There are three very important accessories to your wardrobe ladies, and that is your jean, a simple dress, and a bag that will go with everything! Well we have some ideas for you! With Frankie B. Jeans, Joie dresses, and Isabella Fiore handbags. We all know what it feels like, you have to go to that party. But don’t want to look over dressed. Or your just like me and enjoy wearing your jeans everyday that you are not at work. Also, I have a variety of handbags to suite each of my daily purposes. But I like just that one, which I can take to work, for fun, or to an event. Let’s start with our most important accessories - the jean. We wear it everyday that we can! So we should be able to have a few styles in our wardrobe to wear for different occasions.

The Frankie B Hipster jean - retails at $58.78. Excellent to give you that long lean look!

The Frankie B wide leg jean in storm - retails at $196.00. You have got to have that flared jean added to your wardrobe.

The Frankie B prep skinny jean - retails at $130.00. You gotta have that skinny jean, which is so popular right now!

Adding to our essentials - the casual dress. Here are a few favorite choices from Joie.

Joie the One I Love Dress - SALE $58 - Great to wear with your skinny jean.

Joie Rosanna Victorian Dress - $368.00. Cute to wear just buy itself with these great boots!

Pair either your dress or jean with a great handbag. I like this Isabella Fiore handbag for its simple style and function. Great with any outfit!

Let us know which your favorite picks are, and what are your three essentials for your wardrobe!

Source: TheFind.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

Celebs Beyonce and Fergie think pink (source)

Couture in the City reader Shara asks:

Q:  Will hot pink lips be trendy for spring/summer of 2009?

A: Hmmm…that’s a tough one Shara. Hot pink lips were trendy in the spring of ‘07, and are making huge waves now (Rihanna is always softening her edgy look with hot pink lips), so it’s hard to say. If you are itching to try a hot pink trend, I would do it now, at the tail end of summer and before winter sets in. Check out your local pharmacy and grab a few different hot pink shades to see what works best with your skin tone. You can work a hot pink lip right now in a very fierce way with a smoky eye and a sleek but chic ensemble.

My most favorite hot pink lip gloss is no longer available (the MAC Fafi edition…so perfectly punk), but you can still snap up some great pink shades from MAC. For a very high fashion look, go for a paler hot pink like Wonderstruck or Ensign from MAC:

MAC Lustreglass, $14.00

The lighter shades of hot pink that were seen on the runway are the perfect compliment to winter florals, grays and muted shades of plum and navy. For a softer fall hot pink look, keep the rest of your color palette muted and make your lips the focal point.

My makeup trend forecast for fall calls for peachy lip glosses (just call it a hunch) so enjoy your pink lips now!

Got an insider tip on your favorite hot pink lip glosses? Leave a comment and let us know which is your favorite and why (not sticky, long lasting, tastes like strawberries, whatever…). Happy glossing!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Q: How can I copy Keira Knightley’s makeup and clothes from “The Duchess?” How can I fit the 18th century “Georgiana” style into my fall wardrobe?

A: The answer is yes, yes and yes! In the same way that Kate Winslet’s “Titanic” wardrobe and Kirsten Dunst’s “Marie Antoinette” period costumes mirrored current trends, Kiera Knightley’s look from “The Duchess” is also right on track with current styles. Ok, so bustles, rib crushing corsets and sausage curls may never come back into the mainstream, but we can all take a few cues from Keira’s 18th century style.

The Romantic:

Velvet military jackets, feathered headpieces and a smile! (source)

Feathers and velvet anyone? Feathered headpieces are big big big this fall (think Kenley from Project Runway) and are a great way to spice up your look for fall. If feathers are a little too much for you, then I must insist that you go for a velvet military jacket. You can pair this sexy topper with jeans and knee high boots or over a feminine floral dress to create an effortlessly romantic look.

Get out your scrunching spray and embrace any natural wave you may have because this romantic look is all about ringlets! I like to use hot rollers on my hair to create a more subtle version.

The Naturalist:

The natural look (source)

18th century ladies of the court didn’t exactly have a neighborhood Sephora to stock up on beauty essentials…they typically used natural dyes and pigments for their makeup routine, or simply wore nothing at all. For daytime, you can re-create this natural look with a loose low bun, minimal makeup and a gauzy top.

The Fierce Fashionista:

Flushed, feminine and fierce (source)

If you are the type of savvy fashionista that doesn’t shy away at the current trends, then you can go for an all-out 18th century style. Think flushed cheeks and porcelain doll makeup (beauty mark optional). A slightly teased updo, fitted dresses with a lace-up bodice and vintage jewelry will complete any regal ensemble. Just make sure you finish your look off with a major dose of attitude and make it work!

Check out “The Duchess” starring Keira Knightley at your local theater and drink up all of the fabulous history, scandal and most of all, fab fashion.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Happy Birthday Macy’s! One of our favorite retailers turns 150 this year, and we couldn’t be more excited. Why? Well to celebrate this milestone, they are giving shoppers tons of great giveaways, and of course, Couture in the City is in on the deal. Macy’s wants you to help celebrate the big 150 by putting together a fabulous fall look, and they are going to give you $150 to do it!

Enter HERE by October 28th, 2008 for your chance to win!

And to give you a little inspiration on what to look for, I’ve already done some shopping for you…I know, it was a hard job, but somebody had to do it, right? After scouring the racks, I finally decided that an awesome dress and a timeless pair of shoes were just what my fall wardrobe needed:

Dress by Maggy London, $138.00

Did I mention that I am in love with this dress? Well, I am. I was going to pick out a totally safe and fall appropriate tan or navy dress, but after I saw this one, it was all over. I got about a hundred-million compliments on my ensemble at work, so I know it was a total hit. I just think that this dress is so edgy and can be worn so many different ways…I could pair it with metallic shoes for a disco-inspired look, or wear it with jeans and make it a slouchy tunic, or I could get really bright fuchsia tights and make it pop, or I could wear it under a solid-colored pea coat to tone it down…see? I can barely contain myself, I’m so excited about this dress.

Style&co. “Fleur” T-Strap Pump, $41.30

These were perhaps the steal of the day…I got these Style&co. t-strap pumps at my local Macy’s for a little less than the website has them offered, so it would be worth your while to actually go in and check them out in the store for a better deal. They are simply gorgeous, and I can’t wait to wear them with my other fall ensembles. I’m thinking textured tights, belted sweaters, fall floral print dresses…love it!

Ready to put together your own fall fashion ensemble? Then you’ve got to get to Macy’s…they have all everything that is right on-trend to create one great look after another. Cold weather is on its way! Better get to Macy’s and stock up on sweaters and tights and boots and all of those fun articles of clothing we have missed all summer long. Happy shopping, and don’t forget to enter our contest for your chance to win!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Katie Holmes

The actress’s skinny jeans, T-shirt and button-up jacket may be the ultimate in casual wear, but she adds a little glam to her rehearsal wear with oversized shades and sky-high stilettos.

Source and Photo: People.com and  Jackson Lee/Tom Meinelt/Splash News

Popularity: 3% [?]

It’s time to get your heels on with some Guess and Stuart Weitzman Pumps, or a delectable pair of sandals from one of my favorite shoes designers - Sergio Rossi.

Now I really personally love Guess Pumps. Their young, classy, and sexy. You can dress them up or down. With a favorite skirt or dress. Or that infamous pair of jeans that you just love.

GUESS by Marciano - Leather Pump - $90.00. Dress up or down your look for the day or evening

Moving onto Stuart Weitzman Pumps. Who offers a more conservative approach to his shoes. With a lower heel, you can feel comfortable in. Though I do prefer his classic black suede platform pump.

Stuart Weitzman Tofu Suede Pump - Retails at Neiman Marcus for $315.00

Get flashy with a designer Sergio Rossi sandal pump - Retails at $650

With designer fair in mind upon purchasing you’re Sergio Rossi Sandals.
Even though we are officially nearing the end of summer. You can still get away with wearing a pair of those designer sandals on those last days of summer. Plus, a Sergio Rossi sandal makes for a great dressy evening shoe.

Looks great with the two-tone pink and black!

Senior Writer’s Choice - “An easy way to add some subtle color to your fall wardrobe. For a casual lunch look with jeans or simply with a monochrome outfit for a sleek office look. Shown here with a Couture Couture dress, a Stella McCartney clutch and a Roberto Cavalli bracelet.”

Source: TheFind.com

Popularity: 2% [?]

Nine West Fall Collection:

(from top) Dasolina, Galen, Iam and Yung

The guessing game is over…Nine West makes finding the perfect fall footwear a breeze with their latest collection. Incorporating all of the hottest up-to-the minute trends with classic lines, these shoes are a must for any wardrobe. And after all…they are from Nine West, so you know that these shoes will last you more than one season.

The Dasolina ($99) is perhaps the perfect dress shoe for Fall ‘08…in purple, it is a sultry winner that will take you into spring and beyond. Suede, peep toe and luxe strappy accents make this the perfect shoe to pair with a fall floral dress, textured tights and a cardigan.

The Galen ($250) is the perfect accessory for any Boho fashionista to transition from summer flip flops to fall fabulous. Tuck your skinny jeans into these with a floaty top or pair with a simple dress and a jean jacket for rugged sophistication.

Every girls’ wardrobe deserves at least one pair of pretty shoes, and the Iam ($109) fits the bill. Sure, a lacy ankle boot isn’t going to be useful for every day, but who cares? They’ll be great for the holiday season, and even better for date night. This sassy pair is available for pre-order now, so if visions of ankle boots are dancing in your head, order these now, because I bet they won’t last. Hot!

And finally, channel your inner Mary Kate with these Yung ($119) strappy heels. These fierce yet feminine high heels are the perfect companion to all of those patent mini-skirts and shrunken leather jackets that are going to be everywhere this fall and winter. These heels are super luxe, and also available for preorder, so get yours now.

If you are still feeling clueless about fall fashion shoe trends, head over to Nine West and get the scoop. Just remember to look for suede, lace and multi-trap details to put the finishing touches on your fall ensembles.

Popularity: 4% [?]

New York - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kick started with b. michael’s firing up the runway. And he has kept his promise of offering us more glam than ever. With great cuts and perfect lines. Sensuous and sexy fifty inspired fashions. And delightfully accented dresses with poker dots, bold geometric fabrics, and his usual classic chic - stark black.

From the top, orange and pink mauves could not have been more greatly appreciated than in a bold geometric design using silk. The dress flows beautifully, adding a little roaring twenties gatsby into the models stride.

When I see this next outfit, I just want to be sitting down to afternoon tea. The design is very high couture, with the beiges and strong plush hat accenting this to be the perfect Ascot wardrobe. Very dreamy.

My third choice of dress is delightful in oceanic blue, with two contrasting colors beguiling each other. To create the perfect Zen moment. It’s almost like drawing water in a Japanese inspired garden - the perfect cut in color - is the perfectly drawn stroke in the sand.

Hot to trot in poker dots and snappy heels. Yes girls, it’s time to get your bee-hives up with a lot of hairspray. In this surely well rounded 1950’s inspired number.

Stiff colors and scarf’s for the sophisticate women. Accented with great lines, and exotic patterns. Once again we are seeing the Zen trend sparkling through.

My favorite of the collection. We see the best of b. michael here in this stark black cocktail dress. Tighting up the waist with a beautiful corset stylization. And the cleverly accented signature mark of b. michael’s geometric pattern. And frill cuts ties up pure sophistication to his spring 2009 look.
b. michael’s has transformed, created, and conquered the runway. And has brought back the romance to fashion. And for that my friend we applaud you.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Popularity: 4% [?]

Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2009 Line (source)

It is my firm belief that Betsey Johnson and Patricia Field are cut from the same cloth, so to speak. Case in point:

Betsey Johnson, Floral Dress Vs. Patricia Field for HSN Floral Dress

In case you didn’t know, Patricia Field was the stylist for “The Devil Wears Prada” and more importantly, “Sex and the City,” and just recently launched a new line at HSN. When I saw Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2009 line, it didn’t surprise me to see that there were many similarities to their newest lines. In truth, I always thought that Betsey Johnson and La Field had very similar tastes, so it only makes sense. What blew my mind was the Pat Field beat Betsey to the punch. At least just on the circa 1989 floral print tiered dress front.

But I digress…for the most part, the show featured pure vintage Betsey’s Johnson, with a glut of designs that wouldn’t realistically transfer from runway to real way. But that’s not what fashion week is really about, is it? If you want something sensible to wear to work, then go to Target. But if you want inspiration, the avant-garde, and yes, a little taste of something innovative and exiting, then look to the Betsey Johnson’s and John Galliano’s of the world.

What we can take away from the Betsey Johnson Spring 2009 line: bold florals, cute derbys, flounce, flounce and more flounce, tiered skirts and metallic ankle-wrap wedges for Spring. Just leave the hyper-color bobbed wigs to the Britney Spears of the world, and you’ll do fine.

Popularity: 4% [?]

With fashion week just around the corner I know that we are all curious about what’s out there for Spring 2009. Questions like is Justin Timberlake the new Gwen Stefani? Will goth be the new grunge? Here’s everything you need to know—to be in the know—before New York fashion week even starts.

William Rast Is the New L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani is taking things to a new level with her savvy brand L.A.M.B. But copycat Justin Timberlake is hoping for a similar business fashion model success with William Rast, a denim collection that’s been expanded to include men’s and women’s ranges designed by Johan and Marcella Lindeberg.

Joseph Altuzarra Is the New Boy Wonder

Joseph Altuzarra’s only a few years out of school, Altuzarra doesn’t even have a Web site yet—although he has an internship with Marc Jacobs and stints with Proenza Schouler and Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy under his natty belt. His precocious debut is being shown by appointment in New York next week.

Nicholas Kirkwood Is the New Christian Louboutin

Nicholas Kirkwood is ready to step into being in control. As he’s landed a gig making shoes for Pollini, where the appointment of Jonathan Saunders as ready-to-wear director has made it one of Milan’s must-see shows. Celebrities such as Selma Blair have been spotted in his architectural stilettos and platform heels.

Source: Style.com

Popularity: 4% [?]