Couture Carrie

Haute Illustrations

2012-02-11T07:55:00.002-05:00

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to the wonderful fashion illustrations of lovely Lorena Balea Raitz, Fellow Fashionista and blogger extraordinaire!Lorena's work is vibrant, meticulous, whimsical, and fabulously fashionable!

All items available at the Balea Raitz Etsy shop.

These little pillow boxes make such wonderful gifts!
Chanel inspired hand illustrated pillow box.
Chanel Paris inspired gift box.
Dior Couture inspired gift box ~ CC's favorite piece!
Fashion Illustration calendar.
Fashion illustration PDF.
Fashion Magazine inspired pillow boxes.
Givenchy Haute Couture inspired pillow box.
Hermes Birkin fashion envelope.
Macaroon gift box.
Prada inspired bookmark.
Which illustration do you find hautest?
xoxox,

P.S. Lorena will give CC readers placing an order with her a special little extra - see the details on her blog!

Lovely Lingerie

2012-02-10T06:58:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to luxe lingerie and swimwear designer Diana Poetsie!

Her work is absolutely exquisite.

Each piece is lovingly handmade in the finest materials.

CC loves the bra and panty sets and also the super sexy slips and corsets.

How wonderful is this strapless black lace bra?

In addition to making beautiful bras and panties, Diana creates couture quality bikinis and maillots.

CC is absolutely smitten with Diana's work, so she was delighted when Diana made this custom lingerie set just for CC. The construction is spectacular and the bird-print toile is both unique and beautiful. CC adores the red satin ribbon and black lace accents and the little jewel on the bra!

What do you think, darlings?

Be sure to visit Diana's site.

And also check out her lovely blog.

Thanks again, Diana darling, for the lovely custom lingerie!

xoxox,

Beautiful Blouses

2012-02-09T07:40:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is loving these terrific tops!
Alice by Temperley Colorida blouse; this and next six at shopbop.com.
Clover Canyon Landscape Foulard top.
Equipment collarless signature blouse.
Rag & Bone Alexis geo print top.
Tibi polka dot tie neck blouse.
Velvet Callie leopard print blouse.
WGACA Vintage floral blouse.
Blythe blouse in silk pebble dot; this and next two at jcrew.com.
Silk pintuck blouse.
Talitha blouse.
Chelsea Flower cropped button down silk blouse; this and next at intermixonline.com.
Tribune Standard painterly peasant blouse.
Dolce & Gabbana lace-print silk-chiffon blouse; this and next four at net-a-porter.com.
Gucci animal-print cotton and silk-blend blouse.
Halston Heritage ruffled silk-georgette top.
MIH Jeans star-print silk-crepe shirt.
Miu Miu printed silk crepe de chine blouse ~ CC loves!
Meadow Rue Flyaway blouse; this and next two at anthropologie.com.
Moulinette Soeurs antique magnolias blouse.
Sarah Ball Pink Cottage blouse.
Which shirt do you find most chic?
xoxox,
CC

Pre-Fall 2012: Haute Handbags

2012-02-08T06:31:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is smitten with these haute handbags from the Pre-Fall 2012 runways... From chic clutches at Ferragamo and Moschino to statement satchels at McQueen and Versace, there is a beautiful bag for every fashionista!

Photos via style.com.

Alexander McQueen

Bally

Burberry Prorsum

Chanel

Christian Dior

Gucci

Louis Vuitton

Marni

Moschino

Oscar de la Renta

Rachel Zoe

Roberto Cavalli

Salvatore Ferragamo

Versace

Yves Saint Laurent

Which bag would you boast?

xoxox,

P.S. The winner of CC's Sunglasses Shop Valentine's Day Giveaway is the lovely Loredana ~ congrats!

Chic Crochet Bikinis by Anna Kosturova

2012-02-07T06:50:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to Anna Kosturova, a fabulous line of bikinis, maillots and beachwear featuring couture-quality crochet.CC is so smitten with these swimsuits!
Bardot halterkini. This and others at annakosturova.com.
Beach Goddess bikini.
Bold Stripe bikini... CC has, adores, and will be wearing this month during her vacation in the Florida Keys!
Flashback bikini ~ so sexy and sultry!
Gingham bikini.
Medina bikini.
Weekend shortkini.
Starlet bikini.
Which bikini do you find most bodacious?xoxox,

P.S. If you love bikinis, please visit CC's newest blog, Bikinis and Martinis!

CC Loves...

2012-02-06T06:49:00.002-05:00

Darlings, here are just a few of the items that CC is loving right now.
This great DermaWand microdermabrasion at home kit. CC has tried it and is truly impressed! The kit is easy to use and left CC's skin super soft and renewed. CC highly recommends! You can purchase this kit and other microdermabrasion products from sites like ShopNBC.
This Debrah Lippmann Across the Universe nail lacquer, at apothica.com.
This hairstyle as worn by Jessica Stam in Numero Korea, October 2009.
These Balenciaga Tiger Manhattan pumps, at balenciaga.com.
These Camilla Skovgaard leather cutout sandals from theOutnet.com ~ CC just bought!
This Rachel Zoe strapless bubble skirt dress, at shopbop.com.
This Maje Love leopard print dress, at maje.com.
This Atsuko Kudo latex dress.
This pailette embellished orange floral dress from romwe.com. Fabulous news, darlings ~ get 20% at romwe.com on February 6, 7, & 8 with coupon code V-day20%.
This Tibi Twiggy metallic-jacquard dress that CC just snapped up at theOutnet.com.
This Monique Lhuillier gown, pictured via Fellow Fashionista and blogger extraordinaire Ana of Fashion Moment.
These Deborah Pagani Rose of France & Amethyst Talula earrings, at barneys.com.
This House of Harlow 1960 Val clutch, at shopbop.com. CC needs!
This image via Gorgeous Glam.
What are you currently smitten with?
xoxox,
CC

Architectural Inspiration: Haute Orange

2012-02-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

Lisa Perry Modernist hallway pictured via Veranda magazine.

By Malene Birger satin and crepe gown; this and next at net-a-porter.com.

Philippe Audibert Chaine gold-plated multi-strand necklace.

Badgley Mischka Java Stone t-strap sandals; this and next at shopbop.com.

Rachel Zoe Margaux minaudere.

Darlings, what do you think of this hallway and the look it inspired?

xoxox,

P.S. Tune in tomorrow for a fab CC review of a Shop NBC product!

Architectural Inspiration: Tantalizing Turquoise

2012-02-04T07:29:00.000-05:00

Architectural inspiration via metainteriors.com.

Issa silk-satin and lace dress; this and next at net-a-porter.com.

Giuseppe Zanotti embellished suede and leather slingbacks.

House of Harlow 1960 Riley oversized clutch; this and next at shopbop.com.

Tom Binns Petite Rouge crystal and pearl earrings.

Darlings, what do you think of this dining room and the look it inspired?

xoxox,
CC

Pre-Fall 2012: Chic Suits

2012-02-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is loving the vast variety of different suiting from the pre-fall collections! From a wide-leg pantsuit by Rachel Zoe to a sassy skater skirt suit with a toggle coat at Versace, the choices are chic and limitless in terms of sassy suits!

Runway coverage via style.com.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Acne

Calvin Klein Collection

Chanel

Chloe

Giorgio Armani

Louis Vuitton

MaxMara

Moschino

Nanette Lepore

Nina Ricci

Oscar de la Renta

Peter Som

Rachel Zoe

Rebecca Minkoff

St. John

Valentino

Versace

Zac Posen

Which suit are you smitten with?

xoxox,

CC Loves...

2012-02-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

Darlings, here are just a few of the little lovelies that CC is crushing on right now:
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.
This BCBG Max Azria Snejana one shoulder gown, at shopbop.com.
This Zac Posen stretch satin-crepe fishtail gown, at net-a-porter.com.
This Tribune Standard emerald degrade bugle beaded dress, at tribunestandard.com. CC is smitten!
These looks from the Jason Wu for Target collection, in stores and online this Sunday.
This Maisonette 1977 Vera vest, at maisonette1977.com.
These Laurent Gandini A Goggia 9-karat rose gold earrings, at net-a-porter.com.
These Stephen Russell 19th century silver gold spinel and diamond earrings, at stephenrussell.com.
This Balenciaga vintage crystal bracelet, at matchesfashion.com.
This multi deco stone collar necklace, at chloeandisabel.com.
This Anna Kosturova St. Tropez halter bikini, at annakosturova.com.
This Prada bodysuit as worn by Rachel McAdams in Glamour.
This Misela Helena python box clutch, at misela.com.
This Diane von Furstenberg Mini Harper bag, at shopbop.com.
This Dior Couture book, at amazon.com.
What are you loving right now, darlings?
xoxox,
CC

Sweet Sunnies & Sunglasses Shop Valentine's Day Giveaway!

2012-02-01T07:43:00.001-05:00

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to SunglassesShop.com, a fabulous online shopping site for amazing eyewear and sassy sunnies! These are Gucci 3500-wny.

How gorgeous are these Diane von Furstenberg 518-101 sunglasses?

From classic aviators like these Marc Jacobs 252-61b to edgy designer sunglasses,

Sunglasses Shop has a pretty pair for every fashionista!

Chanel 5170-c5393c

CC is absolutely loving these Guess 7107 sunglasses. So perfect for Valentine's Day because of the heart detail!

Fabulous news, darlings! CC and Sunglasses Shop have a pair of these gorgeous Guess glasses to give away to a lucky CC reader!

Seven Day Contest: To enter, simply like Sunglasses Shop on Facebook and tell CC you have done so in the comments section of this post!

International contestants welcome!
Good luck, darlings, and Happy Valentine's Day!
xoxox,
CC

Chic Clutches

2012-01-31T08:45:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to YKY, a beautiful line of handmade clutches.

CC is smitten with all the gorgeous colors, patterns, and textures in this collection.

You can visit designer Mihaela's lovely blog here to view all her amazing handbags.

CC has this gorgeous purple textured clutch and adores it... such an amazing statement piece!

Which clutch are you coveting?

xoxox,

CC Loves...

2012-01-30T08:01:00.000-05:00

Darlings, here are just a few of the items that CC is loving right now:
This Mary Jo Matsumoto Pacific Coast Highway Nail Color Collection. CC has the polish on the left, Zuma Jellyfish, and it is absolutely spectacular, in both color and quality!
This Essie Set in Stones glitter top coat, at essie.com. Put it on top of your favorite nail polish for a gorgeous glittery look!
This Smashbox Be Discovered eye shadow palette, at smashbox.com.
This Strata Revery frame from Poppy Tree Frames. CC has and adores! So edgy and fun, and beautifully made!
This KeepCup reusable cup. You can mark your drink on the outside ~ so adorable and portable!
This Jonathan Adler Carnaby Talitha tray, at jonathanadler.com. CC needs!
This Stella McCartney Kids sleeveless military style waistcoat, at stellamccartneykids.com.
This Haute Hippie racer back dress with ruching, at shopbop.com.
This Asos cut out dress, at asos.com. CC just purchased!
This Fully Flowers deco strapless mini dress, at shopgracia.com.
This Mark & James by Badgley Mischka one-shoulder ruffled jersey dress, at theOutnet.com.
Fabulous furs. This photo via jjjjound.com, CC's new favorite blog!
This Beach Sexy Madi ruffle stripe bandeau bikini at victoriassecret.com. If you love bikinis, be sure to visit CC's newest blog, Bikinis and Martinis!
These Jimmy Choo Gail leopard print sandals, at jimmychoo.com.
This Mulberry leopard trolley scotch grain suitcase, at net-a-porter.com.
This Dooney & Bourke rolling trunk, at dooney.com.
What are you currently smitten with?
xoxox,
CC

Architectural Inspiration: Couture Cow

2012-01-29T08:04:00.000-05:00

Architectural inspiration via veranda.com.

Gucci color-block stretch-jersey shift dress; this and next at net-a-porter.com.

Charlotte Olympia fan-pleat satin pumps.

Diane von Furstenberg haircalf minaudiere Tonda clutch; this and next at shopbop.com.

Juliet & Company La Reine de la Glace Necklace.

Darlings, what do you think of this space and the look it inspired?

xoxox,

Architectural Inspiration: Zany Zebra

2012-01-28T11:32:00.000-05:00

Architectural inspiration via elledecor.com.

Emilio Pucci printed wool-blend dress; this and next at net-a-porter.com.

Pedro Garcia Belkis suede ankle boots.

Rebecca Minkoff Beau snake clutch; this and next at shopbop.com.

Soo Ihn Kim Jinx cuff.

Darlings, what do you think of this foyer and the look it inspired?

xoxox,

Guest Post: Saving Local Fashion: from retail to etail, specialty stores come a long way

2012-01-28T08:40:00.000-05:00

Since the last decade the ecommerce landscape in the fashion world continues to take the industry by storm. There is a plethora fashion ecommerce sites that feature big brands, big stores and big designers, few if any champion the smaller, independent clothing designers.

While departmental stores and big box retailers may have colossal marketing budgets, the same cannot be said about your local, independent designers: the proof is in the dwindling numbers. And yet, some of them stand tall with a survival story to tell. That’s because ecommerce isn’t ecommerce any more, it’s also a forum for buyers and sellers to individualize and interact—offering more power to the consumer.

Meinto is one such company built on this premise. An online marketplace that unites a network of independently owned boutiques—over 795 brands no less! Established in Denmark in 2008, Meinto recently opened shop in the United States in 2011 after a successful run in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. From the business standpoint, it offers specialty mom-and-pop fashion businesses an instant global platform through an integrated presence on its website and social media for a small fee.

No matter how international fashion maybe or how closely knit it is woven on the internet, connoisseurs and industry gurus insist that it has local roots. Most of the fashion blogging and social communities are strongly advocate this idea as well. As customers have more choices and more power, could the use of new technology and advanced social communication turn things around for the underdog? One can only start small and start smart.

So, the next time you’re shopping for that cocktail soiree, give your favorite local boutiques a chance. Better still, snap a picture and send it to the Meinto Facebook fan page and qualify to win a $100 Meinto gift card.

For more information visit www.meinto.com

Guest post by Jyoti (Jo) Peswani ~ thanks!

Chic Coats: Pre-Fall 2012

2012-01-27T07:51:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is smitten with these tantalizing toppers from the Pre-Fall 2012 collections!

Photos via style.com.
3.1 Phillip Lim
Balenciaga
Barbara Bui
Burberry Prorsum
Chanel
Derek Lam
Diane von Furstenberg
Erdem
Gucci
Louis Vuitton
Malandrino
Matthew Williamson
MaxMara
Missoni
Nina Ricci
Preen
Rachel Zoe
Reem Acra
Stella McCartney
Versace
Which coat are you coveting?
xoxox,
CC

Pre-Fall Frocks

2012-01-26T08:05:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is pleased to present a variety of lovely Pre-Fall 2012 dresses courtesy of style.com.

Alexander Wang

Alice + Olivia

Burberry Prorsum

Carven

Chanel

Chloe

Cushnie et Ochs

Derek Lam

Diane von Furstenberg

Erdem

Giambattista Valli

Gucci

Louis Vuitton

Maison Martin Margiela

Matthew Williamson

MaxMara

No. 21

Pedro Lourenco

Rochas

Roksanda Ilincic

Which frock do you find most fabulous?

xoxox,

Water, Water Everywhere

2012-01-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is loving these haute azures, pretty pools, and tantalizing turquoise hues... Hope you enjoy these beautiful blue dresses!
BCBG Max Azria Madge strapless cocktail dress; this and next six at shopbop.com.
Gryphon Linda dress.
Nightcap Clothing deep V cap sleeve dress.
Porter Grey leather dress with cutout back ~ CC adores!
Rory Beca Robin one shoulder dress.
Tibi long sleeve dress with cutout back.
Young Fabulous & Broke Hamptons double ombre dress.
Emilio Pucci printed stretch-jersey dress; this and next five at net-a-porter.com.
Faith Connection draped satin-jersey gown.
Just Cavalli leopard-print stretch-satin bustier dress.
Matthew Williamson silk-blend and lace bustier dress ~ CC adores!
Roland Mouret Skiffins asymmetric stretch-crepe dress.
Zero + Maria Cornejo Sayah stretch-jersey dress.
HMH Couture satin-jersey maxi dress; this and next at theOutnet.com.
Sara Berman ruffle one-shoulder dress.
Which blue do you find most beautiful?
xoxox,
CC

Lovely Long Sleeve Dresses

2012-01-24T08:12:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC has rounded up some gorgeous long sleeve dresses for your viewing (and shopping!) pleasure... CC finds that these frocks show just the right amount of skin for a winter's evening on the town!
ADAM printed satin dress; this and next four at net-a-porter.com.
Emilio Pucci off-the-shoulder printed stretch-jersey dress.
Michael Kors stretch wool-crepe dress.
Steven Alan Carolyn leopard-print silk dress.
Versace knitted stretch dress.
French Connection knit dress in space yarn dye; this and next three at asos.com.
Asos textured body-conscious dress with cut out sides.
Jonathan Saunders long sleeve patchwork print dress.
Motel scoop neck long sleeve dress in Barocco print.
Dolan shirred side dress; this and next five at shopbop.com.
Dallin Chase Jeffrey cutout dress.
Doo.Ri Sonia dress with belt.
M Missoni diagonal stripe colorblock dress.
Matthew Williamson long sleeve lace dress... CC is smitten!
Tibi long sleeve shift dress.
Which long sleeve dress are you longing for?
xoxox,
CC

CC Loves...

2012-01-23T07:29:00.000-05:00

Darlings, here are a few of the items that CC is loving right now!
These Carolina Amato polka dot crochet gloves, at carlolinaamato.com.
These Isabel Marant Pop Color howlite tasseled drop earrings, at net-a-porter.com.
This Catherine Marche Jewellery garnet sterling silver stacking ring from notonthehighstreet.com. CC has and adores! Shop fabulous womens jewellery.
This Jenny Bird draped link necklace with turquoise, at intermixonline.com. CC just bought it on sale!
This Deepa Gurnani crystal scroll headband, at shopbop.com.
These Nicholas Kirkwood wedges, at nicholaskirkwood.com.
This Carina cutout wedge, at shopnastygal.com.
These Steve Madden Sharryy zebra booties, at stevemadden.com.
This Diane von Furstenberg Lytton small neon minaudiere, at shopbop.com.

This Michael Michael Kors Margo ostrich-effect leather shoulder bag, at net-a-porter.com.
This Camilla Olson dress with cage detail, at camillaolson.com.
This Marla dress in ikat printed silk, at jcrew.com.
This Alexis one shoulder maxi dress, at intermixonline.com.
This Katie May Krissy Noel silk dress, at shopnastygal.com.
This Essie Resort Collection Lapis of Luxury nail polish, at amazon.com.
What are you currently smitten with?
xoxox,
CC

P.S. Congrats to the winner of CC's StockinGirl.com Valentine's Day Giveaway ~ the lovely Chanel of Style ~ Spotlighted!

Magnificent Midi Dresses

2012-01-22T07:14:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is super smitten with these marvelous midi dresses!
Asos ribbed midi dress with open back; this and next four at asos.com.
Hybrid dress with deep v neck and frill sleeves.
Motel midi cut out sleeveless dress in Barocco print.
Rare cut out contrast dress.
Warehouse midi shift dress.
By Malene Birger Amukaji sequined-jersey dress; this and next four at net-a-porter.com.
Giulietta polka-dot silk-crepe dress.
Ralph Lauren Black Label Amanda one-shoulder satin-jersey dress.
Roksanda Ilincic washed satin-jersey midi dress.
Willow asymmetric silk-crepe dress.
Kelly Bergin sleeveless seamed turtleneck dress; this and next four at shopbop.com.
Monrow bustier midi dress.
Nanette Lepore Most Lovable printed dress.
Preen Scuba midi dress ~ CC adores!
Zac Posen short sleeve dress.
Which midi do you find most magnificent?
xoxox,
CC

Architectural Inspiration: Predilection for Purple

2012-01-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

Architectural inspiration via elledecor.com.

Halston Heritage draped matte-jersey gown; this and next at net-a-porter.com.

Kenneth Jay Lane 22-karat gold-plated cabochon earrings.

Camilla Skovgaard tongue stiletto booties; this and next at shopbop.com.

Lauren Merkin Handbags Riley Bag.

Darlings, what do you think of this pretty purple space and the look it inspired?
xoxox,
CC

Wondrous Wedges

2012-01-20T08:05:00.002-05:00

Darlings, CC is super psyched about these wedge sandals and pumps!
Alice + Olivia Jana laser cut wedge sandals; this and next six at shopbop.com.
Boutique 9 Linya T strap wedge sandals.
House of Harlow 1960 Eden open toe wedge pumps.
L.A.M.B. Angela double wedge sandals.
Rachel Zoe Kayne wedge sandals ~ CC is smitten!
Theodora & Callum Mustique platform wedge sandals.
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Naomi platform wedge sandals.
Bottega Veneta printed wooden wedge sandals; this and next at net-a-porter.com.
Jimmy Choo Bello glitter-finish twill wedge pumps.
Miu Miu metallic-trimmed wedge sandals.
Pierre Hardy canvas wedge sandals.
Valentino suede and mesh peep-toe wedge sandals.
Yves Saint Laurent Maggy metallic leather wedges.
Schuler & Son diamond-sliced wedges; this and next at anthropologie.com.
T&F Slack Shoemakers Colorcode wedges.
Which wonderful wedges do you want?
xoxox,
CC

P.S. The winners of CC's Romwe.com Tights Giveaway are Szabina, Girlie Blogger, and Lauren ~ congrats, darlings!

Sexy Solid Strapless Dresses

2012-01-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

Darlings, CC is smitten with these sexy solid strapless dresses!
ADAM strapless dress; this and next five at shopbop.com.
Herve Leger Signature Essentials strapless dress.
Rebecca Taylor textured rose strapless dress.
Shoshanna Jane strapless dress.
Thakoon gathered strapless dress.
Thread short strapless ruffle dress.
Alice + Olivia Ashton ruffled stretch silk-crepe dress; this and next five at net-a-porter.com.
Marchesa strapless dress with draped organza bodice.
Paul & Joe Liz glossed fine-woven strapless dress.
Stella McCartney stretch-jersey peplum dress.
Tibi pleated silk-chiffon strapless dress.
Arabelle dress in silk chiffon; this and next two at jcrew.com.
Selma dress in silk taffeta.
Taryn dress in silk chiffon.
Which dress do you desire?
xoxox,
CC