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

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

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

Source

The Camera Never Lies - Part 2

“I don’t like my height, waist, etc…” Carson to the rescue! He shows one woman how to dress for success, bringing along his favorite shopping buddy - his camera!

See video here

Source

The Camera Never Lies - Tips to Dressing Your Best Part 1

Do you ever bring your best friend shopping with you for an honest opinion? Carson introduces you to a new BFF, your camera! Learn the secrets to dressing well for a great photo and the trick to using your camera as your reality check.

See video here

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

A White Wedding can be fun and elegant if done correctly. If Christmas has always been your favorite holiday, then this may be the perfect option for you. And it’s all so much easier than you think. Read on for some great inspiration on how to turn your wedding into a white winter extravaganza!

Color Scheme

A bride’s color scheme is super personal, but a winter wedding can help you narrow down your color choices. If you want to go with an icy wedding, then choose shades of blue, white and silver. If your winter wedding is going to be more of a Christmas theme, then red and green are obvious accent choices. Or you could go the uber chic route and make everything a crisp white with hints of silver and gold.

Gown

Top off any traditional wedding dress with a white fur capelet, stole or hooded coat to create a romantic wintery look. Add accent colors of red or silver in your hair or choose a dress with your corresponding colors.

Cake

Choosing the theme of your cake could be the most fun and challenging part of your wedding planning. Depending on how far you want to go, you can use poinsettias, candy canes, snowflakes, white doves, gift box shapes, bows, sprigs of pine and more on your cake. A gingerbread house shaped cake is a fun option for a Christmas themed wedding.

Decor

Red roses and poinsettias are obvious flower choices for a winter bride, but you can think outside the box based on your theme. Build your bouquet and floral decor with pinecones, sprigs of pine and other winter foliage to create a warm winter look. Snowflake garlands, fake white doves, silver and gold candles, and of course, decorated Christmas trees, wrapped gift boxes and other traditional Christmas decor is also a great option. White lights, ornaments and candy cane accents are also ideal.

Invitations

You can have a lot of fun with this too…icy themes can use a die cut snowflake design for their invitations, or a gingerbread man for a Christmas theme. Christmas cards with winter scenes or simple silver and gold accents on a traditional invitation are also elegant.

Whatever you do, if you decide that a Winter Wedding is for you and your fiancee, have lots of fun with it. Your guests will be sure to talk about it for years to come, and it will make this time of year even more special. Be sure to bank on after Christmas sales this year (or the year before your wedding) to get some great deals.

Have you ever had a White Wedding? If you were a December bride, leave a comment and let us know some of the “cool” things you did!

Naomi Watts (source)

Who says maternity style has to be boring? As a fellow mom, I have to appreciate Naomi’s stellar maternity style. Even though expectant mom’s are always told how beautiful we are (most of the time, we don’t feel like it!), Naomi truly glows. While most celebs have the benefit of lots of money and designer friends at their disposal, you don’t have to be an A-lister to score a celebrity maternity style look. Take some cues from free spirited Naomi and add these key pieces to your maternity wardrobe:

Scarves

If there is one great accessory to take the focus off of your growing belly, then it has to be a scarf. Timeless and inexpensive (if you know where to look), scarves will last you long after you’ve had your baby. Make like Naomi and add a punch of color to a black ensemble to bring attention to your face and away from your midsection.

Show Some Skin!

You may not feel so hot right now, but trust me; there’s one part of your body that you’re still going to want to flaunt. Whether it’s some exciting new decolletage (hello boobs!) or super shapely calves, make sure you play them up. Naomi shows off shapely legs tastefully by wearing a sweet long sleeve top to balance the look.

Great Shoes

Any pregnant woman will tell you that one of the most important parts of her wardrobe are her shoes. Cute flats and supportive sandals are staples, but a hot pair of ankle boots is the perfect way to add a trendy element to your wardrobe. Keep the heel low to get the most mileage out of them during your pregnancy.

Floaty Dresses

This was my #1 wardrobe staple during and after my pregnancy. You just can’t lose with a floaty dress because it will fit your ever-expanding shape no matter what size you are, and after will disguise any extra baby weight you may still be carrying. Naomi of course adds an avant-garde edge to her look by belting her dress under her bump, a look that I may venture to try the next time around.

So whether you just found out you are expecting or only have a few months to go, take these great maternity-style dressing cues from Naomi Watts to spice up your style. Your wardrobe will thank you!