Bluefly.com Launches Fragrance Boutique

In a perfect world, every retailer would embrace the power of labels and lipstick, and the luxury retailer Bluefly is doing just that with the launch of its fragrance boutique this week. I feel fancy just saying the words fragrance boutique! The boutique offers best-sellers and new releases and boasts brands such as Chanel, Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, Clavin Klein, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce and more.

Finally, I can use this self-proclaimed “ultimate hook-up for the fashion obsessed” as a tool to merge my two loves, F&B (fashion and beauty) with just the click of a mouse. It gets even better because most of the fragrances are 40 percent off retail prices. I heard a few critics get a little rowdy because they thought that all of the fragrances would be discounted, but I’ll take most over none any day.

Here’s what Melissa Payner, president and CEO of Bluefly.com had to say about the addition of the fragrance boutique:

“Our fashion-conscious customers view fragrance as an extension of fashion and personal style, so we are happy to be able to offer them designer fragrance labels at the great values they have come to expect from Bluefly.”

What’s your take on this, Glamazons? Will you be shopping from this new fragrance boutique?

Ciao Bellas!

Glamazon Margo

H&M Taps Sessilee Lopez for Spring 2011 Campaign; Collaborates with Swedish Hasbeens on Clog Collection

I think we can all agree: winter is harsher than ever this year, and there's nothing like a little premature Spring fashion to cheer us all up.

Enter H&M. If it's up to the beloved retailer, your Spring/Summer look will consist of florals, hearts and clogs. The Spring 2011 campaign features a chiffon ruffle dress and a sweetheart neckline strapless frock printed with hearts on the stunningly beautiful Sessilee Lopez. Word has it she's gracing a billboard in downtown Manhattan; I must see! Goo Sessilee!

The printed dresses are playful, flirty and ultra-feminine, the perfect look for warm weather adventures. I need the heart-printed one to survive (love the exaggerated hips) and at $15, it won't hurt my pockets to pick it up. Amaze!

What should a girl pair these adorable dresses with? H&M offers next season's shoe of choice: clogs. The retailer has collaborated with footwear brand, Swedish Hasbeens, to offer three clog styles available starting April 20th.

Popular among celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Swedish Hasbeens drew inspiration from the traditional Swedish styles of the '70s for their collection with H&M, which they created from all environmentally-friendly materials.

I have to admit, though they're a huge trend for Spring, clogs aren't entirely my style. But I'm still anticipating what those fab tan ankle-strap clogs will do for my legs; they might just be my exception.

What do you think of the clogs? And flirty summer dresses on Sessilee? Will you wear them this coming Spring?

And am I the only one over this freezing (NYC) weather and winter dressing? :)

Kisses,

Coutura

Source: H&M/Beauty is Diverse

Coutura's Five Personal Highlights of 2010

As I'm creating my vision board for 2011, I started to think about all the great moments I've experienced in the past year. (Btw, you already heard about one of my BIG New Year's Resolutions to go natural...excited!)

Confession: I'm always moving so fast that sometimes I forget to slow down, breathe and marvel in all the amazing blessings that have come my way in the last twelve months.

So...with that said, here are five highlights and the lessons they taught me in 2010. Take a look and tell me yours in the comment section.


1 - Becoming a director of a website

When I started this blog, it was soo a way to express myself and my obsessive love for all things Fashion. Little did I know, it would pave a career path. Since leaving The Magazine, I have been blessed with so many opportunities in the digital space, primarily due to this blog, which makes me overwhelmingly proud we took the risk to get it started.


2 - MET Gala

After attending the MET Gala this year, one of the writers I look up to (who has an amaze blog, Black Bridal Bliss) said it was on her bucket list. It was that comment that made me slow down from all the impending deadlines and assignments to say, wow something amazing just happened.

I partied with people that I have always admired from Karl Lagerfeld to Oprah Winfrey to Sarah Jessica Parker to Anna Wintour. The night was so magical I still can't even believe it happened. The lesson here: live in the moment!

3 - The Glamazons Blog

Omg, I love this blog! This year, we saw record numbers in traffic (woot!) and next year is opening up so many opportunities including a site makeover we're so excited about it!

From waxing poetic on our career dramas, to dishing about parties we attend (Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Why Did I Get Married Too? Premiere above) to interviewing our favorite stars (Kandi, Chrisette Michele, Ameriie, Fergie, Letoya Luckett, June Ambrose, Sessilee Lopez!) to going on trips (ESSENCE Music Festival, Ford in Atlanta) Glamazons is truly a labor of love.

This year also saw us recognized by other media outlets and fashion brands like Rachel Roy, iVillage and WEEN. I'm excited to see where 2011 will take us!

 

4 - Penn Station Outreach

The beginning of this recap should, in no way, make you think life in New York City is easy. For every moment of excitement where Ferocia and I are literally living our dreams, there's some struggle to bring us back to reality: almost being evicted, lead/bed bugs/mice taking over our apartment (true story!), getting laid off, writing for sites and not getting paid, those moments where you strongly consider going to Jersey/Texas to a warm home with food and a regular day job.

But none of those rough times compare to that experienced by homeless people here in the city, especially in the Winter. The Penn Station Outreach helped drive that point home for me. Just a few trips offering warm food and beverages, and coats/gloves to people in Penn Station, and to see how touched they were by kindness from a random stranger, made me grateful for the apartment and life I do have. I definitely want to do more, and give more, in 2011.

5 -  The Word 'No'

Another reality check that quells all talk of life in NYC being easy? The word 'No.'

It was at the Black Girls Rock! Awards when Raven-Symone matter-of-factly said, "If someone tells me No, I just say: you're not the person I should be talking to." A light bulb went off on my head then. To accomplish something great, you often have to stand on a ledge and do things people have never done, or never thought possible.  

Ferocia and I have already been blessed with opportunities that most people don't expect this early in the game. And every time we've had doubts or second thoughts about pursuing a goal, the thought comes in our heads: "Well, the worst they could say is 'No' ... and even then, we can find another way."

And the funny thing is, most times, they DO say Yes. One of the most important qualities to have when trying to succeed is resilience. That was one of the lessons I learned in 2010 and now, in 2011, 'No' is no longer a dream crusher, or a roadblock, for me.


What are your highlights, and lessons from 2010? And what's on your vision board? Tell me in the comments.


Kisses,


Coutura

Thierry Mugler Introduces New Fragrance: Womanity

Finally Glamazons! A fragrance created with real women such as myself, Coutura and you in mind.

I will admit that I've been slightly swamped as of late (already slightly is an understatement; I'm swamped) and I didn't even get a chance to attend the actual launch event the brand invited me to last month. However, I was sure to request a bottle so I could check it out and then it stayed right there in the box on my dresser until yesterday. It was pretty late and I'd just finished brainstorming some more beauty post ideas for Glamour.com, when I decided that a good spritz of fragrance would provide the pick-me-up I needed.

My eyes went to SJPNYC (Sarah Jessica Parker's newest fragrance) because it makes me feel all Sex And The Cityish (yes, sometimes I pretend that I'm Carrie Bradshaw..don't judge me) but then I opened up the pink box of Womanity instead.

And wowza! This stuff is amazing, Glamazons. First off, let's talk about the packaging. There may be light pink liquid inside, but it looks very strong; almost like an Amazonian-totem-pole-statuette-thingie wouldn't you say?

Thierry Mugler said that he designed the bottle to look this way because "it is designed for a woman who leaves her mark; like a woman who would have her statue made." However, he said that he created it with practicality in mind. "This is very important for me and for women in terms of their everyday lives," he said.

Now, let's get into the actual fragrance. The cool part about this stuff is that it contains the strangest ingredients. It opens with a note of fig, then there are notes of caviar and somehow it manages to get all woodsy with some fig wood and leaf. See? Doesn't sound too enticing, right? But that Mugler is some kind of fragrance genius in that he got the combination just right so it smells sweet, spicy and dries down to some serious sexy.

Now it's your turn to try it! Womanity will be available for purchase at Bloomingdale's next week (August 2010) and Nordstrom as well as http://us.boutique.thierrymugler.com by October 2010.

Prices range from $98 (for 2.7 oz) to $58 (for 1.0 fl oz). There's also a shower gel ($40); body milk ($45); body cream ($55); and 1.7 oz refill bottle ($58).

Let us know what you think of it once you nab your own bottle!

xo

Ferocia

GLAM OR SHAM?: Sarah Jessica Parker Pays Tribute to Alexander McQueen...and Wears The Most Dramatic Hat

Though we all adored her yellow Valentino moment, it cannot compare to Sarah Jessica Parker's look at the UK premiere of Sex and the City II.

The lead actress paid tribute to her dear friend, the late Alexander McQueen in a gorgeous black and lace gown from his Spring 2008 collection. The tulle and contrast of the lace bodice is so high-fashion, so McQueen.

Sarah Jessica Parker paired the look with a theatrical Phillip Treacy hat with sparkling embellishment and Alexander McQueen black lace platform.

While some think the hat looks like glittering tumbleweed, others think it is an appropriate tribute to McQueen who had a documented love for the dramatic.

As a sign that she is in mourning, Parker wore a black arm band with two stones.

Sarah Jessica Parker was a dear friend of Alexander McQueen and wore his gorgeous pale green dress to the Sex and the City premiere in London in 2008, also paired with a Phillip Treacy hat.

Here's what Parker had to say about the designer at the time of his passing: "He was talented well beyond his years, and the seriousness and unrivaled talent which he applied to his work is in bountiful display year after year and collection after collection," she said. "There has never been anyone like him. And there simply never will be. It has been a privilege for all of us to know you. You will be indescribably missed."


Parker was recently enlisted by the CFDA to present Alexander McQueen a posthumous award at this year's ceremony. And in other McQueen news, Sarah Burton, former director of Alexander McQueen's womenswear, was named Creative Director of the brand.

What do you think of SJP's dramatic tribute to her dear friend? Is it over-the-top or fashionably appropriate? GLAM or a SHAM?

Kisses,

Coutura

Photo: Getty Images.

Sole Mate: Sarah Jessica Parker's Amazing Nicholas Kirkwood Heels

If there's one thing Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie, is obsessed with, it's heels. Now, the real-life actress has caught the fever too.

For an appearance on the David Letterman show, Parker paired her sequined zebra print Bluemarine dress and white Stella McCartney blazer with a fabulous pair of Nicholas Kirkwood heels.

The to-die-for sandals made an appearance in her unfortunate Sex and the City II premiere afterparty look, but they look way hotter paired here with her minidress.

With sexy lace-up detail, a hot platform and color that fades from blue to black, these shoes are to-die-for! I especially love the lace design in the front; so unique!

What do you think of SJP's Nicholas Kirkwood moment? Do you love?

Kisses,

Coutura

WOULD YOU WEAR?: The Peek-a-Boo Bra Trend PLUS Bra Do's and Don'ts

Don't worry. We're not talking about pulling a Lady Gaga and hitting the streets in a coat and see-through underwear. The new bra trend certainly leaves little to the imagination, but it is a (bit) more demure and covered up than that.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've spotted starlets like Sarah Jessica Parker, Janet Jackson and Letoya Luckett letting their bra show freely under sheer and lace blouses.

The trend is not for everyone. No matter how stylish or sexy, some ladies have a problem revealing their underwear. (Though in defense of the trend, I would say, a bra is better than nothing.)

Where do I stand? Well, I'm not completely against the look, when it's done right. But unless it's ultra sophisticated (like Janet) or tastefully sexy (like Letoya), it can look tackier than ever.

Check out the celebs who dared to bare their bra, and scroll down for tips:

Posing alongside former Destiny's Child member, Kelly Rowland, Letoya Luckett lets her bra peek out beneath her sheer and leather dress.

Flaunting her new haircut, Janet's lacy, gray bra adds a feminine flair to her sheer top. 

Leighton Meester gets daringly sexy with a lace turtleneck and pants, with a simple black bra underneath.

Gwen Stefani makes the look casual with red bra under a slouchy top and pants. The pop of color is perfect for her look.

Katie Holmes leaves little to the imagination under a sheer t-shirt. The look is simple yet sexy.

If you're the kind of daring sex kitten who'd love to show a little lingerie, the following tips are a must:

-This is the most important tip of all. If you're showing your bra, please for the love of God let it be a decent bra. Liza Minnelli's strapless bra was all function, no fashion (only the first of her many offenses in that outfit). Not something you want to incorporate into your outfit.

- Make sure you have the right fit. Sarah Jessica Parker's bra was an epic fail because, well, her boobs didn't look pretty. Since you are putting so much emphasis on your girls, make sure they look perky.   And beware: this trend is not for everyone. Too much cleavage can make you look like you should be in a Playboy ad. Not good, unless that was your intention. Wink.

-When it comes to the Peek-a-Boo bra trend, the operative word is..."Peek." Wearing your bra completely out is not the idea, but showing a hint of lingerie is both subtle and sexy. Though she's adorable, Zoe Saldana's look is a bit much to hit the town in. When rocking this trend, remember to cover up, if only slightly.

- Your bra is not merely a part of your outfit, it is the focal point. So it's no longer there just to support your girls, it's there for style. Go for pretty lace numbers or pops of color that add some flair to your look. Here are some chic bras that are just too pretty to be hidden:

More Elle Macpherson...

With these tips, would you participate in the new Peek-a-Boo bra trend? 


Kisses,


Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Sarah Jessica Parker's Terrible Outfit at the Sex and the City II Afterparty

There's no doubt about it. Sarah Jessica Parker stole the show in her yellow Valentino gown and blonde highlighted curls (see her look below). But an outfit change post-movie, pre-afterparty proved a disastrous choice.


The leading lady opted for a black sheer top, bra and full skirt for her second appearance of the night...and well, she looked a disastrous mess.


The outfit was very Britney Spears meets Morticia. From the ill-fitting full skirt to the uncharacteristically low-hanging breasts, Sarah Jessica Parker's second look of the night did little to flatter her. It's more fitted for, I don't know, a stripper's funeral than the 'Sex and the City II' afterparty.


Pretty disappointing, especially considering SJP hit the silver carpet looking like this.

What do we think of SJP's second look of the night? Glam or Sham?


Kisses,


Coutura


Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage via The Cut Blog.

TWEET TO WIN IT!: SJP NYC Fragrance Goodies

Coutura and I have Sex And The City 2 fever! We can't wait to check out the film tomorrow night at a special screening. Although we can't bring all of you guys with us, we do have a great giveaway for you.

What better way for you to join in on our SATC 2 mania than to rock Sarah Jessica Parker's signature fragrance SJP NYC while watching the film?! The character Carrie Bradshaw inspired Parker so much that she teamed up with Coty to create this fragrance. It's fun, bold, chic , vibrant and don't you just love the packaging?! All of it is Glamazon approved, of course.

To win, all you have to do is follow us on our Twitter account (@glamazonsblog) and RT this post for your chance to win ALL of the SJP NYC fragrance goodies pictured below as well as the soundtracks to SATC and SATC 2. Over $100 worth of SATC inspired greatness! We'll pick one lucky winner and announce it tomorrow. Good luck!

SJP NYC 60 mL Spray

SJP NYC 15 mL purse spray

SJP NYC Body Lotion

SJP Solid Perfume Cuff

xo

Ferocia

GLAM OR SHAM?: Sarah Jessica Parker Glows in Yellow Valentino at the Sex and the City II Premiere

One-shoulder yellow Valentino! Gold Naeem Khan! Black Carolina Herrera! This red-carpet hotness can only mean one thing: the 'Sex and the City II' premiere is underway.

As I type, fashionable folks are gathering at Radio City Music Hall in NYC to celebrate the premiere of the highly-anticipated film. Though Liza Minelli and even Gabourey Sidibe made appearances, no one worked the red carpet like the fabulous four.

First up is Sarah Jessica Parker. The actress and executive producer channeled Carrie in a resplendent yellow one-shoulder Valentino gown! She paired the look with loose curls and gray roundtoe pumps.

Oh, and she accessorized with her husband (and the star of one of my fave movies, 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off') Matthew Broderick.

What do we think of her look? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

MAGAZINE GLAM: The Sex and the City Girls Cover Marie Claire

There are no words to describe how excited I am for Sex and the City II. (Stay tuned, your favorite Glamazons might be in attendance at the red-carpet premiere!).


Fortunately for me (and SATC addicts everywhere), the new Marie Claire issue will satisfy my craving for Manolos, Cosmos and camels until the movie hits theaters. For the June 2010 issue, Marie Claire gives each SATC girl their own cover dressed in a festive, character-appropriate metallic frock.


On the covers, Sarah Jessica Parker wears an adventurous Balmain dress, Kim Cattrall goes Vixen in a Valentino frock (hello cleavage!) and Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon model demure Dior. They look equally fabulous.


Check out more pics below plus a clip for the interview. (Summary: the actresses sometimes clash given the demanding filming schedule but at the end of the day, the love, and the labels, are still there.)

SJP on the demands of working on the film: “When you’re on set, you’re working 90-hour weeks, you’re never home, you’re exhausted. There are times when all of us have been sensitive, and sometimes feelings get hurt. But I don’t have any regrets about how I’ve treated people.”

Kristin on how they used to let loose: “When we first started, we would all drive out to the Hamptons together at 4 a.m. on a Friday night after shooting ended and see the sunrise as we arrived. I love those memories.”

SJP on being influenced by Carrie’s style: “I’ve never revealed as much or been so daring or made quite as many triumphant mistakes as Carrie. But I’m now bolder than I would have been had I never played this part.”

Kim on the rumored infighting between the ladies: “The press has to put women in these boxes, rather than show them as the movie portrays them: working together and being powerful. Things just have to be explosive for no other reason then for people’s imaginations.”

Click here for more. 


Kisses, 


Coutura 


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