A while back I had written about how Nicolas Cage owed the federal government $6 million in back taxes and pondered how an actor who has made several decent movies could owe that much money. Well, I have now learned why. Apparently he is suing his former money manager for $20 million for providing him with bad financial advice and leading him down “a path of financial ruin.” That is not the whole story though. It appears that Mr. Cage likes to buy very expensive and unnecessary items, according to New York Magazine. He had a jet and two yachts to his name. He bought a dinosaur skull for $276,000. He had three castles as well as an island in the Bahamas. He had several other mansions that he owned in Bel Air as well. A collection of real shrunken heads. A $495,000 Lamborghini. These are just some of the luxury items that Cage has bought over the past 10 years. Most of these items have been sold or foreclosed on due to owing the United States government more than what an average person makes in their entire life. So, did his money manager make him buy these things? Is that why he is suing him?

Madonna has yet another job. It was just recently announced that she will be modeling for Dolce and Gabbana. She will be the face of Dolce and Gabbana for the 2010 spring/summer line. This is not the first time that Dolce and Gabbana and Madonna have teamed up though. The pop star had D&G design her costumes for her Girlie Show tour in 1993. They also designed some costumes for her Sticky and Sweet tour as well. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana told their online magazine that “to have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true.” Madonna’s ads for the D&G campaign were shot last week in New York City. The spring/summer line for Dolce and Gabbana is greatly inspired by the designers’ Italian heritage and includes classic pieces like corsets.

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

Ancient Egyptian and Greek scriptures have depicted women in water scenes wearing short cotton skirts that were waisted below the bust and held up by two straps that mark the earliest versions of the modern monokini. However, European designer, Rudi Gernreich, holds the title for designing the first monokini in 1964. A cross between a one-piece swimsuit and a two-piece, the design consisted of a bikini bottom with straps that ran over the shoulders. He also is responsible for naming the garment and was recorded in the English language that same year. The term monokini, refers to a bikini bottom held in place by two straps which, at least partially, cover the breasts. His vision to create a garment with minimal construction and detailing to maintain focus on the body itself received mixed reviews during the conservative times. In the face of the critics, the monokini was a highly purchased item for shoppers that summer, selling over $3,000 in the suits. Although not very successful in the US, it was a great hit in Europe by the early 1970’s.

After its first season, the monokini grew quickly out of style, nonetheless, the exposing suit began a new era in swimsuit design. Designers soon began experimenting with strategic cutouts and mesh coverage in swimwear design. For the Sports Illustrated cover in 2000, Laetitia Casta was photographed in a vintage 1967 Gernreich monokini, reviving interest in the swimsuit. Today, the monokini is the hottest summer trend in swimsuit since its debut. Popular designs are cut-out one-piece swimsuits with designers using fabric, mesh, chain, and straps to bond the top and bottom sections together, like Dolce & Gabbana’s Monokini with Metal Ring & Gold Lurex Piping. Celebrities including Paris Hilton and Eva Longoria Parker, have been photographed in stylish monokini designs, only growing the popularity of this up to the moment trend.

Lindsay Lohan might not be great on a surf board, as demonstrated by photos recently posted by gossip site TMZ, but she sure does look good getting wiped out by a wave. Wearing a black monokini, Lohan gives us a look at what has become one of the hottest swim wear trends.

Why wear a monokini? Aside from providing slightly more coverage than a bikini, having the cutaways on the side creates a slimming effect by making your waist look narrow. The bold shape of the suit also creates visual distraction, hiding problem areas while also helping enhance or create the look of an hourglass figure.

Monokinis are also great choices for active beach going. They’re much more secure for swimming or even surfing than many bikinis. So what should you look for in a monokini? First, it’s important to understand your own body shape. Monokini’s come with a variety of different cut-outs along the torso, and you need to choose the right style for your body shape.

For top-heavy women looking to balance out their silhouette, Volcom offers a suit that really emphasizes the hips. While it wouldn’t work on a pear shaped figure, it’s perfect for creating balance for bustier gals. For those with a straight torso that want to add some curve, this Dolce & Gabana suit does a great job of emphasizing the waist and enhancing your curves, while this safari suit from O’Neill uses a v-shape to emphasize the bust and shoulders, effectively balancing out figures that are more hip heavy.

Asymmetrical cut-outs are also all the rage, but they won’t hide figure flaws in the same way as the center band monokinis. They’re also usually not as secure for swimming and better suited to sunning. With that in mind, don’t forget to consider the tan-lines that monokinis produce and how they may or may not go with the rest of your summer attire.

Have fun at the beach, and may you have better luck with the waves than Lindsay Lohan!

My Mythology – Creating our own living legacy at Zappos.

One of the joys about working at Zappos is the freedom to be ourselves through our own personal style. Style shouts! Individuals identify themselves through their personal style. Taking the chaos out of the closet and using clothing as a celebration to create personal mythology or legend is something I have been fascinated by.

What is someone trying to say through their style?

Join me in the discovery. Each week I will take an employee from Zappos and find out their personal psychology through their favorite outfits.

Today we study the mythology of Angela C. Content Manager for the Casual Content Team.

How would you define your look?
Casual, easy and laid back.

What inspires your style?
Time and comfort.

Who is your favorite designer?
I am not big on brand names (or people names) but right now I am really feeling Stoned Cherrie and Klûk & CGdT. They are both South African.

What fashion item would you never leave the house without?
Earrings!!

Who are your fashion/style icons?
Usually I am inspired by the reflection in the mirror … but today I can settle for Angelique Kidjo.

What are your favorite labels?
PF Flyers and Converse are life changing, American Apparel and Banana Republic make some fantastic tees and I really like Irregular Choice . I wonder what IR’s clothes would look like?

How would you define your mythology that you portray through your style?
I dress for comfort and ease. I also tend to overdress (like scarves in the summer) but that is a blog for another day.

What is your favorite decade for style?
1920’s + 1970’s

What is your favorite fabric?
It is a tie between linen and cotton. Both because they are breathable and don’t usually need to be ironed.

Which watch?
I don’t wear watches.

What brand of denim do you prefer?
Whatever fits or requires the least amount of alterations.

What is your favorite color?
Black. However, I am trying to embrace more color.

What item do you allow yourself to splurge on?
If I love it I buy it doesn’t matter what it is. I am stingy with the love though.

CC Skye or Judith Jack ?
CC Skye .

What is your favorite brand of denim?
Those that need the least tailoring :D

High heels or flats?
High heels believe it or not.

Which bag?
I have this one Laundry by Shelli Segal bag that I got for my sister but then decided to keep for myself … she knows about it and brings it up whenever she remembers.

Sunglasses?
I had these really nice pair of Black Flys which I lost in Kenya this past December.

What is your favorite brand on Zappos?
Irregular Choice – I have 3 pairs and counting.

What are your fashion rules?
Dress to fit your body, always use a mirror and avoid giving your audience vertigo.

D&G Dolce and Gabbana or Marc by Marc Jacobs ?
This one is really hard but I would have to go with Marc by Marc Jacobs .

What is your favorite gemstone?
Black onyx.

Andrew Hamilton Crawford or Tarina Tarantino ?
Tarina Tarantino

I know you love earrings. What style of earrings are your favorite? Hoops, studs, chandelier?
I don’t really wear studs, but it would have to be hoops with chandeliers coming in at a very close second.

Would set foot in a thrift store?
I am not opposed to it.

What is the best thing you’ve ever found at a thrift store?
I don’t think I have the patience to make it worthwhile.

What is the most you’ve ever spent on fashion and for what item?
It would have to be shoes and my hair. I try not to spend a lot of money on just one thing because I get bored really quick. I guess I have style A.D.D so I just don’t get my money’s worth!! I am a practical girl after all.

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

Like any television show or film that features a fashion magazine office (and there are a surprising number of them) Ugly Betty is a show largely driven by its wardrobe — from the ridiculous to the sublime. With sexy power outfits, strong silhouettes and intriguing uses of color, the employees of the show’s Mode magazine always dress fabulously. And even Betty’s often awkward wardrobe has a charm and whimsy worth bringing to your own closet.

When trying to emulate the great parts of Betty’s style, go for bright colors and mix-and-match prints. Leggings under skirts and cardigans over blouses help provide the look of layers and textures that she favors. Of course, accessories are critical for Betty, although you probably don’t want to be as over the top as her. A pair of fun earrings or a vivid hair clip can bring a sense of fun to your look. Most importantly, be comfortable in your clothes and make sure you’re dressing for you. Betty’s outfits work because they make her happy.

For a look that’s both more assertive and sexy, take Wilhelmina as your template. With a preference for designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen, Wilhelmina is all about the power of clothes, and it shows both in the cut and colors of the outfits she prefers. Black with splashes of jewel tones (particularly purples) are always a hit for her. She also exhibits success going with silvers and golds with the occasional splash of red.

Even gents can take their fashion cues from Ugly Betty, by looking at Daniel’s fashion choices. With clothes from Gucci and Dior, Daniel dresses in sleek, conservative styles, but always brightens up his wardrobe with a spectacular tie or stylish shoes. Classic, with one item worthy of comment, is the way to go here.

While over the top both in look and plot, Ugly Betty makes a surprising amount of fashion sense as long as you can step back from the drama queen antics of the plot and bring a bit of playfulness to the show’s fashion ideas.

Holiday season is finally underway, and getting the kids dressed up for their first Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah and other special events is even more fun when they’re decked out in a designer ensemble. Shoe styles that are sure to spread some holiday cheer might include sweet Mary Jane booties, patent leather ‘pumps’ for the girls, and for the boys, a pair of dapper leather sneakers.

Pick up the Armani Junior sneakers for your little boy so he can get a head start in life in the fashion lane. These sneakers are emblazoned with the signature ‘Armani’ logo and made with a rich black and white leather design; a fresh import from Italy, these are ready to turn your baby or toddler into a prince for the night.

Or you can give your boy a chance to show off his sporty side with some colorful kicks from Moschino ; these red, white and blue sneakers are made with flexible leather and extra padding for extra comfort. They’re covered in sports-inspired insignia and will let him play up his casual-cool personality.

Let your little girl play princess for the night’s revelries in a pair of patent leather bow shoes from Dolce & Gabbana . These adorable shoes are made with soft leather lining and super-glossy patent leather construction for an elegant touch to her ensemble. She’ll be ready to strut her stuff in no time, because these shoes even have an oh-so-ladylike 3/8-inch heel!

For the girl who really wants to get into the holiday spirit, a pair of bright red, suede Mary Janes is the ticket to fun at that upcoming event. The D&G Junior Mary Janes are designed with festive, red suede upper and finished with a D&G metal plate. She’ll be ready to turn a few heads and keep those toes toasty and warm on the cold winter days ahead.

When it’s time to kick off holiday celebrations and get your baby or toddler dressed up for the occasion, make sure to finish off their ensemble with a pair of designer shoes. From Armani to Dolce & Gabbana, your little one is sure to be the star of the show with any of these designer picks!

A big trend among celebrities right now is wearing a another person’s face on their t-shirt. The person on the t-shirt is usually a well-known pop idol or famous celebrity from the past.

High School Musical’s Ashley Tisdale was seen sporting a yellow t-shirt with a picture of Kate Moss on it. Rachel Bilson choose to keep it old Hollywood and wore a t-shirt of Marilyn Monroe. Naomi Campbell wore a t-shirt that had Prince on the front of it.

Now here’s the ultimate in narcissism, Paris Hilton has been seen wearing a shirt that has her picture on the front. Give me a break. Did you forget what you looked like, that you had to wear a shirt with your own picture on it? These shirts are not cheap at all. A Steve McQueen picture shirt from Dolce and Gabbana retails for $245.

Another trend that is staying strong with celebrities is the wearing of vests by women.

Kim Kardashian was seen wearing a fitted black vest with a white tank underneath. She kept it casual with a pair of nice jeans. If you want to wear this trend, keep the vest fitted and wear it with a longer shirt underneath. There is no need to expose your stomach with this trend. Mischa Barton has been seen wearing vest quite a few times also. Vest can be seen all over the runway, worn several different ways. It can be seen paired with a dress or pants. You can even get away with wearing a vest to the office. Pair it with a cute pair of trousers or a pencil skirt and you have a perfect office appropriate outfit that looks super trendy and cute.

You can easily find cheaper vests at the mall at your favorite store and do not have to splurge on a designer one. Make sure that it fits well and you are good to go.

The last celebrity trend that we will discuss today is the maxi dress. A maxi dress is a long dress that hits the ankle or the floor. Tons of celebrities are sporting these dresses. The most popular celebrity that can be seen in maxi dresses is Angelina Jolie.

While she is pregnant with her twins, it seems like almost every picture you see of her, she is in a maxi dress. The maxi dress is her staple fashion piece. Another pregnant celebrity, Gwen Stefani , has also been seen wearing quite a few maxi dresses around.

The maxi dress is not just for pregnant celebrities though. Kristen Bell wore a blue and white maxi dress to her movie premier. Nicole Richie and Jennifer Love Hewitt also have been seen wearing maxi dresses, as well as Lauren Conrad for the Hills. The maxi dress can be strapless, a halter top, or spaghetti straps. Most are patterned with bright colors or floral. Although, this trend is not for everybody, it can be worn both casual or dressy. If you want to wear a maxi dress, you may have to try on a couple different styles and make sure that the dress is not too long on you. Also, you do not want a completely shapeless dress, as you may look like you are wearing a muumuu and not the latest fashion trend.