OBSESSION: The BeneFit of Glamour

As a mature 12-year-old, I skipped over CoverGirl and went straight to BeneFit. The San Francisco based company was my favorite babysitting-money splurge, and it’s stuck with me throughout the years. Not only did I buy the sparkly eye shadows and lip gloss, I frequently bought products for fixing under-eye circles I didn’t have, lip plumper I didn’t need, and cake eyeliner that I never wore. Those years of research paid off, and I consider myself the unofficial, number-one tester for BeneFit products. Here are my favorites, some new and some old:


1. Dr. Feelgood ($28 Benefitcosmetics.com): This product has a lemony zing and goes on clear. It’s meant to give you a smooth palate to work with when putting on foundation or bronzer and the rest of your makeup. Think airbrush in a tin. Of course, in middle school I didn’t need to worry about fine lines or large pores, but today I use it under my bronzer every time.


2. Some Kind-A Gorgeous ($28 Benefitcosmetics.com): My roommate introduced this newer product to me last Christmas. I’ve never been one for heavy makeup so this silky, smooth faux foundation offers just a bit of coverage. It comes in two shades, but it is so translucent that it matches just about any skin tone. It’s also great to cover a red blemish or for under-eye circles.


3. That Gal ($28 Benefitcosmetics.com): During my internship this summer, I got a peek at the Allure magazine beauty closet and got to keep this product. It became an instant favorite, especially in summertime when I wear less makeup. The bottom half clicks, and the pink shimmer product comes out the top. Swipe on places where the sun hits your face i.e. cheek bones, forehead, chin. Rub in for a simple glow.


4. Brow Zings ($30 benefitcosmetics.com): I never listened to my mother when she talked to me about my eyebrows. She always said they were too thin. Now I realize that the ‘80s Madonna unibrow may be better than underwhelming wisps. This product fills in brows to make them look as full and as fleshed out as your heart desires. It comes with a little set of tweezers to help you achieve the perfect arch.


5.Kitten ($26 benefitcosmetics.com): I literally was obsessed with this glitter-lovers product. I originally bought it because it reminded me of something you’d find on a movie star’s vanity, but ended up loving it. The classic kitten contains champaign glitter dust inside the pink poof. There are two other editions: Kitten goes to Paris and Kitten Shops NYC with silver and copper glitter respectively. It offers a subtle glow to chest, shoulders or back for a night on the town.

OBSESSION: Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick

In my bag you will find four things: my wallet, my house keys, my cell phone, and my swivel stick. Yes, it looks like a glue stick. And yes, it’s not very pretty. No matter. I cannot leave the house without this. I’m not one to carry makeup around in my bag for touch ups, and lip gloss drives me crazy when the wind blows and my hair gets stuck in the mess. Palmer’s is creamier than a normal chapstick and double the size (so you get more moisture for your money). It has a slightly sweet scent but without the taste so it works for both men and women. If you’re a girl who likes her color, this works as a moisturizing base for lipstick.

Cocoa butter is an extract from cocoa-tree beans and acts as a universal smoothing product. According to Palmer’s website, it remains solid at room temperature and melts at body temperature. One hint: perhaps because of its lackluster packaging, all of Palmer’s products reside on the bottom shelf at drugstores. ($3.29)

OBSESSION: A Mighty Mini

Finding the perfect bandage-esque skirt is a challenge. We’re all body-conscious. Anything super-tight and skinny must look irresistible (the line between sophisticated snug and tramp tight is a very thin one). Thankfully American Apparel created the perfect solution. Their Herve Ledger knockoff bandage skirt, the Interlock Mini Skirt, is cute and comes with a friendly price tag ($25). But beyond price, it deserves adoration because of its versatility: It does fashion duty on a night out with four inch stilettos or tucked in to a tank or longer tunic (tip: look for one that hits about an inch or two above the bottom of the skirt). For a day look, throw on a loose-fitting white tank or graphic-print shirt and add a pair of t-strapped sandals. Either way, the skirt looks fabulous. Other notables: It’s made from 100 percent cotton and comes in six different colors. Visit store.americanapparel.net to purchase.

OBSESSION: Psychic Trends Network

In these uncertain financial times, you’re less likely to call your broker and more likely to call Ghostbusters: enter author and psychic Tori Hartman. The Los Angeles native recently talked to The New York Times about the financial future.

“People are sensing that the traditional avenues have not worked,” Hartman told the paper, “all of a sudden this so-called security isn’t there anymore. They come to a psychic for a different perspective.” So we decided to ring up Hartman for fashion perspectives for spring. Why not? If Isaac Mizrahi can plan his collection via Ouija Board, we can call our psychic friend for spring tips.

The Look: Camelot
“The 1960s will be very important in what we're wearing,” Hartman predicts, “especially the early ‘60s. Take a look at the turtleneck (Blue Jackie sweater, $15 at L.L. Bean), tights and dresses that Twiggy wore. We hope to revisit Camelot, a place and time of idyllic happiness and possibility.”
Psychic Inspiration: The Obamas



The Look: Color
“As we're all focusing on the environment,” channels Hartman, “color inspired by nature will become important. Look for two trends to break through in 2009: Nature-inspired colors (earthy Isaac Mizrahi skirt, $31.49 at Target) and bold, geometric, mismatched "Peter Max" colors for the nonconformist.
Psychic Inspiration: Law of Attraction


The Look: Statement
“Crystals (urchin ring, $49 at Banana Republic) will become a girls best friend,” Hartman promises, “Om pendants and prayer malas will be worn to connect us rather than separate. “Bling” is over as jewelry becomes about who we are committed to becoming as opposed to who we've been. Statement jewelry includes 12-step recovery bracelets, awareness wristbands and gemstones known for energetic healing.
Psychic Inspiration: The "Green" Eco Movement

OBSESSION: I Think I'm Turning Japanese

International street style has always been an obsession of mine. In my spare time I find myself scrolling through the pages of Facehunter, the Sartorialist and Lookbook.nu, salivating at the unique appropriation of clothing. So you can imagine I was stoked when I saw Philomena Keets, author of Tokyo Look book, would be giving a lecture at my abroad school; London College of Fashion. Living in London I already bore witnessed a mélange of gritty street fashion, but learning about Tokyo meant a new style infatuation.

Keets, a tall British anthologist with pin straight blonde hair, blew my mind when she told my class she received her PHD in Tokyo street style. She describes her thesis project as roaming the street of Tokyo with photographer Yuri Manabe capturing the stylish and spectacular looks that define Japanese youth. Her pictures showed chipper teens wearing Gucci and construction gear, with hair all colors of the rainbow. At first looks these boys and girls seemed like they got dressed in the dark, but on closer inspection, and with the help of Keets research, I came to find that their looks represent various Japanese subcultures. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Cosplay, meaning costume play, is a performance art where players dress themselves in elaborate costumes and make up and act out the role of their favorite anime or manga characters. Player usually dress and act at Cosplay conventions, but some dedicated few consider it a life style and dress and act like a character.

Gyaru Gal go for the bling. This look evolved from hip hop, but Gyaru gal’s differ from the classic American R& B style. A gyaru girl has a dark tan, long curled locks in shades of blonde, brunette or pink, sparkling ‘Lame’ make-up and some high platform shoes. Gyaru girls have been known to wear platform shoes with a 10 centimeter heels! Gyaru girls swarm the Shibuya district for hot tight ensembles and photo ops.



Elegant Gothic Lolita, my personal favorite. These darling girls adorn themselves in lace infused baby doll dresses to create an Alice in wonderland meets French maid look. The EGL look captures the Victorian era with peter pan collared blouses and crinoline puffed skirts. Mixing childlike looks with adult sensuality, Gothic Lolitas create a look that would tempt Humbert Humbert.

To some involvement and dedication of the Cosplayer and Gothic Lolitas may seem superficial and narcissistic. But to me it represented creativity and a much needed break from the norm. Keets describes walking through the Yoyogi park as entering a fantasy world where anime characters came to life. The lecture fuel my fascination with international looks and inspired me to adds some Lolita hints to my own wardrobe.

OBSESSION: Bananas For Bilson

In a post-Thanksgiving turkey coma, I found myself in zombie Google mode, eyes glazed as I searched through image-galleries galore of chic celebs with the most sought-after style. The typical fashion A-list paraded by: Li-Lo, Sienna, Kate Moss, MK&A. After 200-plus pictures in to a Rachel Bilson image gallery, I couldn’t stop the click addiction. Each new ensemble was just as cute—if not cuter—than the one before. The petite brunette hooked me.

What distinguishes the 27-year-old actress’ style is that her look avoids reliance on one stand-out trendy item or an “it” accessory. In fact, while analyzing Bilson’s ensembles, I realized that my attention avoided flitting toward singular items. Rather, her ability to throw it all together fueled her chic appeal. Whether walking the dog or walking the red carpet, she created looks that exuded effortless and carefree cool.

Bilson found stardom as Summer Roberts on the teen drama The OC. Although she remains in the early stages of her film career, her fashion sense reflects that of a leading lady. She pairs classic and feminine staples with boho accents, and she knows how to mix designer and vintage pieces together for a look that isn’t straight off the runway. 

Bilson’s celebrity pics taught me this: By using basic pieces as the foundation of an outfit and pairing those basics with unique accessories and layers of staple items, anyone can exude stylish, carefree cool. You don’t need to own the latest “it” bag or trend of the moment to be the subject of fashion envy. Take a cue from Bilson and layer classic items with a printed scarf, fedora, well-fitted blazer, leather boots, or an oversized bag or chain-link quilted purse. And never, ever leave the sunglasses at home.

For more adorable Bilson ensembles visit:

http://www.people.com/people/rachel_bilson/photos/0,,20007052_20397286,00.html

OBSESSION: Ellis Island

Imagine it: you’re at the annual CFDA awards and your name is called. The year is 1986. You already have eight COTY awards under your belt and you’re a designer who once sent the Princeton cheerleaders down the catwalk and skipped down the runway after your own shows.

While you should bound up to the podium and bellow, “I’m the queen of the world,” you wobble forth, unsteadily, balancing on the arm of an assistant. You sit atop a worldwide empire that (even today) rakes in more than $850 million annually, but you can barely walk. In less than six months, you’ll be dead.

On June 2, 1986, WWD ran an obit that began: “Perry Ellis, who built a multifaceted fashion empire with a young and spirited approach to casual sportswear, was one of America's most important designers. His death at the age of 46 marked the end of a design career that lasted just over 10 years, but that left an indelible stamp on this country's fashion industry.” To put it more simply, Perry Ellis was major.

But he didn’t start out that way. Ellis was born in a small Virginia town to middle-class parents. After a six-month stint in the Coast Guard, he landed in Manhattan in the early 60s, earning his master’s in retailing at New York University.

His own home life was a bit less straightforward. He has a daughter, Tyler Alexandra Gallagher Ellis, with Maude and Mary Tyler Moore writer Barbara Gallagher. He also cavorted with his lead menswear model, almost 20 years his junior. This was back in that heady, Judith Krantz-era in fashion when one could have a family and male model, and no one questioned it.


Things soon settled down for Ellis. In 1978, he launched his own fashion house, which women loved for the smart yet casual looks (we've pictured three classics: the peacoat, the causual khaki and the perfectly hideous Christmas sweater). Two years later he shacked up with attorney Laughlin Barker, who by 1981 was president of Perry Ellis International. Their Upper West Side townhouse fetched 5.7 million the year after they both died.

That same year, Ellis was given another, posthumous honor by the CFDA, who launched the Perry Ellis Award, going to Daryl K. for womenswear and Gene Meyer for mens. More recent winners include Zac Posen and Proenza Schouler.

And while he’s remembered annually by the CFDA with this endowment, it’s also important to remember Ellis on World AIDS Day, along with his many colleagues lost to the disease. Perry Ellis: a designer who could not draw, but knew how to represent.

OBSESSION: Queen of the Jungle Confessions

The dreams of children live and grow without real-world constraints: When I grow up I'm going to be a doctor. Fireman, Actress, Lawyer—you get the drift. As a young girl, my aspirations differed greatly from my playground companions, who dreamed of being veterinarians, teachers, musicians. My main goal in life: to become synonymous with the image of the leopard.

I don't remember what motivated me to seek out all things leopard. I just remember great moments of leopard influence.

1991, age 3: On my first trip to the cinema, I see 101 Dalmatians. I run up to the screen to touch Cruella DeVil.

1994, age 6: With my grandmother, I fall asleep watching The Nanny every week. In my mind, Fran Drescher's character Miss Fine (and her preference for all things animal print) epitomized my adult aspirations.

1996, age 7: I purchase my first leopard-print ensemble at the Children's Place: a leopard dress with a black-vinyl jacket. My life changed forever.

Ever since the second grade, I incorporated some form of the feline into my outfits. The cheetah and the tiger make cameos, but the leopard dominates my wardrobe. Confronting the wild, I challenge the conventionality of Hollister and Polo with my courageous fashion statements — leopard overalls, leopard pants, leopard skirts. I know these symbols of the primitive and the exotic walk a thin line between class and promiscuity, and I guard that line when I assemble my attire each day.

But regardless of my daily fashion decisions, I remain contemporary, current. Each season, animal print reappears on the runway. From Dolce and Gabanna advertisements in Vogue to synthetic tunics at Forever 21, spots possess a stronghold on the fashion industry and an appeal that transcends age limits. Adolescent girls and businesswomen alike flirt with my prized pet. However, nothing threatens my relationship with the animal. We share a secret understanding, a special bond. I like to think I did not choose the leopard. The leopard chose me.

OBSESSION: Make Up For Ever

Long the product adored by artists, models, and movie stars, Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes waterproof eyeliner delivers a striking iridescence that makes it worth the $16 splurge. With finely ground mother-of-pearl as its base, the pigment is soft enough to smudge easily — even to use as an eye shadow — and allows for its versatility and easy color combinations. It creates subtly for day and bold drama at night. And once it dries, it stays put. Created in 1984 in the Parisian workshop/boutique of makeup artist Dany Sanz, Make Up For Ever offers a fun selection of colors: fushia pink, majorelle blue, shimmering plum, turquoise, and basics from bronze to silver to black. This eyeliner possesses the ability to replace the morning's dull and repetitive process with a spark of creativity and excitement with each application.
For more products visit http://www.makeupforever.com/ or http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml;jsessionid=WKV0RKOS4AS1SCV0KQRQ5UQ?brandId=Make+Up+For+Ever

OBESSSION: Fringe Desire

Forget men: A great bag is hard to find. It’s difficult to know when to invest in a signature piece and when to lay low with the cash outflow. But the tipping point may have arrived for the Prada Nappa Fringe hobo ($2,195) from the Spring 2007 Collection. As Rachel Zoe says “I die”— and I would die for this bag. It delivers elegance and chic, and best of all, it looks the money. It doesn’t scream labels or logos. In a sign of more restrained financial times, the signature Prada nameplate hides under the fringe. Consider it a bit of everything: trendy, yet timeless; carefree, yet creative. It’s also the right size — big enough to hold all the essentials. At the bag’s initial launch, Bergdorf restricted patron’s purchases to no more than three of these bags per every 30 days. While this bag launched last season, it’s just as covetable today. Fashion is unpredictable, and it enjoys ignoring rules. All the evidence I need: Mary-Kate still sports it. Seriously, I must have this now. This bag is currently out-of-stock, I plan to keep checking Bergdorf.com for news of a replenishment.

OBSESSION: Let Them See Red

Few clothing items say “I refuse to acknowledge the recession but I’ll plan for it anyway” like a pair of stiletto heels designed to last a lifetime (with a price tag that also seems unending).




At $575, the perfect curves and master workmanship of Christian Louboutin’s “Simple Pump” represent one of the few remaining bastions of luxury wear that might be worth the sticker shock. In times like these, label-encrusted Vuitton bags and chunky Cartier watches reek of unbridled decadence. Even the most well-off fashionista turns up her nose on a $10,00 bag that will be yesterday’s fashion news tomorrow.

By contrast, the Louboutin pump provides style for ages. Few things offer more sophistication or sexiness than that subtle flash of ruby sole.

And don’t worry: One high-end item doesn’t mean you must possess a closet of couture. Times are a-changing. Mixing high and low culture signals sophistication. And given the nation’s financial troubles, we predict more brand mash-ups than ever.

So go ahead and slip on these Louboutins with a Forever 21 shirtdress and H&M trench. And every now and then, cross your legs, revealing to admiring onlookers that lovely Louboutin sole. It’s the best way to be in the red.