How To Wear: Jumpsuits

...in Summer's favorite style: crazy, short and colorful.

First order of business - forget the notion that everyone can't wear a jumpsuit. There's a suit for every shape and size. The appeal of the jumpsuit is that it drapes your body perfectly, so you just have to know your shape and find a suit to complement it. And before you go complaining about all your imperfections (every body is fabulous in the right outfit btw!), know that there are tips and tricks that can highlight your best and downplay the rest.

TIP ONE - IN A CINCH

In the words of my Fashion Editor, "it's aaaaalllllll about..." the right proportions via the gathered waist. The gathered waist is the most important part of your jumpsuit - it's what gives your body shape. The trick is quite simple: if you have short legs, look for a jumpsuit where the gathered waist sits higher (and don't be afraid to add some killer heels!). If you have longer legs, choose a jumpsuit where the gathered waist falls lower.

Kelly Rowland, as adorable as she is, doesn't get it quite right. The waist is too high making her legs look unproportional to her body.

Rihanna nails the look with a lower gathered waist that highlights her $1 million dollar insured legs and gives her a torso at the same time.

Forever 21 has the perfect suit with a drawstring waist for only $27.80 at forever21.com.

TIP TWO - FIGURE FLATTERY

Loosen up (but not too much)! Supertight jumpsuits don't look good on ANYONE no matter how in shape you are! Tight fits lead to camel toe, wedgies, lumps and bumps and other unsightly public offenses. Even celebrities as famous for their body-slimming outfits as their singing talent (cough, Beyonce) know to loosen up in a jumpsuit.

But keep the loose fit to a minimum unless you're a toddler in a onesie or a sanitation worker. (Also, be very scared of monster crotch). Thanks!

Beyonce and Kiely Williams achieve the perfect tailored fit.

If you have a smaller bust, go for embellishments (like ruffles) or a looser fit up top like Kiely; this will give the illusion of a fuller chest. If you're curvy on the bottom like Beyonce, choose a silhouette that skims over your hips and butt but doesn't cling. Ladies with hourglass silhouettes, throw on a belt or look for a cinched waist and you've got the look. The end result should look tailored, flattering and effortless.

This romper with ruffles by Rebecca Taylor is perfect for filling out the bustline. $300, netaporter.com.

TIP THREE - FRESH PRINTS

Be clear: long printed jumpsuits scare me (if you wouldn't wear a leopard print full-length suit, don't wear the long jumpsuit either). But a short romper has the same effect as a little summer dress and thus, looks amazing in a loud, colorful print. Choose a couple accessories that compliment the pattern without competing and you're good to go.

Both Fergie and Solange's jumpsuits are from an amazing up-and-coming clothing line, Boxing Kitten. Check out the website, boxingkitten.com, and their SICK jumpsuit designs below.

Marc by Marc Jacobs offers the hottest colorful zebra print jumpsuit for $228 at saks.com. Add subtle gold accessories and sandals and go!

Kisses,

Coutura

From the Closet! Moschino Cheap & Chic Half Booties/Half Sandals

Hey Glamazons,

Since Ferocia and I come across the most drool-worthy, dreadful and just plain crazy products in the Fashion & Beauty closets, we've decided to start a new feature called "From the Closet!" where we pay homage to the samples---from the new Lanvin dress to the must-have MAC Black Style collection---that wind up in our office.

What better way to start than with the Moschino Cheap & Chic half booties/half sandals?! I first laid eyes on them for a major fashion story and fell head over heels in love! They're the mixed love child of sandals, wedges and booties. What's next? Half sneakers/half peeptoe flats?!



Delightfully strange, they're the kind of heels that beg for a second, third and fourth look. Pure crazy, otherworldly, awe-inspiring, avante garde, fashion-forward genius!



True to fashion trendsetting form, Solange rocked them out and about with her sis at a press conference for the Samantha Thavasa Disney Collection. Love the hairstyle too! She looks stunning.



They retail for about $835; yeah, I'm waiting for Aldo or Nine West to copy them too.

What do you think? Are they incredible or just...weird? Discuss.


Kisses,

Coutura

NEW!! Rodarte for Target

Glamazons,

Start saving NOW! The infamous Rodarte designers (sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy) are creating a collection for Target's Go Series, which also includes Anna Sui and MCQ Alexander McQueen. Available December 20th through January 31th, the feminine, fashion-forward collection promises to be as ethereal and elegant as their signature line (see my fave Spring 2009 piece above), which won the sisters the top design award at the CFDA awards earlier this year. Even better? The 55-piece collection is priced from $10-$80, yes you read right, $80 is the most expensive piece! This is almost too good to be true!!!! I'll have to touch (and purchase) the clothes to know I'm not dreaming; fortunately, due to my fashion assistant gig, I was invited to the preview next week! Ahhhh!! Rumor has it I'll be touching a leopard-print jacket (you know I love leopard print - I won't leave the showroom without it)! Joshua Thomas of Target gave the scoop on what Rodarte lovers like me can expect from the new collection:

"What you'll notice is an amazing eye for detail. It's very feminine, yet very modern. The collection incorporates a rich mix of patterns and fabrications and everything from sequins and bows to faux fur. The key with Rodarte is layering."

Sequins? Bows? Fur? And you'll still have money left over to go out and show it off! Doesn't get any better than this (unless, Karl Lagerfeld is designing a Chanel for Target collection as we speak...or maybe Marc's the next one to join the mass retailer train! A girl can dream, right?!). Which collection are you more excited about: Rodarte for Target, Anna Sui for Target or Jimmy Choo for H&M? And yes, options are a beautiful thing.

Stay tuned for pics from the preview! In the meantime, check pics of the sisters and their Spring 2009 collection below.










Kisses,

Coutura

Would You Wear...Pasties?

Rihanna and Lady Gaga have taken a cue from strippers who first wore pasties to concede with indecent exposure laws.

Now, pop stars are decently exposing their breasts to the public sans strategically-placed pasties as the latest fashion trend. I guess the cleavage-baring corsets and dresses the rest of us wear just aren't enough.

Rihanna set her breasts free on Independence day with sequined star-shaped pasties.

And her pink star-shaped pasties provided a pop of color to the black sheer tank and white/black striped pencil skirt she wore to Katy Perry's concert. Now that's one way to rock the bright trend...

Pasties certainly prevent the ever-dreadful nip slip (I'm sure Janet Jackson wishes she had one on at the Superbowl). And I've been known to put band-aids on my nips underneath a halter or tank top so they don't make an appearance should the weather get chilly (has anyone used that trick?). I MAY use nippies for that, but I still wouldn't let everybody see them!

Retailers claim to make a killing so somebody's buying them...even if they're not wearing them out to Fourth of July parties and Katy Perry concerts.

Bristol 6 Nippies sent some pasties to the office that may make me reconsider (or atleast wear under sheer blouses). They come in a variety of colors and styles (even offering a bridal collection) and boast a wrinkle-free fit and waterproof adhesive so your nippies stay on during humid summer nights on the town. Sold?

Oooo...those fab, neon 80's themed nippies might make me feel differently. They're $15 each and available at bristols6.com.

And when the vast selection of pasties won't suffice, Lady Gaga just grabs black electrical tape and perfectly places it over her nipples. Genius! We can do away with shirts altogether and all just get dressed at Staples or Duane Reade in the school supply aisle.


Though I fully support loving and even showing off your body, I believe in leaving something to the imagination. Thus, my breasts will only be making half-appearances in cleavage-baring low-cut tops and dresses, no tape necessary. I may get adventurous though and wear pasties on vacation, where nobody knows me, haha. Would you ever engage in this risque fashion trend? Do you think it's edgy and free or just completely over-the-top? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Chris Rock's 'Good Hair' Days

Hey Glamazons!

Check out the trailer for "Good Hair," Chris Rock's insightful, hilarious documentary about the relationship between black women and their crowning glory, coming to theaters this Fall. When Rock's daughter asked him, "Why don't I have 'good hair'?" the comic was inspired to examine the sociological significance of 'good hair' in the black community. Featuring interviews from celebrities like Nia Long and Lauren London to real people at the barbershop (and a comical trip to India to see how the bustling weave industry operates), Rock's expose explores black women's (and some men's) hair culture with humor and thought-provoking curiosity.




What do you think of the trailer? Will you see the film? Are you proud that Chris Rock is bringing this phenomenon to light or do you feel it airs dirty laundry? Do you have a relaxer, weave or natural hair? Do you view these styles as a matter of preference or sign of self-hatred among black women? How would the perception of this film be different if it was created by a black woman or a white person? How do you personally define "Good Hair"? We tell my two-year old niece: Every hair texture is good as long as you take care of it. Do you agree? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

R.I.P. Naomi Sims

The Glamazons are saddened by news that the legendary Naomi Sims, one of the first African-American supermodels, has passed away from Cancer at the age of 61.

A businesswoman, entrepreneur and author, Naomi Sims paved the way for black women in fashion as one of the first dark-skinned models to be accepted by the mainstream. Her presence in popular culture encouraged women to embrace their dark skin tones and kinky hair, which at the time was considered less than beautiful. "Black wasn't beautiful then," she shared in an interview with Black Enterprise. "The darker your skin, the less good-looking you were considered."

Not only did Sims turn the perception that dark skin was ugly on it's head, she made a sizable profit from selling skin products and wigs as founder and CEO of the Naomi Sims Collection. She will be missed dearly but her immeasurable contribution to the fashion industry, and society, will always be remembered.

Fashion Scoop: Estelle to Create Jewelry Line with Rachel Roy

Our beloved British belle and designer du jour are joining forces for a jewelry line, according to Rachel Roy's Twitter page and WWD.

Judging from the accessories in Roy's expertly-designed line for Macy's---and Estelle's phenomenal taste in jewelry, we're in for some beautiful pieces! To be honest, I'm not surprised. Estelle's been flirting with the Fashion world since designing a handbag with Johnathan Kelsey and most recently, her fab t-shirt for H&M.


Here's the tweet:

I’m excited to be working with @EstelleDarlings on a jewelry collection, which will debut in Spring 2010. –RR10:00 AM Jul 21st from web

rachel_roy

Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy also enlisted the British pop star to host the opening party for her New York pop-up shop during Spring 2010 Fashion Week (which I fully plan to attend btw). Sidenote: The store, which is located on 111 Spring Street, will be open starting September 10th. Rachel Roy shoppers can snag clothing, footwear, jewelry and accessories from the Rachel | Rachel Roy Fall collection in the 1,800 square foot space for a limited time only via WWD.

Quite honestly, I couldn't think of a better pairing. Are you all excited for the collaboration? (Let's just pray that the jewelry is moderately priced...)

Estelle has fashion sense to spare. I saw her wearing this gorgeous necklace at the Fall 2009 Zac Posen show. She told me via Twitter it was Balenciaga. Glam!

And here are some stunners from Rachel | Rachel Roy. I love that RR's jewelry always makes a statement, whether it's alluring Bohemian beauty or edgy, attention-grabbing chic.

Kisses,

Coutura