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Jewelry is not only a great way to accessorize, it’s the best way to personalize your look! We’ve been seeing the initials necklace trend on Hollywood celebs like Halle Berry, Nicole Richie, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, just to name a few.

What better way to wear your first initial, or the first initial of your boyfriend, husband, child or BFF, than a delicately adorable initial pendant necklace?

The initial pendant necklace also makes a great personalized gift that goes beyond just looking cute. We suggest layering a couple of delicate necklaces with your loved ones’ initials…it’s a fabulous way to keep them close to your heart! Literally.

The Jessica Elliot Initial Necklace below was actually spotted on Halle Berry, a famous new mom. Speaking of new moms, these also make the perfect gift for moms or moms-to-be!

When you are building a wardrobe it is important to focus on creating specific types of styles. For example, you need a work wardrobe, an exercise wardrobe and a dressy wardrobe. If you enjoy formal events or if your work requires that you participate in formal events, then you may want to develop a couture wardrobe.

What is Couture?
Couture is a term that is used to describe clothing items that have been custom designed. Couture clothing items tend to have extensive detailing that is created with hand work such as beading, appliqué and sequencing. Many couture outfits are worn on the red carpet and during very special events. These items tend to be pricier than other designer clothes because of all the work that goes into them.

Building a Couture Wardrobe
Since couture clothing is expensive you will want to develop your couture wardrobe over time. You can buy one item each season for special occasions. Or you can select a few basic couture designs that you can work into your existing formal wear wardrobe. When selecting couture items you will want to focus on fit, style, color and features. The fit is key in selecting couture items as the fine handwork needs to be positioned at specific points on your body to lay right. The style of your couture also needs to be appropriate for your body shape and your personality. To make your couture ageless you will want to select designs that have neutral or ageless colors. Finally, you will want to select a couture item that has the special features that you love, such as lace, appliqué, beading or pleating.

Caring for Couture
Caring for your couture is different than caring for your other wardrobe items. Since they have a lot of fine hand work you need to make sure that the clothing items are stored properly and that they are cleaned properly. For example, if your couture item has extensive beading or sequencing then you will want to hang the dress as opposed to folding it and storing it in a trunk or a dresser drawer. This will prevent the details from popping, breaking and warping.

American Idol contestants are making their own magnificent music to the tune of Rock & Republic !

Contestants Lil Rounds and Alexis Grace were seen stylishly sporting the amazing allure of the Andi pumps by Rock & Republic after rocking out with Carlos Santana.

Winner Kris Allen started off the show looking spectacular in Rock & Republic denim. Later he sported a bold Rock & Republic black leather jacket while performing with Brian May of Queen.

Allison Iraheta also cut a captivating picture in a Rock & Republic dress while singing a duet with Cyndi Lauper.

Rock your world wearing Rock & Republic!

With summer officially in full swing, we’d like to dedicate a little something to the classic summertime accessory, the hat. With an influx of pool parties, backyard BBQs, outdoor music festivals and road trips you’re bound to partake in this season, the trusty hat is a no-fuss, fool-proof accessory that makes even the worst of bed heads seem cool!

For a totally beach-worthy look, go for a cool straw fedora like the Malibu by Goorin Brothers or the Castor by Brixton . It’s the easiest way to add on a relaxed but cool touch to the most basic tee and shorts ensemble…throw on a pair of flip flops, and out the door you go!

Fellas, you can even revisit the good old trucker hat, a-la Ashton Kutcher. We especially love the fun novelty patch trucker cap by Goorin. Who says you can’t have a sense of humor with your style? You may even score more “followers” than Ashton’s infamous Twitter page! You never know…

For you beach and pool goddesses out there, add some seriously retro drama to your swimwear with a big floppy hat. Nothing says glam bronze diva quite like this classic summertime staple. Not only will you look infinitely cooler sipping that cocktail by the pool, you’ll also be protecting your face from harmful rays. Try the fabulous Eden or the tropical Bahama Mama by Goorin Brothers.

So remember, hit the summer scene in style with a cool summer hat and you’ll be coastin’ through looking fabulous and ready for all the festivities this fun-in-the sun season has to offer!

Glamour with a touch of rocker edge best describes Alexander McQueen ‘s bow-shaped clutch with spine-inspired print. Clutch and go for an evening out with friends or a cool date night.

The perfect dress combines many elements; a great sleeve, perfect drape and cut, a fab fabric, a great neckline, and a stand-the-test-of-time silhouette. Jean Paul Gaultier’ s silk floral print dress with flutter cap sleeves and back collar caplet is as close to dress perfection that we’ve seen here at Couture in quite a while. Add strappy sandals, simple silver jewelry, and a mini clutch for the perfect exclamation point to a simple, elegant ensemble.

Jean Paul Gaultier’