Do you dress for yourself, men or other women?

Hey Glamazons!

So it was during a conversation with my best friend who proclaimed that I wear dresses to impress a guy I was dating (it's no secret that I wear dresses everyday) that I realized women dress for different reasons and often, based on outside circumstances.

Though I countered with the defense that I just love dresses (which is true...and yes, I was that annoying little girl that loves pink and would never be caught dead outside rolling around in the dirt, beside worms, with my little brother), I have admittedly picked out outfits based on my surroundings, which means my fashion choices aren't solely based on...well, me.

And I'm sure I'm not alone.

If you've ever gotten dressed for a date, with or without the help of your girlfriends, then you've experienced the painstaking process to appear sexy but not provocative, smart but not nerdy, demure but not stuffy, all by virtue of your outfit.

And doesn't that make sense? Because if people judge by appearance, and fashion represents image, then choosing an outfit is essentially deciding the image you want to project to the people that see it.

Isn't that the same logic behind the professional tip that dressing for the job you want, rather than the job you have, forces people to take you more seriously?

Take a few weeks ago, for instance. I wore my beloved McQ for Target asymmetric black and gray frock to an all-women, fabulous holiday party, Cocktails with Belle (yes, Belle from the amazing blog, A Belle in Brooklyn, which you must read if you don't already! You'll thank me).

I picked it out primarily because it's a chic, well-designed, gorgeous dress. As I was attending a networking event, where appearance is everything, I also thought of the image I wanted to portray.

I considered that it was trendy, which communicates that I'm into Fashion, and it's a beautiful garment which appeals to women (men, most straight men anyway, don't appreciate a gorgeous dress in the same way a woman would). Perfect.

What I didn't anticipate (or realize until I was already at work) was that my chest had grown since I first purchased the dress and was now making an appearance in the neckline that was...a bit problematic.

Though I was wearing my Jimmy Choo for H&M choker necklace (yes, everything I wear is from a designer collaboration, lol), it did little to help the situation. In fact, one of the women remarked quizzically, "You didn't wear that to work today, did you?"

Gasp. I know cleavage, at a networking event, isn't ideal but I didn't think it was so bad that it warranted a comment. I mean, women are allowed to show some cleavage at work, occasionally, when they're in the Fashion industry, right?

And by that point, I had tried to hide it with extra fabric from the asymmetric neckline. (See the dress below, which I must say for the record, is fabulous in most any other setting.)

Later, I realized she may have a point when I saw everyone clamoring for the attention of a high-powered media exec in a suit. There were other women who were wearing trendy pieces, even one in a lace shirt, shorts and tights, but the exec was the one that everyone took seriously---some without even knowing what her title was because she looked important.

I could have worn a suit or super-conservative outfit, but truthfully, that's just not me (and not required for my job...obviously lol). Still, I worried that my dress was the wrong item to wear solely because of the way people viewed me as a result.

In the same way, if you're going on a date and want a potential partner to view you in a certain light, your clothing choice could help you in (or hinder you from) achieving that.

And when you're headed to a party or brunch with your girlfriends, your clothes represent how you want to be viewed by that particular group. Just think would you really wear a fitted, sometimes uncomfortable spandex dress if you knew no men would be at the club on Saturday night?

Even if you don't dress with other people in mind, you're still judged based on your clothing choices.

That said, why when we admit to dressing for other women or gasp, men, does it always incite criticism? And on the other side of the fence, if we admittedly dress for other people, how does our clothing truly represent us?

What do you think, Glamazons? Do you dress primarily for yourself, men or other women? Do you think dressing for other people is appropriate in some settings, but not others? If image wasn't important, and it didn't matter what other people thought about your clothing, what would you wear?

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: (Jamie Lynn-Sigler) InStyle. (Me) Photographer Mackenten Pention.

Women Cardigan Fashion Clothes

Women Cardigan

Feather Collar Cashmere Cardigan From J. Crew

Lingerie love...

NEW!! Vivienne Westwood Teams up with Lee Jeans

Hey Glamazons!

Not many designers can take Lee Jeans, the conservative, classic brand of denim, and transform it with metallic, bondage-style and lace flourishes. But Vivienne Westwood, who is collaborating with Lee for the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Lee collection, is not your average designer.

Since 1970, Westwood has been a legend among the punk-rock set for her unique interpretation of youth and urban culture. (You also may recognize her designs from the Sex and the City movie; she was the genius behind Carrie's gorgeous wedding gown). Now the street crowd that inspired the designer can buy her work with Westwood's new affordable collection with Lee, which ranges from $128 to $320 (8o pounds to 200 pounds).

The collaborative collection will feature four styles of jeans for men and five for women, including microshorts and skinny jeans, as well as bondage, metallic and lace denim, via WWD.com. The line will be available at Vivienne Westwood boutiques in the coming year.

Super exciting!! I have to get my hands on those microshorts for Spring. And did I mention the lace jeans will feature an all-over print inspired by one of her gowns? Amazing! Glamazons, what do you think of the collaboration? Will you shop the collection when it launches next year?

Kisses,

Coutura

Tavi Takes Bazaar

A couple weeks ago I wrote about how Tavi Gevinson would be contributing a piece to Harper's Bazaar and how I worried that the integrity of the magazine might be compromised by this unusual addition. I did, however, insist that I would read her piece with an open and curious mind when the January issue finally arrived in my mailbox. Well, the issue has arrived (with a dazzling cover featuring Kate Hudson, I might add) and I have kept my promise.

I just wish Bazaar would have given us more to absorb. The piece, titled "Tavi's Take," is so short that I could neither get a sense of her writing style (edited, of course), nor fully access her ability to review the fashion collections. So, I was disappointed that Bazaar did not give its readers more exposure to the young blogger, actually. I'm surprised that I just typed that last sentence, but it's true.

In the brief intro to the very brief article, Tavi introduced herself and explained that she had only been blogging since March of 2008. Therefore, she has only really been following fashion since March of 2008. What could someone who hasn't even been following fashion for two years (??!!!??!!) possibly have to say about the collections that would be of interest to the highly fashion-literate readers of Harper's Bazaar? Well, not terribly much in this case. Tavi wrote that the Spring 2010 collections were all about being an individual. OK. "Don't get caught up in what other people think," she suggested. OK. Not exactly ground-breaking reflections, but we'll take it. That advice is certainly true when it comes to her own personal style, which, as I have said before, is honestly refreshing and original. The late Isabella Blow or fashion eccentric Lynn Yaeger would both be proud.

Anyhow, back to the collections. Not surprisingly, her favorite collection for next spring was presented by Rodarte, the label which "discovered" the young blogger and custom-made tights and other delights for her. She also briefly touched upon collections from Viktor & Rolf, Jil Sander, Francisco Costa, and Miu Miu. Nothing ground-breaking, though.

All in all, I was left disappointed with the piece, but only because it was so short. Couldn't Bazaar have given her a little more space? I want to know if she really is potential Carmel Snow material, or just a passing trend, as I suspect is more accurate. Alas, we couldn't determine this from the short article alone. Now if Anna Wintour calls Tavi and asks her to contribute a piece to appear in Vogue (not Teen Vogue; Vogue), I'll have to eat my words.

New Year's Eve Dress Shopping on a Budget

Hey Glamazons!

As much as I love the glitz and glamour of a New Year's Eve look, there's no way I can afford to spend a small fortune on a dress I'll most likely wear for one night only. At the same time, it's every woman's right to ring in the new year looking and feeling fabulous.

Fortunately for us, retailers from RACHEL Rachel Roy to Edressme.com, are offering red-carpet worthy holiday frocks with down-to-earth price tags. I've scoured the web for the best holiday dresses under $50, $75 and $100 and found plenty of gems that are sure to make you the belle of the ball.

Check them out below and email me at theglamazonsblog@gmail.com with any last-minute questions about your New Year's Eve outfit.

Under $50

Under $75

$100 +

Oh and this year, I'm wearing my black dress with studded shoulders from Forever 21 and glamorizing the look with dramatic accessories. Best way to look like a million bucks without breaking the bank!

An extravagant necklace or a pair of jeweled pumps are perfect for making a festive dress extra-special. Here are some fab shoes that add instant glam appeal to any look:

Happy New Year's!

Kisses,

Coutura

Introducing...Cynthia Rowley for Roxy

Hey Glamazons,

Just in time for Spring...and the much-needed trip I'm planning to Miami, Cynthia Rowley is launching a beach-ready collection for Roxy.

And the purveyor of Hampton chic, Cynthia Rowley, and Hang-Ten staple, Roxy, couldn't be a better fit! Cynthia Rowley had this to say about the new collaboration: "The most important thing as a designer is to tell a story, and everything we do contributes to the story. This is an authentic and genuine expression of that, as surfing is something I love to do."

Perfect for ladies who love to go surfing in style, the collection features swimwear, sandals, denim, wetsuits and even pencil skirts that are as affordable as they are chic (the long-sleeved bodysuit will only run you $89!).

The collaboration will run over the next three years and launches in March 2010 at Barney's New York and Collette in Paris. Items will be available for pre-order in January at the Cynthia Rowley online shop. Check out the pieces below:

I especially love Cynthia Rowley's use of colorblocking and cut-outs; it's just so modern and vibrant, yet wearable at the same time. True to form, Rowley captures the easy, breezy nature of beach culture with an air of sophistication and refinement, rendering the most expensive-looking pieces Roxy has probably ever sold.

I can't wait to see the collection in person at the press event next week but in the meantime, what do you think of the pieces? Will you shop the new collection?

Kisses,

Coutura

Would you wear...Lady Gaga-inspired fashions?

I'm serious.

If you've ever wanted to dress in a deranged, theatrical, avante-garde, alien-inspired look like Lady Gaga, you might want to see a therapist. I kid! Now, you have your chance.

The pop star has collaborated with Not Just a Label, to sell the looks she's worn in videos, concerts and press appearances! Yes, everything from her famously odd costumes to her couture-chic eyewear is up for sale.

Go to Not Just a Label to buy the looks (below), which range from the silver Paparazzi Eye Patch to her Bad Romance lace half-hat. And if you don't have the courage to wear her cape on a dinner date, atleast it will make for a show-stopping Halloween costume.

Just kidding! I love what Lady Gaga has done for fashion. I applaud her for having the courage to experiment with style and to flaunt a gloriously unique point of view in her fashion choices. At the same time, though it's entertaining to look at, I would never pay a whopping $975 for a pair of box trousers (that's what the store is calling those gravity-defying, hippy creations below). And even if they were $50, I wouldn't wear them anywhere except, let's say, a Lady Gaga concert.

And for kicks, here are some of her most head-scratching ensembles this year (including what she wore to meet the Queen!). It's like watching a train crash: you know it's disastrous, but you just can't look away!

Turns out a whole cast of designers will create Lady Gaga-inspired looks on the January 6th episode of Bravo's Launch My Line just in case you are in need of some more avante garde fashions.

Kisses,

Coutura

New Year's (Fashion) Resolutions

"Doing more with less." This was the motto of my former boss in the U.S. Senate. It was a terrific slogan for his organization and, it turns out, it is an even better philosophy when applied to fashion. Since we could all benefit from learning how to do more with less, I thought that would be the best New Year's resolution I could make (fashion-wise, at least) for 2010. So, here below are my suggestions for doing more with less in your own wardrobe.



** Purchase clothes the way the French do. Buy fewer, but better pieces of higher quality. You should only need a few new pieces each year. That's it.



** Become a mix-master with prints. Etro and Pucci are the inspirations here. The more pieces you are able to mix and wear together, the better (and more interesting!) your outfits will be.



** If you must have a staple, make it your most interesting piece. The piece in my wardrobe that I wear the most is not a black skirt or a navy blazer, but a crazy, green cap sleeve turtleneck with rouching and white polka dots that I bought in Warsaw for 77 zloty. It doesn't sound like it would be versatile, but it's hands-down the piece I wear the most. Learn how to incorporate a psychedelic piece like that into your wardrobe and the outfit combinations will be infinite. It's also a heck of a lot more exciting than building a wardrobe around a black skirt!



** Learn how to dress without black. This may sound earth-shattering to some, but I've found that the people whose personal style I admire the most are those who are able to turn heads and create memorable outfits without sticking to basic black. You'll be able to do a lot more with less once you leave behind the comfort zone of wearing black head to toe. Lighten up. Add color.



** Build outfits around creative accessories. Printed scarves, costume jewelery, textured tights. These are all fantastic ways to add depth and interest to even the most basic of outfits. Accessories truly do transform outfits, and they can be purchased at any price.



** Step out of your comfort zone just this once. Switch up your style. Remember when Tinsley Mortimer and Vogue fashion-writer Florence Kane traded styles? If you're always decked out in dresses and feminine pieces (like Tinsley), try adding some preppy pieces to your wardrobe the way Florence would. You can always switch back!



** Save the money that you would have spent on an expensive pair of shoes or yet another handbag and add it to your travel fund. Trust me, it's a lot more fun to shop in London or Antwerp than it is in Anytown, USA. Since I have a lot of travel plans on my radar for 2010, I really need to take my own advice on this one! Plus, it's thrilling to come across eclectic pieces that you never would have considered buying elsewhere.


I hope these tips will inspire you to create beautiful and exciting ensembles in 2010. Thank you for your readership, and I hope to see you in 2010! Happy New Year!

Rachel Roy and Estelle are Headed to Africa

Hey Glamazons!

Accomplished designer, Rachel Roy is arguably having the best year ever. She debuted her eponymous line for Macy's, RACHEL Rachel Roy, to critical acclaim and commercial success. She collaborated with fashionable singer, Estelle, on a jewelry collection, which makes its highly-anticipated debut in 2010. And most recently, she nailed the photo opp every designer hopes for when Michelle Obama wore her pencil skirt while announcing the First State Dinner. Pretty amazing, right?

Her latest venture is even more commendable. Marrying her two loves, fashion and charity, Rachel Roy announced via Facebook that she will travel to Africa with Estelle and her daughter, Ava, to provide impoverished women with the opportunity of a lifetime. She will include handmade clutches and bracelets from Rwandan and Tanzanian natives, many victims of genocide and abuse, in her newest RACHEL Rachel Roy collection. Roy believes that the opportunity to participate in an international market will give these women the resources they need to stop the cycle of abuse and poverty, and to provide for themselves and their families.

As Roy announced via Facebook, her mission is a collaboration with Fairwinds Trading, an organization which gives victims of poverty, abuse and genocide the opportunity to participate in international commerce: "Through Fairwinds Trading these women are able to earn an income by creating exquisite handmade goods which are sold in the U.S. I am grateful to play a role in helping to change their lives by providing jobs & offering their handcrafted pieces through RRR,” Roy said.

Check out a few of the handmade pieces below. Rachel Roy (@rachel_roy), Estelle (@estelledarlings) and Roy's daughter Ava will document next month's trip to Africa on Twitter.

I find the beautiful designs and noble cause really inspiring, and can't wait to live vicariously through their pictures and anecdotes. What do you think of the pieces?

Kisses,

Coutura

Attention: End of the Year Sale Time!!

...cause girls just want to have funds!

Christmas is over and we all know what that means: Stores are practically giving away inventory to get ready for the new year (and rid of the holiday leftovers)!!! In honor of our favorite lingerie brand, Victoria's Secret's Semi-Annual Sale, here are the best sales from around the web.

Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale - Up to 50% off. Free shipping for purchases over $100. Code Free100 at checkout.

Macys.com - Up to 60% off. Free shipping until December 27th with Promo Code Merry

Bloomingdales.com - 30-50% off select merchandise

Nordstrom.com - Up to 40% off

Saks.com - Up to 75% off until December 27th

Barneys.com - Up to 60% off

Urban Outfitters - Take an extra 50% off sale from December 26-27th

Kissable Couture - 50% off kissablecouture.com only. Use @kissablecouture at Checkout.

Gap.com - Extra 20% off all sale purchases now through Sunday, December 27th. Use Gapextra20 at checkout.

Banana Republic - Save up to 40% off. Take an extra 15% off at checkout with code BRextra15. Ends December 27th.

Alloy.com - End of season clearance. Save up to 80%

Shopbop.com - Up to 70% off

Bluefly.com - Up to 70% off

Express (Expressfashion.com) - Up to 50% off, Free shipping on orders over $75

Bebe.com - Sale starting at $20

Delias.com - Up to 80% off

TheLimited.com - Up to 70% off

Jcrew.com - Extra 20% off through January 3rd. Use code Extra20 at checkout.

Dsw.com - Up to 70% off.

Bakersshoes.com - Buy one, get one 50% off. Today only.

Paylessshoesource.com - Up to 50% off

Aldoshoes.com - Extra 30% off. Now through Monday.

Ninewest.com - Up to 50% off.

Target.com - Up to 75% off

Kohls.com - Extra 15% off with code yourgift15 until December 28th

Other sales:

Loftonline.com

Topshop.com

Happy Shopping!

Kisses,

Coutura

Merry Christmas in the Spirit of DV!

The weather outside may be frightful, but one of my dearest friends has some oh-so delightful tips for ringing in the holidays...in the spirit of Diana Vreeland, of course. Whether you are throwing a holiday party, preparing for New Year's Eve, or just having a quiet evening celebrating with friends and family, her over-the-top, glamorous tips are sure to get your holiday season off to a smashing start! Diana Vreeland would be proud.

Why don’t you ...rent the International Space Station for your New Year’s Eve bash this year?

Why don’t you... cover your entire bathroom in mirrored panels, to ensure that you’ve seen every angle before you walk into the parlor?

Why don’t you... perfect your ability to say “Happy Holidays” in every language imaginable so that you can send seasonal greetings to every head of state in the world?

Why don’t you... use the leftover Prosecco to wash your delicates? Flat is best.

Why don’t you... commission a broom made of horsehair from Derby winners? Cleaning up can be glamorous, too.

Why don’t you... crochet a fabulous new hair accessory for each of your holiday guests? They should be useful as napkin rings as well as lovely parting gifts.

Why don’t you... build a guest dormitory on the back of your house, so that there will be room for all of your guests after a night of too many G&Ts?

Why don’t you... hand dip currants halfway in white chocolate, and then dip the other half in dark chocolate? Leaving a beautiful ruby strip in between would tasteful as well.

Why don’t you... decorate your roofline with Gothic creature waterspouts instead of downspouts? A few flying buttressed wouldn’t hurt, either.

Why don’t you... hire a string quartet to play on your front lawn in time with your Christmas light show?

Why don’t you... carve utensils out of your turkey carcass to use for brunch the next day?

Why don’t you... install TV monitors into the children’s table, playing nothing but Reading Rainbow and Wishbone?

Why don’t you... garnish every dish with gold dusted parsley? Curly if you are serving ham - flat with turkey or beef.Why don’t you cut your rolls of wrapping paper into 2” squares, creating patchwork paper quilts around all of your presents?

Why don’t you... insist on a royal purple silk carpet leading up to your home when your guests arrive?

Why don’t you... switch the hymnals for Where’s Waldo books during an Advent service?

Why don’t you... place original Louise Nevelson collage pieces at every Salvation Army red bucket that you see?

Why don’t you... juxtapose lush organza and brushed flannel linens with miniature Christmas trees and yellow lilies for your tablescape? A few rocks, polished with sea water, can provide a geological edge.

Why don’t you... turn last year’s holiday cards into bows to place atop the original senders’ gifts?

Why don’t you... weave a new area rug out of holly & poinsettia leaves?

Why don’t you... hire a hot air balloon to throw candy and H1N1 vaccines down to the neighborhood children?

Christmas wish list... Strumpet and Pink
Miss Lala

Gilda and Pearl

Damaris

Stella McCartney

Philip Lim


xxx

Perfect Wedding Hair Style Concept

The wedding day is a special day in the lives of all women where you fret over the perfect dress, make up and hair style for the occasion. Here are some pointers that have to be kept in mind while choosing the perfect hairstyle for the special occasion.

Perfect Wedding Hair Style Concept

The wedding day is a special day in the lives of all women where you fret over the perfect dress, make up and hair style for the occasion. Here are some pointers that have to be kept in mind while choosing the perfect hairstyle for the special occasion.