Look 1: Rachel Bilson’s Cover Look

Bilson looks fun and flirty on the magazine’s cover image in a hot pink Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress. Accent jewelry, tousled waves and smoky eyes make the look classy but not overdone, which is a great approach to the spring and summer seasons. Take a cue from Cosmopolitan when you accessorize your outfits this summer: If you’re going for a bold dress or an elaborate eyeliner trick, stay simple with your shoes and accessories or with the rest of your hair and makeup.

Rachel Bilson in Cosmopolitan Magazine, May 2013. Photo credit

This look is inspired by Rachel’s cover look. This awesome feather dress is elegant yet edgy when paired with black, ankle-strap sandals and a bold statement ring.

Look 2: Crop Top with Jewelry

Rachel Bilson in Cosmopolitan Magazine, May 2013. Photo credit

Inspired by one of Bilson’s outfits in the magazine, this look pairs multicolored tribal pants with a cropped, green top, tan sandals, a bold orange statement necklace and cute starfish earrings.

Look 3: Winged Eyeliner, Tousled Waves, Hot Pink Bra and Orange Bustier Top

Rachel Bilson in Cosmopolitan Magazine, May 2013. Photo credit

This look pairs a flirty pink bra with a red dress, gold pumps and jewelry. Achieve Rachel’s smoky eyes with a kohl liner.

Which of Rachel Bilson’s cover looks (or film roles!) is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section!

The post Cover Girls: Rachel Bilson on Cosmpolitan May 2013 appeared first on CocoKouture - Fashion, style, and trends - cocokouture.com.

KNITTED ‘A’ RIB CARDI, Price: $80.00. Topshop.

Here at CocoKouture, our love for cardigans grows with the turn of each season, and this spring is no exception. We have spotted many trendy, affordable and spring-ready cardigans both online and in stores. Listed below are our ten favorites. They are all so trendy and perfect for spring that we can’t get enough!

• We love this cardigan for days we want to feel as elegant as a princess. Ted Baker Ettia Cardigan, $168, ASOS.com
• Nothing is more fun for a chilly evening than this sporty cardigan. TopShop Knitted “A” Rib Cardi, $80, TopShop.com
• Try an edgy pattern to contrast with your usual spring color palette. ModCloth Dia de los Muertos Cardigan in Black, $49.99, ModCloth.com
• Let the sunny color do all the talking with this simple cardigan. Halogen Three Quarter Sleeve Cardigan in Lime Sulfur, $46, Nordstrom.com
• Sometimes a girl just wants to feel delicate and sweet. Crochet Collar Cardigan in Mint/Cream, $19.80, Forever21.com
• Channel your inner bohemian goddess with this lengthy cardigan. Ecote Long Open Cardigan, $44, urbanoutfitters.com
• Yell “Aye, aye, captian!” in this nautical-inspired look. ModCloth Right Aweigh Cardigan, $47.99, ModCloth.com
• Work it like Picasso in this artsy cardigan. Staring at Stars Tie Dye Cardigan, $49, urbanoutfitters.com
• Cuddle with a cutie in this cozy piece. ASOS Cardigan in Fluffy Texture in Cream, &76.36, ASOS.com
• Stay on trend and looking chic with black and white stripes. J. Crew Collection Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan in Stripe in Navy Blush, $238, jcrew.com

Will you be rocking cardigans this season, CK girls? Let us know how you plan to style them this summer!

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Chambray differs from denim, as it is not a twill fabric, which keeps it lightweight and breathable. What was once a mandatory naval uniform is getting a face-lift! Our Fad of the Week switches up the go-to, button up chambray with a newly coveted, patterned look. As much as we love our staple chambrays, it’s a fun change to spark your personality with these new patterns. As popularity rises, the choices are endless – polka dot, floral, nautical, animal-themed, you name it!

Self-Tie Paisley Chambray Shirt, $24.80. Forever 21.

1. Self-Tie Paisley Chambray

If this isn’t starting off with a bang, we don’t know what is. This midriff-baring number takes the patterned chambray to an extreme, and we love it. An affordable option from Forever 21, this tied button up can be paired with colored jeans for a great, casual look.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Dotty Chambray Shirt

This sleeveless, collared shirt is on the higher end but gives the option of being dressed-up or dressed-down. We particularly love the neon polka dots, another change from the norm!

3. Anchor Print Chambray Shirt

Let’s not forget about the men in our lives. A nod back to its naval roots, this anchor printed button-up provides a casual feel without going overboard (pun intended!).

Whether you want to dress it up or dress it down, embrace the change that is headed your way. It won’t be hard to channel your personality with these great new patterns. Explore, Wear, Repeat!

The post Fad of the Week: Patterned Chambray Shirts appeared first on CocoKouture - Fashion, style, and trends - cocokouture.com.

Betsey and Lulu Johnson of XOX Betsey Johnson

This show is a new beginning for Betsey and Lulu as it explores the career changes the two went through after Betsey filed for bankruptcy and closed all her stores last year (tear tear). “This has been a fresh start for my mother and I – and change and fresh starts can be scary, exciting and fun.” says Lulu Johnson. There is definitely a reason for this fresh start to be tons of fun because Betsey is now working with infamous shoe and accessories designer, Steve Madden, to stabilize her brand and take it to even more glorious heights and Lulu is working on producing her own clothing line! We see the mother and daughter’s careers blossom and unfold in new and thrilling ways which is what makes this show a must-watch!

For Lulu Johnson, stepping out of her mother’s shadow and establishing her own brand by creating her own clothing line was a big choice and is a center point of this hot new show! Surprisingly, Lulu didn’t grow up with dreams of designing clothing. “Family has always come first for me. I never grew up saying I wanted to be a fashion designer. I grew up saying I wanted to be a mother and a wife.” Of course learning about the fashion industry first-hand from her mother made Lulu fall in love with the world of style and Lulu says  “it got to a point where I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. Creating a line wassomething I realized later on in life I wanted to master.” And she is mastering it! Is Lulu’s design aesthetic uber girly meets edgy rocker princess like her mother’s?  “I grew up with petticoats for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” laughs Lulu “I have been influenced by my mother’s fun, flirtatious, sexy style, but I am a little more reserved and a little more modern. I feel like less is more and so my line is definitely going to be sexy and fresh and feminine and bold but not as young and ruffly and petticoat-y!” says the designer.

It may sound as though Lulu’s road to becoming an industry icon like her mother was as easy as pirouetting over a candy-coated cupcake, but it wasn’t, “It’s easy to think that because you’re Betsey Johnson’s daughter things will just fall into your lap. Like you can just snap your fingers and have a clothing collection overnight.” exclaims Lulu “However, the reality is I had to take meetings and work hard as anyone else would have to in a similar position. Sure, I had a few more connections than the average person, but I had to prove that I really do have what it takes to make it, and this show exhibits just that.” Lulu Johnson is serious about making a name for herself in the fashion industry and she knows it isn’t just about parties, runway shows and expensive clothes “you have to work really hard. This show really shows how it (the industry) is not just fun and games: to succeed, you have to work for it.”

There is no denying “XOX Betsey Johnson” is the hottest show to tune in to this Spring and the fashion journies that Lulu and Betsey embark on in this TV show are totally amazing and inspiring. This fearless mom and daughter duo are fabulous for reality TV as they are a blast to watch and their lives are so much fun you can’t help but wish you were a part of them. What’s the ultimate reason to turn in to the rocking new show “XOX Betsey Johnson”? We will let fashionista Lulu Johnson do the talking: “we have so much fun… we laugh, we cry!  We are really open and honest with each other. We are just perfect for reality TV because we don’t give a shit, which is the #1 reason why people will love to tune in.”

Lulu Johnson

Learn more about what it was like to film XOX Betsey Johnson and the unique dynamic between Lulu and her mother Betsey in CK’s interview with Lulu Johnson…

CK: How would you describe the premiere season of “XOX Betsey Johnson”, and what can fans expect?
LJ: What is wonderful is that my mother and I have each other’s “back” all the time, and throughout the season you see us riding this roller coaster ride called life. It has been great to always have the one of a kind, amazing relationship that my mother and I have. This is a show that a lot of mothers and daughters can relate to.

CK: Where is the season filmed?
LJ: I’m born and bred in Manhattan, New York – so that is where the majority of the season takes place!

CK: Who do you spend time with on camera?
LJ: I don’t interact with too many business associates on the show… you’ll see more of me chatting with my girlfriends about my work and about life!

CK: Was it hard to adjust to cameras in your daily life?
LJ: I’m not bothered by cameras whatsoever! When you spend a day with Betsey Johnson, there are people constantly stopping her and staring at her – and she’s my mother – so I understand what it is like to be in the spotlight. I was raised backstage at fashion shows, photo shoots and interviews (so I’m pretty comfortable on camera) and when I am with my mother I am used to being watched.

CK: What TV shows/ pop culture interests that influenced the way you wanted your show to be?
LJ: I have always been obsessed with reality TV. Just look at shows like “Real Housewives” – you feel like you can relate to some of the relationships – yet it is also an escape. I’m also obsessed with the show “Girls” because I think it is the most real thing on television right now.

CK: Who are your style icons?
LJ: I always say that women of the 50s such as Marilyn Monroe and Bridget Bardot… women that were the epitome of what a woman should be: sexy and flirtatious! I love the clothing that women wore that accented and highlighted a woman’s body. I have art work of Marilyn all over my apartment… she’s an obsession of mine!

CK: What are your goal’s for your clothing line?
LJ: I hope my clothing line is something that my friends can wear, but also that young women want to wear. I’d love to collaborate with my mother one day… but I don’t know if that’s something that will happen. I want to do everything… children’s clothes! Things don’t happen overnight, but if you’re lucky enough to show your collections in creative venues, that’s great. I already have an idea of where I want my first fashion show to be. (top secret!)

CK: What is the #1 reason fans of you and your mother should turn in to “Xox Betsey Johnson” this May?
LJ: We have so much fun… we laugh, we cry! What I love most about our show is that It’s not about a group of women bantering and backstabbing each other, it is about a relationship that everyone can relate to. We have fun! We are really open and honest with each other. We are just perfect for reality TV because we don’t give a shit, which is the #1 reason why people will love to tune in.

Fun Facts About Lulu…

1. My favorite color is… turquoise.
2. I cannot live without… lip gloss.
3. My Favorite city is… New York City. I haven’t lived anywhere else!
4. A day in the life of Lulu always includes… waking up and kissing my kids. Waking up to my children is the best thing ever.
5. If I had one day left to live… I would spend it with my kids. Waking up with them and putting them to bed!
6. What is one fact people don’t know about me… I love dancing more than anything! I think people think I’m super conservative compared to my mother, but I can actually be much crazier than her…people just don’t know it!

Be sure to tune in to “XOX Betsey Johnson” on May 12th!

The post Exclusive Interview With Lulu Johnson of New Style Network Show “XOX Betsey Johnson” appeared first on CocoKouture - Fashion, style, and trends - cocokouture.com.

This is true in her latest collection for Fall 2013 which is called Circle Game inspired by Joni Mitchell and her song Circle Game. Pieces in the collection are representative of  the cycle of life. The collection also draws inspiration from Native American influences and the Southwest. The collection consists of amazing statement jewelry including circular and spike elements. There are an assortment of earrings, rings, cuffs, belts, necklaces and bracelets perfect for the free-spirited fashionista.  Her collections are made in the USA and use local materials. Her collections are available online or at specialty shops throughout the US.

Credit: the2bandits.com

Tamar Wider also is working on a project called the Leo Project which are part of her Fall 2013 2Bandits Circle Game collection. She has designed bracelets called Leo’s Sticks and Leo’s arrow in honor of the loss of her close friends’ son Leo. The bracelets range from $55 to $118 and 20% of the proceeds go to the MISS Foundation which helps a community of grieving parents who have lost a child.  The 2Bandits’ Leo Project is definitely fashion for a great cause that helps families through the grieving process.

Credit: the2bandits.com

If her Fall 2013 collection and Leo Project weren’t another to get your the 2Bandits jewelry fix, here is another exciting 2 Bandits collection for you! At the moment, Tamar is also involved in collaboration with Rebecca Taylor comprising of unique feminine yet vintage pieces perfect for your wardrobe. Standout pieces include silver spiked earrings and moonshine spike earrings. The capsule collection features gold and silver paired with pearly stones and ranges from $115 to $ 155. It is available for purchase on rebeccataylor.com.  Here at CK, we look forward to Tamar’s next collection for 2Bandits – and we are sure it will be to die for!

The post Brand Spotter: The 2 Bandits appeared first on CocoKouture - Fashion, style, and trends - cocokouture.com.

Katie Gallagher. Photo from katiegallagher.com

She studied design at the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a BA in 2009. She has been working on her brand ever since. With eight collections under her belt, Katie Gallagher has become a strong, known brand. Her A/W 13 collection, entitled THE WINTER FROZE YOU AWAY, was bold and dark. With wool skirts, wool coats and laser cut outlines of tree branches in winter, the collection was eclectic and sexy.

She has also engaged in brand extension with a diffusion line, Katie by Katie Gallagher which consists of tops, bottoms, dresses and unique pieces of jewelry.

Katie can be described as eccentric ever since she was a kid and would wear her pet cat on her head! Her creative process is also quite interesting. She has said, “Everything I make starts with my paintings, which I’ve done every season prior to construction. I love to try to re-create a three-dimensional version of whatever I’ve drawn; it requires pretty unconventional pattern-making.”

To check out more go to katiegallagher.com!

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CocoKouture: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you go to school? What are you majoring in and what do you want to do after school?
Danielle Rudy: As much as I wish I was, I’m not still in school. I was born in Kentucky, grew up in Miami, Florida, came back for college at the University of Kentucky and never left. I graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism but realized that wasn’t for me (as much as I wished it would be) so I’ve been working in public relations ever since. A little over a year ago, I left the agency I worked at to start a new company with my boss called
Boxcar Public Relations. When I’m not working or blogging, I’m hanging out at home with my husband and two year old son.

CK: What inspired you to create your blog?
DR: Lou What Wear is my second blog. I got into blogging through my television, or more accurately Bachelor recap. Blog called secondary embarrassment. I fell in love with the medium and was so inspired by fashion blogs. I just felt like there wasn’t anything out there that reflected style where I live (Louisville, KY) so I set out to document it. My primary intention was to photograph people I saw out looking great and to showcase local style but it has transformed to a mix of that and personal style.

CK: Where did you get the name “Lou What Wear” from?
DR: I wish I could take credit for the name but I can’t. I told my idea to my best friend Kelly and she immediately spit out the name ­ I loved it and it stuck. I wanted tob make sure Louisville was reflected in the title and this name was perfect.

CK:  Your blog is so fun and colorful. What inspires you when you choose outfits to feature?
DR: It’s fun to hear you say that because I always feel like I need to incorporate more color into my wardrobe. As far as the outfits I pick to feature ­ sometimes I mail it in when I get dressed so obviously those days don’t make the blog but on those days when I put a little hustle into my outfit, I get excited to feature it. Looking back, sometimes outfits worked and others didn’t but it’s always a reflection of my style. Another big factor is getting someone to take my picture. Sometimes I con my husband into taking pictures and other times I beg my co-workers to help me out. In the last few months, I’ve been working with a professional photographer ­Whitney Neal – to capture looks and I feel like our collaboration motivates me to up my outfit game!

CK: We love how your blog features photos of your every day life along with fashion posts. In what other ways do you think you stand out from other fashion blogs?
DR: As much as I LOVE the blogs in LA, NYC and other big cities (and man oh man do I love them), I think I offer something that’s a little more accessible to people who can’t afford a $400 pair of shoes). I like to mix some special, high-end (splurge) items with stuff from Gap, Forever 21, Target and Old Navy. I also realize that some of the styles that are the norm in the bigger cities are hard to pull off in places like Louisville. I also love to feature other people’s style ­ it’s something I set out to do and something I really want to do more of. I love seeing how other people put together great outfits ­ the fun goodies they’ve hunted down and the way they showcase their own personal style.

CK: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Will you continue writing blogs and do you want to work in fashion?
DR: That’s a good question. In five years, I hope I’m still working on Lou What Wear but hopefully continuing to try new things and showcase a combination of personal style and style spotting. I hope that in five years I’m still producing content that people respond to and want to read. I think working in fashion would be amazing and I’d love to do more styling locally ­ whether that’s helping someone style their own closet or styling photo shoots. One of my favorite things is helping people put together outfits (just ask my roommates in college) so it would be great to work in that area.

CK: What’s it like being a fashionista in Louisville? How do you think it benefits your style?
DR: Being a fashionista in Louisville is nothing but fun although I do get my fair share of funny looks from time to time. Louisville has great style ­ you just have to know where to find it. I have so much fun hunting through stores like TJ Maxx and consignment stores to find unique pieces and my UPS man certainly knows that living here has made me depend on online shopping more.

The post Blog Spotter: Lou What Wear appeared first on CocoKouture - Fashion, style, and trends - cocokouture.com.

Photo Credit

If you are looking for that last piece of jewelry to tie your outfit together, by boe is the place to start searching. Their delicate gold chains compliment the bright pops of colour, while the lines of the earrings twist and turn in ways one couldn’t imagine. Our favourite pieces are featured in the picture below, with an overlap of three separate necklaces – one long silver piece that almost resembles an eye, with shorter gold-ringed strand, topped with a light sapphire coloured necklace. We particularly like the blackless shirt, with these necklaces worn over your shoulder – the perfect look for summer!

Photo credit

Each season features a limited-run of the designs, which allow the jewelry to become somewhat of a collector’s item! All of the pieces are handcrafted and designed in their NYC studio, using 14-kt gold-filled, sterling silver and an eclectic mix of new and vintage materials from all over the globe. These Made-in-America pieces can be found both on its online store, as well as retailers across Europe, Japan, Canada and of course, the States.

Want to join the by boe cult? Follow them here on their tumblr for your own inspiration. Coveting their jewelry? Shop online at byboe.com and check out their upcoming look-book, while you’re at it! There are already a few pieces that we have our eyes on!

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Look #2 has been seen on Diane Kruger at the premeire of the Host! This look offers a new twist on the LBD!

Christina Ricci showed her love for Thakoon by sitting front row at his Fall 2013 RTW show. Thakoon Panichgul offered the perfect cure to the Fall and Winter blues in the form of his romantic and sweet Fall 2013 RTW collection.

His collection captured the spirit of summer yet is appropriate for autumn and winter.  Designer Thakoon Panichgal was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s novel Dandelion Wine and the idea of capturing summer in winter.  

The dandelion influence and summer in winter can be seen through the  prints, fabrics and colors used throughout this collection.  His collection included a mix of fabrics and textures including lace, satins and furs. The silhouettes were feminine yet structured and reminiscent of the 1960s. The color palette included black, whites, navys, beiges and pops of soft lavender and pink. All looks were paired with chic metallic loafers and lady-like boots.  The  hair and makeup used in this collection included deep blue eye shadow mixed with gold glitter paired with bold side bangs creating a romantic and edgy look.

Look 3 has been seen on Katy Perry at a recent charity event! This look features a gorgeous Dandelion print.

The collection included shirtdress, cocktail dress, structured jackets, delicate blouses, flouncy skirts, goat skin shawls and sheer insert dresses. It was full of dainty details such as sheer panel inserts, lace, dandelion prints and fierce appliqué dragonflies as well as lots of tailoring. One of the standouts looks was Look 2 which was seen on Diane Kruger at the premiere of the Host in March. This look features sheer paneling, cutouts and a ladylike silhouette creating an edgy yet ladylike twist on the Little Black Dress. Another standout look which was  Look 3 which was worn by Katy Perry this month to a charity event. This look incorporated the chic girly dandelion print with  sheer paneling creating a romantic yet edgy look perfect for a pop star.  Overall Thakoon Panichgul did an excellent job with this collection and effortlessly executed the spirit of summer in a winter appropriate way.

The post Runway Review: Thakoon Fall 2013 RTW appeared first on CocoKouture - Fashion, style, and trends - cocokouture.com.

Photo Credit

Willabelle Ong is the bold style blogger behind Pale Division, a style blog where she collects her latest outfits and of course style inspiration. Willabelle is an expert at accessorizing mixing in structured bags, sky-high platforms and chic sunglasses.  She doesn’t shy away from mixing patterns or bright colors, is her outfits or her hair. The Australian native’s blog is also full of style inspiration for the warmer weather and the sometimes in-between weather, she mixes petite skirts and sweaters effortlessly. She also chronicles her life and travels through her photography.

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

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