WIN IT: Payless Wants to Send YOU to Fashion Week

Disclosure: I'm beyond excited about Fashion Week this season...like, more than normal. Maybe it's because the couture collections were so breathtaking (more on those later) or because I already have my outfits picked out (Lanvin fur, leopard print turban, black...everyday), but I cannot wait for February 10th to arrive.

In celebration, I have a surprise for you! As you know, Payless has the insider hookup to Fashion Week through designers Lela Rose (below) and Christian Siriano (above) who both pen collections for the famous shoe/accessories retailer.

Well, Payless is using those relationships for good; they're giving away a trip for two to NYC to attend Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week. Just log onto the Payless’ Facebook Fan Page to enter the "VIP in NYC" sweepstakes and here's what you could win:

Grand Prize:

·         A Trip for two to NYC from February 11 to February 13

·         Admission to the Lela Rose Fashion Show at Lincoln Center

·         Shop at Payless with a $150 Gift Card

·         Get $500 in spending money to enjoy the Big Apple’s not-to-be-missed experiences

First Prize:

·         100 Winners will receive $25 Payless Gift cards 

Hot! Love that you get seats to a fashion show AND spending money - what more could a girl want?

 

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: Getty Images.

New York Fashion Week: Christian Siriano Spring 2011

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The inspiration? "African, Indian and Chinese influences mixed with measures of elegant opulence." The gowns? Extravagant, regal and stunning.

Christian Siriano delivered what he does best at his Spring 2011 shows with dramatic red-carpet ready gowns with elaborate embellishments in ruffles and lots of tulle.

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After mesmerizing the fashion industry with his watercolor print, Siriano unveiled a new pattern which he describes as a signature "Asian fabric print based on digital photographs showing different vantage points of Chinese and Buddhist temples combined with varying perspectives of Indian beading." In a word, captivating.

The color scheme of paprika, khaki, white and deep red sprinkled with flecks of gold signifies a new modern and refined direction for Siriano, who is possibly courting an older, more conservative woman who invests in luxurious clothes with frequency and without guilt.

Fashionistas, don't fear - his new shoes for Payless are still intriguing and creative, possessing the same IT factor of his Fall 2010 cone heels.

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Still, given his source of inspiration (China, Africa, India), the collection left a lot to be desired. The Ready-To-Wear pieces---safari-style jackets, structured dresses, lightweight belted gowns and wide-legged trousers---were staid and safe for a designer of Siriano's caliber. As one attendee remarked, they looked cheap and pre-Project Runway. Ouch.

I'm always rooting for Christian Siriano and do recognize the need for a designer to create more commercial, wearable pieces in a troubled economy.

But Siriano was the one who we all counted on to dream and dare when designing (especially given the passing of a genius whom he was often linked to: Alexander McQueen). At least, his gowns offered some modicum of imagination and fancy.

Take a look at his collection and tell me what you think.

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Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Kelly Rowland Performs in NYC in a Christian Siriano Jumpsuit

Kelly Rowland shut down New York's PC and Richards theater last night with a performance of her top hits from "When Love Takes Over" to "Commander." She also threw in a Destiny's Child medley for the supportive crowd, which included friends Serena Williams and Jessica White.

But the real star of the show was her sleeveless Christian Siriano jumpsuit that fit her like a glove. She seemed bold and confident while showing off her curves, even popping her hips and thrusting her crotch at the audience. She paired it with black ankle boots.

I love Christian Siriano's signature pattern but Glamazons, not so sure that the jumpsuit was Kelly's best fashion moment. What's your verdict? Is it Glam or Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

Scrub Your Dishes in Style with Christian Siriano's O-Cel-O Sponge

Your cleaning products are in need of a makeover, and Christian Siriano is just the guy for the job. His famous fashion philosophy is just so FEROSH that he can take an everyday, cleaning sponge and make it forward and chic.

Want proof? Then look out for the O-Cel-O sponge which he granted a "fierce, fashion makeover" via The Cut Blog. Still no word on whether it will include studs, sequins and glitter but a girl can dream, right?

You can also enter the Sweepstakes to attend Christian Siriano's spectacular runway show during Spring 2011 Fashion Week and meet him backstage!!


Not since Beyonce's sultry homemaker video has cleaning been so sexy! Are you excited to use a fashionable sponge on your dirty dishes?

Kisses,


Coutura

I've Worn Christian Siriano's Claw Heels for Payless...and They're Comfy!

Contrary to popular opinion, you will not twist your ankle, trip down a flight of stairs or fall flat on your face in Christian Siriano's new claw-heeled shoes for Payless. You will, however, fall hopelessly in love with them.

When they came into the office at The Magazine, I had to stop the important task of checking in items for shoots (that means taking pictures and writing down descriptions of incoming clothing samples) to fuss over the shoes like they were newborn babies.

They are strikingly similar to the late great Alexander McQueen's Spring 2010 shoes that I also have the hots for. (Siriano's actually came out first, so no biting here, just shared inspiration.)

And since samples for still life shoots are almost always size 7, I tried one of the Christian Siriano for Payless shoes on. Beyond comfy. They were even more comfortable than my chunky heeled shoes (I guess the claw heel and platform provide the right balance of support).

Exhibit A: Amber Rose who seems to be doing fine walking in them on the city sidewalk.

And...it gets better...the exact same design Amber is wearing is now available at Payless! ::swoons:: Yes, the claw heeled design that debuted on the runway in Christian Siriano's Spring 2010 show is at your local Payless store!

Apparently, at first, Payless execs feared they were too fierce (read: avante garde) to sell at their store. But boy, were they wrong! The shoes were finally picked up due to customer demand and are now available for $79.99!!

I can barely contain myself. I'm like dying with excitement (and clearly buying both the watercolor and the Mary Jane platform pump). They might as well just hand them out to people on the street; it's such a steal.

This is a must-have for every summer wardrobe. I'm just drooling imagining the possibilities of a neutral draped dress with those stunning watercolor pumps. God help me if Payless doesn't have my size!

What do you think of the shoes---and that phenomenal price point?! Are you going to pick up a pair?

Oh, and I had to include this pic too because it's so hilarious. Christian Siriano is crazy and I love him.

Kisses,

Coutura

Angels In The Big Apple

I know, I know, I'm slightly late with this post so you've probably read all about the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that happened this past Thursday night in New York.

But seriously Glamazons, I (Ferocia) have been running on fumes for the past couple of weeks and booked a last second flight back home to chill out and catch my breath for a second. (City life can get pretty harsh sometimes! Not that I'm complaining about it, but it's good to take a break every now and again.) So, with that said, apologies for not posting earlier, but I was busy packing and jumping on a plane. Now that I'm settled, read on to get my opinion of the show!

You all should know by now about my secret obsession with the Victoria's Secret Angels and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to the show (thanks to the lovely AJ from VS Beauty...she seriously rocks my world!) Despite the dreary weather, I headed over to the site super excited! There were several other beauty editors/directors in attendance (including my lovely friends Erica Metzger from Ladies Home Journal; Heather Muir from Seventeen; April Franzino from Good Housekeeping and Leah Wyer from Cosmopolitan.

(from l to r) Erica, Heather & April

Leah Wyer (beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine)

While waiting for the show to begin, I spotted several celebrities walking into my section in search of their seats including Russell Simmons (who brushed right past me!) and fashion designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano (whom I love, love, love!). Further down across the way I spotted marketing guru Steve Stoute (whom I've been secretly obsessed with meeting since I moved to the NY three years ago!), Jay Z (looking dapper in a black suit complete with bow tie; probably in preparation for Diddy's birthday party which was also happening that night) and Dr. Dre. Singer Keri Hilson looked waltzed in looking atothemazing and actress Michelle Trachtenberg looked pretty, but very pale (ew).

Jay -Z and Dr. Dre at the VS Show 2009

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg at the VS Show 2009

It was while waiting for the show to begin that I started to think about last year's show in Miami and how there was something missing about this year's show versus last year's. (I was also fortunate enough to attend the show last year, click here to read all about it!)

This year, there was no electricity in the air; no buzz. Granted, there was plenty of noise due to the mosh pit of teenagers near the stage that (I heard) were specially flown in to dance and yell in the hopes of making the crowd of jaded New Yorkers seem alive on television. Maybe it was the rain outside...or maybe it was the fact that I was extremely tired. I don't know...there just didn't seem to be as much excitement this year. I think Miami (or any other tropical city) are the perfect sites for this type of show....I mean, beaches, pools and sunshine go hand in hand with beautiful, half-naked women, wouldn't you agree?!

The show itself was pretty awesome! This year's musical guest were The Black Eyed Peas and one look at Fergie's legs and ass in those fish nets was enough to make me want to start squatting on the spot! (Her and Beyonce's bodies are my inspiration to hit the gym haha).

The Black Eyed Peas performing at the VS Show 2009

The first performance was "Boom Boom Boom" (one of my fave work out songs!) and was complete with glowing neon colored-clad background dancers and flashing neon lights. I couldn't help but to bop along in my seat (that beat is infectious!). I also loved the huge blow-up polka dotted dog that was in the middle of the stage during the PINK section of the show.

Other than the Black Eyed Peas' musical performances, the surprise of seeing Heidi Klum walking (she just popped out a baby! granted she wasn't as naked as she usually is presumably because she's still on a hardcore workout regime to get tight again, but she still looked gorge!) and the fact that I got to hang out again with my beauty editor friends, I didn't really find anything else too intriguing about the show.

VS Angel Heidi Klum works the stage at the VS Show 2009!

Chanel Iman looked cute (as usual) and Sesilee Lopez looked fierce in those green thigh high boots and matching lingerie set (I'd kill for a stomach like hers!). I was excited to see Liu Wen walk in the show..she's the first Asian model to do so and I hope that the VS brand continues to keep adding a more diverse roster of models to the show roster.

Chanel Iman shows off her 'ass'ets at the VS Show 2009.

Missing VS Angels this year were Karolina Kurkova (who just had a baby) and Adriana Lima (who's still pregnant).

VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio gives a new definition to the "hot" in hot pink during the VS Show 2009!

I did manage to snap a couple of pics on my camera phone (shhh! We weren't supposed to take any pics during the show haha)

Pretty pink and green scene from the VS Show 2009

All of the models came out at the end of the show.

Did anyone else attend this year's show? If so, what did you think? Let us know.

And don't forget to watch the show when it airs on CBS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10/9 central!

xo

Ferocia