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!

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!

But not all black dresses are created equal…look for these hot holiday trends to find the style that is best for you!

Party Dress

Gap Strapless Tiered Ruffle Dress, $78.00

This sweet strapless number from the Gap is loaded with tons of girly details. Pair this frilly frock with ankle boots and pearls for a young and edgy look.

Office

Mossimo Ruffle Sleeve Sweater Dress, $24.99

This sweater dress from Mossimo marries fun with function. Pair this sheath with textured tights and knee-high boots for a boardroom-friendly ensemble.

Date Dress

A.B.S. Shirred Strap V-Neck Dress,. $79.90

This sexy yet comfy dress from A.B.S. is the perfect holiday date dress. Easy enough for dinner, movies and some gift shopping, wear this classic dress with a fancy coat and heels to get the most mileage.

Whether your “little black dress” style is girly or casual, don’t forget to get dressed without Degree Deoderant.

In this week’s issue, Life & Style shows readers three easy ways to wear winter white, the trendiest skirts for every body shape, the hottest black and gold clothing and accessories.

Three Ways To Wear Winter White

Skirts For Any Body Shape

You Can Do Black And Gold!

Pick up the latest Life & Style Weekly on newstands today!

If you’re a Project Runway fanatic like me, then you probably get excited about the designers that actually make it in the biz. One such designer is Kara Janx, one of the finalists from season two. Known for her flattering kimono dresses, the South African-born designer (now New York based) brings us a sneak preview of her spring 2009 collection.

Big bow details, girly “waterfall” ruffles and artistic water color prints create a fun and fresh look for Janx’s spring line. Kara’s designs remind me of what would happen if Urban Outfitters went couture…she creates easy to wear pieces that are beautiful and artful, and translate easily from the runway to the real way. Don’t get me wrong…I love avant-garde styles just as much, but it is refreshing to be able to find unique and wearable pieces like Janx’s that will translate just as beautifully in the years to come.

Love what you see? Janx’s spring line will be available through her online store at www.karajanx.com and at choice boutiques and retailers. Can’t wait? Check out her selection of dresses, underwear and more to snag a piece of fashion history for yourself. My pick would be one of her kimono dresses; they look totally couture without being unwearable (office to dancefloor? YES).

Ndoema (pronounced En-DOY-mah) is a new sensation! And her new short independent flick I’m not Britney. Is crossing all boundaries to reach all women across the world. I had the wonderful opportunity of chatting with her at her Los Angeles Studio, Webisodic.

The short feature film was featured at the Cannes Film Festival and described as “a breathtaking performance”. And with a strong following on myspace, face book, and of course her own site. And her prominent French accent, (which warms one like a smooth french latte). I just had to know who this global fashionista is! So I got straight to it! And asked Ndoema all about her movie, passions, and off course - her fashion!

Jacqueline H - Couture: Hello darling! It is a pleasure to be speaking with you today! I have heard so much about you! And of course we think that you are absolutely beautiful and fabulous in your new short flick I’m not Britney!

Ndoema: Thank you! I am so glad to be speaking with you today!

Jacqueline H. Couture: Now your new flick I’m not Britney. It is quite different and fascinating to your audience. And has many different views on fashion. What was your inspiration for the short film, and why did you do it?

Ndoema: I wanted to portray the inner beauty again. I’m not Britney encompasses a peace of mind. And a unity among women. It is a celebration of our own uniqueness in fashion. Not fashion treason! It is about daring to function. Daring to be yourself. And to be glamorous. You can be extremely fashionable. Fashion is about having fun! Not being weighed down! I wanted to portray something meaningful and powerful.

Jacqueline H - Couture: Why did you choose the title I’m not Britney? Are you poking a little fun at Britney Spears?

Ndoema: Oh no! I’m not Britney is less about a person than it is about an archetype. I am trying to create and show a new ‘archetype’ in fashion. A new form of media impression. I wanted to present to teens and young women a different type of role model entirely, one that offers hope.

Jacqueline H - Couture: You look very glam in the short flick, which designer gowns were you wearing?

Ndoema: I am actually wearing a lot of my own designs! I love creating my own fashion. And expressing my creative self. I am looking towards designing for feature films also! I am very fashion driven!

Jacqueline H - Couture: You are surrounded by fabulous looking male models in I’m not Britney. Was it fun working with them and to be surrounded by all that attention?

Ndoema: It was an incredible experience! And having leading men from all around the world made it particularly special! As one actor said: “To be a romantic leading man in a project like this is reminding us that there’s more than stereotypes out there and that we’re human again”. And that was wonderfully rewarding for me.

Jacqueline H - Couture: Now to get back to fashion! What fashion or beauty accessory can’t you live without?

Ndoema: I love shoes! They are by far my favorite accessory!

Jacqueline H - Couture: Now, I love beauty products! And if you are a product hound like me. You are probably all about it! What is your daily beauty skin care routine?

Ndoema: My secret to looking good starts from within. My diet is my beauty routine. I nourish myself with great food - since I am a raw vegan! My beauty regimen starts from within. To me looking good is about feeling good!

Jacqueline H - Couture: Who is your favorite fashion designer today?

Ndoema: I love Prada and Miu Miu shoes!

Jacqueline H - Couture: Would you call yourself a fashion diva?

Ndoema: No, No! A fashion lover, fashionista, fashion obsessed.

Jacqueline H - Couture: What is your fashion motto?

Ndoema: To really be true to myself, and be original in yourself. To be proud of who you are - fashionably proud of who you are.

Jacqueline H - Couture: And on a final note! What message do you want to give to our readers at Couture in the City!

Ndoema: Discover your true self, and try to express that in fashion and beauty. Find your self discovery. And you’re medium in fashion. And be proud of that.

Ndoema - Looking absolutely fabulous at the North American premiere at the La Femme Film Festival.

Check out the I’m Not Britney short movie at www.I’mNotBritney.com

Source for images: theglobalgirl.com, Webisodic

Disclosure: The article and interview content featured is exclusive to only Couture in the City. And is under copyright. © Couture in the City 2008

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

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!

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

City Chick

Jennifer Hudson (source )

Jennifer’s look is all about urban chic…think that cool New York girl that you would love to go shopping with. Recreating her look is super simple; skinny dark jeans, black patent knee-high boots, a bright top and a look-at-me scarf complete this ensemble. Steal the standout piece from her look with this fringed scarf from Echo:

Echo Plaid Scarf, $98

London Calling

Emma Watson (source )

Soothe your inner punk princess with an Emma Watson inspired ensemble this fall. All you need is a tartan frock, leather jacket, fur bag and killer heels. Toughen up any of your favorite girly frocks with this imitation leather jacket from Dereon:

Dereon Imitation Leather Jacket, $39.99

The Sophisticate

Liv Tyler (source )

The holiday seasons are upon us…don’t get stuck wearing the same old dress you wore last New Year’s. Opt instead for a bold one-shoulder dress like on Liv to appease your inner artsy fashionista:

Maggy London One-Shoulder Jersey Dress, $138.00

Love LiLo’s leggings? Obsessed with Rachel Bilson’s new take on menswear? Can’t get enough of Katy Perry’s wacky style? Then enter to win our Macy’s Gift Card giveaway for your chance to imitate their looks for free. After all…imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

Well to jump start this fashion craving we have come up with our top five run down of things we want, wish we had, and crave!

1. A Louis Vuitton Handbag

Now a Louis Vuitton handbag is definitely on every girl’s wish list and handbag cravings. It is and always will be an ongoing trend. So we know that we want one. But some of us have to do with those knock off’s just to submit to the need. But at almost $3,000+ for a handbag…we can keep craving.

2. A Pair of Jimmy Choo Shoes

Grant Silk satin peep toe shoe £525.00 ($1,044.00)

Now when I first heard of Jimmy Choo, I was very confused. I was like who is this guy and why are his shoes so popular - and expensive? Only to discover that the CEO is Tamara Mellon, who approached Mr. Jimmy Choo in London. An exceptional shoe designer. They partnered, and $100 million dollars later with a global empire. A happy success story. But you now know how craved a pair of Jimmy Choo’s is.~

3. A weekend in a Spa Retreat

I know that I crave this one! And a girl can never crave too many spa retreats! A great retreat is the Enchantment Resort. This former private ranch in Red Rock Country has architecture that “blends in with the natural beauty of the surroundings.” Rooms in rich earth-tone colors include beehive fireplaces and decks with views of Boynton Canyon. Mii Amo, which means “one’s path” in the local Yuman language, incorporates Native American rituals into its Inner Quest spa treatment.

4. Designer Lip Gloss

Dior Addict Lip Gloss - $24.50

One of the easier things we can actually add to our beauty routine! Dior Lip Addict (that could not have been worded any better!) is a great lip gloss and something that we feel we need - and can actually have!

5. A Glass of Champagne

La Grande Champagne - Designer Champagne: Exclusive Veuve Cliquot in ice bucket casing

I can’t think of any better way to finish our search for the top five cravings than to finish with an exceptional glass of champagne. Designer champagne that is! These champagnes are never short of bliss, be it for the liquid inside or the casing outside. But what makes the La Grande special is that a special casket/casing that doubles up as an ice bucket. That has been touched upon by none other than Andree Putman, a leading interior designer of the modern world. This special luxurious offering is available with only selective dealers. And as they say, exclusivity never has refined price! So let us just end it here by citing an estimated value of around $485!

Source: Louis Vuitton, Bornrich.org, Conde Nast, Sephora, Jimmy Choo

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008