Oh alas my dear fashionistas! Au Revoir, adiós, arrivederci, saying goodbye is never an easy thing, even if it is in several languages! Yes my time has come to an end here at Couture in the City. But we have all had some great times! With our New York fashion weeks, beauty reviews and giveaways, and extravagant interviews with famous celebrities. I think we just about reached every avenue we could in the beauty and fashion world!
But to celebrate today we are going to be reminiscing the best of some of my interviews and articles over the past year!

May was Iman Month!

If you remember we kick started the summer with some incredible interviews and giveaways! I was highly honored to have interviewed supermodel IMAN, as well as the superb giveaways from her Global Chic Line!

Katie Holmes was a new Style Icon!

We love our celebrities. And especially how to steal their style! Katie Holmes was one of our most popular articles. Featuring this starlet’s rise to fame as Tom Cruise’s wife, and also her new found fashion sense with super couture house – Armani.

TV Guide was a Hoot!

Back in March 2009 I made my special guest appearance on the TV Guide Networks Fashion Team! Yes I talked about everything fashion and beauty related for spring 2009, alongside host Lawrence Zarian! We also loved TV Guide for their fashionable Red Carpet and beautiful host Lisa Rinna!

Read more of my articles featured on Couture in the City here!

Well do not fret my fashionistas! If you love reading my weekly dose of all things fashion, beauty, luxury and lifestyle related. You can read my articles at www.JacquelineLuxe.com. It will be sure to fulfill all your hungry fashion appetites! And for those of you who have your fashion and beauty dilemmas, feel free to contact me at jacquelineh@jacquelineluxe.com. Bon Voyage!

Yes it is the last of the summer months! And before fall sets in, I always find that this is a great time to get those last minute summer sales!
At this time of year most outlets are getting ready for their fall reviews and collections. Which means that summer stock has to go. So I always find that this is a great time to shop for anything that you might need! Whether it is peep toe pumps, handbags, t-shirts, or dresses.
So I have chosen a few key accessories from my favorite online store – Smartbargains.com!

The classic white slack

It is always essential to keep up with your pant and slack collection. Keep on top of it by adding a classic white slack or pant to your collection. This pair by designer Elie Tahari is on sale for $49.98 (originally $188).

The late summer dress

The classic summer dress is always great to have in the late summer months. And with a black and white ensemble, you can pretty much mix and match it for any occasion. This dress retails on sale for $24.98 by Oleg Cassini (originally $140.00).

Stay on top of your Cami’s

Cami’s are always great to have. Wear it under a t-shirt or sweater. This late summer essential can for sure carry you into fall. This three dots cami comes in white, black and pink. And is reduced from $50 to $14.98. What a steal!

Article by © Jacqueline H. 2009

She is fun, cute and very British! This rising star is promoting her latest action block buster hit – G.I. Joe – around the world! And with that comes lots of style and Red Carpet fashion!

So let’s take a look at what Sienna Miller can inspire us to wear!

The Infamous Cat Suit

OK, so maybe Sienna isn’t wearing this on the Red Carpet. But she is sure wearing it in her new flick! As the ‘Lady Baroness’ Sienna sports a very chic and techno clad black leather cat suit. Of course this is what super heroes are made of. But we can turn this into a classic cat suit fashion experience!

The Infamous Jumpsuit

OK, so we don’t want to be all clad in tight black leather. But we want something comfortable and fashionable for late summer. I have chosen a classically styled jumpsuit that will work just perfect!

This jumpsuit is clean and sharp. And most certainly looks elegant despite the rumors that surround this little outfit in general. Match with a nice strappy sandal and you are good to go!

Article By Guest Fashion & Beauty Editor
© Jacqueline H. 2009

Now you can look as fabulous as the stars! And know their tanning secret! Yes, all those Hollywood starlets and actors are using the most advanced system available in tanning today. And their secret? The airbrush. A very precise tool, which emits a very fine spray and mist – but with flawless results.

With the Luminess Tan™ system you can achieve salon results in the comfort of your own home. The kit includes everything you’ll need to get a perfect year round tan! Whether you’re looking for a light healthy golden glow or a deep dark velvety tan, their complete spa-quality tanning airbrush system is the leading way to get that professional salon flawless tan now at home.

So you ask, “How easy is this to use?” Well as a matter of fact I personally tried this system and found it very easy. Set up is straight forward, and the instructions are a breeze to follow. Once you have this in order-airbrush tan away! It is really fun!

And by the time you are done, you are sporting a new tan, that looks like you just spent a week laying out at the beach in Cabo San Lucas. This is truly the best way to get your golden glow on.

The Luminess Tan™ retails for $129.00 and is available to purchase at LuminessAir.com

Article By Guest Fashion & Beauty Editor
© Jacqueline H. 2009

Oh I love Halle Berry. And who doesn’t! This Hollywood starlet has always been a keen favorite in the film and beauty world. With many movies under her – an Oscar winning actress to the global face of international beauty brand Revlon – Halle has a lot to be happy about!

But as with many things her hair and make-up has always changed throughout the years. And 2009 has been no exception. With her hair up, down, long or short. Halle knows how to wear it! Here is a taster on how to wear your hair wavy. With Halle as our inspiration!

Soft Long Waves

Here Halle is looking exceptionally beautiful with her hair soft and wavy.
To achieve this hair style, wash and condition hair as normal. And then blow dry until slightly damp. Add large rollers, with a setting lotion. I love the Aveda Brilliant line for heat setting. Blow dry again with hair set in rollers. Once dry to the touch let out the large rollers-you should have a soft wave developing. Then brush your fingers through your hair, adding some Aveda finishing lotion for shine-and you are good to go!

Aveda Brilliant Line is great for heat styling!

The Brilliant Spray Shine adds a glossy finish!

Article By © Jacqueline H. 2009

DKNY has designed a tee with a cause, which is called the “Chari-Tee.” DKNY’s Chari-Tee, is an interactive program between DKNY and those who love and wear it!

DKNY’s Chari-Tee retails for $65 and benefits a menu of NYC organizations. Each hangtag lists five NYC charities to which you can donate. Once you’ve decided on the organization, log on to dkny.com, and select your choice. DKNY will then donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of your Chari-tee. It’s a fun, cool way to send instant love to NYC!

In addition to the Chari-tee, DKNY has produced eight different “eco-friendly printed” totes featuring artwork of eight NYC students, created for the CITYarts “portraits of peace” initiative There are 5 of each style – 40 unique bags in total. The totes were printed using an eco-friendly digital printing process. The resulting water-based design is printed without screens or films utilizing less ink with no excess ink waste.
The totes are only $25 each, with all proceeds going back to CITYarts. The totes will only be available at the DKNY store on Madison Avenue.

Article featured by Jacqueline H. 2009

Vera Wang introduces Vera Wang On Weddings, her new collection of personalized wedding stationery. Vera Wang On Weddings marries the timeless art of wedding invitation design with the modern twists and playful proportions that are the hallmark of Vera Wang’s bridal and fashion collections.

This collection features more than 30 new wedding stationery suites inspired by the exquisite design details for which the designer is renowned. Rich texture and embellishment are shown on every page in designs including:

“Engraved Peony” (above) – Featuring a beautifully oversized hand-etched peony engraved in rich Peony ink, this invitation is the perfect design for the true Romanticist. The engraved ribbon accent in Taupe ink adds the finishing touch to an invitation that is both feminine and elegant, yet modern and bold.

“Embossed Zinnia” (above) – The fold-over invitation features a cover that is richly embossed with delightful zinnias to create a beautiful canvas of texture and dimension. Embossed details are carried forward in coordinating components to set the perfect tone for the special occasion.

With a broad and versatile range of papers, inks, ribbons and other design elements to choose from, the new Vera Wang On Weddings collection of wedding invitations and stationery suites perfectly captures the designer’s unique balance of taste and modernity.

Article Featured By Jacqueline H. 2009

For many women a trip to the cosmetics counter can be a ticket to beauty breakdown! With hundreds of brands and products to choose from in all strengths, colors, shapes and sizes, determining the best deals and most effective buys can be a shopping headache and sometimes result in a beauty blunder!

So what’s the best way to navigate the endless sea of lipstick, blush, lotion and perfume and find the truly top-drawer products with super values? Nordstrom National Beauty Director Debbi Hartley-Triesch has the beauty biz covered. In my exclusive interview we discussed this season’s top beauty items at unbeatable prices. Fall previews of the cosmetics women everywhere will be talking about. And designer brand limited editions, from Gucci and La Mer to Michael Kors and MAC.

Debbi is also a talented makeup artist having worked for brands such as Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Shiseido, La Prairie and Clarins. And she can often be seen backstage during New York Fashion Week doing makeup with industry friends. She has also been seen on television shows including “The Today Show”, “Entertainment Tonight” and “Vogue Trend Watch.”

Jacqueline Hudson Interview with Debbi Hartley-Triesch! Nordstrom’s National Beauty Director

Article and Interview by © Jacqueline Hudson 2009

I love jeans. And who doesn’t! It is probably one of the most sought after accessories that you will find in everyone’s everyday wardrobe. And ladies there is no exception when it comes to some of the best styles and fits out there. One of my favorite brands this summer is the EXPRESS brand jean.
The EXPRESS jean comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles. With four different styles Stella, Eva, Zelda and Mia. A girl can have a hell of a time choosing! What is important to remember is to get the right fit! First go by the measurements (in inches) of your hips, waist then length (You always want to go by the inseam). Then once you know your size, then it’s all about what style suits you best!

My personal favorite from the EXPRESS denim line is the Stella Barely Boot Cut Jean in Raw Distress. And for $49.50 it is a real steal.
Then I like to pair my look with a nice summer tunic, blue is really popular right now! I love from the IMAN Global Chic Line. Her soho sparkle and shine flowing tank.

IMAN Global Chic Soho Sparkle & Shine V-Neck Flowing Tank $59.95

And to top off my jean look, I like to have one of my favorite handbag accessories by IMAN as well. And you know what, I am good to go out on the town! Look out LA here I come!

IMAN Global Chic Magnificent Miami Beach Beaded Bag $99.95

Article by Jacqueline H. 2009

Kempt is proud to announce their new, attractively priced, environmentally conscious Pure Tote. The ingenuity and simplicity of the design remain true to Kempt’s commitment to craftsmanship, while adding a striking entry-level piece to Kempt’s Collection. This new tote is a lightweight unstructured and unlined style featuring an inside pocket, exterior closure, and the option to carry the tote with handles or carry over the shoulder. The tote is made entirely of all natural materials, including vegetable dyed fine leather and linen thread. Kempt proudly produces it’s entire collection in the United States in a repurposed factory in Massachusetts under the careful watch of their true leather artisans.
The Pure Tote retails for $400 and is available for purchase online at Kemptnewyork.com.

Award winning designer Erin Voorhies-President and Design Director of Kempt-has also implemented a unique customization program which enables the client to create their very own “dream bag.” The customer can select not only the model and color but also the leather, hardware, closures and even the interior lining. An illustration of the true concept of Couture!

Article by Jacqueline H. 2009