YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    Blog Posts by Joanna Douglas, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor

    • When celeb designers flub: Ungaro calls Lohan’s collab “a disaster”

      Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesAlberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesLindsay Lohan's first collection as artistic advisor for Emanuel Ungaro received scathing reviews from many fashion critics, but we had yet to hear from Ungaro himself. Perhaps it would have been better for Lohan if he had kept his mouth shut, but instead he told all to an audience at the Estoril film festival in Lisbon, Portugal.

      "Lindsay Lohan's collaboration was a disaster," said 76-year-old Ungaro. "I am furious but I can't do anything about it." The designer said that the label he built "is in the process of losing its soul." Many fashion houses have had other designers take over, but the appointment of Lindsay Lohan, a failing actress and creator of a leggings line, as advisor seemed rather hasty and unusual. "That happens to a lot of designers," continued Ungaro. "We were the creators and patrons, responsible for the creation and destiny of our houses. But when we gave up our houses, we gave up our souls."

      There have been rumors that Lohan is not getting paid for her work as

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    • New poll: guys only buy underwear if they’re dating someone new

      A new poll by British retailer Debenhams has revealed that men have some very interesting habits when it comes to purchasing underwear. First off, guys let their moms buy their undies up until the age of 19. (In comparison, ladies begin buying their own panties by the time they're 13 years old.) From 19 to 23, men will buy up to 31 pairs of underwear a year on average. The poll infers this is because they are seeking out a partner and feel that being prepared with new boxers and briefs is part of the deal. Rolling with this theory, men's underwear shopping comes to an abrupt halt from 23 to 33 years old, because most guys are in relationships and rely on their partner to do the shopping.

      "Our research shows that you can tell when a man is looking for a partner by the number of new underpants they buy for themselves," said Rob Faucherand, the Head of Men's Accessories Buying at Debenhams."If he buys more than 31 pairs every year then he's either still trying desperately to impress the

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    • Is wearing a short dress to school worthy of humiliation, harassment, and expulsion?

       Geisy Arruda was initially expelled for the chaos she created when wearing this pink dress to class. Geisy Arruda was initially expelled for the chaos she created when wearing this pink dress to class. Twenty-year-old tourism student Geisy Arruda created mass chaos at Bandeirante University when she wore this pink minidress and "heavy makeup," pictured at left, to school. About 700 fellow students began chanting and cursing at her, swarming the corridors, following her into the bathroom, and trying to take photos in between her legs. Some shouted outside her classroom, "Let her out Professor, we want to rape her." She was finally escorted out by police, and the school initially decided to expel her, going so far as to take out an ad in a paper saying her outfit and actions (they claim she was suggestive and carried herself provocatively) incited "a collective reaction in defense of the school environment."

      "I was the victim," said Arruda. "How can I be expelled? It's absurd." The university has since changed their mind. They now says she can return with a security escort, but Arruda is rightfully angered, upset, and worried about her well-being. Her lawyer said that in order for her

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    • Would you photoshop your own pictures?

      PhotoshopPhotoshopMany people object to magazines Photoshopping images of models and celebrities, but what about modifying your own photos? You may not like to see a Ralph Lauren model's waist airbrushed, but would you happily take a few inches off your own tummy if given the chance? Or what about making your hair look shinier, and your face a little less wrinkly? Then you could erase the big zit you had that day, enhance your cleavage, and make your lipstick a little more red. Wait, does that even look like you anymore?

      Adobe's Photoshop program has been available to consumers for years, but only recently has it become more user friendly and accessible. Photoshop.com's mobile application now allows people with iPhones, the new Google phones, and smart phones like T-Mobile's MyTouch and the Motorola Droid to edit pictures directly on their devices. You can soften photos and adjust the colors immediately, and then set as a background or send to a friend.

      While advertisements and magazines may be

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    • What the world doesn’t need: Edible slippers

      Bread Shoes come in a variety of designs and dough recipes.Bread Shoes come in a variety of designs and dough recipes.We love putting on some comfy slippers to keep our feet toasty in the winter, but what about a pair made out of actual bread? Twin brothers and designers R&E Praspaliauskas have made a collection of slippers made out of pumpernickel, sesame, whole wheat, and Italian bread. Here's how the designers describe their products:

      "That's right, boys and girls! Put some romance in your "loaf" life! Edible… dries itself… made from bread… first in fashion… needs no pressing…feels good in dry climate… won't sag."

      A pair of pumpernickle slippersA pair of pumpernickle slippersIf you're interested, Bread Shoes are available in many sizes and bread types. While the slippers do look pretty cool, and may make a funny gag gift, would you ever actually wear them? Or eat them? Or eat them after you wear them?! Ew. [Inventor Spot]

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    • Why designer-inspired looks are better than direct knockoffs

      Michelle Obama in a Chanel inspired coat from White House, Black MarketMichelle Obama in a Chanel inspired coat from White House, Black MarketWith the fashion industry and our wallets suffering during this recession, it's tempting to pass up designer items for more affordable, identical knockoffs. Unfortunately, this type of spending will only further hurt the industry, with copyright lawsuits and the big brands we love to buy--or at least admire from afar--losing money.

      There is a difference between a direct copy and an inspired item. Instead of buying a cheaply made, unlined fake Gucci bag where the "Gs" face the wrong way, why not find a bag in a similar hobo shape with the same green and red stripe design?

      Topshop cardiganTopshop cardiganMichelle Obama spoke to students at the Energy Department yesterday wearing a black and white jacket (pictured above), which is very clearly in the vein of Chanel. I've always loved this classic look, with the trim and four pockets, and just last week purchased this cardigan with a nautical twist from Topshop. Sure, it may not be Chanel, but paired with black slacks and some faux pearls you can emulate the iconic

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    • Kelly Osbourne’s fashion tips for real women

      Kelly Osbourne in October and Osbourne in 2002, Getty ImagesKelly Osbourne in October and Osbourne in 2002, Getty ImagesWith every actress and musician trying to enter the fashion and beauty arenas, it comes as no surprise that Kelly Osbourne wanted a piece of the action. She may not be a real "expert," but growing up in the spotlight as the daughter of rocker Ozzy Osbourne while battling weight issues and the evil fashion police, Kelly wanted to share some style tips.

      Her new book, "Fierce," reveals dressing and grooming tips alongside some of the stars biggest fashion flubs. "Maybe sharing some of my most embarrassing moments will help you avoid one or two of your own," says Osbourne on her website. A few of her style rules:









      • Invest in Spanx. The right underwear can make an outfit. It can smooth your shape or hold you in all the right places. Big knickers are not embarrassing - they're a bloody life saver!
      • I don't think you have to spend a lot of money on a bag. But pick one that shows off your personality. It's with you come rain or shine.
      • Don't squeeze your body into a size smaller because
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    • Do you worry about what happens to your boobs while you sleep?

      The Decollette bra promises to keeping your cleavage smoothThe Decollette bra promises to keeping your cleavage smoothMany women worry about their boobs sagging with age, and I've had several friends claim to sleep with a bra on, despite the discomfort, because they thought it would help help their breasts stay perky down the road. While it's never been proven that an overnight underwire yields more youthful ta-tas, the folks at Decollette have created this, um, boulder holder thingy to keep your boobs in place while you sleep and allegedly keep your cleavage from wrinkling. It can be yours for about $75. Is this really a big concern? Cleavage wrinkles? Personally, I can't wait to take my bra off at the end of the day, and the last thing I want to do is switch into a bizarro night time version. What do you think of the Decollette bra?



      Remember this ridiculous video for Kush Support? Who buys this stuff?!

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    • Faking your wardrobe: Online handbag, jewelry and clothing rentals on the rise

      DVF dress on RenttheRunway.comDVF dress on RenttheRunway.comYou've probably heard about online handbag rental Bag Borrow or Steal. The site caused a frenzy several years ago with the new concept of paying to borrow a designer handbag and returning it a month later for a small fee. While the service could be great--and cost effective--for a trendy fashionista who always desires to have the new "It" bag on her arm, we always wondered if it would feel a little weird having no bag of your own. Well, in this recession renting luxury items has proven successful, and more of these sites are launching every day.

      From Bags to Riches touts designer bag rentals from big names like Coach, Dior, Chanel and Marc Jacobs for $34.95 an up. Seeking a Rolex or David Yurman jewels? Bling Yourself offers watches, rings, necklaces, sunglasses and other expensive baubles by the week. If your family is wedding bound, head to iRent2u for affordable rentals on children's formal wear.

      The brand new site we're most excited about: Rent the Runway, a fashion haven where

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    • Fashion that makes us sad: $2000 jeans

      AcneAcneJust last week we read that the price of designer denim was dropping. Granted many big name jeans still sell for $200, and some people can rationalize that price for a basic wardrobe staple they wear several times a week. I myself have fallen victim to fashion stupidity and shelled out $200+ on Sass & Bide jeans. They're grey stretch denim, and are my favorite pair I've ever owned... and maybe after wearing them for four years non-stop, I might have finally gotten my money's worth. Though I'm not the type of person who has 40 pairs of jeans. I have about six and wear them to death, so I don't mind spending a little more. That said, the most recent pair I bought cost $70. It is a recession after all!

      So imagine how annoyed I was to see this new pair of jeans by Acne, adorned with some type of modern body armor, selling for $2000. Those ridiculous things had better protect you--they cost more than several months rent!

      While I recognize that sometimes designers will make a product as

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