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

Meet the Juicy Girls!  Juicy Couture founders Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy will host a meet and greet for all Juicy lovers at their new Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City next Saturday, November 8th.  The duo will be signing postcards and giving away a limited quantity of “Viva La Juicy” tees to shoppers who spend over $200.

When: Saturday, November 8th 11AM – 1PM
Where: Juicy Couture Flagship, 650 Fifth Avenue (Cross street 52nd St)

Bedroom Petals

Hall The Dream

October 2008 – Moschino will present the concept for MAISON MOSCHINO, the hotel that is expected to open in 2009, at the 45th annual TTG Incontri.  The international tourism trade show will take place in Rimini, Italy October 24- 26.

The hotel will be located in the old neoclassical railway station on Viale Monte Grappa, 12. The station originally opened in 1840 for the Milan-Monza route.  Rossella Jardini and Moschino’s creative team will lead the hotel’s creative direction.

The exterior facades were restructured in keeping with the original structure, while the interior was completely redesigned in the Moschino style. Divided into four floors, the 54 rooms and 15 suites are all different. On the ground floor, the hall and the bar welcome guests into the hotel. The restaurant extends from the hall to the garden, and the spa and the gym are located on the lower levels.

The hotel interior reflects Moschino’s distinctive style where the ordinary world is painted with a brush of surrealism. The common thread connecting each guest room is a fairy tale theme - because to sleep is to dream, and dreams are fairy tales that we are allowed to experience first hand.

www.moschino.com

Fashion photographs are now some of the most sought-after and collected images in the world, drawing upon the influences of both the fantastical and the everyday. Groundbreaking images by fashion photographers reflect upon the needs, wants and values of modern society while simultaneously pushing through its boundaries. In order to dedicate serious attention to the art of fashion photography, the International Center of Photography (ICP) is declaring 2009 the Year of Fashion. From January 16, 2009 to January 3, 2010, ICP (1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street) will present six innovative exhibitions including presentations of the fashion work of the legendary photographers Richard Avedon and Edward Steichen as well as exhibitions that showcase work by some of the most inventive fashion photographers and artists working today.

Edward Steichen Two Models wearing dresses by Vionnet, 1930 © 1930 Condé Nast Publications

The series will feature images by such legends as Richard Avedon and Edward Steichen as well as work by young emerging photographers that will provide a contemporary context. ICP is organizing the Year of Fashion to dedicate serious attention to one of the most influential forms of contemporary photography. The Year of Fashion will address a variety of topics, including the history of fashion photography, the relationship between fashion and other cultural and social phenomena, our perception of fashion and women in photographs, and the long relationship between art and fashion.

Source: International Center of Photography 1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street New York NY www.icp.org

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Here are some of my top picks from the Rich & Skinny Jeans collection!

Rich & Skinny High Jeans - Smartbargains.com price $89.00 (Regularly retails at $192.00)

Take a chance with these unique dark jeans that have a high waist and dark denim, with a wash that fades to black. These pants pair nicely with boots or heels, with an urban-home-on-the-range style. Think rural and radical!

Rich & Skinny Flashy Wide Leg Butterfinger Jeans - Smartbargains.com price $89.00 (Regularly $168.00)

Hey, if you’ve got it, might as well flaunt it. These wide leg jeans have a cut to covet, not to mention a dark wash you can dress up with a blazer or silky shirt. Add some heels and you’ll see some envious eyes.

My top picks from AG Jeans for women!

AG Jeans Angel Dark Wash Boot cut Jeans - $79.00 ($145.00)

Your denim collection is a carefully-honed masterpiece, featuring only jeans that look and feel like they were made just for you. With a super soft feel and deep blue hue, these Angel jeans from AG will feel right at home.

Adriano Goldschmied Legend Flared Jean - $79.00 ($139.00)

Your personality has flair, why not have some in your jeans? With slightly distressed detail, the Legend jean from Adriano Goldschmied has flared legs and a light to medium wash so you can wear them to the office on casual days.

Now you can’t get any cooler than True Religion Jeans - My top picks are;

True Religion Joey Baby Pink Painted Pocket Jeans - $119.99 ($196.00)

Lucky pink horseshoes that look as if they’ve been painted on decorate the pockets of these chic jeans from True Religion. The rise is low in front and higher in the back and the leg is slightly flared for a super flattering fit.

True Religion Dark Wash Denim Skirt - $99.99 ($170.00)

The beauty of dark denim is you can wear it to work without a second thought. True Religion’s denim skirt also has tailored pockets in the back, making it a working girl’s dream-come-to-true.

* Couture in the City readers receive 20% off for shopping at SmartBargains.com. This exclusive and special offer will run until December 31st 2008. And includes all items featured on the site. The discount code is COUTURE20.

Source: Smartbargains.com

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Miami based clothing brand ANAMA is a ready favorite of women and men. And with showrooms in Miami, New york, and Los Angeles. This graphic brand is a huge favorite with Tyrese Gibson, Adam Sandler, and Penelope Cruz - to name a few.

ANAMA’S “Everything is Nothing Nothing is Everything” is truly reflected in the design elements of this young and contemporary women’s and men’s apparel line. The collection’s signature tissue-weight tops and denim styles embody a youthful vibe and embrace trends that extend into the fall season.

Men’s top - $85

In addition, the brand’s unique denim treatments and washes and hand-printed shirts are original. ANAMA’S trademark characteristics and artwork allow the brand to evolve, while staying true to its distinctive design elements -sophisticated, printing techniques.

Women’s denim - $80

To learn more about the ANAMA collection visit ANAMAusa.com

Win this on Today’s Couture! A sterling silver chain with an array of gemstones and silver medallions by Zavida Gemstones! Valued at $160.00! Subscribe here if you don’t already and be added to the Couture in the City readers pool of picks.

Zavida Gemstones - offers an array of exotic jewelry from around the world. Including India (above) Indonesia, and Asia.

Couture in the City and Zavida Gemstones is proud to announce our second exclusive giveaway on Today’s Couture! Today we are featuring a beautiful sterling silver and gemstone lariat style necklace. With lime quartz, peridot and green amethyst. It measures 32 Inches in length, and is valued at $160.00! This particular necklace was hand made in Indonesia. As you already know from our last giveaway, the Zavida line specializes in bringing unique and beautiful jewelry from around the world. With a touch of the old world and new world exotic. Most of their jewelry line is made of sterling silver, gold and exceptionally high quality gemstones.

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. 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! So 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 October 3rd! So good luck to you all my fashionistas!

Source: Zavida Gemstones

Aveeno and Beau Soleil have partnered to create a limited edition bag! Buy any two Aveeno products and receive this eco-friendly Beau Soleil Reduce, Recycle, Renew tote bag for free ($44 retail value)!

With green products on the rise, Beau Soleil Company’s focus is on sustainability, fair trade and labor. Beau Soleil uses fabric made out of bamboo, a sustainable material, vegetable-dyed organic cottons. As well as vintage tencel, which is made from eucalyptus tress, as well as recycled leather trims. Using organic raw materials with the end goal of offering consumers environmentally healthy clothing choices without sacrificing fashion!

Aveeno on the other hand, has excellent natural skin care products. That use soy, oat, and shitake mushrooms bases for their natural skin care lines. A few favorites of mine are the Skin Relief moisturising cream and the Skin Relief moisturizing lotion.

This rich cream is clinically proven to provide immediate, long-lasting relief for itchy, extra dry skin, while moisturizing for 24 hours. Its breakthrough, patented formula with natural colloidal oatmeal, cocoa and shea butters provides a protective barrier to prevent future dryness and contains menthol to cool dry skin on contact. It’s great even on especially rough areas like heels, elbows and knees.

This moisturizing lotion is specially formulated to relieve and protect itchy, extra dry skin, and is clinically proven to moisturize for a full 24 hours. It’s unique formula combines natural colloidal oatmeal, long known for its skin-soothing properties, rich emollients and cooling menthol to provide long-lasting moisturization and soothing itch relief.

You can buy Aveeno products from Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, and Ulta.com.

So to take advantage of this special offer, purchase two Aveeno products and send your reciepts to: Vogue’s Aveeno Gift-With-Purchase, c/o Vogue promotion Department, 4 Times Square, 12th Floor, NYC 10036. One per customer while supplies last!

Source: Aveeno, Beau Soliel

Disclaimer: Couture in The city is not responsible for this giveaway. And is the sole responsibility of the Vogue Promotion Department.

At Couture we are proud to present the debut of the second Men’s Fragrance from the CLEAN Perfume line - Shower Fresh for Men. From the makers of the famous celebrity scents that is universal for both men and women. We had to let you know how fabulous this product is, as well as do a giveaway!

The CLEAN Perfume Shower Fresh for Men, was also picked as one of the *Best Beauty Products of 2008 by Couture in the City. For its huge popularity, clean and simple scent, and for its universal appeal to both men and women!

The CLEAN Perfume line, worn by celebrities such as Jason Biggs, James McEvoy, Courteney Cox Arquette, Diane Kruger, and Kerry Washington (to just name a few). Have exploded their exclusive fragrance lines to suite both the women and man. Including their popular lines CLEAN WELLNESS, and FRESH LAUNDRY.

CLEAN Shower Fresh for Men is the quintessential just-from-the-shower scent. With juicy notes of Bergamot and Citrus intermix perfectly with the cool undertones of Thyme and Spearmint while Black Tea and Cedarwood create the fresh and simple aroma of Shower Fresh masculinity that captures a perfect-moment-in-time.

Here is what our friends had to say about CLEAN Shower Fresh for Men.

“I think the scent is wonderful and lasts all day. I think it smells great on me as well as my boyfriend.”
Angelique Sims - Editor - Couture in the City, Atlanta, GA

” The fragrance is amazing! It is just as its name suggests - CLEAN. Bold and masculine but not overpowering, classy but simple. I love the fresh citrus tones. This is a great product!”
Brian Copeland - Singer/Songwriter - Brian Copeland Band, Portland, OR

“It really smells like I just stepped out of the shower! The scent is light and crisp. My girlfriend Katia wants to wear it too! So it almost could be a unisex scent!”
James Swofford - Head Chef - South Western Cuisine, Charlotte, NC

“I think it is fresh. It’s got a perfect cool tone to it. Its lasts. It gives me that hip, cool, crisp scent I want during the day.”
SL Thorsen - National Contemporary Painter - Los Angeles, CA

We are also giving away one 4 oz Eau de Toilette of Shower Fresh for Men! So subscribe to Couture in the City to be added to the pool of picks. And if you already subscribe you are automatically added to the giveaway. The giveaway will run until September 23rd 2008. So good luck to you all my beautynistas!

Source: www.cleanperfume.com

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 back in. When we will be giving away another beautiful jewelry item from Zavida on Friday September 19th! So good luck to you all my fashionistas!

Source: Zavida Gemstones