By Sharon Naylor, Wedding Planner, Author

Planning a wedding in these tough economic times is a big challenge. But don’t panic! There are plenty of smart strategies that you can use to plan your dream wedding for half the price, including scoring some free elements worth hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars for your Big Day. Here are the Top 5 smart steps to take to save big:

Ask for Add-Ons. Wedding experts need to stay competitive in this economy; too, so many are happy to add on some extra elements to your chosen wedding packages for free. All you have to do is ask – politely, of course – and you might get an extra station at your cocktail party, a free bridal bouquet, an extra dessert station, champagne service at the reception, an extra hour tacked on to your photography, videography or limousine packages. Wedding vendors want to make you happy so you’ll tell all of your friends how great they are, and they then might gain new bookings through your referral.

Negotiate Out Extra Charges. Take the time to read your vendors’ contracts carefully, and see if you discover some extras charges that you can ask to be eliminated. Some of these include cake-cutting fees (sometimes $2 per slice!), corkage fees (a few dollars for each bottle of wine the bartender uncorks), charges to have a red carpet rolled out from the limo door to the sidewalk (you can do without that!), and some jaw-dropping ones: charges for having the air conditioner turned on at the ceremony site, and charges for ice used at the reception. Ask to cut those hidden fees out and save hundreds

Borrow! Today’s biggest trend is a form of ‘recycling,’ in which brides ask their recently-married friends, sisters, and cousins if they can borrow their veils, tiaras, bridal purses, wraps and shawls, gloves, ring pillows, aisle runners, and other items for a savings of over $700.

Visit consignment shops, where previous brides ‘recycle’ their wedding gowns and recoup some of their money. You’ll also find tiaras, veils, wraps, and accessories for less than 30% of retail prices. Visit www.resaleshopping.com and www.thethriftshopper.com to find consignment shops near you, or save big at outlet stores: www.outletbound.com.

Enter contests! Brides are so lucky to be eligible for so many terrific contests during their engagement phase. At www.diamondlightperformance.com, for instance, you’ll find out how to enter for a $10,000 value prize package including:

1 Carat Diamond Ring, certified by GemEx for superior Brilliance, Fire and Sparkle
Round trip airfare to New York City for two, anywhere within the continental US
Two night stay at Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue
Lunch and Dinner at The Palm, Classic American Steakhouse
Meeting with America’s foremost wedding planner, Sharon Naylor and a collection of her Wedding Planning Books
‘VIP’ appointment with a Bloomingdale’s Personal Wedding Registry consultant
Imagine winning such terrific wedding elements and being treated to a VIP celebration weekend! Looking ahead to life after the wedding, you could win an entire free designer bedroom, a new treadmill, and cash prizes, among other great items, at www.bhg.com, and www.hgtv.com, among others.
Since so many wedding practices and rituals are based on ‘good luck,’ try your bridal luck with a great wedding contest! You could win fabulous, free wedding and honeymoon prizes.

BASIC S/S V-NECK - $65.00

Basic and delicious all rolled up into one amazingly yummy 100% pima cotton Tee. The ultimate high-end Tee that will look as good as new wash after wash…promise! And available in a variety of cool t-shirt styles and the basic colors. Black, gray and white.

As 2009 begins to unfold, every fashionista of like must consider the current economy when crafting her New Years’ Resolutions. So what’s the first thing to go? Superfluous shopping! Even though the upcoming season’s runways were awash with feathers, fringe and faux, hippie-rocker hybrid chic will not be the “in” look for long. Don’t risk being yet another fashion victim of the year 2009! These days, there are much more important things to worry about and it’s not, What Not to Wear. An evolution is occurring amongst the trend-setters of our country and a new staple has emerged: the basic tee. Clink your glasses in high hopes for a better economy in 2009 and in the mean time, chuck the compulsive shopping habit and join celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner and Samantha Harris in keeping it real with the basic tee.

In this struggling economy, high fashion trend pieces are seen as superfluous and too-quick to make the What Not to Wear list. These days more and more people are sticking to what they know best: comfort and dependability. KStreet NYC T-Shirt Couture offers consumers just this!

Go to KStreet NYC and shop at this fabulous site!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2009

Bravo Max! I love this new fall 2009 collection. And I will tell you why. My predictions a few days ago were to see how designers have been affected by our current world economic events. And as you know, fashion is always a great prediction of how the ‘economic’ world is going to fare. Now I am no genie in the bottle and nether are the designers. But what I am seeing here is hope. Gorgeous gold’s, silvers, satins, and grays embrace the runway. Including creams and velvet crush blues, with lovely suede gray ankle boots. Now I say ‘hope’ because I predict an upturn in the ‘classic look’. With a lot of classic designs. Very chic indeed.
And what a great usage of gold. I am seeing a real trend here with the usage of bright metallic being incorporated in the outfit as a whole. Perfectly executed, as the gold portrays a real wonderful fashion trend that we will all being taking advantage of this year. Plus, my prediction of ‘gray’ was very apparent as well. I am really happy to see this color isn’t being overused. But truly being an accent, with the shoes, and a few key pieces. But what positive news in the fashion world! Great things lay ahead!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2009

John Galliano inspires today’s runway and high couture fashion

What’s your inspiration for fashion and beauty! Is it the designer gowns by John Galliano that command the runway!? Or is it the international grace of Chanel? Or that MAC make-up that just bedazzles you!

Estee Lauder has inspired us with beautiful faces

Either way you look at it, the fashion and beauty industry inspire us. With fashions form and grace, and the high couture of the runway - which enters our local fashion boutique. Or from this years gorgeous face of Estee Lauder beauty cosmetics, that grace the covers of Vogue. Fashion and beauty commands our daily lives with enjoyment. Even to our written word of it! “What’s hot!” and “What’s not!”. “What’s new?” to “What’s old?”. Fashion has taken decades of journeys, and within that we have found the inspiration to take care of ourselves a little more! We are inspired to walk that journey of fashion, style and beauty.

So if fashion and beauty inspires you too! Than talk about it! If you love to write then enter the Alltel “Words of Wisdom” Contest. And seek the fashionista ‘word smith’ within!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2009

Ok so you’ve left it all for the last minute! And it’s time for those last minute gift ideas! You want easy and functional! So our girls Olivia Chantecaille and Jennifer Creel give us their last minute gift ideas for the holidays! Don’t know what to get your sister, or the man in your life? Then here are a few quick suggestions from the pros at Vogue.TV! Try a few of these fabulous ideas for stocking stuffers, or even your vanity tray while entertaining!

FOR YOUR SISTER

Chloé Heloise metallic shoulder bag is also a great gift suggestion

The “Sally” handbag by Chloé is a chic handbag for fashion fanatics on the go!

FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Brunello Cucinelli’s cashmere down vest

Brunello Cucinelli’s cashmere down vest makes an easy transition from country to city life and is definitely the type of gift you’ll be “borrowing” from that special someone.

FOR THE VANITY TRAY

Olay Regenerist makes a great stocking stuffer gift

Olay Regenerist cream makes a wonderful Christmas stocking stuffer. This luxurious cream helps to regenerate shape, restore elasticity and hydrate the skin. For the woman looking to try new fragrances, Jennifer recommends: Calvin Klein Eternity, Calvin Klein Euphoria, and Vera Wang Look.

Check out Vogue.TV’s Trend Watch turns to beauty executive Olivia Chantecaille and New York Socialite Jennifer Creel for their list of favorite things at Olivia Chantecaille and Jennifer Creel for Vogue.TV!

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

HSN and Couture in the City is proud to present the Faces of Beautiful You series! We follow Hallie, Smith and Nicki on their fashion and beauty adventures! But we are sharing these very entertaining reviews with you! As well as our own staff reviews of these very cool and hip beauty products. Exclusively from HSN! So read our reviews, and watch the fun and exciting episodes from Hallie, Smith and Nicki!

HSN - Eyes By Design

“The packaging is fabulous! What a great concept for a beauty line. Now you can create an “eye look” based on your eye color and achieve a fabulous finish. The colors are so pretty and soft. And you can complete your look with the Volumizing Mascara for a nice dramatic effect! And you are ready to go!”
Angelique - Editor-In-Chief - Couture in the City

“Want to apply make-up like the pro’s? Then try this! Eyes By Design is great in achieving your own unique signature look for your eyes.”
Jacqueline - Senior Writer, Editor - Couture in the City

HSN - Naughty and Nice Make-Up

Indulge both sides of your personality with Naughty and Nice Makeup Palette by Too Faced. Start out sweet, then transform to sexy as desired! Watch the episode! Blind Date in Sight! Nicki and Smith share the secret of the “transition outfit” as Hallie prepares for a blind date!

“Now I just loved this product! What a clever idea. So I can be naughty and nice. Whenever I want! This is a great kit because you can go ultra glam, with the naughty colors. Nice berries, pinks, and darker shades of eye shadows. (My personal favorite is the dark grey with glitter). And of course those lighter beiges for a softer look. Plus the packaging is really neat and clever. Very cute, very clever design. Loved it!”
Jacqueline - Senior Writer, Editor - Couture in the City

HSN - Ready To Wear lash extension

Enjoy false eyelashes in a bottle with Ready To Wear Lash Extension by Philippe Chansel! Get longer, fuller, thicker looking lashes in seconds.

“What a cleaver idea! I love this product and it is a favorite that I can’t live without. My lashes look so much fuller and beautiful.”
Angelique - Editor-In-Chief - Couture in the City

“Wow! I love this! I already have very full eye lashes. But I love the way the Ready To Wear lash extends and separates my lashes. A must have for your make-up routine!”
Jacqueline - Senior Writer, Editor - Couture in the City

Catch all the episodes at Faces of Beautiful you!

Article by © Jacqueline - Senior Writer, Editor - Couture in the City 2008

I think that every one that I have talked to is on a serious budget for the holidays this year. It’s no wonder that people are watching their wallets with the state of the economy and all. However, you don’t have to get all Grinch-ey just because we’re all tightening our belts.

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!

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!

Ok the holidays have just begun! You are probably still recovering from your excessive eating and turkey dinner from yesterday! (Me included!) But today is the day to burn all those calories off! Yes! Black Friday is here! This means enormous slashing in prices and some of the biggest sales of the year! I have gone through my list of favorite stores. And I am sharing with you what I think is the best fashion sales out there! So get your fingers clicking if you are shopping on the internet! Or get on your work out gear to hit the stores! Here’s my top favorite Black Friday tips for the day!

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

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!