Q&A: How to Transform Your Wardrobe from Formal to Creative [Omiru]

Chanel in Chains [The It Lists]

Killer Heels [Chic Intuition]

Speaking of Colonic Tubes [Trend de la Creme]

Fingerless Gloves Go Red Carpet with Mena Suvari [Shopaholics Anonymous]

Have you ever been thinking that some women don’t have ideal constitutions and beautiful faces but they are still always in the center of attention and men DO love them? It happens because they perfectly know pros and cons of their bodies and know how to emphasize the advantages and conceal the disadvantages. Read entire post here

Fashion Source: Chic Stories

Pleat-Front Jersey Dress by Metro 7, $14.00 Wal-Mart.com

Ok, times are tough all over right now, that’s obvious. Soaring food and gas prices…blah, blah, blah. We hear it and live it every day. While there may not be much relief in sight, and our pocket books will likely continue to suffer, there’s no reason to throw in the fashion towel. You just have to change the rules, switch it up and open your mind to new fashion frontiers while tightening your belt at the same time. Here are some of my tried and true tips to finding budget trends that are easy on my wallet:

1) Get thrifty: For some reason, there are some people who are squeamish about thrift store shopping. I got over it really quickly when I found a brand new pair of pointy toe flats for $2.99 a couple of years back. The biggest problem is that there is usually so much to choose from, with poor organization. When I go, I have a specific list of things I want to buy in mind (based on current trends). This keeps me focused and stops me from buying that really cool 1980’s sequined dress.

Things to look for at thrift stores right now: menswear vests, vintage peep-toe shoes, drop-waist dresses, envelope clutches, long cardigans, belts, chunky necklaces and much more! Just open up a Vogue for inspiration and you’ll be surprised at what you can find.

2) Get thee to a Wal-Mart: …or Target, or K-Mart. You get the idea. While Target is a no-brainer, their “Go” line is kinda pricey. Hit the sales racks for the best deals. However, the best steal I have found recently was at Wal-Mart…they have a ton of No Boundaries jersey knit sun dresses in solid colors and exotic prints for only $15.00. I got one in teal and am going back for more.

3) Shop in your own closet: I bet you have at least one item in there with the tag still on it. If you haven’t worn it already, return it if you can, or wear it! Again, look to magazines for inspiration to see how you can put outfits together in ways you may never have thought of. I like to look at “Lucky” to see how they put pieces together in different ways. Layer two dresses together, use a skirt as a top…the possibilitites are endless!

Whether you decide to shop for cheaper threads, or simply get creative with what you already have, don’t let a lagging economy keep you from your chic. With a little extra work, you’ll still look like a million bucks, even if your bank account is in the red.

Get flash with your lashes! Here’s how!

Get dramatic eyes quickly! And go wild with three easy steps to getting faux lashes, with a splash of glam!

1st Step: Start with mascara

Make Up Forever Mascara

Coat lashes with black mascara prior to false lash application; the extra texture will help faux lashes better adhere.

2nd Step: Add faux lashes

Make Up Forever Faux Lashes

Coat the strip of lashes with glue and apply to upper lash lines. Push inner and outer corners down with fingers, and hold for 1 minute until glue dries. For bottom lashes, paste the strip just below the lower lash lines, holding until glue dries.

3rd Step: Top with black liquid liner

Dior Eyeliner

Line over the edges of the faux lashes to hide seams. On upper lids, start line just inside the inner corners, extending 1/2 inch past the outer corners. Mirror this shape along the lower lashes. Add eye shadow for extra drama.

TIP: If you’re a lash novice, try cutting the strip in half, and applying to outer corners only. The smaller the lash strip, the easier it is to make it stick.

Get the look at Sephora’s Beauty Central to learn more!

Source: Sephora.com

Ashley Tisdale (source)

Well color me surprised…it’s not every day that you see such style in a relatively newbie celeb. The High School Musical starlet seems to have her fashion chops well under way with a look that’s not too precious, pretentious or boring and is age appropriate and tasteful. Love it!

Seriously, what’s not to love? Geometric print dresses, fab handbags, tailored pants, sophisticated jewelry…Ash seems to have just the right mixture of fresh and unexpected with classic and timeless.

If you want to steal Ashley Tisdale’s style, here are a few simple rules to follow:

1) Keep it simple: If you are going for a big bold dress, then tone down shoes, jewelry and handbags.

2) Keep it fresh: natural hair and makeup are perfect for any look, but work best with a slightly funky vibe

3) Add a splash of fun: to keep from being to bland, add a pop of color with a pair of yellow shoes, an orange bag or a chunky necklace.

Jewelry is the easiest and most versatile way to add interesting details to your wardrobe, so give your look a dose of Ashley Tisdale style with this necklace from Lilia:

Fruiti de Mare Necklace, $150.00

Summer is still well under way, but thoughts of autumn leaves, knee-high boots and evenings by a roaring fire may already be coming to mind. If you are like me, then fall is your favorite time of year, if not for the clothes alone. So why not start getting that pre-winter wardrobe ready? There are a number of items you can buy (and wear!) now that will easily translate into a fall wardrobe, some of which you probably already have. Check out these ideas for great summer to fall looks:

1) Denim Skirt

Denim Pencil Skirt, Gap.com, $49.50

A denim skirt is perfect in the summer time paired with a solid tank and sandals. Wear it in the fall with a checkered shirt and boots or a sweater, textured tights and heels.

2) Cardigans

Cardigan, Banana Republic, $69.00

Wear these now as evening cover-ups over silky tanks and sun dresses, and use your cardigans again in the fall for layering.

3) Vests

BDG Altamont Vest, Urban Outfitters, $58.00 

Wear a menswear vest now over a tank top, tee or dress for a funky look. Recycle your vest for the fall and wear it with skinny pencil pants to reign in blousy tops.

So start digging through your closet now and see what can be reimagined for fall; look for mustard yellows, browns and rust oranges when you are shopping; these colors are hot right now and will translate well into your autumn ensembles.

Hilary Duff (source)

Victoria Beckham (source)

Marley Shelton (source)

Bring on the heavy hardware…long gone are the skinny belts from last season; this summer, it’s all about wide belts. Serious metallic details, thicker straps and an all-around “edgier” look in belts are showing up on red carpets and the streets. And this look isn’t just for evening alone; the trend right now is to pair a heavier belt with a surprisingly floaty or feminine dress by day.

Not sure if this look is right for you? Here’s how to make a wide waist cinching belt work for you:

1) Casual: go for a boho look a la Hilary Duff and pair a neutral tone belt in a soft brushed leather over a long sun dress. You can also try the same look with a long feminine tunic over skinny jeans.

2) Dressy: pick a black patent belt and cinch it over a fitted jacket like our favorite Spice Girl would (motorcycle gloves optional).

3) Fierce: go for the unexpected, and pair a black belt with funky hardware over a formal dress or white button-down tee.

Check out this belt from Elegantly Waisted for a celebrity-style steal:

Double Ring Wrap Belt Sale $106.50

This beautiful actress is really hot right now, and is our fashion celebrity of the day. With the movie blockbuster Hancock under her belt, Charlize has been sizzling at her red carpets worldwide. Dazzling in designer gowns, perfect make-up and hair styles. She most certainly can’t go wrong!

Charlize blazes in red’s, purple’s and pinks at the opening of her Moscow red carpet for Hancock

Do you love this look? Well you can have it too! Start with applying the right make-up;

1. Apply Dior Skin Air Flash foundation.
2. Define eyes with Dior Eye Show in Glam & Glitz and Dior Show Unlimited Mascara in Black.
3. Dust Dior Blush in Passion Fruit on cheeks.
4. Focus on lips with Rouge Dior lipstick in Red Premiere.

And pizzazz! You’ve glammed your look for an evening out, with a touch of celebrity style!

Charlize dazzles us in a designer Valli dress

Charlize wears designer Giambattista Valli at her premiere. You can get a very similar look by going with a pink theme, combined with a high couture look. Try this high couture number by Mary L;

Mary L Couture Print Halter Gown

Style Tip: Where can you use this look?

1) Weddings.
2) Corporate parties.
3) Evening dinner parties.
4) Or a high profile event.

Or pick a purple theme and try a more sophisticated look with a silk print dress instead.

Single Dress Border Print Silk Dress

Style Tip: Where can you use this look?

1) Cocktail parties.
2) Dinner with friends.
3) Evening out on the town.

Either way you are sure to be the belle of the ball! With a great look inspired by Charlize Theron. Let’s us know how you get your celebrity look!

Source: People.com, Sephora, Nordstrom, Just Jared.com (image)

Kate Beckinsale (source)

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (source)

Charlize Theron (source)

Ok…I’m going to be honest; this is not one of the easiest trends to pull off. Maxi dresses are all the rage right now, and you can find them everywhere from Old Navy to Target on the low end to upscale designer styles. While these flowy frocks seem like they would be the answer for all of us body conscious girls (goodbye thunder thighs!), the wrong print or cut could have your dress looking one step away from a house coat.

This being said, I love a good maxi dress; they are ethereal, bohemian and not to mention, comfy. Not only that, but they are the perfect cover up for trendanista mom’s-to-be. If you are brave enough to try this trend, here are a few tips on how to wear a maxi dress:

1) Get a good cut: if you have an ample top, make sure the girls aren’t spilling out everywhere, and that’s just for starters. Make sure your waist is still defined, whether with an empire style or with a belt, and make sure that your not going to trip over a too-long hemline.

2) Prints: beware of busy prints that induce headaches or blurry vision, because that’s a lot of fabric to deal with. If you are particularly unsure or self-conscious, go with a solid print maxi dress to start.

3) Accessorize: another reason to go with a solid colored maxi dress is that it is going to be the easiest to accessorize with. Long necklaces, scarves, and look-at-me handbags go great with a maxi dress. Still not sure what to wear those trendy gladiator sandals with? Try them with a maxi dress to double up on trends.

If you are still not sure, then get yourself an inexpensive solid colored maxi dress and wear it as a cover up to the beach or the pool and give it a test drive. If you decide that the longer style isn’t for you, cut it to just above knee length and repurpose it into a sun dress. Either way, experiment and have fun! Let us know what you think about this summer trend and if it works for you!

At Couture we get to review some of the best products out there. Summers here, and its time to show off your healthy newly preped pedicures and manicures! And Nailtiques is here to help.

Now once again -from me to you- I get to try this wonderful product. Was I skeptical? Not at all! I knew I would be taken care of with this ‘innovator in the worldwide nail care industry’. Are the products natural I hear you ask? Of course they are! And salon tested to boot. And do they really treat the problems I have with my nails? Well if your going to keep asking, heres the lowdown from Nailtiques themselves;

” Nailtiques has been providing therapeutic nail treatments that surpass all others. Nailtiques nail care system treats multiple nail problems with six specially formulated protein strengths. They not only supply nourishment to strengthen nails, they also eliminate peeling.”

Wow, that’s great. Now lets get to the product!

Nailtiques Avocado Foot Crème

I had the luxury of trying the Avocado Foot Crème. Now I must say this thick, creamy lotion is pure bliss!

After bathing your feet in your foot spa, whilst listening to your classical music. Finish your D.I.Y (Do it yourself) at home spa with this lucious cream. The welcoming aromatic scent and soft texture is very inviting. Apply an ample amount to your feet and massage into the skin. I found that my feet were soft for days. Now, I found the best results are when I use this lotion daily. My feet are hydrated, and softer then ever.

Nailtiques Oil Therapy

Nailtiques Pink & Green Sponge File

Now to keep those healthly manicures you need a good foundation. I tried a combination nail treatment using both the oil therapy and sponge files. The oil is superb, goes on clean and smooth. Using the pink side of the sponge file, smooth down any nail ridges. And keep adding the oil, and contiue the process until the surface of your nails are smooth. I got superb results, and this treatment works great for me.

Now you have the perfect tools for keeping your nails and feet in perfect condition for the summer!

Source: Nailtiques, Janine Gordon Associates