Designer Crush: Gasoline Glamour's Pumps are Moving Works of Art

 You thought shoes with studs are cool? How about mirrors, masks and bullets? Yes, I said bullets. Gasoline Glamour boasts jewelry, clothing and accessories but the shoes are what have me head over heels.

Some dripping with chains, flanked with bullets, covered with spiders, these shoes are bursting at each metallic seam with creativity. But this is no art project; the platform heels, iridescent metallic hue and artfully placed adornments make these shoes polished and chic.

Model Eva Pigford recently wore a stunning, studded pair of Gasoline Glamour heels to the BET Awards and she rightfully had all eyes on her. However, her shoes pale in comparison to some of the other styles, including a shoe decorated with lollipops that has Nicki Minaj's name all over it.

Fantastical, fun, wild and highly-creative, these are the shoes fashion-loving women choose to make a lasting statement. Check out my favorites below---and see the whole collection at www.gasolineglamour.com.

 Kisses,

Coutura

Designer Crush: Rihanna and Coutura are Lusting Over Johnny Vincent Swimwear

When it's time for Rihanna to hit the beach in Barbados, and me to go for a swim in Miami, we both turn to Johnny Vincent swimwear. From an adorably chic pink ruffled bikini to a sleek, sultry black one-piece, Johnny Vincent's designs are for fashion mavens who like all eyes on them.

The designer, Celeste Johnny, gives every swimsuit a unique, Caribbean flair that commands attention. My favorite? A sizzling sexy animal print v-neck one-piece that's essentially a wrap dress in swimsuit form!

Whether lounging poolside in Vegas or swimming in clear water on a tropical island, you'll stand out in these spectacular swimsuits.

Scroll down for some of my favorite pieces and check out the fashion show from BET's Rip the Runway. Visit Johnny Vincent Online to view the full collection.

Kisses,

Coutura

Designer Crush: TZEN Jewelry

If there's any fashion item that makes Hollywood actresses look glamorous, it's beautiful jewelry. Celebrities turn to elegant earrings, necklaces and bracelets to up the glam factor for the red carpet. Their latest jewelry designer of choice? Julie Liu of TZEN Jewelry.

The designer, loved by Kelly Rutherford and Law and Order's Tamara Tunie, has an eye for all things beautiful and elegant. Set in 18K gold or silver overlay, Lui's jewelry pieces feature brightly-colored, semi-precious stones for a look as dainty as it is energetic and bold.

Exquisite and eye-catching designs, like the celebrity favorite True Blue Earrings (below), are only a portion of what makes the brand so special.

Stars flock to TZEN for the versatility of the handcrafted pieces, like necklaces that can be worn formally as a choker and casually as a long, layered necklace. Below, Kelly Rutherford casually layered the TZEN tourmaline necklace in L.A.

TZEN even offers an enhancer that lets you turn a layered necklace into a chain with a pendant, giving the piece new and revitalized interest.

Details like black sapphire wrapped in gold and green gemstones flanked by diamond cut crystals make each piece a wearable work of art. Even one of the more affordable pieces of the line, the Incantato floral ring, can be stacked to resemble a bouquet of rose, white and yellow gold flowers. Gorgeous! As you can see, each piece has a special quality that makes it stand out among other luxury jewelry designs.

The conversation-starters are as stunning as they are unique; Lui does not mass produce the line, but rather offers 50 pieces of each style to ensure the jewelry is rare and one-of-a-kind.

And the best part: TZEN is moderately priced for a high-end couture jewelry line yet still looks opulent, luxurious and expensive. Visit http://www.tzenboutique.com/ for more information on the brand.

At the Fences premiere, Viola Davis wore the Tzen ring and Tzen True Blue earrings (above). Just gorgeous!

Kisses,


Coutura

Earth Day Designer Crush: Sosume

Sosume is the one eco-friendly designer you need to know.

The 100% eco-friendly knitwear brand is one of the few that don't compromise style in their mission to give back to the environment. 

Every look in the Summer 2010 collection is youthful and trendy from deep v-neck shirts to harem sweatpants. The silhouettes---like minidresses and off-the-shoulder tops---are flirty and fun. Even better, the pieces feel luxurious, comfy and soft against the skin. Finally, a brand that is as stylish as it is eco-conscious. I'm in love.

And by the way, eco-conscious is an understatement. Sosume is passionately dedicated to the cause of helping the environment from construction to donations. Each piece in the collection is comprised of organic and natural fabrics from the most accredited mills around the world. (Read: the fabric is natural but of the highest quality). 

And on top of that, they give three percent of the proceeds of each garment to the Bush Heritage Fund and the Wilderness Society in Australia, two charities that promote and aid sustainable development and practices. 


Check out some pieces from Summer 2010 below and visit www.sosumeclothing.com to shop the collection:

When it comes to eco-friendly clothing, Sosume is at the head of the class. Alex Trimmer, the leader of the four designers behind the line, shares Sosume's winning philosophy:

“The underpinning philosophy is to create garments that we want to wear…consumers who are well educated, knowledgeable in textiles and design, and appreciate great quality garment construction.”

I'm sure eco-conscious, stylish women everywhere will fall head over heels for this brand the same way I did. The style, quality and dedication to the environment is unparalleled.

What do you think of our new designer crush, Glamazons? Are you smitten?

Kisses,

Coutura

Designer Crush: Kebero by Kellia Kebero

The latest designer brand to woo us with a fresh and creative vision? Kebero by Kellia Kebero. The look artfully blends bohemian chic with luxurious fabrics and modern silhouettes.

Kebero's aesthetic is bold, edgy and glamorous with looks that are perfect for young trendsetters who like to make a statement through fashion.

Though trendy with metallic, sheer and studded flourishes, the silhouettes like a nude draped dress or belted leather jacket are timeless and feminine.

While the fit is impeccable, what's truly special about the collection are the details like faux fur collars and studded draped sleeves. Not to mention, Kellia Kebero's expert use of the leather fabric is nothing short of phenomenal.

My favorite looks? A leather jacket that expertly mixes feminine and masculine with a tough oversized gold studded collar and a slightly flared hem. Brilliant!

And possibly the most striking piece of the entire collection is a black one-shoulder minidress tastefully adorned with studs and sophisticated sheer cut-outs.

For more on Kebero by Kellia Kebero, check out the site: www.kebero.com.

Kisses,

Coutura

Designer Crush: Jasmine Pennamma

Imagine that it's Fashion Week. You're on the VIP list for a swanky evening party, and all the hottest celebrities will be in attendance. To look the part, you put your most fabulous dress---the one that everyone compliments---in the cleaner's. And now, the day of the soiree, the cleaner's is closed.

Most fashionistas would immediately have a nervous breakdown. Not Jasmine Pennamma.

The resourceful style maven wore a white shirt and jeans and made some spellbinding, statement-making jewelry on the spot. No one could stop talking about Jasmine's incredible jewels. And as a designer, if the Fashion Week crowd loves you, you're IN. The rest is history.

Jasmine Pennamma's line of jewelry combines the glamour and grit of New York City with the carefree, natural feel of the West Coast.

The handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces are a melange of earthy charm and street chic: turquoise, jade and opalite stones in modern styles like bold, cocktail rings and chain link necklaces.

My favorite piece from the collection is this edgy two-finger ring which is connected by a delicate gold chain and adorned with exquisite precious stones. It encapsulates the modern fashionista's personality to a tee: bold, feminine and effortlessly cool.

This line is perfect for the girl who was born to stand out. She's a little bit tough luxe, a tad pretty and 100% glamorous. Go to www.jasminepennama.com for more information on the designer and to shop the collection, which ranges from $90 to $285.

Kisses,

Coutura