Look for Less: Jessica Alba's Balmain Dress

I saw this photo of Jessica Alba at the LA Premiere for “Machete” and immediately loved her look!!! Some people say strong shoulders are so last winter, but when it looks like this, I say wear it in spring, summer, and fall!!! She's wearing a zig-zag sequin dress by Balmain of course; strong shoulders are their thing. She paired it with Christian Louboutin Tinazata cutout boots.

So, if you love this look, here is an inspired look for less:

French Connection Princess Dress $89.99 was $268

 If you like the zig zag pattern, then you may like this:

Rebel Queen Dress, $23.80

Charlotte Russe Mixed Strap Heels $30

Look for Less: Nicholas Kirkwood Sandals

I spy a Nicholas Kirkwood inspiration shoe from Charlotte Russe. The platform heel is dead on and doesn't hurt the purse!!!!

LOOK FOR LESS

Nicholas Kirkwood Snakeskin Sandals, $885

Charlotte Russe Lizard Woven Peeptoe, $40

BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Alexandre Birman that is......I think the evil shoe fairies are teasing me....

These python wedges are a PERFECT transition to fall......that's if fall ever comes!

Alexandre Birman shoes can break the piggy bank, so here's some inspired python looks for less!

Jeffrey Campbell She Man Shoe, $164

Nita Snake Print bootie Rachel Rachel Roy, $129

Volatile Women's Python Boot, $40.98

Kmart....Is that U?

Someone turned the blue light special off @ Kmart long enough for them to see the fashion department hadn't been updated since Cross Colours faded to black. Saw these photos via Nitrolicious and couldn't believe it was Kmart. Looks really good!!

They created Kmart Design -"... a team of 250 design specialists from the world’s top retailers, design and fashion schools whose focus is to develop quality products you want — delivered at a truly affordable price"

The new collection is scheduled to hit stores the first week in September, and the campaign will be featured in the September issue of VOGUE. The September issue is the most important issue for VOGUE!! Halle Berry is on the cover looking chic. ...Can't wait to read!!

Makeup Mayhem With Courtney Hughes: I Want My Eyes "Did"...Oh, Do You Now.....

Do people still wear flip-flops to the club? If you get all dressed up only to put on your most comfy flip flops, you probably should just stay at home. Do you get your hair done and not get a blowout? Nails done and no polish? This reminds me of women who only get their eyes "did" and don't feel the need to wear foundation or powder. Yuck! It is part of the "look" and the outfit. It's like wearing a hot dress without your sexiest heels! Or perfume! Or earrings! Just having your eyes all done up with nothing on the skin looks unfinished and unfashionable.

If you're gonna go in...go hard!! Finish the look! It doesn't have to look heavy or drag-queenish (for those with a fear of makeup). It just makes your look complete. A little powder or foundation brings the whole look together.  You may be cute and all that, and think you don't need foundation, but just putting on eye makeup is wack-a-doodle. So ladies please... don't get your eyes done with no foundation or blush, or gloss, lashes, bronzer...ok I am getting carried away. You get the point. To me the makeup can be the best part of your outfit. So complete your look chicas...don't focus on only one feature. Even if it is your best;-)

xoxox Courtney

Sock It To Um'

I'm doing some pre-fall cyber stalking, and came across an interesting find. I thought the sock with sandal trend wouldn't last long, but to my surprise it looks like designers are bringing the trend back for fall. Yeahh!!! (sarcastically)

You can literally sock it to um' in these Bruno Frisoni boots.......

These boots are $1439. With a pair of platform sandals you already own, and a sock, you can create the look for less.  I wanted to go into my closet and create this look. Why? Because I like to say I've tried something, before I say I hate it. Verdict: I personally HATE this look I created!

Not sure if it's because it's hot as crap and the socks were itchy. Or if it was the fact that the socks were black and the shoes were brown, or if it's because it looks SILLY! I think I would enjoy the look more if the sock were gray or more dainty. Kinda like this.....right??

Christian Dior

Alexander Wang Resort 2011

Burberry Possum

Rihanna

Look for Less: Lucite Bangles

I've been stalking the Patricia von Muslin cuff above for months. It's $650, which is waaay to much to pay for a clear bracelet. I've been on the prowl for plain lucite bangles since they go with so much (think prowl in the sense of the F/W 2010 Giuseppe Leopard booties, not a lion off of the Discovery channel). Last week I stopped by Rugged Wearhouse and found 2 for $3.99 each!!! Awesome bargain.
 

LOOK FOR LESS

There is a slight DISCLAIMER- if you go looking for these bracelets, you may come out empty handed. Rugged is like the flea market. They sells a bunch of random sh!t crap, so good luck.

On a different note, this lucite trunk would be hot as a coffee table!

Lucite Trunk by Serge de Troye