New York’s fashion week includes over 500 fashion shows with over 20,000 people descending on Manhattan for the madness.

The invitation-only fashion shows, coupled with an economic climate in which retail sales in August dropped for the 12th straight month makes one wonder if actual shoppers are even a part of the fashion loop anymore. While the fashion shows will be picked over, blogged about, and discussed within hours after they take place, there is a disconnect when shoppers consider that the styles they see won’t be in stores for six months.

Whereas the designers’ runway schedule (show spring clothes in fall, fall clothes in spring) allows them time to produce the full line of clothes and allows the big fashion glossies to get their magazines ready well in advance, the fact that consumers everywhere can see next year’s line as soon as it debuts on the catwalk throws a wrench in the system. The new crop of “first responder” shoppers doesn’t want to wait six months to be able to buy a goody they saw in a fashion show.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America recently held a forum about just this problem. When the retailers push designers too hard on their deliveries, fall merchandise shows up in stores in July and consumers respond by waiting for them to be marked down. One response has been the new Fashion’s Night Out, an effort to increase sales of clothes and accessories that are in season now. There is talk that it could become a permanent fixture at New York Fashion Weeks of the future.

Paul & Joe – Caftan $750.00

We’re bold and beautiful in Paul & Joe.

Shopping Source: ShopBop.com

Tracy Reese – Cocoa Empire Tie Dress
was $275.00 – now $220.00

This beautiful Tracy Reese dress is the portrait of classy-chic style!

Shopping Source: fashionchateau.com

Christian Siriano exclusively at Bluefly!

You know him, we love him…the quirky, talented and oh-so-fierce winner of last seasons’ “Project Runway,” the one and only Christian Siriano’s line is now available exclusively at Bluefly. And yes, it’s as fabulous as you would expect. Pricier than Target, but not so expensive that you’ll have to blow the rent, these haute pieces are retro-futuristic in all the right ways.

Gold Silk “Red Carpet” Dress, $325.00

LOVE this dress…even though there are no red carpets in my immediate future, this dress would be perfect for holiday parties. Snap one up now and pair it with tights and some fierce boots from fall through winter.

Cotton “Posh” Puff-Sleeve Blouse, $590.00

Although this piece was obviously inspired by a certain Spice Girl, I love this top because it reminds me of Maddona meets Blade Runner. Sophisticated, cool and edgy all at the same time, this can be worn with jeans, slacks or a skirt and will create a different effect every time.

Black Cotton Sateen “Motocross” Skinny Pants, $ 280.00

To be honest, I don’t love these. For me, the pockets look a little poufy, and I’m a curvy gal, so I have to steer clear of pouf. However, my slim sista’s shouldn’t be derailed…these are the perfect compliment to Christian’s puff-sleeved top and will create one heck of a fierce look.

So there you have it…if you can’t get enough of this budding designer, then check out what Christian had to say about his new collection HERE. Stay sassy!

 
Cynthia Rowley – Large Survivor Bag
was $ 765.00 on Sale $529

Large leather bag with top zipper closure. Multiple zipper pockets.

Source: CynthiaRowley.com 

 
Nu Collective Printed Silk Charmeuse Blouse Dress as seen on Nicky Hilton

YaYa Aflalo Sparrow Tunic with Beaded Collar Detail in Glass as seen on Blake Lively

Nation Ltd. Karen Tee Mary Kate Olsen as seen in Elle Magazine

Rory Beca Blood Orange Lewinsky Printed Tunic/Dress as seen on Lauren Conrad

Source: singer22.com

If you are preparing your special day for summer, then we have got some tips for you in the wedding gown department. This is probably one of the most important days of your life. And the dress that you choose is truly a reflection of how you feel. And how you exude your confidence to family, friends and close associates on your wedding day. Create a dynamic atmosphere with CYMBELINE of Paris. This luxurious designer will give you haute couture all the way.

Cymbeline was founded over 30 years ago by three highly creative sisters-Evelyne, Chantal and Monique who decided to revolutionize the bridal industry. Their goal was to provide wedding dresses for modern women, which would express her unique sense of style and personality. While ultra feminine and luxurious, Cymbeline dresses also flirt with modernity through avant-garde cuts and elaborate use of the finest fabrics. Their design studio is like a research laboratory, with thousands of swatches of the best fabrics in France and throughout the world, including Calais lace, Thai silk, organza jacquards, embroideries and taffetas.

Aladin – create a classic and dynamic look that know one will ever forget!

Belene - Viva La Spain! Create heat with lace in this beautiful cream colored gown.

Bleuet – Go classy with this beautifully designed dress, with an over flowing trail.

Belinda – You won’t want to be the runaway bride in this gracious number, highlighted with a siphon lining and silk cover.

Heracles - Be divine in the sun, with pure white lace and embodied siphon.

Agadir - Have fun in this clean and simple lace wedding gown. Perfect as that second dress at the party reception.

The CYMBELINE boutiques are located all over the USA. So locate your nearest boutique for a private review.

Source: CYMBELINE of Paris

 
Yyigal – One Shoulder Jersey Ruched Dress  was $435.00 now $279.00

The sexy fit of this dress is created from the softly pleated and banded shoulder, which then swoops to the right side where’s there is pleated ruching as well. A single seam runs across the body that follows this curvy line. Unlined. Currently available in a deep turquoise or orchid.

Source: intermixonline.com 

AKA New York – Metallic Bodice Empire Dress  was $345.00 now $239.00

We love this intermix of fabrics and textures, from the metallic lame triangle bodice to the woven hemp empire line to the full and swishy chiffon circle skirt (which is lined). In two fabulous combinations: A bronze metallic top with an abstract medley of rainbow colors (choose “green”) or a bronze metallic top with an ethereal teal skirt.

Source: intermixonline.com

Hello there you fashionistas! Well we have finally made it! This is the grand finale of our Elliott Lucca handbag giveaways for the month of June. Couture would also like to thank Elliott Lucca for their generous contribution!

As you know Elliott Lucca was our designer couture giveaway for the month of June. And so far we have given away a beautiful Calypso Clutch in apricot and a superb Calypso Shopper in leaf green.

Calypso Clutch valued in our giveaway for $158.00

And the winner of our Calypso Clutch in apricot was Kate from New York.

Calypso Shopper from Elliott Lucca, valued at $288.00!

And the lucky winner of our Calypso Shopper in leaf green was Raquel from Hawaii. Congratulations to you both ladies!

Calypso Shopper in silver

Calypso Clutch in leaf green

The winner of our Calypso satchel will be announced next week!

The Calypso Satchel valued at $300! Will be given away to a lucky reader who will be announced next week!

So to make this the best giveaway ever, we are now offering two bags! To two lucky readers! The last of this giveaway includes the Calypso Satchel in silver and the Calypso Clutch also in silver!

These beautiful designer handbags are one of a kind in the Elliott Lucca collection. So you know the drill! Enter and subscribe to Couture in the City if you don’t already. That is an excellent and high value designer handbag that could be yours!

So if you want to be the proud owners of a Calypso Satchel in dazzling silver, or the Calypso Clutch in silver too. Then Enter today and subscribe to Couture! If you already subscribe to Couture in the City you are automatically entered into the giveaway every week! The Calypso Satchel and Clutch giveaway runs until July 2nd. So subscribe if you haven’t already. The winners of this fantastic contest will be mentioned in two weeks. So good luck to you all! Ciao for now!