The Two-Toned Hair

Celebrities actually walk into the salon asking for this look. Most people walk into a salon asking to get their roots fixed. The celeb world call this the two-toned look, or the surfie chick washed out beach hair look. I think it is for people who can't make up their mind.

But if you must get it done, there is the not so horrible way to approach this look. Unless it's the lighting, or the make-up or just a lucky shot, Ashlee Simpson is quite beautiful in this shot. There isn't a big contrast between the dark and light shade, and the darker shade on the roots suit her complexion.

But Drew Barrymore with the dark red lips, angry eyebrows, and dark dark roots, what a mess!

The Black Halo Jackie O Dress

Named after the style icon Jackie O, the Black Halo Jackie O dress is inspired by the classic lines made famous by the wife of the US President. Jackie O favoured A-line skirts, single colour schemes for outfits, and boat or v-neck styles. She always appeared lady-like and graceful.

This 3/4 length asymmetric dress accentuates the curves and has a flattering line. The single colour from top to bottom gives the appearance of a leaner and taller shape. This dress comes in shades of blue, black, beige, grey and of course white and purple as worn by Kim Kardashian and Tyra Banks.

All the colours look beautiful. I wouldn't mind owning all of them!

The Chan Luu Bracelet

The Chan Luu wrap bracelet is being rocked by a bunch of celebrities, but who exactly is Chan Luu. She was born in Vietnam and moved to Los Angeles to study fashion design. She began designing her own accessories in 1996 and many of her pieces have appeared in the top fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper Bazaar.

The design appears so simple with a leather wrap and beads or crystals like gunmetal nuggets, violet opals and my favourite the turquoise. But the mix of colours and stones gives it an edge that has caught the eye of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez.

Lady Gaga is wearing the sterling silver on white leather layered with gold vermell nuggets on white leather.

Jennifer Lopez was spotted wearing the gunmetal wrap with delicate chain dangles.

They almost resemble the plain leather bracelets favoured by the surfies and beachgoers because they are so versatile and easy to wear, but choose one of the flashier gold styles and you have a real fashion accessory.

You could buy cheaper versions of this bracelet, or even make it yourself but then you can't say it's a Chan Luu!

The Plait

What do you think of the braid or plait in hair look for red carpet events? Is it too simple or too Swiss milk-maid?

Kate Hudson with her sleek hair and single plait down her back is taking simplicity too far with this celebrity look. This is a 'just popping into the local grocery store' look. Not red carpet material.

Diane Kruger does look like a traditional Swiss milk maid who milks cows. It must be the single plait wrapping around the top of her head.

The winners for this celebrity look are Blake Lively with her shiny loose locks and three skinny plaits in the front part to make this down-style a little more interesting.

And Lauren Conrad, who may have copied Jennifer Aniston's look but still looks beautiful nonetheless. To re-create this look grab three very small sections of hair and start plaiting. Grabbing hair as you go along.

The Zumba

I know this isn't a celebrity look, but it's what some celebrities do to help keep them in shape so they can continue to wear these looks. Imagine Eva Longoria, Vivica Fox, Jennifer Hewitt, and Natalie Portman shaking their bootie in the gym.

If you have never heard of Zumba, seen the infomercials, or seen classes advertised at your local gym, it is a dance-based exercise program designed to burn those calories by busting salsa and merengue moves.

Now I'm all for keeping fit and doing whatever it takes to stay fit, but when you have a whole bunch of people doing moves in unison following the instructor isn't it just a glorified version of a dance class?

A bunch of people who are not imaginative enough or incapable of coming up with their own moves, and are afraid to swing those hips in nightclubs. Eventhough I do appreciate a person's effort to try, I do feel sorry for the uncoordinated few who really really really really try.

If you're a Zumba go-er, kudos to you. Whatever helps burn-off those peanut butter m&ms I say.

The Black Blazer

Talk about one item of clothing that can completely transform a 'blah' look into a classy and sophisticated look. Traditionally part of the standard 2-piece office attire, this classic black blazer is one celebrity look that is definately not being worn in the traditional way.

Jessica Simpson pairs it up with shorts and a chunky necklace, and her green Tempest handbag from her collection. Love!

Choose a tailored jacket that is pinched at the waist to accentuate your waistline, but ditch the '80s style shoulder pads, you don't want to look bulky.

The Wedge Shoe

Wedges are for those who want to add height without experiencing the pain. Comfort without comprising style. They are so comfortable that some celebrities, well one celebrity (Jennifer Love Hewitt), felt they were the ideal foot support for a game of tennis.

This celebrity look seems to always make a comeback most summers because they are casually lovely paired with a summer dress, mini shorts, or rolled up jeans. So invest in a good pair of shoes that remain fashionable regardless of year.

No flashy colours or complicated designs. Opt instead for the neutral shades in a simple style.

JP-Giani by Jessica Simpson
Check out these Jessica Simpson wedges. The denim make is just calling out for it to be worn with a pair of jeans.







The Toe Ring

Rings on fingers, rings on ears I understand but rings on toes..I am not so sure about. Who really looks down there anyway? I can not imagine anyone saying "That's a beautiful rock on your toe, can I take a closer look!" Besides, I feel sorry for the poor little toe that appears to be suffocated and strangled by the tightness of such a little ring.

This fashion accessory, or should I call it the toe strangulator is still worn by celebrities. The toe pictured above is owned by the still beautiful but not-so-young Jennifer Aniston. I can imagine the young hollywood starlets still coming out of puberty to be accessorising with this accessory but not someone in their 40s.

Alternates that your toe will be thankful for are the toe ring tattoo as can be seen on Vivica Fox, or opt for one of those toe-ring sandals. Casual sandals with a bit of bling on the toe.

The Invite Only Designer Sales

Forget about driving to the Factory Outlets then queuing up for a change room then queuing up for the cashier to grab that bargain of all bargains. Online shoppers have discovered the world of members-only hot sample sales on the latest and world's best brands. Think Fendi, Marc Jacob, and Chloe.

How they work is you get invited by a friend to join the private shopping club for free, then you shop. That's it! But just like any other sale you are competing against other bargain hunters, in the online case thousands, so it's up to you to keep an eye on the brands that interest you.

Many of the sites are US based and do not deliver overseas but do not be disheartened. There are many companies out there that will setup a US address for you, receive any deliveries and forward it to your international home address. Take a look at the sales before you think it's too hard.

Here are some of my favourites:

beyondtherack.com - This private shopping club is one of the top 10000 sites in the world and is favoured by celebrities. Yes, even cashed-up celebrities love a bargain. Each event starts at a specific time and normally lasts for 48 hours. This month there were Nautica flip flops for $9 and click on this link for an invitation
Your BeyondTheRack Invitation

gilt.com - Sales here last 36 hours and a brand new sale starts everyday. One month Christian Louboutins were discounted by 60%. Click on this link for an invitation
Your Gilt.com Invitation

hautelook.com - This members only site also has sales daily. Every Sunday an email is sent out with a preview of the coming week's sales. Click on this link for an invitation
Your Hautelook.com Invitation

brandsexclusive.com.au - This is one for the Aussies. Don't despair Australians there are hot online sales for you too. D&G jewels, Calvin Klein jeans and Saba Fashions are just some of the brands that were on sale this month.
Click on this link for an invitation
Your Brandexclusive Invitation

The Motorcycle Handbag

The coveted motorcycle handbag by Balenciaga seems to be favoured by the handbag fashionistas of today. Sure it comes in white and black, but where the bag excels is the diverse range of colours - tangerine orange, lime green, hot purply pink and sky blue.

The bright colours really make this celebrity look pop, even the strange combination of purple and lime green works for some reason.

Celebrities like Niki Hilton must find this slouchy handbag very practical because many are snapped shopping or walking through airports with the Balenciaga in tow. Carrying around an iPhone, water bottle, makeup bag, and spare bib if you are a baby mamma like Christina Aguilera does take quite a bit of room. So why not do it in style.

The Beige Pump

Being vertically challenged like myself, it is always good to experiment with dress and shoe styles that elongate your frame. Or at least give the impression of a taller you.

Everyone knows that heels make you taller, but beige coloured ones make you look taller. The colour seems to extend the look of your legs making them appear longer, and the lack of any straps help as well.

Dresses with bright colours or bold prints, like the dresses worn by Miranda Kerr and Giuliana Rancic, pair beautifully with the very neutral and unoffensive beige shoe because it doesn't detract from the dress. But even paired with a simple black dress it keeps this celebrity look very clean.

The Romper

To combat the heat of the Northern Hemisphere summer, the Kardashian sisters have taken a liking to the romper and even including them in their Bebe range of clothing. I have used the Kardashian sisters as muses for this celebrity style because I believe there are some hits and misses.

Eventhough the romper would suit many body styles because it is a one piece ensemble giving the illusion of a longer body, I think it would better suit those with leaner and toned legs. To continue the appearance of longer legs wear this celebrity style with a pair of high strappy heels.

I am not a fan of the printed, especially floral printed, romper. It looks too school-girl, just came from the playground, do you want to come play at my house type look. I much prefer the one toned style making the wearer look leaner and more ready for grown-up business.

The Little White Dress

Everyone has that sexy Little Black Dress (LBD) somewhere in their wardrobe ready to be pulled out for any occassion, but how about that sexy Little White Dress (LWD).

The LWD is the angelic, innocent sister of the LBD who can still be sexy and jazzed up with accessories. But has the advantage of fitting into any daytime office social party, or a date where you want to dress to impress without appearing overly formal.

The whiteness of the white has the added advantage of enhancing that summer glow and showing off those tanned legs. However, the main reason for this celebrity look appeal is its understated elegance. Match it with a gold chain and chunky gold bangles and you have a timeless outfit.

The Boyfriend Jean

We all know that slim fitting jeans especially those that provide ample support to the derriere are flattering, but there are times when you just want to be able to eat that extra chip and still be able to breathe. The Boyfriend Jean is the stylish alternative to those loose baggy hip-hop jeans that were in fashion during the days of Salt and Pepper.

The style may resemble your boyfriend's old jeans but dress it up with a pair of heels and you have a stylish ensemble. To pull off this celebrity look pair it with neutral coloured heels and a feminine top. And add a belt to accentuate that waist.

Or go completely casual and wear your super comfy flats together with a shirt borrowed from your boyfriend. The ideal shopping outfit!

Celebs love the Citizens of Humanity range. Take a look at The Riley Boyfriend model which has a heavily distressed look, or the Dylan Boyfriend which is darker and has a cuffed hem.