Yet another reason to love Target…once again, the Go! International line will bring the masses high fashion at affordable prices with a line from Thakoon due out this December. I’m still kicking myself for missing some of the pieces designed by Erin Fetherston, but I’m not going to miss this one.

Thailand native turned American designer Thakoon Panichgul has created a striking line for Target consisting of airy and feminine dresses and tops in batik and floral prints. Though I have to question the timing (sundresses in December?) I’m still super excited about this release. The one dress in particular that I am just ogling over is around $40, and even though I probably won’t wear it until well after March, I’ll keep it forever.

Thakoon’s Spring 2008 Line

I think that Thakoon’s Target line pretty closely resembles what he has presented on the runway, which is even more exciting. Though he’s relatively still a newcomer in the fashion world, stars like Rachel Bilson and Sarah Jessica Parker snap up his stuff, making him an instant success.

What do you think of Thakoon’s Target line? Let us know!

Couture in the City is proud to present with Whitehorn, our exclusive silk scarf giveaway! Oh and dare I say contest too! Yes these beautiful hand made scarves are 100% silk. And are designed by British designer Janey Smedley. Janey who is an award winning textile designer has had her work successfully sold at Liberty London. And is also well known amongst interior designers and several film companies in the UK and internationally. She has also starred on television with the BBC, showing her weaving and dying technique. Embarking into fashion Janey admired the century’s old craft of marbling, and decided a fresher approach could be achieved by mixing the right color combinations with simplar patterns. The result, a gorgeous individually made scarf, with a hand rolled english finish.

Win this beautiful 100% silk scarf. Hand designed by British designer Janey Smedley for Whitehorn. And valued at over $120.00!

These beautiful scarves can be worn in many ways! Wear as a neck scarf or a head scarf.

Now you too can be the owner a Whitehorn silk scarf! But to make this giveaway more exciting, we are going to challenge your wits! If you are a lover of the British. Then the following questions should be a breeze for you! To enter this contest, simply answer the questions from each of the three images below correctly.

Question #1: What is the name of this famous Monach of England and the United Kingdom?

Questions #2: This is the largest clock in London! What is the name of this famous clock?

Questions #3: This location is over the famous River Thames! What is the name of this famous structure in London?

To be considered for the contest you must answer all three questions correctly! Send your entires to jacquelineh@coutureinthecity.com, and title your email Whitehorn Contest. Remember to give your name and address. The Whitehorn giveaway and contest will run until November 28th 2008. So start those google searches and get your british smarts on! And the winner will be featured on Couture in the City! Good luck!

www.whitehorndesigns.com

Source for images: google, Whitehorn

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

If you’re a Project Runway fanatic like me, then you probably get excited about the designers that actually make it in the biz. One such designer is Kara Janx, one of the finalists from season two. Known for her flattering kimono dresses, the South African-born designer (now New York based) brings us a sneak preview of her spring 2009 collection.

Big bow details, girly “waterfall” ruffles and artistic water color prints create a fun and fresh look for Janx’s spring line. Kara’s designs remind me of what would happen if Urban Outfitters went couture…she creates easy to wear pieces that are beautiful and artful, and translate easily from the runway to the real way. Don’t get me wrong…I love avant-garde styles just as much, but it is refreshing to be able to find unique and wearable pieces like Janx’s that will translate just as beautifully in the years to come.

Love what you see? Janx’s spring line will be available through her online store at www.karajanx.com and at choice boutiques and retailers. Can’t wait? Check out her selection of dresses, underwear and more to snag a piece of fashion history for yourself. My pick would be one of her kimono dresses; they look totally couture without being unwearable (office to dancefloor? YES).

PeaceKeeper 400, $85.00

Pursuader in silver leather, $379.00

Tinkerbell, $317.00

It’s a tough world out their…but looking fabulous and fierce is a sign of our times. Enter James Piatt handbags, truly some of the most one of a kind designs on the market today. Not just pretty, Piatt’s bags offer poignant commentary about violence, celebrity, and yes, fashion.

It all started with Piatt’s “Peacekeeper” bag, which was created by Piatt as a gift for a friend. Featuring a brass knuckle-like handle, this haut handbag is more than just a place to put your lip gloss, but a way to protect yourself. Like all good ideas, word about the Peacekeeper flourished and now Piatt has a team to help him create his unique vision.

In all honesty, I can’t believe that I haven’t seen some celebrity pictured with Piatt’s “Pursuader” bag. While I wouldn’t encourage someone to bring it to school, this gun-shaped bag is luxe and edgy at the same time.

Not for the faint of heart, Piatt also offers the “Tinkerbell” bag, which is entirely more than meets the eye. Based on Paris Hilton’s discarded Chihuaha of the same name, this grim yet intriguing design feaures, yes, a dead chihuaha. “This design capitalizes on the trend of carrying a small dog as an accessory,” (source ).  I think that I love the “X”’s over his eyes the best.

Check out James Piatt’s website to find out more about these bags, peruse his art or see his super cool gallery with these bags featuring hot Russian-esque chicks and war scenese (love).

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

The Shoe Box announces their annual Fall/Winter Sale Weekend with 20% off their entire store — a vast selection of new Fall/Winter shoes, boots and handbags, October 17-19, 2008. Brands include KORS, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Frye, Sergio Rossi, Guiseppe Zanotti, Cynthia Vincent, D&G, Rebecca Minkoff, Lauren Merkin, Botkier, Foley + Corinna and more. (Excludes Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch and Ugg Australia)

Pop princess Britney Spears has been seen everywhere with her Minnie Rose White Cashmere Ruffled Shawl. From fighting off paparazzi in New York City to her long flight to LAX Britney could not let go of the shawl.  Could this be her new security blanket?

She was even photographed using it while spending time with her sons this weekend.  Who knows, she may even be wearing it right now!

Minnie Rose Ruffed Shawl - $308.00

Every girl needs a chic shawl in her wardrobe. Dress it up or down, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Shopping Source: Madison and Friends

Current Elliott Skinny Jean in Loved Destroyed as seen on Katie Holmes and Kate Beckinsale - $219.00

Current Elliott Boyfriend Jean in Super Loved Destroyed as seen in Vogue and on Sarah Jessica Parker - $229.00

Current Elliott Bootcut Jean in Loved Destroyed - $235.00

Foley + Corinna - Shirred Corset Dress
Was $361.00 Now $252.70

A style worthy of the most glamorous silver-screen siren.

Shopping Source: ShopBop.com

Catherine Malandrino - Short Sleeve Deep V Sweater Dress
Was $395.00 Now $276.50

Flattering, feminine silhouette plus luxe cashmere equals sweater dress perfection.

Shopping Source: ShopBop.com