WOULD YOU WEAR...Winter Shorts like Alexa Chung and Nicole Richie?

There are some things I just can't leave in the summer: boys, peeptoe pumps, flirty, floral dresses, miniskirts. A pair of shorts is not one of them.

That's not to say I don't adore the shorts and tights look which is tres chic for early Fall dressing. But there is a cutoff date, and I'd say it's probably when the rest of the world is wearing fur jackets, knee boots and scarves.

The freezing temperature hasn't stopped a couple celebs from stepping it out in shorts and tights. (I'm hoping they're in Los Angeles because ten minutes near the West Side Highway in Manhattan and you'd turn to ice).

And designers are churning out shorts in winter textures like velvet and wool. 

What say you? Is it way too late in the season to rock the winter shorts look or would you brave it with a pair of cashmere cableknit tights and knee-length boots?

Discuss.

And if you love the winter shorts look, here are some studded, wool, velvet or leather shorts to brave the cold in:

More Topshop...

Kisses,

Coutura

Beyonce Without Makeup AND 5 Tips for Bare-Faced Beauty

Have you ever woken up and walked the dog, ran to the mailbox or stepped out on the balcony with no makeup on? We have...and so has Beyonce. The superstar was photographed in Australia sans makeup (really sans makeup not those "light" made-up pictures stars put on the internet claiming to be bare-faced).

While her natural beauty is undeniable, we have a few expert tips to look even more gorgeous before you put a dab of makeup on. Follow these tips and you will welcome a paparazzi makeup-less photo opp with open arms:


1. Never fall asleep with makeup on.


Your skin needs time to breathe and a caked face of makeup overnight does exactly the opposite. It's important to remove makeup before you go to bed, especially around the eyes. If you're too lazy (we're all guilty!), use makeup remover towelettes.

More Olay...

2. Use a face scrub and face masque once a week.  


Oil of Olay has a fab skin-renewing scrub that's gentle enough for daily use. Or Clarisonic Opal Infusion System. June Jacobs Pumpkin Masque is equally amazing.

More June Jacobs Spa...

3. Get sleep!


When you're partying all night long every day of the week, it shows. Indulge in beauty sleep frequently to avoid unsightly bags under your eyes and a host of other fug moments.

4 - Keep your skin moisturized.


Your skin needs moisture on a regular basis, especially in the winter. To get Beyonce's signature glow, try our faves:

More Garnier...

5 - Drink lots of water.


When planning your beauty regimen, water should be at the top of the list. 8 glasses a day (yes, 8!) will make you look and feel replenished.

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Winter Wonderland: Glamazon Guide to Chic Outerwear

As much as I love traipsing through Brooklyn and Manhattan on the weekends, now I decide whether I'll attend an event based on how long it will take me to get a cab in the area. Why? Because it is ridiculously freezing here in New York City, and apparently, everywhere else too.

The biting wind chill and cruelly cold temperatures are enough to keep the busiest party girl cuddled under the covers with a winter boo watching the Law & Order marathon. And this is before the snow hits with a vengeance as it tends to do in January and February. Sigh.

One thing I pride myself on though is I always try to look fashionable in the cold. I'm obsessed with coats so my winter looks are intentionally styled so I look tres chic while bundled up. Yes, ladies, there is a way you can look hot when the weather is painfully cold.

Here are some of my tricks and picks:


-Most winter gear is dull so a shot of color can really energize your look. A pair of neon gloves, a teal scarf or a green bag will pop against a neutral-hued coat in the most stylish way.

 

-Just because you have on a heavy, bulky coat doesn't mean you should look like a blob. Coats with a built-in waist (like a belted bubble jacket or corseted peacoat) give you a sexy, feminine shape and keep you just as warm.

-Find the right coat for your body shape. Yes, I'm serious. Coats are like dresses in that it's one piece covering most of your body. You will go a long way by choosing coats that work best for your size/silhouette. The same rules apply. If you're short like me, don't rock one of those long bubble coats that skim your ankles. It will swallow you alive. The flared coat is a feminine staple that works best for most body types.

 

You need leggssss for the long bubble coat look...

-Embellishments are the spice of life this season. Sequins, studs, ruffles, shearling and fur are adorning winter basics and giving them some much-needed attitude. A little extra something goes a long way in keeping you from looking/feeling drab. A brooch can have the same effect on a plain black coat or knit hat that you already have in your closet.

SHOP:

More Topshop...

AD GLAM: Janet Jackson's Number Ones Tour Kicks Off in Hong Kong

Her daring new cut. Her own Barbie doll. A gutsy performance in For Colored Girls. There are plenty of reasons to be obsessed with Janet Jackson right now.

Here's another: the iconic performer is going on a "Number Ones" world tour performing only her 35 Number One hits in 35 cities across the globe. It will launch in Hong Kong on February 14, 2011 after the city won her online contest to be the first stop on her tour (yes, I'm jealous).

Ferocia and I saw her perform at ESSENCE Music Festival and she was simply incredible. It was one of the highlights of 2010 for me (a full list coming soon!). For this tour, however, Janet is choosing intimate venues so she can get up close and personal with her fans. Now for that, I might faint... (<--- stan moment, please don't judge.)

And after seeing this FIERCE tour ad, I fully intend to buy tickets for the New York City stop. Janet screaming (a nod to her #1 hit, Scream, with late brother and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson) evokes attitude, boldness, verve and power---some of the qualities that have defined Janet throughout her career. Add to that fashion and beauty perfection (velvet, cleavage, a brilliant haircut, fishnet tights, flawless skin) and I'm officially sold!


What do you think of the ad? Are you looking forward to see Ms. Jackson on tour? Speak!


Oh, and here's the Scream video because, well, it's amazing. Get excited!





Kisses,

Coutura

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: 40 Gifts Any Woman Would Love

Have you heard the sentiment that Christmas is a holiday for kids? Yeah, me too and I don't buy it for one second. As a young woman living on her own, I get just as excited about the holiday as if I was 8 years-old and a bike was waiting for me under the tree. It's as good a time as any to treat yourself, or someone special, after saving, spending smart and sacrificing during the year (which I totally did except for that Lanvin X H&M sale hehe).

There are plenty of luxe gifts that will blow your Mom/BFF/sister's/girlfriend's mind on Christmas from Christian Louboutin pumps to Lanvin dresses to Agent Provocateur silk robes.

But if you're looking to cut costs, I suggest pairing a less expensive gift with an experience she can tie it to. For example, a Sephora by OPI nail polish set and a gift certificate to a swanky nail salon, a Rebecca Taylor faux fur coat and an off-Broadway play to wear it to, a pair of Ugg slippers and a massage at the Spa. Sounds great, right?

That's my wish list anyway (along with a puppy! Hey, a girl can dream, right?).

Shop my Christmas list of luxury and affordable gifts this season, and tell me your gift ideas in the comment section.

More CC Skye...

Kisses,

Coutura

Real Housewives of Atlanta Star, Kandi Burruss Chats with The Glamazons

Anybody remember when I met Kandi Burruss of Real Housewives of Atlanta at The Magazine? Well, back then, she had just started the show and we (her, Ferocia, Magazine staffers and I) chatted about everything from her songwriting (TLC's No Scrubs is a favorite) to her Mom's disapproval of her late fiancee A.J. to her beef with Nene. Now, she's back for a new season of the hit show and a new album with a fresh, positive outlook on life.

And can I add that her album is glaaamazing! I heard it for the first time last night at her album signing at Carol's Daughter in Harlem. Her voice should be a national treasure the way she hits high notes. I've been playing the intro nonstop where she does vocal acrobatics with expert ease (Kim, pay attention!). The lyrics are beautifully-written and sung with pure, raw emotion that any woman can relate to. Along with Kanye's latest classic, Kandi Koated will be dominating my iPod for months to come.

Along with a stellar new album, Kandi opened up to me about her hair secrets, her popular Atlanta boutique Tags and why she continues to put effort into Kim's controversial singing career.

Watch the video of our interview at Carol's Daughter here:




Make sure you pick up her new album, Kandi Koated. You will thank me! (And if you already have it, tell me what song is your favorite in the comments section.)

Here's hoping she invites The Glamazons on Kandi-Koated nights next, LOL.


Kisses,

Coutura

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: 30 Gifts for The Well-Dressed Man in Your Life

Am I the only one that finds it hard to shop for men? Whatever they truly want, they've probably bought for themselves already. Well, there's a way around it and it doesn't involve stalking Kobe Bryant for free tickets to the Lakers game or stealing the iPad 2.0 from the Apple factory before it hits stores. Look for luxurious and unique pieces that you know he'd like but wouldn't buy himself.

From a dope safety-pin bowtie and Givenchy tuxedo jacket for the trendy dresser to a Diesel multi-zone watch for the sporty guy to a silver-plated cigar holder for your cigar aficionado father, we've found it all.

Shop our favorite picks below:

More Topman...

What gift are you planning to get for the man in your life? Tell us - we can keep a secret. My boo, who luckily doesn't read this blog since the writing is pink, has an iPod and that Gucci case to look forward to.

Kisses,

Coutura

Nicole Richie's Marchesa Wedding Gown: Glamazon-Approved

Swoon! Nicole Richie knows how to pick them and by 'them,' I mean men AND wedding gowns. While we totally support her wedding to Good Charlotte rockstar, Joel Madden on December 11th (he seems like the sweetest guy), her Marchesa wedding gown is what really got our attention.

Just look at it: white lace turtleneck with open neckline and a cloud of white tulle fit for a princess. I would so love to get married in that...to a rich rockstar...who adores me...but I digress.

The stunningly beautiful Marchesa wedding dress was inspired by Princess Grace Kelly's iconic gown (below), Nicole tells People Magazine, whom she sold the photos to in exchange for the mag's hefty donation to one of her fave charities.

The bride wore three Marchesa gowns in total, including one made from hand-crafted silk organza and tulle petals. Dying to see more pictures!

More details:

-They were married at Lionel Richie's house in a tent designed like a French Garden.
-Reverend Run officiated.
-Their children were a part of the ceremony. Harlow, 2, was the flower girl and Sparrow, 15 months-old, was the ring-bearer.

Pick up People Magazine this week for more photos and details from the ceremony. Congrats to Nicole on her lovely wedding gown...and oh yeah, love!

Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Rihanna Goes Brunette

Hey Glamazons! Ugh. The winter is officially here in New York and, although I've been trying my hardest to stay bundled up against the snow and fierce winds, I'm still freezing.

In fact, I'm freezing right now! I feel like my old Southern self will never feel warm again. Ever. (OK, that's a serious exaggeration..especially considering the fact that I plan to migrate to some warmer temps over the holiday season tee hee hee.)

I brought up the fact that it's cold to outline the possible theory that maybe, just maybe, that's why Rihanna's been rocking darker hair lately. (By darker, I mean this serious shade of brunette..but wait, wouldn't this only be plausible if she were here in NY?! I think she lives in L.A. But, she's here in NY alot, so my theory could still ring true: cold equates to dark hair).

Whatever the case may be, I have to admit that Rihanna can do no wrong when it comes to her hair color. While others may have been shaking their heads at her fiery shade of red, I actually liked it! I'm a huge advocate that one should have fun with hair, especially when you're that young. (Luckily, her hairstylist Ursula Stephen gets it and manages to create some pretty fierce hairstyles for RiRi.)

So, do you think of Rihanna's dark brown tresses are GLAM or a SHAM? Do you think she looks better with the fiery red?

xo

Ferocia

GLAM OR SHAM?: Jennifer Lopez's Gold Lame Jumpsuit in Vegas

When trying on clothes, you can always count on this rule of thumb: if it looks bad on JLo, it's going to look horrible on the rest of us. Take this gold lame jumpsuit, for instance.

Even celebs with amazing gene pools and better doctors should be careful when it comes to jumpsuits (I hope I conveyed in my guide to jumpsuits post). If the proportions are off, you can look like you're in toddler pajamas. JLo goes wrong with pants that are too baggy and a top that is too tight by comparison.

Another reason this jumpsuit doesn't work? The lame gold material and zig-zag pattern. It's flashy, busy and too complicated for a head-to-toe printed look.

She was in Vegas though at the show Sinatra: Dance With Me (for Frank Sinatra's 95th birthday) so maybe the drama was an ode to Vegas' over-the-top glitz?

What do you think of her look? Glam or Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

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30 Amazing Holiday Party Dresses

Where have Ferocia and I been? Gallivanting around the city from holiday party to holiday party, of course. From holiday collection launches to ugly Christmas sweater parties, the city has been alive with soirees where gifts are exchanged, eggnog is flowing and holiday spirit is in the air. Seriously, this is one of the best times to be in New York! (And I didn't even mention Santacon where people dress up in Santa and Elf costumes and bar hop...Halloween 2.0).

The problem with all of this? What to wear! Regular party dresses just don't feel festive enough around this time. And when the NYE festivities occur, you want to look as glamorous as possible.

Don't fear. We've compiled 30 (actually, 36- there were a lot of cute ones!) of the season's most chic holiday dresses from Shopstyle.com. Take a look and let us know which ones you've got to get your hands on.

More Bebe...

Kisses,

Coutura

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MAGAZINE GLAM: Natalie Portman On Cover Of Vogue January 2011 Issue

Has anyone seen Black Swan yet?! If so, please refrain from spoiling it by providing detailed scene deets for the rest of us that haven't (me included...I meant to get to it this past weekend, but doing laundry won out over that one..ugh.) OK, now that we've gotten that out of the way, I can share the news that actress Natalie Portman (the star of Black Swan) will be gracing the cover of Vogue's January 2011 issue. I'm no stranger to fawning over her looks (ahem, just click here for evidence of that) but I have to admit that she looks so gorge here on the cover! In the issues, she shares details about the major transformation she had to undergo in order to take on this part. Apparently, she worked 8 hours a day, 6 days a week with former New York City ballet dancer Mary Helen Bowers. It took her about 6 months to create that ballerina body.

Um, that's insane. I can barely get my butt to the gym once a week and once I do I have to go to some sort of organized class because otherwise I'll stay on a machine 15 minutes and call that a work out hahaha. So, I applaud Portman and her ability to transform her body into this greatness and can't wait to see the movie this week!

What do you think of her picture on the cover, Glamazons? I love it! Totally glam.

xo

Ferocia