I've already received a couple of invites for parties this holiday season. Why so early? I don't know, but I do know that my go-to color this season will be black and dark blue dresses and pieces. You know what that means, dazzling accessories!

To compensate for a simple color wardrobe I plan to stock up on dazzling accessories and I think I'm going to start at the top with this Pharaoh headband by New York Nat from their Egyptian Holiday Collection. How pretty and elegant! This will be perfect for my winter hair look of soft and bouncy curls I plan to debut around Thanksgiving. Yep, this is a definite must have for my holiday wardrobe!

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Everywhere you look and listen, all you seem to hear is that  Americans are spending less and less. However, there are some people that are still buying and I'm an one of them, because fortunately for me I haven't had to experience any blow to my pocketbook that wasn't already there before the credit crunch and wall street collapse. So, needless to say, there are still a substantial amount of people that still want to shop, but are aware of the economic situation that is going on and want to be more aware and prepared when shopping. This really applies now that we are on the cusp of the holiday shopping season.

The latest book that I've had in my purse that I'm almost done reading is Shoptimism by Lee Eisenberg. I've had the pleasure to receive this book early to review and I'm glad that I've had the chance before I go on my annual holiday shopping mini sprees.

In the book, Eisenberg does a very firm and direct way of breaking down today's world of buying and selling by giving readers an inside look at retailers tactics while giving us readers ways to understand and sometimes climb over it. He accomplishes this through interviews with people behind the scenes in retail marketing and selling and with the people that keep those people on their toes- shoppers and consumers.
He also ponders the question- "Why do we buy?" and various answers to the question.

I really enjoy a good and informative book and this is definitely one of them, because I feel that I am little more equipped and informed as I start my holiday shopping marathon. If you want to be more informed in your future shopping trips, then you should definitely pick up this book.
Shoptimism will be available on November 3, 2009.

To find out more about the author, visit his personal site www.leeeisenberg.com

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Jennifer Lopez must definitely have an album coming out very soon, because homegirl has been knocking me out with her fabness recently! For instance, last night Mrs. Lopez-Anthony attended the premiere of Michael Jackson's This Is It movie and she rocked a incredible Herve Leger beaded bandage dress that looked elegant and paired it with some biker chained Herve' Leger stretch leather boots that are uber edgy and chic. I'm loving her all over again!
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Last week, I received a wonderful gift from PRVCY premium denim of a pair of their Santa Monica Scarlet bootcut jeans! (Thanks, Marquice!) As I was visualizing what I was going to wear with them, I was reading the material that was included in the box and was impressed to find out that PRVCY donates up to 10% of ALL their sales to breast cancer awareness and free mammogram programs.
This is in part to CEO/founder Carolyn Jones, who started the company through the last days of her mother's battle with breast cancer. Her mother gave her the strength and encouragement to follow her dreams and it lead her to create PRVCY Premium denim and Privacy Wear.
I love this story and the outcome, because PRVCY jeans are incredible! I love them hardcore! Plus, I love Privacy Wear's tees. I own 3 of the "I Want More Privacy" tees.
Visit PRVCY Premium and Privacy Wear to find out more about the styles available and where you can purchase them.
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Saturday, I finally cracked down and bought a new red peacoat. I've been needing a new one for the past couple of years. I grabbed it for $70 bucks at Macy's thanks to their one-day sale they seem to have about twice a month.
Although, I knew that I needed and wanted a peacoat, when I saw this fabulous pleated A-Line by Hydraulic coat for curvy girls, I almost switched up my new coat game plan and grabbed this one. However, I know I needed a new red peacoat. So, I hurtfully clicked away from the page and threw the peacoat in the cart and went along my way.
Still, this coat is a-dorable! Its hard to find cute coats for curvy girls, but when we do see one...it's AMAZING!
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Personally, I can never have enough totes. They just work so great for me and my "bag lady" syndrome. I carry way too much stuff at all times. However, I can't believe that I don't own one stone/light grey tote or bag for that matter. Unbelievable! I think I need to change that by grabbing this distressed leather tote by Juicy Couture called the Rule Breaker. The crinkled leather and plenty of pockets just made it's way to my personal Christmas wish list!
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Just when I was apmed up on seizing as many cute boots as I could get my paws on, here comes Gucci and their with freaking fabulous Clemence wedge platforms that have me dreaming of spring and freshly pedicured toes. Loving them.
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We all have things items we load up on beit beauty products, home goods, or even things like  your favorite chips, because you never know when you might run out or how long it will take to get it again.
So, I have decided to start a new category titled "Load Up", which I will inform you on things that I load up on.
The first thing I will dish about loading up on is SensiClear acne kit.
I posted my review on this awhile ago, but I have really become addicted to the whole kit to the point that I just ordered 2 60-day kits a couple of weeks ago. The SensiClear kit works for me, because since my first full face of acne in my early teens, I've always thought I just had acne ridden skin. However, I have come to realize that I have sensitive skin and when I use all these products that loaded with strong acne fighting chemicals, its just causes my skin to dry up and breakout. Not a good look.
I guess the reason that SensiClear works for me is because it has acne fighting ingredients, but they are gentle enough for sensitive skin that might get a touch of acne here and there.
I swoon this stuff!
Unfortunately, you can only purchase it at Duane Reade or through the SensiClear website. Since there is no Duane Reade in Memphis, I have to get mine through the SensiClear website. Actually, I'm thinking about buying a couple to use as stocking stuffers for my little sisters and my brother's girlfriend! Just an idea.
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Everyone and everything now a days has an iPhone app, including some of your favorite luxe designer lines. Gucci is the latest fashion app available.

However, the Gucci app is not like oher fashion apps. This app includes a program that allows you to make your own beats and share them with your friends. Besides offering a music stream channel, it also boasts Gucci shows and lookbooks, Gucci Little Black Book city guide, and Gucci news.

The Gucci app is currently available for download and the Apple app store.

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As a beauty and fashion blogger, I have accumulated quite the stash of beauty products for review. There are times that I test them out and feel bleh about them and put them up and kind of forget about them until my little sis comes through and wipes me out. However, there are times when I instantly fall in love with a product and use it religiously and forget that it was a review product until I'm reminded or I run out and try to figure out when and where I got it from and and how can I get some more. My jar of Glowology Sugar Mama Honey Scrub falls into the latter.
Glowology Sugar Mama Honey Scrub is one of my fav body scrubs I've had the pleasure to use. It gently scrubs away dry skin and leaves a supple and moisturized skin. Also, its not loaded with an overbearing aroma, but instead a soft scent that is comparable with a gentle baby lotion. The texture is perfection, because its not too hard and grimy nor watery like past scrubs I've used.
Unfortunately, I only have a small amount left, but I do know where I can buy more. This will definitely be my go-to scrub this season of dry and rough skin.
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It's that time of the year on Stained Couture...Coats of the Moment! I swoon coats and feel so fabulous with one warming up my cold days. So, here is the first entry into this season's Stained Couture coat of the moment- The Transfourmer Coat by Rachel Rachel Roy.
The Transfourmer Coat is the staple coat for any recessionista. With one purchase you can wear it four different ways. You can wear it as a fab skirted dress coat, cropped jacket or take the sleeves off for a cropped or long vest. All that for under a $200! Can't beat that this season and economic times. Plus, its by freaking Rachel Rachel Roy! When its released on November 5th, ya'll better grab one!
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Maybe the fact that I am on round 5 over listening to Rihanna's single, but, this boots grabbed me like a mofo when I was browsing around 80's Purple.
Over the knee, thigh high boots are still as popular as they were last year. However, if you are in the mood to up the ante, per say, try Report Footwear's Kane Over the Thigh Boots.
WOW. That's all I could say when I saw these! Not only do they go all the way up to your "pocketbook", but they also have a studded straps that you can attach to your belt. Why? I dunno, but they look quite fierce! Sometimes the smallest detail can please me. Case in point, the asymmetrical zipper at the ankle and the gun metal spikes made me salivate.
I must say that Report does make some fabulous shoes. Yes they do.
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I love a fab big bag and I have let you all know that on numerous occasions. However, I do keep a small and colorful wallet and/or coin purse in my bag. I do this, because when I'm just running to grab lunch at work or doing a small and quick errand, I don't like to drag my heavy bag with me. However, I still want to look put together and chic with a pop of color. My go-to color is red, but this summer I switched it up with a shiny neon pink wallet and electric blue coin purse.
Since it's fall, I want to warm up the colors in my wardrobe and that includes my wallet and coin purse and I think I might have found them at GUSTTO!
GUSTTO just introduced their collection of small leather goods that includes a cosmetic case, wallet, and coin purse in warm fall colors of purple, emerald green, and maize yellow. Personally, my heart is skipping some major beats over the purple Alessia cosmetic case,because it can double as a cute little clutch and the color is just so rich! The shiny gold and brass hardware paired with the purple is so hot! I think I might have to score this one before I start saving all my money up for Christmas shopping.
I also think I found the Christmas gift I'm going to give to myself! Shh, I'll show you later this week, but it's fabulous!
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You know I'm a sucker for a dope piece of jewelry! Well, this zipper flower necklace in white by *The Extras is definitely dope! It's available in black, too. However, the white and gold one fits my style a smidge better.
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As you should all be aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So, I'm sure you have all seen the abundance of pink everywhere you go. Well, The Martha Stewart Show is going pink on tommorrow's episode, October 16th. The show will solely be devoted to raising awareness about breast cancer and information on prevention. The audience will also be filled with women who have survived breast cancer. True warriors in pink!

 

In part with devoting an episode to breast cancer awareness, Martha Stewart will be wearing this year's version of the Warriors in Pink woven scarf, which I love!

The scarf is part of Ford's created limited edition Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories featuring important symbols signifying the message of hope, strength and unity in the commitment to the fight against breast cancer.  Sold on FordCares.com, Ford donates 100% of net proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure 365 days a year.  As a long-standing partner of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Ford has dedicated more than $100 million to the breast cancer cause through the Warriors in Pink program and remains committed to innovative ways to drive breast cancer awareness. 

GIVEAWAY:

To help raise awareness and for you to show your suport, I have a really fabulous giftbag filled with Warriors in Pink merchandise, including that gorgeous scarf that Ms. Stewart is wearing above. The bag also contains a burnout tee, umbrella, travel tumbler, and necktie. The great thing about the Warriors in Pink line is that each item is fashionable! Don't let the horrible camera phone shot fool you. This stuff is AH-MAZING!!

All you have to do is send me your name and address to SAMIDA@StainedCouture.com with "Warriors in Pink" in the title. You can enter as many times as you like by the deadline of October 30, 2009.

Good luck and support the cause!

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For the past couple of years, my fav super soft grey boyfriend cardigan from Ann Taylor LOFT has been one of my favorite fall fashion companion. However, my love of chunky rings and burying my hands in my sweater pockets have taken a toll on one of my cardi's pockets and formed a small but annoying hole. So, that lead me to my nearest Ann Taylor LOFT last night on an impromptu cardigan run and this V-Neck cardigan in cream is what I scored. Oh, she's so fabulous. I mean the sweater. Although, the model looks fab, too, but not as much as my comfy cropped cardigan.I swear Ann Taylor LOFT makes some freaking great sweaters! BTW, my sweater was super affordable, but even more affordable thanks to this little coupon that was placed in my inbox! USE IT!Stay Stylish!

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I completely forgot that Lauren Conrad had another line exclusively through Kohl's called LC Lauren Conrad Collection. The line is a foundation of basic shapes and pieces with small splashes of graphic and design.
Personally, I saw this one dress that called to me with its black and white brushstrokes on a teal background dress. I might have to snap this one up!
Well, since I love helping my readers grow their closets and for them to grab a piece of the LC Lauren Conrad Collection, I have a $50 gift card for one of my readers to snatch up!
All you have to do is send me your name and address in a email with "LC Lauren Conrad" in the title by October 30th. I'll select a random winner on October 31st!
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It's getting colder around my parts of the country and I have noticed that I don't have as many jackets as I would like or dream. One style in particular that is now where to be seen in my closets is a military style jacket and this Sgt. Pepper's Jacket from Fred Flare is just getting me going to find one ASAP!
I love this jacket! There aren't too many bells and whistles A.K.A shiny buttons and tassels everywhere. Fab.
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Congrats goes to Eve/Shopgurl101! She is the winner of the Perricone MD Advanced Firming Activator with Pycnogenol!

Email me your info so I have your fabulous prized sent your way!

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Yeah, I'm virtually flipping through the Neiman Marcus Christmas book and fawning all over the place. One thing that made my heart skip a beat and my hand direct me to let you all know about its loveliness is the this red Prudence tote by Cole Haan. Isn't she spectacular! I want this.
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For the past couple of months, stores have slowly been drizzling out their Christmas decorations to get people in the Christmas spirit and spending sooner. However, I never looked at that as a sign that Christmas is approaching. I stop and realize that Christams is approaching when Neiman Marcus reveals their annual Christmas book. It's my adult version of the FAO Shwartz and Sear's Wishbook I used when I was a child to take notes for Santa so he knew what I thought I deserved for being the sweet little girl he expected me to be.
In case you didn't know, every year Neiman Marcus reveals its uber luxe Christmas catalog that is filled with fabulous and finds with matching high price tags. However, for the past couple of years, along with the ridiculous priced items such as a plane and Jaguar car, they have sprinkled in affordable products for under $250. Love it.
So, in the world of Samida at Stained Couture...its being to look a lot like Christmas!
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Well, I spent most of my weekend and the past couple of days holding mini prayer sesssions for my Sidekick LX to release my contact list so I can move it to my Blackberry.
Unfortunately, I'm still waiting,  but one thing I'm not waiting for any longer...boot weather!
Yes, the cool factor has definitely swept into Memphis and moi couldn't be happier. Well, actually, I could be alot happier if I had these Abaete' Antoine Booties in my possesion. Chic and fabulous, just how I like it! I'm ordering them now, because you can only order them online. So, that's what I just did, as should you!

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As I'm sitting here frustrated with my phone and comsumed by the stress I'm going try and wrap up this weekend in the form of a new website (I promise, its coming), I need a little motivation and appreciation and I think that this GRIND tee by Dangerously Beautiful is just the dollop of whip cream I need to complete this delicious dessert that is me! :)

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For the past couple of weeks, I have juggling so many projects while wearing so many hats that I've barely had the time to find me a pair of everyday worthy black booties for fall. Well, re-designing Stained Couture and being the project manager for the redesign of my employers website is just going to have to a step back...for a minute. I'm on the prowl for a pair fun black booties and I think I have found a very worthy contender in these Tapeet Fringe Suede Booties. Aren't they adorable, but chic?!

You can pair them with skinnies or roll cuffed boyfriend jeans. They would look equally incredible with a pair of cropped pants or a floaty skirt or dress. I'm loving them hardcore.

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If you have never had the pleasure or luxury to test out a product from Perricone MD, well here is your chance! Perricone MD is very respected brand in the beauty and skincare world thanks to the reputation of the doctor behind the brand, Dr. Nicholas Perricone.
One of Perricone MD's best sellers is their Advanced Face Firming Activator, which helps your skin look firmer, toned, and uber glowy! That is in part to the powerful free radical blocker called Pycnogenol.

So, if you want to win your very own bottle of Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator($120), leave a comment below on why you need this product or why you would love to try it!

Contest ends on October 8, 2009 and you must live in the US to win. Sorry, my international lovers.

**UPDATE**for some reason, I am receiving your entries in my inbox, but they are not showing up here. So believe me, I have received your comments. However, if you want to see them in the comments, you can enter over at E-Stylist, but let me know this its a SC entry. Sorry.

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