Fall/Winter 2008’s Best Boots Under $100 [Omiru]

F* Cancer Bracelet [The It Lists]

The Rise of Communist Chic [Trend de la Creme]

Black & White Dress with a Colorful Cardigan [Shopaholics Anonymous]

By Request- The boots [Chic Intuition]

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.

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!

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.

White leather knee-high boots

Q: I just bought some white, knee-high boots. They are patent leather (real leather) with a croc impressed print and have a black leather ribbon at the top. This was an impulse buy…with what should they be worn?

A: I have to admit, this was a real mind bender.

For one thing, I have nothing but fall fashion on the mind right now when it comes to clothing and accessories, and these just don’t scream fall fashion to me. Don’t let that scare you. If you love something enough, set it free on the world, but be sure to wear it right. Or you could end up looking like this:

White Boots Don’t (source )

Your boots are fierce for sure, and you can really work them in the up-coming months because they are going to be unexpected. While everyone else is resurrecting their Minnetonka’s and are sporting peep-toe ankle boots, you’ll be wearing something fresh and inspiring with these boots.

Now, depending on your style, these boots can go a few different ways. Ready? Here’s how to wear white knee-high boots for fall:

1) Retro

This is going to be your best bet…use Andy Warhol, 1960’s Goldie Hawn and Twiggy as your inspiration. Pair these boots with this season’s hyper-colored tights and a black A-line or swing dress and voila! Go easy on the accessories and top it off with an understated hobo or clutch (too much business is going to clash with the croc-print detail).

2) Easy Weekend

Jeans. Black or white cashmere or acrylic sweater. Scarf. Done.

3) Office Sophisticate

Pair these with black textured tights and a just-above or just-below knee length skirt for the office. Go for a textured skirt with a muted pattern (like a nubby houndstooth, perhaps) and a solid colored t-shirt.

You would get extra bonus points for pairing these with a stark white pea-coat (so cute) but be sure to involve some other color, preferably a neutral so you don’t look too matchy-matchy.

Soia & Kyo Wool Twill Walking Coat, available at Nordstrom (source )

I would also suggest black, red, camel or even navy colored wrap dresses with these boots, as long as tights are involved. Stay away from pairing these with dress pants (bland) or mini skirts (questionable) and you should be A-OK.

Daryl K, 2007 Fall/Winter Ready to Wear (source )

Fellow fashionistas…got a style quandry? We’re here to help! Email us your questions and we will be glad to offer you our infinite fashion wisdom. Hope to hear from you soon!

Fall Fashion is upon us ladies, and from what I’ve seen, there’s a lot to be excited about. While some tried and true looks are making an appearance (hello tartan plaids and tweeds!), this falls’ styles leave a little more room for creativity. Some of our favorite looks:

Winter Garden

Michael Kors

This season, florals aren’t just for spring…dark purples, navy, brown and gray floral patterns are showing up on dresses and silky tops alike. Textures like feathers and furs (faux, of course) give dimension to this look in a non-bulky way. Look for “winter floral” coats with fur collars, silky floral print top and feathered accents to create this look.

Superhero Worship

Roberto Cavalli

Leave your capelets and swords of power at home…were talking futuristic lines and superhero inspired details for fall. Look for fiercely detailed shoulders, in-your-face belts, and sci-fi inspired looks to create this haute style.

Country Life

Juicy Couture

Classic and super sexy, the “country life” look is all about structure and menswear-done-right. Plaid fitted vests, nubby jackets and equestrian detailing help to create this perfect fall style.

Lousy economy got your wallet filled with moths? Resurrect some pieces from last season and transition them into fall without breaking the bank. Turn your favorite spring floral dresses into a “winter garden” style by pairing it with dark textured tights and a belted cardigan. “Country Life” more your speed? Bust out your old flannel from 1996 (or just borrow your dads’) and top it off with a fitted vest and skinny jeans.

For the full report, check out Style.com and prepare to be inspired.

Jessica Simpson (source)

Rihanna (source)

Sienna Miller (source)

Whether you are a little bit country (or a little bit rock n’ roll), every fashionista will benefit from some Western-inspired pieces this fall. Okay, so cowgirl chic isn’t exactly revolutioinary; many will agree that it was Sienna Miller who created a Western/Boho renaissance a few years ago. Those styles, which were typically limited to just summer wear, are now translating into fabulous fall fashions.

Ready to take the reigns? Then saddle up and add these goodies to your must-have list for your fall wardrobe:

Boots

Sam Edelman “Utah” Boots (source)

The easiest and most versatile Western-inspired piece you can buy has to be a pair of boots. The hottest ones of the season are fringy and covered in luxe suede. Pair these with anything from jeans to skirts to add instant cowgirl flair.

Plaid

BDG Mandarin Plaid Button-Up (source)

While J-Simp has been embracing her love for plaid for months now, it’s just now catching our attention for fall wear. Look for plaid shirt dresses and button-ups for a casual chic look. I especially love what Rihanna has done with hers, wearing it under a snug vest to give her Western wear an edgier appeal.

Also look for brown suede bags and belts with antique hardware to amplify your look. Denim vests (and any denim in general) married with gauzy white cotton tops are perfect for late summer/early fall transitions. So, whether you are looking for a way to resurrect some of your old summer favorites, or simply love the Western wear look for fall, take some cues from these cowgirl inspired styles to put a little yee-haw into your look.

Mary Kate Olsen (source)

Leave your chain wallets and spike-studded go-go boots back in 1997…the new goth is more fabulous fierce than Marilyn Manson couture. For Fall ‘08, instead venture to the dark side with caged high-heels, dark textured tights and vintage inspired lace. Oh yeah, and a latex mini for the truly daring.

Surprised that goth has made a comeback? Don’t be…Mary Kate Olsen has been doing it since last year, and black and navy nail polish were also big back then as well. It was only a matter of time, really. While this look is not ideal for everyone (I’m more into color, thank you very much), brave fashionista’s can really take advantage of this vampy style and go all-out, or just add a few macabre elements to their current look.
If you are ready to add some dark details to your fall wardrobe, check out these must-haves for inspiration:

Caged High-Heels

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent T-Strap Caged Stilletto, $625.00

Steve Madden “Madalynn” $109.95

You can go one of two ways with the “caged” sandal look, a direct spin-off from this summer’s uber popular gladiator sandal. The more hesitant can go the vampy route and look for vintage-inspired styles like this Giuseppe Zanotti sandal. The t-strap gives it a 1940’s vixen feel, and a shoe like this will give you a lot of mileage. Fierce trendanista’s can try the chunkier look like with the Steve Madden “Madalynn.” These are really popular right now with celebs (some are even pairing them with maxi dresses, but I don’t know about that one…).

Textured Tights:

Free People Crochet Tights, $38.00

If you buy one item for your fall wardrobe, I beg you to buy some dark textured tights. Tights are an inexpensive way to add interest to anything you already have in your closet, and look extra fierce when paired with a caged sandal (see above). Go get some right now, I mean it.
Rummage through your wardrobe and pull out your black wrap dresses, billowy white shirts, vintage cardigans, pearls, cameo pendants, chunky black or white rings and leave color out of this look. Top it all off with a handbag that’s heavy on the hardware and you’ve got one smokin’ “new goth” ensemble. Try it out for yourself, unless you’re afraid of the dark, that is.

Versace’s opts for “black and slick” at the fall fashions

Ok, so we are all tired of the current economic crisis hitting the US. And especially with the gas and oil prices reaching their limits. But who would have thought that this would affect the fashion designs at the fall runway shows? These fall fashion trends are going slick, shiny and black. Quite the influence considering the mounting global obsession with Oil. While governments argue, our trendy haute couture designers see this as the perfect opportunity to jump on the band wagon, and deliver what the economics are saying. Oil or bust.

We see Alexander Wang, Kai Kühne, and Roksanda Ilincic all enhancing the devilish look of the modern oil trend. With black leather, silks, patent leathers, and even materials that look like plastic bags. The price tag might even seem more reasonable. Compared to exorbitant fuel costs. But one thing is for sure. And that is you will have more mileage out of your designer wear.

Lanvin seems to have everything under control. With the “all wrapped up in a plastic bag” look

Malandrino seals the deal in oily velvet black

Alexander Wang goes for oil baroness par sophisticate

Source: Style.com