Guess what? Winter is around the corner. As a result, many people will be motivated to buy a lot of hot chocolate, watch It's a Wonderful Life and slip on a pair of gloves. The only problem is that with the latter act, they won't care what they look like as long as the gloves keep them warm. Of course, this is very practical in nature, but not very fashionable. Just as with any other accessory, the right pair of gloves can add to or take away from an outfit.

Gloves are a small accessory that can make you look put together or like a fool. Need an image? Think Michael Jackson. When he first flaunted an intricately designed glove on one hand, people went wild. They bought copycat gloves and walked around feeling hip and cool. However, fast forward to today and the same people wearing their Michael Jackson gloves look ridiculous, especially if they have the matching jacket. It's a prime example of why it's important to follow a few rules when it comes to selecting the right pair of gloves. Here are a few rules to get you started:

Rule #1 - Select a pair of gloves that are of the same material as your coat. Leather gloves go well with leather coats. Cotton gloves look smart with cotton sweaters or wraps. Get my drift?

Rule #2 - Keep it simple when it comes to gloves. Rhinestones and other baubles on gloves were fine in the 80's, but look silly today. So don't do it. Select gloves with patterns or other non-gem like designs if you want a little excitement.

Rule #3 - Select a pair of gloves that fit. How do you know? You know that a glove fits well if all of the fingers fully cover yours and the end of the glove falls slightly over your wrist. It should do this without a lot of tugging or pulling.

These three rules are the basic ones you should follow when it comes to gloves. So push that old Michael Jackson glove toward the back of the drawer. Wear it only when you are going to a costume party dressed up like him or at home while playing one of his old records.

It appears that Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen are actually engaged this time. Rumors were circulating around Christmas that Tom proposed to Gisele on a private jet, but both of the couple's families denied the engagement. Well, I guess this time it is official, as People.com is reporting that a source close to the couple has confirmed that they are engaged. There is supposed to be an official announcement in the works. I wonder if Tom Brady's son with actress Bridget Moynahan will be the ring bearer at the wedding. I guess I may not know the whole story with this couple, but this is one couple that I actually don't wish well just because Tom left his girlfriend Bridget Moynahan when she was pregnant with their son and went straight to Gisele. That's just downright horrible!

Law and Order: SVU actress Mariska Hargitay has suffered a partially collapsed lung, but is going strong and has not missed an episode of the show. The actress actually suffered the injury while vacationing and not on the show. She was nominated for a Golden Globe award this past week, but her injury kept her away from the show. Wishing Mariska a speedy recovery and good health!

If you are a fan of New Kids On The Block, you may want to book yourself a cruise. The group announced that they will be performing on a concert cruise May 15-18. The cruise will leave from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and go to the Bahamas. So, is this a new low for the New Kids? They are that desperate to make a comeback that they are performing on a cruise ship? For more information on this cruise you can check out The New Kids On The Block official web site.

Source:
www.people.com

*One-size-fits-all clothing*? It's a concept that I have hated all of my life. I was always too tall -- too something -- to really take advantage of clothing with this kind of tag. So, I had to pay the extra money in order to get a similar item that fit. Yet, through the years, I have learned that sometimes one size actually does fit all.

For women, the idea of one size fitting all can be translated into clothing items or accessories that accentuate every gal's wardrobe. Regardless of your shape or size, they upgrade or increase our fashion clout. Below is a list of the top five. They are items you should consider adding to your wardrobe this year.

A New Headband
They are bejeweled, checkered, patterned, zigzagged and complement a variety of hairstyles and face shapes. You should add an array of headbands to your accessory drawer to help on those bad hair days.

A Classic Pair of Jeans
They can carry you through a variety of social situations. Match a cute tee and pair of sneakers with a pair of jeans for the big game or a pretty blouse and pair of heels for a date.

A Little Black Dress
You can dress it up with a scarf, necklace or pin. It can be your signature outfit for events or that stand in when you can't find the right outfit.

A Pair of Diamond Hoop Earrings
Whether you get a pair that's big or small, they add a bit of flare to an outfit. Don't sleep on this tip, especially if you have a tendency to look outdated.

A Pretty Pair of Sandals
Forget about buying another classic pump. Invest your money in a pretty pair of sandals. Matched them with a fresh manicure and pedicure to upgrade almost any look.

Purchase these five items and you will start your 2009 out right and in style.

Clothes make the man. When it comes to James Bond, it can also be said that clothes make the spy. Because of the longevity of the Bond film series, we can easily see the evolution of the fashionable modern man through Bond's suits and accessories.

The Sean Connery Bond of the 60s and 70s had costuming done by a British tailor. The early suits reflected the time and weren't particularly edgy. Single-breasted in blues and grays, Bond looked great, but you could still tell he was a government worker. In the later part of this period, we get more variety, and Bond's clothes more reflected the times with wider lapels, more brown and the occasional casual look.

When Roger Moore took over the Bond role in the 1970s, Bond's look changed again. Gone was any hint of trendiness (less brown, narrower lapels.) This Bond was all about being a classic. Here, we begin to see Bond in both single- and double-breasted jackets. Sport coats and yachting looks also entered his wardrobe. Bond no longer looked like a government operative but more like the rich playboy he often pretended to be in order to get the criminal and the girl.

*Timothy Dalton*'s brief stint as Bond was the first attempt to make Bond more rugged. Gone was the high fashion (except when he was wearing a tux.) This Bond was meant to be rough and tumble. The concept and the look never quite worked for the franchise though, and Dalton was quickly replaced with Pierce Brosnan, who revolutionized Bond in subtle ways.

Brosnan's Bond was a world traveler, and it showed as he was now dressed in Italian suits from Brioni. Casual linen looks were also popular for this Bond, and Brosnan succeeded in blending the slickness of the Moore portrayal with the manliness of the Connery-era Bond.

Daniel Craig currently portrays the sixth incarnation of Bond. He's perhaps the most physical actor that's been in the Bond role, doing many of his own stunts and reportedly being repeatedly injured on set. The wardrobe department has offset this bulkier Bond with a dark, conservative, very British look, which Craig somehow manages to make edgy, and casual clothes in light neutral and earth tones to accommodate many of the action sequences.

Well the rumors were true. Now it's official. Singer Fergie and actor Josh Duhamel are married. The couple got married on Saturday, January 10, in Malibu California at the Church Estates Vineyards. The bride wore a long wedding gown by Dolce and Gabbana while the groom also sported Dolce and Gabbana. The couple had been dating since 2004 and had been engaged for a little over a year. I, for one, do not understand this couple at all. I'm sorry but he is way too hot for Fergie. If you have seen any pictures up close of Fergie, you will definitely agree with me, but I wish these two the best of luck. Hopefully their marriage lasts longer than the average Hollywood marriage.

Another, lesser-known celebrity also tied the knot this past week. KayCee Stroh, who had a role in all three High School Musical movies, married her boyfriend this past week. The couple, who are both 24, got married in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Another Hollywood couple that will be walking down the aisle soon (or should I say "dancing" down the aisle) are Dancing With the Stars dancers Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The duo got engaged on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas. Karina has previously been linked with her former dancing partner Mario Lopez. Maksim and Karina supposedly go back for quite some time but have only been seriously dating a couple of months before getting engaged. So, to me this couple totally makes sense. They are both two very good looking people who like to dance. The thing that I question with them is this just lust and infatuation or is this really true love? I guess we will have to wait and see if they even make it down the aisle first.

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

Celebrities are making more and more of a statement with their shoes. Their shoes are the main attraction on the red carpet. When looking for attention-getting shoes like the celebrities, think shoes that have spikes, crazy cut-outs, bows, flowers and studs. Celebrities such as Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria Parker and Fergie all like to sport the dramatic-statement shoes. One thing to remember when trying to follow this celebrity fashion trend, make sure that your shoes are comfortable and wearable if you are going to be wearing them all night.

If you aren't that interested in "notice me" shoes, how about a bold handbag to add to your outfit? Celebrities are still carrying around bold and dramatic handbags. No longer are plain black and brown handbags acceptable in Hollywood. No, you have to be like Blake Lively, Jessica Simpson or Paris Hilton and carry around a handbag that is a bold color or has unique accessories on it. Think bright pink like the bag that Alexander McQueenmakes or a geometric print handbag like Kate Spade designed. This fashion trend is definitely going to be carried into the spring months, because spring is known for color. So go ahead, take a leap and go for this celebrity fashion trend and you can act like you are Paris Hilton walking down the streets of Hollywood.

Celebrities like Rihanna, Nicole Richie and Miley Cyrus all love to make a statement with their jewelry. Look for big, chunky pieces of jewelry that sparkle and shine. Bracelets, necklaces, watches and even rings are popular choices among celebrities. To really follow this celebrity fashion trend, make sure that you are not adding too much jewelry to your outfit. You really want one or two key pieces that pop and make people take notice. If you wear too many big jewelry pieces, you may just get lost in them and that is not a celebrity fashion trend!

Sailor pants are one of many clothing styles derived from military use that have been periodically popular. With their high, fitted waists, button detailing and belled legs, sailor pants seem designed to make a fashion statement. But why do they look like that in the first place? And when did they first become popular as a civilian fashion statement?

There's a lot of misinformation out there about sailor pants. Their buttons don't, for example, represent the original thirteen colonies. The flap front of sailor pants is simply a relic of the standard tailoring of men's pants in the late 1700s and early 1800s, which is when naval uniforms largely became standardized (prior to this, ships, captains and divisions could largely commission their own clothing within certain parameters).

The sailor as an image of military success, freedom and adventure, has made "sailor style" an ongoing and worldwide phenomena, one that's been examined in museums in both Britain and Australia.

While sailor style and pants in particular (although don't overlook the navy and white striped top) are in fashion today, this is hardly the first time. Sailor pants were also a hot commodity in the 1970s, thanks to their belled legs and also featured prominently as a part of women's attire for play in the late 1940s and 1950s as part of a reaction to the end of WWII. Earlier in the century, while trousers were often shocking for women, nautical fashions did appear in the clothes of both women and children, especially during the time bracketing the world wars.

Despite sailor style being fashionable for women and children, it's never really caught on with civilian men.

Today's sailor pants for women usually step away from traditional wool and appear in denim, corduroy and other non-standard, comfortable and durable fabrics.

Actress Jennifer Garner and actor Ben Affleck have welcomed another little girl into their family. According to People.com, Jennifer gave birth to a baby girl on January 6 in Los Angeles. The couple already has a daughter, 3-year-old Violet. No other details are available as of now about the baby girl except that she is "healthy." Jennifer and Ben are a pretty private couple, and I'm guessing that they will be keeping quiet about the birth of their child for a little bit. Congratulations and best of luck to this family.

The last of the Girls Next Door has moved out of the playboy Mansion. Bridget Marquardt has officially moved out of the Playboy Mansion, following in the footsteps of Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson. Bridget says that she has moved out because, "It's just a good time for me to become my own person." She does not have an official new home right now as she is traveling around for her new show on the Travel Channel called Bridget's Sexiest Beaches. So, you knew this was only a matter of time before she moved out also. I wonder how much money she got for her "contract" with Hefner. It's funny that all three of the girls moved out of the mansion within months of each other. Coincidence or was their contract for being Hefner's girlfriends just up?

The tests results are back on Charles Barkley, and yes, he was legally drunk when he was pulled over for suspicion of DUI on December 31. His blood alcohol level was .149, almost twice the legal limit allowed in Arizona. I wonder if his "celebrity status" in Arizona will get him out of jail time. I say let him sit in jail for some time, but of course, he would probably just use the experience to make more money by writing a book about it or something.

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

A lot of Americans don't realize that the seasons in Australia are different than in the U.S. While it's currently winter in America, Australians are basking on the beach in bikinis and shorts. Aussies love the outdoors and live for the beach, so the less clothes the better. The Aussie fashion industry mirrors that, with Australian designers creating some of the most fun bikinis and swimwear in the world.

Australia is famous for swimwear designers like Seafolly, Sue Rice, Stingray and a new boutique swimwear company, Flamingo Sands, which caters to the younger set. Aussie designers also make swimsuits and bikinis for all ages and all sizes, so no one is left out. Viva Swimwear creates beautiful swimsuits for larger women (sizes 10 to 32) but they're not boring. With bright colors, flashy patterns and form fitting shapes, they're cut to be flattering and pretty for everyone.

Down under is also known for its surfers, and they love to look cool while they're catching some waves. Aussie company Rip Curl is famous the world over for surf Lycra, board shorts, t-shirts and of course surf boards and waterproof watches . Rip Curl started out in Australia as a small surfboard company then made it big when surfing (or just looking like you're going surfing) hit the big time. It wasn't good enough just to surf and enjoy doing it. Nope, you had to have all the clothing that went with it. Then when surf clothing made it off the beach and into everyday life, Rip Curl really had it made.

Kids too love wearing Aussie surf wear and a lot of them are now starting out surfing really young. There's a great pair of Rip Curl Lycra shorts or a t-shirt for the boys, and for the girls, a Rip Curl hoodie or a bikini - with these gifts, they'll love you forever. And don't forget their surf boards too!

Aussie beachwear hit the big time a long time ago, and Australia is proud of that. You'll see a lot of Aussies sporting their Aussie beachwear both on the beach and in the shopping mall. Try it, if you haven't already, you'll love it.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about *Gossip Girls*' Kelly Rutherford being pregnant with her second child. Well, it seems like she will be raising her two kids as a divorced mom. Kelly filed for divorce this past week from her husband, Daniel Giersch, according to TMZ.com. The couple has been married for two years and has a two-year-old son and another child due in summer. Of course, like any other celebrity divorce, the reason is "irreconcilable differences." Kelly's previous marriage only lasted 5 months. In my opinion, maybe she needs to try a little bit harder at marriage, especially considering she has two kids to think about now.

Another couple that has also called it quits on their relationship is singer Katy Perry and Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes. The couple dated for approximately a year. According to a source, the couple has been fighting, and Katy was going on tour and needed to concentrate on her music. If you have ever seen a picture of Travis McCoy, you know that Katy Perry is way too pretty to be dating someone like him. It's good that they broke up, now she can find a guy that doesn't look he just got off the streets.

Instead of being charged with a DUI, Heather Locklear pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of reckless driving. If you remember, back in September, Locklear was pulled over and charged with a DUI after someone called 911 on her. Those charges have been dismissed as part of a plea deal for the lesser charge. As part of the deal, Locklear will receive three years of probation, was fined $700 and ordered to complete a driving safety class. I would say she got off pretty easy on this one!

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

Will Donna Martin really be coming back to 90210? Yes, there are reports that Tori Spelling is once again making negotiations to come reprise her role as Donna Martin on the new 90210 show. It had been rumored that Spelling was going to be making an appearance on the show back when it first started, but she later dropped out, stating that she wanted to concentrate on her new daughter Stella. There were rumors circulating that the real reason she dropped out was because she wasn't being offered as much money as Jennie Garth and Shannon Doherty were for the show. If Tori Spelling agrees to make the appearance on 90210, she should be shooting her scenes later this month. If only they could get Luke Perry back or Tiffani Thiesen, because their characters were so much more interesting than Donna!

One celebrity that won't be appearing on the television set anytime soon is Nicole Richie. Rumors were started that Nicole Richie was going to be guest starring on the hit show Gossip Girl. Well, Richie's rep has set the record straight and said that the rumors are "not true." At least fans of Gossip Girl don't have to worry about the show being ruined by having Nicole try to act in it.

Staying on the topic of television, two co-stars decided that they were going to tie the knot. Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter, who both star on the television show Dexter, eloped on New Year's Eve. The couple had been dating on the down low for over a year and decided to make it official. The weird thing about this is they play brother and sister on the television show!

Source:
www.usmagazine.com

The end of an old year and the beginning of a new one means resolutions. Many of us set goals at this time, vowing to make the next year better than the last year. If you make green New Year's resolutions, you can also help make the world a better place than it was last year. When you resolve to make your wardrobe greener for 2009, you can help the environment in addition to yourself.

Here are some ideas for green clothing resolutions:

Think about what you need. Vow to consider new purchases. Before buying new clothing, think about what you would wear it for and how it might be used. If you are not planning to wear it a great deal and if you cannot think of several ways to incorporate into outfits using what you already have, perhaps it is not a good idea to buy. After all, new clothing uses a tremendous amount of resources.

Donate unused clothing. If you have clothing that is in good condition, donate it so that it can be recycled. Better yet, resolve to go to at least one fashion swap in 2009. Take your old clothes and trade them for something that is new to you. The best way to be green with your wardrobe is to wear recycled clothing.

Look at where your clothing is coming from. Clothing shipped from far away places uses resources and pollutes the air due to shipping. Additionally, some countries have lax environmental laws, and this means the production of your clothing could be bad for the environment. Instead, try to buy clothing that has been produced closer to home.

Consider what your clothing is made from. In addition to where your clothing is coming from, think about what it is made of. Consider organic cotton clothing and shoes with soles made from recycled tires. These products are less damaging to the environment and offer green clothing alternatives that cannot be had with some of the more traditional materials.

A hot celebrity trend with accessories right now is the headband. Not just an ordinary headband, but the hippie-inspired headband. And celebrities like Nicole Richie, Mischa Barton, and Miley Cyrus aren't wearing the headbands on top of their head. Instead, the celebrity trend is to wear the headband across your forehead, over your hair. Now to many people this may look pretty funny and quite odd, but it seems like celebrities like to wear headbands this way. I don't know how this can be comfortable, as it would drive me crazy having the headband across my forehead. This may be one celebrity fashion trend that the average person may not be able to pull off as people may just think your headband slipped down off your head!

Celebrities are keeping warm this cold winter season with turtleneck dresses. This is one fashion trend that the average person can follow and feel comfortable in. Turtleneck dresses can be long, like the one that Beyonce wore, or on the shorter side, like the dress that Emma Roberts wore. One of the key things to remember if you are going to be pulling off this celebrity fashion trend is to make sure that the turtleneck dress is fitted. You don't want to leave the house in a big, shapeless turtleneck dress and look like your grandma wearing a big muumuu. Also, keep the dress simple, like an all black or red dress to make it look more sophisticated and trendy just like the black turtleneck dress by designer GF Ferre.

Celebrities also seem to be gravitating towards polka dots this season. Katie Holmes, Jennifer Connelly and Christina Ricci all have worn polka dot pieces of clothing in the past couple of weeks. This polka dot fashion trend can be worn big or small. You can keep it simple with a polka dot blouse like Jennifer Connelly's or try to go for more polka dots with a dress like Christina Ricci's. This is another fashion trend that should be played down. If you have a polka dot blouse, pair it with a plain black skirt. If you are wearing a polka dot dress, make sure to keep your accessories, shoes and hair simple.

Want to get a body like actress Kate Winslet's? Well, apparently you don't have to live at the gym. Winslet tells UK Elle magazine that she does "Pilates workout DVDs for 20 minutes or more every day at home." She also goes on to say that she doesn't "believe in this craziness for being skinny, but I eat sensibly and I don't stuff down chocolate biscuits." So, to get a size six figure like Kate's, all you have to do is work out for 20 minutes a day and eat sensibly. Don't we really wish that is all it took?

Could another former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner be getting ready to walk down the aisle? According to E!, Holly Madison and boyfriend Criss Angel were seen at Berger & Son Fine Jewelers in Las Vegas this past week. They were seen looking at rings at the store, but according to a rep for Madison, Criss did give Holly a ring. The trip was only for her birthday and did not result in an engagement ring. Holly has made it quite clear when she was with Hefner that she wanted to get married and have a family while she was still young. Well, Holly just turned 29 and she may not want to be single and unmarried for her 30th birthday.

Another member of the Spears family has gotten married. Britney's brother, Bryan got married on New Year's Eve to Graciella Sanchez, who is his little sister Jamie Lynn's manager. Only close family and friends attended the New Orleans wedding. According to a source, the couple has known each other for quite some time, and Sanchez is "already a trusted friend of the family." I wonder how long this marriage will last. Maybe Bryan will be different from his sister and actually stay married.

Source:
www.usmagazine.com

ABC's Dirty Sexy Money is an outrageous and hilarious soap opera of a show, the perfect spoof of people with too much money and not enough scruples, made more accessible to the viewing audience through the constantly tempted, fish-out-of-water character of the family lawyer. But aside from the ridiculous plots, absurdist scandals and over-the-top characters,

Dirty Sexy Money is also a treat for its fashion. Because it follows the story of a multi-generational family, Dirty Sexy Money delivers the fashion goods whether you're twenty or sixty.

Roberta Haze, the show's costume designer, makes a point to be attentive to details when it comes to dressing the characters. She notes that often the women of the show can have five costume changes in a single episode. The show's younger characters are given a more edgy look, while the matriarch of the show's fictional Darling family gets a more classic, old-money look brightened up with some artsy flair. Big name designers are critical in both cases though with Dirty Sexy Money featuring fashion from Chanel and other top names.

In fact, fashion is such an upfront and center part of the show that we're even treated to a Ferragamo fashion show at the Darling's home in one episode. Why? Well the matriarch of the family is under house arrest and can't make it to fashion week!

Maybe you can't order up a fashion show from home, but you can order fashion from home. How can you get the
Dirty Sexy Money look for less? Focus on fabrics that look like they take a lot of upkeep -- bright colors, as well as pale colors always imply luxury because they don't hide stains well. No one on Dirty Sexy Money would ever wear a little black dress to a party. They'd make a splash in bright red or purple or go for supposedly understated elegance in a pale bronze, silver or taupe.

Jewelry is also important if you want to look like one of the Darling women. Well made costume jewelry with lots of sparkle and a bit of art is all you need to set off a simple dress or a well cut suit.

Baby New Year has shaken his rattle and ushered in 2009. What does this mean for all of us? It means we get to look back at 2008 and review the worst fashion faux pas. These fashion no-no's are the top five that the masses held onto for dear life when they should have held a funeral and laid them to rest.

Scrunchies
Unless you are 9-years-old, it's time to let these hair pieces go. Besides the fact that they tend to tatter-up and lose their luster quickly, they also downgrade any hairstyle. Instead, wear a pretty barrette or hair band with gems on it that match your outfit. You'll look more fashionable and adult-like.

Baggy Jeans
If you are still sagging, you are probably stuck in the 90's. You think L.L. Cool J is still the greatest rapper alive and that Kanye West is just some random newcomer. Check yourself and tighten up your wardrobe. Today's hip-hop fashion aficionadas are wearing tailored suits and pants that fit. So it's time to revamp your wardrobe and get a fresh look.

Muffin Tops
Are you still baking bread on a daily basis because you refuse to wear tops long enough to cover your belly? Stop it! In 2009, vow to wear a few tunics and blouses. Yes, I said blouses. You can find them in a lot of trendy colors and patterns. They will FULLY cover your muffin and make you look slimmer.

Butt Cleavage
Plumbers, construction workers and pleasantly plump men, please start wearing a belt. A sturdy belt will not only help keep your pants all the way up, it will also help you avoid butt cleavage. And women, test to see if you can sit down and move in your low rise pants without getting a case of butt cleavage before you wear them out in public. Butt cleavage is a turn off for most.

Visible Panty Lines
With the advent of Spanx (and other copycat products), there is no reason for any woman to walk around with visible panty lines. Therefore, if everyone can still see a rectangle under your pants or skirt as you walk by, it's time for a change. Go out and invest money into a few undergarments that will make you look smooth from the front - and behind.

Well, guys and gals, these are the top fashion offenders of 2008. As a matter of fact, a few of them have been on the list for years. Review each one and if you see yourself in them, vow to make a change. You still have time to add them to your New Year's resolution list. It will help you raise your fashion clout in 2009.

In 2008, we discussed a lot of different figure flaws and how to address them fashionably. Yet, there was never really a true discussion about one person who displays himself or herself beautifully in public on a regular basis. So, in commemoration of the New Year, let's do it. Who is this person? America Ferrera!

For those of you who don't know, America Ferrera has become a national sensation because of her show "Ugly Betty." This TV show is all about a young lady who is muddling through the viscous fashion world. Her looks are odd, but her insides are beautiful. In real life, America is only partially like her character. Despite her non-traditional size (for Hollywood), she always shines.

Throughout Ferrera's acting career, her weight has gone up and down. However, unlike a lot of other actresses struggling to remain "Hollywood" slim, she has always managed to look good. Why? Ferrera knows how to dress her body.

Until recently, America Ferrera has fluctuated between a size 10 and 14. Although these sizes are normal for American women, they are big for Hollywood. As a result, she has embraced several things that accentuate a curvaceous body. What does she do? She keeps it simple and wears solid colors and classic cuts. This style of dress is both slimming and elegant. The other thing that Ferrera does is play up her positive attributes.

No matter what size Ferrera is, she always has a pretty neck, shoulder and breast line. As a result, you will see her wearing a lot of sleeveless dresses on the red carpet. Then, to add a little flavor to all of this, she wears bright colors. They bring out her vibrant skin tone.

So, basically, America Ferrera embodies the kind of style we all hope to achieve. Whether thin or voluptuous, she looks fabulous because she knows how to dress. Keep this in mind as you dress yourself in 2009. Find a signature style and stay with it through thick or thin.

Former basketball all star Charles Barkley was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Barkley was stopped at a DUI checkpoint by Gilbert Police in Arizona. He was then arrested and taken to the police station where he was later released and took a taxi back to his home. Barkley retired from the NBA several years ago but has since become a basketball commentator for the NBA.

Another celebrity arrested was Matt Dillon. No, it wasn't for a DUI, but it was for excessive speeding. Dillon was arrested in Newbury, Vermont, where he was reportedly driving 104 mph on a 65 mph highway. Dillon is set to appear in court next month on this charge of excessive speeding. I guess he had somewhere he had to be in a hurry.

Actress and singer Queen Latifah was robbed of over $10,000 worth of jewelry. The jewelry was stolen from Latifah's villa in Tobago. The police suspect that a staff member of the Stone Haven Resort may have been the one who robbed her. Latifah is considering offering a reward for the stolen jewelry so that she can get it returned to her before she leaves Tobago to come home. Queen Latifah is one person that you may not want to deal with and steal from. I'm really surprised that someone had the guts to steal that much jewelry from Queen Latifah.

There is another Biggest Loser baby on the way. Former The Biggest Loser contestants Amy and Marty Wolff are expecting their first child in July. The couple married in March 2008 after meeting on season 3 in 2007. There already are two Biggest Loser babies from Suzy and Matt Hoover, who also were contestants on an earlier season of the show.

Source:
www.usmagazine.com

New York Fashion Week is always my favorite fashion show of the year. It features the top designers debuting the hottest trends and coolest colors for the upcoming season. The Project Runway finalists also present their collections for the television show's finale. New York Fashion Week Spring 2009 did not disappoint, but some of the styles were a bit surprising.

Jumpsuits, No Really
I admit it, some of these trends are probably not ideal for the average person, but it is always exciting to get a glimpse of the next hot trend. Ralph Lauren, Max Azria and Proenza Schouler are just some of the designers who featured jumpsuits. I normally associate jumpsuits with Joe the plumber, but these were very elegant and fashionable. Tyra Banks wore a jumpsuit on a recent episode of her hit talk show Tyra and, thanks to her height, looked very stylish.

Ruffles
Look for more ultra feminine ruffled fashions in stores next spring. Oscar de la Renta, Betsey Johnson and Carolina Herrera unveiled beautiful ruffled gowns. Some styles were sophisticated and accented with ruffles for added femininity. True to her eccentric reputation, Betsey Johnson's creations were bright, youthful and over the top.

Floral Prints a la Wisteria Lane
Dresses from Oscar de la Renta and Badgley Mischka featured daring floral prints. The color palette and flattering, body conscious cut of the dresses made them fun and modern, unlike floral prints of the past. This hot trend is perfect for the real world, and I expect to see women of different body types wearing it well.

All American Attire
Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs paid homage to the American flag with red, white and blue fashions. That sounds like a perfect clothing choice for an inaugural year.

Metallic Fabric
Shimmering metallic fashions were also popular with designers including Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren.

Project Runway Showdown
Bravo's Project Runway season five finalists Leanne Marshall, Korto Momolu and Kenley Collins faced off at New York Fashion Week. Their diverse collections also featured ruffles, floral prints and metallic garments. Leanne Marshall ultimately walked away with top honors, but it was very exciting to watch the finalists create a clothing line and participate in a major fashion show.

It seems that Drew Barrymore has a new boy toy in her life. She was seen out on a date with How I Met Your Mother's Jason Segel. The two were seen singing karaoke at the Brass Monkey Bar in Los Angeles. A source told USmagazine.com, "Drew and Jason were obviously dating because they were kissing and touching each other throughout the night." But a rep for Segel states that the two are "just friends." It seems like Drew always goes for the younger boys. She is 33 and Segel is 28. So, are these two more than just friends? I'm guessing yes!

Dancing With the Stars pro dancer Mark Ballas has suffered a groin injury and will be taking it easy for a couple of weeks. Ballas injured himself while dancing on the Dancing With the Stars tour in Los Angeles on Saturday. For anybody who doesn't remember, Ballas won the Dancing With the Stars trophy last May when he was paired with skater Kristi Yamaguchi. Hopefully he can recover quickly and be back on the tour for all those women who paid money to see him dance.

So according to TMZ.com, football player Tom Brady asked girlfriend Gisele Bundchen to marry him on a private jet. Well, now family members of Tom Brady are speaking out and saying that this is untrue and is a rumor. Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen are not engaged, and the proposal never happened. Tom's father calls the whole thing a "rumor." Also, Gisele has been photographed and there is no engagement ring in sight. So, I guess we will have to wait a little longer for these two to tie the knot?

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

The movie Hairspray is about a lot of things, which isn't too surprising when you consider that it was originally a John Waters movie that inspired a Broadway musical and then became an entirely different film altogether. Aside from music, Hairspray is about everything from race relations to loving yourself at any size, and fashion plays a huge role in this timeless hit.

Set in 1962, the plot follows Tracy Turnblad on her mission to become a local teen celebrity. What's great about Tracy is that when she sees things that aren't fair or right, she just doesn't get why they're like that, and she just marches right past the roadblocks that are set up for her. Declaring that the 50s are over and it's time for change, Tracy and her friends find success, happiness, love and justice through song and dance.

With vibrantly colored costumes as well as a range of unique pastels, Hairspray does an admirable job of showing off early 60s styles that look great on everyone regardless of whether they're a size 4 or a size 24. Shawl collars, keyhole details on dresses and fitted waists with a flared skirt are all looks that work well on most figures, because they focus on enhancing curves not disguising size.

Accessories are also an important part of the Hairspray look. While a beehive might not be fashionable today, sparkly barrettes in a more modern hairstyle certainly are. Fashionable ballet flats and a good clutch purse (not convenient, but always cute) can help make the look. So can bangle bracelets and subtle, natural makeup choices.

While the two film versions of Hairspray will be with us forever, Hairspray the Broadway musical closes in early 2009, and there's a special something about seeing Tracy's story live and onstage. For one thing, the costumes are even more over the top than in the film, with brighter colors and a whole lot more sparkle. If you can catch it, you should.

We have been seeing flowers all over the fashion trends on celebrities lately. Well, the new fashion trend among celebrities for flowers is on their shoes. Not just subtle little flowers on shoes, but big and bold rosettes on heels and flats. Eva Longoria Parker wore a black pair of stiletto heels with a large black flower on the front, while Cameron Diaz opted to wear flats with multi-colored and embellished flowers with her dress on the red carpet. This is definitely going to continue to be a big trend as we head into the spring and warmer months next year.

One less flashy celebrity fashion trend is the one shouldered black dress. This is a great option for a night out, or if you are a celebrity going for a more casual red carpet look. Lauren Conrad from The Hills, along with Amanda Bynes and Jamie-Lynn Sigler have all worn the one shouldered black dress to Hollywood events. This celebrity fashion trend would even go well with the flower shoes that celebrities have been wearing, like a cute, one shouldered black dress with some red high heels with a rosette on it. You could pass for a celebrity if you wore that!

If you want a more casual celebrity fashion trend that will also keep you warm in this cold winter weather, try a plaid scarf. Pairing a black or brown winter coat with a plaid scarf can get you that celebrity look. Hillary Duff, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift have all paired their black coats with a cute plaid scarf. There are several different ways that you can wear the scarf. You can tie it around your neck to keep you warm and trendy or wear it like Miley did by letting it just hang around your neck. Try a trendy scarf from Missoni to rock out this celebrity fashion trend while keeping you warm in this cold, cold winter!

Jennifer Aniston can be happy about one thing this holiday season. Her movie, Marley and Me, beat out her ex-husband Brad Pitt's movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at the box office on Christmas day. Both of the movies opened on Christmas day and Variety reported that it was Aniston's movie that won the day at the theater. In fact, according to the numbers, Marley and Me was the best opening of a movie on Christmas day. At least she can have something to brag about against Brad now.

So, who would singer Taylor Swift's dream date be? Well it would be none other than Gossip Girls Chace Crawford. Swift tells some other secrets in current issue of Your Prom magazine. She opens up about her song writing and how she was a late bloomer. I'm sure there are tons of guys out there who can't believe that Taylor was a late bloomer in the relationship department. And if Chace Crawford sees that he is Taylor's dream date, who knows, we may just have another celebrity couple to talk about.

According to In Touch magazine, Matthew McConaughey is ready for another baby. His son, Levi is only six months old, but a source claims that Matthew wants to have more babies. On the other hand, his girlfriend, Camila Alves is "taking it one day at a time," and seems to be in no hurry to have another baby anytime soon. Isn't this like men though? The woman is the one that has to go through labor and carry the baby for 9 months, and the guy just wants more and more babies. Of course, with the way these two look, they probably should have more babies and fill the world with more beautiful children!

Sources:
www.people.com
www.msnbc.msn.com

Remember when Snoop Dogg first hit the music scene? His slow lyrical flow and gangster style had everyone in awe. You just knew if you met Snoop in real life that he'd be at least 10 feet tall and built like an ox. Yet, in just one small scene of a movie, all of his bravado went out the window. What was the scene? It was the part in "Baby Boy," when Snoop Dogg showed up at his ex-girlfriend's doorstep in a wife beater. His chest was sunken in, his arms were limp, and you thought to yourself for the first time, "This dude is really skinny." It was obvious that through the years his PR team had helped him hide a common flaw men struggle with - a small upper body.

Having a small upper body is a secret pain for many men. Why? It goes against the ideal of the perfect mail form. Yet this feature is so widespread that there are plenty of clothes put out by designers to hide or transform it. So here are a few tips for you guys buying powdered vitamins with the hopes of building up your upper torso. Below are a few ways you can look bigger without ever visiting a gym or changing your diet.

Tip #1 - Wear layers: This fashion trick is the one Snoop Dogg uses all of the time. He wears one basic t-shirt with a long button-up shirt with sleeves or jacket over it. Yes, it's an O.G. style, but it's one that makes him look much bigger than he actually is.

Tip #2 - Go for prints: Ever notice how Snoop always has on plaid or some other kind of patterned shirt? Patterns add bulk to a person's frame. Your upper body will look a size bigger with a plaid, checkered or stripped (horizontal) shirt.

Tip #3 - Cover up your arms and chest. No one ever knew Snoop was so skinny until he wore that wife beater in "Baby Boy." Learn from his mistakes men! If you have skinny arms and a sunken chest, keep them under wraps unless it's a really hot day or you're in the company of the woman you love.

Well, isn't it nice to know you can go shopping for a few clothing items and hide a body flaw? No one has to know that you have a small upper body unless you want them to.

Metrosexual clothing has really taken off when it comes to Bangkok men's fashion. Metrosexual men are everywhere in Bangkok and more seem to appear every year. Now, if you're not familiar with the term metrosexual, it was coined in 1994 by a journalist in a British newspaper. A metrosexual man is a heterosexual man who lives in a city and is very concerned about fashion and his appearance. Metrosexual men spend a lot of money on fashion, skin care products, gyms and generally looking good. Metrosexual men in Thailand are no exception. In fact, I think a lot of Thai men spend even more money on their appearance than do western men.

And they are obsessed with clothes!

The metrosexual Thai man in Bangkok is usually found at one of two places: one of the many enormous malls in the Thai capital (because this is where all the western designer clothing can be found) or at Chatuchak market, South East Asia's largest outdoor market. Here the metrosexual man will shop for designer-looking clothing and shoes at street prices.

The most popular malls for metrosexual men are Siam Paragon and Central World Plaza where you'll find popular clothing brands like Guess, Jim Thompson, Bossini, Zara, Timberland and Next. Thai metrosexual men love clean-looking yet casual clothing that is beautifully cut and produced with top-quality fabric. They are also in love with Italian loafers, designer sunglasses and eyeglasses, belts, watches and even cufflinks. And don't forget skincare. Men's skincare products are the latest big thing for the Thai metrosexual man. In fact, the last time I was at the skincare counter at Paragon department store, I think there were more Thai men than women lined up trying to get trial products.

I'm a big fan of Bangkok's metrosexual men. Simply put, not only is the Thai metrosexual man nicely dressed and perfectly coiffed, but because of the Thai obsession with cleanliness, they smell nice too.

Athlete Lance Armstrong will be welcoming another child into his family. Lance and his girlfriend Anna Hansen are expecting their first child together next June. Lance already has 3 children with his ex-wife, Kristin, ranging in age from 7-9 years old. His children were actually conceived with his frozen sperm that he had preserved prior to undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. According to a spokesperson for Lance Armstrong, this baby was "conceived naturally." I'm wondering if that means that this baby was planned or a surprise. Maybe Lance thought he couldn't have children since he underwent chemotherapy. The couple has only been dating since July of 2008.

The Girls Next Door star, Kendra Wilkinson, has set an official date for her wedding to football player Hank Baskett. The wedding will be held on June 27 at the Playboy Mansion. Kendra states that she is "ready to just get married." It has also been stated that Kendra is getting rid of all the nudity and crazy ways in her life and is ready to settle down and just be a football player's wife. I wonder how many people are placing bets on how long this marriage is going to last. My bet would be less than a year!

TMZ.com is reporting that football player Tom Brady proposed to supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bundchen on Christmas Eve. Sources say that he proposed while on a private jet to Boston. Of course Gisele said yes. Who wouldn't say yes to Tom Brady. Although, considering he left his last girlfriend when she was pregnant, you may want to wait until they actually walk down the aisle to celebrate this couple.

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

Amsterdam International Fashion Week 2009 will take place from January 24 to February 1, 2009, at Westengasfabriek. If you want to try a unique and different kind of fashion show, you should try out the International Fashion Week of Amsterdam. The AIFW has slowly become the recognized fashion week that stands for alternative and innovative ideas by taking inspiration from the city of Amsterdam and its very well-rounded talent pool of young people. The AIFW offers the most hip and modern catwalk shows, and in between the shows it has events, exhibits, lectures and parties scheduled. The event has gone from the previous three catwalk shows, just some years back, to the current 20 shows, and over 50 events were scheduled last year.

Previous catwalk shows at Amsterdam International Fashion Week have featured designers and lines such as; Daite by Tessa Koops, C'est Brilliant, EAH Non by Kim, Django Steenbakker, Blue Blood and many more. EAH! Got the nomination for being most daring. Eva Hanna, who is the face behind EAH!, did not grace the catwalk this time as she had in previous show but stayed behind the scenes and pulled off a show with great, new and innovative designs of summer dresses, sandals, beach wear, bags, shoes and jewelry.

Amsterdam International Fashion Week is sponsored by great companies such as Redken, Maybelline, Evian, Torres, Heineken and a great number of other sponsors whom have their own events and parties throughout the week. The 14th Frans Molenaar Award was given to Danny Cremers with the prize he also got awarded 10,000 euro, which he can use on his future couture shows.

Amsterdam International Fashion Week's motto is that fashion should be for everybody, so they created along with fashion week a program called "Downtown Programme," which can be attended by anyone. Highlights from the event were "Fashion in Film" at Kriterion and a bags exposition of Liesbeth Kaag that took place at the museum of bags and purses.

Amsterdam International Fashion Week takes place twice a year; it put Amsterdam on the map as a town of innovative fashion.

Written by lisa Kir

There have been quite a few rumors swirling around that actress and singer Janet Jackson is pregnant. Well, Janet's boyfriend, Jermaine Dupri has set the record straight. He wrote on his blog that Janet is not pregnant and that he and Janet are still together as a couple. He also stated that there is always some sort of rumor about him or Janet and that is why he has his blog - to set the record straight. Janet has expressed that she does want children in a couple of interviews that, but coming straight from the source (her boyfriend), Janet is not currently pregnant.

Another rumor that has been swirling around Hollywood is that Britney Spears has been hooking up with Benji Madden. According to Spears rep, these rumors are "completely false." Benji Madden has still been seen hanging around with his ex, Paris Hilton, and Britney has been traveling around promoting her new album, Circus. The two have not been seeing each other and have not even been spotted in the same place together.

Could Guy Ritchie already have a new woman in his life? The ex of Madonna was seen attending a dinner party with heiress Jemima Khan in London. London's Telegraph reports that the two attended the party together along with other celebrities such as Lilly Allen, Mick Jagger, Simon Cowell and Kevin Spacey. Maybe Guy has already moved on from Madonna. I say good for him, as Madonna had already moved on with Alex Rodriguez before their marriage was even officially over. Also, Jemima Khan is younger and much more attractive than Madonna, so I say Guy gets the better deal in this.

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

One of the rules of green clothing is to use second hand clothing. This is because clothing that is already made does not use additional resources. Reused clothing is actually the greenest clothing there is, which can seem counterintuitive to some. After reused clothing, clothing that is made from recycled materials is the greenest. In fact, clothing made from recycled materials is often (but not always) greener than clothing made from organically grown materials. The processing needed to turn the organic fibers into cloth uses large amounts of resources.

Recycled Clothing from Man-made Materials
It seems like a contradiction to look for clothing made from man-made materials; so many people know how damaging they can be. However, because of their sturdiness and their specific qualities, man-made materials are often recycled into other things. You may actually end up wearing clothing from man-made materials that is environmentally friendly.

You should consider the processes that clothing has gone through in order to become a wearable product. This is important, since the process that the clothing undergoes can have more of an impact on the environment than anything else. Also, consider that making something new, even if it is made from organic cotton, can be harmful to the environment when compared with something reused or recycled. These types of reused and recycled items, since they have already been produced, aren't usually using additional resources.

However, if you cannot find something suitable from recycled, man-made materials or something second hand, it is a good idea to look for organically grown materials. One of the worst things that you can get -- at least from an environmental standpoint -- is traditionally grown cotton. The pesticides, large amounts of water and other issues associated with regular cotton make it very resource-intensive.

Even though it may seem odd, consider clothing made from recycled, man-made materials, which translates into fewer things going to your local landfill.

Today, the words parka and anorak both generally mean a puffy, insulated coat designed for cold winters, but originally these were two separate clothing items with their own distinct histories. The anorak, a coat originally made by the Inuit people, was usually made out of animal skin (caribou or seal) and to maintain its waterproof nature was coated with oil, generally from fish. The parka, on the other hand, is of Aleutian origin, but was also designed to protect its wearer from wind, moisture and cold.

The modern, commercial distinction between the parka and the anorak, when the term is still used, is that the anorak is a hooded, waterproof, pullover jacket with a hood and elastic at the wrists to keep out the elements. The parka, meanwhile, is knee-length, stuffed with down or synthetic insulating material and has a hood lined with fur (artificial or real).

The emergence of the parka as a pop-culture garment is sometimes credited to Edie Bauer who produced a quilted, waterproof jacket known as the Skyliner for his store in 1936. He is said to have gotten his inspiration from the insulating garments his grandfather had worn in the Russian-Japanese war in 1904.

The history of the parka has many military connections. Garments described as both parkas and anoraks have been used by the U.S. Military. The fishtail parka and the snorkel anorak are two of the most famous, because both became a part of fashion culture; the fishtail parka because it was favored by mods as a way to protect their clothes from the elements while riding their signature scooters in the 1960s, and the snorkel anorak because of its success as a European fashion trend in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

While people who live in truly severe cold weather climates view the parka as a necessity more than a fashion statement, today the parka remains a highly fashionable winter garment. Snorkel parkas have seen a revival amongst many European stars of both sports and music. The parka has also become part of hip hop fashion for both men and women, with garments being produced by well known brands like Baby Phat.

According to Access Hollywood, singer Fergie and actor Josh Duhamel will be getting married next week. The wedding will be the weekend of January 9 and take place in southern California. The couple has been engaged for a little over a year. They were recently seen scanning items at a local Crate and Barrel store, but told others they were registering for "Christmas gifts," not wedding ones. Hopefully, for this couple, the public leaves them alone and allows them to have the wedding that they want.

So, if you are the wife of Tom Cruise, how do you celebrate your 30th birthday? Apparently with a cake from your husband and the whole audience of your Broadway show singing "Happy Birthday" to you. Katie Holmes was given a special birthday cake when the curtain fell for her performance in All My Sons. Although Cruise was not at the performance (he was at his movie premiere in Los Angeles) he set up the whole thing for Katie's birthday. What a great husband, but I still think that this couple of Cruise and Holmes are just a little odd.

Working for magician David Copperfield can be quite dangerous. An employee of Copperfield's got his arm broken after a trick went wrong on the stage. The employee was helping during a fan trick and got his arm caught in the fan. The executive producer of the show calls this a "freak accident," as the trick has been performed by David over 3,000 times. The hurt employee is recovering in the hospital and Copperfield will continue to perform this fan trick in his show.

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

Did you know that the word sequin derives from the Arabic word "sikka" meaning "coin" or "die"? I guess that's why people who wear them either make you wonder why they paid for such an unattractive outfit or that their look is to die for. Depending how you wear them, sequins can make or break your outfit. So it's important to learn a few clothing rules about them.

With sequins, you must consider your three "c's" in order to wear them properly. What are they? Cut, color and clutter. These three things affect how well you do or don't look in a sequined top, dress or bottom. Here's what I mean:

Cut: Should you go big or small in sequins? It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you want to highlight the trim of a top or pant leg, do it with small sequins. They will add an air of elegance to your outfit. If you want to make a bold statement on a top or dress, go big.

Color: Picking sequins that don't compliment your natural skin hue is the biggest mistake most women make in wearing sequins. If you have extremely tan or brown skin, you can wear sequins in a variety of colors like blue, red or yellow. However, if you have very pale skin, these colors will make you look more washed out. So, as a rule of thumb, select sequined outfits that exemplify the complementary colors you wear in your every day life.

Clutter: Ever had too much of a good thing? That's how it is with sequins sometimes. If you wear an outfit that has different sizes, cuts and colors of them, you can look like a clown. Therefore, go easy on your sequin wear. Select outfits that, at max, have two different types or layers of sequins. It'll help you avoid looking garish.

Follow these clothing rules regarding sequins and you'll always stay in fashion.

We've all been there. You go to the store and see a t-shirt or blouse you like. It looks so good on from the front that you don't even turn around to see how it looks from the back. Then, later, after you've strutted all over town wearing it, you see your reflection from behind. Yikes! You've got back fat.

The ugly truth about back fat is that it can affect people of every sex and size. It's common to have a little extra cushion under your shoulder blades unless you are extremely thin. Yet, most of us don't see it unless we are standing naked in front of a mirror and checking ourselves out from every angle. So, how do you deal with it? You deal with back fat in these three ways.

Wear clothing that fits. This tip sounds funny because it's what we all should be trying to do. Yet, some of us still try to squeeze into our favorite jacket with the hopes of losing weight later. Or, we get a t-shirt a size too small because it is on sale. Try to avoid falling into these traps. If you see a stylish top and it's too tight in the back or doesn't hang quite right, put it back. It will surely show back fat, which will ruin your entire look.

Invest into quality undergarments. Bras, cotton t-shirts and body girdles all help pull in and minimize back fat. Make sure you get one that molds your body into a natural form and pulls in excess fat by a ½ inch. If you are not sure what garment to look for, get help from the store clerk.

Select tops made of sturdy material. Fabric that you can't see through is considered to be "sturdy." It won't fall apart at the seams or thin-out after a few washes. This kind of material is the least likely to show back fat and will help hold in those extra bulges.

If you pay attention to these three things, you should be able to hide your back fat. Also, you will appear sleeker. Of course, this look is one we all want to achieve in our clothes.

It seems like there is more drama happening in the split between actress Jodie Sweetin and her husband Cody Herpin. Courts have ruled that Sweetin is no longer able to see her-8 month-old daughter, Zoie, without supervision. Herpin has accused Sweetin of being an "unfit mother." He claims that she has driven under the influence with their daughter in the car. Sweetin is a former meth addict and alcoholic, which is why her first marriage failed. According to the court's ruling, Sweetin is not allowed to be alone with her daughter and can only have her if one of her parents is home (she currently lives with her parents). This situation just gets sadder and sadder as this poor little girl is being dragged through this! Who would have ever thought that Stephanie Tanner from Full House would end up this way?

Could another Hollywood couple be headed for divorce? According to US Weekly Magazine, the marriage of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony is "at a breaking point." Lopez has been seen out and about without her husband and without her wedding rings. Sources close to the couple claim that Anthony is very controlling of Jennifer and that Jennifer blames Marc Anthony for her career going down. The couple has not been spotted together since the end of October. Did anyone really think that this couple would last? When they got married, I predicted that they would not last. Jennifer Lopez was too much of a celebrity to be tied down with someone like Marc Anthony, who has no appeal to him. I guess we will just have to wait and see when the official split comes from them.

Source:
www.usmagazine.com

This probably does not come as a big surprise to anyone, but actress Tara Reid has checked into rehab. According to her rep, Reid checked herself into the Promises Treatment Center. There was no mention of what exactly Reid checked herself into rehab for. If you remember, Reid had stated that she was cleaning her life up and was happy, and she had no reason to go back to her bad ways. She was partying and drinking and was out of control. Did Reid fall off the wagon? At least she was smart enough to check herself into rehab before she seriously hurt herself or someone else.

My thoughts go out to the Culkin family right now as they mourn the loss of Dakota Culkin. Macaulay Culkin's sister, Dakota, was killed last week in an accident. She was struck by a car and later died at the hospital. This is truly a tragic accident, and here's hoping that the Culkin family can find some peace this holiday season.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps claims that he is single. He stated on the Live with Regis and Kelly show that he is "not seeing anybody." According to Phelps, the picture of him and the cocktail waitress, Carolynn Pal, was set up by the paparazzi photographers at the airport. The photogs had the woman walk right next to Phelps acting like they are walking together. Phelps says that he has "never seen her before." What I want to know is why the photographers would do this. Phelps is just an athlete that happened to win several gold medals for the United States, and now people want to make him out as some playboy. I say just leave him alone and let him live his life.

Source:
www.usmagazine.com

Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy was one of the most massive film undertakings of all time in terms of cast, crew and special effects. The costumes for the three-part project, designed by Ngila Dickson, were no exception, with an average of 150 pieces created for each cultural group represented in the films (start counting, there are more than you think -- two types of elves, hobbits, men, Sauron's armies, etc.). Each costume grouping provided a short hand way to inform us about the wearers' culture by the colors and styles used and also by the condition of the garments in particular. While the elves were always bright and shining, most of the other costumes had to look lived in, and in many cases, fought in.

While it's hard for many people to imagine how such elaborate costumes from a fantasy movie can influence the clothes we wear without making them look ridiculous, The Lord of the Rings has a palpable influence in today's fashion choices, especially if you look at the costume design work done for Tolkien's elves.

Designed with an art nouveau influence, the costumes for the elves in The Lord of the Rings have several details you can apply to your own wardrobe. Elves' colors are natural and echo that of the forest ; look for greens and browns, but also jewel tones like blues and purples. If you remember Galadriel, you'll know white is also appropriate. Remember that elves wear natural fabrics, so look for clothes that move well and are flowing -- cotton, linen, wool, silk and even velvet (usually made from synthetics these days) are all good choices. Clothes that echo the elves fashion of The Lord of the Rings should be body conscious but easy to move in and have lovely details such as burnout designs in velvet, subtle beading or woven patterns, or cuts and trims that echo leaves and other shapes found in nature.

No matter how different our world is from that of The Lord of the Rings, the films' costumes were designed to look as real and lived in as possible, meaning that while their source may seem impractical, inviting their influences into your own wardrobe is easier than you think.