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 !

The Heat is On! Macy’s 150th Anniversary Gift Card Giveaway

We’ve received such an amazing response from our Macy’s 150th Anniversary Gift Card Giveaway that we simply have to up the ante…that’s right, the heat is on!

We are challenging you, dear readers, to let us know exactly how you would spend this fabulous prize to create the fall fashion look of your dreams. Belted floral dresses, long sweater cardigans, ankle boots…give us the works girls!

One lucky reader will be chosen and their entry will be posted on Couture in the City! So how do you enter?

1. Go to www.macys.com

2. Pick out your favorite fall fashion looks

3. Send an email to coutureinthecity@gmail.com listing your favorite Macy’s Fall Fashion looks and how you would wear them (ie- belted over jeans for a lunch date).

And to give you a little inspiration, here are a few fall fashion looks that I created from my favorite new dress from Macy’s:

Weekend

I scrunched up my dress over jeans to create a cute tunic look and paired it with some sassy metallic accessories.

Casual Cool

Belted sweater + t-strap heels=easy!

Dinner Date

A jean jacket dresses this look down, but metallic accessories keep it looking cute.

Cubicle Sleek

Tucked into black pants with patent heels for an office chic ensemble.

Dancing Queen

Textured tights, a metallic clutch and my t-strap patent sandals create a dance floor ready look.

Make sure to get your Macy’s Fall Fashion looks in by October 28th for your chance to win. Good luck, and stay tuned to find out who our winner is!

Europe’s Autumn Girl Accessories For Fall: Handbags, Shoes, Jewlery & Gloves

Yes Fall is just around the corner. Alas if we are lucky we will have a glimpse of an Indian summer breaking into September up into early October. But still as the seasons change so does our wardrobe. I always feel a tang bit sad when fall comes around. The leaves start falling, awaiting the colder months ahead. But, I do love the colors of autumn. Which are rich in bold reds, sienna browns, yellows, and greens. These are the colors we can gain inspiration from! Even lilacs and lavenders, and blues are pushing forth their awesome colors. In the jewelry and accessories department. But what has Europe got going on in the fall department? Let’s find out!

THE FALL SHOE

High Boots

Knee-high or over-the-knee styles are best paired with mini lengths and go great with wool mini skirts. These long boots will take lightweight dresses into winter. And the Soft suede styles in the palest of hues are the feminine choice of the season.

THE FALL HANDBAG

Baby Bags

Wheter it’s Perspex boxes, pompoms, or frilled leather purses. The more fanciful your bag, the better! Don’t reserve these handbags just for evening outings - these little gems deserve to be displayed all day!

THE FALL JEWELRY & GLOVES

Costume Jewelry

From chunky wooden beads, giant Deco cuffs, and bold neck pieces… Jewelry comes super-sized! As long as it makes an impact, anything goes.

Gloves

Experiment with bold colors or try glossy black leather. The perfect glove length? Ending halfway up the forearm.

Source: Vogue UK

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,

Be Your Own Style Icon & Create Your Style With Yoana Baraschi And Black Halo

Be your own style icon! And create a unique style just for you. Today we are featuring classic designer Yoana Baraschi, paired with pearls. Or get a more casual approach with a Black Halo dress and silver flats. Either way, you’re going to look good!




Yoana Baraschi has wonderfully cut designs. And her choice of metallic grays is very eye catching. Though her designs are simple. You can still feel like a movie star in one of her garments. This dress is high fashion! I love the fit, color, and style! This will look great with pumps and into fall with a great pair of black boots! My Star suggestions who would wear her designs are Katie Holmes, Nicole Kidman, Christina Applegate, and Paris Hilton.

Black Halo has some really fabulous designs. And their outfits can look great at the office or for any evening event. Now you're looking haute couture! Here are my favorite picks.


Black Halo Jackie O Dress in Black


Black Halo Bouquet Cami Dress


Black Halo One Shoulder Jackie O Dress in Coral


Black Halo Tweed Cami Dress

Beautify your whole look with double strand pearls. As you know Pearls are up there with diamonds. Hence a girls best friend.



Cultured Pearl Double Strand In 14kt


Silver Paua Shell and Pearl Double-strand

Finish your look with a pair of Kate Spade point silver flats. Or a pair of silver Jimmy Choo sandal flats in silver. The choice is yours.


Kate Spade silver pebble leather 'Devon' flats


Jimmy Choo Metallic Silver Leather Gemstone T-Strap Flats

Source: TheFind.com

Today's Couture - New York Designer Elliott Lucca Handbag Giveaway Valued at $300!

Hello there you fashionistas! As you know Elliott Lucca is our designer couture giveaway for the month of June! Every Friday we will feature a new handbag giveaway from this exclusive New York designer!

We are excited to announce in our third week running, that today’s giveaway is the EL Satchel!


“Today’s Couture” giveaway this week is the Elliott Lucca Satchel valued at $300!

This beautiful and elegant designer handbag is valued at $300.00! So you better enter and subscribe to Couture in the City if you don’t already! That is supreme value for a high quality and superb designer handbag! The Satchel by Elliott Lucca has ultra-soft leather in an elegant palette of summer colors. And the beautiful shape is enhanced with impeccable lines.


Elliott Lucca Satchel is accented with the distinctive EL logo

So if you want to be the proud owner of a Calypso Satchel in dazzling raspberry, then Enter today and subscribe to Couture! If you already subscribe to Couture in the City you are automatically entered into the giveaway every week! The Calypso Satchel giveaway runs until June 25th. So subscribe if you already haven’t. Next week in Friday’s ‘Today’s Couture’ we will be giving away our grand finale of two handbags to two lucky readers! - The Calypso Satchel and Clutch in silver by EL! So good luck to all you fashionistas!

And the winner of last weeks Calypso Shopper in leaf green will be anounced next week!


Calypso Shopper valued at $288.00!

One Day left to Enter Our Elliott Lucca Giveaway! Week 2

One day left to enter our Elliott Lucca Calypso Shopper giveaway!

So if you want to be the proud owner of a Calypso Shopper, then Enter today and subscribe to Couture in the City! If you already subscribe to Couture in the City you are automatically entered into the giveaway every week! The Calypso Shopper giveaway runs until June 18th. So subscribe if you already haven’t. The winner of our Calypso Shopper will be anounced this week in Friday’s ‘Today’s Couture’.

Celebrity Alert: Kate Bosworth spotted wearing Rory Beca

Rory Beca, known for her chic and playful designs, adds Kate Bosworth to her growing list of fashionable celebrity fans. Kate Bosworth was spotted wearing the Double Layer dress in black this weekend at the OmniPeace Charity party in LA. The dress, available in an array of brightly colored hues, retails for $311 dollars and is available online at shopbop.com.

This dress was a must have item from Spring and was so popular that Rory Beca reinvented the dress for her Holiday 08 collection. Rory Beca used one of her new limited edition custom made signature prints, Gold Feathers; to update the look for fall.

Stay tuned on a future post about Rory Beca fall collection.

Source: CoutureintheCity.com

Celebrity Look of the Day: Charlize Theron

Image: JustJared.com

Charlize Theron looks beautiful in this white poofy dress at the premiere of Hancock on June 16, 2008 at L’Olympia Hall in Paris, France on Monday.

Source: CoutureintheCity.com

Q & A with Madewell Designer Lisa Shulner

Madewell Designer Lisa Shulner

We asked, they answered…the designers of super cute and comfy line “Madewell” were good enough to let us in on some of their style secrets and design ideas. We chatted with Lisa Shulner to get the scoop on this up and coming line:

What designers do you draw inspiration from?

There are so many! I love the easy styling of Alexander Wang, the dressed-down pretty of Philip Lim, the kooky color combinations of Marni, the humble spirit of 45RPM, the arty celebration of Miu Miu…I could go on and on.


What are your favorite fabrics to work with?

We love anything with texture.


If you could have one dream celebrity spokesmodel for your line, who would it be?


Just a cool, real, girl-about-town with an innate sense of style.

What’s one word that describes the feeling of your line?

Casualcool!

What Madewell piece is your absolute favorite from the winter 2007 line?

Love love love the Lola dress.

You can read more about Lisa and all of the other Madewell designers and stylists HERE and don’t forget to check out their awesome Holiday 2007 line. They’ve just opened up a new boutique on Broadway in SOHO, NYC, so if you are in the area, be sure to check it out. If NY isn’t in your neck of the woods, then you can always peruse their website for great holiday gift ideas:

(source)

Be and D Sample Sale - November 27-29

Greta Clutche - Image: BlueBee

Start your holiday shopping and pick up a lil sumtin' for yourself at Be & D's Holiday Sample Sale!


Who: Be & D

When: November 27, 28, 29
11/27 - 9am-7pm
11/28 and 11/29 - 10am-6pm

Where: 35 West 36th Street, 10th Floor (between 5th and 6th Avenue)
B,D,F,N,R,V,W at 34th Street and 6th Ave.
NYC

What: Deanna Patent Leather Hobo Bags - were $1,200; now start at $350
Garbo Satchels - were $1000; now start at $300
Greta Clutches (as seen on November 8 The Oprah Winfrey Show) - were $600; now start at $150
Braided belts (as seen on Alicia Keys) and leather accessories - were $500; now start at $50

Cash and Major Credit Cards Accepted.

Fashion Designer: Roberto Cavalli at H&M

Weekly Fashion Round Up at Couture in the City

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

Hot Trend to Try: Cocktail Rings


How To Steal Jennifer Garners Red Carpet Style


How to Wear Scarf Trends Like a Celeb


Cocktails by Jenn Invites You to the Ultimate Bachelorette Party!


Fab Fashion Blogs Friday



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

Weekly Fashion Round Up at Couture in the City

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

How to Hide a Baby Bump Like a Celeb


n Hollywood, it’s hard to keep a big secret like having a little one on the way! Especially in our society where every inch of a celeb’s waistline is constantly scrutinized. Read entire story here

Great Boots for Fall


Knee high boots with dresses or jeans tucked in are still hot this fall! This is good news for us fashionista’s that are a little heavy in the calves and can’t quite pull off the ankle boot look. Read entire story here

Fashion Blog Love of the Day: Chic Intuition


Everyday I learn to love Target a little more. Why? Because famed shoe designer brand Hollywould has designed a more moderately priced line for them! Read entire post here

How to Look Hollywood Casual Cool


It’s not all red carpets and flashing lights for some of our favorite Hollywood A-listers…they have to go grocery shopping and pick up the dry cleaning like the rest of us! However, unlike the rest of us, they are usually able to run their errands in style. Read entire post here

Fashion Blog Love of the Day: Chic Diaries


Shoes! Spring 2008! New collection! Paris Fashion Week 2008 said “Good Buy!” to us and we have to wait only for another spring and another summer. Read entire post here

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

Fashion News: Details Holiday Issue: Follow the Rules: Dries Van Noten

In the upcoming holiday issue of Details magazine the cerebral Belgian designer on barbecue, black tie, and how to dress your kids.

1.
Gay men and straight men dress nearly the same now. Young people pick up styles of clothing without saying “This is too gay” or “This is too straight.”

2.
I have as much respect for somebody who knows how to cook perfectly on a barbecue as I do for a three-star chef. I don’t have respect for people who say “I’m not interested in food and wine,” because those are some of the joys of life.

3.
Everybody dresses the way they want to dress. David Beckham—he’s trying very hard. I’m not so fond of his look, but I think a lot of people consider it extremely stylish. So who am I to say it’s unstylish? I’m not a dictator.

4.
Kids should be dressed as kids, not as little grown-ups.

5.
Listen to what other people are saying about the way you dress, because in the end, fashion is a way of communicating. When you get your message wrong, it’s good that the people around you let you know.

6.
Smell is important. I love perfume, but the moment that you can smell it from far away, I don’t like it anymore. It has to be discreet.

7.
I don’t like it when men purposely dress incorrectly at a formal event. When it’s black tie, I dress black tie. But I give it my own personal twist.

8.
I like to wander around a city and pop into stores when I’m traveling. I try not to go back to the places I’ve found. I prefer to keep the memory of the magical moment I first walked in.

9.
I wear my hair short. I always go to the same hairdresser, who cuts it in 10 minutes. I love that. I’ve been going to him for 25 or 30 years now.

10.
You shouldn’t have a completely vintage look. Fashion has to move forward. We can’t live in the past.

Visit Details.com

The Seaton Flagship Store is Now Open, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Have you ever fallen in love with a small shop or boutique while vacationing somewhere beautiful by the sea? The type of store you enter and immediately wish you could take home with you? Seaton is that store. But, for once, it’s in your own backyard.



Introducing the Seaton Flagship store, a unique new concept in retail about to make its debut on Melrose and Almont. Owned by the husband and wife team of Mark Freeman and Jill Roberts (who also own the Jill Roberts boutiques), the concept for this new store is rooted in the duo’s fashion label, also named Seaton, a line known for its beachy, casual chic vibe. Unlike the couple’s other stores, Seaton will not be a fashion boutique, but rather a destination for a modern, inspirational and relaxed lifestyle – one that celebrates the state of mind that comes from listening to an ocean crash or watching a beachside sunset.



This mindset and aesthetic is carried through the entire Seaton boutique – from the warm and inviting 1500 square foot retail space (reminiscent of a shop in a sophisticated resort town) to all of the lifestyle product categories the store will stock, including clothing, accessories, linens, pillows, books, glass wear and gifts. This unique charm is what allows Seaton to carve its own niche in the crowded marketplace, offering consumers a fresh new shopping experience.

The Seaton Flagship location, which is located at 8920 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood (across from Maxfield’s), is the first of many Seaton locations that will open over the next few years.

Store Hours:
Monday through Saturday
10 am to 6 pm

Store Phone Number:
310.550.1232

MENS: What To Wear: Waistcoat and Vest, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

I had the privilege of getting an invite to the Topman Fashion show at the Singapore Fashion Festival in late april and immediately fell in love with their clothing. Oh wait, let me rephrase my sentence again.I was lucky enough that the ticket for the Topman/Topshop Unique Fashion show was not sold out and got the 'bird's eye view' from the 8th row. That's better.

Anyways,the trend of putting on a waist coat or vest might probably be coming to an end soon but, it is never too late to tag along with the trend, especially when its affordable.For students like me,we cant afford to invest huge sum of money on an expensive waistcoat or vest as it might just be another fad that will fade as time progresses.Thus, getting an inexpensive one from Topman is a great alternative for a designer's clothing.

Here are my top 3 pick:



Grey Textured Waistcoat
Grey textured 5 button waistcoat with button back adjustor and black lining.
45% Polyester,55% Wool.




Brown 5 Button Waistcoat
Brown 5 button waistcoat with light brown lining and back adjustor.
65% Polyester,35% Viscose.


Black Tonic Waistcoat
Black tonic 5 button waistcoat with charcoal lining and white trim.
50% Polyester,50% Wool.


Poshpalette.