Couture Readers,

Celebrate your independent sense of style this month!  Couture is pioneering a new concept with the magazine: real people, real styles. 

Each month, we are striving to bring you a piece on real-life fashionistas, who have an impeccable sense of style.  We recognize that as you flip through magazines, not everyone is going to be flirting about town in $5,000 outfits and $3,000 handbags. 

Our new lifestyles section will feature women, who create their own looks in an inspiring manner.  This month, cover girl and stunning beauty, Meredith Watkins debuts as Couture’s real-life woman with a special sense of style. 

The July issue is overflowing with accessories for divas, romantics, boho’s, classics and rocker girls.  There is an accessory for everyone!  In addition to accessories, Couture introduces the newest member of our team, Lexi Vance.  Vance’s premier fashion articles are sprinkled throughout the issue.  Be sure to read her piece on summer scents and the His & Her basket giveaway that Belk and Couture are teaming up to offer one, lucky reader. 

Don’t miss out on our special red, white and blue shoe section, the latest about skin cancer and suntan lotion, New York’s full figured fashion week, igniting your wardrobe for the weekend, upcoming fashion events throughout the United States, information about fashion week in Berlin and Hong Kong, how to protect your hair in the sumer heat, our exclusive lazy girl's guide to fitness and a special review of the Frist’s Couture art exhibit.  It’s all in this issue.

I would like to encourage you to browse around Couture's Web site.  We have everything from our five favorite fashion blogs of the week to a celebrity sunglasses quiz to men's fashion trends to fashion show reviews and more! 

Thank you for being such loyal readers.  As you stylishly flirt with fashion this summer, we hope you take time to lounge by the pool, book a relaxing massage, treat your skin to a facial, sip on firefly sweet tea and celebrate the privilege you have of living in a country where you have the freedom to express your personal style. 

Ciao Bellas!

Polly Bibb
Editor in Chief