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!

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Lawrence Zarian -The Fashion Guy! We jazzed about fashion, beauty and the hottest trends out there for this fall and winter season!

This dashing model turned TV star, has Hollywood - or dare I say the fashion world - wrapped around his little finger! From appearing live on ABC’s The Academy Awards. To changing lives with his fashionable and stylish make-overs on Live with Regis and Kelly. Turning the ordinary fashion starved lady into a hot and fashionable diva! Even TYRA can’t get enough of this Fashion Guy!

Now shining in his element on TV Guide Network’s - The Fashion Team. Lawrence is the host with the most! Serving his weekly dose of fashion news. From haute couture to Hollywood royalty, there’s nobody Lawrence can’t charm. His energy, quick wit, and insight on “what’s hot”. Not to mention his very funny and delectable sense of humor. (He had me tickling with laughter throughout our conversation!). Has made Lawrence one of the most sought after on-camera TV personalities today! Ladies and gentleman the man of the hour! The charming, the debonair, the breathtaking, the spectacular…Lawrence Zarian!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: It is great to see you on TV Guide’s The Fashion Team! It must be so much fun! So far who would you say has been your favorite fashion guest and why?

Lawrence Zarian: Well there are actually two celebrities that I very much enjoyed having on the Fashion Team! The first is Jaclyn Smith. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. The second is Vanessa Williams. I think she is great. And I just love the way she portrays herself. Especially as an actress on Ugly Betty. Those are my favorite two!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Of course here at Couture in the City our readers are excited to hear what is the next fall fashion trend we should be looking out for. So tell me Lawrence, what is in right now?

Lawrence Zarian: Well I am a true believer that you should buy what you can afford. I would recommend for the ladies to keep their look clean, simple, and classic. Go for that classic black skirt, or that black pencil skirt! Go for textured tights, tall boots and a great turtle neck to finish the look. You know even a simple broach just adds that classic finish. Purple is hot right now! Anything purple!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: In regards to that how could we find that great look? And where could we purchase that look for less lets say?

Lawrence Zarian: I like JC Penny’s, Marshalls, Target, Macy’s, Forever 21. And Lane Bryant for plus sizes.

Lawrence interviewing none other than Charlie’s Angel - Jaclyn Smith - on The Fashion Team!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Lawrence is it bags, shoes or belts! What should a girl grab right now for fall as the hottest accessory! And where if she wanted to could she buy it?

Lawrence Zarian: I love the chunky jewelry! You can get a great look for less! Go to JC Penny, Forever 21. And accessorize with those pearls and chunky necklaces! Go for those purples and aborigines. And stack up those bracelets!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Now, I have asked you all about fashion. But I would love to know more about your fashion loves! So who is your favorite fashion designer today?

Lawrence Zarian: For men, Hugo Boss - he has a very classic everyday look and wear. And for women - Valentino.

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Do you prefer the term Fashion Diva or Fashionista?

Lawrence Zarian: (Joking voice) I like the term… Fashion Guy…

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Ok last but not least! Here’s a tough one for you! Let’s challenge your fashion smarts, since your are the guru of fashion! Which famous French designer once quoted “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different?” And “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” I’ll give you a hint! Her famous logo interlinks. Can you guess it!?

Lawrence Zarian: Oh gosh! Let me think about that for a minute…Oh! That has to be Coco Chanel?! Did I get it right?

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Yes! Yes you did!

Check out Lawrence every Sunday on TV Guide Network - The Fashion Team!
Learn more about Lawrence on his web site at www.TheFashionGuy.com

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

Smartbargains.com

Smartbargains.com has a wonderful collection of women’s designer apparel at really low prices! Check out their six days of sales! Where discounts are being slashed from 25-50%! Also use your advantages of being a Couture in the City reader! Use discount code COUTURE20 at the check out to get an additional 20% off!

Target

You can’t beat Target’s 2 day sale this weekend! Check out their Women’s category to get the best deals on sweaters, sleepwear and outer wear!

Macy’s

Check out Macy’s to get the best deals on the best brand names in fashion!

Armani Exchange

Go designer at Armani Exchange with 20% off this holiday weekend! Now that’s designer shopping!

Hautelook

And if you are a Hautelook member you will enjoy their $20 gift certificate referral this holiday weekend!

Source: Armani Exchange, Hautelook, Macy’s, Smartbargains.com, Target

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Catherine Malandrino women’s belted silk dress - $495.00

This timelessly chic silk dress cinches at the waist. And includes a belt accented with stones. The flattering crossover v-neckline, has a slight drape to add that touch of finese.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Women’s charmeuse dress with crochet abstract - $328.00

Look feminine and delicate in this BCBG charmeuse dress, accented with crochet abstract rosettes. You’ll feel the belle of the ball in this pure silk ensamble.

It’s time to look sexy this holiday season! And if you don’t already have that little designer number. Then you should! I have picked a few really great dresses. All different, sexy, and classic!
From great designer choices such as BCBG, Catherine Malandrino and Manoush. You are sure to find that delightful and personal dress just for you.
From the top I picked a classic black ensemble dress from Manoush. With a wonderfully braided silver belt. This dress personifies the women who is young, chic, and wants to flirt at her holiday party! Great choice for women in their 20’s.
From Catherine Malandrino I chose a more sophisticated look. This beautiful grey silk ensemble is timeless. And is perfect for that special event this holiday season. Perfect fit for the women in their 30’s.
BCBG has also been known for its very inventive designer clothes. As well as being a very popular designer brand. As a great topic of conversation, this orange silk dress is the perfect go between for any choice of event for the holidays.

Source: TheFind.com

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Gucci and Luella featured Colored Tights in their 2008 runway shows

I must admit, I’ve never been a big fan of tights. Living in Florida, I can have bare legs pretty much year-round. However, this winter has been unusually cold, leaving me looking for a warmer alternatives.

Though this isn’t ground-breaking news, opaque tights have been big on the fashion scene for fall/winter of ‘08. Basic black is a must, but other colors are making their way into the mainstream. Gray, navy blue and deep purples are favorites of mine, with olive greens, mustard and fuchsia popular colors among the most daring fashionistas.

But how do you pull off all of these colorful ensembles? It’s easier than you think, and is a great way to set yourself apart from all of the drab winter colors out there. Try these combinations and see what works best for you:

Gray:  pair gray tights with a plaid skirt or dress, Gray also looks great with yellow and can basically be worn just like black tights for a more muted look.

Navy: same rules apply to navy tights as gray tights, but stay away from pair them with purples or blues. Navy tights with a black dress can look really sophisticated if done right, so consider that option.

Deep purple: I wore my deep purple tights today with a gray dress, a black cardigan, and black patent flats. Purple tights are also great under a fall floral dress or with plaid or houndstooth skirts.

Brights: if you are going to wear bright tights in winter, then be sure to mute the rest of your look. Yellow tights with a gray dress or fuchsia tights with a black skirt and top are just right. Too much color may have you looking like an evil superhero, so just be careful with that.

I love Target’s Merona line …at $5.99 a pair, you really can’t lose, and they offer all of the basic colors you’ll need for this winter. Hue is a little more expensive (about $12.50 a pair), but they offer a great variety of really beautiful colors (I must have peacock!).

Hue Tights, $12.50

How have you worn colored tights this winter? Tell us your favorite way to work this trend and how it fits into your wardrobe!

*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

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!