Hilary Duff (source)

Victoria Beckham (source)

Marley Shelton (source)

Bring on the heavy hardware…long gone are the skinny belts from last season; this summer, it’s all about wide belts. Serious metallic details, thicker straps and an all-around “edgier” look in belts are showing up on red carpets and the streets. And this look isn’t just for evening alone; the trend right now is to pair a heavier belt with a surprisingly floaty or feminine dress by day.

Not sure if this look is right for you? Here’s how to make a wide waist cinching belt work for you:

1) Casual: go for a boho look a la Hilary Duff and pair a neutral tone belt in a soft brushed leather over a long sun dress. You can also try the same look with a long feminine tunic over skinny jeans.

2) Dressy: pick a black patent belt and cinch it over a fitted jacket like our favorite Spice Girl would (motorcycle gloves optional).

3) Fierce: go for the unexpected, and pair a black belt with funky hardware over a formal dress or white button-down tee.

Check out this belt from Elegantly Waisted for a celebrity-style steal:

Double Ring Wrap Belt Sale $106.50

Popularity: 5% [?]

This beautiful actress is really hot right now, and is our fashion celebrity of the day. With the movie blockbuster Hancock under her belt, Charlize has been sizzling at her red carpets worldwide. Dazzling in designer gowns, perfect make-up and hair styles. She most certainly can’t go wrong!

Charlize blazes in red’s, purple’s and pinks at the opening of her Moscow red carpet for Hancock

Do you love this look? Well you can have it too! Start with applying the right make-up;

1. Apply Dior Skin Air Flash foundation.
2. Define eyes with Dior Eye Show in Glam & Glitz and Dior Show Unlimited Mascara in Black.
3. Dust Dior Blush in Passion Fruit on cheeks.
4. Focus on lips with Rouge Dior lipstick in Red Premiere.

And pizzazz! You’ve glammed your look for an evening out, with a touch of celebrity style!

Charlize dazzles us in a designer Valli dress

Charlize wears designer Giambattista Valli at her premiere. You can get a very similar look by going with a pink theme, combined with a high couture look. Try this high couture number by Mary L;

Mary L Couture Print Halter Gown

Style Tip: Where can you use this look?

1) Weddings.
2) Corporate parties.
3) Evening dinner parties.
4) Or a high profile event.

Or pick a purple theme and try a more sophisticated look with a silk print dress instead.

Single Dress Border Print Silk Dress

Style Tip: Where can you use this look?

1) Cocktail parties.
2) Dinner with friends.
3) Evening out on the town.

Either way you are sure to be the belle of the ball! With a great look inspired by Charlize Theron. Let’s us know how you get your celebrity look!

Source: People.com, Sephora, Nordstrom, Just Jared.com (image)

Popularity: 5% [?]

Kate Beckinsale (source)

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (source)

Charlize Theron (source)

Ok…I’m going to be honest; this is not one of the easiest trends to pull off. Maxi dresses are all the rage right now, and you can find them everywhere from Old Navy to Target on the low end to upscale designer styles. While these flowy frocks seem like they would be the answer for all of us body conscious girls (goodbye thunder thighs!), the wrong print or cut could have your dress looking one step away from a house coat.

This being said, I love a good maxi dress; they are ethereal, bohemian and not to mention, comfy. Not only that, but they are the perfect cover up for trendanista mom’s-to-be. If you are brave enough to try this trend, here are a few tips on how to wear a maxi dress:

1) Get a good cut: if you have an ample top, make sure the girls aren’t spilling out everywhere, and that’s just for starters. Make sure your waist is still defined, whether with an empire style or with a belt, and make sure that your not going to trip over a too-long hemline.

2) Prints: beware of busy prints that induce headaches or blurry vision, because that’s a lot of fabric to deal with. If you are particularly unsure or self-conscious, go with a solid print maxi dress to start.

3) Accessorize: another reason to go with a solid colored maxi dress is that it is going to be the easiest to accessorize with. Long necklaces, scarves, and look-at-me handbags go great with a maxi dress. Still not sure what to wear those trendy gladiator sandals with? Try them with a maxi dress to double up on trends.

If you are still not sure, then get yourself an inexpensive solid colored maxi dress and wear it as a cover up to the beach or the pool and give it a test drive. If you decide that the longer style isn’t for you, cut it to just above knee length and repurpose it into a sun dress. Either way, experiment and have fun! Let us know what you think about this summer trend and if it works for you!

Popularity: 5% [?]

At Couture we get to review some of the best products out there. Summers here, and its time to show off your healthy newly preped pedicures and manicures! And Nailtiques is here to help.

Now once again -from me to you- I get to try this wonderful product. Was I skeptical? Not at all! I knew I would be taken care of with this ‘innovator in the worldwide nail care industry’. Are the products natural I hear you ask? Of course they are! And salon tested to boot. And do they really treat the problems I have with my nails? Well if your going to keep asking, heres the lowdown from Nailtiques themselves;

” Nailtiques has been providing therapeutic nail treatments that surpass all others. Nailtiques nail care system treats multiple nail problems with six specially formulated protein strengths. They not only supply nourishment to strengthen nails, they also eliminate peeling.”

Wow, that’s great. Now lets get to the product!

Nailtiques Avocado Foot Crème

I had the luxury of trying the Avocado Foot Crème. Now I must say this thick, creamy lotion is pure bliss!

After bathing your feet in your foot spa, whilst listening to your classical music. Finish your D.I.Y (Do it yourself) at home spa with this lucious cream. The welcoming aromatic scent and soft texture is very inviting. Apply an ample amount to your feet and massage into the skin. I found that my feet were soft for days. Now, I found the best results are when I use this lotion daily. My feet are hydrated, and softer then ever.

Nailtiques Oil Therapy

Nailtiques Pink & Green Sponge File

Now to keep those healthly manicures you need a good foundation. I tried a combination nail treatment using both the oil therapy and sponge files. The oil is superb, goes on clean and smooth. Using the pink side of the sponge file, smooth down any nail ridges. And keep adding the oil, and contiue the process until the surface of your nails are smooth. I got superb results, and this treatment works great for me.

Now you have the perfect tools for keeping your nails and feet in perfect condition for the summer!

Source: Nailtiques, Janine Gordon Associates

Popularity: 8% [?]

Here we are ladies, our prayers have been answered! Finally, we have reached a natural alternative to those Botox injections. Yes, Frownies is here.

Frownies is Hollywoods best kept secret. But that is no longer the case. This fab age defying, anti wrinkle system has been featured in O Magazine, and Good Housing Keeping alike.

Now before we get into the exciting part i.e. testing the product. There is an amazing history behind Frownies and how it began.

Frownies were created in 1889 after Margaret Kroesen discovered that her daughter Alice, a concert pianist, had developed unsightly wrinkles and frown lines. With a desire to maintain her youthful beauty and stage presence, Mrs. Kroesen created Wrinkle Eradicators (as they were first called) by employing the basic principle of fitness to the muscles of the face. Several years later, Mrs. Kroesen’s entered the business world; she joined B & P Company (Beauty and Personality) as Managing Director. By offering only her Wrinkle Eradicators and skin treatments, which has become a great success up until today.

Frownies - Face Lift in a bag

Now I have had the honor of trying this fabulous product. And I can’t rave about it enough. After using the whole kit, Face Lift in a bag. My skin was radiant, bright, supple and plump. And beautiful, like I stepped out of a plastic surgeons office after having a few light botox and dermabrasion surgical procedures. Yes, I can hear it in your voice, you are excited!

But to get the full results you have to use the whole kit.

Frownies - Ph Balancing Wash -Contains the freshness of lavender essential oil and the cleaning power of soapwort and soap yucca to detoxify, balance, and clean the skin’s surface.

Start with the ph Balancing Complexion Wash. Apply small drop (less than dime size) in the palm of your hand, and work into lather with slightly cool to warm water. Apply to the entire face and neck area as well as under eyes, rinse well.

*Note from Frownies: Never use hot water on the face it is very drying.

Frownies - Immune Perféct Wrinkle Cream

Secondly, apply Frownies Immune Perféct Wrinkle Cream I just loved the texture of this lotion and the way it gently absorbs into the skin. Instantly I noticed my skin is hydrated bright and plump. This rich formula has powerful cellular interactive antioxidants with active Vitamin E and 17 amino acids! Use all over the the entire face, under the eyes and the neck area.

*Note from Frownies: Do not put the gel cream in the palm of you hand and rub. This activates the delivery system and the penetration begins in your hands.

Frownies - Facial Pads

Frownies - Facial Pads - How to apply to the face

Thirdly, wet Frownies Facial Patches using Hydrator Spray or distilled water and apply over the lines. Leave in place at least three hours or, for best results, overnight.

*Note: Remember to use plenty of water upon removing the pads. And don’t feel daunted by using the facial pads either. They do feel a little tight on the skin, so try to relax when wearing them for a few hours. But they are quite comfortable when you are use to wearing them. (Just think of the results!)

After removing the facial pads, the areas where the patches were are a little sensitive. And maybe a little red, so be gentle. But after a few minutues the results are amazing. Any minor wrinkles I had were completely gone. Plus the skin in those areas were firmer.

Rose Hydrator Spray

Now this is my favorite part, use the Hydrating Rose Spray as a daily toner, or after cleansing. It is a wonderfully refreshing pick up after exercising, or anytime of the day.

Now I truly loved this product. And I use it daily, especially the facial wash, hydrating spray and Immune Perféct lotion. I will now use the pads once a week, or every other week just for the tone and lift they give. But, what I truly love about the product is that it is made of natural ingredients.

I used Face Lift in a bag prior to a photo shoot, which gave me great results.

Jacqueline H. at photo shoot, having used Face Lift in a bag prior to shoot

You can visit the Frownies official website to learn more about this wonderful product. Also, Couture In the City will be giving away a Face lift in in a bag to one of our lucky readers. Check in to view the giveaway post for more details.

Source: Frownies.com, KMR Communicatuions, NY

Popularity: 9% [?]

Getting beauty secrets from the Stars has just got easier! Now more than ever, make-up artists are revealing their trade secrets to the public. Ever wished you could achieve the ‘Sunny Face’ of Sarah Jessica Parker? Or the ‘Smokey Shimmer’ of Rihanna?

Well heres how. I have chosen 7 super stars and how to achieve their look.

Sarah Jessica Parker is a natural in shimmering neutrals—copper-brown and salmon cream shadows, bronzer, and nude lipstick. Re-create the look with easy instructions from makeup artist Stephane Marais. Go to Looks by Allure and create the interactive look yourself!

Rihannas’ look is ‘good girl gone bad’. Sweet pink cheeks and lips with sexy, sooty eyes. Make the look yours with instructions from makeup artist Mark Carrasquillo.

Jennifer Lopez glows with a subtle bronzer, dark lashes, and neutral lips.

English Rose Keira Knightley blossoms with glistening sand and pink. Beige shades look effortless and luminous on the young starlet.

Liv Tyler looks super sultry with sooty eyes and glossy nude lips. Learn how to re-create her make-up.

Scarlett Johansson looks simply divine. Adding bronze highlighter gives her skin a youthful, healthy glow. Achieve this look.

Jennifer Hudson looks sublime in green-gold eyeshadow and caramel lipstick.

Source for images and content: allure.com

Popularity: 9% [?]

Rihanna in D&G (source)

Rihanna in Gucci (source)

Rihanna (source)

Rihanna with orange pumps (source)

Where did this girl come from? It seems like this time last year, Rihanna was nowhere to be seen on the fashion radar, but then she went to Paris and pulled a major Katie Holmes on us.

The Proof:

Rihanna at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards

Her old look was definitely “eh”…not terrible, but nothing to blog about. Classic dress, classic shoes, classic long hair. Utterly forgettable. Now, every time she steps out she looks like a million bucks. You know, if I was a celeb, I would have whoever is dressing her on my speed dial.

Dressing like Rihanna is no small feat, and it certainly helps if you have a killer young bod like she does (I think she won some “best legs” in the biz award from Venus razors last year or something). But, it can be done. With these few tips, you can get under her umbrella-ella of fashion with ease. Here’s how to dress like Rihanna:

1) Hair: If you are looking for a major fashion overhaul, then you have to start with the hair first. Rihanna ditched her Mariah Carey-inspired locks and opted for an edgy pixie cut instead and it SO works. Not only does it disguise her very high forhead, but her pixie cut gives her new couture pieces a much better canvas to play off of.

2) Clothes: It’s obvious that Ri has access to the greatest designers in the world and thus, the greatest looks. While we all can’t afford to strut it in Gucci every day, we can still take cues from their look. Rihanna’s look is very distinct, so pick out distinct (read: avant-garde, not gaudy) pieces to stand out from the crowd. Instead of a plain top under your blazer, add a lacy top with a pencil skirt and bright colored shoes instead.

3) Accessories: It must be noticed that Rihanna’s accessories have gone from bland to fierce. I have never wanted orange pumps more than I do now. Look for fierce but femme clutches, unexpected colors with an all black ensemble, and over the top earrings and bangles with a pretty top and skirt.

Popularity: 37% [?]

Reese Witherspoon (source)

Halle Berry (source)

Heidi Klum (source)

Liv Tyler (source)

Confession: last week I officially broke my 15-year stance against bangs and made the cut. I haven’t had bangs since I was a little girl (and those were heavily feathered to match my thick plastic glasses), so it was a hard move for me. However, I think that my bangs are super cute and love them much more than I thought I would.

Another confession: I was inspired by celebs. It seems like every time I turned around another celeb was sporting some cute fringe, and I just didn’t want to be left in the dust. No, seriously, it seemed like a simple solution to change up my stagnant style without severly cutting, dying or otherwise ruining my hair.

I have a round face, so I chose sideswept bangs (plus, they are easy to pin back and will grow out quickly if I decided I didn’t like them). But if you want to get red carpet bangs, then you need to do a little research first.  Here’s how to get celebrity style bangs:

1) Consider your face shape: Anyone who has ever opened a magazine knows how important your face shape is when it comes to haircuts, and bangs are no exception. If you have a long face (like Liv Tyler) then you can do the heavy, blunt cut bangs. If you have a heart shaped face (like Reese Witherspoon) then lighter sideswept bangs are more your speed.

2) Try some on for size: If you are really unsure of how this look will suit you, then get thee to the mall and buy some hair pieces to try out the look first. I used my own hair and pinned it in place (I have longer hair) and took some pictures to see if I liked the effect first.

3) See a stylist: DON’T try to cut your own bangs if you want to get the best results. I cut my own, and while I think they are cute, I’ll probably have to go in and have my stylist clean them up in a few months. A stylist can also recommend hot new bangs and textures to suit your face shape. Be sure to bring pictures for inspiration!

So that’s how to get celebrity style bangs…don’t be afraid of the shears if you really want to try this look, after all, it will grow back eventually. Good luck!

Popularity: 26% [?]

Sarah Michelle Gellar with one hot manicure (source)

Feelin’ a little blue? Stuck in a style rut, and have an equally stuck budget too? My favorite trick for giving myself a glam little lift is a femme and fancy manicure. For about $4, you can give your hands (and your attitude) a hot little pick me up thanks to a simple bottle of nail polish. You don’t have to spend tons on nail polish (but if you’ve got the cash, treat yourself to a nice bottle of Chanel, MAC or OPI) in a trendy color for instant glam.

If you want to splurge, then definitely go and see the professionals for a manicure, but in between, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it up on your own! Take a 30 minute break while you are watching “Gossip Girl” or whatever your guilty favorite is and start polishin’.

Here’s how to give yourself a manicure with these simple tools:

1) Nail polish (duh): Get a hot hue (right now deep purples are trendy) and a clear top coat.

2) Nail file, cuticle cutters and any other shaping/cutting tool you like.

3) Nail polish remover, cotton swabs and a towel to protect surfaces.

4) Your favorite lotion.

5) A free block of time and a glass of wine (optional, of course).

Start with clean, lotioned hands, being sure to cut and shape your nails and push back cuticles. SLOWLY and carefully paint your nails, ignoring mistakes until the end. Wait 15 minutes in between coats and finish with clear topcoat. When your nails are all dry, use a cotton swab to erase mistakes with nail polish remover.

Don’t get frustrated if you can’t get it perfect and trust me, resist the urge to fold laundry while you wait for them to dry!  A sexy manicure is the perfect way to give yourself an affordable little pick me up, so give it a try on your day off and enjoy effortless and easy glam.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Cate Blanchette, Heidi Klum and Eva Mendes lookin’ Diaphanous (source)

You asked…we answered! Couture in the City reader Annie asked:

I’m cleaning out my closet and I need to know, are one shoulder tops in style?

It’s tough to say Annie. One-sleeved Grecian inspired dresses are super hot right now, but not necessarily one shoulder tops. They’re a little 2001, unfortch. But don’t despair, and don’t send them packin’ to Goodwill just yet. If you’ve got the imagination, and a whole lot of self-confidence, you may be able to put a Gwen Stefani spin on your one-shoulder tops. Here’s how:

1) One-shoulder tanks: pair a solid one-shoulder tank under a jean jacket with a patterened skirt for an asymmetrical look. OR pair a solid colored tank with a matching solid colored skirt for a dress-effect (one-shoulder dresses are more in style right now).

2) One-shoulder long sleeve tops: consider the pattern. Is it way out of date, or classic? Is it a solid color? Is it a designer top? If it’s a floral number from Old Navy, chuck it. If it’s too trendy or looks way too out of style, then used your best judgement.

3) One-shoulder t-shirs: these are a world of no. Just give them away.

And last of all, compare your tops to current looks. Everything comes back around! Take a look at some of these cute tops available now and compare them to the ones you have. You may be surprised to find out that they are similar:

One-shoulder top from Sweetface (source)

One-shoulder top from Kooba (source)

Happy closet cleaning, and make sure to compare and contrast before you say goodbye to your one-shoulder tops forever!

Got a question for the Couture in the City Fashionistas? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at angelique@coutureinthecity.com …talkt to you soon!

Popularity: 13% [?]