Fashion designers have been favoring shades of blue this spring. As just one example, Aquascutum’s spring 2009 collection was almost all in blues, from soft and powdery to sophisticated and navy. Purples this season have a lot of blue in them, making some of them more of a periwinkle blue. That’s good news, because lavender is flattering to many skin tones and hair colors, from platinum blonde to shiny black.

One of the greatest things about blue is that, aside from flattering most people, it works just as well in the most casual pieces as in the most formal.

Spring and summer fashion embraces lots of dreamy blues this year, from denim used in new ways to blue jeweled sandals.

This Lanvin lacquer-heel denim pump is touted by Elle magazine as a clever way to circumvent “no denim” rules at work. They may be denim, but they’re anything but casual. $785 at Bergdorf Goodman.

While this casual blue ombre dress won’t fly at most offices, it is perfect for summer picnics and laid back weekend activities. Made of cotton, this wrap dress by Converse One Star is available at Target for $33.

I guess most of us don’t really need a blue formal silk chiffon gown for our social plans this summer, but hey, a girl can dream, can’t she? This silk chiffon gown embroidered with agate is $3250 at Gucci stores.

Is there anything more glamorous than jeweled sandals to show off perfectly pedicured feet? It would be hard to find a pair of sandals more gorgeous than these Valentino leather sandals detailed with jewels (sigh …) These are $675 and along with similar styles can be found at Jeffrey, NYC.

For fall, a number of designers are choosing to stare down the recession with in-your-face fashion, often Eighties-inspired. Count Gucci’s Frida Giannini squarely in that category. The collection Giannini showed on Saturday was inspired by Tina Chow and, as the program notes read, “a glittering, glamorous time, when going out was a way of life.” But refinement, not so much.

Source: WWD.com

Gucci - up to 43% off prices start at $135 – On Sale Now!

From the ’30s to the ’80s, Gucci built a reputation for craftsmanship, innovation and, above all, style. Fashion icons from Jackie Kennedy to Elizabeth Taylor to Princess Diana draped themselves in printed scarves, bamboo-trimmed bags and interlocking double G logos. In 1994, when actor-turned-designer “it” boy Tom Ford took the reins as Gucci’s Creative Director, he turned up the heat with styles that radiated pure, unbridled sex appeal. The sleek-yet-feminine styling creates handbags that are decidedly hot but don’t lose their cool, which is perhaps the sexiest combination of all.

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

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!

Victoria’s Secret Celebrates The Heidi Collection for “Very Sexy” Makeup
at Victoria Secret at the Grove October 23, 2008 – Los Angeles, California

Nick Hogan looking for apartment with his family after going at Gold Gym with his friend.

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise are playground cute. The happy family twosome went to New York City’s Central Park on Thursday afternoon. Katie and Suri first went to the playground, and then headed to a field where they chased after each other, and then finally went to a party where they enjoyed some singing and dancing.

Karl Lagerfeld shows off his unique style while out in New York City. Karl was looking rather dapper as he was spotted leaving his hotel in New York City on Thursday afternoon.

Salma Hayek looks stunning as she leaves Mr Chows Restaurant in Los Angeles. The new mother had a late lunch with friends and left around 2.30 after spending an hour at the trendy eatery. She stepped out side and couldn’t find her driver and before his arrival a group of ladies recognized her and asked for a group photo to which she obliged. Dressed in a burgundy tank top and jeans with a green handbag and shades she smiled as she got into her car.

Paris Hilton arrives back at The Dorchester Hotel after another night out in London.

Britney Spears takes her two sons Sean Preston and Jayden James to Mr Bones Pumpkin Patch in Hollywood.

Kate Beckinsale was spotted leaving a medical center in Beverly Hills with her neon Gucci bag.