Inner Beauty

There's something about Reese Witherspoon. Even if you're not crazy about the girl-next-door/rom-com look, she radiates a certain kind of charm and sanity we don't see in Hollywood too often. I don't think I've ever seen her wearing anything that would cause embarrassment to her kids, and Frances Bean Cobain could tell you, this is a very good thing.

Seen here in a UK charity event, Reese looks lovely in a red dress that doesn't steal the show from the very worthy cause, raising awareness about domestic violence.

Jared Leto Takes Matchy-Matchy To New Heights

Last month we explored the possible return of the matchy-matchy style, and some of the examples weren't half bad. Now we have Jared Leto, our collective 1990s fantasy, taking it a step further with his blue hair. The only reason he might be able to get away with this look is the matching eyes.

Photo: Dlisted

Kate Winslet & Michelle Williams- Blonde & blonder

There's something about this photo of Michelle Williams and Kate Williams at the Blue Valentine premiere earlier this week. Both of them are not only beautiful but also have so much expression in their faces and eyes. Still, I'm not sure how I feel about Michelle's platinum blond shade- doesn't it make her look older than she is (Kate Winslet is 35 while Michelle Williams is 30)?

Photo: Just Jared

Tim Gunn- Gunn's Golden Rules- A Book Review

A few years ago when reviewing Tim Gunn's Guide to Quality, Taste & Style I said "The crisp suit is there, but the real man is missing". It almost feels like someone listened, because Gunn's Golden Rules ($14.39 on Amazon) definitely fills up many of the gaps and allows us a more intimate look at one of the most interesting and deserving TV personalities of the last decade.

It's a little irritating that once again the publisher is trying to package Tim Gunn's message as a guide or a book of rules, and that the book has a co-author (this time Ada Calhoun).  I'm somewhat of a groupie and would have preferred to get Mr. Gunn's story unfiltered and in a pure autobiography format. Don't be misleaded by the "Rules" thing- this is a very personal book of stories and anecdotes about the author's life, family and career. Tim Gunn shares with us his philosophy, spirituality, encounters with luminaries such as André Leon Talley and views on human sexuality. He's a big advocate of etiquette and kindness but doesn't confuse manners with owning fish forks (he doesn't). He talks about his own gaffs (regifting!) with the same humor he uses when telling a hilarious story about Diane von Furstenberg and a hotdog.

It's interesting to note how even when telling gossipy stories, Mr. Gunn doesn't crosses the lines into malice territory. That includes the now infamous Anna Wintour anecdote (she was carried by her her bodyguards down five flights of stairs and tried to get Tim Gunn to retract the story until other witnesses came forth), or when criticizing the people who make the wardrobe choices for Suri Cruise. There are some fun Project Runway behind-the-scenes stories (he disliked Kenley just as much as we all did), but it's far less about the dirt and more about the lessons one can learn from it.

The best parts, though, are the more personal tales from Tim's childhood, painful adolescence and career as a teacher. It's fascinating to read about the evolution of the shy and stuttering boy from Washington DC into a worldly fashion authority. The book, like its author, is inspiring in a feel-good way. It's a little flawed (a couple of typos and maybe not enough Project Runway stories) but very human.  Fans of Tim Gunn will find it quite satisfying, at least until he takes the next step and releases a real memoir.

Photo of Tim Gunn signing his own bobbleheads by Gothamist LLC, 2006.

Three AMA Hair Moments

The AMAs were full of glitz, sheer lace and that Bieber kid. Not very interesting, except for these three looks. Jessica Alba is simply stunning. I can't say I've ever seen her act or do anything interesting, but she's so easy on the eyes I'd be happy to see more. While there were many loose waves on the red carpet (are we going into the era of "the Middleton"?), Jessica is classy and classic.

I didn't recognize Taylor Swift at first. Taylor seems to have replaced the curling iron with a flat one. She looks more mature and incredibly beautiful.

Rihanna is wearing a wig, of course, but I really like this one. Retro, different and fun- and worlds better than the other wigs she's been sporting lately. I preferred the other Elie Saab Couture gown she wore that night, in sea-foam green, but this one was quite interesting on her, too.

Photos: Jusat Jared, Socialite Life.

Leighton Meester For Harry Winston

It took me a while to figure out why I'm not completely sold on Leighton Meester's look, and it's not the black lace Marchesa jumpsuit(!). I get what she was going for and there is something ethereal about the pale face and delicate hairstyle. But the frosted finish of her lipstick is killing the vibe. It's just off.

Photo of Leighton Meester attending the Court of Jewels Recreation launch at the Harry Winston NYC store- Just Jared

January Jones In London

It's been a while since we've seen  January Jones making good fashion and makeup choices. Maybe she's found a new stylist-  someone who actually likes her and wants her to look good. Or maybe London is good for her. Here is January  attending a Donatella Versace hosted charity event in London and (finally) looking much better than Betty Draper ever did.

Photo: Just Jared

Rachel Zoe And Kate Bosworth At MOCA Los Angeles Gala

I just couldn't resist. Rachel Zoe actually looks a lot more human lately (there's a pregnancy rumor floating around). She's actually very pretty. And Kate Bosworth has combed her her for the occasion and looks quite stunning.

Other suggestions for the speech bubble are welcome.

Photo: Socialite Life

Victoria Beckham On Lady Gaga

“If I’m being completely honest, is it fair to say she may have become a little bit of a parody of herself? Is that fair to say?"

Victoria Beckham on Lady Gaga

The funny thing is how two or three years ago the same could have been said about Victoria herself. But lately and especially since she launched her own sleek fashion line, I'm finding myself looking at Victoria Beckham's photos, staring at clothes like this tangerine dress (from her Spring/Summer '11 collection) and thinking: "Want!".

Photo: Faded Youth Blog

Eva Longoria Parker At The 2010 MTV EMAs

Eva Longoria hosted the 2010 MTV EMAs on Sunday night. Throughout the evening she's gone through a dozen costumes (you can see some of them here), but this Georges Hobeika dress (?) was her red carpet look. This  Alexis Carrington on top-Vegas cocktail waitress on bottom isn't working for me. At all. Probably because Eva seems to have forgotten the skirt- this is what the Hobeika Couture (from his 2010 Spring/Summer runway) is supposed to look like:

Photos of Eva Longoria: The Daily Mail
Georges Hobeika outfit: georgeshobeika.com

Kate Bosworth At The 27th Annual Night of Stars

Kate Bosworth looks cute as a button in her Proenza Schouler dress at the 27th Annual Night of Stars in NYC last week. She is probably one of very few women who can pull off this pink lipstick shade. Everything about her face is gorgeous- from the eyebrows (and odd-colored eyes. It's the first time I've noticed them) to  her perfect skin and bone structure. The question is what happened to her hair and/or who thought this hairdo would be a good idea?

Photos: redcarpet-fashionawards.com and the Daily Mail

Klassy

1. LVMH can buy the rest of  Hermes shares. It all makes sense now.

2. "Jackie O Would not have a camel toe". --Tim Gunn, Project Runway, season 8


Photo of Khloe Kardashian: The Superficial

Rosario Dawson In Stella McCartney

Even Rosario Dawson can't win with this fabric. I don't know why Stella McCartney insists on using this kind of satin, because the only hope of not looking like a wrinkled mess is if you have an assistant following you at all times with a steam iron while you avoid sitting, walking and preferably also breathing.

Rosario is otherwise beautiful and the color is perfect on her. It goes well with her jewelry and flawless makeup, and I admit the top of the dress is pretty and offers just enough drama to not look boring without stealing the show.  I just wish she'd have chosen a designer with a better grasp on reality.

Photos of Rosario Dawson at the Los Angeles premier of Unstoppable: Just Jared

Kate Walsh, Boyfriend And Pants

It's official. 2010 will be remembered as the Year Of Really Bad Pants. We might not see too many of these in NYC, but everywhere else it's drawstring galore, super tapered ankles with pleated balloon bottoms and that inexplicable diaper thing.

Kate Walsh should know better than leave the house wearing drawstring pants (somewhere in NYC Clinton Kelly is sobbing into his argyles). Speaking of Walsh, what do you think of the name of her new perfume, Boyfriend? To me it's an instant turnoff, but so are celeb perfumes in general.

Photos: Faded Youth Blog

LeAnn Rimes Flies With A Stephanie Bag

LeAnn Rimes never struck me as a DVF girl and she probably still isn't- I doubt Diane von Furstenberg would have approved the rest of LeAnn's outfit, even for a flight.

In any case, she's carrying the Stephanie bag which seems to be a celeb favorites for the last couple of years (though this is the large size that's no longer made). This fact alone is usually enough for me to skip an item, but I admit the medium version in Emerald is very appealing:

DVF Stephanie medium hobo ($875) is available from dvf.com, Saks and the other usual suspects.

Photos of LeAnn Rimes: Just Jared
Khloe Kardashian: coolspotters.com
Stephanie bag: dvf.com

The Changing Looks Of Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore is stunning even when I don't like her makeup. Above is the ultra smoky eye look she wore for the premier of her new movie “Let Me In” during the 2010 Abu Dhabi Film Festival last week. Here are two better ones- earlier this month at the opening night of “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical” in NYC and on the cover of Allure magazine's November issue.

Photos: Just Jared and redcarpet-fashionawards.com

Marion Cotillard Gets It All Wrong

Everyone has bad hair days, so I'll ignore the Courtney Love-inspired coiffure. The lipstick is too harsh (and looks too dry), but that can be a lighting problem. It's the dress that's unforgivable. Apparently you can go wrong even with Dior. Especially if you insist on pouring yourself into a gown two sizes too small.

Photos: Dlisted

Bangs

I don't know- maybe it's just me having unresolved issues- but even Alexis Bledel and Christina Ricci can't make me think these bangs are a good idea. Bring back the foreheads.

Photo of Christina Ricci from last month at her Broadway premier of Time Stands Still- contactmusic.com
Photo of Alexis Bledel at the Bronx Success Academy Benefit last weekend- Just Jared

Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch- A Book Review

It takes quite a bit of talent to play a real villain. It takes even more than that if one is casted into the role at age eleven. And it requires a very remarkable person to play one of the most hated characters on TV from age 11 to 19. Alison Arngrim is that special person.

Alison Arngrim's biography (and life) isn't all about Little House On The Prairie, but Nellie Oleson is most definitely there as the character who shaped Ms. Arngrim, helped her cope with an ultra-dysfunctional family and personal tragedies. Nellie has saved Alison's sanity and probably also her life, and gave her an outlet to anger that otherwise would have probably led her to self destruction (just look at her friend and colleague Melissa Gilbert).

The book, despite some painful memories and a very complicated childhood, is written with a lot of humor and grace. It's fun, at times hilarious and allows the reader to hate  Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls on the show), something apparently many of us needed.

Bottom Line: worth your time.



Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch ($25.99 hardcover) is available on amazon.com and just about any half decent bookseller for far less than official retail price.

Who Did Khloe Kardashian's Makeup?

I don't know if I should berate or congratulate whoever is responsible to the face Khloe Kardashian was showing at a NYC party last night. Seriously- someone let her walk out of her hotel with this amount of brightener, blush and fake eyelashes. I'm not even going to talk about her lips or the fact that girls with not much of a neck should never ever wear turtlenecks.

Photo: Faded Youth Blog