http://shine.yahoo.com/blog/shine_jenniferromoliniIn a former life I was the Deputy Editor of Lucky Magazine, where I still write a blog called Ebay Obsessed. Before that, I was at a bunch of places with glossy pages and some not so glossy too. I'm partial to long messy hair, red lipstick, overdone mascara, big earrings, '80s rap references, uninhibited enthusiasm and never, ever paying a ton of money for crap you can't afford just because someone like me says you should. Send me your fashion and beauty hopes, dreams, fears, conundrums right here: shine_jenniferromolini@yahoo.com. [Portrait Photography: Emily Nathan]Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:08:21 -0700http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/on-the-new-cover-of-elle-j-lo-talks-marriage-kids-glamour-and-what-it-s-like-to-go-back-to-the-hood-251030/Jennifer Lopez is on the October cover of ELLE magazine looking, let's face it, amazingly gorgeous, sexy and a whole helluva lot younger than her 39 years. In the accompanying interview, the singer seems relaxed and, weirdly, not all that guarded for a woman who's lived in the public eye for the past 15 years. And, even though there's nothing tremendously illuminating here, something about J.Lo remains really magnetic and likeable. It's as if you want her to be happy, perhaps because she seems so happily suited to celebrity and brings a glamorous, shut-up-and-smile, Old Hollywood sensibility to the role. After the jump, excerpts from the ELLE interview. You can read the entire story by clicking here.]]>Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:08:21 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/on-the-new-cover-of-elle-j-lo-talks-marriage-kids-glamour-and-what-it-s-like-to-go-back-to-the-hood-251030/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/on-the-new-cover-of-elle-j-lo-talks-marriage-kids-glamour-and-what-it-s-like-to-go-back-to-the-hood-251030/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-do-you-want-to-know-about-fashion-week-250494/Readers, let's talk about something. You may heard that New York Fashion Week begins this Friday. And I will be attending.
 
Now, listen. I have all sorts of mixed feelings about this. I mean, for one,  in this economic climate, the entire concept of parading $5,000 bags and $1,495 tops in front of a captive audience of rich people and celebrities seems a little ludicrous.
But, even before 2008--as much as I love style and putting clothes together in creative ways--I've always felt that the high fashion industry is a more than a little alienating and weird.  It's so out of reach for most of us that it seems, at its best, like an intriguing fantasy and artistic spectacle; but at its worst, like an obscene indulgence that propagates a poor and shallow image of what women should be (super-thin, obsessed with clothes, financially irresponsible, etc).  On the most basic level, the fashion industry says You Are Not OK As You Are and You Must Buy New Stuff.

But this is a fashion blog, obviously, and Fashion Week is fashion news. Beyond that, there's definitely an element of excitement that surrounds top designers and the creativity and innovation they bring to new collections (let's face it, this is essentially why we watch Project Runway).

So I ask you: What do you want to know about New York Fashion Week?]]>Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:38:47 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-do-you-want-to-know-about-fashion-week-250494/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-do-you-want-to-know-about-fashion-week-250494/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/poor-people-modeling-obscenely-expensive-clothes-the-latest-vogue-controversy-249716/The man in this picture is carrying a $200 umbrella. Even though he is toothless, barefoot and probably living on about $1.25 a day. Elsewhere in Vogue India's August issue, regular (read: not wealthy) Indians carry $10,000 Birkin bags and the children of poor women don $100 Fendi bibs.
Vogue India's editor Priya Tanna told the New York Times that by choosing ordinary Indians over models she wanted to show “the power of fashion...[That] fashion is no longer a rich man’s privilege. Anyone can carry it off and make it look beautiful.”
Um, yeah. Anyone can make anything look beautiful if it was FREE. But the fact that...]]>Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:08:45 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/poor-people-modeling-obscenely-expensive-clothes-the-latest-vogue-controversy-249716/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/poor-people-modeling-obscenely-expensive-clothes-the-latest-vogue-controversy-249716/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/sarah-palin-the-hotness-conundrum-249470/This is the kind of story that makes my brain bleed. You all know by now that Gov. Sarah Palin was named John McCain's running mate last Friday. You probably also know that, since then, news has leaked about Palin's daughter's teen pregnancy, her husband's DUI charge and the fact that the governor delivered a Down Syndrome child four months ago and went back to work days later.
 
But did you know that in 1984 Palin was a Miss Alaska runner-up? That she's been named "America's Hottest Governor" by both the website Wonkette in 2006 and Alaska Magazine in 2007? Did you know that Palin is regularly referred to as a GILF (Governor I'd Like to...well, you know) or, now, VPILF?  That "GOP '08: TAKING SEXY BACK!" has been bandied around as a campaign slogan by idiotic McCain enthusiasts? That THIS website actually exists?

Or how about this (unintentional?) bit of suggestiveness in the New York Times...]]>Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:04:05 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/sarah-palin-the-hotness-conundrum-249470/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/sarah-palin-the-hotness-conundrum-249470/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-are-you-wearing-today-and-an-embarrassing-confession-247141/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.
]]>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:23:37 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-are-you-wearing-today-and-an-embarrassing-confession-247141/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/what-are-you-wearing-today-and-an-embarrassing-confession-247141/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/on-last-night-s-project-runway-where-the-heck-was-nina-246509/Something happened last night on Project Runway that, as far as I know, has never happened before: Nina Garcia was absent. And in her place was mother of many children, designer of OK clothes, Laura Bennett from season three. Which is weird, right? Was Nina sick? Otherwise engaged? Or--and I have absolutely nothing to substantiate this but I'm speculating anyway--is there beef between Nina and very tan stylist Rachel Zoe (who was last night's guest judge)? Did Nina boycott the show? Mmmmm.

Moving on, this week's episode had a cool challenge: The contestants were asked to create an outfit using only car parts found in a car. Almost everyone chose to work with seat belts, which seemed like a little bit of a cop-out, but the ones who didn't (and Korto, who did) came up with some really rad, completely innovative designs.� I was especially in love with...]]>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:09:30 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/on-last-night-s-project-runway-where-the-heck-was-nina-246509/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/on-last-night-s-project-runway-where-the-heck-was-nina-246509/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/beauty-magic-for-real-i-ve-found-the-pimple-zapping-miracle-and-i-am-going-to-share-246405/Dear everyone who's ever had a zit at a bad time: I have come here to save you. On Monday morning, I woke up with the angriest, reddest monstrosity on my face I may have ever seen. My chin looked pregnant. Despite several gentle and not-so-gentle attempts to, um, empty things out, by Tuesday morning, the situation had only grown worse. Literally.
This would've been fine if it was a normal week—I have friends, my boyfriend loves me, etc. But I had to go on TV first thing Wednesday morning and, not to be gross, but I knew no amount of makeup was going to tame my tragic facial volcano.
But then that afternoon I stopped by a friend's house. And she stared at my chin and said, "Hey, I have something for that."
And she handed me a bottle of Sonya Dakar's Drying Potion, told me to...]]>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:02:00 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/beauty-magic-for-real-i-ve-found-the-pimple-zapping-miracle-and-i-am-going-to-share-246405/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/beauty-magic-for-real-i-ve-found-the-pimple-zapping-miracle-and-i-am-going-to-share-246405/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/hillary-clinton-incredible-history-making-speech-odd-creamsicle-outfit-245997/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...
]]>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:34:52 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/hillary-clinton-incredible-history-making-speech-odd-creamsicle-outfit-245997/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/hillary-clinton-incredible-history-making-speech-odd-creamsicle-outfit-245997/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/brad-pitt-photographs-angelina-jolie-for-upcoming-issue-of-w-magazine-omg-245066/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!
]]>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:53:21 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/brad-pitt-photographs-angelina-jolie-for-upcoming-issue-of-w-magazine-omg-245066/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/brad-pitt-photographs-angelina-jolie-for-upcoming-issue-of-w-magazine-omg-245066/http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/michelle-obama-smart-speech-sassy-dress-245045/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.
]]>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:01:46 -0700nospam@example.com (Jennifer Romolini, Shine staff)http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/michelle-obama-smart-speech-sassy-dress-245045/#commentshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/michelle-obama-smart-speech-sassy-dress-245045/97705wisteriaIn a former life I was the Deputy Editor of Lucky Magazine, where I still write a blog called Ebay Obsessed. Before that, I was at a bunch of places with glossy pages and some not so glossy too. I'm partial to long messy hair, red lipstick, overdone mascara, big earrings, '80s rap references, uninhibited enthusiasm and never, ever paying a ton of money for crap you can't afford just because someone like me says you should. Send me your fashion and beauty hopes, dreams, fears, conundrums right here: shine_jenniferromolini@yahoo.com. [Portrait Photography: Emily Nathan]11 In a former life I was the Deputy Editor of Lucky Magazine, where I still write a blog called Ebay Obsessed. Before that, I was at a bunch of places with glossy pages and some not so glossy too. I'm partial to long messy hair, red lipstick, overdone mascara, big earrings, '80s rap references, uninhibited enthusiasm and never, ever paying a ton of money for crap you can't afford just because someone like me says you should. Send me your fashion and beauty hopes, dreams, fears, conundrums right here: shine_jenniferromolini@yahoo.com. [Portrait Photography: Emily Nathan] 000.0000IDInfoshine_jenniferromolini#ivshine_jenniferromolinia15ildJqXGpidmE1rbtDsoFBVvxWMjFBUsqSr9_P0aepDW21jusJennifer Romolini, Shine staffnhttp://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/identity/nopic_96.gif9696http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/identity/nopic_244.gif2424http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/identity/nopic_48.gif4848http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/identity/nopic_32.gif3232http://f3.yahoofs.com/coreid/47e1a317i16d7zul3sp1/LfaaNHoic6.0dP1izxnD1nrp6BWkwHKb6iiVzQW7/1/tn96.jpg?ciAg_6IBa6Bwfllk9696http://f3.yahoofs.com/coreid/47e1a317i16d7zul3sp1/LfaaNHoic6.0dP1izxnD1nrp6BWkwHKb6iiVzQW7/1/tn24.jpg?ciAg_6IB7m9JLqBJ2424http://f3.yahoofs.com/coreid/47e1a317i16d7zul3sp1/LfaaNHoic6.0dP1izxnD1nrp6BWkwHKb6iiVzQW7/1/tn48.jpg?ciAg_6IBsp13G6_v4848http://f3.yahoofs.com/coreid/47e1a317i16d7zul3sp1/LfaaNHoic6.0dP1izxnD1nrp6BWkwHKb6iiVzQW7/1/tn32.jpg?ciAg_6IBajHUDmkp3232IDContextualInfoglobalYahoo!1http://profiles.yahoo.com/shine_jenniferromoliniIDContextualInfombYahoo! Message BoardsError Reading Key for user shine_jenniferromoliniiv#iv to UDB in UDBConnection