Well you heard it here first folks, it’s the grand opening of an online boutique and Ragstyles Readers have been gifted with some serious shopping coupons! The boutique is called Ooh La Luxe, and it is exactly what it sounds like. A high end online boutique that carries the hottest up and coming designer labels. Here you will find the cutest, and the most stylish pieces that even at full price are an unbelievable bargain.

And because you all are such devoted readers, AND shoppers, you’ll be happy to know that only YOU Ragstyles readers can become some of Ooh La Luxe’s very first shoppers at 20% OFF! That’s right…go and have a peek around, grab a few items of interest and enter RAGSTYLES as your coupon code at checkout.

The owner of Ooh La Luxe is a sweetheart, her name is Kim and Ooh La Luxe is her dream come true. Kim is a 22 year old fashion school graduate who is living the dream of taking fashion to retail and opening her own high-end fashion boutique. She’s got the goods with the education to back her up which you will see with her beautiful selections. And she’s got the impeccable taste that no education can provide.

What you will LOVE about Ooh La Luxe:

• The PRICES! Even without your coupon, these items are a giveaway!
• The DESIGNERS! The biggest up and comers are featured here – Va Va Voom, Egoist, Plastic Island, Voom, and Jae Basilio.
• The FASHION TIPS! Yes! Each piece comes with instructions on how it should be worn, how the item will fit, and what to pair your selections with. Gotta love shopping from a fashion school grad!

What You WON’T Love:

• The choices you will have to make. Each item is SO CUTE!

Here are some of my faves…..

What are you waiting for? It is not often you all will get sales created JUST for you! Go on and shop, and don’t forget your coupon code….what else? “RAGSTYLES”

Linday Lohan to Launch New Leggings Line! ~ Fashion Updates

Check out the Opening of Kim Kardashian’s Store Dash ~ Gina Angelina’s Fashion Fitness and Skin Care Tips For Models

Pedicure Tips from NailTiques ~ 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic

Chanel Preview The Robertson Boulevard Collection ~All Lacquerd Up

Zac Posen the L’il Zac Handbag LOVE LOVE~ Bag Bliss

OOOOH, Emilio Pucci’s New Sandal!!! It’s an Ankle Wrap, AND a thong! ~ The Shoe Goddess

A Bird’s Eye View of Australian Fashion Week ~ Trendinista

A New UTT-erly Awesome Online Boutique! ~ Urban Socialite

Ah yes, another gentle marriage of fashion and art once again. We spoke quite a bit last year about how big the ballet flat thing was, and how many designers were working towards more functional, yet pretty, shoes that looked and felt like dance shoes. Bloch London has picked up on this to show us that the dance shoe craze is not leaving us any time soon. And even better, they are getting prettier and prettier. If you are worried about functionality, worry no more, these are the real deal. In fact, Bloch International has been creating professional dance shoes for both prima and principal ballerinas for almost an entire century. Bloch saw a need for pretty dance shoes that were street friendly and this is Bloch’s first true line of mainstream dancewear. Classic Bloch style is jazz, pointe, ballroom, ballet, and even tap. Creative director here is Jozette Hazzouri who using her feminine and fantasy inspirations in this beautiful selection of shoes that are so delicate, yet so easy to wear every day. Whether you have two left feet or not, you too can wear these pretty things. Your biggest problem will be in deciding which ones to buy!

These, and others like the
Bloch Luxury Ballet Flat
are available at Shop Bop!

Well with temps climbing, skin care is at an all time high in terms of importance. You want to eliminate the orange peel look of your pores, remove blackheads, and smooth down the rough texture the winter has given your face. The best thing to do for this is a microdermabrasion, and start NOW. It will take a few weeks, but the end result, smooth, bright, and tight skin. Perfect for getting all your glow on this summer. Contrary to popular opinion, this is NOT something you need to hit the clinic for.

What is Microdermabrasion?

It’s basically the quick fix without spending the big bucks. A microdermabrasion will give you similar effects of a chemical peel without the expensive cosmetic surgery or spa prices. It is also called a mini-peel. For any kind of scarring or discoloration you may have on your face, a series of microdermabrasion treatments will make a huge difference. And you can do this right at home.

The treatment is non-invasive, and it ultimately removes any damaged or dead skin from your face to reveal the new, and much healthier skin cells underneath. What this does is stimulate those deeper skin layers to produce more elastin and collagen, thus revealing the younger looking you. Your skin will look younger, feel more supple, and even feel firmer to the touch after a few treatments.

You will also notice that any acne scars you may be dealing with are smaller, or minimized; your pores will be tighter, and yes, those fine lines will be reduced substantially as well. No matter how busy you are, it’s really worth the 15 minutes or so it will take you. And why not in the comfort of your own home, with the comfort of your own budget. While these kits don’t look all that cheap to start off with, when you consider that an in spa treatment that provides you the same results will run you around $100 per treatment, you will see the affordability I am talking about. The key to the microdermabrasion really is in having repeat and consecutive treatments to ensure all of the dead skin is removed.

And well, who doesn’t want to look younger. Take the time and splurge on you. You totally deserve it!!

You can grab a microdermabrasion kit from the local drug store, or try the Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Polish + Moisture Kit, Normal to Dry Skin ($140 Value) . This at home kit is what the celebs are using when they are on the road and away from their fave spa. Dr. Brandt’s skin care line is FAMOUS in Tinseltown. This lovely version offers you not only the scrub, but the softness of chamomile and aloe as well. Chamomile is great for reducing puffiness and water retention in the face, and this combination is a very soothing one that your face will love you for.

Beauty Tip – At first, you will notice some redness on your skin, and I know, you all are picturing Samantha from Sex In the City and that horrid scarring. No. Unlike a chemical peel, microdermabrasion will leave some redness after the treatment, but it won’t last longer than an hour or two, so do this before you go to bed at night.

The temps are a-climbing…WHEEE! This means of course that we will be showing more skin, and soon! And if you are trying to figure out what to wear this spring and summer that is flattering, start with your neckline. There is no body type that can not work with this very delicate feature. Show it off girls, this is the one part of the body that men will actually shy away from saying they love. But you know they all do….What clothes are going to flatter what features for YOU?

1. V Neck when all else fails. The V Neck will flatter ANY figure. For the thinner girls, this draws the eyes down and away from narrow shoulders and bony collarbones. For the heavier girls, same thing, but the eye is drawing down instead of across. The beauty of the V neck is that it elongates the body for the heavier girl, and also creates the illusion of curves for the slimmer girl. The V Neck is great for framing that pretty face of yours as well. And no, not too cold here. Pair with some jeans and throw a sweater or coat over top.

2. And then we have the Boat Neck. And this year you want to look for boat necks with cute little cowls like you see dipping in the front here. The girls with no shoulders will like this as it will elongate your shoulder line, but yet the heavier girls will like this one too because it minimizes your waist in a HUGE way. Ideal cut for pear shapes, petites, and anyone without curves. If you are heavy in the bust, opt out here or you will be going overboard on the volume.

3. And let’s not forget strapless shall we? There is no prettier way to show off that neckline than with a strapless number. And this can be worn by anyone, with a little caution. If you are bottom heavy and top tiny (or medium), this will look great on you. If you are pencil shaped, stay away from pencil dresses or you will go on the scary skinny list fast. A pretty strapless top with a skirt that flares will flatter just about anyone however, as it will maximize your top, and draw attention away from the bottom. And it’s not true that the heavier busted girls can’t pull this off. You need more control up top, yes, do wear a strapless bra, and draw attention to your neckline, and not your bust, by throwing on a pretty necklace.

Time for some Sunday window shopping! Net-A-Porter has just released an all new collection from our, sorry my, shoe god Christian Louboutin. So whether you are just looking to ooh and ah over the Christian Louboutin collection in some easy breezy Sunday window shopping, or still haven’t figured out where to put that tax refund, go and have a look and Shop the Christian Louboutin extravaganza at NET-A-PORTER.COM.

My personal fave? The Christian Louboutin Clichy Painted pumps. So chic!

Going to throw in a little bit of a melting pot today. Yes, Rags and Rouges has been on yet another hiatus due to health, life, work, and all of it. So let’s ease back into the swing of things with some giveaways and FREE samples.

ELLE magazine is highlighting a summer getaway before summer. You know how it is, summer is so close you can almost smell the beach, yet you’re still forced to throw on that boring, but pretty trench coat every day still. How ‘bout a beach visit before the temps start to climb? Nice! Enter here!

MAX Factor Cosmetics is sponsoring a Customize Me Blend in and Stand Out contest. And who couldn’t use a little pick me up makeover right before summer hits? Enter HERE.

Who doesn’t want a free wardrobe from DKNY? Answer this small survey (took me less than 5 mins) about your exercise routine and what fancy threads you wear when working out and you’re entered. Check it out HERE.

Happy Face Sweepstakes sponsored by ELLE and St. Ives. Hey, it’s bridal season and if you are looking to score a free honeymoon, this romantic trip to Hawaii may be just the ticket. Enter HERE.

DOVE is giving away a bunch of FREE loot. I LOVE Dove products and use them everyday. And who doesn’t want FREE stuff? Check it out here.

Ew, ick, and double EW. Last night’s winner in the Project Runway finale was the ego-maniac Christian Siriano. He beat Jillian Lewis out to make it to the final 2 with Rami Kashou and ended up as the youngest winner of Project Runway.

So that means I guess that looking like an ostrich will be BIG this fall.

However, it WAS nice to see some humility coming through, he truly was a basket of nerves, my word I think the man is even human. His thoughts on the final?

“I was just competing with really amazing designers. I mean, Jillian and Rami are really amazing designers. They are so talented, it was scary. I didn’t know what the judges would want, it was scary, but it worked out.”

Well yes, I guess for HIM it did since he won the show.

As a result, Christian is receiving kudos from all over the industry, most notably Victoria Beckham who appeared on last night’s show as a special guest judge. Christian walked away with a brand new car, and a $100 K prize as well as some serious industry notoriety, which is probably worth more than the previous 2 combined. His future? Some charity work, and his next line.

The Olsen twins are definitely doing everything they can to make it on every high fashion list, and they are doing it exactly how they should be. Here is Mary Kate Olsen after the Chanel fashion show at fashion week in a gorgeous studded Givenchy coat that she paired with Balenciaga oxford booties and an equally gorgeous Chanel bag.

Like this look? Steal the style for yourself with these finds….

This doesn’t have the studded styling that Mary’s does, but it is a super chic luxe modern take on the classic leather jacket. This
Mike & Chris Eames Leather Jacket
features a fold-over collar and storm flap at shoulders. Zipper closure and welt pockets at front. Flap detail at pockets. Drawstring at detachable hood and single-snap closure at cuffs. Sexy, sassy, and super hot.

Nina Garcia says that every woman needs to have a quilted bag with a chain link strap in their wardrobe. Why? Again, timeless. This quilted bag with chained strap by Mikko offers just enough biker edge that you can take with an elegant look, or sass it up in an edgy leathered ensemble. Don’t like the black? Go for a feminine edge and grab this in pink or ivory.

Pair this entire ensemble with some leggings or tights, and slip those pretty legs of yours into bootie look a likes by Nine West. These sexy booties will give your legs an ultra sultry appeal with their suede and leather upper, hidden platform that lengthens your already gorgeos legs, covered 4” heels, and lightly padded insoles. These are easy to slip on and off with their full inside zip as well. So cute or so sexy. You decide.

We all know how MAY JAH the LBD is. It is the most timeless piece in any woman’s wardrobe. And yes, you should have at least one. This post is not going to tell you anything different. But sometimes having a pop of color doesn’t hurt either. If you have had a bad week, tossing on an LBD can be a little well, morbid. So having a staple like one of these in your closet is going to be just the perfect pick me up. And these little numbers, are classic in themselves. Not too trendy, not too dated, just like your LBD. Lasting forever.

This one I love, I love, I love. You can’t help but fall in love with this flattering knotted detail that makes this little dress SO interesting. I love the waisted draping that will flatter any figure, and this one shoulder cap sleeve. And being sleeveless you can take this out in higher temps, but it’s made of wool, so throw a cover over it and you’ve got a very pretty winter cocktail dress. There is nothing not to love about this gorgeous dress from Active Endeavors.

Another great twist to the LBD is one in a deep purple. Here you have the
Pencey Trapeze Dress
. You will not be able to resist the swingy style of this well-tailored trapeze dress. Mid-weight stretch-cotton dress with banding and cutout detail at wide neckline On-seam pockets at hip and 3″ slit at cuffs and pretty elbow-length sleeves. Tailored and sexy all at the same time.

How ‘bout a bright blue as a colored alternative to the LBD. This
Dessous by Sophie Simmons Vivianne Dress
exudes feminine elegance with a decidedly modern vibe. You will adore the satin bodice and satin banding at bottom hem. Pleating at front and back and keyhole at back. Tie at keyhole with adjustable straps as well so that you aren’t tugging all night long. Satin is just one fabric that will never go out of style, and hey, it feels so lush, you deserve it, go for it.

Are these too short for you? Some women just can’t do the mini-mini. A pair of cropped tights will look great with any of these. Or how bout making these a tunic dress and go a little casual. Some dark straight legged jeans and heels will pull these looks out beautifully.

It’s make it or break it time on Project Runway. Jillian Lewis, Rami Kashou, and Christian Siriano are going head to head to head to battle it out to see who gets crowned winner of this season’s Project Runway. Before you dial in to the big finale, here is a sneak peek at the collections they showed just a few short weeks ago at New York’s Fashion Week in Bryant Park. Who do you think should take home the title.

Our first runner up is the ego-maniac Christian Siriano with his impressive imagination *cough* ego, construction that goes beyond impeccable, and his excessive use of the word “fierce”. Oh, have I mentioned the ego? Equally impressive. He stands a good shot here, which only means, he’s in the Top Three and it’s anyone’s game. (It doesn’t mean he’s actually won yet *cough ego*) He’s already been referred to as a ‘fashion prodigy’ (vis a vis Tim Gunn) and his collections are a little outside the box, outlandish, but have this creative romance meets warrior vibe. What do you think? If the contest was being based on ego, which sadly for him it is not, he’d have it in the bag. I’m surprised they managed to squeeze his whole head into Bryant Park to be honest. Ok, I’m supposed to be impartial and I’ve officially said too much. IF he wins, I just hope they give him a big fat piece of Humble Pie in his prize package. But who knows, have a look at his collection and make your own judgement.

Then we have the only lady in this season’s Top Three, lovely Jillian Lewis. Screw impartial, this is where my money is, as her pieces are things I could actually see myself wearing. And in Ready-To-Wear, this is what the designers need to be doing. I love love love the gown with the teensy belt. So innovative! She is the consummate perfectionist on this season, and has exhibited a flawless attention to detail which you can see in her collection here. Her dress she made out of Twizzlers is yet another example of how her creative genius works. She’s got a good shot as well. She was flattered by Michael Kors in terms of ‘wearability’ and ‘flattery to a woman’s figure’. Huh. Not too shabby to get compliments from Mr. Kors. I’ll take it.

Next up is Rami Kashou. Not sure exactly why he is in the Top Three, I have my own thoughts on who else SHOULD be there, but I don’t produce the show, so my opinion doesn’t matter. But you know every reality show has a finalist at the end that everyone questions. That’s our Rami. He did surprise at Bryant Park tho. You all know him from his pieces that are allllllll about the draping. His goddess style gowns have been winning the judges over all season long, but as the season dragged on, familiarity became a big complaint here as one goddess gown began to look like another. My favorite from this collection is the drapey black and gray strapless gown. So cute. He is probably the least likely to win in my opinion, though any one of them can take it at this point. Nina Garcia complemented him last week for stepping outside his draping comfort zone and focusing more on heavy construction.

Who do you think is going to take it? It’s anyone’s game here, really. Either way, no matter what happens, these are some pretty solid designers that will be around for a while. Project Runway and a Bryant Park showing alone are all they need to get the career mojo going.

There is something about the equestrian thing on women that just makes men go nuts. Here you have a look that is sexy, sleek, with just a little bit of masculine edge at the same time. Ralph Lauren has captured this look in his Spring Collection of the Blue Label line. The collection has a lot of standard Ralph in it. Fitted polos, crest blazened blazers, and striped oxfords that are Ralph wardrobe staples. But he’s added some colors and pop to this line that make the equestrian even sexier than it has been in the past. And even though the label is blue, there are some smart fresh colors alive in this collection, and red seems to be a fave for Ralph this Spring. You are going to see slim jodphurs, fitted *everything* and a Spring wardrobe that is going to have men falling at your feet. Love it!

I love how this Diary Etched Print Polo looks so simple, but is made to look so sexy. This vibrant, intricately designed harness print creates a singular equestrian look in Ralph’s limited-edition Diary polo, styled for a slim shrunken fit in breathable cotton mesh.

Pair it with Ralph’s Middlebury Chelsea jean. A harness-and-horsebit motif painted down the legs of our Blue Label jean creates chic equestrian character in deep indigo denim, designed for a slim silhouette with skinny straight leg.

Or, pair it with these sexy Hudson Jodphurs that will leave your man, and any other in your presence, drooling. Ralph’s slim, sexy Blue Label jodhpur in sleek stretch cotton twill expertly captures the preppy, sporty sophistication of equestrian style. The snap-tab at the hem makes it perfect to wear dressed up with heels or tucked into riding boots for a chic look. These are available in a cute orange as well.

But it’s not all about sexy masculinity. Ralph brings to this line a soft feminine twist that will bring out the girl in you. This Ambrose Madras Dress is just one example of such. Preppy cotton madras becomes sophisticated and chic in a muted palette, styled in a paneled silhouette with a drop waist that’s at once flirty and feminine. So cute! And anything with spaghetti straps has me definitely signing up, and FAST.

Whether the stars were going for old Hollywood glamour, or just sleeking things back for some elegance, we saw a lot of the same looks crossing the red carpet. The weather word was that there was some wind accompanying the stars on the red carpet, so celebs and their stylists compensated by pulling things back. You can achieve these looks too, a sexy or sleek ponytail is the simplest beauty secret there is to know.

Cameron Diaz is one that takes uber cas and pulls it together with a Dior gown for some major glam. Her ponytail was pulled back with a super messy look and she pulled some bangs in the front for a very pretty face framing look. For this look, you don’t want to care *too much* when you are pulling it together. The key really is in the mess.

Miley Cyrus was another beauty queen who took the ponytail with a sleek edge. The ponytail was pulled and pin very low and she gave the pony a much more elegant look with wavy side-swept bangs. Curl your bangs first to achieve the wavy look, and then comb them back with a fine tooth comb to get the sleek factor. Pin with a bobby pin sprayed with some hairspray and you got yourself a sleek ponytail. Spritz on some shining mist to give a little extra gloss.

Anne Hathaway was a timeless beauty in her Marchesa goddess gown and she went the other direction with a ponytail that was high and accentuated her intense features. Curl your hair in long loose waves with a wide curling iron. Tease the crown just ever so slightly and then pull hair back into a ponty. Anne has an extra piece pinned at the base here, which you can try too, or just go with the whimsy of the high pony if you like. This is a fun look for a night on the town or an afternoon at the mall.

The red carpet was alive last night as all the stars came out to give homage to the golden statue at the 80th Annual Academy Awards. Of course, besides who won what, one of the most talked about items in any awards show is who wore who. And this year, the stars did not disappoint. Red seemed to be the color to wear, though many celebs were seen straying from the standard black and white sparkly things and we saw a very nice rainbow spattering the red carpet. Who wore who? And who made this year’s best dressed list? These are my picks ( in no specific order of preference)….

While I am not a big fan of Anne Hathaway myself, she stunned the crowd in this gorgeous asymmetrical rosette trimmed gown by Marchesa.

Laura Linney is a favorite of mine, she always gets stuck in these dowdy roles and turns them out beautifully. This earned her a Best Actress nomination this year, and in her gorgeous strapless Michael Kors gown, she proved she is anything but dowdy.

Heidi Klum is Heidi Klum and you know she can’t go to the grocery store without looking like a glam queen. This Project Runway superstar and supermodel was another icon that rocked the red carpet in bright hues with this couture gown by John Galliano.

Amy Adams rocked the crows as Best Song performer and is no stranger to the Oscars having been a former nominee. She wore a stunning gown by Proenza Schouler in a lovely shade of jade.

Jessica Alba did not let her baby bump get in the way of her glam, as she wore a beautiful empire-waisted gown by Marchesa.

Katherine Heigl is no stranger to the red carpet either and presented an Oscar for Best Makeup in this beautiful one shoulder piece by Escada.

Hollywood’s latest It couple, George Clooney and Sarah Larson can not be forgotten. While George was up for Best Actor, Sarah was up for best arm candy in her blue strapless beaded gown by Valentino Couture.

Cate Blanchett was just another of many baby bumps along the red carpet and wore this gorgeous silk halter dress by Dries Van Noten. Cate was up for both Best Actress AND Best Supporting Actress this year, though you’d never guess by how calm she looked for her appearance.

Renee Zellweger is always a dazzle on the red carpet and this Oscar’s was no exception. She wore a silver sparkly strapless dress with a thigh-high split by Carolina Herrera.

And you can always count on Cameron Diaz for some dazzling smiles. On the red carpet she is dazzling in Dior. You will see her in the upcoming film ‘What Happens in Vegas’ and she flaunted her smoking shape in a body hugging gown by Dior by John Galliano.

Sleek is chic right now and if you are looking for a new look, sleek, straight hair may be just what you need to change your look without making any drastic changes. Whether your hair is long or short, straight locks are easy no matter HOW late you are waking up in the morning.

Tools You Will Need: clips or bobby pins, fine tooth comb, flat iron, straightening serum, shine spray or mist

Step 1: Separate hair into sections (with your clips or pins) that are as wide as your flatiron.

Step 2: For each section, start at the root with your comb, and glide it down each section. This will smooth the hair for your flatiron. Follow right behind with your flat iron. Don’t have a flatiron? Try this iTech Wet-&-Dry Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron, 1-1/8 , Model 83824. This tool is nice and wide with a 1 1/8” barrel and works on both dry and wet hair saving you those few extra minutes in the morning. In fact, if using this on wet hair will give you a much longer lasting hold.

Step 3: Smooth some straightening serum like Jonathan Product Create Straight, Straightening Serum over your hair. The best way to do this is put a dab in your palms, rub your palms together, and smooth your hands over your hair.

Step 4: Finish the look and set your sleek with some shining mist like this Frederic Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist to give your locks some gloss and set it in place for all day sleek.

We will give our trend spotting a little bit of glam to set the tone for tonight’s Academy Awards. Here we have Rachel Bilson on the red carpet for the premiere of her latest movie, Jumper. Rachel Bilson was stunning, as usual, in sexy metallic one-shoulder piece by Monique Lhuillier, which she paired with sexy heels by Christian Louboutin.

Like the look? Steal the style for yourself!

Here is a beautiful dress in the same style but with a shade of feminine softness by Doucette Duvall. Doucette Duvall is a stunning New York based line of daring vintage creations. The
Meredith in Pinky
is a gorgeous frock with an asymmetrical neckline in beautiful pink silk. The beautiful tailored cut features a high waist and front pockets accented by fabric folds. The one shoulder style necklace is graced by a large bow that is subtle despite its size. You’ll adore the decadent silk and flattering fit of this dress. This dress couldn’t be softer in 100% silk, and fully lined in silk as well. And right now, it’s 40% off at Label Spree!!

While these aren’t exactly Louboutin’s, you can save a few dollars by getting the same look at Target with these Mossimo Drew Point-Toe Patent Pumps in a variety of colors. These pumps feature a 3.75 inch heel, slip on styling, and chic pointed toe. And for less than $13 bucks, you really can’t go wrong with these staples. Why not pick up a few pair?