beauty

Michelle Obama: Smart speech, sassy dress

nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:01:46 -0700

When Michelle Obama appeared on stage last night at the Democratic National Convention, I felt nervous. Not only for what she would say, but also because I feared she had made a huge fashion mistake with that starburst brooch. However, quickly into her speech, all of my fears were laid to rest. Obama was smart, smooth, warm, accessible and powerful. I loved the message of her speech, the idealism, the American dreaminess of it. I know this is exactly how I was supposed to feel, that these particular words were put together so I would respond in this particular way. But it still got me (in fact, I'm embarrassed to say, there were points when I had chills--then again, I'm a sucker for love, moms, kids and bootstrap-success stories).
And as for the dress? I still think the front bling flower was a little odd, but the shape and color were both gorgeous. It looked good on her, it suited her frame and was far, far superior to some of the uptight, dowdy-horrible suits we've seen at these things in the past. Part 2 of Michelle Obama's speech, after the jump.

Man Fashion Monday: The disturbing mega-trend of men in skinny jean shorts

nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:51:30 -0700

[Welcome to week two of Man Fashion Mondays, a new feature where we uncover the questionable and sometimes freaky sartorial choices of the world's trendiest men. In this week's edition, a writer (my brother, who lives in Philly) explores young men wearing super-tight jean shorts.]

Ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce you to the skinny jean short for men, the slender "jort" if you will (basically, a pair of massively tight man jeans artfully cut and then frayed at the knee). Recently I cannot seem to escape this item—its ubiquity has haunted me all summer long in hipster bars, quaint brunch spots and shopping megaplexes alike.

And it does not make sense to me.

Not to be all filthy or anything, but why would any dude want to have his manhood mercilessly constricted...

Wedding dress jewelry

nospam@example.com (Jen Leigh) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:10:15 -0700

Ok that is my wedding dress . . . now i just need help with jewelry any suggestions?

Brad Pitt photographs Angelina Jolie for upcoming issue of W magazine (OMG!)

nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:53:21 -0700

Um, we might as well call this embarrassing admissions day because the news I am about to share is so exciting that when I heard it I squealed like an over-excited tween: Brad Pitt has photographed his entire family in their gazillion dollar French villa for the November issue of W Magazine. All of them: Ange, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivenne, Knox, perhaps even a pet or two.

Now, let's not get into debating whether or not it's annoying that Brad Pitt considers himself a serious artist (it totally is). And, we also should not dwell on the fact that the last time Pitt and Jolie were on the cover of W, in July 2005, the two were shot pretending to be a married couple with lots of kids before he was even divorced from Jen Aniston (tsk, tsk). But let's not think that! Let's focus on the pictures! Tons of arty, semi-pretentious shots of the most important children in the world! And their house!

I really, honestly cannot wait. Wheeeeeeeeee!

What are you wearing today? (and an embarrassing confession)

nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:23:37 -0700

I'm just going to tell you all right now: I have no fashion game today. I know, I should. It's What Are You Wearing Today day and I should step it up. But, alas, a hangover and the fact that it's going to be a lazy weekend have stolen my will and brought me to the dreaded of dreads style-wise: A gray hoodie. Over a dress. With yellow flip flops and messy hair and mascara a little smudged from last night. I know you guys can do better than me.
Your turn.

Miss Sister 2008: The Best-Looking Nun

nospam@example.com (The Staff at wowOwow.com) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:53:58 -0700

An Italian priest says he is launching an online beauty pageant for nuns to prove that they are not all "old and dour." Rev. Antonio Rungi plans to launch the Miss Sister 2008 contest in September and he says nuns around the world will have the opportunity to showcase their image and work....

Hair... long or short?

nospam@example.com (Rebekah) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:42:46 -0700

Which do guys prefer on a girl.. long or short hair?

Hillary Clinton: Incredible, history-making speech; odd, Creamsicle outfit

nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:34:52 -0700

Oh, night two of the Democratic National Convention. I have so many mixed feelings about the Hillary Clinton presentation last night I don't even really know where to begin. First (and I know this is not what you come here for, but indulge me for a second), let's talk about the songs in the video. This might seem like a picky point, but isn't the Van Halen cover of the Kinks' song "You Really Got Me" a wee sexual for this kind of forum? Then there was "Are You Gonna Go My Way?" by Lenny Kravitz, which was clever, if confusing. And, last, the makers of this little film busted out, "American Girl," a song long-rumored to be about a woman committing suicide in Florida. Hmmm.
In terms of speech giving, Clinton pulled off one of those oratory performances that we'll probably remember when we're old and sitting around with our kids' kids. It was spirited and inspiring and made me proud to be a woman living in this time. Whatever your political views, you have to give it up to a lady with that much power, presence and intellectual brawn. She brought the house down. Well done, HC.�

But, seriously, from a fashion perspective: What was up with the head-to-toe tangerine? It's such an odd� choice for anyone, but especially someone who presumably has a team of stylists. I don't remember ever before in my life seeing color manipulated by anyone in this way, except perhaps Elton John. I'm not even saying it was bad, just really bizarre and circus-like. A three-piece suit in all one bright Creamsicle hue? Ack.� Anyway, apparently, this tangelo wonder was specifically chosen from an array of sherbet-colored options, after it was deemed best against the blue DNC backdrop. Check out the (kind of hilarious) pic from ABC after the jump...

Would you spend $1,000 on face cream?

nospam@example.com (Product Fiend) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:54:14 -0700

The news on the beauty street is that high-end skincare product manufacturer La Prairie is all pleased as punch with themselves because they managed to produce a cream that costs more than the average American makes in a week. For $1,000, a 1.7-ounce jar of their new Cellular Cream Platinum Rare (

Got Make-Up?

nospam@example.com (Lela) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:15:19 -0700

The older I get the more of a difference I notice between my made-up and un-made face. If you're like me you can use all the make-up tips you can get. My best advice? Bare Esentuals -...