I love the holidays. And it is my job to get you all excited about it too! Talk about a luxurious way of living. The NEW Spa Shea Cashmere Collection is just to die for! With delicious body lotions, and comforting slippers. Not to mention their collection of cuddly bears! (Which are superb to cozy with on the couch with a cup of hot coco)!
Have I painted the perfect holiday picture for you yet? As part of my series of Best Of Holiday Gift Guide 2008.
Bath & Body Works has created a luscious line of perfectly formulated lotions. That will delight the senses this holiday season. Not only does this collection make a wonderful gift set for your family and friends. But, it is also the best collection to give to yourself! As the perfect holiday treat!

True Blue® Spa - Shea Cashmere™ Body Cream $17.50

Ah! This lotion is just pure bliss. The intoxicating vanilla scent makes you want to grab a spoon and eat it! (Please do not try that at home!). Envelop yourself in this creamy cashmere infused lotion. Enriched with shea butter, this ultra-moisturizing body cream. Will leave your skin supremely soft, and lightly fragranced with a creamy vanilla scent. Which is both fresh and comforting!

Bath & Body Works® Accessories - The Perfect Cashmere - Perfect Blend Knit Ballerina Slippers $29.00

Cozy up on the couch with your hot coco and a pair of these oh-so-soft and comfy Knit Ballerina Slippers. This is what dreams are are made of…

Bath & Body Works® Accessories - The Perfect Cashmere Knit Bear! $15.00

The perfect cuddly companion to snuggle and love! Also the perfect holiday gift! So get snuggie!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2008

You can still give fabulous gifts on a budget that any of your fashion-forward friends are sure to love. Take a look at my “Top 10 under $10″ for inspiration to help you stock a stuffing on a dime:

For the Bling-ey BFF:

Jewelry is always a fun gift, and costume jewelry is usually easy to find at an affordable price. I love whimsical jewelry with animals, trinkets and unusual objects on them, like this bird necklace from Fred Flare:

Little Bird Charm Necklace, Fred Flare, $10

Color Block Bracelet, Old Navy, $5

Xhilaration Cluster Drop Earrings, Target, $8.99

Also be sure to check out Old Navy and Target for great deals on of-the-moment costume jewelry.

For the Girl-About-Town:

If your sister is always downtown on the weekends, jetting off to Miami or NYC, or always knows where to find the scene, then these are the gifts for her. Try finding a fun and flashy clutch (for the clubs) or some swanky aviators (for the morning after).

Mirrored Aviator Glasses, Urban Outfitters, $9.99

Satin Clutch, Old Navy, $10

For the Home-Girl:

If you are like me, then home is where you wanna be. Give her a comfy PJ set and a great DVD for a relaxing night at home. Best Buy has a ton of DVD’s for $10 or less, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic, sure to please any fashionista.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s DVD, Best Buy, $9.99

Gillian & O’Malley Pajama Set, Target, $9.99

For the Makeup Maven:

If her nails are always painted, her pout purfectly glossed, then get thee to Sephora for some great under $10 deals. The Sephora line is great and offers a ton of goodies at reasonable prices. Lip gloss and nail polish are usually a no-brainer, and make great stocking stuffers.

Sephora Brand Fresh Gloss, $7

Sephora Easy French Manicure Duos, $8

For Anyone:

Who can’t use a cute change purse? I can’t think of a single person. This one from Urban Outfitters is a super cute gift for that friend/relative/roomate that you just can’t figure out. Go ahead, get one for yourself too. I won’t tell.

Floral Kiss Lock Wallet, Urban Outfitters, $9.99

What’s your favorite budget-friendly fashion gift to give this year? Clue us in, and Happy Holidays!

Our giveaway item from Jane Iredale! Introducing Lip Crayons – Color Your Lips Beautiful!

You’ve found the perfect dress – same for the shoes. The clutch? Well, it’s luscious…but it doesn’t hold very much. That’s fine because you have Jane Iredale’s new Lip Crayons. They line and color your lips and can even add a blush to your cheeks. In five delicious colors to match every mood and outfit, think of them as your little black dress for every handbag. And in five perfect shades - Naughty, Tasty, Luscious, Juicy, Tempting. You can’t go wrong!

Daytime Eye Shadow Kit - Superb in creating beautiful eyes!

An incredible loose mineral foundation with UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sun protection. The look is creamy and luminous. The feel is like silk.

Amazing Matte™ Loose Finish Powder - A mattifying finishing powder that will matte all skin types.

JustKissed™ Lip Plumper - Make your lips full and kissable with this tinted cool mint and ginger lip plumper. Special peptides give moisture and visible plumping that lasts. One simple sweep and your lips will be transformed with sheer natural color and a refreshing feeling you can’t top!

Retractable Handi Brush - This is the go everywhere, do everything brush, and a must for Jane Iredale pressed powder application!

Visit Jane Iredale for the full mineral make-up experience! NEW! Subscribe to Couture in the City’s Newsletter to enter this fabulous giveaway! This giveaway will run until December 12th 2008!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2008

A Betsey Johnson model flaunts it in Essie Aruba Blue

I’m just going to say it; I hate polishing my nails. Usually, I do a good job on my toenails, but if I attempt to do my fingernails, it looks like a child painted them. I’m just no good at it. While I love to get mani’s and pedi’s, the fact of the mattter is, I just can’t afford to keep up with it. So I’m going to have to learn the right way to do it!

The first step is getting a good quality nail polish. I’ve always liked Essie because it’s salon quality at a reasonable price. They always have the best up-to-the-minute colors that you can’t find at any old pharmacy and last a super long time. Check out their new holiday color collections like “Bold and Beautiful” (a deep vampy red) or “It’s Genius” (a metallic purple).

Bold and Beautiful, $8

Lately I’ve been shaping my nails with a buffer, so I’ll file my nails first and then brave the polishing process. After I clean them up with some nail polish remover, (and once they are completely dry, a step I usually fail to commit to), I’ll follow up with a moisturizer. Essie has a great line of “Smoothies” in exotic “flavors” like Pomegranate and Mango, Coconut and Pineapple and Blueberry and Banana. Pomegranate and Mango are my favorite, but these hand and body lotions are a great way to help get you out of a winter funk, and are super hydrating too.

Pomegranate Mango Smoothie, $5

So if you are looking for a new hue to compliment your holiday party ensembles, or just want a few fun stocking stuffers for your roomate or BFF, then check out these goodies from Essie. Your hands and feet will thank you!

Shop Essie today!

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Bronzer: Sephora Brand Sculpting Disk

*Best of Beauty 2008 Sephora Sculpting Disk! For its price value point and size! Retails at $24.00 at Sephora.com

I chose the Sephora Brand Sculpting Disk as the Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Bronzer. It is wonderfully priced at only $24.00. And with a large case of about 4” across! It has a lot to go around! Included in this sculpting powder trio is the bronzer color to contour cheeks, and forehead. A matt finish powder that is non-comogenic, to absorb excess oils and give a great finish. Plus, it has the highlighting powder to add definition, illuminate and brighten the skin. The compact is fully fitted with a deluxe oversize mirror. Use the powders to sculpt your face into a work of art, adding sun and light in all the right places! This product is great to add some color to your face during the fall and winter season! I use it every day and swear by it!

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Powder and Foundation: Jane Iredale PurePressed® Base

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Powder - PurePressed® Base by Jane Iredale

I chose the Jane Iredale PurePressed ® Base as the best compact foundation and powder for a few reasons. Firstly, the Jane Iredale line is one of the best mineral cosmetics out there! So look out bare minerals! Also, the beautiful gold compact casing is very decadent looking. (The compact is also beautifully inserted in a velvet pouch). The casing includes a mirror, powder puff for application. And an assortment of several colors to suit your complexion. It is a foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen all in one. And with a UVA SPF 20, you are getting a great sun protection too! It is very water-resistant and free of oil, talc, dyes and parabens. The look and coverage is sheer and semi-matte. The feel is weightless. The result - flawless!

Source: Jane Iredale Cosmetics, Sephora

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Yes it tis’ the season to look your most beautiful self! And to be cheery about it! Yes the holidays are just right around the corner! And now is the time to start preparing those holiday gift ideas. Or adding the latest cosmetic line of colors to your own beauty routine! With so many parties to go to. As well as entertaining in your own home with guests and family. The holidays bring out lots of sparkle and shine. So now is the time to add this to your eye shadows, blushes and lip glosses! I have selected Smashbox - one of my own favorite cosmetic brands! And bringing to you the latest fall colors of 2008! Remember when looking for the right fall colors, pick your favorite brand and go to your local cosmetic representative at either Nordstrom or Saks and get a free make-over! Yes, they will do this for you! As these skillfully trained beauty consultants will get the right colors for your skin tone. And will have you walking away with the right foundation, eye shadows and lip color. Unique to you. So have fun this holiday season! ~

RAPTURE BEST OF SMASHBOX KIT Value $42 for only $19.00!

My pick for best value out the Smashbox collection is the Rapture best of Smashbox kit. Which includes Smashbox best-sellers for eyes, cheeks and lips in convenient travel sizes - perfect for your holiday clutch or carry-on. The set includes Bionic Mascara in Jet Black, mini fusion soft lights in Dusk, and mini lip enhancing gloss in Aura. All for $19.00! The fusion soft lights can also be used on eyes as a soft, shimmering shadow. Blend the colors together for a radiant halo of color, or use different shades to contour and highlight.

INSIDER SECRET #9: Add extra sparkle to the holidays. To brighten & open up eyes, apply gold or white shimmering shadow to the inner corners for dazzling results.

RAPTURE LIP GLOSS SET Limited Edition! Value $90 - Retails at $29.00

Get glam with this party-perfect set of award-winning, ultra moisturizing lip gloss. The set includes three best-selling shades and three holiday exclusives. Wear alone or layer together for instant color and stunning shine!

Source: Smashbox Cosmetics

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

We have all been waiting for the next hit from the Bond franchise! That debonair 007 and his latest flick Quantum of Solace hits theaters this Friday November 14th.
But maybe you have also seen those quite seductive TV slots and adverts for the new fragrance Bond Girl 007 - featuring the new star of running ladies to hit the sack with Bond. None other than British beauty - Gemma Arterton. Yes this new classic beauty is the face of this campaign with Avon Products, Inc.

They had announced collaboration with the James Bond entertainment franchise to create a new signature Bond Girl 007 women’s fragrance. Bringing the confident allure of cinema’s sexiest icons to Avon consumers worldwide. British actress Gemma Arterton, who plays the role of Agent Fields in the upcoming Bond film, will be the face of the new fragrance. She has appeared on TV and print advertising when Bond Girl 007 launches in conjunction with the worldwide release of Quantum of Solace.

“I’m thrilled to be working with two such iconic and established brands,” said Gemma Arterton. “The Bond Girl 007 fragrance embodies everything a Bond Girl represents — intelligence, sexiness and confidence.” Says Gemma the new face of Avon’s Bond Girl 007.

The classic and alluring look of Bond Girl 007 - Shaken, but not stirred…

The scent is a sexy cocktail of velvety florals, cool freshness and warm woods. It features top notes of velvety white peach and orange blossom followed by mid-notes of jasmine, calypso orchid and freesia. The dry down consists of amber, cashmere wood and patchouli. Bond Girl 007 is housed in a sleek, seductive bottle reminiscent of a woman’s body. The cap is a stealthy homage to a Bond spy gadget.

Well ladies it looks like I may just have to try this newly seductive fragrance by Avon. And see if it lives up to its name of Bond classics as the ultimate man magnet. Or should I say, Bond magnet. Stay tuned to Couture in the City to see our reviews of this latest fragrance.

Source: Comingsoon.net, Avon

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

This unique In-Shower Hair Removal Cream is great for girls on the go! Its water resisting formula is designed to dissolve slowly on contact with water - letting you step into the shower while it works its skin-smoothing magic. Plus in each pack you’ll get an exfoliating sponge that will leave your skin feeling touchably smooth and soft.
Now I personally tried this great product and so did our editor. Here is what Couture staff had to say.

“Veet® has been around for a very long time and I have used it for a few years now and it is my favorite! I don’t use any other products. This product will remove stubborn hair and I have tried a few others that didn’t work so well.”
Angelique - Editor - Couture in the City

“Veet® is an all around great product! I loved using the In-Shower line, since it was easy to use. And had quick results. The additional sponge brush is a great accessory.”
Jacqueline H. - Fashion & Beauty Senior Writer - Couture in the City

Veet® In Shower Lotion will simplify your life! And achieve smooth results!

So simplify your shower routine and feel smooth, sexy and ready to start your day with VEET® In-Shower Hair Removal Cream! One lucky reader will win one Veet® In-Shower Lotion which includes:

1 150ml tube
1 dual sided sponge for application and removal

Get great looking legs with Veet ®!

And here is what a Veet® beauty expert had to say!:

“With the Veet® In-Shower Cream, you get a great double sided sponge in the pack. As well as being really effective for helping remove hairs, try using the white side in a soft circular movement to exfoliate your skin at the same time.”

So subscribe today to win this special offer. If you already subscribe you are automatically entered. But be quick! As this offer only lasts until November 18th 2008! Good Luck my beautynistas!

Go to www.veet.com to learn more about this fabulous product!

Source for images: Veet®, google

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

It’s that time of year for many of us when the winter months set in, and the long haul ahead for the abrasive weather can play havoc with our skin. Now if you have sensitive skin. Or very dry skin, than this is your answer! Cetaphil® has an array of fantastic products that are formulated for different skin types. And are highly recommended by dermatologists. Our giveaway item - Cetaphil® Moisturizing Lotion. Is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores). As well as having a non-greasy formulation that is mild, non-irritating and long lasting. The cosmetically appealing formulation contains emollients and humectants to bind moisture to the skin. The fragrance-free moisturizer contains no lanolins or parabens that could irritate sensitive skin.

At Couture we reviewed a few of the Cetaphil® products. As well as having a few of our readers give their opinion. And here is what we had to say about Cetaphil®!

” I loved the Cetaphil® Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion. It kept my skin soft and supple. As well as tended to those dry areas. Great for my sensitive skin.”
Katia Alexander - Charlotte, NC

” This was a really great lotion. I loved the fact that it is for sensitive skin.”
Jen - Owner - Kinara Thai, Portland, OR

” I think that Cetaphil® has a fantastic line of lotions. I tried both the Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion and the Mositurising Lotion. Both of which are great. They are a little different in their texture. I like the Hydrating Lotion for my dry feet. And the Moisturizing Lotion for my hands. My hands get so dry and cracked due to over washing and the colder weather. But the lotions do the job in fixing that!”
Jacqueline Hudson - Fashion & Beauty Senior Writer - Couture in the City

Cetaphil® Daily AdvanceTM Ultra Hydrating Lotion - Tried and tested by our readers and Couture staff!

So for all you dry skin sufferers, enter by subscribing to Couture in the City! Readers who already subscribe to Couture, are already added to the pool of picks. So best of luck my beautynistas! This giveaway ends on November 14th 2008.

Also sign up at www.Cetaphil.com and join the Cetaphil® Skin Care Club!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Well to jump start this fashion craving we have come up with our top five run down of things we want, wish we had, and crave!

1. A Louis Vuitton Handbag

Now a Louis Vuitton handbag is definitely on every girl’s wish list and handbag cravings. It is and always will be an ongoing trend. So we know that we want one. But some of us have to do with those knock off’s just to submit to the need. But at almost $3,000+ for a handbag…we can keep craving.

2. A Pair of Jimmy Choo Shoes

Grant Silk satin peep toe shoe £525.00 ($1,044.00)

Now when I first heard of Jimmy Choo, I was very confused. I was like who is this guy and why are his shoes so popular - and expensive? Only to discover that the CEO is Tamara Mellon, who approached Mr. Jimmy Choo in London. An exceptional shoe designer. They partnered, and $100 million dollars later with a global empire. A happy success story. But you now know how craved a pair of Jimmy Choo’s is.~

3. A weekend in a Spa Retreat

I know that I crave this one! And a girl can never crave too many spa retreats! A great retreat is the Enchantment Resort. This former private ranch in Red Rock Country has architecture that “blends in with the natural beauty of the surroundings.” Rooms in rich earth-tone colors include beehive fireplaces and decks with views of Boynton Canyon. Mii Amo, which means “one’s path” in the local Yuman language, incorporates Native American rituals into its Inner Quest spa treatment.

4. Designer Lip Gloss

Dior Addict Lip Gloss - $24.50

One of the easier things we can actually add to our beauty routine! Dior Lip Addict (that could not have been worded any better!) is a great lip gloss and something that we feel we need - and can actually have!

5. A Glass of Champagne

La Grande Champagne - Designer Champagne: Exclusive Veuve Cliquot in ice bucket casing

I can’t think of any better way to finish our search for the top five cravings than to finish with an exceptional glass of champagne. Designer champagne that is! These champagnes are never short of bliss, be it for the liquid inside or the casing outside. But what makes the La Grande special is that a special casket/casing that doubles up as an ice bucket. That has been touched upon by none other than Andree Putman, a leading interior designer of the modern world. This special luxurious offering is available with only selective dealers. And as they say, exclusivity never has refined price! So let us just end it here by citing an estimated value of around $485!

Source: Louis Vuitton, Bornrich.org, Conde Nast, Sephora, Jimmy Choo

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008