Black Friday is here, and some of your favorite brands and stores are making it easy for you to find some really great Christmas gifts. Whether you’re willing to brave the crowds or happier shopping in front of your computer with a nice cup of coffee, you’ll be rewarded with some terrific finds from Charlotte Russe, Shopbop.com, DKNY , Tulle and Nine West.

Pom Pom Cable Knit Beanie - $8.99

Charlotte Russe stores and its online store are getting an early start with 25% off all clothing and accessories on Thursday, November 26. Black Friday, November 27, is a continuation of the 25% off sale, and shoppers spending $40 or more in Charlotte Russe stores will get a limited edition snakeskin print wallet. And, from 6 to 10 a.m. Friday, Charlotte Russe outlet stores only are offering an extra 10% off. On Saturday and Sunday, customers can buy any item in-store or online and get a second item for 50% off. November 30 (Monday), online customers receive 25% off their entire purchase and will get free shipping on orders over $60 on CharlotteRusse.com.

Charlotte Russe is also pairing up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in their Thanks and Giving campaign. From November 28 till December 14, the retailer will ask customers to add $1 to their purchase as a donation, and in turn, Charlotte Russe will give you a coupon for $10 off a $50 or more future purchase. See www.charlotterusse.com for store and outlet locations.

Animalia Print Silk Dress – was $325.00 now $149.00

The DKNY Black Friday Sale kicks off at DKNY outlet stores, DKNY full price stores, and DKNY.com Friday. A few particular specials are a Flame Pointe Dress, originally $295.00, marked down to $199.00 plus 30% off Wednesday through Sunday. The Animalia Print Silk Dress, regularly $325.00, will be marked down to $149.99 plus an additional 30% off Wednesday through Sunday.

Black Halo – Adelle Mini Dress – $298.00

Shopbop.com is ready for Black Friday as well, Starting Friday, Nov. 27 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, November 30. When you spend $300.00, you’ll save $50. But that’s not all: spend $500.00 and save $100.00, spend $700.00 and save $150.00, and if you spend $1,000.00, you’ll save $225.00. To get these great discounts, just enter the code GIFT4U at checkout.

Vintage Wool Coat – $83.00

Tulle’s Black Friday online sale is spectacular! The online retailer is offering the season’s best coats, sweaters, skirts, shirts, and more are going to be 50% off starting at 12 AM Friday November 27 through Monday, November 30. All items are first come, first served, so be ready to pounce! To view the items going on sale Friday, visit www.tulle4us.com.

For Black Friday, Nine West is offering great savings in stores and on site. These styles will be 50% off until 11am. After 11am, the styles will still be 30% off.  Additionally, Nine West is partnering with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the 5th consecutive year. Donate $1 or more in store or at NineWest.com, you’ll receive a coupon for 20% off your next purchase in January.

Bonfire

Polen

Husky

Mezmorize

Sweetie Headband – $90
Perfectly sweet and pretty.
Emily Elizabeth Jewelry is happy to announce the launch of the Holiday 2009 “Golden Girl” Collection.  The Golden Girl collection includes both jewelry and hair accessories, which are done in 14K gold plate and/or leather.

Designer Emily Kolins was inspired by the hope, glamour, fun and positivity of the holiday season. Prices range between $22 and $125.

Ahola Ring – $125
Truly beautiful. Whether for a party, as a promise ring or a gift to yourself for your right hand, the Ahola ring is a wonderful option when looking for a bold yet elegant ring.

View the full holiday collection today at emilyelizabethjewelry.com

Love Note Necklace – $23.00

Send your special someone their very own “Love Note” for the world to see! This adorable vintage inspired necklace features a brass postcard with the inscription, “I Love You”.

Candy Apple Jewelry – One of my new favorite designer jewelry stores online! 

Shop Candy Apple Jewelry for that special Valentine’s Day gift..

The holidays are here. To make sure you don’t miss any of ideeli’s events during this special week they have released the date and time for the next five days. Each sale will run for two days.

Friday 10 am EST.

Dior – up to 80% off  prices start at $75

Skin up to 79% off  prcies start at $18

Clara Kasavina up to 62% off  prices start at $78

Saturday 11 am EST.

Raj – up to 65% off  prices start at $32

Sunday 11 am EST.

Misela up to 55% off prices start at $325

Monday 11 am EST.

Christian Lacroix – up to 72% off  prices start $120

Linea Pelle – up to 64% off  prices start at $89

Ginette_Ny – up to 65% off  prices start $69

Lambertson Truex – up to 72% off  prices tart at $98

Join Today and make sure to use invite code: coutureinthecity – Happy Holiday Shopping from all of us at Couture in the City!

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Lotus, 1.7 ounces, $27.00

Looking for a surprising and fresh scent for this summer? Then look no further…Elizabeth Arden recently introduced their new fragrance, Green Tea Lotus, a light and airy scent that is perfect for warm weather. If you are like me and hate overpowering fragrances, then this is definitely one to try.

The inspiration behind this fragrance comes from flower gardens in India, Japan and China. One whiff of this perfume and visions of silk kimono’s, delicate tea and lush gardens come to mind. Feminine without being girly, this sophisticated fragrance is the perfect perfume to try if you are bored with your current eau de toilette, but aren’t ready to commit to something too heady.

Still not sure? Check out these fresh top, middle and base notes to tantalize your olfactory senses:

• Top Notes Caraway, Fruity Rhubarb, Lemon, Orange Zest and Bergamot
• Middle Notes Cool Minty Peppermint, Green Tea, Sweet Jasmine, Spicy Carnation, Fresh Fennel and Crisp Celery Spice
• Base Notes Oakmoss, Musk and Amber

In my opinion, the green tea and citrus scents take center stage in this fragrance, creating a super fresh aroma that perks me right up.

So, if you are looking for something new to shake up your fragrance routine, stop by your local Elizabeth Arden counter and ask for a spritz…you won’t be disappointed!

Beautiful Bride Makeup Kit

There’s nothing worse than a bad makeup job, especially if it’s a bad makeup job on your wedding day. Luckily, Bobbi Brown has come up with this amazing Bridal Kit to avoid any disastrous beauty mishaps.

This all-in-one cosmetic set comes with everything the bride will need to look natural and gorgeous on her big day and beyond. The sleek white case contains makeup suitable for all skin types, with neutral eye shadow, a pink lip gloss and a smudge-free mascara, for those tearful moments. Which means it’s not only perfect for a bridal shower, but it also makes a lovely bridesmaids gift.

Bridal Kit starting at $75.00

Source: Gift Rap Blog

Ok so maybe you are a little late on gift ideas for Dad. So were here to test the best, and help jump start some of those last minute gift ideas.

One can always trust Sephora to be to the rescue!

SephoraMen Shower Gel For Body & Hair

What is this product?
A fresh-scented cleanser for the body by SephoraMen.

How does it Review?
SephoraMen Shower Gel for Body & Hair gently cleanses the skin and hair without stressing the scalp or skin.

“I applied this invigorating wash on my hair and skin, worked a foamy lather, and rinsed. I loved the scent, as well as the simple packaging. I will always use this product, and considering the price ($10), it is very affordable to up-keep.”

SL Thorsen – Portland, OR

SephoraMen After-Shave Fluid ($10)

What is this product?
A soothing, after-shave treatment from SephoraMen.

How does it Review?
SephoraMen After-Shave Fluid contains soothing, antiaging ingredients for the immediate result of leaving skin soft and comfortable. It also contains an active ingredient with antiaging properties and is non-oily and alcohol-free.

” Immediately after shaving I used this gel, it went on smooth and has an almost cooling effect. I have always had very sensitive skin after shaving. And this product really soothed my skin, made it tigther and firmer. Loved it! Again very affordable, and works wonders. Thank you Sephora!”

SL Thorsen – Portland, OR

And if this doesn’t help enough, then grab the SephoraMen Anti-Fatigue Face Kit.

For $30 you’ll have Dad looking good in no time! Remember Fathers day is this sunday June 15th. So get to it!

Source: Sephora

Mother’s Day only comes once a year, and if you don’t already let that special lady know how important she is in your life, then Sunday May 11th will surely let her know.

Here is Couture’s guide to some of the best Mother Day gifts out there.

Nuture your Mom from head-to-soul. Give your Mom a beautiful new ritual with one of Aveda’s at home spa sets.

Aveda At Home Spa

This luxurious set includes, Calming body cleanser, Replenishing moisturizer and a Shampure soy wax Candle. Your mother will be sent to Caribbean Island bliss….

keep your Mom fresh faced and rosy with Fresh Minerals makeup.

Fresh Minerals Make Up Starter, Gift Set

Tory Burch Clear Yellow tote bag

Let her know it is spring time, with this fun, bright yellow Tory Burch clear tote with coin purse. The bold trim and clear plastic create a fresh, hot look for the season and for Mom!

Treat her like royalty! Which she so amply deserves. Give your ‘queen’ mother Juicy Couture – Mother’s Day Set.

Juicy Couture Mother’s Day Set

This flirtatious floral fragrance is bursting with notes of sparkling mandarin, absolute tuberose, princess lily and precious woods. Now lets set up some tea and cucumber sandwiches with that too! Quite fitting for Mom I’m sure!

And for her to enjoy that tea at breakfast. Make sure she is comfortable. Try this Oscar de la Renta Aegean Breeze wrap robe.

A pattern inspired by mosaic tile work, and printed on airy crepe de chine for heavenly comfort. With a classic kimono styling, she’ll love.

Keep her feet cozy, with these Calista Slippers from Daniel Green. Perfect match!

Now let’s not forget that Mom’s also love jewellry. So shower her with diamond’s.

Diamond Crossover Heart Pendant

Diamond Twine Drop Earrings

These delicate diamond sets are really special. And are sure to bring gasps of amazement and joy from your Mom!

But however you spend your day together, make sure it is filled with chocolates, flowers, and something fashionably delectable!

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but that’s not the only reason to celebrate hearts in the month of February! Go Red for Women,  sponsored by the American Heart Association, is ready to help you learn to love your heart throughout the month of February and every day! Why? Because heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women (and men) in the U.S.; heart disease affects us all, and the only way we can prevent it is through educating ourselves and each other.

You can start by checking out the Go Red for Women website (www.goredforwomen.org)  and also tipping your friends, family and co-workers off to this great site.  You can register for free and participate in heart health checkups, donations and more.

Love a little bit of philanthropic swag? Me too…you can help support this movement (and also your love for fashion) by shopping Go Red for Women’s boutique…check out these haut and heart-consicous items and buy with confidence, knowing you are helping support a worthy cause.

Silver Heart Earrings, $10.00 

Square Scarf, $30.00

Coffee Cup $10.00 

What have you done to show your heart you care today? Making changes are easier than you may think…take a walk during your lunch break, order baked chicken instead of fried, or commit to finally ditching those cigs for good. Your heart will thank you! For more great tips on how you can spread the word about heart disease, visit www.goredforwomen.org.

“Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife” By: Anne Fogarty

“I always carry extra white gloves and extra stockings”

These are words of wisdom from fashion designer, author and stylish wife Anne Fogarty circa 1959. Her book “Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife” (With Provocative Notes for the Patient Husband Who Pays the Bills) has recently been re-released so that wives of the new millenia can benefit from her time honored tips.

While much of the advice is so outdated and dusty (for example, you need to build a petticoat wardrobe), there is also fun and sound fashion rules to be found within these pages. This was a book for “ladies that lunch” and “career wives” who took meticulous care of their wardrobe and appearance and would be aghast at the velour track suit wearing wives and mothers of today. I would bet that my grandmother had one and it sat on her vanity next to her face powder and pearls.

Even though the times have changed, there is a great deal of fun for veteran wives, newlyweds adn wives-to-be in “Wife Dressing.” Fogarty’s pet peeves when it comes to dressing aren’t far from my own (underwear straps that show, long tapered “Dragon lady” fingernails, too much makeup in the daytime), while some are downright hilarious (colored wigs, charm bracelets at the theater, and “dungarees” as regular wifely garb).

“Wife Dressing” makes a great Valentine’s Day gift for your fashion-conscious wife (with a good sense of humour) or as a gift for the bride-to-be. Get your copy HERE for great tips on how to dress in a wifely way and other sage advice from fashion designer Anne Fogarty.