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!

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Lawrence Zarian -The Fashion Guy! We jazzed about fashion, beauty and the hottest trends out there for this fall and winter season!

This dashing model turned TV star, has Hollywood - or dare I say the fashion world - wrapped around his little finger! From appearing live on ABC’s The Academy Awards. To changing lives with his fashionable and stylish make-overs on Live with Regis and Kelly. Turning the ordinary fashion starved lady into a hot and fashionable diva! Even TYRA can’t get enough of this Fashion Guy!

Now shining in his element on TV Guide Network’s - The Fashion Team. Lawrence is the host with the most! Serving his weekly dose of fashion news. From haute couture to Hollywood royalty, there’s nobody Lawrence can’t charm. His energy, quick wit, and insight on “what’s hot”. Not to mention his very funny and delectable sense of humor. (He had me tickling with laughter throughout our conversation!). Has made Lawrence one of the most sought after on-camera TV personalities today! Ladies and gentleman the man of the hour! The charming, the debonair, the breathtaking, the spectacular…Lawrence Zarian!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: It is great to see you on TV Guide’s The Fashion Team! It must be so much fun! So far who would you say has been your favorite fashion guest and why?

Lawrence Zarian: Well there are actually two celebrities that I very much enjoyed having on the Fashion Team! The first is Jaclyn Smith. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. The second is Vanessa Williams. I think she is great. And I just love the way she portrays herself. Especially as an actress on Ugly Betty. Those are my favorite two!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Of course here at Couture in the City our readers are excited to hear what is the next fall fashion trend we should be looking out for. So tell me Lawrence, what is in right now?

Lawrence Zarian: Well I am a true believer that you should buy what you can afford. I would recommend for the ladies to keep their look clean, simple, and classic. Go for that classic black skirt, or that black pencil skirt! Go for textured tights, tall boots and a great turtle neck to finish the look. You know even a simple broach just adds that classic finish. Purple is hot right now! Anything purple!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: In regards to that how could we find that great look? And where could we purchase that look for less lets say?

Lawrence Zarian: I like JC Penny’s, Marshalls, Target, Macy’s, Forever 21. And Lane Bryant for plus sizes.

Lawrence interviewing none other than Charlie’s Angel - Jaclyn Smith - on The Fashion Team!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Lawrence is it bags, shoes or belts! What should a girl grab right now for fall as the hottest accessory! And where if she wanted to could she buy it?

Lawrence Zarian: I love the chunky jewelry! You can get a great look for less! Go to JC Penny, Forever 21. And accessorize with those pearls and chunky necklaces! Go for those purples and aborigines. And stack up those bracelets!

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Now, I have asked you all about fashion. But I would love to know more about your fashion loves! So who is your favorite fashion designer today?

Lawrence Zarian: For men, Hugo Boss - he has a very classic everyday look and wear. And for women - Valentino.

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Do you prefer the term Fashion Diva or Fashionista?

Lawrence Zarian: (Joking voice) I like the term… Fashion Guy…

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Ok last but not least! Here’s a tough one for you! Let’s challenge your fashion smarts, since your are the guru of fashion! Which famous French designer once quoted “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different?” And “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” I’ll give you a hint! Her famous logo interlinks. Can you guess it!?

Lawrence Zarian: Oh gosh! Let me think about that for a minute…Oh! That has to be Coco Chanel?! Did I get it right?

Jacqueline - Couture in the City: Yes! Yes you did!

Check out Lawrence every Sunday on TV Guide Network - The Fashion Team!
Learn more about Lawrence on his web site at www.TheFashionGuy.com

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

How to Wear Tights

Sweater Dress Styles

Bows are Back!

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

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.

Now heres a fashion wardrobe idea for you. For your look this fall, combine a grey turtleneck dress. With a double wrap belt and of course that essential a - Rebecca Minkoff handbag.

These ultra stylish items will look great all combined together. keeping you on top of the fashion trend this fall.

100% genuine Italian leather - Double wrap belt

One of Linea Pelle’s trendy designs for fall is the studded double wrap belt in mahogany. This sleek belt has medium sized dome studs encircling the leather. And a square brass buckle closure for an edgy appearance.

Rebecca Minkoff French Tote

This french tote is perfect for traveling on the open road - just throw in your laptop and a snack and you are off. With its structured shape and oh-so-retro stripes, you will be able to pull off looking cute in the office as well. However you do it this fall, the look you can achieve will be very stylish indeed.

Source: TheFind.com

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Tailored jackets, floral prints and structured shapes brought an elegant grown-up look to this season’s runways.  From New York to Milan to Paris, designers favored a sophisticated, ladylike silhouette with tweeds and twin sets to full skirts and full collars.  Best of all, the little black dress is back with an updated twist and colorful accessories to accompany it!  Try sporting a red suede clutch or amethyst ankle boots - and don’t forget the “it” accessory of the season, nail color!

Winter’s divine fashions parallel essie’s new collection of six striking nail colors from classy reds to shimmery violets and a surprising burst of gold, proving that “without color, it wouldn’t be fashion.” - Essie Weingarten

Show off essie’s winter nail colors for an instant chic look - and make sure to use a base and top coat like essie’s first base base coat and good to go! for a flawless manicure and pedicure!
Essie’s winter 2008 nail color collection includes:
Bold & Beautiful – Rich, ruby garnet
Damsel in a Dress – Oh-so-deep currant
It’s Genius – A violet quartz shimmer
Rock Star Skinny – Glamorous crimson red
Sexy Divide – Electric Violet Temptation
Shifting Power – Sizzling molten gold

Shop essie’s now!

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.