedric Digory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but other than that, he was an unknown quantity. Of course, all that has changed now, and he’s swarmed by girls (and sometimes women who are old enough to know better) wherever he goes. He treads the water of mega-stardom warily, however, telling Canada’s National Post, “If someone records what you’re saying, you’re always vulnerable to so many people, so you’ve always got to be watching your back a little bit. More people read the gossip sites than actually watch the movies, so you’re always in somebody else’s hands.”

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Fashion Links Friday

couture — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:46:31 GMT

Trend Alert: Motorcycle Jackets [Omiru] Mark & James by Badgley Mischka [The It Lists] Why You Zippin? [Trend de la Creme] Fashion Porn: Lace Orgy [College Candy] Chic Trend: Violet Hued Sunnies [Chic Intuition]

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Zachary Pryors Unique Jewelry Is Love At First Sight

couture — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:32 GMT

New York artist Jesse Utt travels to various spaces to showcase a spunky and shameless collection of wall-hanging artwork — and makes jewelry-making look like child’s play. As attractive as his artwork is on canvas, it’s his Zachary Pryor accessories line that’s so beguiling, we’d never want to take off. His earrings and necklaces resemble a scrapbook collage of trunk collectibles that are a perfect way to add crafty edge to your style. Metal chains, color contrast and charms all lend a hand in shaping the tasteful trinkets that have found their way to the necks and wrists of art-loving A-listers like Mary-Kate Olsen and Avril Lavigne. Jesse, under the trade name Zachary Pryor (a name that covertly pays homage to his grandmother and plays off a name that he could’ve been donned at birth) has made wearing art — and making a statement — easy. While his past works feature canvas-mimicking illustrations, his most recent follow either a more industrial style that is loud and evocative, or a fierce, whimsical style with bright feathers. Click here to see the full slideshow From our friends at Stylehive

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Jewelry Trend: Snake Rings

couture — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:27:45 GMT

Taking the buzz away from Brangelina’s rocky relationship, the new “it” story on the hot couple is their serpent-themed jewelry line for luxury jewelry brand, Asprey, which launched today. This slithery snake trend is making a fashion statement with the likes of celebrities, including Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba and Miley Cyrus who have all been spotted wearing these charming styles from baseball games to Red Carpet Events-the only problem being, you have to spend like a celebrity with prices starting at $525. Online jewelry boutique, MyJewelryBox.com offers the fashion-conscious world the same style with their black diamond snake ring for only $195.

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Create Hairstyles seen at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards by Frederic Fekkai

couture — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:35 GMT

While the top designers in America were vying to win the 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, what really wowed the crowd were the two hair looks designed by celebrity stylist, Renato Campora for Frédéric Fekkai. As the exclusive beauty partner for the event, the Fekkai team worked closely with Vogue and the 10 Designer Finalists to create two special hairstyles, the Wet Look and the Dry Look, to compliment each of the collections. The trend: TEXTURE. It was clear that sleek and straight is out, and volume and structure is in. Both hairstyles tell a story through texture, and offer a modern take on two young, trendy looks: the twisted ponytail, and the airy, bohemian partial up-do. Additional details about these two looks are attached here and also below. Look #1: The Wet Look The first look is a sculptural and edgy ponytail. It’s modern, young and sexy. The texture tells a story through the wet and twisted hard hair. Pieces are left in front for an effortless feel, inspired by some of the graphic trends shown in the collections. To achieve this look: Use your hands as styling tools to create this piecey look. Apply Fekkai COIFF(tm) Extra Control Styling Gel to damp hair and comb through with fingers, no blow dry required. Pull hair into textured sections before twisting together into a low ponytail just above the nape of the neck. Secure the twist with bobby pins, letting shorter pieces fall to the side. Shape the hair into a long sleek ponytail. Look #2: The Dry Look The second look is a modern, angelic take on a tousled, bohemian style. It’s dramatic, yet romantic and very wearable. Hair is full and voluminous with an airy soft texture that allows for movement as you walk. Pieces are left in front to frame the face and accentuate the jewelry shown in the collections. To achieve this look: Apply Fekkai COIFF(tm) Strong Hold Mousse to damp hair and scrunch with fingers as you blow dry completely to create the wild texture. Wrap hair in big sections around twist-ties (fabric curling rods) to create volume at the roots and soft curl for movement. Tease hair at the roots using a fine comb, and apply Fekkai Au Naturel Powder Clean Dry Shampoo to add thickness and extra structure, but no weight. Pin the sides to the back of the head and secure with bobby pins. To secure height at the crown, finish with a fine mist of Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray. Products used: Fekkai COIFF(tm) Extra Control Styling Gel Never flaky or sticky – This lightweight medium hold gel keeps hair exactly where you want it. The innovative all Day Style-Memory Lasting Complex shapes and controls the hair throughout the day…and night! Retail Price: $23.00, Bloomingdales Fekkai COIFF(tm) Strong Hold Volume Mousse Fully fabulous – This ultra-light whipped mousse achieves the impossible? all day, all-out body and texture that never falls flat. Retail Price: $23.00, Bloomingdales Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray – This lightweight formula holds volume to lift the roots and delivers powerful fullness that is never stiff or sticky. Retail Price: $20.00, Saks Fifth Avenue Fekkai Au Naturel Powder Clean Dry Shampoo – This naturally formulated product free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrances, gently cleanses hair with a natural botanical blend, infuses hair with conditioning ingredients, removes excess oil and builds volume. Hair is left refreshed and revived without the use of water. Retail Price: $23.00, Fekkai.com

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Ashlee Simpson and Jessica Friends as Well as Sisters

couture — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:24:25 GMT

Ashlee and Jessica Simpson have been on a sort of roller coaster ride in 2009. Ashlee’s acting drew heavy criticism when she appeared in 12 episodes of nighttime soap Melrose Place. Jessica’s weight was constantly scrutinized, and she went through a painful breakup with Tony Romo. Then her beloved dog disappeared. It just wasn’t Jessica’s year. Of the two, Ashlee probably came through 2009 less scarred by celebrity, but in the world of celebrity gossip, all that can change in an instant. But through it all, Ashlee and Jessica have been able to count on each other, as Ashlee recently told People magazine. Ashlee, who appears on the December cover of Women’s Health, defended her sister against judgmental people, saying, “My sister has an incredible body. I feel sorry for anyone who would judge her, because she’s one sexy lady.” She also referred to the people who act as the weight police as “disgusting.” Earlier this year, Jessica defended Ashlee against those who criticized her acting ability in Melrose Place, saying that the scripts she was given were “crap.” Ashlee, in addition to being a wife and mother, is set to star as Roxy in Chicago this December. It will be her Broadway debut.

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Get the Look: Rihanna

couture — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:18 GMT

Rihanna November 17, 2009 (Los Angeles, CA) - Rihanna unleashed the Black Cage dress by Funktional last night in London at the Nokia X6 launch party. On sale tomorrow exclusively at StyleQ.com, this dress proved to be the perfect red carpet look for the newly ‘Rated R’ songstress and fashion icon. StyleQ.com is an innovative online retailer that offers the unique service of shopping with the stylists to your favorite celebrities and getting intel on their next look before their clients do. Be the first to get Rihanna’s dress today at StyleQ.com for $85

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