GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT!

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND WEAR IT, TOO!An unlikely pair, food and fashion sometimes DO go hand in hand. Here are some tongue-in-chic designs that will really make you salivate! There are two ways to approach this oddball pairing.First, make your favorite confection wearable (not literally! I will not be including links in this posting of CoutureCarrie for edible undies here, gals--c'mon!). Alternatively, turn your favorite item of clothing into a delectable treat. I am a HUGE cake fan (meaning that I enjoy Black Forest and White Chocolate Mousse, not that I myself am large - beware the danger of misplaced modifiers!). In fact, I have been known to forgo...

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I’VE GOT YOU IN MY CLUTCHES!

Whether it’s a classic Rodo evening bag, or a playful Marc Jacobs number, the clutch is absolutely essential to a woman’s wardrobe, particularly in the spring and summer, since we have fewer accouterments (gloves, scarves, hats, etc.) to stow away. The tiny totables this season run the gamut from the structured Judith Leiber Princess Box, fully beaded with aqua square-cut Austrian crystals [pictured at right and available at Bergdorf Goodman], to the soft and loose Fendi oversize "soft" Baguette, so prevalent in our fashion mags that we have committed it to memory!These are the types of clutches you should get to know and love: 1) Envelope –...

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CELEBS AND ARTISTS DESIGNING!

It's practically too ubiquitous to merit comment, but I can't help myself . . . Look at the plethora of visual artists, models, singers and actors who are designing and/or headlining for established brands. Some even have their OWN lines! I make no judgments here about the quality of their products, as some are truly awful (J-Lo; SJP). But Frank Gehry's work for Tiffany & Co. is truly breathtaking (Torque bracelet pictured below avail. at tiffany.com).LINE OR STORE CELEB or ARTIST IN RESIDENCETocca Helena ChristensenTe Casan Natalie PortmanOpening Ceremony ...

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Tricks of the Trade

Here are some helpful hints for beauty and other crises that I have picked up along the way, either from personal experience, friends, or my vast repertoire of glossy magazines! Stains- Aspirin for pit stains- Fabric against fabric rub – works particularly well for white deodorant marks- White Wine on Red: You are at a party and you spill red wine on your shirt. If there’s no Oxy Clean around, just spill some white on top of the red and it will act as a pre-treater until you take care of the stain when you get home.Fading- Don’t you hate it when your fave black tee turns greenish-grey from too many washings? Revive your wardrobe and restore your...

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GYM DANDY!

Well, gals, if you looooove looking fabulous IRL, then you must make an effort to do the same IGL (in gym life). Looking cute while working out can be a challenge, but ultimately, it will help you on your way to your fitness goal. Wearing a snazzy spinning outfit or rocking the hottest new Nike Dri-Fit hoodie on your run can (a) get you motivated to work out; (b) give you added confidence during the workout; and (c) enable you to exercise longer and more efficiently. Here’s how. Motivation. First off, in the same way that purchasing a new party frock can make dressing for a cocktail hour an event in itself, having a fantastic pair of running...

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A STITCH IN TIME

The Importance of Being Ernest About Tailoring & RepairProper wardrobe maintenance is one of the touchstones of good dressing. Every gal should, at the very least, know how to sew a button or hem a pair of pants. Even better, educate yourself about how your fabulous couture is created. The most important tome on the subject of sewing is, of course, the VOGUE Sewing Book. Whether you opt for an older edition (fantastic finds on ebay, girls!) or a sparkly new one, this quintessential volume will be an indispensable to you in your lifelong love affair with fashion. And for goodness’ sake, be on a first name, Holiday-card-sending basis with your...

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FORGET EASTER EGGS - - PAINT YOUR FACE!

Happy Easter, everyone! Rather than hitting the PAAS, may I suggest some creative makeup artistry? Check out these pics!The green lipstick was photographed by Steven Meisel for VOGUE. The airbrush eyes are a look from John Galliano's runway show, as photographed for WWD.Egg artistry courtesy http://easter.malowane.pl Delish!...

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BLAZING A TRAIL!

One sure way to pull your look together? A fabulous blazer. The best ones are ultra-fitted, with nice long sleeves. Try something adventurous, like an adorned, asymmetrical or multi-zippered jacket. Below, the go-to designers . . . Best Blazers: Christian LacroixComme de GarçonDolce & Gabbana Givenchy (top right)Hedi Slimane -- model Eugenia Silva’s fave! Hervé Leger (black ruffled, below) L.A.M.B. by Gwen StefaniLa Rok Libertine Jean Paul GaultierJil Sander (small photo )Proenza SchoulerRequiemRichard Tyler Smythe WunderkindWyethYa-YaYves Saint LaurentThe best thing about blazers is that, if they are well-constructed, they are timeless:...

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THE LINGERIE LOOK

Ladies, toss those tattered brassieres and get ready to stock up on gorgeous Designer underthings, because it is officially the SEASON OF THE BRA. Lingerie-inspired looks absolutely littered the runways. And if the dress didn't look like a slip, then at the very least, a sexy satin strap was peeking out . . . Behold, these amazing looks from the Spring and Fall 2008 shows. The first two are Blumarine, and the third is (who else!!) VPL.Be sure to refer to the post below for instruction on how to fit yourself perfectly for a fabulous bra . . . And see CoutureCarrie's Saturday, March 1, 2008 Post for the Top Lingerie Brands and where to buy th...

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BREAST OBSESSED

THIS IS A BUST! [aka I NEED YOUR SUPPORT]How to fit yourself for a bra. Proper measurements are essential, and there is a lot of misinformation out there. The most common mistake women make is assuming that the number in a bra size is equal to the circumference of the rib cage. This is incorrect! To get your size, measure your ribcage just below the breasts. Then ADD four inches. So if your rib cage is 28”, you are a size 32, and so on. To get your cup size, measure the circumference of your chest at the widest point of the breast, across the nipples. Then SUBTRACT the adjusted rib cage measurement from this number. The difference in inches will...

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THIS IS A CINCH!

BELT IT OUT! The "Gap Girls", David Spade and Chris Farley, said it best in their hysterical 80s SNL skit: "Just cinch it!!!"Let me reiterate: Belts are your friend! Whether it’s a delicate cincher the width of a garden snake or a super-wide corset that would make a Victorian blush, a belt pulls any look together and makes its wearer look more polished. If you have a tiny waist, a belt will show off your best asset. If you have no waist at all, a belt will create one for you!COUTURECARRIE'S GUIDE TO CINCHING: LEATHER BELTS: Ways to wear a thin belt: - Over a coat: I love how Diane von Furstenberg paired dainty belts with blouses and unbuttoned...

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GET BOOTED!

Here’s the ultimate guide to seasonless booting.The Pseudo-Boot; The Toe-less Boot; The Strappy Boot; The Open Weave Boot: Seems an oxymoron, no? I love this look for spring, because it splits the difference between naked and covered and provides a gentle entrée to sandals! To look polished but still let your toes breathe, wear Givenchy's fabulous knee-high gladiator, pictured above on the Spring 2008 runway. For an edgy rocker chic vibe, try Gaultier’s open-toe platform (pictured at right, available at shopbop.com). For a dressier vibe, don Manolo Blahnik’s or Miu Miu's pink patent open-toe bootie. See left hand column of CoutureCarrie for other...

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SO FRESH & SO CLEAN!

COUTURECARRIE CARES!As we contemplate the changing seasons and swap our winter wardrobe for our spring finery, let us take care to clean and stow things properly! 1) Hand wash all your wool sweaters, scarves and gloves in Woolite at the end of the cold weather season. Let them air dry (flat, if possible). It is not necessary to dry-clean cashmere, despite what the label inside the sweater suggests. Store clean items in an air-tight container. Tupperware or Rubbermaid are perfect for short-term (months, not years) storage, but if you are packing away your wedding gown, turn to archival quality boxes.2) Dry clean all your overcoats, even if they...

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SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

You’re such a tulle! Ladylike dressing is BACK, and that includes generous swaths of chiffon and sometimes even crinoline! I’m feelin’ the frippery! The following designers have plunged headlong (and stunningly so) into the pool of prettiness. Note that Designers in bold have accompanying photos, courtesy of New York Magazine's coverage of the Spring 2008 Runways.Balenciaga: Though the advertising and editorial coverage of this "extreme" floral look (top left) has been rather ubiquitous, it is with good reason. The ruffled shoulder and evening short combination is a fresh take, and so daringly matched with patterned gladiator sandals. Blugirl:...

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MUST BE THIS TALL TO WEAR THIS OUTFIT

DRESS FOR YOUR HEIGHT, GIRLS! This entry is not meant to offend or discriminate, merely to advise. I want us all to look our best, darlings!Sorry, short girls, you are so adorable, but you can’t wear this:- bracelet length coats or three quarter sleeves- drop-waist dresses- cropped pants- skirts that fall just below the knee (tea length really doesn’t flatter anyone, to be honest)Tall girls don’t catch all the breaks here. Here’s where height and fashion do not go hand in hand: If you are 5’9” or taller, I beg of you not to wear hidden platforms or five inch heels. Here’s why: though you will look absolutely stunning as you admire yourself in...

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PEEL BACK THE LAYERS!!

I am absolutely adoring the layered look. And I don’t mean the pseudo-homeless bulky sweater Mary-Kate vibe here. I am talking about the exquisite juxtaposition of a variety of your most fabulous pieces ALL AT ONCE. My new “uniform” these days consists of (a) skinny jeans (so fitted that they look like hosiery; obviously, tights could be substituted here); (b) a T-Bags or Rachel Pally minidress, preferably backless and patterned; and (c) a snug blazer. If it doesn’t look too over-the-top (or for you more intermediate fashionistas out there), accessorize with a fabulous scarf and fedora. High-heeled booties or peep toe platforms are essential...

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IN THE SWIM OF THINGS

BIKINI BREAKDOWN!It's that time of year again, lovelies. Summon your courage and your credit card and get ready to shop for this year's two-piece of choice!As a foreword, I must explain that I am really not a fan of the maillot, the swimskirt, or the tankini. These types of suits are an insult to our intelligence. They do not “hide” anything; instead, they call attention to the fact that a woman is uncomfortable appearing nearly nude on a beach. The way a gal looks her best on the deck of a yacht is by wearing CONFIDENCE, not a matronly suit. Bikinis ARE your friend. Here’s how to wear them, even if you are not a Size 2 [and please don’t complain...

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