Luxe for Less: Affordable Elegance at Shopmamie.com

Meet the Shopmamie.com girls Megan and Amy!

What do you get when you turn your love for elegant and affordable clothes into your very own biz? Just ask Megan and Amy, co-owners of the online boutique Shopmamie.com. Every day they work to bring their customers the newest and hottest looks at truly affordable prices, and all with their own brand of style and finesse.

Megan and Amy have a great eye for what is trendy but timeless, bringing you elegant and easy to wear dresses, tops, coats and more that easily fit with your existing wardrobe pieces. Take, for instance this turtleneck dress:


Turtleneck Dress, $59.00

Pair this simple dress with tights and boots or heels for a very of-the-moment ensemble.
I also love this wool jacket:


Short Wool Jacket, $85.00

The cut gives this jacket a vintage-chic appeal, while the oversized collar gives interest to any look.

They even carry unique and affordable party and evening dresses like this beaded halter dress:


Embellished Halter Dress, $58.00

And that’s not all…they have a number of great dresses and tops (some as low as $39.00) with details that you won’t find just anywhere. And the deal gets even sweeter…

Couture in the City readers will be able to take advantage of a 10% discount for a limited time. Just use the code: COUTURE at checkout to get your exclusive deal.

So what are you waiting for? You don’t have to sacrifice fashion during an economic slump, just get smart and shopmamie !

Celebrity News: Actress Michelle Yeoh Goes To Babylon AD

Michelle Yeoh - our heroine and Asian actress, gives fashion her own touch

Michelle Yeoh cannot bring us any surprises. Move over Angelina Jolie. This stellar Asian actress is one of the top action actresses out there today. She is a woman who has gained fame and fortune by starring in action films. Like leading male action hero Jackie Chan, Yeoh has been celebrated for performing her own death-defying stunts and handling her own fight scenes. Moreover, she has cultivated this reputation without compromising her femininity. Yeoh's formidable beauty, poise and winning personality are what brought her to top of her league. This ex-bond girl. (Yes she starred opposite Pierce Brosnan). Recently celebrated in the quake of her movie - The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Michelle shone in her decadent and beautiful Asian inspired costumes for this cool flick. As well as on the red carpet for the release of the movie.

Michelle is certainly not shy when it comes to being bright in yellow and gold pumps at her red carpet premiere of The Mummy 3

Here Michelle sparkles in Gucci. Inspired by Gisele’s catwalk fashion frenzy in the chic design

From ancient china to the future with Babylon AD. Michelle's new flick also co-stars one of my favorite action actors - Vin Diesel. Yes this futuristic thriller has Michelle doing what she knows best - karate.
And looking great of course! We love you Michelle!

Michelle brings it on in her latest flick Babylon AD starring opposite her leading man Vin Diesel

Source: Google, Yahoo!, Babylon AD,

Hot Celebrity Trend: How to Wear One-Shoulder Dresses

Blake Lively (source)

Jenny McCarthy (source)

Alexis Bledel (source)

Rachel Bilson (source)

One of the most unexpected and surprisingly fresh trends of late summer seems to be the one-shoulder dress. Across the board, this vampy look is making waves with all types of celebrities. Whether they are going for an avant-garde look, or merely something youthful and fun, celebs are making this revolving trend their own again.

My favorite new twist on this hot again trend is the belted look. Blake lively turns an average blue dress into something fabulous with a simple cinch of the belt. For a more off-beat look, opt for a cap sleeve, like on Rachel Bilson. One of my favorite ways to wear the one-shoulder look is the "Grecian goddess" style, like on Jenny McCarthy. Gauzy fabrics and pleated gathers make for an ethereal yet sophisticated look on a one-shoulder dress.

Want to try this hot celebrity trend? Here's how to wear one-shoulder dresses:

Fun:

Look for bright colors and flirty details, while keeping it simple all at the same time. This trend will work best with a solid color (a print will make this style look dated). I absolutely love this one from Juicy Couture...it makes me want to go dancing!

Juicy Couture (source)

Basic:

Yes, a one-shoulder dress can be basic, I promise. If you are hesitant to try this trend, go for a simple sheath in black first. This is perfect paired under a shrunken tuxedo jacket for work; nix the jacket for happy hour for a great desk-to-dinner look.

Vince One-Shoulder Dress (source)

Still wondering what to do with that one-shoulder top you've been kicking around your closet since 2002? Resurrect it! If it is a solid color (black and white are going to work best), pair it with a pencil skirt in a matching or complimenting color and cinch in the middle with a belt. Voila! Instant dress! Try this trend out now while the weather is still warm, and let us know what you think of this look.

Hot Summer Trends: How to Wear Maxi Dresses

Kate Beckinsale (source)

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (source)

Charlize Theron (source)

Ok…I’m going to be honest; this is not one of the easiest trends to pull off. Maxi dresses are all the rage right now, and you can find them everywhere from Old Navy to Target on the low end to upscale designer styles. While these flowy frocks seem like they would be the answer for all of us body conscious girls (goodbye thunder thighs!), the wrong print or cut could have your dress looking one step away from a house coat.

This being said, I love a good maxi dress; they are ethereal, bohemian and not to mention, comfy. Not only that, but they are the perfect cover up for trendanista mom’s-to-be. If you are brave enough to try this trend, here are a few tips on how to wear a maxi dress:

1) Get a good cut: if you have an ample top, make sure the girls aren’t spilling out everywhere, and that’s just for starters. Make sure your waist is still defined, whether with an empire style or with a belt, and make sure that your not going to trip over a too-long hemline.

2) Prints: beware of busy prints that induce headaches or blurry vision, because that’s a lot of fabric to deal with. If you are particularly unsure or self-conscious, go with a solid print maxi dress to start.

3) Accessorize: another reason to go with a solid colored maxi dress is that it is going to be the easiest to accessorize with. Long necklaces, scarves, and look-at-me handbags go great with a maxi dress. Still not sure what to wear those trendy gladiator sandals with? Try them with a maxi dress to double up on trends.

If you are still not sure, then get yourself an inexpensive solid colored maxi dress and wear it as a cover up to the beach or the pool and give it a test drive. If you decide that the longer style isn’t for you, cut it to just above knee length and repurpose it into a sun dress. Either way, experiment and have fun! Let us know what you think about this summer trend and if it works for you!

Source: CoutureintheCity.com

Enter Our Shabby Apple Giveaway!

If you drool over dresses and baubles at Anthropologie, but can’t bring yourself to spend $200.00 on a casual dress, then you must check out Shabby Apple! Bringing you retro-inspired, shabby chic and uptown dresses at prices the working girl can afford, Shabby Apple is one of my new favorite boutiques.

Whether you are looking for a few dresses to wear to work, a unique dress for an upcoming baby shower, or just something sophisticated and hot to wear to your ex’s wedding, Shabby Apple has the dress for you. I just love the Ballerina dress:

Ballerina Dress, $46.50

They also have totally trendy jewelry and accessories and prices even the mall can’t beat, like this cinch belt:

Cinturon $14.00

See? Totally cute…you can check out all that Shabby Apple has to offer, and if you see something you like, they are offering Couture in the City readers 15% off their first order! Just use this code:

Code for 15% off Shabby Abble: SAMarketingCoutureintheCity15off

*valid through 9/2008

Shabby Apple also offers free shipping BOTH ways if you don’t get the fit of your dress just right, so go ahead and order that little retro floral number!

Oh yeah, did I mention that you could enter our Shabby Apple Giveaway? One lucky reader will recieve this super cute dress from Shabby Apple!

Jackie O. Dress Enter HERE to win!

Deadline ends March 12, 2008 at midnight, so enter now for your chance to win! Good luck!

Weekly Fashion Round Up at Couture in the City

What is hot over at our sister fashion blog Couture in the City this week:

‘Tis the Season…For Haute Holiday Dresses

Christina Ricci (source)

The Perfect Holiday Gifts for Mom!



Elle’s Holiday Gift Guide, Personality Shopping!



Great Holiday Gifts; New Fragrances from Diesel



Fab Fashion Blogs Friday



Visit Couture in the City for the latest in fashion and how-to wear style.

It's Electric, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Cameron Diaz

Kelly Ripa

Chloe Sevigny

Katharine McPhee

Kate Hudson (source)

Somewhere between robin's egg and turquoise is electric blue, and celebs are flocking to this hue in a big way. An unusual color for summer, electric blue has become a staple with the Hollywood elite on the red carpet and on the streets. Whether it's a daring halter dress like on Chloe Sevigny or a casual tunic like seen on Kate Hudson, there seems to be no limits to where this color can go.

For me, there is something about this color that hearkens back to the late 1980's and early 1990's...it's almost neon in nature. This used to be one of my favorite colors to wear in scrunchie and sock form, and I am pleased to see its' return. This is actually a fabulous color for a variety of skin tones, and is especially great for showing of a summer glow.

Think that an electric blue frock may be hard to find anywhere past Rodeo Drive? Think again...LeFashionista has you covered, and at a price tag way below what the celebs might pay. If you are eager to try out this trend, then check out Misile's "Addressed to You" sun dress, now on sale. Cute a la carte, or with a pair of jeans, this is the perfect way to dip your toes in the electric blue water.

Misile "Addressed to You" frock, was $210.00, now $180.00

CALYPSO by Christiane Celle

CALYPSO Women's new higher end label "Christiane Celle"

Julia Silk Dress - $185.00


This is our signature wrap dress in cruise colors and the "big sister" to our Vista Silk Top. Featuring an elastic sleeve and extra long wrap ties for a casual yet sexy sleek look.

Denise Dress - $235

This is our newest addition to the collection. This dress is both sexy and chic, perfect for any occasion.

Julia Chiffon Long Sleeve - $250


Calypso's signature piece in a sexy leopard print.

Satin Wrap Dress - $270

Makes the perfect holiday or evening dress. This sexy piece is universally flattering and can be worn as dress or a skirt.

Shop CALYPSO

And they say that the 80's are dead...

Chloe Sevigny in Luella




















Cameron Diaz in Valentino




















Diane Kruger in Giorgio Armani




















Hilary Swank in Fendi




















Paris Hilton (photo source)

Most fashion experts would like you to think that the 80's look is as dead as boho-chic, but I beg to differ. From belted tunics to angular dresses, the Elizabeth Taylor/Dynasty look is alive and well, and celebs are happy to keep it going as well.

Some celebs are bringing the 80's to the red carpet in prom dress-like styles (like Chloe Sevigny and Paris Hilton) while others are taking a more glitzy approach like Diane Kruger and Hilary Swank.

However, our favorite approach to 80's re-revival style has to be Cameron Diaz's Valentino Oscars gown. Cameron is unequivocally talented when it comes to rocking new 80's chic and this gown proves it. With just the right taste of the 80's in the off-the-shoulder neckline, but kept contemporary by not being in a crazy neon color, Diaz strikes just right balance.

From Runway to eBay find of the Week: Dolce & Gabbana Butterfly Bra Dress

Demi Moore's Infamous Dolce & Gabbana Butterfly Bra Dress - $345



Lace yourself into one of Dolce's Most Wanted dresses ever - worn by Demi Moore and countless other celebrities, this is the MUST-HAVE denim version that is by far the most coveted and impossible to find!



Every It Girl and A-Lister from Demi Moore to Kelly Preston to Jade Jagger flaunted herself in one of these - and this is Demi's chic black-indigo version so you can wear it everywhere from Friday clubbing to Sunday brunch!


Shop Couture Closet
eBay.com

Sexy Halter Style

KAROO Mark Eisen - Was $352.00 Now 246.40





KAROO cashmere is more luxurious than anything we've ever worn, and it's even better when it shows up on a style as fabulous as this.


Karanina $345.00
Two Tone Convertible Halter Dress





What's better than elegant fashion? Elegant fashion with options, of course.

ingwa; melero
Phoenix Halter Maxi Dress - Was $322.00 Now $161.00





This dress is long and lusciously sexy.