After several months of rumors of a separation between singer Avril Lavigne and musician Deryck Whibley it appears that the rumors were in fact true. Avril took to her blog to let everyone know that she and her husband Deryck are separating. After writing some things about how she "admires" him and still loves him with all her heart, she writes, "Deryck and I are separating and moving forward on a positive note." Unfortunately, it also appears that Avril is making up the "positive note" part. According to an inside source, "she dumped him and told him she was leaving him." The sourced added, "divorce papers will be filed any day now," and that Whibley is "crushed." Avril had been seen just a few weeks ago enjoying time on the beach with other guys and her husband was nowhere in sight. The couple married young as she was only 21 when they got married and was 19 when they started dating. It appears this is another Hollywood (or wannabe Hollywood) marriage gone horribly wrong.

Kate Gosselin from Jon and Kate Plus 8, may be losing a husband but may be gaining an awesome job as a talk show host. According to Radar online, the reality star is said to be teaming up with Food Network star Paula Deen for a talk show that is completely focused on moms. The proposed show has a mixture of beauty, health, and parenting tips mixed in with some celebrity gossip. Apparently they are now looking for other women for the show to talk to and they want all the women to be moms. A few months back Kate had told Entertainment Weekly, "There are no mom-centered talk shows. I think that would be a very comfortable thing for me." A rep for Telepictures would not deny nor confirm that the show was currently in the works. Kate has said that she would do anything to provide for her 8 kids, well apparently that means being a talk show host. Really, how hard could that really be and does this mean she will be moving from their million dollar home as well?

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.radaronline.com

As you mature from girl to young woman and then from young woman to business woman, your shoes will need to evolve in your wardrobe. The high heel shoe is going to be a staple for your grown-up wardrobe. High heeled shoes are sexy, dressy and fun, but if you select the wrong high heel shoe you can end up in a lot of pain.

Fit of the Shoe
The first thing that you need to do when buying high heel shoes for the very first time is to have your foot measured. You need to know your foot length and its width. These measurements will help you to select high heel shoes that are going to compliment the natural shape of your foot. It will also help you to find a shoe that will be comfortable. If you are teetering between two sizes it is generally a better idea to move up a size than it is to buy the half size, especially if you are new to wearing high heel shoes. However, if they feel too loose when you try them on you can go down to the half size.

Height of the High Heel Shoe
High heel shoes come in multiple heights. They range from very low heels, like the kitten heel, to very tall heels that can be six plus inches tall. It is usually recommended that you start off with a short heel and work your way up, but you may have better luck if you try on several heights and decide which angle feels the most comfortable to you. Sometimes a higher heel will create a more natural arch in your foot and be more comfortable to walk in than a lower heel.

Style of Your High Heel Shoes
After you have the fit and the height selected you can move on to something a bit more fun, the style of the high heel shoes. High heel shoes come in an almost unlimited number of styles. There are open toe, rounded toe, pointy toe, lace ups, strappy heels and clogs. There are also wedges, stiletto heels and chunky heels. In addition to shape and pattern differences there are also choices to be made about the color and the finish of the shoe.

Buying Your Shoes
If you are just starting to build your high heel collection then you will want to buy one pair of basic black high heels. These no frill shoes will go with most of your evening and work outfits. Next you will want to select a shoe for a day look. You can select a lighter colored neutral high heel shoe for this. After you have your basic day and evening shoes you can select shoes that are more exciting and that will be used to complete specific outfits.

Streamlined Sweaters, Not Clunky
Forget last year's bulky sweaters with larger-than-life triangle collars and buttons worthy of an elementary school bulletin board. Opt instead for a sleek and streamlined cardigan. Rather than a torso shortening collar, this fall's cardigan lengthens you with long columnar draping in the front, ideal for pairing with your favorite leggings.

Monochromatic, Not Complementary
Make your mornings easier and pick out a monochromatic outfit one or two days this week. Dress from head to toe in one hue, from earrings to shoes, and revel in the accolades and approving nods. The color does not have to be a citron or red, but try something other than black.

Ethnic Prints not Factory Shapes
Get rooted with ethnic prints in your wardrobe. Replace your favorite plaid with prints resembling woven fabric.

Over the Knee Not Under
If you were floored by the high knee-grazing boots of seasons past, you will love the new over-the-knee boots. Pull off the look with a pair of warm velvet over-the-knee stockings, or embrace the look with thigh high boots. The key to wearing over-the-knee boots gracefully and with style is choose a pair of flat, neutral colored boots. It's okay to wear with a short skirt or dress, but arms and decolletage should be covered up. Let the attention fall to the boots and your legs.

Squares over Rectangles
Going back to elementary school for a moment, opt for square-shaped, compact handbags over rectangular ones.

Dark Lenses, Not Rose Colored Glasses
You can still look at the world through rose-colored glasses, but only proverbially. For hip eye wear, choose the sunglasses with strong frames, worn by movie fashion icons from Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s to Tom Cruise in the 1980s. Don't worry, though, you can still match them to your outfit thanks to Wayfarer's new colored frames.

Belted Coats not Loose Coats
Your transitional season coat should be belted, buttoned and rest mid-thigh, perfect for wearing with your favorite skirt or leggings and to protect you from cool Autumn breezes.

Two actresses featured in films at the 66th Venice International Film Festival provide the inspiration for a classy and casual celebrity fashion mashup: Eva Mendes and Chloe Sevigny.

While it's possible that Eva Mendes and Chloe Sevigny met up at the 66th Venice International Film Festival, what would happen if their luggage had been swapped?

Classy Lady: Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes is one of those breathtaking Hollywood beauties that does not get enough camera time. She exudes classic Hollywood glamour and is a true fashion icon for any well-heeled woman. Recently she strolled down the red carpet with Nicolas Cage at the Venice Film Festival. Her eye make up was toned down and she wore her hair straight, parted in the middle and highlighted.

Most at home in a formal dress or matching pant suit, Eva Medes was born to wear white. She is also often seen wearing solid colors and monochromatic outfits. The star who describes herself as environmentally-conscious could wear this stretchy white skirt with a champagne tank top, giving her a more casual look.

Art Film Chic: Chloe Sevigny
Another not-often seen but always admired actress is Chloe Sevigny. Her fashion style fits her movie roles: more artsy and creative, as she thinks outside the hat box. Chloe Sevigny should continue to include quirky elements in her outfits, while adding classic pieces and designer wear. Her current style has moved from art house to coffee house, and it seems more relaxed and casual. She can wear a fitted jean jacket with a short designer dress.

Similar to Eva Mendes, Chloe Sevigny is one of those actresses blessed with long legs and she wears shorter dresses and skirts to show them off. Eva Mendes emphasizes her legs by wearing longer, sometimes below-the-knee skirts which hug her curves.

A Week in Venice
Even if their luggage had been swapped, Chloe Sevigny and Eva Mendes will be turning heads long after the film festival fanfare fizzles.

Genoa (Genova), Italy is known world-wide to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Today Genoa is a bustling town in the region of Liguria, in the midst of the Italian Riviera. Only a short trip West from Genoa leads you straight to France, making it an ideal spot for tourists with an itch to see both Italy and France.

The city of Genoa has become a favorite destination for travelers yearning for glimpses of the beautiful Italian Riviera. The Genoa Gulf is a very sweet spot for swimming and relaxing. The historic center of Genoa also offers travelers a view into the rich cultural heritage of the Ligurian region.

The Grand Hotel Savoia is the top-notch hotel in Genoa, a daunting five star establishment in the heart of the city. The five star hotel is known for its wonderful Italian hospitality, and has a vast number of rooms and suites to fit all ranges of budgets and accommodation desires.

On the seventh floor of the Grand Hotel Savoia is a brand new terrace that overlooks the Genoa Gulf. It has been designed and tailored to perfection for visitors both on vacation and on business. There you can enjoy a delicious cocktail while watching the cool blue waters of the Mediterranean. The hotel is also fully equipped with all modern amenities, including a five star restaurant, six large meeting rooms, a wellness center and Jacuzzi, garden, private garage,and more.

The Grand Hotel Savoia also has one of the best wellness and spa centers in the region. The panoramic hot bathtub and Jacuzzi is not to be missed, with its panoramic views of the city and the coast. Also don't miss the Spa, with its water beds, massages, aromatic showers, ice fountain and more!

If Genoa isn't your only destination on the beautiful Italian Riviera, you may want to pack your belongings in a light and comfortable trekking backpack. Liguria is a backpackers dream, with wonderful trails, rambling walks, and beautiful vistas. A quick hop from Genoa are the well-known Cinque Terre, or 5 Villages, which offer tons of hikes and walks for serious backpackers or fair weather hikers.

The Hills is soon going to be known as the Spencer and Heidi show. Audrina Partridge revealed that she is leaving the reality show. The actress revealed, "I'm almost done with The Hills. We're in the middle of finishing these episodes, and I'll be leaving then." She added, "It feels like I'm graduating. I'm taking the next step and growing up and maturing and moving on in my life." Audrina, who is currently starring in the movie Sorority Row, is working with Mark Burnett for her own reality show. She does credit The Hills for helping her feel "comfortable in front of the cameras." The only original Hills cast members left on the show will be Heidi Pratt. Former Laguna Beach star, Kristin Cavallari will be joining the cast this season. Just like Laguna Beach, Kristin is going to try to take *Lauren Conrad*'s place in the reality show. Who thinks that The Hills has run it's course already?

Grey's Anatomy star Katherine Heigl threw a baby shower for her fellow co-star Ellen Pompeo this past weekend. It was a small gathering of 25 friends at Heigl's home in Los Angeles. Guests included Sandra Oh, Kate Walsh, and Rebecca Gayheart. Pompeo and her husband Chris Ivery are expecting their first child in October, which has been revealed to be a girl. Hot temperatures of over 100 degrees did not put a damper on the outdoor, catered bash. Umbrellas were put up to provide shade for the guests. The tables were also decorated with pink flower arrangements and scented candles. Earlier that day, Ellen had spent some time with her friend Nicole Richie, who is also pregnant.

Although there have been rumors circulating around Hollywood that actress Demi Moore has had over $500,000 worth of plastic surgery done to keep her looking young, she has come forward and denied having any plastic surgery to keep her youthful appearance. She told Marie Claire France, "It's completely false, I've never had it done. But I would never judge those who have." She added, "For the moment I prefer to be a beautiful woman of my age than try desperately to look 30." So, how many of you think she is telling the truth? Does she just have good genes or good doctors?

Sources:
www.people.com
www.digitalspy.com

Classic not Trendy
In this economy it's important to spend wisely on some classic and solid pieces which will not look dated in the months and years to come.

Bold Print Leggings for Plain Black Leggings
Show off your gams, and you favorite pair of shoes with boldly-patterned tights. A long top in a color matching the tights, paired with black shoes, and a pair of black nylon knee highs will complete your look.

Polished not Bedhead
For corporate days and fancy nights, pull your hair off your face a into neat ponytail. No longer just for bad hair days, a tightly drawn up-do, with all fly-aways smoothed down is a more serious look than tousled hair for this fall.

Covered Necks, Not Bare
Turtlenecks are a wardrobe staple in the cooler months, but they are not just for jeans and sneaker days. Wear a turtleneck with a long, ankle-length skirt, in the same color, a pair of white or glittery tights and pop on a comfortable pair of Two Lips Parker shoes.

Tiny Prints for the Rest
While bold prints are acceptable for two-tone outfits, fashionistas with a romantic flair will embrace the tiny prints making their way onto everything from striped pajama's to floral intimates, scarves, dresses and cardigans. Look for tiny flower prints of white and light blue on dark blue, or any white and blue striped top.

Subtle patterns and faded colors dominate this look, and it's okay to mix and match your patterns in the same color palette.

Goodbye Peep Toe
For casual wear, cover up those peeping toes and painted nails and wear a pair of bright blue or plum low heels.

Hello Cut Out, Hello Layers
The cut out clothing trend is perfectly acceptable for day wear or casual wear, as long as you remember that this time around, there should be a contrasting layer of fabric beneath. Pair a bright white shirt with a black cut out top for a bold effect.

Clothes that you buy at stores are sized based on standards set by the pattern makers. These sizes are based on average body proportions and dimensions. As you are most likely well aware of, few bodies have these exact dimensions and shapes and that is why clothing off the rack doesn't always fit or flatter your body's shape. Fortunately, there are ways to make off the rack clothes fit your body better.

Tip #1 - Use Belts

One simple way to make adjustments to the shape and fit of clothing is to utilize a belt. Belts can be used with jeans and slacks to help bring in the waist of pants that are a little too big, or they can be added to a shirt to create a more tailored look. You can also use belts of different colors and textures to add a point of visual interest to your outfit.

Tip #2 - Make Adjustments to the Seams

If you are between sizes then you will want to buy the next size up and then make adjustments to the seams. You can do this simply by figuring out where the clothing is too big and then by taking in the seams. Usually you will only need to take in the side seams to make a shirt or a pair of pants fit your shape better. When you take in the seams you need to do it evenly on both sides so that the clothing item will fit properly on your body.

Tip #3 - Make Adjustments to the Length of the Item

Another dimension that may not fit your body properly is the length of the clothing item. If the item is too long then you can hem the bottom of the item. This is a very simple fix that even novices can handle. Keep in mind that you can shorten shirts and jackets, as well as pants, shorts and skirts. Hemming can be done by hand with a needle and thread, or it can be done using a sewing machine. There are also hemming tapes that you can use to quickly set a hem. You can use the tape to hold the hem for a day while you wear the item, or you can use it to hold the hem in place while you stitch it up with a needle and thread.

The dog days of summer probably means the A/C's running on all eight cylinders throughout the night and fans are on full blast by day just to keep things cool.

It might not be easy to stay cool in your house or apartment during those long summer days and hot summer nights, but it's important to keep the bedroom as cool and comfortable as possible or you lower the chances of a good night's rest. Here are some decorating essentials to help you escape the summer heat in the bedroom:

1. Use lightweight cotton sheets.
While satin or silk sheets feel great against your skin, lightweight cotton sheets are a better way to stay cool. Soft cotton sheets with at least a 300-thread count are great for creating a relaxing environment and helping you keep your cool during those warm and humid nights.

2. Sleep on a single pillow.
You can decorate your bed with as many pillows as you want to by day, but when it comes to bedtime, stick with just a single pillow covered with a cotton pillowcase. Too many pillows can add heat to your sleeping environment, making it even more difficult to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

3. Wear loose clothing.
Wide-leg cropped pajama bottoms, tank tops or a lightweight tee are the best picks for night time. The less-clingy materials will help your skin breathe throughout the night so your body can stay cool, naturally. Stick with simple cuts and styles of nightwear to ensure a good night's rest.

4. Decorate windows with light-colored curtains.
Heavy curtains or dark-colored blinds can absorb the heat and make it harder to keep the room temperature low. Use light-colored window treatments and shades that will reflect the sun. You can keep these drawn throughout the day to keep those sun rays out of the room as well.

5. Use low-wattage light bulbs in lamps.
Stick with low-watt light bulbs in the bedroom so you're not generating extra heat from light fixtures. The softer light will also create a more relaxing, peaceful ambiance in your bedroom so it will be easier to get to sleep.

Fashion mavens say brown is the new black, or maybe it's pink this year, who knows? But one thing is always certain: every stylish woman needs at least one versatile little black dress in her wardrobe, a dress that can go anywhere with the right accessories.

Start with a sleeveless black "Samba" dress from Lole. Take it to the office by adding a great jacket, and stay work-focused in Tantra shoes by JUMP in black with stylish cut-outs and a cute little bow. For that essential burst of color, try a doctor bag from Carlos Falchi in orange. If you want to add just a hint of the wild, add an animal bangle watch from Pedre Watch.

Switch into a casual mode by slipping on a yellow tee from Fitzwell Allison under the dress, or not, depending on your mood. But do wear darling red sandals by Annie, comfortable enough for shopping or afternoon tea, and carry the party with you with a fiesta-look South of the Border tote from Betseyville Handbags. For a glint of gold at your ear, add sophisticated large hoop earrings in polished gold from Sheila Faji.

Turn the dress into perfect date wear easily. Dress up with Jelissa2 pumps from GUESS in gold leather. Add more gold with a Franchi pleated clutch with room for the essentials, like keys, wallet, and lipstick, and so much style it might explode. Swap the hoops for something luxurious, like "Just Lilly" fleur de lis gold earrings from Just Cavalli. Wrap it all up with an Italian linen wrap that doubles as a scarf from Love Quotes in confetti; a snazzy name for a snazzy fuchsia shade to make your outfit stand out.

It's amazing what one little black dress can do. Fashionistas, put your mind to it, and I'm sure you can come up with even more looks all by yourselves.

Oversized tote bags are a necessary addition to any summer ensemble, but you can pull off a more pulled-together look with the help of a bucket bag. Bucket bags are the roomy, semi-casual bags designed for the woman-on-the-go, and unlike totes, these bags are usually made with patent leather, thick canvas and supersoft leather that will stand the test of time. You can carry these bags when wearing a casual summer dress or your crops and khakis this season; they're one of the most versatile accessories for the season.

If you're thinking about investing in an oversized bag this summer, consider some of these must-have bucket bags for the season:

1. Coated canvas bag. This Kate Spade Kiawah Bag is a great addition to your weekend ensemble with its large handles and weaved pattern. This eye-catching bag features a platform base with small feet for extra protection when you set it down, and can be used for hauling magazines across the pool deck, rounding up some goods at the Farmer's Market, or just for carrying around on your next shopping trip.

2. Soft leather bag. Trade your hobo or tote for a sensibly-sized bucket bag made with soft leather. Celebrate summer with a bag that's pink, orange, turquoise or green for some extra attention. These bags are just the right size for carrying your novel, wallet, iPod and sunglasses, and for making a fashion statement in the process.

3. Printed shoulder bag. If you're looking for a seasonal tote-style bag for everyday use, stick with the clean and crisp style of a Dooney & Bourke Bag that holds your personal technology device, sunglasses, magazines and wallet with ease. These bags are designed with thick fabric and leather trim, and are great for weekends trekking across town on your errand-run.

Bucket bags are a great way to show off some fresh new styles and colors this season, and balance out your summer wardrobe. These bags are available in both miniature and extra-large sizes, so you can find the perfect match for replacing your tote, shoulder bag or hobo this season.

Whether you're meeting with corporate executives in the boardroom or attending a VIP meeting offsite, you'll need to dress for the occasion. Here are some important tips for putting together your work ensemble for the big day ahead:

1. Head to the tailor. If you plan on wearing an expensive suit or a fancy dress for the meeting, make sure everything fits just right. Head to the tailor to make sure the lengths of the blazer are perfect, and that the dress is of an appropriate length. The small investment will be well worth it, because you'll feel more confident and relaxed in your outfit when it fits you properly.

2. Stick with the basics. Avoid wearing too many colors and flashy prints, even if it's just for accessorizing. Maintain a polished and professional look by sticking with neutrals - preferably black and white. You can always accessorize with a colorful scarf or a bold colored bag, but avoid wearing anything that will attract too much attention.

3. Bring out the skinny heels or pumps. Avoid wearing any open-toed shoes or fashion-forward styles with embellishments, fringe or anything that doesn't fit the 'classic' mold. Your best bet for an important meeting is a pair of skinny heels or pumps with a thin heel (no platforms) in black or dark brown, depending on your outfit.

4. Wear a blazer. If you're not wearing a suit, you should still wear some type of jacket or blazer over your blouse or top to create a more professional look. Make sure this matches perfectly with your skirt or pants, and have it tailored (see #1) to achieve the perfect fit.

5. Accessorize with simple jewelry. A set of pearls, small silver or gold stud earrings, diamond or cubic zirconia bracelets, and other classic pieces of jewelry are the most appropriate selections for the polished, professional business look. Even if you're used to wearing flashy, oversized and trendy jewelry with your office attire during the week, the VIP meeting calls for something a little more simple and elegant. When in doubt, stick with the basics!

Dressing appropriately for the VIP meeting is just as important as being on time and delivering your best presentation. Take the time to put together the right outfit so you can make a lasting impression!

When you start seeing back to school sales, you know that fall is not far behind. If you have started shopping for your fall wardrobe and you want to be in with the runway fashion trends you definitely need to look for items that are hot pink. Now, you may be questioning, hot pink for fall? When you usually think of fall, you think of more subtle and neutral colors, but for whatever reason the runways were full of hot pink colors for the fall 2009 season.

You should not be afraid of the hot pink fashion trend. You really can wear hot pink and pull it off, as it can look good on all skin tones. When you think of hot pink, you may be thinking of the 80's neon pink shirts and leggings that you used to have. That is your first problem, the hot pink colors of today are much more sophisticated and glamorous than the neon pink of the 80's. If you are still hesitant about wearing hot pink, then try out the trend with smaller accessories first. A hot pink accented bracelet may be your first item and then you can work your way up to a pink handbag or hot pink shoes. A hot pink handbag and shoes go awesome with a little black dress for the fall.

If you are more daring and really want to get into this fall fashion trend, then try a pink jacket, dress, or a blouse. Celebrities are already getting into the hot pink trend as Heidi Klum was seen wearing a hot pink suit (before she was pregnant) and Blake Lively just recently wore a hot pink strapless dress to an award event this month.

When you do wear a hot pink dress or even a coat, remember to keep the rest of your look simple. This means your makeup should be simple and natural and your jewelry should be classic and not clash with your outfit.

Go for bold this fall and think pink when shopping!

Hot summer days call for loose fitting clothing with minimal coverage, which is why one of this season's hottest trends is the "boyfriend short." Denim is often avoided when temperatures are hot and humidity is high, but thankfully this summer's must-have is comfortable enough to keep you feeling (and looking) cool.

Offered in a variety of different washes, boyfriend shorts have the same distinct look. The look is ripped, torn, and often vintage-washed and can be detailed with rolled cuffs (although they can be rolled down to your liking). And although the fit is slightly oversized and much looser than your typical pair of denim, these destroyed shorts have a casual laid back look that's still sexy and strangely appealing.

The Hurley 51 YC Boyfriend Denim Short is the perfect pair; they have a great wash and are cut to a great length while being reasonably priced at $60. However, if you're willing to spend a little more on a pair of shorts that look like they've been purchased in a consignment shop, then splurge on AG Adriano Goldschmied's Ex-Boyfriend Short for $187. They're the closest thing to vintage authenticity with a new wash process that guarantees no two pairs will be alike.

The greatest thing about boyfriend shorts is their versatility to dress down or dress up. On a lazy day, they're perfect bottoms to a t-shirt and a cute pair of gladiator sandals. Then take your shorts from day to night by throwing on some trendy accessories, a fitted jacket and a pair of sexy stilettos.

However you plan to wear your boyfriend shorts you can rest assure you'll feel stylish and fabulous. You can choose to purchase a pair that's already been distressed or get the creative urge to purchase denim shorts and freely rip, tear and bleach them yourself; just make sure your not borrowing your boyfriend's actual shorts!

If you work in an office that adheres to a business casual or professional dress code, selecting the right types of shoes for every ensemble can be a bit of a challenge. How do you find the perfect balance between heel height, comfort and style? While some office mavens can get away with platform pumps and stiletto heels, your feet and legs may not be in prime shape to tackle the stairs and long trek across the building in a pair of skinny heels. However, there are some ways to stay comfortable in high heels, like with Mary Janes and kitten heels for those long days that you're on your feet.

If you choose to wear stiletto pumps or another style of skinny heel, consider adding a few gel pads for extra support on the ball of your foot. The balls of your feet absorb most of the pressure from wearing those extra-high heels, and if you plan on trotting around on them for over an hour, the extra support will prevent foot pain and soreness.

When you're wearing kitten heels, consider wearing a thin no-show sock so that your feet aren't slipping out of the shoe easily. Kitten heels are a great, classy alternative to the standard pump for the office, but they can feel like a pair of sandals if they're not cut very high. Wearing a thin pair of socks with these shoes can make the shoe much more comfortable and will prevent your foot from slipping out.

If you decide to wear a pair of booties with a high heel for the day, make sure you've practiced walking up stairs and on elevated floors with them. Booties and boots will constrict your ankles, which means you can't climb very easily. If you know you're going to be tackling escalators or flights of stairs during the day, make sure you're comfortable making the climb in these constrictive shoes.

Mary Jane pumps are great for the office, but even a platform shoe or a thick heel can put some pressure on the balls of your feet and calves. Wear some padded insoles or gel support cushions if you plan on wearing tight leather shoes for several hours so you can get the support you need.

Finding the shoe that fits for your office ensembles can take time. Make sure the heels you choose can provide the comfort and support you need to get through those long days that you'll be on your feet.