Statement-making Coats

So winter’s in full swing. We all want different styles of coats unlike in the old days when women had one big ol’ plain coat to carry them through all winter and they looked the same for months. How drab is that?! The designers have come up with statement-making coats this season and we definitely need a few different styles, right ladies? Here are some great tips from Clare Coulson of Telegraph who explains why one coat is not enough for this year and what to look for in a great coat.

TIPS FOR BUYING Technicolor dream coats:

• Rich colours are popular this season, but choose something with longevity. By next year royal blue may look a bit passé, while something more classic such as claret will stand the test of time.

• Your coat should match the dominant silhouette of your wardrobe. Don’t buy a mid-length one if you regularly wear calf-length skirts.

• Texture can make your coat look more luxurious than it really is; look for brushed mohairs and rich bouclés.

• Factor in how thick your other clothes will be in the bone-chilling depths of winter – a fitted coat could feel too snug once you have added a chunky jumper.

• Beware cropped sleeves. They may look great but you will be cursing your choice when you have freezing arms.

Fendi Shawl collar coat $3,190. Love Love love this dark gray cashmere shawl collar coat! However it does have cropped sleeves so you don’t want your arms freezing like Clare Coulson says, so I would definitely suggest very warm long leather gloves for protection and a shot of glamour.

Burberry Stanford trench coat $895. I’ve always been a big fan of military coats for the crisp structured shape and the sharp hardware. This Burberry coat is a timeless version.

Notte by Marchesa Brocade swing coat $795. Isn’t this silver-and-champagne brocade swing coat gorgeous or what? It definitely makes a statement when pairing with your eveningwear for a grand entrance. The brocade fabric has such an opulent and old-fashioned feel but the shape and sleeve detailing of this coat makes it so modern and adorable.

Diane von Furstenberg Ponte di Roma coat dress $398. DVF took her wrap dress and made it into a fab dress coat. So pretty and feminine with the open neckline and self-tie belt, it completely makes the outfit on its own. What more can you ask for?

TWILLTWENTYTWO ‘Chelsea’ Plaid Double Breasted Coat $232. Love the soft-toned plaid patterns and the pink buttons, makes the coat very lady-like. And the lantern sleeves are right on the trend of putting emphasis on the sleeves.

Looksup Balloon-sleeved Wool Coat $125. Yes, color! Get funky by pairing a pair of purple tights with this flattering green coat.

Alloy 20% off – Party dresses

Is everybody buying up party dresses like crazy too? My closet’s be filled up with them. Every time I bring home a new one, my guy asks “what party are you going to wear this to?” And I say “I don’t know yet. But I just really wanted it, it’s so pretty. Does it matter? A girl cannot have enough dresses!” And with a deal like this, who can resist? For this weekend only take 20% off your entire Alloy.com order! Use code ALYGIFT (expires 12.3.07).

Cool threads for the kids

I asked my younger cousins what they want for Christmas, surprisingly they are being really easy this year. They want cool shirts, hoodies, totes, hats, sneakers and such. I know just the place to get the cute funky streetwear — Karmaloop! They’ve got all the popular streetwear and sportswear brands that the young kids love. I wouldn’t mind getting a couple of adorable hoodies for myself. These will make such fun gifts for the young ones in the family.

The I Shop For Sugar Mini Makeup Palette $12.50

Loop Design The Snow White Tote Bag $55 $38.95

Paul Frank The Tug Of War T-Shirt $21 $18.95

Triple 5 Soul The Soul Bot T-shirt $30 $19.95

deLux The Tribeca Hat $24

Tokidoki The Sandy Short Visor New Era Cap in Yellow $35.00 $21.95

Seychelles and BC The Solar Power Shoe, Shoes for Women $54.00 $35.95

Harajuku Lovers Shoes The Kogal Hi Tex in OC Girl $75.00 $58.95

Paul Frank The Cyborg Julius Full Zip Fleece $51 $$38.95

The Majorette Hoody By Heatherette $79

Take advantage of Karmaloop’s promotions right now –
$20 off $120. Use code DEUCE. Expires Dec 31st, 2007.

Free Shipping on any order. Use code HYPE. Also expires on Dec 31st, 2007.

Liz Claiborne’s Gift A Day Holiday Giveaway

Yay another giveaway! Now through December 6th, yous can enter the Gift A Day Holiday Giveaway at LizClaiborne.com! A new winner is picked everyday! Prizes include Liz Claiborne gift certificates, Tim Gunn’s A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, a LizClaiborne.com item of their choice and more!

I’d love to use the gift certificate to get this Broadway Jewels Soft Leather Clutch $58

Wrist candy

We all know that all the accessories have gotten bigger, bolder and brighter this winter. I’m obsessed with big bracelets and bangles that are adorned with candy-colored jewels, gem stones and charms. They are so chic with a touch of old world glamour. If I’m wearing a simple black shift dress with black tights, I don’t forget to pile on the wrist candy. If anybody’s (meaning the family) curious what to get me for Christmas, these are among the things I want

Betsey Johnson Metals Collection Three Strand Bracelet $200

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Lollipop Bracelet $175

Rachel Leigh Square Lux Bracelet $167

Lee Angel Jewelry Purple Square Stretch Bracelet $83

Liz Claiborne Rock Candy Flex Gemstone Bracelet $68

R.J. Graziano Multi Stone Petite Cuff $65

Alloy’s STONE CUFF $14.50

Old Navy Chunky Beaded Bracelets – Jewel Red $9.50

Holiday Sale at Onlineshoes.com

Holiday Sale is on at Onlineshoes.com! SAVE up to 40%! Treat yourself or the shoe addicts in your family. This sale will go until December 25. *Adding all to wish list*.

Aerosoles Vice President $169.95 $89.99

Tommy Hilfiger Felicity $149.95 $89.98

Guess by Marciano Arabella $109.95 $89.99

Carlos Santana Roulette $89.95 $59.98

BCBGirls Zora $109.95 $89.99

Steve Madden Deedrah $74.95 $54.99

oh…DEER! Seymour $119.95 $59.99

The Perfect Hostess Gifts

I’m sure everybody’s getting invitations to dinner parties left right and center now that the holiday season has officially started. What do you like to bring to the hostess? Show your appreciation by surprising your hostess with a stylish and sophisticated gift for her home. Check out the perfect Hostess Gifts at eLUXURY.com. Featuring brands like Claus Porto, Diptyque, Linari, and House & Home, there’s a wide selection of the most gift-worthy home brands. These deliciously scented candles, soaps, and home fragrances are the perfect way to say “thank you” to the stylish lady who styles her home like a true fashionista.

Claus Porto Five-Soap Gift Box $42. Luxurious and creamy bars, Claus Porto soaps are produced from coconut oil and enriched with shea butter to moisturize, protect, and replenish the skin’s natural protein complexes. All soaps are made with the highest grade soap base from the Netherlands and infused with fragrances from the south of France.

Santa Maria Novella Small Pot-Pourri Gift Box $32. Full-bodied blend of herbs and flowers. Long-lasting and beautifully fragrant. Grown exclusively for Santa Maria Novella in the Florentine hills. Handmade using ancient methods. Lasts 9 to 12 months freshening closets, bathrooms, cars, and boats. Carefully packaged in a beautiful acetate gift box with a Santa Maria Novella ribbon.

Linari Mondo Reed Diffusor $96. Modern, high-class design elements, Linari reed diffusors enhance the aromatic atmosphere of any room with the finest perfume grade fragrance.

Diptyque Essence of John Galliano $60. To reflect John Galliano’s brilliant work and stunning creativity, Diptyque has created a warm, deeply mysterious fragrance. This provocative, woodsy scent is reminiscent of smoldering birchwood embers balanced with hints of iris and crowned with vanilla musk.

Claus Porto Melodia Candle, Melon $30. Soy blend candle for cleaner burning and less smoke. Melodia has a refreshingly fruity aroma; fragrances of cantaloupe and Crenshaw melons are infused with a touch of crisp green peach, blooming jasmine, and vanilla. Candle is nestled in a clear, Art Deco-inspired etched glass holder. Glass vessel is dishwasher safe and reusable after candle is through.

LBD updated for this holiday season

The ever smart Hilary Alexander of the Telegraph says you can’t go wrong with a black dress and imparts some great tips on how to modernize your LBD this season.

USE YOUR LBD AS A BLANK CANVAS

• Modernise with bright patent shoes
• Experiment with textured, coloured or fishnet tights
• Add a quirky accessory such as a tartan shawl
• Swap the faithful stilettos for shoe-boots
• Play the “Coco” card with lashings of pearls
• Accentuate your waist with an elasticised cincher
• Go retro with elbow- or opera-length gloves
• Glam up with a veiled pillbox hat
• Punk up with safety pins and silver accessories
• Co-ordinate your nails and lipstick

I really love this season’s black dresses. There are so many great choices. Sexy, classy with clever details, just all-around fabulous pieces to stand on their own.

Development Shift Dress $455

Helmut Lang Draped Dress $290

adampluseve Tuxedo Dress $395

Shelly Steffee Open Back Turtleneck Dress $588

Diane von Furstenberg Tere Dress $485

Rebecca Taylor Paillette Jersey Dress $394

Alice + Olivia Sleeveless Cocoon Dress $242

Coutorture’s Weekly Giveaway – Origins Organics

This week we are giving away THREE sets of products from Origins Organics. Three winners will receive a tote bag promoting eco-friendly living and two full sized sets of Origins Organics product! I love Origins. We will be picking THREE winners so you have a really good chance of winning it. Sign up in the badge on the side bar right now!

Ice.com Cyber Monday Special – Black Diamonds

What’s a holiday without receiving or giving some gorgeous jewelry? You’ll find some irresistible deals at ICE.com’s CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL (from Nov.23.07 to Nov.30.07). I’m totally in live with their black diamond pieces. They are a bold statement.

1/2 Carat Black & White Diamond 14K White Gold Ring $600 $195! The hottest look in jewelry, black diamonds get their deep beauty from a special irradiation process. In this floral themed ring, the white traditional diamonds and black diamonds pair up together to form this piece of art in 14K white gold.

1/2 CT Black & White Diamond 14K White Gold Earrings $600 $195. These sophisticated 1/2 carat enhanced black and white diamond earrings are beautifully crafted in 14K white gold. It’s a lovely, feminine look that you can wear day or night.

1 Carat Black & White Diamond 14K White Gold Brace $1000 $295. Elegance and charm exude from this beautiful 1 carat white diamond and enhanced black diamond bracelet. This exquisite diamond bracelet complemented finely by swirls of 14K white gold is a timeless gift.

1 Carat Black & White Diamond 14K White Gold Ring $1000 $350. This chunky black and white diamond ring exquisitely set in lustrous 14K white gold is perfect for showing off your strong and independent side.

BuyBeauty Pink Friday Sale 20% off + Free Shipping – Today Only!

Beauty addicts, stock up on skincare and makeup products today at BuyBeauty.com! It’s their Pink Friday One Day Sale – get 20% off sitewide with the code PINK20 and free shipping! A lot of the items are already on sale. That’ll save you a bundle for sure. It’s for today only, so don’t miss out. Beauty products make the perfect stocking stuffers for any girl!

Sugar Cosmetics Palette Set (eyes & lips) $14.99 11.99. The Perfect 10 Lip Palette holds 10 gorgeous gloss shades that are perfect for any season. Each slick shade glazes you lips in kissable color that smells and tastes just like sugar. The Sugar Eye Palette brightens eyes with another burst of candy-colored shadows in glittering silver, sky blue, light lime green, pretty pink, and lemon. Prism comes in a Sugar signature palette with a double-sided brush.

Lancome Colour Dose All Day Wear Creme Eyecolour $20 $16. All day long color that is waterproof and crease resistant, it is excellent for layering and simple to apply.

Styli-Style Flat Eye Pencils $7.5 $6. The Flat Pencil provides both thick and thin performance in one unique pencil. Improved performance. Ingenious design provides breakthrough improvements to every pencil use. More precise lining and maximum control for shading, blending and application. Use the edge of the eye pencil for that ultimate Kajal look.

Emani Magic Sealer $12.50 $10. Uniquely formulated to help neutralize the oils on your eyelids while keeping your eye shadow colors looking fresh all day. Magic Sealer is water soluble and absolutely gentle on the eyes.To use, roll a thin layer on lid, blending with fingertips and apply a neutral base color. Use any colors desired to create a 3-D look by using highlighting and contouring colors.

Benefit Black Orchid Cheek Highlighter $18 $10.39. Light, easy to use highlighting creams for cheek bones, brow bones, and upper eyes. These pearled alabaster and cameo cream shades bring instant attention wherever they are applied and look great on everyone.

Christian Dior Teint Poudre – Dual Powder Foundation $42.50 $20.80. glides on like a second skin giving smooth, even coverage. Used dry or with a moistened sponge, it has the same smooth coverage giving your skin a radiant glow.

Too Faced Quickie Chronicles Vixen $24.99 $11.99

ELF The Ultimate Kit $9.99 $7.99. Have it all with the Ultimate Kit! The perfect blend of soft and feminine colors for eyes, lips, and face. Give it as a gift to yourself or to a friend, it’s the ultimate present for any girl! Kit Includes: Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Angel, Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Pink Kiss, Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Candlelight, Plumping Lip Glaze in Oasis, Plumping Lip Glaze in Plum Pout, Plumping Lip Glaze in Baby Doll, Brightening Eye Color in Butternut, Brightening Eye Color in Nouveau Neutral, All Over Color Stick in Pink Lemonade, Hypershine Gloss in Blossom, Hypershine Gloss in Honey, New Moisture Care Lip Color in Baby Lips, New Moisture Care Lip Color in Pink Lemonade, and New Moisture Care Lip Color in Cherry Tart.

Vein Away $29.95 $23.96. Vein Away quickly and painlessly reduces the appearance of spider veins with ingredients such as K, , aloe vera gel, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitamin A & E, Green Tea Extract.

Biogenesis Facial Skin Freshener with Botanicals $14.25 $11.40

Esencial Skincare Argireline Wrinkle Relaxer Serum $69 $31.96.

The prices shown are after the 20% discount

How much are you willing to pay for a pair of tights?

We all know that tights are pretty much at the top of the must-have pieces for this winter. How much are you willing to pay for the perfect pair? According to this article in Telegraph, “this month’s Vogue features a pair of Yves St Laurent black opaque ribbed tights that retail at £385. Yes, £385 – for a pair of tights. They are made from an expensive blend of silk and cashmere but, at that price, you’d expect them to be spun from gold with a Fabergé egg in each toe.” Yeah! I’d expect them to cook and do laundry for me, too! I ask my friends and it seems like they are mostly comfortable paying around $10 – $20 for a day-to-day pair because those will likely be worn out in a year. And they are willing to shell out $30 – $50 for a more luxurious and durable pair, usually a blend of wool and cotton, that with proper care you can wear them for years. How about you?

MyTights.com is another great place to shop for tights online. They have a wide range you can choose from. I love the bright colored ones and ribbed textured ones. It’s true that when you have them on with a simple shift dress, they do make the outfit.

Cette Dublin 55D Opaque Tights $16.75

Emilio Cavallini Two Tone Tights $17.75

Emilio Cavallini Ribbed Tights $17.75

Emilio Cavallini Diamond Cable Tights $17.75

Trasparenze Dora Wool Rib Tights $23.25

Falke Pompidou Tights $33.75

Falke Soft Merino Wool Ribbed Tights $65

Baghaus Black Friday Deal

Hope everybody’s having (or had) a great Thanksgiving! Baghaus is offering 20% off for this holiday, with the coupon code thxgv20. There are a ton of designer inspired handbags to pick from. Sale ends this Sunday, Nov 25th. Get your handbag fix without breaking your bank

Primo Limited Redford Tote $80 $64
Faux Ostrich Print Andi $61 $48.80
Large Turnlock Weekender Bag $62.80 $50.24
Hudson Tote $58.80 $47.04
Black Diamond Forever Bag $58.80 $47.04
Rectangular Tote $50 $40
Natasha Patent Tote $50 $40
Classic Madison Mini $35 $28
Zippered Wristlet Clutch $25.80 $20.64
Inspired Print Check/Credit Wallet $19.99 $15.99
Quilted Clasp Clutch $25 $20
Broadway Evening Clutch $30 $24

Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fashionista friends in the States!! So Black Friday Sale’s coming up fast and furious. I’m sure you lucky girls will shop up a storm. Here are some great deals on the Weeb that I want to share with you. Some are only good for this weekend, some are good until the end of this holiday season. So mark down those dates and those coupon codes! If you are exhausted from fighting with the mall crowd, just sit back and let your finger do the walking/clicking. Enjoy!

BLACK FRIDAY THROUGH CYBER MONDAY WEEKEND DEAL — Designer dresses for under $99 at eDressMe.com

Check out Amazon.com’s Black Friday Deals on November 23rd, they will be offering hourly deals from 6am to 6pm PST along with thousands of products on sale for a limited time. Also, you can get gift wrapping for $.99 per item.

Max & Chloe is offering a black Friday deal — 20% off all purchases with the coupon code CYBR20 from Nov 23 to Nov 26. After the 26th, you can continue to receive 15% off with the code MJ15. Be sure to check out the Holiday 2007 Gift Guide for the hottest accessories.

Buy One, Get One 25% off at Onlineshoes.com. From now until November 26th.

Black Monday 25% Off Sale at ClassicCloseouts.com – From November 26th through November 28th when you enter coupon code CJBMNDY you’ll get an additional 25% off all apparel sitewide! Plus, orders over $40 are shipped FREE!

20% OFF everything at Designs By Stephene with the coupon code thanksgiving, from now until Monday November 26, 2007.

15% discount on entire stock on OverstockJeweler.com with the coupon code TKS15, from Nov 19 – 26.

FRIDAY – ONE DAY ONLY – FREE SHIPPING on every Liz Claiborne order! Offer valid only on 11.23.07.

Liz Claiborne Friends and Family Event – Take 40% off your purchase with the code FRIEND40 through 12.2.07.

Special Two Day Event from Nov 22nd to Nov 23rd – Free Shipping on Orders of $25 or more at Frederick’s!

Origins Give Thanks for Great Skin – Wellness Wishes Super Set available starting 11/23 while supplies last. Only $85 ($154.00 value). And you get $10 off $50 with the coupon code 110710, valid from 11/26/07 thru 12/01!

Cyber Monday Special – SAVE 20% + FREE SHIPPING at Diamond.com! Only valid from Nov 23 to Nov 26, 2007, with the coupon code CYBERMONDAY20.

$20 off $50 or more + Free Shipping at Shoebuy.com when you pay with PayPal, from Nov 19 – Dec 10.

Spalook.com offers 15% off purchases $100 or more with the coupon code Spa07 until Dec 31. And if you spend $125, you get a $30 gift card to use towards a future purchase.

Enter LS217 code for Free Shipping on All Orders at FragranceNet.com – Ends December 3rd!

e.l.f. COSMETICS has a new line of mineral makeup out! Get $5 off on orders $25 or more when you buy minerals with the coupon code EGMINBX by December 15, 2007.

Free Standard Shipping on all orders on YOOX.COM. Ends Dec 17, 2007.

Free shipping on all orders at Sigrid Olsen! Offer expires 12.3.07.

Free shipping with any online order of $100 or more at NORDSTROM. Valid until Dec 19, 2007.

Coutorture’s Weekly Giveaway – Tarte Cosmetics

This week we are giving away this fabulous 4-piece discover set from Tarte Cosmetics, we wish you health skinvigorating™ gift set! This set includes mini clean slate™ face primer, mini lock & roll creaseless eyeshadow duo (shade: slate), mini lights, camera, lashes! 4-in-1 mascara, and mini Inside out vitamin-infused lipgloss powered by BORBA (new shade: serenity). I love Tarte! This will be perfect gift for yourself or somebody you love. Enter your email in the badge in the side bar! Good luck to everybody!!