Blog Posts by Joanna Douglas, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor

As fans of the "Sex and the City" book and the TV series, we were reluctant to see the first feature film. While we do think the first film was entertaining, the story lines bothered us a bit, and we think they could have left the plot back where it ended on the HBO series. No one was sure how well the first film would perform, but it blew everyone away, taking over the box office, sending droves of women to theaters in high heels. So there's no real surprise that the producers are hoping to replicate that success with a "Sex and the City" movie sequel. But from the a viewer's perspective do we really want more?

We saw leaked photos of the heinous '80s flashback attire Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda will be wearing in the sequel, but this poster makes us think the whole concept is dead. First, what's up with those silly shades? And "Carrie On" as the slogan? Yes, we know Carrie Bradshaw will "Carrie On," just as we know Mr. Big will probably disappoint her again and she'll

Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart dresses, $20 eachWhile hunting for holiday bargains at Wal-Mart and were completely blown away by Norma Kamali's latest collection. We've heard about the designer collaboration all year, but since there's no Wal-Mart in Manhattan, we never saw the garments up close and worried that they wouldn't live up to the hype. Well, we were wrong. And when out shopping for family, friends, significant others, cousins, teachers, and everyone else we love, it's hard not to resist picking up a little something for yourself! Luckily, with all the Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart items hovering around the $20 price point, you can go wild.

Norma Kamali swimsuit, sweats, and coat, all retail around $20 at Wal-MartCute maternity clothes at Wal-MartOur faves were the cute jersey dress ($24) and top ($16) for expecting moms-to-be, a flattering one-shoulder swimsuit ($20) for your family vacation, and the flirty holiday dresses above ($20 each).

Oh! And you know how all the fashionistas have been going wild for overpriced sweats? Norma Kamali has adorable pairs in black and grey that are both fancy and warm enough to proudly be worn

A man In recent years, it seems khakis have decreased in popularity. Dockers is claiming that as a result, men have become less manly, and that they need to "answer the call of manhood" and "wear the pants." It's an interesting campaign that may convince guys to seek out the tan-colored trousers, but are we really to believe that for a dude to be manly he must "step away from the salad bar," put down his non-fat latte and step into khakis? Are we really reducing gender roles to such stereotypes that a "manly," khaki-wearing guy has to "get his hands dirty" and trade in his salad for a roast beef sandwich in order to be a man?

Dockers
If people think children are misbehaving and cities are crumbling all because of our "genderless" society, they are sorely mistaken. Sure, we'd love to see men "man up," but and if they think that great changes will occur when guys put on khakis, well, fine then, try them on and let's see what happens. As for men being the ones to "wear the pants," well, we're sorry to

OK!Rihanna has taken the slogan t-shirt to the next level. If you ask around, many people may have a motto or phrase they live by. Some may write it on their fridge, an inspiration board, or even say it to themselves as a daily mantra. But that's not enough for Rihanna.

Monday night the singer went to East Side Ink in New York where owner Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy added another tattoo to her collection. "She told me in advance she'd be coming, and then when she got there, she told me what she wanted: 'Never a failure, always a lesson,' but written backwards," says McCurdy. "I asked her why she wanted that and she said, 'It's kind of my motto in life for everything.' Instead of considering things to be mistakes, considering them lessons." She wanted the phrase written backwards so she would be able to read it in the mirror, and in grey ink to not attract as much attention. Well, with images of the tattoo already all over the internet, the subtle tattoo thing might not work out.

Clearly

Getty ImagesHere on Shine we can't help but post about all the fashion that makes us sad. The latest entry to the wardrobe hall of shame is the Hood Thong, an item so ridiculous and inappropriate we couldn't even post a picture here, so you'll have to click over to the retailer, hoodthong.com, to see it.

While Snuggies sort of serve a function, we can't seem to find a purpose for the Hood Thong, other than serving up one wicked wedgie. The company refers to it as "one of the most progressive, functional, temperature-controlled pieces of fashion around," but we think it's yet another gimmicky item created for the sole purpose of going viral on the internet. On that note, Lady Gaga has probably ordered five.

Can you come up with one practical reason why you'd need to wear the Hood Thong? Are you tired of gimmicky items, or do you laugh and forward them along to everyone you know?

Cynthia Steffe Spring 2010If you've ever noticed a sudden change-up or similarity in the color palettes of Liz Claiborne items, Apple's iPods, KitchenAid products and Nikes, there is good reason for it. They've all hired the folks at Pantone to research colors, and track and forecast trends in hopes of better marketing their products. Every year Pantone announces the "It" color, and provides hundreds of garment and decor companies with color palettes to work with on their products. 2009's color was Mimosa. We did notice a lot of yellows and oranges hit the runways and store shelves this year, but it's a shade that doesn't work well on everyone. Pantone says 2010 will be marked by loads of Turquoise, which designers agree is a flattering hue on the rise.

"Turquoise is universally appealing. It puts everyone in the same state of mind-on vacation," says Jane Schoenborn, design director at Lilly Pulitzer. Designer Tommy Hilfiger agrees. "The women in my life wear it on vacation and it looks great with a suntan at

Getty ImagesYesterday Lady Gaga met Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Variety Performance in Blackpool, England. Gaga is known for her over-the-top, controversial fashions, and though she claims she was asked to tone down her act, she showed up to greet the queen in a floor-length red latex dress, red patent boots, and red Swarovski crystal eye makeup detailing.

"I wanted to do the suicide scene but was told it wouldn't be appropriate," says Gaga. We know the statement-making getups are her thing, but are they appropriate when meeting the Queen? And what about her performance of "Speechless" from a swing while seated at a piano suspended 10 feet in the air? We're sure the Queen was "Speechless" after that performance! [Mirror]

Getty ImagesHow often have you wished you were born with a different hair type? The truth is, many women with curly hair would kill to wake up with easy, wash-and-go straight hair. Likewise, those with pin-straight locks gaze at curly-haired ladies with extreme envy, wishing their limp hair would take to a curling iron. Well, this all may soon change, as scientists have located the curly hair gene and believe they will be able to alter it, perhaps with a pill.

The Telegraph is reporting key findings by Professor Nick Martin and his colleague, Dr. Sarah Medland of the QIMR Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, whose research may lead to genetic hair treatments. Initially they set out to find the genes responsible for curly hair in Europeans. Apparently 45% have straight hair, 40% have wavy hair, and 15% have curly hair. But if that curly haired gene is present, Europeans have a 90% chance of inheriting it. Though the actual gene has been known about for some time, new findings have led these