Hot Looks for Fall: The New Goth

Mary Kate Olsen (source)

Leave your chain wallets and spike-studded go-go boots back in 1997…the new goth is more fabulous fierce than Marilyn Manson couture. For Fall ‘08, instead venture to the dark side with caged high-heels, dark textured tights and vintage inspired lace. Oh yeah, and a latex mini for the truly daring.
Surprised that goth has made a comeback? Don’t be…Mary Kate Olsen has been doing it since last year, and black and navy nail polish were also big back then as well. It was only a matter of time, really. While this look is not ideal for everyone (I’m more into color, thank you very much), brave fashionista’s can really take advantage of this vampy style and go all-out, or just add a few macabre elements to their current look.
If you are ready to add some dark details to your fall wardrobe, check out these must-haves for inspiration:

Caged High-Heels

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent T-Strap Caged Stilletto, $625.00

Steve Madden “Madalynn” $109.95

You can go one of two ways with the “caged” sandal look, a direct spin-off from this summer’s uber popular gladiator sandal. The more hesitant can go the vampy route and look for vintage-inspired styles like this Giuseppe Zanotti sandal. The t-strap gives it a 1940’s vixen feel, and a shoe like this will give you a lot of mileage. Fierce trendanista’s can try the chunkier look like with the Steve Madden “Madalynn.” These are really popular right now with celebs (some are even pairing them with maxi dresses, but I don’t know about that one…).

Textured Tights:

Free People Crochet Tights, $38.00

If you buy one item for your fall wardrobe, I beg you to buy some dark textured tights. Tights are an inexpensive way to add interest to anything you already have in your closet, and look extra fierce when paired with a caged sandal (see above). Go get some right now, I mean it.
Rummage through your wardrobe and pull out your black wrap dresses, billowy white shirts, vintage cardigans, pearls, cameo pendants, chunky black or white rings and leave color out of this look. Top it all off with a handbag that’s heavy on the hardware and you’ve got one smokin’ “new goth” ensemble. Try it out for yourself, unless you’re afraid of the dark, that is.

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

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

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’.

Private Sale Alert Kate Spade Starts Today!

Kate Spade for your eyes only private sale June 17-20 up to 60% off.

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

Steal This Style: How to Dress Like Kate Beckinsale

I have to admit that kate is one of my favorite celebrity's. This flawless beauty has such an exceptional sense of style from her hair to her make-up, and designer looks. She can have anyone on the brink of envy. But were here to grant that eternal wisdom on how to share that sophisticated look - called kate Beckinsale.

Kate B. donning the high pony tail look - But I want that look too! Here's how;

Spray hair with a light hair spray using Paul Mitchell's Super Clean Extra hairspray. And then use a Mason Pearson brush to pull hair into a high ponytail and secure with a strong elastic.

kate looking cool in black

Kate's wardrobe consists of colors such as black, brown, blue, khaki and white. She keeps the attention on her beautiful face and amazing physique, instead of on what she's wearing.

Kate keeps it simple - Blue jeans and cropped silk top with beige handbag in leather, and daring high heels.

Kate matches her accessories to her outfits. Her purses compliment her look. So try to match your accessories, so they don't clash, and keep them neutral.

Keep it cute like Kate - accent jeans with a floral siphon or silk top for the summer.

Kate glams it up in brown

Kate knows how to glam her look and style. So choose dresses that are classic and feminine, and that shine your good looks and natural beauty!

Source: Yahoo and CoutureintheCity.com

Today's Couture - ELLIOTT LUCCA Giveaway! Week 1

We are excited to anounce the ELLIOTT LUCCA giveaway! Every Friday will feature a new handbag giveaway for the month of June. From this exclusive New York designer brand!

In Today's Couture for ELLIOTT LUCCA we are featuring the
Calypso Clutch!

Now our Editor looks just fabulous sporting this leaf green number by EL! And we are giving away the same style and design this week in apricot! The EL Clutch features a braided wrist strap that can be removed. As well as the prominent "EL" logo. You will most certainly recieve many compliments about this clutch!

Here is the Calypso Clutch featured without the braded strap - still looking dapper!

And the interior is just to die for! Sporting a abstract exotic pattern, and embossed silver ELLIOTT LUCCA logo. With magnetic clasps to boot.

So how does this Calypso Clutch sit in with the reviews? Let's find out! From the Editor herself;

"All I can say is that I love the Calypso Clutch by ELLIOTT LUCCA! If you are wearing jeans and a nice t-shirt this clutch will rock that look! I really love the detailing and how butter soft the leather is.. if you want to go without the braided wrist strap you can remove it for an under the arm clutch look or carry in your hand. Clutches are one of the hottest accessories to have in your wardrobe this summer!~ I find this style so chic and stylish!"

Angelique - Editor of Couture in the City

So if you want to be the proud owner of a Calypso Clutch, then Enter today! The winner of our Calypso Clutch will be anounced next week! Good Luck to all you fashionistas!

Frownies - A Natural Alternative To Botox

Here we are ladies, our prayers have been answered! Finally, we have reached a natural alternative to those Botox injections. Yes, Frownies is here.

Frownies is Hollywoods best kept secret. But that is no longer the case. This fab age defying, anti wrinkle system has been featured in O Magazine, and Good Housing Keeping alike.

Now before we get into the exciting part i.e. testing the product. There is an amazing history behind Frownies and how it began.

Frownies were created in 1889 after Margaret Kroesen discovered that her daughter Alice, a concert pianist, had developed unsightly wrinkles and frown lines. With a desire to maintain her youthful beauty and stage presence, Mrs. Kroesen created Wrinkle Eradicators (as they were first called) by employing the basic principle of fitness to the muscles of the face. Several years later, Mrs. Kroesen’s entered the business world; she joined B & P Company (Beauty and Personality) as Managing Director. By offering only her Wrinkle Eradicators and skin treatments, which has become a great success up until today.

Frownies - Face Lift in a bag

Now I have had the honor of trying this fabulous product. And I can’t rave about it enough. After using the whole kit, Face Lift in a bag. My skin was radiant, bright, supple and plump. And beautiful, like I stepped out of a plastic surgeons office after having a few light botox and dermabrasion surgical procedures. Yes, I can hear it in your voice, you are excited!

But to get the full results you have to use the whole kit.

Frownies - Ph Balancing Wash -Contains the freshness of lavender essential oil and the cleaning power of soapwort and soap yucca to detoxify, balance, and clean the skin’s surface.

Start with the ph Balancing Complexion Wash. Apply small drop (less than dime size) in the palm of your hand, and work into lather with slightly cool to warm water. Apply to the entire face and neck area as well as under eyes, rinse well.

*Note from Frownies: Never use hot water on the face it is very drying.

Frownies - Immune Perféct Wrinkle Cream

Secondly, apply Frownies Immune Perféct Wrinkle Cream I just loved the texture of this lotion and the way it gently absorbs into the skin. Instantly I noticed my skin is hydrated bright and plump. This rich formula has powerful cellular interactive antioxidants with active Vitamin E and 17 amino acids! Use all over the the entire face, under the eyes and the neck area.

*Note from Frownies: Do not put the gel cream in the palm of you hand and rub. This activates the delivery system and the penetration begins in your hands.

Frownies - Facial Pads

Frownies - Facial Pads - How to apply to the face

Thirdly, wet Frownies Facial Patches using Hydrator Spray or distilled water and apply over the lines. Leave in place at least three hours or, for best results, overnight.

*Note: Remember to use plenty of water upon removing the pads. And don’t feel daunted by using the facial pads either. They do feel a little tight on the skin, so try to relax when wearing them for a few hours. But they are quite comfortable when you are use to wearing them. (Just think of the results!)

After removing the facial pads, the areas where the patches were are a little sensitive. And maybe a little red, so be gentle. But after a few minutues the results are amazing. Any minor wrinkles I had were completely gone. Plus the skin in those areas were firmer.

Rose Hydrator Spray

Now this is my favorite part, use the Hydrating Rose Spray as a daily toner, or after cleansing. It is a wonderfully refreshing pick up after exercising, or anytime of the day.

Now I truly loved this product. And I use it daily, especially the facial wash, hydrating spray and Immune Perféct lotion. I will now use the pads once a week, or every other week just for the tone and lift they give. But, what I truly love about the product is that it is made of natural ingredients.

I used Face Lift in a bag prior to a photo shoot, which gave me great results.

Jacqueline H. at photo shoot, having used Face Lift in a bag prior to shoot

You can visit the Frownies official website to learn more about this wonderful product. Also, Couture In the City will be giving away a Face lift in in a bag to one of our lucky readers. Check in to view the giveaway post for more details.

Source: Frownies.com, KMR Communicatuions, NY

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!