Fashion Culture

Celebrity Gossip! Verne Troyer Owes the Government Some Serious Money

Tiffany B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:47 GMT

What is with all these celebrities (or so-called celebrities) not being able to afford their taxes? I mean celebrities have to have an accountant or financial planner helping them with their money right? The latest celebrity to be hit with back taxes is Austin Power's Mini-Me Verne Troyer. The actor fell behind on his taxes in 2005 and 2008 and owes the government $10,869.36 in back taxes. I guess this is nothing compared to the millions that Nicolas Cage owes in taxes but still, the guy has to come up with almost $11,000 soon. A few months ago Verne had mentioned that Mike Myers was coming up with an Austin Powers 4 movie. He better hope that Mike writes it awful fast so he can get some money.

Singer Mariah Carey is stepping forward and admits that she was emotionally abused in a relationship. She says that she can relate to singer Rihanna and her relationship with Chris Brown as she too was emotionally and mentally abused. Mariah, who married Nick Cannon last year, says that she has been through some painful relationships in the past. She told Larry King in an interview, "You know, I just think you get into a situation and you feel locked in. If your situation is similar to one of the situations I've been in - which I won't harp on - for me, to really get out, it was difficult because there was a connection that was not only a marriage but a business thing, where the person was in control of my life." In the same interview, Mariah also denounced the rumors that she was pregnant. She says that she would love to have a child now but with her movie Precious and singing career she does not have the time to devote to motherhood like she wants to. She said, "I wouldn't be just like, 'Oh, I'm having a child, Yay! Let me get a nanny so I can give her the baby. Take the kid. That doesn't work for me. I don't believe in that." At least this is one celebrity who takes motherhood seriously rather than just pawning kids off on a nanny.

Sources:
www.tmz.com
www.people.com

How to Wear Colored Heels Properly: Pair them with a Little Black Dress!

Tiffany B. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:36 GMT

If you have never worn a pair of colored heels before then the perfect way to start wearing some awesome colored heels is by pairing them with a black dress. Colored heels are a great way to spruce up a little black dress for just about any event.

The reason why wearing colored heels with a black dress is the best place to start is because every color goes with black, with maybe a few exceptions when it comes to fashion. You can pair a red pair of heels just as well as a purple pair with a black dress. It all depends on your personal style and what color shoe attracts you.

The most common colored heel that we normally see with a black dress is red. A red shoe will definitely draw attention to your legs, so if you are not into showing off your legs, you may want to avoid a pair of bright red heels. A red heel adds an interesting contrast to a black dress and can be worn to just about any event, such as a cocktail party, a wedding, or even to a work party.

If you are willing to be a little more daring and take on a more stylish approach than just red heels, try branching out with different colors. For example, hot pink is a really popular color now and with a black dress, just about anyone can rock hot pink heels. Another trendy color is purple. Unlike hot pink, purple is a little more subdued but definitely will still get you on the best dressed list. Some other colors to consider with a black dress are green and yellow.

With a black dress you can also choose to wear multi-colored or patterned heels as well. A really trendy fashion style is a black dress with a pair of leopard or zebra print heels. Look for patterns and prints that have unusual colors such as an animal print with red coloring as well.

If you have wanted to try your hand at wearing colored heels, try out this fashion trend with a little black dress and you may just end up wanting to explore new options for your fancy colored heels.

Incorporating International Fashion into Your Wardrobe: French Berets

Yissel C. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

We love the French, everything about them is elegant and chic, their culture, their wines, their fashion and the list goes on. One particular fashion that has always been a French staple is the French beret, making its way into the forefront of American fashion trends this fall for women. The beret compliments any layering look.
http://couture.zappos.com/n/p/dp/53318560/c/3.html

Juicy Couture has a great selection of berets that are trendy and edgy. The wavy Stripe Ruffle Beret features metallic accents throughout its stripe pattern in a classic crochet beret. It's also available in Blue/Black or Pink/White to match any cable knit sweater you choose to wear. Juicy Couture Pailettes Beret is perhaps the most modern beret this season. All over sequin is a huge trend this season, forget the sequin dresses and instead choose this wool beret sewn with allover sequins; perfect to pair with a classic white t-shirt, solid cardigan, skinny jeans and boots. But if all of sequins is a little too much, the Juicy Couture Studded Felt Beret might be easier to wear. This classic white felt hat features gold pyramid stud detailing throughout. This beret is another fashionable piece that should be worn with a basic winter outfit.

If you choose to jazz up your attire with an embroidered sweater or a sequin jacket, then keep your beret simple. Nixon's LA Woman Beanie is available is an assortment of solid colors like yellow or red to brighten up any monochromatic or all black outfit. If you're looking for something in between flashy and simple, Lucky Brand's Mosaic Beret is a great choice. The burgundy beret features a delicate floral knit detail that's like no other. Wear this with a solid black dress over black opaque leggings and black flat boots for a feminine and fun look.

You don't have to be French to own this look. Just wear your beret in confidence and you'll look oh la la chic!

Nixon's LA Woman Beanie

Celebrity Gossip! Rihanna Opens Up to Diane Sawyer

Rebecca White-Glanders — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:36 GMT

Several months after that fateful car ride with Chris Brown, Rihanna has decided to open up about her ordeal. In an interview with Diane Sawyer, Rihanna looks thoughtful, saying, "This happened to me . . . it can happen to anyone." She also reveals that the incident was especially hard on her, since Brown was "her first big love." Rihanna's decision to finally open up about her experience with domestic violence comes at an interesting time - less than three weeks before the release of her new album, Rated R. Brown is currently serving his sentence and is also preparing to release a new album in December entitled Graffiti.

Although Twilight star Robert Pattinson constantly has to fend off advances from his eager fans, according to the actor, it's not easy. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Pattinson says he's "trying not to drown." Although he's constantly surrounded by mobs of adoring fans, the actor goes on to say, "I'm not much of a crowd person." As to his oft-reported romance with co-star Kristen Stewart, the actor (once again) denies everything. He claims the twosome are just "good friends" and that he admires her deeply. Stewart, in her characteristic shrewish fashion, has more to say about the rumors of a romance with Pattinson: "It's so retarded."

The ever-hypocritical Mel Gibson is officially a father - for the eighth time. His much-younger girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, became pregnant with Gibson's child while he was still married to his wife of 30 years, Robyn. The couple officially filed for divorce in April. For Gibson, who backed production of Passion of the Christ and runs his own church, this must be a proud moment.

Most Posh Hotels/Spas in the World: A Trip to Venice in Vegas

E.A. Anne — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:19 GMT

Las Vegas, Nevada is not a place frequently thought of by tourists who simply want to kick their feet up, relax, and rejuvenate. More likely, Vegas is thought of as a party-lover's paradise, with slamming clubs, bars, lounges, gambling, shows, and rides. Vegas, at least the Vegas strip, is often thought of as a city that never sleeps. However, if combining a vacation of partying hard and relaxing easy sounds perfect to you, a luxurious hotel in the middle of the chaos could be just what the doctor ordered.

The Venetian Resort and Hotel Casino is like a city of its own within the Vegas strip. Stepping into the Venetian transports you into a whole different world-- the world of romantic Venice, a city on the east coast of Italy. What makes the Venetian a city of its own? For starters, the Venetian contains a whopping 19 restaurants! These restaurants feature some of the most famous chefs, from Wolfgang Puck to Emeril Lagasse. The Venetian also houses the Grand Canal Shoppes, a massive collection of the best and most prestigious designers in the world. At the Venetian you can enjoy a lovely gondola ride down the reconstructed Grand Canal, an experience which really feels authentically Italian. All this, not to mention a huge casino packed with all of your favorite games and adventures. For all this gambling fun, you're not going to want to carry around your old and beat up wallet, but a new soft leather checkbook clutch.

The Venetian also houses the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, a gorgeously outfitted center for relaxation. There you can opt for a massage, a facial and a host of other luxurious spa treatments. Or if physical activity is what you want, go ahead and try their 40 foot rock climbing wall, a group fitness class or just a calm swim in the pool.

If you thought the Venetian could not get any grander, just wait until you step inside one of their sparkling suites. The Venetian offers a whole range of suites to fit all tastes, but my personal favorite is the Venezia Terrazzo Suite, with its 100 square foot private terrace and 130 square foot decadent bathroom. It won't get any better than this!

Celebrity Gossip: Twilight's Robert Pattinson and Kristin Stewart

Tiffany B — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:48 GMT

+Twilight's +Robert Pattinson is setting the record straight in the new issue of Vanity Fair. The actor says he and co-star Kristin Stewart are "simply good friends" and he considers her to be the best "young actress." The star also talks about how he is a very shy and reserved guy and how all this press from Twilight and his supposed romance with Kristin is not something that he likes at all. He tells the magazine, "I guess I'm not the type of guy cut out to do a franchise." Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke has something slightly different to say about the actor being shy. She says that he was definitely not shy on the set of the movies as he was "always drunk" and playing his guitar for others. On the relationship between Kristin and Robert, Catherine says, "What Rob and Kristen had is a multitude of feelings for each other . . . Complex, intense fascination." Kristin and Robert have sparked even more rumors about a relationship as the two were seen out several times together while filming the latest installment of Twilight: New Moon, which hits theaters on November 20th.

Jessica Simpson is not taking her sister's being axed from Melrose Place sitting down. The singer voiced her opinion about the show now that Ashlee has been released, and let's just say that she did not speak too highly about the show. On her Twitter account, Jessica wrote, "CW catching up on MP.who writes this crap? i have had bad scripts to work with, but this? thank God my sister is amazing and got you some press." It was announced last month that Ashlee would no longer be starring on Melrose Place and had been let go from the show. Her last episode will be seen in January. It has also been said that Ashlee and her husband Pete Wentz were putting off having another baby since Ashlee had her role on Melrose Place. Could this mean that another little Simpson-Wentz could be coming soon?

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

Celebrity Gossip: Jessica Simpson Still Looking for the Right Man

Tiffany B — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:39 GMT

A rep for actor Josh Duhamel is calling all the rumors about the actor cheating on his wife Fergie with a stripper completely false. The National Enquirer reported that Josh cheated on Fergie with a stripper named Nicole Forrester who goes by the stage name of "Delilah" while filming a movie in Atlanta. The rep stated, "This is not the first nor will it be the last time that a stripper was paid a large amount of money to sell a false story about a celebrity." He added that the "story is absolutely ridiculous." E! Online is reporting that they received an email from Forrester's attorney and stated that she passed a polygraph test about being with Josh. Josh and Fergie were married on January 10, 2009.

Jessica Simpson, who is not having the best luck in the relationship department lately, says that she wants an "intellectual" and "spiritual man." She says that she can get bored quite easily and needs someone who will keep her "intrigued," as well as "inspire" her. The singer has not been linked to anybody since Tony Romo broke up with her the day before her 29th birthday in July. So, we are talking about a woman who confuses tuna with chicken and she wants an intellectual man so she doesn't get bored? Very interesting.

Miley Cyrus is one of the most popular celebrities when it comes to tweens (9-15 year old), but she is also the worst celebrity influence for that age group as well. In a survey on the AOL's JSYK.com 42% of the voters voted for Miley as being the worst celebrity influence of 2009. The website is aimed specifically at the tween age group. Britney Spears came in second and Kanye West came in third in the poll. There were no reasons given behind the voting decisions, but if you take a look back at the year that Miley had you may see why she was number one on the list. She dated a 20-year-old model, had some racy outfits that she wore to the red carpet events, was accused of pole dancing during a performance at an awards show, and took some rather controversial photographs that were released online. On the other hand, Miley's friend Taylor Swift was voted favorite female artist while Miley took 4th in that category.

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.reuters.com
www.eonline.com

Steve Madden SOLE SEARCH

Brett H. — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:53:32 GMT

Share your passion for fab footwear by designing your very own shoe! Steve Madden is conducting a "Sole Search" powered by Zappos.com and is looking for the next hot shoe design! Draw a sketch, use a graphics software or choose our Entry Editor to design your masterpiece. Three lucky winners will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly to Las Vegas and then to New York City where they will have a chance to pitch their shoe design to America's most successful shoe designer, Steve Madden himself!
Click here to enter!

Easy Fashion Tips: Cut it Out!

Yissel C. — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:28 GMT

No matter which way it's sliced, (slashed and or shredded for that matter), cutout garments are stealing the style spotlight. Perhaps it's the feeling of being slightly provocative without being overly risqué that makes cutouts a trend almost anyone can comfortably wear. Cutouts or often referred to as cutaway styles can be found in anything from tops, dresses, and even a few bottoms.
http://www.zappos.com/dknyc-cold-shoulder-turtleneck-black

DKNYC DKNYC has a great Cold Shoulder Top with split sleeves and cut-out shoulders for a sexy but still flirty look. Free People's Cutout Menswear Dress may be a menswear inspired dress but nothing about it is short of feminine. The dress features detailed cutout designs in a satin dress with front snap closure and ruching. BCBGeneration always offers trend-setting pieces like their Cutout Sleeve Dress, available in Galaxy Blue. This dress is constructed with cutout sleeves as well as a sexy v-neck--as if bearing arms wasn't sexy enough.

If you're willing to invest in a designer piece, Moschino has an elegant long sleeve silk dress with draping fabric and cutouts or "keyholes" circling the neck. Detailing each keyhole are faux pearls lined around the edges. The cutaway dress also has an empire waist and elasticized ends on each sleeve.

Should you feel extra daring, LnA's newest item, the Ripped Zipper Leggings in cotton jersey are just the thing for you. They feature ankle zippers and deep slashes on the front legs for the ultimate rock glam look.

It's fine to extend your cutout style down to your toes with cutout booties, this popular style continues to stay strong. However, make sure you keep your shredded apparel to a minimum and only wear one sliced item at a time, you want to look trendy but not like you just survived a cat fight.

Ripped Zipper Leggings

Beauty Tips: Pucker Up for Fall with a Lip Care Routine

Sabah K. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:50 GMT

Keeping your lips plump and soft during the fall and winter seasons can be a challenge, especially if you live in a very cold climate and spend a lot of time outdoors in the brisk air. However, maintaining a lip care routine can help you maintain that dazzling smile all season long. In addition to a weekly exfoliation routine, you'll need to add a few simple steps to your beauty regimen. Here are some essential steps for keeping that pout looking beautiful for the fall and winter season:

1. Exfoliate lips at least once per week. Remove dry skin with a light brushing with your toothbrush before bed, or this serious lip treatment, then cover your lips with an emollient-rich lip balm. This will help your skin restore itself and heal overnight, and the lip balm will infuse your lips with essential nutrients that promote cell recovery.

2. Use a moisturizing lipstick. Skip the lip gloss for the cooler months in favor of a moisture-rich lipstick instead. You'll need the bolder colors for the season, and the ingredients in the lipstick will keep your lips kissably soft and smooth.

3. Apply a clear gloss as a sealant. If you want your lips to stay silky smooth for several hours, add a thin coat of clear gloss on top of lipstick so that it acts as a sealant. Use a gloss that's infused with B-vitamins and emollients for extra protection this season.

Some other important tips for maintaining a picture-perfect pucker this fall...avoid licking your lips whenever possible, because this only zaps away moisture and makes it difficult for your lips to hold onto the lip balm and other products you're applying. You can carry your favorite lip treats with you so that you can add another layer as needed.

It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages can put you at risk for dehydration and chapped, flaky lips.

Finally, if you're not planning on wearing any lip color, be prepared to layer up with a clear gloss - preferably with SPF - so that your lips can stay soft and smooth all season long!

Celebrity Gossip: Justin Timberlake and Rihanna? Don't think so!

Tiffany B — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:15 GMT

Despite rumors that Jennifer Aniston will host a weekly talk show for Oprah Winfrey's cable channel, a rep for the actress has confirmed that Aniston is not returning to television. There were several tabloids and celebrity magazines that alleged the star didn't care about money and wanted to do the show because she thought it would be fun. A rep for the actress told US magazine that the rumors were "absolutely false." Jennifer has not taken on a full time television role since she played Rachel Green on Friends 10 years ago. Her friend and former co-star Courtney Cox-Arquette just recently returned to television once again the show Cougar Town.

Once again rumors that have been circulating in the tabloids as well as online websites have been proven to be untrue for now. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were spotted walking arm in arm last week and just recently conquered climbing Grouse Grind, which is a trail 2,800 feet up to the peak of Grouse Mountain, together. There have been rumors spreading all over that the couple has split up and that Justin is already dating Rihanna. I don't think Rihanna would like Justin spending time with his ex-girlfriend like this, so I for right now I am saying that Justin and Jessica are still on.

Could Taylor Swift and Twilight hottie Taylor Lautner be more than just friends? The two are filming a movie called Valentine's Day together but have been seen together quite a bit off of the movie lot. Lautner attended Swift's concert in Chicago and was given a special hug a few weeks ago. Recently the two were spotted at the Los Angeles Kings game and hanging out afterwards. Reps for Swift or Lautner did not comment on the relationship. Wouldn't these two make a pretty good looking couple even though Lautner is still a minor at 17 years old and Swift is 19 years old?

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

Most Posh Hotels/Spas in the World: The Country Club Hotel and Spa at Lake Ozark

E.A. Anne — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:42 GMT

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of mid-western America's favorite vacation spots. When the lake was made in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the lake was one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Although it was originally constructed to provide power for local residents, the lake community has blossomed to one of vacation homes, sprawling golf courses, and luxury retreats. Today tourists flock to the Lake of the Ozarks for rest, relaxation, physical activity, as well as hiking in the nearby state parks.

The Country Club Hotel and Spa at Lake Ozark is a terrific place to call home during a vacation to the area. Located on the lake, visitors can have access to all the lake has to offer as well as the wonderful amenities of the hotel. This luxury hotel has tennis courts, a racquetball court, hot tubs, saunas, a fitness center, a heated pool and a magnificent health spa.

The health spa at the Country Club offers a range of treatments, from different kinds of massages to aromatherapy, to mud and clay body treatments, to facials. You can also get personalized exercise and health advice from a personal trainer, or go for exercise classes!

The Lake of the Ozarks itself has enough opportunity for fun for everyone. Definitely take advantage of these opportunities: swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, and many different water sports and activities! The lake is a perfect venue for all kinds of physical activities so don't be afraid to experiment and live life! So you don't miss out on the fun, be sure to pack a new and comfortable swimming suit and a pair of swimming trunks.

With all this fun, you're bound to get really hungry. The Country Club Hotel and Spa has its own highly rated restaurant and lounge. There you can order classic American dishes, like prime rib, steaks, eggs, waffles and pastas.

The Country Club loves to host weddings, so if you're considering a wedding with the Ozarks as your backdrop, definitely check out their website!

Celebrity Style Mashup: Cary Grant and Robert Downey Jr.

Pam Gaulin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:02 GMT

A strong man can sweep you off your feet, and onto the movie screen. Both Cary Grant and Robert Downey, Jr. have strong male undercurrents that invite movie goers to share some on-screen intimacy. These actors have both made an impact in the fashion and style choices of their fellow iron men. Cary Grant set the bar, and Robert Downey, Jr. continues to re-set his own bar, and does so again in the 2009 Sherlock Holmes.

Cary Grant

Suit-wearing men can strive to look half as good as Cary Grant on a bad day while wearing a suit. According to Cary Grant, his father used to say, ''Let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary." He certainly took that to heart because in every scene in every one of his movies, he looks dapper. Being a trained acrobat helped him develop a physique that lent itself to wearing well-tailored clothing.

A casual look for Grant still looked dashing, complete with pleated pants, unbuttoned white dress shirt and a plain sweater. One key to Grant's fashion success was that he did not wear a lot of patterns, and often wore plain or understated ties. Even a pair of pajamas looked strikingly fashionable on the endlessly charming Cary Grant.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey, Jr., who has been down and back, offers hope that any man can pick himself up again, dust himself off, like Charlie Chaplin, and excel as an immersive actor. Robert Downey Jr. can pull off wearing a monochromatic suit, similar to Cary Grant.

From his 1980s white suits and style trends set in the movie Less Than Zero to his role as Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey, Jr. appears comfortable no matter what his role. He appears equally comfortable wearing a suit made of iron or a pair of wool trousers to play Sherlock Holmes.

Celebrity Gossip: Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner?

Rebecca White-Glanders — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:54 GMT

The latest and hottest celebrity hook-up is a meeting of the Taylors - Swift and Lautner, that is. The New Moon heartthrob and the award-winning songstress have been seen out and about, most recently at a Hockey game in Los Angeles' Staples Center. Swift, 19, picked Lautner,17, up from LAX before heading to a hotel and then out to the game. The couple are co-starring in the movie Valentine's Day. Rumors about their romantic status have been swirling since Swift gave him a very public hug during one of her concerts.

Newlyweds Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom recently inked their required pre-nup and decided to celebrate with ink of a whole other kind. Khloe recently showed off her "L" tattoo at the bottom of her thumb - and Lamar's matching "K" one. Nothing says "class" like matching tattoos and a hard-fought pre-nup. The pre-nup clearly provides for the marriage's inevitable demise, down to the last penny. Don't they know tattoos are permanent?

*Jude Law*'s latest baby mama has come forward in an interview with Hello! Magazine, seeming far less bitter than one might expect. Florida resident Samantha Burke, 25, showed off month-old daughter Sophia and shared her belief that the baby girl looks a lot like her father. According to Burke, the serial womanizer is currently starring in Hamlet on Broadway and has yet to meet his new daughter or even send a gift. Despite this, Burke believes Law will "be a wonderful father." Denial, maybe?

Handbag Report: Rocker Chic Style

Sabah K. — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:01:43 GMT

This Fall, the handbag department is touting a lineup of rocker chic-inspired collections that feature oversized studs, gleaming silver and gold buttons, and chain handles galore. If you've always had a little bit of a rocker-girl style in you, this is the season to show it off! Some of the leading handbags of the season are designed with an edgy look with oversized hardware and darker colors for that tough-girl look you crave. From chain-handled shoulder bags to studded hobos, here are some of the leading looks in handbags for Fall:

1. Gunmetal hobos and satchels. While black is still a top pick for handbags this season, gunmetal silver and pewter shades reign the runways this year and are a great match for your rocker look. Look for charcoal, dark silver and pewter handbags and clutches that will accent any outfit with a fresh and sassy look.

2. Studs galore. From the miniature clutch to the oversized hobo, studs are cropping up on every piece of arm candy you can find. Look for matte silver and gleaming gold studs that look like they've been pulled right off a motorcycle jacket.

3. Chain handle shoulder bags. If you're looking for a versatile bag to last you through the season, stick with the classic shoulder bag embellished with chain handle accents. Chain handles are a top trend in handbags this Fall, and your best bet is the oversized chain style that becomes the focal point of the bag. Not only are these handles super-sturdy (yes, you can tote your heels, wallet and a few books without worrying about breakage), but they will give you that edgy, rocker-inspired look you crave.

4. Coil accents. Coils, oversized metal hardware and rings are some of the embellishments you'll find on the tough-girl bags this season. Look for crossbody bags and satchels accentuated with these details for a fresh and fun look.

5. Extra zippers. Zippers serve a dual purpose on hobos and satchels this season, and you'll find a number of bags with lines of zippers as part of the design. They're just another way to show off your rocker-chic look for the season.