Clutch It

Versace Denim and Croc Clutch, $1,565.00


Dior Detective Velvet Wrist Clutch, $770.00



Tod's Venghe Pochette $745.00

Oversized totes are so last season...okay, so we still love them too. However, summers coming up and if it's time to get your party on, a big bag just won't cut it in the club or for a night out.

Clutches are a super-hot and lady-like answer to your bag dilemma! Tucked under your arm or "clutched" in your well-manicured mits, there are a million different varieties for you to chose from.

I prefer a "pochette" over a clutch, like the one from Tod's. With a little wrist strap, like a wristlette, a pochette is sleek and stylish, but still has the safety feature strap.

*Clutch Tip: Super cute, oversized wallets can also double as a clutch! Just make sure they have enough room for your lip gloss, cell phone and keys and you are good to go!

Dare to Wear: Fingerless Gloves?

Hillary Duff rocks the motorcycle gloves

Okay, just because Madge could do it in her Material Girl days doesn't mean that Hillary Duff can bring on the fingerless glove revival. Enough with the 80's already! What next, guys in red leather jackets wearing only one gold glove?

Maybe I'm crazy, but I think that gloves should be reserved for cold weather accesories and sporting equipment alone. Her outfit is so cute until you look down and realize that she either a) just went bowling before her concert and forgot to take off her wrist brace or b) is taking up riding motorcycles and wants to look tough.

What do you think...is hand-wear hot, or just plain silly? Personally, I think it looks like she's been playing dress-up in Billy Idol's attic, but that's just me.

Chanel Coming to Saks and Neiman Marcus

Chanel Spring 2006 Ready to Wear Line

Love Chanel? You're not alone, and now it's easier than ever to buy their ready-to-wear line. Chanel will be opening up boutiques in Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores nationwide by the end of May, 2006. Currently, Saks carries Chanel beauty products, but will now offer their ready to wear lines including $900 jeans and $1,500 handbags.

Previously, Chanel lovers usually had to settle with signature "CC" sunglasses or the occasional bag found online...but not anymore! Check out www.chanel.com for their newest looks and purses, but don't even think of trying to order online...their website is nearly impossible to navigate! Check out your nearest Saks or Neiman Marcus store this summer instead of trekking halfway across the country to find a Chanel boutique.

Madonna Style

Madonna's upcoming and nearly sold out "Confesssions" tour....you've come a long way!

Love her or hate her, looks like the material girl is here to stay...creating yet another style reinvention (roller disco japanamation punk?) this tour is bound to be full of creative elements on stage.

It's no secret that Madonna has been a major inspiration in style, especially in the 80's (leather, pearls, lace gloves and mussed up blonde tresses...oh yeah) but some of her other looks have been, well, sorta crazy.

Granted, the punked-up wedding dress look for her "Like a Virgin" MTV performance was ingenious...however even when she has great designers working on her tour, she can be way off the mark.

Case in point: for her blonde ambition tour, her crazy cone bra was designed by none other than the great John Galliano.

For this tour, Madge's wardrobe will be designed by Jean Paul Gaultier himself...so here's hoping for some fab designs!

Pretty in Pastel

Carrie top from Myolee, $65.00


Claribel top from Myolee, $65.00



Jelly Sandals, Urban Outfitters $16.00




Luella Rainbow Mini, Target $13.99

If you are a child of the 80's like me and just can't stand to let your jelly shoes and cute pastel tops go, you are in luck this summer. Now 80's-revival styles are cuter than ever and are showing up everywhere from the nautical look to bright colors and rainbow accents.

Check out LeFashionista's line of pretty pastel tops from designer Myolee for inspiration on bringing out your inner Rainbow Bright.

***LeFashionista Tip*** Right now Target's "Go" line by Luella Bartley is on sale! Snap up some of her fun and funky Brit-punk-inspired styles before they are gone. As of the end of this month, the Luella line will be officially out of Target stores. Next up: designer Tara Jarmon.

Spotlight on: Crocs

Crocs Beach Shoe in Fuschia, $33.95

For those of you who hate the flip-flop revival that just won't go away, feast your eyes on the newest in god-awful footwear: Crocs.

Okay, so they aren't that new, in fact stars like Jennifer Garner and Faith Hill have already snapped up pairs of these lightweight, supposedly comfortable and easy to clean shoes. However, now you too can buy rip-off styles at a number of department and retail stores for much cheaper than the Croc brand.

My question is WHY? I understand why nurses and other medical professionals like them, and besides, they already have to wear ugly scrubs anyways, so they might as well keep their feet comfy too. I just can't imagine why anyone else would wear these.

Clue me in...If you happen to like these strange plastic clog-like contraptions, let me know why. Or perhaps you foster the same hatred for them as I do. Either way, I hope they die out quickly, like those cork bottomed, leather buckle sandals that I wore with socks in the 8th grade.

Cheap Frills

Metro 7 Short-Sleeved Metallic Crop Jacket, Wal-Mart $26.94


Exhilaration Wigwam tote in Black, Target $18.99


Double V-Neck Top, Charlotte Russe, $17.99


Jeweled Slide, Payless Shoes, $24.99

Forever 21. Charlotte Russe. Old Navy. Target. Payless Shoes. And yes...Wal-Mart. They are your tried and true last resort stores for cheap knock off fashion fixes and trends of the moment. And actually, some of the stuff isn't so bad.

In all honesty, any time I buy shoes from Target they rip up my feet, but I find that their clothes and accessories are usually pretty sturdy. On the other hand, teeny bopper mall stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe offer super cute, up to the minute pieces that usually only last as long as they are in style.

Where is your favorite secret on the cheap place to shop?

Look Hot & Support Breast Cancer!

I am totally on an Eyes Lips Face kick! Not only do they have fabulous and affordable cosmetics, they support the research and study of something near and dear to us all: Breast Cancer!

Alright Ladies, now’s the time to support an amazing organization: The Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer ™ (WIN ABC) WIN ABC has one purpose, and one purpose only - to equip, provide, collaborate, and educate anyone concerned about breast cancer. The Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer is a non-profit organization and excellent resource for information and support for survivors and newly diagnosed patients. Their goal is to raise awareness for a disease that takes many lives each year. Arm yourself with knowledge that can save a life.

Eyes Lips Face is selling the "e.l.f. Color Therapy Kit" for only $10.00 and 20% of the proceeds will go directly to WIN ABC!

The Color Therapy Kit Includes:

• 1 WIN ABC Limited Edition Beauty Bag
• 1 Shimmering Facial Whip in Pink Lemonade
• 1 Brightening Eye Color in Pretty n’ Pink
• 1 Hypershine Lip Gloss in Candy Apple
• 1 Moisture Care Lip Color in Pixie
• 1 Moisturising Lip Liner in Mauve Luxe
• 1 Professional Foundation Brush
  

Supplies are limited and I recommend buying as many as you can afford for the special women in your life!

Fashion Report: Paris

Echo Boa Scarf, $38.00, Nordstroms

Charles Nolan Linen Coat, $478.oo Saks 5th Ave

Kenneth Cole Reaction "Bard-er" Flat, $79.00

As some of you readers may know, yours truly has just returned from a fabulous 10 day vacay in France. I saw the the lights of Paris, the castles of Loire and the beaches of Normandy. I also saw that French girls could seriously school the rest of us on a little fashion 101.

It doesn't help that nearly all of the women in France look like models, but somehow, they know how to casually dress like models as well. Here are the rules for dressing and looking like a cute French girl, d'accord?

1) Make-up: Forget about it. In general, girls in Paris and the rest of France have little use for more than a little lip gloss or mascara.

2) Hair: Make it long, and make it messy...messy pony-tails are the hawtest right now. In general, hair coloring and highlights don't seem to be a big thing, and short haircuts are few. Right now, half-twist hair clips and bobby pins are big too.

3) Jewelry: Bold is better...dangly earrings and unique necklaces are really popular. Store's like "Claire's" are everywhere, so cheaper is better too.

4) Bags: Despite the big bag rage, French gals seem to keep theirs minimal and sleek. Try a unique and tiny pochette instead.

5) Clothes: City girls usually wear black with splashes of color on their scarves, shoes and bags. Flirty skirts, well cut jeans and jackets and fancy flats are all the rage.

If you find yourself in France, don't expect to find the same things that we have here...Esprit and Gap stores are a plenty, but your best bet is to visit a Galleries Lafayette or Printemps store for the best looks.

Global Look...Hit or Miss?

Jessica Simpson goes global in Hollywood

You see it everywhere now from the accessories at Target to the store Printemps in France--fashion folks are severly trying to push this "global" look. Recently, Jessica Simpson took the worldly plunge and donned an African print(ish) dress, complete with LV bag.

Is it just me, or does this outfit look like someone's nightmare? For one thing, it's cut like a mumu and doesn't do much for Jess's fab body. She should probably be wearing like, woven sandals with this instead and even though we know she loves her Louis bags, it just doesn't go together, right? Let's not even talk about the braided bang thing...

Normally, we love the dress of Jess, but I think that she should ditch this African-inspired getup pronto.

Anyways, what do you think about the "global" look? I think maybe if this was just a top with jeans, it wouldn't be so intense, but I still hate it.

French Girls Have the Best Shoes

Mandolin Flats, $78.00

Seychelles Floral Pump, $78.00

Silver and Pink Lace up Pumas, $75.00


Rule #1 when visiting France...wear good shoes. I'm not just talking about walking shoes, I'm talking about high fashion here.

The French are notorious for style, and Parisian girls are no exception. While, like New York, they mainly deck themselves out in black tops and well-cut jeans, their shoes are always fabulous. Whether they take a sporty or spicy approach, Parisian girls always keep their feet looking fabulous.

Most people in France stick with Puma's or Adidas in bold colors like yellow, silver and pink for their walking shoes, and you will rarely see a pair of Nike's.

Flats and knee high boots also seemed to rule over heels in the city of lights...and surprise surprise, right now, white is a very hot shoe hue. Most go for feminine looks with floral accents, but stripes and sequins are also big looks in flats.

Wanna steal their look, but can't make it to the Champs-Elysees? Check out www.anthroplogie.com for some of the best looks in French-style flats.

You Stand Guarder!

There’s nothing worse than going to a club and lugging around a hefty handbag or worse, a small wallet that you’re sure to lose. All you really need is a small place to stick your ID, some cash and maybe a lip-gloss or two.

le-fashionista.com’s Angela Johnson is a genius and should be on ABC’s American Inventor! She’s created a convenient and sexy sheer nylon tricot “Guarder Garter” that will make going out a stress-free event.

You can wear this haute accessory under a sexy dress or over a pair of cute jeans. The Guarder Garter is only $10.00 and I recommend it to any funky fashionista on the go!

P.S. If you let someone close enough to get your cash stolen, you might want to stick to that 2-drink minimum.

LUNA Couture!

I don’t know about you, but I love LUNA Bars! They are nutritious, delicious and fabulously portable!

As I researched more into LUNA Bar by looking at their attractive, informative and fun website, I found that LUNA really does care about the health, nutrition and needs of women! They use high quality, 100% natural ingredients and are passionate about women getting the adequate vitamins and minerals they need on a daily basis. Not only does LUNA Bar rock because of their superior products, they also give back to the community and our precious Earth.

The Eco-friendly geniuses at LUNA Bar have paired up with Ecoist.com to provide “LUNA Couture,” purses made from misprinted LUNA Bar wrappers! The LUNA Couture bag is the perfect size to hold the all of the essentials... Now you can carry your LUNA Bars in style & save the Earth too!

LUNA Bar & Ecoist are giving away 200 of these haute handbags via an "Eco-Tip" drawing. If you are impatient like me and do not want to wait for the drawing, Ecoist has made a very limited number of purses available for purchase online. As part of their joint commitment to environmental preservation, Ecoist and LUNA Bar will plant a tree for every handbag sold.

As “Tree Hugger” is so passé, you can call me a “Wrapper Hugger” instead!

Thanks For Pushing Me, Mom!

So Mother’s Day is almost here and I have been searching for something cute to go with the Charles L. Thomas “Jessica” bag I previously posted about.

Do you have a Mom that has pushed you to be the best you can be? She’s the kind of Mom that has supported you through the ups and downs, the boys, the boobs and the drama!

As I was on le-fashionista.com looking through the “What’s New” section, I found a perfectly fabulous Mother’s Day Gift, “Swings Earrings” by Amenda Tate! They are mucho adorable and look just like the swings you used to swing on at your favorite park!

So pick these earrings up and add a card that says, “Thanks for Pushing Me, Mom!”

Have Mercier On Me!

As my sassy Grandmother in her adorable Brooklyn accent always says, “Put on a little lipstick and you’ll be fine, honey!” If you are feeling down in the dumps, a little make-up goes a long way. You don't want to go around looking like Tammy Faye and you certainly don't want to look like Mimi either!

As of late, my face has been extremely dry and I have literally tried everything. I have used so-called “moisturizers” before putting my face on & have ended up looking like some sort of circus freak. The truth of the matter is; I’m not as young as I used to be and my face just isn’t the same.

As I LOVE Sephora, I ordered a bunch of stuff (way too much) and the coolest thing is that you receive 3 free samples with every order. As my skin situation is on my mind constantly, I ordered a sample of Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer and to my astonishment, it worked like a charm!

I opened the little mocha colored packet, spilled the contents onto my sponge and smoothed it all over my face. Let me tell you (or type you in this case) that it is the answer to all of my prayers! It hydrated my skin and as the description says, “Foundation Primer creates a smooth, invisible layer that acts as a "buffer" to outside elements and holds foundation. Also, helps makeup stay fresh and color-true for hours.”

For once in my life, my face looked great ALL NIGHT LONG and I never once had to “powder my nose.” I even received a compliment from a complete stranger and that completely sealed the deal... This stuff is only $30.00 and I would certainly pay more than that to boost my self-esteem!

Check out Laura Mercier's website at: http://www.lauramercier.com/

Couture In The City Reviews!

Hi Ladies! I’m Jillian and you’ve probably noticed a slew of articles and rants appearing on Couture in the City in the last week or so. All of us have gone to websites that have a “Testimonials” or “Reviews” section and it’s almost always puppies and kittens, rainbows and sunshine. Don’t you ever wonder if it’s someone’s cousin or pal writing the review?

Well, if you’ve read my posts, you know that I am one of those “Tell it like it is” gals who doesn’t skip on the truth. If you have a product or creation you would like a REAL REVIEW of, email me at jillian (at) deepeggplant.com and we’ll set something up.

All I ask for is three things:

1. Send me the item you want reviewed.
2. A 25 word description of said product or creation.
3. Any websites or venues your item is featured on or in.
   

As I pride myself on my integrity, I will send the review to you via email before it is posted live on Couture In The City.

I look forward to your submissions and have a FABULOUS day!

Most Sincerely,

Jillian :-)

Forever Your (QVC) Girl

I love Paula Abdul! I remember dancing at slumber parties and blasting her music while singing along with my hairbrush. I also remember getting my name on the board in school for listening to her tapes with my walkman during class. I’m not ashamed, you only live once!

As I was searching for jewelry online, I stumbled across the best news ever; Paula Abdul is launching a small collection of jewelry that will be featured on QVC. After launching a small collection of jewelry on Idol as gifts for the contestants, the word got out that not only can this hot icon can sing, dance, choreograph, teach and inspire the next generation of pop sensations, she can really design! The jewelry was hot in demand so Paula Abdul hooked up with QVC – for a nationwide launch – and the collection is set to air April 21, 2006.

The collection includes replicas of stainless steel and rubber bracelets with 18 karat gold accents as well as diamond charm pendants accompanied by inspirational messages engraved on small tags that reflect the spirit of the collection.

As I was on Paula’s website, I noticed that she looks the same as she did when I was first rocking to her cool beats. I asked myself, “How does she do it?” Then, I clicked away some more and found her 5-disc DVD set, “Paula Abdul Cardio Cheer.” I am so buying this & calling my friends so we can have fun and get in shape!

Hail To The (Margarita) King!

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Margarita, there lived a charismatic and well-dressed King who was dearly loved by all of his subjects. King Giovanni was no ordinary King, for you see, instead of over-taxing his people and fighting smelly dragons, he loved to entertain and surround himself with the famous Lords and Ladies of Hollywood. From Lord Usher to Lady Hilton, to the Desperate Castle Wives, everyone would fill their stretch carriages and flock to his extravagant parties and royal balls.

The King was most known for the curious and coveted concoction he served his gracious guests, “The Margarita King.” The Margarita King is a perfect blend of blue agave double distilled tequila by the makers of Espolon Tequila, orange liqueur, and natural lemon & lime juices and real sugarcane. Soon the King's popularity spread throughout distant kingdoms and he began to fill his goblets with new royal recipes to cater to everyone's tastes.

King Giovanni kept his goblets overflowing and throughout the land everyone was happy.

The End.

The Margarita King is offering his loyal subjects a Cocktail Recipe Contest:
You can win an iPod by submitting the hottest, the most original, and the most delicious cocktail recipe adding The Margarita King drink. If you have a royal cocktail recipe you would like to present to the mighty King, email it to The King himself: giovanni(at)themargaritaking.com!

The King invites you to partake of his royal libations, drink (responsibly) & be merry!

What Ever Happened to Gisele and Naomi?

Where have all the Gisele's Gone?


Naomi...oh no!


Teri Hatcher on Glamour and Ashley Judd on Marie Claire




Kate Hudson on Cosmo and Kiera Knightly on Vogue


Steadily, but surely, supermodels have lost the luster that they once had in the 1990's and early new milennia. Today fashion magazines would rather have a musician, television or movie actress or big name celebrity on their cover rather than a supermodel.

Remember how big Gisele was just five years ago? Now after a few bad movies (Taxi...hello) and a much publicized breakup with the di Caprio, she's almost faded out of the spotlight.

Then again, you have Naomi always reminding us that she is still around with her constant arrests and anger management problems...don't worry Naomi, we still love ya!

The idea of the supermodel is slowly dying, and you only have to watch TV shows by Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum to see that they have to work just a little harder these days to make it.

Why do you think the idea of the supermodel has died?

Who's Your Daddy?

So I check my mail the other day and I receive an invite from my quirky friend who’s throwing a 50’s Swingin’ Cocktail Shindig (not that kind of swingin’) and I have to find the perfect dress! The first thing that enters my mind is “Poodle Skirt,” but I wore one of those in like 2nd grade and this is an adult party. I was totally stuck and then I jumped on the computer and typed “Retro Cocktail Dress” into Google and low and behold, I found the hottest site, “Daddy-O’s .com!”

When I first opened the site and read, “Where the coolest get their coolness!” and then saw the color scheme & design, I knew I was in the right place! From bowling shirts to swing dresses to dice earrings, this site literally has it all… Whether your occasion calls for rockabilly, swing, or lounge, Daddy-O's has the threads for you! They are your one stop shop for 50's styled retro clothes and nostalgia items inspired by the 1950's.

Daddy-O's has the sexiest cocktail dresses and I’m having a hard time choosing.

I’m stuck between these three:

1. Stop Staring Polka Dot Swing Dress
2. Stop Staring Leopard Martini Dress
3. Stop Staring Green Cocktail Swing Dress

And since Hubby has been playing the “I have nothing to wear” card, I can now call his bluff with the Steady Black and Sage Royale shirt. He just has to pair it with a pair of jeans and we’re all set. Sorry Honey!

French Me, Baby!

I love French Manicures, or shall I call them, "Freedom Manicures?"

As I visited one of my favorite sites, www.sephora.com, I found the most adorable slash affordable French Manicure Kits for only $10.00!

We must look our best ladies, but why spend an arm and a leg? This trio of tres chic beauty has three different color combos in Beige, Beige Shimmer and my personal fav, Pink! They come in cute little travel clutches so you can take them anywhere you go!

What about touch-ups?

No worries my manicured minxes, Sephora has you well taken care of...

Grab a Sephora Nail Polish Corrector Pen for $6.00 and call it a day!

Scarf, sunglasses, bag....check

Nicole Richie in Full Fashionista Regalia

Fashion these days can be as simple as a great pair of jeans, a comfy solid top, and accessories, accessorie, accesories! Stars like Nicole Richie are fully embracing "Jackie O" simplicity and using hawt jewelry, bags and more to create their style.

Lucky for you, this look is easy, classy and simple to emulate and makes looking great effortless.
PLUS it's an excellent style for when you had a long night and you aren't in the mood to wash your hair. Check it out!

1) Bag: Big, bold and solid color leather satchel, perfect for holding all of your goodies from bottled water to laptops.

2) Head Scarf: Adds a splash of color and elegance, all while keeping unruly tresses under wraps.

3) Big Sunglasses: Covers up tired looking eyes (while protecting them from the sun) and adds an air of mystery to your overall look.

4) Great Jeans: A good fitting pair of jeans in a great cut shows that you have style AND know how to be comfortable.

5) Sweet Shoes: Ballet flats are preferred but anything you love will work with this as long as it doesn't clash with your scarf!

6) Top: Who cares? Get a white Fruit of the Loom for all we care...you already look hot! Make sure your top is a solid color though...prints and graphics are too distracting.

Now take your celebrity mystery woman look to the streets and rock it!

That Was Just Pillow Talk, Baby…

When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up SO fast. I had this chic sofa (okay, I confess, it was really a day bed) and pretended I was this big shot designer who lived in a cool, hip apartment in NY. I piled so many pillows on that thing that finding my cat was next to impossible. It was just like that scene out of E.T. with the stuffed animals; you know what I mean…

So here I am today doing what I always dreamed (sans the chic apartment in NY) and I still LOVE funky, conversation starting pillows! Food-themed pillows are popping up all over the place and if I buy any more of them, my sofa is going to have to join Weight Watchers ®.

Pillows are a much needed accessory for any hip home in my humble opinion (okay, okay disregard the humble part.) As most people cannot afford a new sofa or Chaise Lounge every season, pillows are the frugal solution to sprucing up any room or to revamp after a break-up affordably.

Sit back and relax with your favorite foods the calorie-free way!

What are my Pillow Picks?

The Martini Olive Sofa Pillow: www.martiniware.com

The Tuna Nigiri Sushi Pillow: www.theoriginalsushipillow.com

Breakfast Food Pillows: www.sofagarden.com

Big Belts Still Hot

Haylie and Hilary Duff Belt it Out


Black and Brown London, $248.00


Black and Brown London, $248.00


Etro Pegasus Belt, $295.00

The word is out...big belts are still a hot commodity for this summer and surely will follow into winter and fall. You don't see as many celebrities boldy rocking the really big or bold belts anymore, but instead see more ornate belts cinching dresses and slung low over jeans.

In fact, the belt really doesn't function much anymore in high fashion except as an accesory...and that's okay with me! Not just made out of leather anymore, get really creative with your belts...try using a silk head scarf or a really great piece of ribbon or string instead! I've even seen really creative high school girls using shoelaces...but that's just not for me!

What's your favorite belt look? Check out www.eluxury.com for the haut-est new belts this season.

Shaken, Not Stirred!

So you’ve finally filled your pad with real furniture and replaced your plastic fast food cups and paper plates with the real stuff. You’re in the zone; you not only have a music collection to be proud of, you have a living room that whispers, “If you invite them, they will come…” Oh yeah, it’s time for a COCKTAIL PARTY baby, and I mean a good one!

Now’s the time to shine and you have to look good!

First things first, you need:

• Chic Invitations
• Gorgeous Glasses & Beverage Napkins
• The Garnish: Olives, Tini Apples, Cherries, Tini Tomatoes and Tini Onions
• Sugar & Salt, Lemons & Limes
• Shakers & Vermouth Misters
• Ice tongs, a Wine Opener and a Double Jigger
• Cocktail Forks & Picks
• & Don’t Forget The Colorful Cocktail Monkeys!
  

So where do you turn? Everything you need and more is waiting at www.martiniware.com. This site has anything and everything you will ever need to throw a hot party for your grownup friends (designated drivers not included).

So what do you fill your gorgeous glasses with?

1. I would turn to THE MARGARITA KING: http://www.themargaritaking.com/
2. Grab some essentials at your local liquor store
3. Write “Bring Your Own Booze” on the invitations and you’ll be just fine!

I don’t have to tell you not to drink and drive, right?