New York - Were going live to New York with the hottest model celebrity news. Were talking Vogue TV with IMG models, promoting the crème de la crème at Mercedes-Benz fashion week. The evening’s Model.Live event sponsored by EXPRESS honored the show’s stars, Austria Alcantara, Madeline Kragh and Cato Van Ee.

Looking sharpe - models Madeleine, Austria, and Cato strut their stuff at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Spring 2009. Hosted at The Bowery Hotel on September 3, 2008 in New York.

Well you are probably wondering what is Model.Live? Well move over Tyra Banks, with America’s Next Top Model. Here we see real life, with real models, at real agencies. Not that I haven’t been guilty of watching a few re-runs of ANTM myself, and rooting for the all the fashion model hopefuls.
But Vogue. TV alongside one of New York’s top fashion agencies - IMG.

Actress Becki Newton and model Cato Van Ee attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2009

Have launched something even more to the life of the model. This innovative, hip and stylistically worldly online series. Takes each of our model stars and brings real life hopes, dreams, and inspirations - to everday life. The girls are simple, yet intriguing to watch. And yet very inspirational.

The Model.Live Trio

We hear their truth, and how they were scouted by their talent agent. And what’s even more delightful is to watch Madeline celebrate her 16th birthday straight out of Brazil. So if you want real life model stories, and you’re a model realty TV regular. Than you’ll love tuning into Model.Live.

Source: Model.Live, Vogue TV, IMG, Wire Image

Popularity: 3% [?]

With fashion week just around the corner I know that we are all curious about what’s out there for Spring 2009. Questions like is Justin Timberlake the new Gwen Stefani? Will goth be the new grunge? Here’s everything you need to know—to be in the know—before New York fashion week even starts.

William Rast Is the New L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani is taking things to a new level with her savvy brand L.A.M.B. But copycat Justin Timberlake is hoping for a similar business fashion model success with William Rast, a denim collection that’s been expanded to include men’s and women’s ranges designed by Johan and Marcella Lindeberg.

Joseph Altuzarra Is the New Boy Wonder

Joseph Altuzarra’s only a few years out of school, Altuzarra doesn’t even have a Web site yet—although he has an internship with Marc Jacobs and stints with Proenza Schouler and Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy under his natty belt. His precocious debut is being shown by appointment in New York next week.

Nicholas Kirkwood Is the New Christian Louboutin

Nicholas Kirkwood is ready to step into being in control. As he’s landed a gig making shoes for Pollini, where the appointment of Jonathan Saunders as ready-to-wear director has made it one of Milan’s must-see shows. Celebrities such as Selma Blair have been spotted in his architectural stilettos and platform heels.

Source: Style.com

Popularity: 4% [?]

White leather knee-high boots

Q: I just bought some white, knee-high boots. They are patent leather (real leather) with a croc impressed print and have a black leather ribbon at the top. This was an impulse buy…with what should they be worn?

A: I have to admit, this was a real mind bender.

For one thing, I have nothing but fall fashion on the mind right now when it comes to clothing and accessories, and these just don’t scream fall fashion to me. Don’t let that scare you. If you love something enough, set it free on the world, but be sure to wear it right. Or you could end up looking like this:

White Boots Don’t (source )

Your boots are fierce for sure, and you can really work them in the up-coming months because they are going to be unexpected. While everyone else is resurrecting their Minnetonka’s and are sporting peep-toe ankle boots, you’ll be wearing something fresh and inspiring with these boots.

Now, depending on your style, these boots can go a few different ways. Ready? Here’s how to wear white knee-high boots for fall:

1) Retro

This is going to be your best bet…use Andy Warhol, 1960’s Goldie Hawn and Twiggy as your inspiration. Pair these boots with this season’s hyper-colored tights and a black A-line or swing dress and voila! Go easy on the accessories and top it off with an understated hobo or clutch (too much business is going to clash with the croc-print detail).

2) Easy Weekend

Jeans. Black or white cashmere or acrylic sweater. Scarf. Done.

3) Office Sophisticate

Pair these with black textured tights and a just-above or just-below knee length skirt for the office. Go for a textured skirt with a muted pattern (like a nubby houndstooth, perhaps) and a solid colored t-shirt.

You would get extra bonus points for pairing these with a stark white pea-coat (so cute) but be sure to involve some other color, preferably a neutral so you don’t look too matchy-matchy.

Soia & Kyo Wool Twill Walking Coat, available at Nordstrom (source )

I would also suggest black, red, camel or even navy colored wrap dresses with these boots, as long as tights are involved. Stay away from pairing these with dress pants (bland) or mini skirts (questionable) and you should be A-OK.

Daryl K, 2007 Fall/Winter Ready to Wear (source )

Fellow fashionistas…got a style quandry? We’re here to help! Email us your questions and we will be glad to offer you our infinite fashion wisdom. Hope to hear from you soon!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Simple, chic, and sometimes with freckles shining through, the au natural look gets updated and subtly illuminated with peachy, pinky shades to give a slight punch that looks almost doll-like. Makeup artist Tyron Machusen explains, “For lips, these shades of apricot and pink are flattering on everyone and really complement a gorgeous, fresh complexion.”

FOR GLISTENING EYES

For eyes that glisten, first cover dark circles, and even the upper lid with a reflective concealer. Apply champagne shadow to lids, then define the upper lash line with deep brown shadow. Bolster lashes with a coat of lash primer, and finish with blue-black mascara to instantly brighten the eyes.

Wicked Lovely Eye Shadow Duo

What it is: A luxurious eye shadow duo.

What it does: Smashbox Wicked Lovely Eye Shadow Duo is exactly what you need to create a smoldering look for evening.

What else you need to know: This limited-edition product has a velvety cashmere texture which glides on for buildable color and blends smoothly for looks that last.

Photo Op Under Eye Brightener

What it is: A brush-on under eye brightening cream.

What it is formulated to do: Photo shoots often start early in the morning when models and celebs aren’t quite looking their best, but those dark circles are now a thing of the past! With this lightweight brightener, you’ll be camera ready in no time! It works to make you look your best so you’ll be prepared for any photo opportunity that pops up!

FOR LUMINOUS SKIN

Start by filling in fine lines with a clear wrinkle filler. Then highlight the bridge of the nose, brow bones, and the upper lip with a dab of luminizer. Add a girly glow to the look with a dusting of peachy-pink blush on the apples of the cheeks, and brush a bronzy highlighter up towards the temples.

Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion

It’s all in the lighting … luminize your face by blending this oil-free lotion into your foundation. Ginkgo biloba and Japanese green tea will add a natural glow.

FOR PEARLY LIPS

For lush lips, first smooth them out with a lip exfoliator. Then outline and fill them in with shimmery nude lipstick. Take the shine up a notch with a layer of peachy gloss.

Wicked Lovely Doubletake Lip Color

What it is: A double-ended lip pencil and creamy lip color in one.

What it does: Create gorgeous lips with the Smashbox Wicked Lovely Doubletake Lip Pencil.

What else you need to know: The vitamin-packed formula has caffeine and nourishing wheat glycerides to moisturize and protect lips.

Source: Sephora, Smashbox

Popularity: 4% [?]

"The One Hundred" by Nina Garcia, $21.95

Fashionista’s, your field guide has finally arrived. While Nina Garcia’s "Little Black Book of Style" was an entertaining read (that forced me to re-evaluate my closet), this new style reference book brings it to a whole new level. As one of the judges on "Project Runway," Nina Garcia knows a thing or two about style, so I was truly excited to see what she had to say.

I literally had to pry this book away from the hands of my fellow style mavens in order to write this review. It’s addictive, chock full of sage advice and entertaining. Full color illustrations by Ruben Toledo (who also illustrated for Nina’s other book) also have to be noted as reason enough to own this book.

So what is this book about? Simply put, it is the 100 key items that Nina suggests that every stylish woman should own. Sounds daunting? Not really…#26 Denim Jacket, #94 Watch, #22 Converse; if you even have a vague interest in fashion, chances are that you already own a number of items on her list. Some of Nina’s suggested items are definitely on my wishlist (#69 Pucci!), but otherwise, I was surprised to find that I already own many pieces listed in "The One Hundred."

Not only does NIna give you sound advice on what key items to invest in,  but she also gives her expert opinion on the best labels to invest in. Nina is great too because she is all about mixing high and low ($5 white Hanes t-shirts with a fitted Chanel suit, for example). Fun fashion facts are also sprinkled through this hard-to-put-down handbook to keep things interesting (like, did you know that a bottle of Chanel No. 5 is sold every 30 seconds?).

So even if you think that you are totally in the know about fashion, this book will have you thinking twice about your own personal style. And wouldn’t you know it, Nina has me rummaging through my closet again. Just beware; you may find yourself rushing out to buy all of the wrap dresses, spanx and bangles you can get your hands on. You’ve been warned!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Win this on Today’s Couture! A beautiful 22k Gold Vermeil necklace by Zavida Jewelry! Valued at $110.00! Subscribe here if you don’t already and be added to the Couture in the City readers pool of picks.

Couture in the City and Zavida Gemstones is proud to announce our exclusive giveaway on Today’s Couture! Today we are featuring a review of this exceptional and exotic jewelry line from around the world! This beautiful line of jewelry is a personal favorite of mine. And you can’t go wrong with a jewelry line whose artists are diverse from the most exotic parts of the world. From India, Africa, Asia, Central America and South America. The Zavida line specializes in bringing unique and beautiful jewelry from around the world - with a touch of the exotic. Most of their jewelry line is made of sterling silver, gold and exceptionally high quality gemstones.

Editor’s choice - These exceptionally beautiful 22k gold vermeil and blue topaz with aquamarine are an elegant dangle earring to wear out to dinner.

Angelique - Editor’s choice - “I love these earrings! Blue topaz is one of my favorite stones. On a fashion sense, I would recommend wearing these earrings with hair in a nice sleek ponytail. I wore them to a birthday party last weekend and I received so many complements on how adorable they looked! These make a great gift item too!”

Senior Writer’s choice - gold vermeil and filigree earrings. With circular filigree designed with charm dangles, in a swirl post earring. These are great to wear anytime, anywhere!

Even though Zavida creates exceptional jewelry, they also have a keen hand in philanthropy. Their mission - to help struggling artisans half -way around the world. Zavida Gemstones makes a point in offering socially-conscious handmade semi-precious gemstone jewelry.

So far Zavida has granted $23,000 to support the indigenous silversmiths of India who create some of Zavida’s jewelry offerings. The funds come as part of Zavida’s progressive business model that gives back 25% of its profits to struggling regions where its worldly jewelry and gemstones originate, plus private donations. Now that’s giving back! In addition to giving back 25% of their profits, Zavida purchases directly from the silversmiths. Helping to further the silversmiths’ financial gain. Zavida then sells the silversmiths’ pieces as part of the many jewelry options offered on its retail website.

But now Couture in the City and Zavida are giving back too! And be one of the lucky readers to win our exceptional gift item. Enter today, and if you already subscribe to Couture in the City, you are automatically added into the pool of picks. This fantastic giveaway will run until September 12th! So be sure to check in back then too. When we will be giving away another beautiful jewelry item from Zavida! So good luck to you all my fashionistas!

Source: Zavida Gemstones

Popularity: 4% [?]

Get sentimental with welly boots, statement rings and Elizabeth & James fashions.
Well you know when we are talking about Welly boots that the probability of rain is just around the corner. Or when you need to accent your outfit and you need that ‘cocktail ring’, or shall we say that ’statement ring’. And the perfect scarf tank top that you are seeking can be satisfied with a petite ‘belle de jour’ by Elizabeth and James. So by the sounds of all of this we have a very accommodating outfit. Let’s just say that going to that party tonight is going to be very interesting indeed!

Start your rain proof outfit with some welly boots. Now being British myself, I remember back when I lived in the UK when these little treasures were very fashionable. In fact I don’t think that they ever went out of fashion! Here are a few of my favorite picks!

Add a little style with these checkered wellys. And at $51.00 a pair, they are a steal!

Feeling a little posh? Or you are an avid horseback rider? Then these equestrian rubber boots by Tamara Henriques are just for you. Retails at $125.00

Accent your look with a great scarf tank top by Elizabeth & James. These petite beauties are just the ticket to making your ‘welly’s look more fashionable’. Match this great black top with a pair of jeans for a great casual look.

Complete the look with your statement ring, or ‘cocktail ring’. Here are a few great pieces to choose from.

Elegante with sky blue topaz, onyx and absolute stones

14k white gold princess citrine diamond ring

Source: TheFind.com

Popularity: 6% [?]

Eyes by Elizabeth Arden

Just when I was beginning to tire of my eye makeup routine, Elizabeth Arden did it again…as if they were reading my mind, they have come out with a new palette of fun fall hues. And on the top of my wishlist? Navy blue mascara with matching eyeshadow. This combination is the perfect compliment to looks that are coming out this fall (hello heavy bangs and winter floral dresses!).

Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Duo in Peacock, $24.50

Now I know what you may be thinking; blue eyeshadow? I was skeptical too…before I got this lovely duo, I dismissed blue eyeshadow as something I wore in middle school, sadly paired with deep red matte lipstick  (hey, it was the 90’s, okay?). I couldn’t have been more wrong…the Peacock duo is a rich combination of deep teal and powdery light blue that when blended just right, makes for a stunning evening eye. Pair this shadow with navy mascara and you can create a look straight from the pages of next month Vogue.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Mascara in Midnight, $20.00

Still not sold on blue? Elizabeth Arden is on top of all of the fall makeup trends and offers a great range of colors in their Color Intrigue line. I’m also a big fan of the Black Currant duo which brings in smoky plums and lilacs that will also be hot this season. All seven of these duos are offered in sleek, limited edition compacts featuring one of Elizabeth Arden’s favorite quotes; “To be beautiful and natural is the birthright of every woman.”

This fall, get a little adventurous and break out of your usual makeup routine…create “intriguing” looks with Elizabeth Arden’s limited edition collection. Your lips just might get jealous.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Red Door Shimmer Available This Holiday Season at Elizabeth Arden

Roaring fires, sparkling champagne, cashmere sweaters, pine trees, white snow…these are the luxurious fragrances and feelings of the holidays. Now Elizabeth Arden has created a fragrance with you in mind as the holiday season approaches. Red Door Shimmer offers a take on the classic Red Door fragrance with a sparkling hint of holiday cheer that is festive and alive.

Red Door always reminds me of Christmas morning…for many years, a bottle would end up in my mothers stocking. However, Red Door Shimmer has a little something extra that smells warm and feminine. Its beautiful red and gold packaging make it ideal for gift giving, especially for the woman that has everything.

Top notes in this fragrance include Japanese Pear, Yuzu Leaf, Blackberry and Pink Pepper to create a bouquet that is both youthful and timeless. Stop by your nearest Elizabeth Arden counter to experience your next favorite fragrance.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Yes it is our end of summer giveaway! And thanks to Sephora we have an amazing line of really cool products that you can win! Now these are some of my summer favorites, and they feel great on the skin, as well as smell great too! And one lucky Couture in the City reader will win the whole set! So here is what’s up for grabs.

Win this! SuperStars - Super Shield Skin Saver SPF 30 - Valued at $10.00

This is the perfect way to save face for shade worshippers everywhere. This groundbreaking formulation is fantastic for face and body and for all skin types. It’s ultra-light, oil-free, and absorbs quickly, leaving pores clog-free and your skin with the most advanced UVA/UVB protection available. Not to mention, it contains skin-strengthening collagen, antioxidant vitamin complex A, C, and E, and soothing anti-aging botanicals to keep you gorgeous - no matter the weather.

To use: Apply liberally to face and body one hour before sun exposure. Re-apply every two hours to ensure maximum protection - more frequently when swimming or sweating.

Did we like it? Absolutely! Don’t think because summer is nearing it’s end that you don’t need an SPF skin protector. Because you do. Sun rays can still affect sensitive skin, even on cloudy days.

Angelique - The Editor’s Pick- Win the Sephora Peach Blossom Body Butter - Valued at $16.00!

What it is: A rich, lightly scented cream for the entire body.

What it is formulated to do: This thick, luxurious moisturizer rejuvenates skin with natural shea butter and beeswax, which softens skin and prevents against moisture loss.

What did we like about it the most? The smell is absolutely fabulous! And smells decadently like a beautiful peach orchard in the summer. Very dreamy.

Jacqueline - Senior Writer’s Pick - Sephora Peach Blossom body scrub - valued at $16.00!

What it is: A lightly scented body exfoliator.

What it is formulated to do: Using small Jojoba beads, this gentle yet effective scrub stimulates the skin while polishing away dry, dead cells. Macadamia Seed oil softens and hydrates the newly revealed skin.

Did we like it? I loved it! It is one of my favorite summer picks from Sephora. Again the scent is really amazing and fills the whole shower with an exotic and peachy aroma. I found this to be very therapeutic for the soul. And a sure winner. Five stars for me.

So if you wish to win this wonderful set of goodies from Sephora, then enter here. Now if you already subscribe to Couture in the City, you are automatically put into the pool of picks. The giveaway will run until September 9th. So good luck to you all my beautynistas!

Source: Sephora

Popularity: 4% [?]