Wednesday, December 31, 2025

New Year’s Eve Vintage Goth

Holiday Elegance in Black


- Amazon -

Lace Evening 3/4 Sleeve Formal Vintage Dress 

Pointed Toe Crystal Ankle Strap High Heel

Cinched Vintage Satin Clutch

Statement Luxe-Shine Lipstick, srsly red

Black Crystal Teardrop Dangle Clip-on Earrings

Black Onyx Nail Lacquer 

Perfume for Women

- New Year’s Eve Vintage Goth -

I chose a goth theme to send farewell to 2025 for many reasons, one being my love for the color black when styling classic & elegant specifically and second being mysterious intrigue with focus on her.  Vintage Goth tells a story of the past, both positive and poor.  The look whispers finality to a complicated year with hopeful tones beyond the eve.  Due note - I had to fill many next bests in New Year’s Eve Vintage Goth.

- Look Book -

MISSMAY

VETASTE
(Nearly exact - Off heel detail)

CHARMING TAYLOR
(My original choice is by Damara, an independent designer on Amazon UK.  LTK does not partner with Amazon outside the U.S.  Therefore, I had to select a next best in design, style, and color.)

Milani
(My original choice is by bareMinerals and the product is Statement Luxe-Shine Lipstick in Srsly Red.  Although bareMinerals is an option on Amazon, the exact product is not available.  Therefore, I had to select a next best as close to the look book shade as possible.)

Mariell
(Exact BUT low in stock)

OPI
(Exact BUT low in stock)

Ash by Ashley Benson East 12th
(Exact BUT low in stock)

Vintage goth may rather inspire Halloween fashion yet in this thoughtful moment may the black of apparel and accessories accent the black evening sky as this year formally says goodbye.  

- LaurenAlain
ShopLook Stylist
LTK Creator

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Everyday Designer

Business Formal for Less


- Amazon -

IDEALSANXUN - Skirt

Hearain - Blouse

Allegra K - Pea Coat

Juvia’s Place - Lipgloss

Ray-Ban - Sunglasses

(The heel shoe is not available on LTK, although it is listed on Amazon.  If curious, look for Brinley Co & Mica Faux Suede Pointed Toe Ruffle Heel in Taupe.)

(The crossbody bag is currently unavailable and I was unable to find a next best option.)

- Everyday Designer -

Everyday Designer is inspired by couture without the couture price tag.  Amazon features uniquely independent brands that offer luxe quality apparel, footwear, and accessories on an everyday budget.  Whether thin or inclusive, cost irrelevant or cost highly noted, or personal style honored, Amazon is a definite go to if you are curious to answer “whether.”  Everyday Designer is in neutral to highlight the classic, timeless, effortless, understated formal tone and the wear’s purpose - office theme perfect for the corporate woman.  Look expensively professional on a very pretty penny.  Everyday Designer was styled on ShopLook.  Nearly all that you see is exactly what you get on the shopping source LTK.  (Shop with me on LTK.)

- Look Book -

IDEALSANXUN

Hearain

Allegra K


If everyday luxury by everyday designers on an everyday budget is up your alley, is Everyday Designer your style?

Leave a shout out in the Comments section!

- LaurenAlain
ShopLook Stylist
LTK Creator

Monday, December 29, 2025

Last Monday 2025

In the office


- Amazon -

OQQ - Women’s pants

Luvamia - Women’s blazer

Luxinyu - Pumps

SG Sugu - Crossbody bag

Juvia’s Place - Lip Gloss

Sojos - Sunglasses

(Blouse unavailable…Alternative by Zeagoo)

- Last Monday 2025 -

On this last Monday in the year 2025, head to the office one last time in style…and on budget.  Look classic, formal, and minimal in independent designer wear found only on Amazon.  Walk away from today in noteworthy, sophisticated, and effortless chic as well.  The perk to this look is the financial savings as compared to luxury designers in major retail.  Example - Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss on the Sephora website costs $23.  Bobbi Brown clocks in at $33.  The same look, then, for less.  This look book was styled on ShopLook.  Nearly all that you see is exactly what you get on the shopping source, LTK.  (Shop with me on LTK.)

- Look book -








- Product Substitution -

The Regna X Love coated v-neck sleeveless summer chiffon blouse in sand hue is currently unavailable.  The next best to keep in tone with the look is a silk satin v-neck camisole in light khaki and is by the independent designer, Zeagoo, found on Amazon.


When you put together your next office look, will this be your style?

Leave a shout out in the Comments section!

- LaurenAlain
ShopLook Designer
LTK Creator

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Couture Bridal

 Wedding Bells


- Sources -

David’s Bridal - Gown

Emmy London - Bridal Shoe

Etsy - Wedding Jewelry

Amazon - Thelanda Engagement Ring

Charlotte Tilbury - Lipgloss

Estée Lauder - Blush

- Couture Bridal -

Couture Bridal is inspired in many ways.  The classic, formal, and elegance of bridal and Couture Closet as a very real brick and mortar bridal boutique.  This look book is in honor of timeless blushing bride beauty found best in the Couture Closet business.  My title is simply one for a blog.  Couture Bridal was styled on ShopLook.  The majority of the look is exact on the shopping source, LTK - including the gown.

The ivory hue is understated and refined.  The lace fabric is romantic.  The design is subtle to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of the bride.  

David’s Bridal offers the say yes moment to her dream wedding dress on a realistic budget.

Shop with me on LTK to find David’s Bridal and the whole of styling her on her special day!

- Look Book -

DB Studio
(Ivory)

Emmy London
(Bridal)

Etsy
(Long Pearl Drop)

(Charlotte Tilbury Nude Lipgloss - ASOS Alternative)

(Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush - Walmart Alternative)

Couture Closet reflects couture style and luxury designers.  Couture Bridal ventures into the world of wedding desire, from the say yes gown to accent jewels and touches that make the bride a blushing bride.

On that note,

Is Couture Bridal your style?

- LaurenAlain
ShopLook Designer
LTK Creator

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Your 101 Outfit Formulas

 by Rayne Parvis

- About -

Rayne Parvis is a #1 top-rated Los Angeles stylist, award-winning certified style coach, color consultant, and media personality.  She has over a decade of experience working with clients to find their best colors, elevate their wardrobes, and feel confident in every way.  

- Offer -

101 Outfit Formulas is a downloadable guide to effortless style.  Explore this 59-page must-have to find your next color, update, and confidence boost look.  101 Outfit Formulas makes getting dressed easier, more stylish, and more fun.

If you love Couture Closet to simply scroll through, 101 Outfit Formulas is a definite to stick with.

Intrigued?

Get the guide!

Disclaimer - 101 Outfit Formulas is a feature through Ultimate Bundles.  I am an Ultimate Bundles affiliate and will receive a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Commonly Upscale

 Without the royal budget


- Designers -

Norma Kamali - Turtleneck Jumpsuit … Cropped Blazer

Gianvito Rossi - Suede Pumps

Mulberry - Top Handle Bag

Armani Exchange - Watch

Ralph by Ralph Lauren - Sunglasses

Chapstick - Classic Original

- Mini Bios -

Mulberry - British fashion company founded in 1971 by businessman, Roger Saul, and his mother, Joan…Most noted for women’s handbags…Celebrities known to carry Mulberry include Victoria Beckham, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, & Zara Tindall (daughter of Anne, Princess Royal & Captain Mark Phillips, eldest niece of King Charles III)…(Read more on Wikipedia)

Armani Exchange - Read about Giorgio Armani first on Wikipedia…Launched in 1991 in the U.S. as an accessible Armani brand…270 stores in 31 countries and online (Wikipedia)

- Commonly Upscale -

Commonly Upscale is a (somewhat) more affordable look inspired by her, a vision of modern royalty less the regal price tag.  Upscale designers exquisite to her and lovely to us.  Although I imagine one in particular, this look book is gorgeous to all.  My descriptives to best describe Commonly Upscale include effortless, formal, conservative, timeless, and understated.  All for a classy image.  Fall/Winter are appropriate seasons.  Workwear is best.  As always, this look book was styled on ShopLook.  What you see is close to what you get on the shopping source, LTK.  (Shop with me on LTK.)

- Look Book -

(Norma Kamali jumpsuit collections can be found on Amazon.  Although I was able to find an excellent close option, it has since been out of stock.  I will attempt to stay updated on this item.)

(Ralph by Ralph Lauren sunglasses can be found on Amazon.  Although the exact look book feature can be found on Amazon, it was not found on LTK.  The LTK exact option is not available at this time.  I will attempt to stay updated on this item.)

(The AX Armani Exchange T-Bar Three-Handed Bracelet Watch, 36mm is sold out on Nordstrom Rack.  The LTK option is also unavailable.)

Norma Kamali Cropped Stretch-Jersey Blazer
Net-A-Porter … LTK
Nearly - Different color

Suede Pumps (Black)
Nordstrom … LTK
(Look Book Source - Net-A-Porter)
(Nonetheless exact)

Lana High Gloss Leather Top Handle Bag
Nordstrom … LTK
(Exact to the look book … Black on LTK)

Classic Lip Balm Original
Target … LTK

Albeit with changes here and there, is Commonly Upscale your style?

Leave a shout out in the Comments section!

- LaurenAlain
ShopLook Designer
LTK Creator

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Royally Monochrome

 In Black & White


- Designer -

Holland Cooper

Kensington Midi Jumper Dress (Black)

Ellenborough Ankle Boot (Black Suede)

Houndstooth Chelsea Scarf

Baker Boy Hat (Houndstooth)

Riding Glove (Black)

Paris Sunglasses (Black)

Belgravia Clutch Bag (Crystal)

Gold Label Trench

- Royally Monochrome -

Royally Monochrome is a take on how I would style Catherine, Princess of Wales for workwear or greeting fans before or after an engagement.  Royally Monochrome is very much a seasonal look, in the wintertime.  As Catherine is known to wear Holland Cooper, my go-to descriptives are effortless, classic, formal, sophisticated, and perhaps understated chic.  Timeless royal.  Timeless monochrome.  Timeless style.  This look book was styled on ShopLook.  Holland Cooper is not supported on LTK, so I opted for the very next best except for the sunglasses and clutch bag (highly impossible).  Nonetheless and as always, shop with me on LTK.

- Look Book -

Norma Kamali Turtleneck Midi Dress
MyTheresa … LTK
Similar (color, style)

IDIFU Ankle Boots High Heel Pointed Toe
Amazon … LTK
(Option)

Nonakgado Houndstooth Scarf 
Amazon … LTK
Similar (pattern)

Houndstooth Newsboy Cap
Etsy … LTK
(Option)

The North Face Gloves
Yoox … LTK 
(Option)

Somthron Women’s Houndstooth Trench Coat
Amazon … LTK
(Option)

Albeit options and similar but not quite, can Royally Monochrome be your style?

Leave a shout out in the Comments section!

- LaurenAlain
ShopLook Designer
LTK Creator

Monday, December 15, 2025

Understated Veita

Catherine, Princess of Wales or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge or simply Kate to her worldwide fans is one to aspire to.  Well, royalty is off the books but fashion sense?  Fashion sense on a commoner’s budget but as darn close to her style as possible?  The average woman cannot put down thousands for an exact designer product worn by royalty, so there are reasons for Saks Off Fifth or Nordstrom Rack or such a source as T.J. Maxx where designer discounts are really deep.  If you still need to save but want a special experience as close to royalty as possible, consider Veita Jewelry.

Sterling Silver, Black glass, Acrylic
Think Breakfast at Tiffany’s style
Evening wear, holiday wear
Date night, Wedding guest
Little black dress

18kt white gold plate, CZs
Sparkling formal, Classic refined, Shine low key
Delicate touch to casual and dressed up

Classic Pearl Studs
Silver or Gold w/ White Glass Pearl
Understated accent to any outfit
Innocent touch to any occasion

The above selections are examples of royally exquisite for the generally breathtaking.  Explore and enjoy.  Shop with me on Veita Jewelry.

Story Time

Presented by Princess Kate


- Designers -

Levi’s - Skinny Jeans
Holland Cooper - Turtleneck … Slipper
Kiki McDonough - Drop Earrings

- Mini Bio -

Holland Cooper - by British fashion designer, Jade Abigail Holland Cooper … Founded in 2008 … Designs known to be worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales … (Wikipedia)

- Story Time -

Some time ago, Catherine sat before a camera, surrounded by Christmas decor, and in a motherly tone spoke of bedtime and stories.  The Holland Cooper turtleneck is an iconic staple in the cold winter season and perfect casual or formal holiday accent.  The shearling slipper is a mere touch (as Catherine is not known to wear Holland Cooper footwear).  To speak of, Holland Cooper is sadly not supported on LTK.  However as this look book recalls cozy, comfy, casual, classic, and relaxed, so too will the next best offers.  As always, this look book was styled on ShopLook and the alternatives shown below are on the shopping source, LTK.  (Shop with me on LTK.)

- Look Book -

Levi’s Skinny Jeans
Farfetch … LTK 

Brady Taupe Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater
Pink Lily … LTK
Next best 

Women’s Classic Shearling-Lined Leather Scuff Slippers
Overland Sheepskin Co. … LTK
Next best

18kt White Gold Classics Diamond and Pearl Earrings
Farfetch … LTK
Next best

Although next best, the alternatives are fairly close in style to the ShopLook original look book.  On that note then, is Story Time your style?

Leave a shout out in the Comments section!

- LaurenAlain
ShopLook Designer
LTK Creator

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Couture Closet Special Ed.

 Veita Jewelry

Crafted to last

I am excited to announce my affiliate role with Veita Jewelry!

Veita Jewelry is unique and one of a kind in individual design by category (New Arrivals, Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Rings, & Anklets), collection designs (from Erin’s Favorites* to ever changing), and thematic style (such as Designer Inspired, Natural Stones, Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, Black, and more).

Erin Markland is the founder of Veita Jewelry and direct sales veteran.  She has led multi-million dollar jewelry organizations and helped thousands of women grow in their own businesses.  In the moment of Veita Jewelry, Erin’s fundamental stamp is radical transparency & honesty.  Veita Jewelry rests with confidence, craftsmanship, and connection…such that actually mean something.

Veita Jewelry is hypoallergenic, nickel-free, cadmium-free, tarnish-free, water resistant, & curated based on designer inspiration.  Jewels are crafted with the finest titanium steel, stainless steel, sterling silver, rhodium, and 18kt gold plating with semi-precious stones.

Veita jewels are always timeless - not disposable fashion, not markup fine, not trend defined.

Veita Jewelry, by definition, is proof that affordable does not have to mean average.

On that note, I am happy to share sample favorites you can explore, shop, or branch out on your own!

(Perk to you - Use code LAURENHOVIS for 10% off!)

Juliet Stone Drop Earrings