t's finally official; Madonna and Guy Ritchie are getting a divorce. I don't understand why they tried to hide it, as they knew eventually that it would become public. Madonna's spokesperson has come out and confirmed that Madonna and Guy Ritchie are indeed going through a divorce. A source tells US Weekly Magazine that it is actually Guy Ritchie who wants the divorce now, and that the marriage has been over for some time now. Ritchie is tired of pretending and just wants it over. Although many rumors in Hollywood may not be true, it's always funny when celebrities keep denying things, like when Madonna denied that they were having problems and separating, then a couple of weeks later the truth finally comes out.

As news breaks of Madonna's impending divorce, another source is telling US Weekly Magazine that Madonna and Yankee's player, Alex Rodriguez "are definitely romantic." Another shocker, huh? Everyone knew something was going on between these two. What would a world pop star want with a major league baseball player if they weren't romantically involved? We'll have to wait and see how long until they really go public with their relationship.

Now, let's end with some happy news. It looks like The Hills girls, Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag have reunited. The two were seen talking and even gave each other a hug this week at a restaurant in Los Angeles. Conrad was there celebrating her fashion runway show with family and friends when Heidi and her boyfriend Spencer Pratt showed up. But instead of fighting, the two girls actually talked and looked happy about it. Conrad has confirmed that she talked to Montag who was there to congratulate her, and that Lauren "appreciated it." So, who thinks these two will eventually be friends again? I think that before they will ever actually be friends, Heidi has to get rid of Spencer.

Source:
www.usmagazine.com

The 7th annual Los Angeles Fashion Week will be taking place at Smashbox Studios in a couple of weeks, and the fashion show to see there will be Lana Fuchs Couture.

Lana Fuchs is the first Las Vegas designer to participate in L.A. Fashion Week, and it's about time, because Las Vegas is emerging as one of the shopping capitals of the world. As Fuchs says, "It's a huge honor to represent Las Vegas, and I hope that someday our city will become a part of this fabulous fashion tradition. Las Vegas has evolved into a mecca for fashion, frequented by world class tastemakers and influencers, and so, it is only natural that we host our very own Las Vegas Fashion Week." Fuchs will be showing more than 50 looks from her spring 2009 line on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m.

The theme of the collection is "Rhapsody In Bloom," and it will feature rich floral prints based on colors she saw in her travels, including Monet's gardens in France and vivid saris in Jaipur. "Rhapsody in Bloom" is anything but minimalist, with saturated colors joining the most luxurious fabrics (silk, chiffon and lace) with embellishments and embroidery, while maintaining the sophistication necessary for a big city market.

Fuchs' collection centers on ultra-feminine, elegant dresses in silhouettes that work from day to evening. Her designs are perfect for the Hollywood scene, and her one-of-a-kind, custom couture is very popular among women who have occasion to dress up. Lana Fuchs was born in Russia and resides in Las Vegas, both of which influences can be seen in her strong point of view, which pairs sexy silhouettes and a showbiz mentality with a view to the future. Her tag line is "understated devastation," but there's nothing understated about the effect her clothes have on the runway. In fact, I'd love to see her do the wardrobe for a movie, but it would have to feature a strong female lead with one foot in tradition and the other in the future. No simpering girlfriends need apply.

Congratulations are in order for Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley. She gave birth to twin daughters on October 7. A rep for Lisa Marie and her husband, rocker Michael Lockwood, stated "The babies and mom are happy and healthy and resting at home." The names of the baby girls have not been released at this time. Lisa Marie also has two other children from a previous marriage.

It appears that VH1 is all about the dating reality shows. Daisy De La Hoya, who was a contestant on Rock of Love 2, will now have her very own dating show. The show will be called Daisy of Love and will air in the spring of 2009. For anybody who didn't watch Rock of Love 2, Bret Michaels picked another woman over Daisy in the season finale, breaking her heart. The show is still currently casting the men that will vie for the love of Daisy. How many dating reality shows is VH1 going to come out with? I mean, does anybody really watch them? Between Flavor Flav, New York, Bret Michaels and now Daisy De La Hoya, it seems all VH1 cares about is finding true love for these people, over and over!

Rumors are swirling that singer Avril Lavigne and husband of two years Derek Whibley are headed for a divorce. Supposedly they have been growing apart since Avril went on tour last year. Whibley, who is in the band Sum 41, has not been doing much with his career as Avril has been advancing hers, which is causing trouble in the marriage. Derek was actually spotted at an even in Los Angeles last week holding hands and cuddling with an unknown woman. Well, if this is true, it should give Avril some good material to write her next album with. Is anyone really that surprised by this?

Sources:

www.people.com

www.thesun.co.uk

Even with the fall season here, celebrities are still sporting mini-dresses. You can spot celebrities walking down the street in mini-dresses, attending red carpet events in mini-dresses and partying on the town in mini-dresses. It seems like this is one celebrity fashion trend that is not going anywhere anytime soon. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Diane Kruger, Cameron Diaz and Ashley Tisdale are seen in mini-dresses all the time. If you want to follow this celebrity trend into the cooler weather, think about pairing a knee-high boot with the mini-dress to keep warmer and give your outfit more of a colder weather look. Cavalli makes some beautiful mini-dresses that even have long sleeves to make the look fit into the cold weather even better.

Another celebrity fashion trend that is gaining popularity this fall season is tweed. Tweed is classic style that is very wearable. You can wear a tweed suit or dress to the office, and then even out to drinks afterwards. Victoria Beckham and Kelly Ripa were just seen wearing tweed dresses paired with black boots. Not only is tweed a trend with celebrities, it is actually a classic that will be around for quite some time. If you aren't sure about tweed, try out just a tweed blazer with jeans or a tweed skirt with a blouse.

It seems like one old-fashion rule that has been thrown out with celebrities is not wearing white after Labor Day. Several celebrities have been seen wearing white dresses and pants into the fall season. Jennifer Lopez just wore a white dress to her husband's birthday party. The key to wearing white after Labor Day is to wear the right type of fabrics. Stick to heavier fabrics such as wools and heavy cottons and avoid the lighter fabrics such as linen and silk. Why not act like a celebrity and break the rules of fashion this year and wear your white after Labor Day?

What a shocker. Hugh Hefner and girlfriend Holly Madison have broken up. Did you really think that this relationship would last forever? Well, apparently Hefner did. He told US Magazine, "I had planned to spend the rest of my life with Holly." Holly has always made it known that she wanted children and wanted to get married. Hefner stated that they tried to have children earlier this year, but it did not work out and that Holly became "very depressed." Holly stated that she is still living in the Playboy Mansion filming the 6th season of Girls Next Door along with the other girls, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson. It was rumored before that Bridget and Kendra are also no longer with Hefner. I wonder what other 3 or 4 girls he is going to get for girlfriends now?

Another celebrity couple that has called it quits is Joe Jonas and Taylor Swift. Jonas, who is a member of the band the Jonas Brothers, and Swift, who is a country singer, dated for several months before breaking up earlier this month. An inside source said that Jonas "broke her heart." It has also been rumored that Jonas broke up with Swift over the telephone. The couple never confirmed their relationship to the public but was seen at several appearances together and out on several dates on the town.

Britney Spears was involved in another accident on Wednesday. Thankfully it was just a fender bender, and no one was injured. Britney was not driving the car. One of her bodyguards was driving her SUV when a paparazzi car cut them off, which caused another car to hit them from behind. Britney is currently involved in a court case for her driving without a license. She is set to appear in court next week and has already turned down a plea bargain. It's a good thing that Britney wasn't driving during this accident. That wouldn't have looked good at her case even though it appears it was the other driver's fault.

Source:
www.usmagazine.com

Celebrities aren't the only people who set the fashion trends in Hollywood. Celebrity kids also make fashion trends just as much as their parents. You will never see a celebrity kid wearing some old shirt from Wal-Mart or the local discount department store. No, celebrity kids wear name brand designer clothing that cost more than all the clothing I have put together. One of the trendiest kids in Hollywood is Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes's daughter Suri. Even at two years old she is making a fashion statement. Suri Cruise has been photographed wearing many different outfits and different designers. One of her favorite designers is Juicy Couture. She was seen wearing a black sundress by Juicy Couture strolling around New York City with her mom.

Another celebrity kid that makes fashion trends in Hollywood is Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's son, Kingston. Kingston can be seen wearing tons of different rocker clothes from his mom's line called L.A.M.B. From his cargo pants to his rocker tees, he sets the trends for little boys in Hollywood. Other celebrity kids that are also high on the fashion trends are Heidi Klum's three children, Tori Spelling's son Liam, and all of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's children.

So, what is going on with the actual celebrities in Hollywood? Well it seems like baggy, boyfriend cut jeans are back in style. Both Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes have been seen wearing their husband's jeans. Now, no one is going out and telling you to wear your husband's jeans out of the house, but it seems like the boyfriend cut jeans are an alternative to the skinny jeans. Other celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz have also sported baggier jeans in the past couple weeks. When trying to achieve this celebrity look, make sure that the jeans are not too baggy and that you don't wear them out for a nice evening or date. Boyfriend jeans are for casual strolls around town. Pair them with a gray t-shirt like Reese Witherspoon did and you have a cute and casual day look.

Living in S.E. Asia, I travel to Malaysia all the time. It's an amazing country, full of really friendly people but the most interesting thing is the melding of three different Malaysian cultures and the three different fashions that come with this.

The main cultures in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese and Indian. The majority of people are Muslim, followed by Chinese Malaysians and Indian Malaysians. What you notice in the cities in Malaysia though is, although these three cultures are traditional, many of the women dress in cool, fashionable and stylish clothing that would be in vogue almost anywhere in the world.

Malay women wear either Western clothing (lots of jeans, cute t shirts and tops, lovely spring and summer dresses, and short jackets) or the traditional Malay dress. This is called a Baju Kurung, a floor length skirt with a long-sleeved or three-quarter sleeved long-bodiced top that ends below the hips. These are beautiful as they're made in large, colorful floral patterns and are worn with matching embroidered headscarves to cover the hair in Muslim style. If Muslim women wear Western dress, they usually still wear the headscarf to cover their hair, which looks really pretty and gives the outfit an unusual stylish flare.

Chinese women and girls wear clothes that are mainly Western - jeans and pants seem to be more in style than skirts - and the Chinese women often have short hair too, which gives them a definite sporty look. Older more traditional women either wear the Cheongsam, the long sleek silk dress with the high neck and slits up the side, or the Samfoo, which looks like silk pajamas with a high neck on the jacket. These are bright ly colored and sometimes embroidered with gorgeous designs of flowers and exotic birds.

For Indian women in Malaysia, some wear jeans, Western dresses and skirts and look like modern Indian women in any major international city. Others wear the traditional Indian sari and as many places in Malaysia have sari shops selling beautiful fabric, the designs are unlimited. Whichever style they choose, they often wear very bright colors, which look stunning against their darker skin.

The thing I love about fashion in Malaysia is, no matter if you're traditional or modern, Western or Asian, casual or elegant - pretty much anything goes. You won't feel out of place and, if you're a fashion lover, you'll see so many beautiful women in gorgeous clothes, you'll want to visit again and again.

The vest, or waistcoat as it's known in most of the English-speaking world outside America, first appeared as part of standard fashion in the mid-1600s. For centuries, they were the focal points of men's wardrobes, imparting color, cut and style. By the 19th century, however, they evolved into practical undergarments. While seen in glimpses with the fashions of the time, they were largely used to provide structure to a man's silhouette (for many decades in this period, corseting was fashionable for men, and this structure was often built into waistcoats), before evolving into a bland, required, but largely unnoticed part of a man's three-piece suit. Of course, all this changed with the outrageousness of disco, which almost killed the vest entirely.

Today, the vest is making a comeback in an array of styles and purposes. While two-piece suits remain the most common, three-piece suits are making a comeback, especially in Europe. And vests worn without a covering jacket or with casual items, like jeans, are increasingly in fashion. Vests, too, are fashionable for women. While this has been a periodic trend since women entered the work force en masse, and there's been an effort to settle on agreed upon workplace attire for them, a cultural interest in both androgyny and a return to more structured fashions have heightened the vest's popularity.

When wearing a vest, there are a few key things to remember. First, never wear a vest and a belt. Braces, commonly known as suspenders for Americans, are the correct option for pants. These should be buttoned in, not clipped on, if you can possibly help it. Second? Always leave the bottom button of a waistcoat undone. It has long been considered the mark of a gentleman, although fashion legend varies as to whether this is related to the necessities of horseback riding or the habits of England's Edward VII. Either way, it shows a bit of savvy with an article of clothing that has swung back and forth between outrageous and buttoned up, time and time again.

Generally when we talk about costume dramas, we mean films involving heavy dresses and corsets that take place well before the 20th century. But this fall two of the biggest costumes dramas to hit the screen are solidly 20th century flicks, and both could have a huge impact on this season's fashions.

The first is Baz Luhrmann's Australia, an epic romance that travels across the Australian continent during WWII. Despite Luhrmann's films being known for their glamour, expect rugged looks, natural colors and masculine styles with feminine tailoring from Oscar-winning costume designer Catherine Martin. Khakis with soft blouses, military influences and riding boots will surely look spectacular on star Nicole Kidman and will likely all be making appearances in wardrobes soon. With Hugh Jackman playing the male lead, there will surely be significant fashion impact for men from this film too.

Set just slightly later is the new Sam Mendes film, Revolutionary Road which is a domestic drama set in 1950s Connecticut. Costumes by Albert Wolsky feature the playful dresses of the era with snug waists and full skirts as well as the delightful, but alluring, more conservative ladies suits of the time. The film, which is garnering lots of attention for its reuniting of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio on the big screen, showcases many of the cultural tensions that began to emerge after WWII and also contains many of the styles that became popular with the rise of the teenager as a social and economic force. Expect to see a 1950s influence in this season's holiday dresses in both cut and color.

There are plenty of more traditional period epics, such as the rococo saga The Duchess from director Saul Dibb. Staring Keira Knightly, its fashions will surely inspire envy, but translating them to the modern closet will be a more challenging leap, which is why this season's movie-inspired fashions will be all about the relatively recent past.

So many celebrities are talking out about how the paparazzi are getting out of control. The latest celebrity talking is High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale. She recently told Access Hollywood that a member of the paparazzi broke into her house to get footage of her. She stated, "They broke in an entry and went into the hall and followed my stylist." The cops were quickly called and took the man away, and the good thing for Ashley is she said that she has not seen the man since. This has to be so scary for her. She's a young woman and has to worry about paparazzi breaking into her house just to get some pictures of her. I know that there is a price for being a celebrity, but when it comes to this, something needs to be done.

In another shocker, Angelina Jolie tells W Magazine that she has already bought her 7-year-old son Maddox knives to play with. She said that her mom gave her daggers when she was around 11 or 12 and she has been obsessed with them ever since. Now, her son Maddox is into them. Okay, who in their right mind gives a 7-year-old boy knives? I don't care who she is, in my opinion that is just wrong. Isn't Angelina Jolie the person that is all about no war and violence and loves the earth? But she takes on movie roles in which there is fighting and violence and then gives her son knives.

After all the mean rumors that have been going around about Eva Longoria Parker and how she has gotten fat, Eva has come out and announced that she is still a size 0. Eva states that "I just got rounder." Eva has told the press in the past that, no, she is not pregnant, and that she gained some weight for her role on her television show Desperate Housewives. I don't understand why they just can't leave Eva alone. Whoever thinks that a size 0 is fat needs their head examined. Eva is still beautiful and most women would die to have her body!

Sources:

www.usmagazine.com

http://omg.yahoo.com

Even though it's into the fall season, many celebrities are still seen wearing sandals and peep-toe pumps. Peep-toe pumps are all the rage on the red carpet now. From plain peep-toe pumps to ones with embellishments and flowers on them, the shoes can be seen all over the feet of the famous woman in Hollywood. Such celebrities as Kim Kardashian, Tori Spelling, Jennifer Hudson, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron and Halle Berry love wearing peep-toe pumps on the red carpet and to special events. These celebrities love the peep-toe pumps by designer Missoni. Actually, peep-to-pumps are a great show for the fall season. They add a little drama to the shoe but still are appropriate for the colder weather. One thing to remember when wearing the shoes is to never wear pantyhose with them, which allows you to see the end of the pantyhose where the toes show.

The cropped leather jacket is another huge fashion trend right now with the female celebrities. Such celebrities as Heidi Klum, Joy Bryant, Miley Cyrus and Rachel Bilson have all rocked out in the cropped leather jacket. Despite what you may think, the jacket can be worn with more clothing than just jeans. A cropped leather jacket can be worn with a cute casual dress, a pair of trousers, or you can go all out rocker and wear it with a pair of leggings. It makes a great alternative to a plain, fall jacket. Just stay away from wearing the leather jacket with leather pants; you might end up looking like you belong in a motorcycle bar.

For a quick update to your wardrobe, try what many celebrities are doing and add a studded handbag to your outfit. A studded handbag can jazz up an outfit and add some quick style to an otherwise boring outfit. Rihanna has been seen carrying around several different studded handbags. The girls on the television show Gossip Girl also have been sporting some studded handbags around the set. The handbags make a great accessory and everyone will be asking where you got that cool handbag from!

There are many companies out there taking advantage of the green movement in clothing. One of these companies is the Green Tee Clothing Company. This company creates t-shirts from organic cotton and bamboo materials. The idea is to produce stylish t-shirts that are also environmentally friendly and help raise awareness for environmental causes.

Organic Clothing From Green Tee

Green Tee creates shirts from 100 percent organic cotton, bamboo and recycled material. It is important to note that not actually producing clothing is the most helpful thing for the environment, but people want new clothes. Organic cotton t-shirts are becoming more popular, and Green Tee saw an opportunity in that. The company strives to do the next best thing for the environment by producing clothes that are fairly green.

In addition to using organic and recycled materials in the fabric itself, Green Tee uses water-based inks, rather than dyes that use synthetic chemicals and can be harmful. The company also takes steps to make its operations as green as possible, joining the movement of some companies striving to reduce their carbon footprints. Green Tee is also a member of 1 Percent for the Planet, an organization that helps companies donate a portion of their earnings to environmental and conservation causes.

Another goal of Green Tee is to make green clothing more accessible in terms of price. The company tries to make its clothes stylish and attractive (so people will want to wear them), as well as reasonably priced (so people can afford them).

Jumping on the green movement in clothing bandwagon is common, especially for those who want to capitalize on a trend. However, few companies that make environmentally friendly clothing really try to make a difference through contributions of their earnings and putting into practice other principles. Green Tee is a company that is trying to make the green clothing more than fad; the goal is to make environmentally friendly clothing part of a lifestyle.

This really shouldn't be that big of a surprise for anyone. Angelina Jolie has added two more tattoos to her body. She has added the longitude and latitude of where here twins, Knox and Vivienne were born in Nice, France. Angelina already has the coordinates of her other children, and where they were born, on her arm. She has just added the next two down the list on her arm. At the rate she is going, by the time she is done having or adopting children, her whole arm is going to be inked with locations.

Miley Cyrus shut down Disneyland this past weekend to celebrate her sweet 16. This included more than 5,000 guests, many of them paid $250, to celebrate her 16th birthday with her. Although, her birthday is not until November 23, she decided to celebrate it a little early. Some of the guest included, her boyfriend Justin Gaston, Demi Lovato, Jennie Garth, Steve Carrel, Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Cyrus performed 4 songs, while her father, Billy Ray Cyrus sung his hit "Achy Breaky Heart." Now, how is she going to top this party when she gets married?

You can't get more ironic than this: Paris Hilton told "People" magazine that she wanted children, while sipping a cocktail at Pure Nightclub in Las Vegas. Does she realize that once she gets pregnant and has children, there will be no more cocktails at clubs? Paris stated that she wanted children in "maybe a year or two." I have a feeling that Paris just wants children because it is the trendy thing in Hollywood right now, and her friend, Nicole Richie, has a baby. What she probably doesn't realize is how much a responsibility a baby is. Of course, I'm sure she will have plenty of nannies watching the kids while she goes out and parties. That's all we need in this world, more people like Paris Hilton.

Sources:
www.people.com
www.usmagazine.com

The poncho is an extraordinarily simple and practical piece of clothing that exists in many forms around the world. While the poncho is often associated with the Americas, it also exists as a traditional clothing item in parts of Europe, albeit under different names.

While the poncho has its origins in indigenous cultures, much of its development can be owed to the military. In the United States, ponchos were first used in this capacity in the 1850s. While the early poncho was made out of cloth coated with rubber for waterproofing, today ponchos intended for bad weather are usually made out of nylon or other light-weight synthetic materials.

But the poncho is more than just a bit of rain gear. It has become a movie and television icon, appearing memorably in everything from Sergio Leone films (specifically on Clint Eastwood in his role as "The Man with No Name") to today's wildly popular show "Ugly Betty."

The poncho has also become a fashion statement with designer versions of the simple garment appearing on runways and on the street since the 1960s. While once exclusively thought of as a part of "hippie fashion," the poncho is now being seen from designers such as Carolina Herrera. Additionally, with the periodic revival of the hippie look, it can never hurt to have a retro poncho in the back of your closet . It might not be in fashion all the time, but it will certainly be in fashion often enough.

Today's fashion ponchos are slimmer and more body conscious than those heavy, wool, knitted items of decades past. Often in a single color or muted tones, popular fabrics include silk, cashmere and various luxury-fabric blends. Today's ponchos are ideal for in-between weather or as a more practical wrap for an outdoor party, where it might be cool in the shade but warm in the sun.

For those of us that remember the fringed monstrosities of our 1970s childhoods or the ugly practicality of a rain poncho when camping, the idea of a fashion poncho might be surprising, but it certainly shouldn't be overlooked.

I don't know who Murphy is, but his law sure is tough. It always seems to affect me at the worst time. Here's what I mean.

Recently, I began temping at a new company. Unfortunately, on the first day, I wore the wrong attire. In anticipation of an ice cold training room, I wore a sweater top and long skirt. Well, guess what? The room was extremely hot, and we had to trek from one building to another for photos and climb stairs. By the end of the day, I was sweating and wishing I'd dressed light. However, I wasn't alone. Everyone in the classroom had the same idea, and a few people even wore heels. It was an incident that left us all feeling a little tired, but taught everyone a good lesson. What was it? Dress attire for the first day of any job must be flexible to accommodate almost any situation.

The first day of any job is always a mystery. No one really knows what to expect. It could be a lax day of sitting around in an icy cold room, or a day that includes a long tour and actual work. So in order to prepare yourself for a variety of conditions, you should dress in comfortable clothing and layers. Here are a few suggestions based on the average, business-casual office:

Men

• Loafers
• Dockers
• Dress shirts with undershirts
• Removable jackets and sweaters

• Low heels
• Mid-length skirts
• Dockers or flexible slacks
• Tunics, blouses or dress shirts
• Removable jackets or sweaters

Los Angeles, California, might be in America, but as fashion goes, it's like being in another world. Los Angeles residents may look casual and relaxed to an outsider, but they actually spend a lot of money to look that casual and that relaxed. And even though they're only wearing a halter shirt and jogging pants, the shirt is a Betsey Johnson and the jogging pants are Adidas. Los Angelenos like to be comfortable, but they also like to be in style. That's where designer fashion comes in.

When I first moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, I'd never met anyone that would spend $1,000 on a purse and not blink an eye. Los Angeles, though, is full of people like that. Everyone I knew in L.A. had at least one Kate Spade bag, and some people had many. T shirts, shorts, jogging pants and sweatshirts worn around the shoulders and knotted in front are also all the rage. And flip flops are almost required dress, although flip flops in L.A. cost $100 a pair, and Los Angelenos have 20 pairs, to match every outfit they own.

Los Angeles women also love to wear short A-line skirts and spaghetti strap tops, paired with some DKNY sandals or a pair of flip flops, and, of course, a perfectly tanned body. Khakis with a short sleeved button down shirt (if you want to be more conservative) or a halter top (if you don't!) also seem to be in everyone's wardrobe. Teeny, tiny capped sleeve t-shirts (especially in white) are also a must have, especially if they have a brand name splayed across the front.

L.A. men slop around in baggy jeans, even baggier t-shirts and baseball caps, but even their caps are designer caps, and on their feet are the latest Bruno Magli slip-on shoes. I'm in love with men's feet in L.A.

The next time you go to L.A., don't be misled by the seeming casualness of the clothing. It's a studied casualness that isn't cheap to pull off, but it's a style that is quintessentially L.A., and I love it.

If your daughter is the age where she's into American girl dolls (and that pretty much covers kids ages 6 to 96), why not give her a treat and take her to an American Girl Fashion Show? American Girl dolls are themed around historical characters and modern girls, so the variety of styles ensures your child will be able to find SOMETHING she likes. The historical characters are Julie (circa 1970 and clearly targeted at the moms who remember bell bottom jeans and peasant tops from the first time around), Molly (1940s era, with the same idea, except appealing to grandmas), Samantha (early 20th century), Kit (Great Depression), Addy (Civil War), Kirsten (pioneer days), Josefina (early 1800's), Felicity (Colonial times) and Kaya (whenever it was that Native Americans were allowed to live their lives in peace without interference from invaders).

The modern American girl dolls' lifestyles range from that of a regular suburban kid to the daughter of archeologists, so the outfit possibilities are almost endless. Accessories are aplenty too, which lead my friend, who grew up during the actual Depression to comment, "There's something really twisted about the fact that this doll has 32 accessories , which each cost more than it cost to feed my family for a month back then." But the dolls aren't really intended to reflect accurate history, they're more a way to get kids to deal with current problems through the rose-colored prism of time. (Well, that and to sell a lot of dolls, books and clothes.)

Outfits are made to match for girls and dolls, and there are even custom dolls that can be made to look like your daughter, but they all share the same face. The difference is mostly in coloring and hairstyle. The fashion shows include refreshments, prizes and lectures on how clothing over the years has reflected history, culture and individual style.

All shows benefit local nonprofit organizations, and local talent is hired to portray the characters in the books (my daughter's friend got to be Kit one year because she shared a similar blonde bob with the doll.) For more information and local dates in your area, go to www.americangirl.com.

Well, there seems to be more drama in the hills with Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge. There is a rumor going around in the online world that Lauren hooked up with Audrina's on-and-off-again boyfriend Justin Bobby. Lauren is denying all the reports and rumors that she hooked up with Justin Bobby. In fact, it seems like she is blaming the one and only Spencer Pratt for spreading the rumor about her. Now, anyone who has watched "The Hills," knows that Lauren couldn't stand Justin Bobby, so why would she hook up with him? She always thought he was gross and that Audrina deserved better. For once, I actually believe Lauren and think she didn't do anything with Justin Bobby, and if she did then she has some problems!

Howard Stern is once again a married man. Stern married his fiancée, Beth Ostrosky on October 3 at Le Cirque restaurant in New York. Among the guests that attended the wedding were Jimmy Kimmel, Kelly Ripa, Silver Silverman, Joan Rivers, John Stamos and Barbara Walters. Best of all, they had actor Mark Consuelos act as the official of the wedding vows, while entertainers Billy Joel, Phoebe Snow and Pat Monahan all performed at the wedding. Who wants to bet how long this celebrity marriage is going to last? In my opinion, it will end the same way as Howard's first marriage did ... in divorce.

Finally, justice has been served. Former football player and actor O.J. Simpson has been found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping. The verdict came down exactly 13 years after he was acquitted of murdering his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Simpson was convicted of all 12 counts against him for an incident that involved sports memorabilia in Las Vegas last year. The charges hold a mandatory 5 years in prison and up to a life sentence. Sentencing on this case will be held on Dec. 5 for Simpson.

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.people.com

Pop culture fashion designers and fashion shoe designers are in high demand right now. Even when the economy seems to be taking a turn for the worse, consumers still want quality, designer footwear that makes them look fabulous. One of the most popular designers of this generation is Sergio Rossi. This designer's work has been inspiring shoe fashion trends since the 1950s, and continues to this day to be a leading designer in the United States and abroad.

Sergio Rossi - Background
Sergio Rossi is an Italian shoe designer and fashion designer who specializes in men's shoes, women's shoes and women's handbags. His lines typically have included boots, booties, flats, sandals, platforms and pumps.

Sergio Rossi began his shoe fashion training working by his father's side in Romagna back in the 1950s. Rossi's shoe design education continued when he spent a couple of years in Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world. Once Rossi had a good understanding of how the shoe fashion world worked, he launched his own line of shoes in Bologna in 1966. This first line of designer shoes graced many shops in Bologna and helped to establish the Sergio Rossi label as a quality designer product. While the Sergio Rossi label is well-known and respected, this designer's collection is probably best known for its collaboration works in the 1970s with Gianni Versace and in the 1990s with Dolce & Gabbana.

Sergio Rossi - The Company
The first Sergio Rossi boutiques opened in the town of Ancor. However, by the 1980s, this boutique exploded and numerous chains were opened throughout the world. In 1999 the Gucci Group bought the Sergio Rossi Company and further expanded the line and boutique chain. By 2007, there were more than 40 Sergio Rossi stores located around the globe, with six in the United States alone. There are Sergio Rossi stores in New York, Costa Mesa, Bar Harbour, Waikiki, Beverly Hills and Boston. Today the Sergio Rossi label is owned by the French company PPR. All of these stores, as well as the Sergio Rossi international boutiques, carry the latest lines offered by the Sergio Rossi label include seasonal collections and bridal collections.

When I was a teen, people used to call me Wonder Woman. Why? I was so tall that I towered over almost every kid my age. Of course, at the time, I didn't like it. I wanted to fit in. Fortunately, I got over it as I aged, but the only thing that still bothers me is finding clothes.

Tops, pants, skirts and stockings tend to come up short when it comes to tall women, because fashion designers make clothes to fit the average-sized gal. If you happen to be a few inches taller than most females, you're out of luck. As a result, you have to look for certain things when you buy clothes. Here's what to watch for:

• Pants and skirts with the words "tall" on the tags. They are specially designed to fit people with longer legs or torsos.

• Stockings with the words "queen" on them. Even if you aren't queen-sized, the leg room with cover all of your legs.

• Tops that fall to the waist or below. A current trend that is great for tall people is tunics. They are sure to cover all of your middle area so when you reach up at work, no one will see your stomach area.

These kinds of clothing fit tall women best because they hang well on a long body. It's basically what I've figured out through the years. Pretty good for girl who was once associated with a woman running around in a bright bathing suit.

Like many fashion trends, the Goth look comes out of the world of music. While the Goth music scene first came to life as a morbid off-shoot of punk in the late 1970s, it had its heyday in the 1980s with bands like Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Cure and The Sisters of Mercy. While the Goth subculture continues to be alive and well today, with many of the original bands still recording even as new ones come in to the scene, where Goth has really left its mark is in fashion.

As with many fashion subcultures, Goth has something of uniform. Gothic fashion frequently involves elaborate outfits, usually but not exclusively, in black. All white outfits, deep reds and rich purples sometimes also enter into play. However, the general aesthetic is one of mourning, and styling is usually borrowed heavily from Victorian or Edwardian fashions. Although more recent fashion trends can also come into play including those of the 1940s and 50s. Luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk and lace are often popular, and the look is often less revealing than other styles considered a part of youth fashion. Elaborate jewelry and makeup is common for both genders.

While the full Goth look still seems a bit over-the-top for many occasions, Goth has definitely gone mainstream and influenced many designers and lines including John Galliano, Betsy Johnson and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Additionally, as many of the original Goths have gotten older, they've developed "office Goth" or "stealth Goth" looks that adhere to parts of the Goth aesthetic, while also fitting in with the more mainstream parts of their lives. This trend has helped bring the Goth fashion statement to the rest of us.

Meanwhile Goth fashion, in and of itself, has split into many subgenres including the coquettish-elegant Gothic, or Lolita-elegant Gothic, an aristocratic look that is popular in Japan. There is also the graver look, which is a cross between Goth and rave fashions, and the techno Goth style, which incorporates futurism and technology into the trend.

Television star Beverly Mitchell married her longtime fiancé Michael Cameron last week in a ceremony in Italy. Among the guests was J*essica Biel*, her fellow "7th Heaven" co-star, and Justin Timberlake. Jessica Biel also served as one of Beverly's bridesmaids in the wedding. Mitchell and Cameron had been engaged since New Year's Eve 2006. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake had been spending some extra time in Italy and now we know the reason why.

"American Idol" runner-up, David Archuleta will make his acting debut on the Nickelodeon show "iCarly." The basis of the "iCarly" show is about students at a high school and a girl named Carly who has her own web show. In the show, Archuleta will play a contestant in an American-Idol like competition called "America Sings." I'm not sure why American Idol contestants think that they can act also. Does anybody remember how bad Kelly Clarkson's and Justin Guarini's movie was?

Now that Yankee's player, Alex Rodriguez is legally divorced, he must not care about being seeing with Madonna. It was rumored back in the summer that Rodriguez and Madonna were having an affair, both of them cheating on their spouses. Only days later, Rodriguez's wife filed for divorce while Madonna denied any affair with Rodriguez. Well, now the two has been spotted out on the town together again. Madonna and Rodriguez ate dinner at Dos Caminos Third Avenue. A source tells Us Magazine that, "They seemed very close." You think that Madonna would steer clear of Rodriguez after having to deny having an affair with him, but to me something is definitely going on with these two.

Why do celebrities think they can get away without paying taxes? Racecar driver and "Dancing With The Stars" champion Helio Castroneves is facing tax evasion charges. It is alleged that he failed to pay more than $5 million over a four years to the IRS. How could you forget to pay taxes or think that they IRS wouldn't catch you not paying $5 million? Now, if it was $5, I don't think the IRS would even bother, but c'mon, $5 million?

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.tmz.com

Purple is definitely the "it" color with celebrities right now. From purple shirts to purple skirts to even purple evening dresses are all over Hollywood. Such celebrities as Isla Fisher, Rihanna, Hilary Duff, Beyonce and Lauren Conrad have all been rocking the purple lately. If you aren't sure about wearing purple, then add a splash of the color to your outfit instead of having it as a main color. Try some purple pumps or a necklace or bracelet with purple gems or even a purple clutch by Michael Kors. This gives you that pop of purple without being in your face.

Even though the holidays are still several months away, celebrities are bringing out the sparkle and glimmer early. Sparkle is a great look for a Christmas or New Year's Eve party. If you want to follow this trend early, why not try it on a date night or a night out on the town. Try a short silver sparkled mini-dress with black tights the way that Angie Harmon did. Or how about a cute little sparkly skirt or top like Kelly Ripa or Audrina Patridge. If you're shy about this trend and don't want to stick out in the crowd, why not go for the sparkle with your accessories. Add some cocktail rings that shine and sparkle or a belt that does the same. The possibilities are endless for the sparkle and glimmer fashion trend.

Lace is another big fashion trend in Hollywood right now, but there are a lot of people who think that they can't pull lace off. The key behind wearing lace is to make it look young and modern and not old and dowdy. Take examples from Scarlett Johansson, America Ferrera and Debra Messing. One thing that you always want to remember when wearing lace is that if it is see-through, you need to wear something underneath. If you have a lace dress, make sure that it has a slip or layer of fabric under it. Wearing lace is a great way to play up your feminine charm and look sophisticated at the same time. Lace can be worn to the office or a night out, depending on what you pair the outfit with, so it is rather versatile.

Another Hollywood baby has joined the world. Marisol Nichols, who stars in the television show "24," and her husband Taron Lexton welcomed a little girl this week. Rain India Lexton, was born on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 2:18 am. She weighed in at 7lbs 5 oz. Best of luck to this family.

We have now learned why Heather Locklear was arrested this past week. She was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. A female witness saw Locklear was driving erratically. The witness called the cops when Locklear got out of her vehicle on the highway. When the cops arrived, they noticed that Locklear was "disoriented and impaired." She was taken to the local police station for drug and alcohol testing. According to California Highway Patrol spokesman Tom Marshall, "Alcohol was ruled out as a factor, but based on the officer's observations; we believe Locklear was under the influence of prescription medication." Locklear was released from jail several hours later. This is so sad for her daughter. First Richie Sambora (her daughter's father) gets arrested for a DUI, and then mom gets arrested for a DUI a short time later. Hopefully the whole family can get some serious help for their daughter's sake.

Disney star Demi Lovato admitted on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that she was bullied in school. She suffered from teasing and bullying in the 7th grade, which actually led her to be home schooled instead of going to school. She stated that she never understood why she was being bullied back then but thinks it was most likely from her being an actress and others being jealous. Now she says that she "wants to help with bullying, because there are girls who can't just up and home school and focus on their career." I applaud Demi for speaking up and doing something about the other girls who are getting bullied.

Sources:

www.people.com
www.usmagazine.com

Skinny jeans aren't just for women. No, skinny jeans and pants have caught on with celebrity men also. The rocker-type men seem to be sporting tighter and tighter pants these days. Such celebrities as Pete Wentz, all of the Jonas Brothers, Zac Efron and Johnny Depp have all been seen sporting skinny jeans for men. Now, the skinny jean is not for all men. In fact, I know a lot of men who say that they will never wear a skinny jean, but some of those celebrities look awfully good in their skinny jeans. One designer that the celebrities like for his skinny jeans is Moschino. And the best thing about this designer's jeans is that they are actually affordable to the non-celebrity men who dare to wear skinny jeans.

While rocking the skinny jeans, the celebrity men also love to wear newsboy hats. Most people have seen Brad Pitt sporting this type of hat before. Other celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, George Clooney, Samuel L. Jackson and Jason Lee have also worn newsboy hats around Hollywood. They offer a unique style for a guy and can help accessorize his outfit. George Clooney has been seen wearing a Dolce and Gabbana newsboy hat several times, and I have to say that, for an older guy, he still looks good in it. When sporting a newsboy hat, stick to a neutral color like black or gray.

Let's stay on the topic of celebrity men and talk about rocker tees. So many celebrity men are spotted wearing what appears to be old and faded rocker tees. But, in reality, the tees that they wear are probably new and quite expensive. Many designers are making T-shirts for men that look like old rocker tees or graphic tees from years ago. This gives the guy a little edge and makes him look almost like he doesn't care what he looks like, except for the fact that the T-shirt probably cost over $100.

So, what is the perfect outfit for the celebrity man nowadays? The skinny jeans, the newsboy hat and the rocker tee. Put that together with a gorgeous man, and you have a sight for sore eyes!

Have you been watching Dancing With The Stars? If not, you are missing one of the best seasons. Why? It has the oldest star on it. Who? 82-year-old Cloris Leachman.

Cloris Leachman is unpredictable, funny and a little cranky. You never know what she'll say or do. Of course, it all makes for good TV. However, what I love most about Cloris Leachman is her style.

Like many women over the age of 45, Cloris Leachman has the belly pooch and extra hips. Yet neither one of these curbs her style. She dresses glamorously anyway, showing every woman with a similar body type and age how to do it. Here's how she pulls it off.

Cloris Leachman:

• Wears solids - Yes, she may have an elaborate headpiece or silk material, but it's normally one color. By wearing solid colors, her hips and stomach look a lot smaller.

• Flaunts cleavage - Cloris Leachman has beautiful breasts. So her dresses on Dancing With The Stars normally have v-necks that show her cleavage. By playing up one of her best features, it detracts from her less attractive ones.

• Switches hairstyles - Leachman has a great haircut that she isn't afraid to cover up with a wig in the name of style. It gives her a flexible look. Leachman's hairstyles complete the outfits she wears on the show.

The blazer has long been a staple of schools, sporting teams and other organizations requiring a somewhat formal uniform, but they've also become a key part of fashion both for their durability and the elite worlds they evoke.

A blazer differs from a normal suit jacket, because it is made of more durable cloth, its pockets don't usually have flaps, and its buttons are almost always metal in a brass, gold or silver tone. Blazers also commonly feature a patch either of the organization they represent or something fictitious designed to evoke affiliation. Sometimes blazers have a contrasting stripe or piping on the lapel or other edges for a similar reason. While blazers are often thought of as navy blue, they actually come in a range of colors. Legend even has it that that term for these jackets came into use because the first sport coats of this sort were a blazing red.

Blazers have been in fashion since the early 20th century, when the affiliations they signaled were representative of a certain type of elitism. Periodically, there has been a revival in these jackets, specifically in the mod fashions of the 1960s and then again in the late 1970s. The 1980s also saw a burst of blazer popularity as the preppy look celebrated a particular sort of American elitism and wealth. Blazers were particularly common on Wall Street at the time. During the same time, blazers were even popular with teenage boys, because they associated blazers with the idea of summer formal and wore the jackets with khaki or white pants.

Blazers, however, aren't just for men. They've been freely adapted by women's organizations and fashion for decades. While masculine, the blazer is easy to fit to a woman's form and style, since it doesn't rely on a tie to off-set it.

Today blazers continue to be worn as part of everything from school uniforms to a classic country club look to pop-music fashion. You can see them in the office, on the runway and even on the movie screen in everything from Harry Potter to Chariots of Fire.

Believe it or not, there are some celebrity fashion trends that are classic clothing pieces and will not be going out of style anytime soon. One of those trends is the white button-up shirt. There are tons of celebrities that wear the white button-up shirt several different ways. You can have the casual look, Cavalli makes an excellent example of a flirty and feminine button-up shirt.

Another celebrity fashion trend that will be around for awhile is the pointy-toe shoe. They can look great paired with wide-legged pants but also look just as good with a knee-length skirt. They also can help your legs look leaner and longer. Who wouldn't want that? If you ever look at a celebrity's feet on the red carpet, you will notice that probably more than half of the women are wearing pointy-toe shoes. And they can be worn with so many different options, from a elegant evening gown to a pair of dressy jeans. Such celebrities as Christian Lacroix. And the good thing with pointy-toe shoes is that you necessarily don't have to wear the super high heel to be trendy. Even a flat shoe with a pointy-toe will be trendy.

The good folks of the Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis have come up with a great idea for a fashion show that puts the spotlight on green living and giving back to the community: the 2008 Recycled Threads Fashion Show. The event will take place on Friday, November 14, at 7 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Recycled Threads show is also a contest, and Epworth United Methodist, along with its cosponsors (+Indiana Living Green Magazine,+ Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis Care For Creation Committee, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and Dress for Success Indianapolis), are hoping to discover the next Tara Subkoff while doing good. The requirements for the contest are as follows:

Purchase clothing or accessories (shoes, stockings and undergarments are not allowed) at a second-hand clothing, consignment or thrift store. Alter them imaginatively with new or second-hand items, including normal embellishments such as buttons, appliqué or embroidery. Contestants are especially encouraged to use household or office items that would otherwise be thrown away (someone watched the episode of Ugly Betty where Christina made couture out of paper clips, methinks.)

The contest is open to individuals and groups in the categories of children's wear (6-12), teens (13-18), women's wear and men's wear. The outfits will be judged on stylishness, imagination, appearance, cost savings and audience reaction.

Prizes will be awarded by category; first place wins $75, second place nets $50, and third place is $25. In addition, all entries in the children's category will receive a small prize for participation.

Contest entry deadline is November 6, 2008. All entrants must pay an application fee, which is $15 per adult, $10 per teenager and $5 per child. All proceeds benefit the charitable organizations sponsoring the contest. The entries will be judged by a panel and the top examples in each category will be accepted for the show, with final judging taking place there. It sounds like so much fun I'm hoping the idea catches fire and spreads across the country to the East Coast! Maybe I'll enter just for the heck of it! Road trip to Indiana, anyone?

Here's some good news for Hollywood. Travis Barker has been released from the hospital. After suffering second and third-degree burns in a plane crash almost two weeks ago, Barker has been released from Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Four other passengers on the plane were killed during this crash. The other survivor from the crash, DJ AM, was released from the hospital last Friday. Both of the men have are said to be able to make full recoveries from their burns. I wish them luck!

Well it seems that Matilda Ledger is going to be a pretty rich girl someday. The family of the late actor Heath Ledger has decided that Health's entire estate will be left to his daughter, Matilda. Heath had made his will before his daughter was born and left all of his estate to his parents and sisters. According to the family, they have no problem leaving the estate to Matilda. I think that this is definitely the right thing to do, but it's not like Matilda will be struggling for money growing up, as her mother is actress Michelle Williams. Matilda is said to be inheriting all of the $16.6 million estate, but some of it will be going to start a foundation and scholarships for Australian actors.

Paris Hilton is releasing her 5th fragrance next month. Is coming up with different fragrances all Paris does? It seems like every celebrity has a designer fragrance out, but does Paris really need 5 of them? Her new fragrance will be called Fairy Dust. The ads for the fragrance will feature Paris Hilton hovering like a fairy with fairy dust all around her. The slogan will read "Do you believe in fairies?" I guess she is rather good at marketing or she has some good marketing people who work for her, because the fragrance will hit the markets just in time for Christmas shopping. We'll have to wait and see how well it does.

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.people.com

One of the trends right now in the green movement in clothing is organic cotton products. Many people think that the "organic" label is a true indicator of environmental friendliness. But is organic cotton really as environmentally friendly as we assume? The answer depends.

The Different Degrees of Environmentally Friendly Cotton
While organic cotton is certainly "greener" than conventionally grown cotton, it is not the most environmentally friendly cotton clothing product. In fact, used clothing is the greenest form of cotton, followed by recycled cotton. Organically grown cotton is only third on the list, just ahead of conventional cotton.

Why is organic cotton third out of the four cotton options?
The answer is in what is needed to grow the cotton. Cotton -- even if organically grown and pesticide free -- requires a great deal of water to grow. Additionally, it is resource intensive, taking many nutrients out of the ground. Essentially, the main different between organic cotton and conventional cotton is the fact that no pesticides are used to protect organic cotton.

Watching for Dyes
Another thing to be aware of is that the lack of regulation means that companies do not have to label whether or not the dyes used on the clothing are organic or "green." A shirt could be made of organic cotton (or partially made of organic cotton), and the company could claim the "organic" label. But that does not account for the type of dye used. In many cases, organic cotton is being colored with conventional chemicals and dyes that may be harmful to the environment.

The bottom line is that there are many companies trying to take advantage of the green movement in clothing. You need to be a discerning shopper and consider your options carefully. And keep in mind that the most environmentally friendly option for clothing -- such as buying your clothes used -- may not be what you first think of.

Celebrities are still obsessed with wearing UGGs. For the past two years, UGG boots have been in fashion for the colder weather, and it seems like this year is no exception. Jamie Pressly was seen wearing her UGGs on the way into the Conan O'Brien show. Minnie Driver was spotted shopping wearing UGGs a few weeks back while she was still pregnant. Other celebrities that have been seen wearing UGGs lately include Sienna Miller, Hilary Duff, Blake Lively and Katherine Heigl. This is probably one celebrity fashion trend that is actually worth looking into. UGG boots are quite comfortable and can be worn with anything from jeans to a pair of sweatpants.

Another celebrity trend that appears to be going nowhere this season is the belt. It seems like celebrities are putting belts on every outfit - everything from a dress to a blouse to even a plain t-shirt. Practically every woman celebrity, at one time of another, has belted a dress or top on the red carpet. The trick with this fashion trend is choosing the right belt for the outfit and your body. There are tons of different belts available, such as skinny ones, wide ones, jeweled ones and plain, simple ones. Belting an otherwise shapeless shirt or dress is a great way to show off your figure. Such celebrities as Lauren Conrad, Heidi Klum, Leighton Meister and Fergie all seem to do a good job with that fashion trend.

One big celebrity fashion trend that can be seen on the red carpet is the use of metallic colors. Metallic dresses, handbags, belts and even shoes are popping up everywhere in Hollywood. Such celebrities as Eva Longoria Parker, Hayden Panettiere, Sophia Bush, Britney Spears, Ashanti, Audrina Patridge and Charlize Theron are all sparkling in metallic colors. If you are shy about standing out in metallics this season, go for metallic accessories such as handbags or shoes. You can still have the Hollywood fashion but without all the fuss. With all the holiday parties coming up, metallics are a great fashion trend to follow.

Another Hollywood actor and actress have headed down the aisle to marital bliss. Scarlett Johansson, 23, and Ryan Reynolds, 31, got married this past Saturday. The small wedding was held in a resort outside of Vancouver. The couple had been engaged since May 5. Scarlett was given a mighty big engagement ring from Ryan, but she never made public when the couple would marry. The couple had been dating since the spring of 2007, after Reynolds broke off his engagement with singer Alanis Morissette. With the way that Hollywood marriages are lasting these days, these two are going to have to break the celebrity mold to make their marriage last. Best of luck to Scarlett and Ryan.

It seems like another Hollywood actress has been arrested. Heather Locklear was taken into police custody Saturday night. She was held overnight and released Sunday morning. Locklear has previously been in a rehab center in Arizona for depression and anxiety.

Former Bachelor star Andrew Firestone and his new wife Ivana are expecting their first child. The couple just got married in July and will become new parents next April. Can we say honeymoon baby? The couple admits that they were trying to have children as soon as they got married, and it seems to have worked.

On a sadder note, legendary actor Paul Newman has passed at away at the age of 83. Reports state that he had a long battle with cancer and had been sick for quite some time. Not only was Newman a great actor, he was also a passionate racecar driver and philanthropist. He created his own line of food products called "Newman's Own" with the profits going to different charities. He also created a camp for children with illnesses called Hole In The Wall Gang. His great works and great movies will live on long after his passing.

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.people.com

With the global financial markets in turmoil, taking a look at the fashions of the 1920s and 30s is almost irresistible. New York City has been filled with events from these decades of late, including a club night called Dances of Vice that celebrates the era, and a multi-day jazz picnic held on Governors Island.

But no matter where you are, it's easy to take a look at the spectacular fashions of the period, simply by turning to your DVD player and taking a look at the Oscar-winning 2002 movie musical, Chicago. From fabulous flapper dresses to the sensual, structural masterpiece that is Mama's dress, Chicago highlight the best of the 1920s fashion, in a theatrical, over-the-top way. It's a great movie to take cues from for everything from sexy Halloween costumes to fun New Year's Eve formal wear.

When it comes to style, Chicago doesn't overlook the guys either. Spectacular pin-stripe suits make everyone look thinner, taller and sexier, while the details of vests and pocket watches lend an air of refinement to suits that often feel bold when compared to today's pattern pallets. When it comes to shoes, the spectacular wingtips on the men should not be missed.

One of the truly great things about Chicago, when it comes to 1920s fashion, is that way it highlights both the clothes that have held our interest for decades and the simpler attire everyday people wore. Not everyone was a flapper, and not every woman was wearing dresses that relied on being slim and minimally curvy. While many people complained about the film's choice to present the musical numbers as essentially a product of Roxy's imagination, this strategy allowed costumer designer Colleen Atwood to provide some realism for viewers who are normally uncomfortable with the music genre and to take a look at non-ostentatious clothes from the period. They may not be inspiring to your wardrobe, but they provide a fascinating contrast and a reminder that no period has ever been about high fashion all the time.

The biggest accessorizing trend on the runway at New York Fashion Week was pale skin and lack of accessories to make the clothes stand out! Interesting marketing trend for the designers (it's accessories where they make all their money), although it does make life easier for the girls and dressers backstage.

As for actual, as in you-can-go-to-the-mall-or-online-and-buy-them accessories, L'Wren Scott showed gloves and capelets and paired black and white clothes with red shoes...the look was very Meg White doing Marc Jacobs ads.

Ralph Lauren featured messenger bags, fedoras and low-slung belts over clothes that gave off an Indiana Jones meets Yves Saint Laurent vibe. Sabyasaschi and Stephen Burrows both paired their elegant clothes with long, thin earrings a la Edie Sedgwick. Burrows added multicolored metallic bangles and his hair was an accessory too - the collection was entitled "Afro Summer."

Rebecca Taylor went '60s-'70s in another manner, showing fringed handbags and headbands worn across the forehead. Yes, yet another rich hippie look, but a nice one. (Milly was similar but that one was not so nice.)

I normally love Zac Posen, but his clothes and accessories in this collection looked like the light fixtures at Mohegan Sun casino. The silver lipstick was a nice touch, though... must find out who did the makeup, as I wasn't backstage at that one.

Marc Jacobs (eponymous, not Marc by Marc Jacobs) featured Mary Poppins hats, elaborate metallic wrap belts, piles and piles of bangles and complicated handbags. That was only on one model, and no, I'm not kidding about that! In the Marc line he accessorized with ascot-like scarves, skinny belts, handbags and headbands, which looked relatively clean.

The one trend in accessories that really puzzled me, though, was the rampant presence of gladiator sandals. Designers, that trend is a few too many seasons old now, and it doesn't look good on anyone, even on your perfect models and the cool girls on the street.

If you're fashion-conscious and planning on travelling to Asia, don't forget to visit Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Asia's paradise when it comes to clothing and fashion. Hong Kong is known as being an exciting and forward-thinking city. This attitude is also seen in the fashions that come from local Hong Kong designers like Vivienne Tam and Walter Ma, who design innovative clothing in Hong Kong one year, which you'll see in America the next.

The last time I was in Hong Kong, the one thing I noticed was the downright plainness of Hong Kong fashion when it comes to day wear. Many people in Hong Kong wear muted colors during the day - blacks, grays, browns and tans - and seem to love very casual, comfortable clothes. In Hong Kong, you'll see a lot of jeans, khakis, casual skirts, plain shirts and tops and T-shirts (and loads of jackets in the winter, when it gets pretty chilly). But Hong Kong, unlike Western cities, is a city of tailors, so the cut of the clothing, while casual, is impeccable.

At night, everything changes. Hong Kong is known for its fun nightclubs and world-class restaurants, and people really make the best of their sense of fashion after dark. Elegant, beautifully cut cocktail dresses appear along with brightly colored scarves and shawls in Chinese silk. Impossibly thin Chinese women totter around in high, strappy stiletto heels. Beautiful to look at but probably a killer on the feet!

Designer bags are also all the rage, with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana and Moschino coveted by all. That's one thing about Chinese women that's interesting. Many of them will buy an expensive designer bag or dress and expect it to last for years. Women in Hong Kong certainly seem to prefer quality over quantity and will pay the price required to get just that.

Jewelry is also important for Chinese women, especially gold and jade. According to Chinese belief, jade gives the wearer good luck, and gold is a safer way to save your money than the stock market, so you'll see many women in Hong Kong loaded down with gold and jade.

The great thing about Hong Kong is there's something for everyone's fashion taste here. From casual clothes to elegant evening gowns and a lot in between, you'll see it all in Hong Kong.

In the first edition of "Brandis R. Paden's Love Advice," she tells Joe from Las Vegas how to get a girl from the office to notice him. Her advice ranges from flirtatious twitter notes to macho swagger. Of course, since it's all done at the office, Joe faces the HR man after each situation and gets fired. It is a dual example of love and office etiquette. However, there was one tip missing. What was it? Paden's advice to Joe to change his clothing.

Without a doubt, what you wear in the office affects both your future career and your chances of meeting your future spouse. You just never know when you might encounter that person, which means you always need to be prepared for him or her to be around the next corner, whether that's a street corner or a cubicle corner. So how do you dress for love and still stay professional? Here are a few tips:

Guys:

Casual

• Black jeans
• Crisp white or black shirts
• Tanks under shirts that show pecs
• Leather sneakers or casual shoes

• Tailored suits
• Cuff links
• Modern ties

• Short skirts (knee to low thigh)
• Boots up to the knee
• Black jeans
• Fitted blouses

• Figure flattering suits
• Colored suits (pinks/oranges)
• Patterned tights

Shia LaBeouf's hand may still have some healing to do from his car accident in July, but at least he can rest easy that he will not face DUI charges. The L.A. County District Attorney's Office stated that there was not enough evidence from the car accident to charge Shia LaBeouf with a DUI. Instead, the driver of the other car will be face criminal charges for running a red light and causing the accident. Although Shia is not completely off the hook yet, as he will face a DMV hearing where his license could be suspended, he can definitely rest easy that he'll stay out of jail.

In other Hollywood court news, Heroes' star, Hayden Panettiere's dad has formally been charged with misdemeanor battery. He allegedly assaulted his wife, Hayden's mom, last month. He was arrested for hitting his wife in the face. According to the county sheriff's office, alcohol did play a part in the fight. After being released from jail after the fight, Alan Panettiere called the incident a "misunderstanding." He faces up to a year in the county jail on this charge.

Switching gears away from the court systems, Johnny Depp has signed on to play Jack Sparrow one more time. He has signed on to star in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. But it seems like he will be awfully busy in the next year, as he has also signed on to star in two other movies. He will play Tonto in The Lone Ranger movie and the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland movie. I know many people are definitely going to be looking forward to Johnny Depp sporting the pirate look again.

Sources:

www.people.com
www.usmagazine.com

Few of us can afford to fly to Paris to see the collections, but if you're interested in a quick fashion getaway to a foreign city with a true international sense of style, nothing could be easier than Toronto. L'Oreal Fashion Week Spring 2009 will take place from October 20-25, 2008 at the spectacularly stylish Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. Unlike New York Fashion Week, our neighbors to the north are a bit more egalitarian about fashion. Some of the shows are by invitation only, so this is one scene where, if it interests you, it's actually worth traveling to check out in person rather than viewing on Style.com.

The Fall 2008 Toronto Fashion Week included big names such as Alfred Sung, Diesel and Buffalo DAVID BITTON, but it also featured some of the most unusually named fashion lines I've ever heard: bustle, Damsels In This Dress and Playdead Cult, BODYBAG by Jude, and gsus sindustries. It kind of sounds more like an alternative music festival than a fashion week, but after being in Bryant Park for days, I was ready for a little irreverence and checked those lines out. The gsus line, which originated in the Netherlands as a skate shop in 1993 and moved through street wear into high fashion, impressed me the most; it featured red pleather pants and dresses, elaborate head wraps, some of the best cut jeans I've ever seen and, dare I say it, touches of acid-washed denim that managed to look completely modern due to their lines and construction.

Local line Preloved was another standout. Creative director Julia Grieve, a former model, constructs the remade clothing line out of vintage sweaters. One collection can require as many as 50,000 of them, and each new garment manages to retain the vintage flair while appearing totally up to date and assisting the environment. (The clothes used to construct Preloved would otherwise end up in landfills.) Preloved kind of reminds me of Toronto itself: clean, friendly and slightly cheeky.

Sometimes music is as much about what we wear as it is about what it sounds like. Certainly music scenes have launched fashion trends over and over again. The glam rock of the 1970s, the new romantics of the 1980s and the grunge of the 1990s are among the trend setters. And while each of those styles were peculiar to their moments in time and have largely faded with the passing of their corresponding musical trends, their influence can still be seen in today's fashion, particularly when it comes to the New Romantics.

The new romantic movement was a British music scene of the early 1980s. It spawned bands like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and Adam and the Ants, and influenced both teen trends and high fashion designers with its mix of elegance and outrageousness. A stylistic outgrowth of glam rock in some ways, new romantic fashion often featured androgynous clothes and make-up on both men (Boy George's Culture Club also came out of the new romantic scene) and women. The new romantics also had affection for historical clothing. Ruffled shirts were common, as were outfits inspired by the military uniforms of the past. Adam Ant, in particular, was known for wearing a red hussar jacket, while also sporting eyeliner and braids in his hair.

While the more outrageous aspects of the new romantic look have largely fled from mainstream fashion, playing with gender roles and historical fashions remains popular in various youth and alternative cultures including goth and steampunk. In more mainstream fashion, the new romantic influence persists in the form of military and historically inspired fashions for both men and women, and periodic attempts to popularize cosmetics for men. With the recent revival of more mainstream 1980s fashions such as leggings and bubble skirts, it may only be a matter of time before the new romantic look is seen again on both sides of the pond.