Is White Alright?

Janice Dickinson and Kristin Cavallari in hot white pants (source)

Once upon a time, I had a pair of highly coveted white Bongo jeans. I proudly wore them with a dusty blue t-shirt bespeckled with daisies, which was carefully tucked into said jeans and rolled at the sleeves. Paired with my buckled cork sandals and a scrunchie on my wrist, I was ready to go. That was ten years ago, and I honestly never thought that white jeans would see the light of day again.

Apparently, I was wrong, and La Cavallari and Janice-baby have schooled me on the way to wear white. Despite the fact that most white jeans are magnets for coffee drips, black scuff marks from swings and (yeesh), the dreaded mark of "that time of the month," Janice and Kristin almost make me want to weather those hazards.

So, in all, do you think that white is alright? At first, I thought that white jeans were completely antiquated, but they have started to grow on me. I can see these looking awfully fresh for spring with a cute green top and sandals. How do you feel about the white jeans trend?

Paint it Black: Rock N' Roll Couture

Reese Witherspoon

Lindsay Lohan

Rolling Stones Tee, $34.99

Romeo and Juliet Couture Skull Tank, $29.99

Spring is in the air, but that doesn't keep some of Hollywood's top fashionista's from wearing black like there's no tomorrow. Usually sunny actresses like Reese Witherspoon and Lindsay Lohan are opting for darker wardrobe palettes (perhaps due to changes in their lives?) creating a look that is very rock n' roll.

While these stars are doing the black look from head to toe (jacket, glasses, purse, shoes, pants...the works!) you can just add a few elements to your current style to achieve an edgy look amongst sassy spring styles. May we suggest a punked out top by Romeo and Juliet Couture, or a Rolling Stones T-Shirt, a staple for any fan of the band. Paired with heels and skinny dark jeans, you are ready to go for a night out or simply for a casual day.

What do Oprah, orange peelers and O-Town have in common?

They are all items that start with O carried in our Couture Readers’ Handbags! Couture Avenue readers were asked what’s in your handbag that starts with the letter O? All responses were placed in a drawing for this uber cute cherry print purse from Melie Bianco.

Melie Bianco Cherry Print Purse

Some interesting, surprising and down right funny admissions included Orange Tic Tacs for the self acclaimed serial first dater Denise, some much needed Opti-free Replenish Eye drops from Gennie’s way too fun trip to Vegas, an Oprah Key Chain for Kate’s 14 Keys, and an O-town CD from a reader who wished to remain anonymous. Hey, there’s no shame in admitting to being a fan of O-town! We all bought the CD for the ballad “All or Nothing”…er, well at least I did…I’m with ya girl!

Jill’s O winning item was her Orange Peeler carried for her little one’s favorite snack! Here is a photo of Jill with her winning orange peeler and new bag. Congratulations Jill! We hope you enjoy your new bag!

Congratulations to Jill who won our “What’s in your Bag?” Contest!

Get Britney's Freedom Bag!!!

Brit Brit, Free at Last! (source)





















Melie Bianco Coach Legacy Double Pocket Bag, $49.99

Just busted out of rehab? Finally left your cheating man? Officially shed those last 5 pounds?

You deserve a freedom bag!

Ever since Britney strolled out of rehab, she has been seen carrying a big, lovely brown bag, reminiscent of the Melie Bianco Coach Legacy bag. This bag has been a past favorite of Mandy Moore and Ali Larter, and now you can have that celebrity style too, and for less than $50!

Whether you have met a goal that you have been working towards or finally set yourself free from a bad habit, bad friend or a bad situation, you deserve to treat yourself for all of your hard work...and what better way than fashion?

Help set free others for a good cause with our fashionable and philanthropic Pink Ribbon tees and more to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Weekly Special @ La Belle Dolce

10% OFF All David & Goliath Tees @ La Belle Dolce

Visit La Belle Dolce soon to take advantage of this week’s special where all David & Goliath Tees are 10% OFF!

David & Goliath Tees are fun, fun, fun! These shirts are based on the doodles of designer Todd Goldman and have been a hit around the globe since his first shirt in 1999.

Visit La Belle Dolce to see Todd's unique and fun tees such as these.

thanks a latte! tee - $17.99

one tough cookie tee - $17.99

Click Here to get yours today!

Sarah Jessica Parker: Bitten Update

Sneak Peek at SJP's Budget Clothing line "Bitten"

Last week we told you about Sarah Jessica Parker's exciting new clothing line called "Bitten." When I first heard about this line, I thought, "oh, another celebrity trying to be a designer, no big deal."

However, the new rumor around the block is that the "Bitten" line will offer her designer duds for less than $20 a piece. Their tag line? Fashion is not a luxury, it's a right.

What? Seriously...dresses, cashmere sweaters, jeans, accessories, knit tops and more are said to create the bulk of this 500 piece collection, due out in June. The above picture shows a sneak peek at what we can expect from this line, which appears to be casual but contemporary.

I, for one, am now ecstatic. This is the type of revolutionary idea that us budgeting fashionista's have been long suffering for. What do you think, will SJP's line be uber chic, or more Target couture?

Dos & Dots for Spring 2007

I don’t know about you, but polka dots just make me feel happy! Is it the sight of this fun pattern or the immediate association of the music that conjures up these happy feelings? Likely it's a combination of both. Dots first became popular on clothing in Britain at the same time that polka music became popular. The pattern is thought to be named after the music. According to Wikipedia, “Polka music, and its corresponding dance, became the height of fashion in Prague in 1835, arriving in London in 1842. The first recorded instance of "polka dot" was in 1884. It was named after the dance, probably because the clothes became fashionable at the same time. The word derives from the Czech word for a polish woman, although it may also owe its origin the the Czech word "pulka", meaning half, as in the half-steps in Bohemian peasant dances."

Fast forward to 2007 Spring Fashion and it’s still popular as demonstrated by designers such as Chanel.

style.com Spring 2007 Ready to Wear Fashion Shows

Polka dots prove they have a sophisticated side too as demonstrated by Ashlee Simpson and Kiera Knightley.

So in celebration of polka dots, check out these Dos & Dots for spring.

Pink Tartan Polka Dot Dress at Neiman Marcus - $465.00

Bettye Muller Polka Dot Slingbacks at Bergdorf Goodman - $410.00

Polka Dot Head Scarf at Target - $6.99

Polka Dot Satchel at La Belle Dolce - $59.99

Belle's Buys: Silver Bow Belt

Rosario Dawson (source)


















Silver Bow Belt, $30.00

I was so inspired by Rosario Dawson's full on silver ensemble that I had to search for a little bit of the shiny stuff for myself. While I am not ready for a full-on aluminum outfit, I did want to add some sparkle to my wardrobe and got my fix from this silver bow belt from Shopintuition. Cinched over a dress or tunic, this is the perfect addition to my evening look.

So what do you think of the belted look? Is it a little too 80's and a little bit overdone? And what about silver-wear? Should the shiny stuff be left to accessories only, or can you really go all out like Rosario and do silver all over?

Either way, this baby will be accompanying me when I go out dancing this Friday. Happy fashion hunting!

Love,

Belle

Weekly Special @ La Belle Dolce

10% OFF All MISO Pretty Beauty Products @ La Belle Dolce

Visit La Belle Dolce soon to take advantage of this week’s special where all MISO Pretty Beauty Products are 10% OFF!

MISO Pretty’s special combination of orchid and thyme scents is your alluring companion with a deluxe and exotic blend of botanicals featuring bamboo oil extract, crushed pearl powder and sea kelp.

My personal favorite of the line is the MISO Pretty Body Mist. Its Peony Scent is exactly what I was looking for after Banana Republic stopped producing their Peony Body Mist. Doesn’t that always happen?! Your favorite product always seems to be the one discontinued without any warning to buy in bulk and stock up! Oh well......

Not only do I love the scents and products overall, but just look at this packaging. How cute!

MISO Pretty Body Mist - $8.99

Now it’s not too early to think about that perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Our MISO Pretty Bath and Beauty Gift Sets would make a great gift to introduce that special mom to a line as beautiful and unique and she is!

MISO Pretty Waves of Beauty Gift Set - $26.99



MISO Pretty Ship Shap Gift Set - $26.99

Click Here to get yours today!

Do or Don't? High-waisted Jeans

Fergie Ferg in some high-waisted denim (source)



Geri Halliwell, AKA, Ginger Spice in high blue trousers

Lately, high-waisted jeans have been sneaking into the fashion world again via Hollywood starlets and celebs. The extreme opposite of ultra low-rise jeans that took the fashion world by storm a few years ago, these jeans are one part granny pants and one part 70's fashion throwback.

If you are going to brave the high-waisted look, here are a few suggestions:

1) Make sure you have a toned tummy: If you have any sort of spare tire whatsoever, these jeans will accentuate it.

2) Take them to the disco: High-waisted jeans are so uncommon these days, they are best saved for nights out, paired with sparkly tops and hand jives.

3) Wear a heel: Or, you know, platform shoes, because the length of these pants will also likely run long, and will look better with a heel.

4) Go dark: The darker the denim with high-waisted pants, the better.

5) Get a good fit: Don't squeeze into those jeans too tightly...Fergie Ferg may be pushing it a little. Give yourself some room to breathe or you may find yourself creating unattractive bulges.

So what do you think of this been there, done that, hope it doesn't really come back trend? Yay or nay?

New Designer on the Block: SJP

Sarah Jessica Parker: Actress, mom, designer (photo source)

Sarah Jessica Parker, or SJP as I like to call her, has been a fashion icon for many American women for almost a decade now. Actress, mom, and all around chic lady, SJP has recently added "designer" to her resume as well.

That's right, the woman that made micro dresses and giant flower pins fashion musts is now bringing us some designs of her own. Information right now is scarce, such as exactly when her line will be released, what price points they will start at, market and more, but for now, we do know that her line will be called "Bitten."

According to Instyle magazine, her line should hit stores this summer and features casual wear, accesories and intimates. I for one, can not wait. I imagine it to be very New York influenced featuring bright colors, clean lines and luxe fabrics.

So what do you think...will SJP's line be the hottest thing since wedge heels, or is it all just hype?

Couture Avenue Contest: What’s in your handbag?

I got to thinking yesterday as I spent about five minutes digging through my purse looking for my keys; am I only the only one who carries such random and duplicate stuff in my bag? Do I really need to choose between Vanilla Bean, Sweat Pea, Cucumber Melon or Country Apple hand sanitizer? The answer is yes and I carry all four full-size bottles in my bag. I like to have a choice and I’ll be ready just in case an entire sports team needs to clean up a bit before dinner. Speaking of dinner; I’m an ice tea without sugar kind of gal but my good friend Rob prefers his with the blue packet sweetener Equal. So, I carry those little blue packet sweeteners in my purse just in case we’re at a restaurant that doesn’t have it. Now initially it may seem like a sweet gesture, but my friend Rob lives in Texas 1500 miles away from me! But I will be ready just in case! I decided not to beat myself up over the 12 different color hair ties, 5 flavors of lip gloss or 3 pair of sunglasses that I carry in my purse. I also continue to see the wisdom in carrying keys that I don’t have a clue as to what they open, an unopened tire pressure gauge, and the remote for the radio in my convertible that I have yet to use. Why not leave it in the car with the radio? I don’t know. It feels necessary to carry it in my purse and it reminds me of my fabulous friend Kelly who taught me all about the importance of a good radio system with a sound bar in a convertible.

As I continued to sift through my bag, I came across a little paper ring with the letter O on it that my nephew made for me when he was six. He had carefully cut out and taped together paper exactly the size of my right ring finger and colored the letter O on it which was his favorite letter that day. I remembered how that little O ring enabled me to win a contest at a PartyLight gathering I had attended. In this contest, you had to come up with contents in your purse that started with all of the letters in the word LOVE. Most everyone had lipstick, visa cards, eyeglasses and such but no-one had anything in their bag that started with the letter O except for me. So with my Luscious Lemon Lip Gloss, Vanilla Bean Hand Sanitizer, Equal Blue Packet Sweetener, and my little O ring, I won the contest! Silly but fun. So I thought, why not do this on the blog!

Cherry Print Bag at La Belle Dolce

So here is your chance ladies to be celebrated for the contents of your purse. What do you have in your handbag that starts with the letter O?

Send us an email telling us what you carry in your bag that starts with the letter O to be entered in the contest. All entries will be placed in a drawing to win this cute Melie Bianco Cherry Print purse perfect for spring. All we ask, is that if you are the winner, that you send us a photo we can share on the blog with your O item. We will announce the winner of our contest here on the blog next week.

Submit your entry by emailing us at La Belle Dolce with the item in your bag that starts with the letter O by Saturday, March 17, 2007.

Check back to see the most popular O items in Couture Avenue reader’s bags! Good Luck!

Fabulous is the new Haute: Statement Making Tee's

Fabulous Tee, $14.99

Let everyone in on the secret that you already know and announce to the world that you are fabulous with this comfy yet couture tee. In commemoration of Target's new "fabu-less" campaign, this is our highlighted tee of the week, and is only $14.99! Available in heather gray and heather blue only, this tee is the perfect staple for any fashionista's wardrobe.

Believe Fitted Tee, $29.99

Want to make another awesome statement? Then show your support for breast cancer awareness with one of La Belle Dolce's "I Care" or "I Believe" pink ribbon tee's. This is the perfect top to wear while coming out for breast cancer awareness events and walks, or just to wear to show that you are consciously aware of an important cause, and fashionable.

Want to take your statement beyond the closet? Then check out The Breast Cancer 3-Day Website to see how you can make a difference.

Belle's Buys: Modal Rules

V-Neck Top from The Loft, $19.99

Hello fashion mavens! This week, I want to let you in on a little deal that I found at The Loft. Ann Taylor and The Loft are favorites of celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Anniston, and now they are one of my favorites too!

One of the main reasons that I love The Loft so is because they use a fabric called modal in a number of their blouses and dresses. Modal is a bio-based textile made from beech tree cellulose, and is similar to rayon. It is almost magical because it is butter soft, doesn't pill, is resistant to damage when washed and is super comfortable and flattering. I may never go back to cotton again.

Lets just put it this way...I got the cream version of the above top and wore it to dinner with a girlfriend this weekend. Naturally, some of the sauce from my jambalaya splashed onto my new top. However, the orange oily sauce magically washed away and didn't stain when I hand washed it with some dish soap. Genius!

Check out The Loft for yourself for uber cute and comfy clothes in the most magical fabric in the world...modal!

Love,

Belle

Bumble Bee Beauties

Melie Bianco Convertible Clutch $59.99




















Jessica Biel




















Mischa Barton (source)

Spring's most surprising new color combination is black, white and yellow. Stars like Mischa Barton and Jessica Biel are buzzing around this scheme (sorry, bad pun). Fresh and chic, this color combo has to be done just right, or you risk looking more like an insect instead of a fab fashionista.

Opt for clean lines and geometric prints with your black, white and yellow, and keep accessories and shoes streamlined. We love how both Mischa and Jessica opted for peep-toe sling back wedges to go with their dresses.

Not ready to go full on bumble bee? Then just add a little dash of yellow to a black dress or white shirt and jeans with this totally cute yellow leather bag from Melie Bianco.

Hot New Trend: Gold Dresses

Halle Berry (source)




















Solid Gold: Lucy Liu, Thandie Newton and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (source)

Stars are clamoring for metallic looks, especially when it comes to slinky cocktail dresses. Not an easy look to pull off, gold frocks are perfect for almost any event, and can be worn by almost any shape.

If you want to conceal a tummy or hips, a shift like Jamie-Lynn Siglers is just the right thing. If you want to make a small bust look larger, then go for rouching or details at the chest like Lucy Liu's dress. However, if you are confident about your figure, go for a dress like Thandie Newton's, if not, stay away from the super clingy because it will show everything!

However, the ultimate dress for almost any body type has to be the now famous dress that Halle Berry wore to the Oscars. While Halle could make a paper bag look good, this dress is beyond beautiful and would look good on almost anyone.

What do you think about the gold dress trend? Yay or nay?

Be Ugly and empower girls!

ABC is teaming up with Girls Inc. to inspire girls to be smart, strong and bold! Together they have kicked off a campaign “BE UGLY ‘07”. The campaign’s initiative is to encourage girls to be proud of who they are and stay real just like Betty! America Ferrera was on hand to kick off the campaign last month.

Girls Inc., formerly known as the Girls Club of America, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Established in 1864, Girls Inc. provides educational programs to millions of girls in addition to providing them innovative programs to help confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential. Girls Inc. helps prepare girls in America to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Click Here to learn more about Girls Inc. For any of you reading this with daughters, be sure check out their website for girls.

BE UGLY Shirt - $24.95

Come on girls; let’s get together and support this campaign. Make a donation to Girls Inc. today! Another fun and easy way to support this campaign is to get yourself this great BE UGLY shirt. ABC is donating all net proceeds to Girls Inc.

Belle's Buys, Marc Jacobs for St. Patrick's Day!

Marc Jacobs Flower Silk Crepe Top, $248.00

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and I look for any excuse that I can get to buy a new item from Marc Jacobs! Lucky for me, I found this uber-cute silk top with just the right amount of green to keep me from getting pinched by a leprechaun.

Want to celebrate the spirit of St. Patty's Day without spending a fortune? Then check out La Belle Dolce for affordable and cute steals and deals. We suggest a very Irish looking Boston Celtics Tee...only $24.99!

Don't feel like decking yourself out completely in green? Then don a pair of emerald earrings, add a green silk scarf to your hair or let a fun pair of green stockings peek out of your knee high boots. Happy hunting!

Love,

Belle

Weekly Special @ La Belle Dolce

Visit La Belle Dolce soon to take advantage of this week’s special where all Adina Celebrity Jewelry is 10% Off!

Adina has a huge celebrity following including Jennifer Aniston, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, and Debra Messing. Her work can be also be seen on the stars of hit television shows such as CSI, Las Vegas, Desperate Housewives, and Medium, among others.

Whatever the occasion, from day to night, Adina’s pieces are the perfect accessory — they are understated and complement any personal style. Each of her pieces can be worn separately or can be layered for a totally different and dramatic look.

Click Here to order yours today!

Steal This Look: Mary Kate Olsens Red Purse

Mary Kate Olsen with her signature red quilted Chanel purse (source)




















Red Suede Bag from Melie Bianco $54.99

Recently, Mary Kate Olsen wrote an essay on how much she absolutely loved her red quilted Chanel bag. While we have to question why she wore it with certain outfits (the gold dress?) it is an absolutely gorgeous bag. Chic, clean, and not too big, this bag is the perfect spring accessory and is in a fun and bright color.

However, unlike MK, we all can't drop $1,000 + on designers purses all the time (as much as we would like to!). Thankfully, you can steal the look from Melie Bianco with one of their convertible suede bags for around $50. So cute with jeans and a tee or even a little black dress, unlike MK's version, this one can be worn over the shoulder or as a clutch.

Check out all of Melie Bianco's bags on La Belle Dolce for even more fabulous celebrity inspired looks and accessories.