Shhhhh!

Topshop have a hidden gem in their Oxford Circus and NY stores, the secret store. looking like a kitsch overloaded florist, I wasn't sure if I was allowed in. When my curiosity pushed me in, I found designer collaborations from the likes of Michael Van Der Ham, Nasir Mazhar and Pamela Love. The store is only open for two weeks from the 26th May but everything can be bought on www.topshop.com My favourite were the paint drenched floral vases from Meadham and Kirchoff, a little snoop in there is a must!

Rihanna to Design for Topshop? [Rumor Mill]

The latest celebrity to call themselves a designer? Rihanna...maybe. The pop princess could be following in Kate Moss' footsteps with a line for Topshop, and I'm happy about it.

From her daring hairstyles to her look-at-me red carpet moments, Rihanna has proven herself worthy of designing, don't you think? And it's a logical next step after launching her fragrance (in stores in Feb 2011) in that adorable upside down heel bottle...

Also, Rihanna's unique blend of trendy and chic is a perfect fit for Topshop's sophisticated, fashion-conscious consumers.

Where is this coming from, you ask? Well, the newly-single star was spotted dining in Barbados with Simon Cowell and Topshop owner, Sir Phillip Green who launched Kate Moss' line. Rih also held a contest with them in the Fall (remember, when she wore that glamazing tulle skirt (above)?).

What do you think about the collaboration? Would you shop from Rihanna's Topshop line? Do you think she'd make a good designer?

Kisses,

Coutura


Source

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

GLAM OR SHAM?: Rihanna's Fashion Week Style

You can always count on Rihanna to make a fashion statement whether she's mixing prints or rocking her fire-red hair in a French Roll. Last season, during Fashion Week, she blew us away with her high-end, rock &roll looks but this time around, she seems to be embracing Fall's ladylike trend. And she's getting mixed responses.

My opinion? Ever since she started wearing her hair long, she's been off. She was out recently with just a blazer, a wide-brimmed fedora and Wolford leopard print knee socks. Okay...

Then, she showed up to her Topshop event (where competition winners were styled by her as a prize) in a Stella McCartney blazer, She Died of Perfection tee, tulle skirt and Marni pumps. Love the clash of a girly tulle skirt with a tough blazer but the fit is off. The blazer should be shorter. Also, the socks with pumps trend is supercool, but with this outfit, it is complete overload. One trend at a time, Rihanna. Not her best moment.

Next, we spotted her out with boyfriend Matt Kemp in a floral Stella McCartney suit and pumps. The shorter hemline helped here, but not a fan of the florals. Seemed like she should have been headed to church on Easter Sunday, not date night.

And lastly, Rihanna made an appearance at the Miu Miu Spring 2011 show in a long floral dress with a plunging neckline, blue socks and red pumps. Sigh. The demure hem and racy neckline clash for me, and not in a good way. Plus the florals, socks and dark color all make her look dowdy. She's a gorgeous, stylish woman with a perfect body; this does nothing to compliment it.

What do you think of Rihanna's style during Fashion Week? Is it an upgrade from last year? Glam or Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

Swim 2010.

American Apparel

In preparing for my travels I went swimwear shopping, I love buying bikinis. Fitting into various shapes and styles is not an issue for me, unlike some of my friends who struggle, and are forced into shops and styles they would rather not go into. I purchased in my first shop in H&M. Hot baby pink and bright royal blue stripes, with a rouch in the centre of the top, at £7.99 a piece I couldnt resist. I dont need bikinis I just adore them, i have millions, but the fact is you associate them with holiday, and your probably had the best time on holiday, so theres just too many good connotations attached! Here is what else I found whilst shopping...

H&M, Topshop and Agent Provocateur.

Treats.

Being British there is one thing I am thankful for, Topshop. When I spent a few months living in France, there were no high street shops satisfy my shopping needs. Firstly the French chains are not even worth looking at unless you want to take the 'chava' elements of England, throw in some euro (trash...pvc, fur trimmed, bubblejacket anyone?) and add a few harsh prints. Then you have the international stores such as Zara, H&M, and Mango, which again adopt a slight euro distaste or a uniformed blandness. The elegant department store of Pritemps, Paris which catered for the young trendy shopper has rid itself of these such brands and so the feeble and sporadic highstreet stores in Frances high-street are alien when compared to the great high-street of Britain.

I also like the fact that Topshop is accessible to the whole of England, to all the aspiring fashion tweenies, and to those who live in the sticks. Although my friend doing a buying placement at Topshop, did mention they save some of that extra special stock for the London stores...the absolute cheek of it. However, I like the on trend, fun, affordable fashion it gives our nation, and this applies to the lingerie too, its fun, cute and sexy. Nowhere else produces on trend lingerie pieces that can be afforded and reached by the masses. The fit and quality might not be the best, but lets not take it too seriously and we will all enjoy it! My favourite pieces in store at the moment are pictured above.