Marie Claire articles from December 2007

Marie Claire archives from December 2007

Editor's note.(THE FRONT)
December 1, 2007... I ALWAYS LOVED HOLIDAYS with my family, but once I hit my mid-20s, bought an apartment, and was working a responsible job, it seemed, well, embarrassing that I didn't have something else to do. I hesitate to use the word "better"--because...

On our side.(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... As young, independent, and single females, my friends and I relate to the stories you write about--we have the same issues in Nigeria! Thank you for helping us realize there is nothing wrong with being a woman who works and plays hard. ...

On the animals' side: our Vegan of the month (New Feature).(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... In "The Way Date Now" (October 2007), we listed veganism as a dating deal-breaker. (It was a weak moment--we love a good tofu burger as much as the next.) The soy-loving lobby welshed in. Having the courage to make lifestyle choices that...

Hauteshopping.com: fashion / accessories / beauty.(THE FRONT)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Ever wish you could find all the inside shopping tips, tricks, and savings you need in one place? Wish granted. Check out our Haute Shopping program for exclusive deals from your favorite brands. This month, we're donating 5 percent of all...

A good fit.(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... October's fashion story "101 Ideas," with curvy and pear-shaped models, struck a chord. Brilliant! Great style is accessible to every shape, and Marie Claire proves that. MICA HABARAD Jersey City, NJ

Breaking barriers.(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... In our U.S. report, Tara McKelvey interviewed three female soldiers who told us what it was really like to serve in the Middle East (October 2007). I am a female veteran who served in the Air Force. It's a shame that we have evolved so far...

Those constant garner fans.(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... Readers agree: Jennifer Garner rocks. Thank you for putting Jennifer Garner on your cover [October]. You've been doing a great job choosing honest women to represent Marie Claire. LIZA ANDERSON Vincenza, Italy As a 30-something,...

Not tickled pink.(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... Cris Beam looked beyond the pink ribbon in chronicling her partner's struggle to resist "The Breast Cancer Club" (October 2007). This depiction does an injustice to the huge breast-cancer community that is working endlessly to equip women...

Oh so pretty.(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... Our special beauty report, "Erasing Ethnicity" (October 2007), laid bare the lengths some women will go to just to "fit in." These articles were a reminder of the progress we still have to make before we can claim to be a society that...

Feedback-o-meter.(LETTERS)
December 1, 2007... FEEDBACK-O-METER These October stories got your attention: "101 Ideas" 8% "Erasing Ethnicity" 32% "U.S. Report: female Soldiers" 2% "The Way We Date Now" 16% "The Zen...

Better than a Cosmo!: "The Marie Claire" cocktail.(THE FRONT)(Recipe)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... At the office shindig, nothing apart from the ill-chosen top is more revealing than your drink order. David Wondrich, cocktail guru and author of Imbibe!, whips up the must-have drink of the season. Shake well with ice: 1 oz. gin ...

The last shangri-la: our fashion shoot (see p. 186) mesmerized the locals in Bhutan, where isolation has preserved a gentle culture, far from the modern world.(ON LOCATION)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SERENITY NOW LEFT: MC's Christina Saratsis and Tracy Taylor trekked two hours to the sacred Tiger's Nest Monastery. RIGHT: The family home where we shot. Intrigued residents looked on. [ILLUSTRATION...

Wick-ed good: when the weather outside is frightful, candles are so delightful. Be one of 150 readers to score these fragrant freebies.(FREE FOR YOU NOW!)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... 20 to win! JUST PEAR-FECT A fruity pear aroma that arouses dreams of early spring. Limited Edition PearTree Corner, Kiehl's, $28.50. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 20 to win! HEMP HYBRID Fave leather chair plus sandalwood,...

Goodnight and good luxe, party girl! Make a grand entrance with extras that glitter and gleam.(shopping)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bangle. $475, Alexis Bittar; alexisbittar.com. Clutch, $38, Steve Madden; stevemadden.com. Shoes, $695, Valentino; (212) 772-6969.

How to wear: prints.(SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The trick to pulling off modern-art-inspired prints: temper with plenty o'black EVENING Look flirty--not like a flamenco dancer--by pairing a floaty top with dark denim pants. TOP: Shoshanna at Talulah G, $295; (702) 932-7000. ...

How to wear: brights.(SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Juice up wintry days with sunny citrus and berry shades-and balance with earth tones WORK An acid hue won't shock your colleagues if topped with muted knit. SWEATER, Liz Claiborne, $79; lizclaiborne.com. BLOUSE, Peter Som at...

How to wear: metallics.(SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Gone is fashion's grabfest of all things gold and silver. In its place: subtle glimmers here and there WEEKEND Hardware made easy-add dark layers. CARDIGAN, Simply Vera Vera Wang, $74; kohls.com. DRESS, Vena Cava, $450;...

Gem fatale: sweeten any outfit with pastel gems in every shade.(SHOPPING: MOST WANTED)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... RAZZLE-DAZZLE * DIAMONDS A GIRL'S best friend? Clear... not Style icons since forever have Known me allure and infinite variety of colored stones. From me treasure buried with ancient queens to tne baubles of Princess Diana these trinkets...

How can a bag cost more than med school?(SHOPPING: DECONSTRUCTED)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $7300 CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BOOTIE Alligator skin is sent to tanneries in Italy, then softened and custom-dyed for 12 weeks. EQUAL TO: Limited-edition Andy Warhol Fish print [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Primp my ride.(SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... So, you've got your hands on some hot wheels? Shift your whole look into high gear: Coordinate your car and your clothes [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU DRIVE A MINI COOPER Named for British racing legend John Cooper, it's the ultimate mod...

The way they wore: celebrity dressing at work and play is the ultimate year-round fashion show.(SHOPPING)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... NOW IT'S TIME FOR ACCESS HOLLYWOOD's fashion guru Ryan Patterson and MC Style Director Cleo Glyde to look back at 2007. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MOST OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE ABOUT FASHION: Victoria Beckham CLEO: Always stiletto'd and...

Marie Claire fashion boot camp.(SHOPPING)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SARAH ANNIBALE LOST 40 POUNDS AND HAD NO IDEA HOW TO DRESS HER NEW BODY. CALL IN THE MC STYLE SQUAD BUGLE CALL! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 0900 Sarah reports to MC's HQ on the double--accessorized in dog...

Fancy footwork: next best thing to diamonds on her soles: party shoes bedecked with gemstones, lace, velvet, and gold.(10 BEST SHORES)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... $69 Gianni Bini; giannibini.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If it's numbing cold, pair these with opaque (not sheer) black tights or pants. $1045 Sergio Rossi; (212) 956-3304. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $129.95 Steven by Steve...

Clutchy-feely: thanks to rich metallic textures and extra inches, there's more of the classic evening bag to love.(10 BEST BAGS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [check] EDITOR'S PICK $25 Patricia Field for Payless; payless.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $188 Kenneth Cole; kennethcole.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $795 Be & D at Pumpz & Company; (952) 926-2252. [ILLUSTRATION...

The week of living biblically: could you give up gossip, designer clothes, and makeup for a week to be a better person? Cleo Glyde gives it a try.(LIFESTYLE)
December 1, 2007... * LIKE MANY MODERN WOMEN, I have done just about everything wrong you can think of, Biblewise, short of murder. I've lied, I've bitched, I've coveted, I've even committed adultery. I would have been pockmarked with pebbles back in the day....

Ornamental value: ring in the season with these ritzy pendants--all the more precious for the perfume, lip gloss; and other hidden treasures inside.(beauty)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... FROM LEFT: Missoni Margherita It Item solid perfume, $50; Yves Saint Laurent Palette Pour Les Levres, $62; Estee Lauder Solid Compact Perfume, $250; Diorlight Necklace with lip gloss, $90; Temple Saint Clair for Lancome Mille et Une Roses...

Star treatment: who hasn't harbored a Cinderella fantasy to be transformed into Beyonce or Sarah Jessica? Celeb hairstylist Serger Norman got four MC readers ready for the ball. (The happy ending? He taught them how to do it themselves...).(HAIR SPECIAL)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * WITH A SPRITZ of hairspray and a few twists of a curling iron, French hairstylist Serge Normant transforms cute into come-hither: Limp strands turn into a reflective sheath of cascading waves. From the moment...

Splurge vs. steal: a so-so makeup application vs. a masterpiece? It's all in the brushes. Here, the best in every price bracket.(BEAUTY)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Like good luggage, high-quality brushes should, if you take care of them, last a lifetime. The finest materials--handcrafted ebony-wood handles with 24-karat-gold accents-create an even more luxurious experience. The Italian leather box and...

Makeup for a breakup: when the look of lost love is in your eyes, it's surprising what a new polish of lipstick can do. Julia Jones chats up the experts who help celeb clients survive heartache in style.(BEAUTY)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEVER IS A CELEB'S beauty more fascinating than when she's suffering a breakup. When there's a big change in her appearance--whether good or bad--it's always news. We winced when born-blonde Michelle Williams went on...

What I love about me: women in politically charged Washington, DC, vote on their favorite features.(BEAUTY ROAD SHOW)(Interview)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] >>More than 200 women have told us what they love about themselves. See them all on MARIECLAIRE.COM/WHATILOVE. NADINE SALIB, 32 "I had braces for two-and a half years. I like my teeth." [ILLUSTRATION...

What does your look reveal about you? Dr. Amy Wechsler, MC's resident dermatologist and psychiatrist, analyzes 28-year-old boutique owner Jessie Williams.(BEAUTY SHRINK)
December 1, 2007... After giving us her first impressions of Jessie above, Wechsler answers Jessie's questions. JESSIE: I've always been really insecure about my skin. My self-confidence can fluctuate--I'm definitely up and down in that area. I get pimples...

Why does this skin cream cost $650?(BEAUTY DECONSTRUCTED)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... ROYALE TREATMENT * WHEN THE ALCHEMISTS at Orlane Paris set out to concoct the ultimate moisturizer--the creme de la creme--they liberally mixed cutting-edge technology with ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicinal traditions: Natural royal...

New York's favorite luxury haunts launch new perfumes all their own.(SCENT SHOPS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE SCENT Barneys Co-op Outrageous!, $110 Saks Fifth Avenue for Her, $185 PERFUME PARTNER Indie French perfume buff Frederic Malle Quintessential NYC fragrance house Bond No. 9 THE VIBE ...

Q: How do I apply liquid liner like a pro?(ASK)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q: How do I apply liquid liner like a pro? A: First, get the right tools: I love those felt-tip markers that resemble calligraphy pens (like Sonia Kashuk Eye Harken $5.99), which make application nearly...

Obsessions & confessions with Ying.(BEAUTY)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... "The secret to Kate Moss's effortlessly tousled hair? London's texture-inducing hard water. Stateside, Garnier's Surf Hair does the trick." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLID GOLD Chanel was inspired in snagging the posh Pirate-loving...

St. Bart's in a Bottle.(BUY)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since jetting off to a prive St. Bart's villa isn't in my holiday plans, I may seek solace in MANUEL CANOVAS ANSE TURQUOISE PERFUME ($95). Laced with sweet orange blossom and Caribbean magnolia, the scent is named...

Ingredient close-up.(BUY)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT IT IS: Idebenone, a potent antioxidant derived from coenzyme Q10. WHAT IT DOES: Gently reduces wrinkles, lines, and sunspots. Avoid using it after a peel, when it could be irritating. FOUND IN: Prevage...

Winter wonders.(BEAUTY)
December 1, 2007... WINTER WONDERS: Besides my humidifier, my must-have when the mercury drops is Kiss My Face Cold & Flu Bath & Shower Gel ($9.99), a eucalyptus-infused, sinus-clearing wash.

Exfoliation express.(BEAUTY)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My recent discovery of WEI EAST POMEGRANATE ANTIOXIDANT EXFOLIATING GRAINS ($26 for 24 packets) has left my complexion its smoothest yet. Packed with finely ground pomegranate peel (used as an herbal eczema remedy in...

Fashion tips.(BEAUTY)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If, like me, you really studied Phillip Lim's fall show, you would have seen two soon-to-be must-haves: his bejeweled hair bands and Creative Nail Design's opulent, raisin-tone DEEP VELVET polish ($6), which dotted...

Hope in a soap.(SHOPS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When skincare savant and BlissSpa founder Marcia Kilgore left her biz two years ago, industry wags thought she'd hung up her loofah. But faster than you can say "bull's-eye," she's back with Soap & Glory, a new line...

Little luxuries: stocking stuffers so sassy ... it's hard to wait for the holidays!(10 BEST BEAUTY)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Originally, stockings contained five gifts, each meant to awaken one of the five senses [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THREE'S COMPANY: A trio of lip colors that won't leave you baroque. MAC Royal Assets 3 Tan Lips, $22.50. ...

Helena Bonham Carter admits she's sleeping with the director.(CULTURE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TIM BURTON DIDN'T SEE Helena Bonham Carter's i985 breakout. A Room With a view, until after he cast her in Planet of the Apes and subsequently fell for her, Bonham Carter. lying in her London bedroom--and pregnant...

Don't miss these stunning new flicks.(MOVIES)(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2007... Atonement Can't summarize, just go. Go for the smokin'-hot love story (based on the Ian McEwan novel) that pits Keira Knightley against James McAvoy in a battle over who's the dewier, fresher, more glowing bit of eye candy, Go for Knightley's...

Books: put on your blinders at Borders and head right to these gems.(CULTURE)(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2007... Fugitive Denim by Rachel Louise Snyder (Norton) TO SUM UP: From the cotton fields of Azerbaijan to Cambodian factories and American boutiques, Fugitive Denim puts human faces to the cost dour deep blue obsession. WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: Because...

The culture pyramid: your entertainment diet for December.(CULTURE)(Brief article)(List)
December 1, 2007... GUILTY PLEASURES (partake sparingly) We're McLovin' some Superbad on DVD. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] American Idol rematch! Jordin Sparks 's self-titled disc goes head-to-head with her runner-up, blake Lewis's Audio Day Dream. ...

Television: Comparing the new Sex and the City knockoffs.(CULTURE)(Table)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lipstick Jungle (NBC) Cashmere Mafia (ABC) produced by Candace produced by Darren Star Bushnell Four...

Two-minute date with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who's good at playing dead.(CULTURE)(Interview)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHEN WE HEAR ,Jeffrey Dean Morgan's voice on the other line, for a second we get goose bumps. It's not his handsome-man baritone; it's that he's actually breathing. He spent the last year playing dead guys--the...

Music: your monthly crib sheet. Take that, music snobs....(CULTURE)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Alice Smith For Lovers, Dreamers & Me (Epic) For most of this R&B album, Smith effortlessly slides her graceful vocals around winkingly sentimental lyrics. But when the songs build into big, soulful crescendos, her four-octave wall will slay...

The diva formula: they've all got new albums, but who's the diva-est of them all?(CULTURE)(Table)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Britney Spears Celine Dion Album Blackout Taking Chances Defining Naughty schoolgirl meets 10-pound wedding veils; style snake charmer...

In defense of Katie Couric: TV rival Greta Van Susteren attacks Katie's critics and says give her a break.(MC BULLETIN: CELEBS, TRENDS, THE STATE OF THE UNION ... BEHOLD, YOUR WATERCOOLER CHEAT SHEET)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The salary: "Everyone's grumbling about her reported $15 million a year. But Katie broke the glass ceiling for all of us. So to the women who've been sniping: Stop it. And to Katie: Thank you." The cute factor: "I...

I can't get through December without my.(MC BULLETIN: CELEBS, TRENDS, THE STATE OF THE UNION ... BEHOLD, YOUR WATERCOOLER CHEAT SHEET)(Brief article)(List)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Psalm 27" necklace "While on tour in Mexico, I had a jewelry maker create a wire necklace of my favorite psalm, about facing obstacles and pushing forward. I reach for it throughout the day." [ILLUSTRATION...

Crush of the Month: Geeks!(MC BULLETIN: CELEBS, TRENDS, THE STATE OF THE UNION ... BEHOLD, YOUR WATERCOOLER CHEAT SHEET)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What is it about the geek that gets us going? His jaundiced sense of humor? The perspective that comes with having your face repeatedly slammed into a locker? Or the cred, bank, and power he stands to earn just as...

It job: mummy hunter: Constanza Ceruti, 34, scales the highest peaks on the planet, looking for artifacts of ancient civilizations.(MC BULLETIN: CELEBS, TRENDS, THE STATE OF THE UNION ... BEHOLD, YOUR WATERCOOLER CHEAT SHEET)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Job: High-altitude archaeologist Office: Incan ceremonial sites on the summits of Andean mountains (when not teaching at Catholic University of Salta, Argentina) The grind: "I start a climb at I a.m., and it...

Bookmark this! Two great ways to blow off work this month.(MC BULLETIN: CELEBS, TRENDS, THE STATE OF THE UNION ... BEHOLD, YOUR WATERCOOLER CHEAT SHEET)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... * When you're feeling flush on payday: THEIMPULSIVEBUY.COM This team of bloggers scours the shelves at every five-and-dime, big-box store, and mall stall to review the weirdest new products on the market, Need the skinny on vitamin-fortified...

9 Things we won't ask you to do in the holiday spirit.(MC BULLETIN: CELEBS, TRENDS, THE STATE OF THE UNION ... BEHOLD, YOUR WATERCOOLER CHEAT SHEET)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Hot-glue antlers to your cat's head 2 Consume fruitcake, eggnog, or gelt 3 Kiss anyone under the mistletoe whom you wouldn't kiss under any unadorned archway 4 Try to spell Chanukah (Hannukah?...

The secret night school: after a day working in the fields, these Indian children get their one, clandestine chance at an education.(EYE ON THE WORLD)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TEACHER KISHAN KANWAR, 32, has caused outrage in the rural village of Cheeri. India's ancient caste system may be officially banned, but it still lives on in hearts and minds. The tradition dictates that, as a member...

The welder.(MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE)(Interview)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Maria Esther Landa Age: 31 Location: Lima, Peru Job: Founder and General Manager, Santa Maria Industries Notable Quote: "By studying and opening your mind, you be come free." MORE THAN A YEAR after a...

"Save me from the company retreat!": got a workplace worry? Take it to the coach.(THE CUBICLE COACH)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q. Dear CC: I'm dreading the two-day company retreat next month. What really happens at these things? Are we going to climb ropes and try to bond? Be scrutinized as we play Pictionary? A: You can learn a lot...

Nicole Kidman Spills: they say "the first year of marriage is the hardest ..." Please, God.(Biography)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NICOLE KIDMAN REALIZED many years ago that being nearsighted was a blessing in disguise. Insulated by faulty vision, she was able to shut out gawking strangers and paparazzi. "I never wore glasses except when I had...

Long distance love: if you're in a relationship with hundreds of miles between you, you're not alone. Here, tales from the tarmac.(Short story)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] There are an estimated 7 million long-distance couples in America-14 million people with their own lives in their own cities, but with partners living a flight (or drive or train ride) away. It's a great setup for...

Step away from the Chardonnay! While you're at it, put down that Cosmo. We know it's been a long day, and you need to unwind. But that's no excuse to drink like your mother. You're a woman--not a lady--so we've come up with some spirited alternatives to get you the holiday season.(AFTER-HOURS)(Table)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FOLLOW OUR EASY FOUR-STEP GUIDE TO CHOOSING YOUR BOOZE>> STEP 1: CHANGE YOUR GRAPE Ordering chardonnay is as hopelessly girly as asking for dressing on the side. Andrea Robinson, author of the 2008 Wine...

Mob daughter: born into Japan's most notorious crime syndicate, Shoko Tendo is struggling to break free of her violent legacy. Marie Claire's Abigail Haworth met the marked woman in Tokyo.(MC EXCLUSIVE)(Interview)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE CAFE DE PARIS IN TOKYO is bustling with chic young women sipping coffee and reveling in the restaurant's air of faux-French refinement. Shoko Tendo calmly puffs on a cigarette beneath the twinkling chandeliers....

A very big love: Christmas with my polygamous family was usually chaotic--sometimes we were on the run from the Feds. But it was beautiful, too.(FAMILY)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IT WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. We children ate popcorn balls while two of the mothers strung a clothesline from the west wall by the front door through the parlor, living room, and dining room to the east wall....

Horoscope.
December 1, 2007... DECEMBER kicks off 12 lucky months of love for Cancers (happy holidays, Sandra Oh!), while Aquarians like Mischa Barton will be feeling the financial squeeze [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) With...

101 dresses (on 101 readers): champagne taste but box-wine budget? We dress a bevy of you in fabulous New Year's Eve frocks--half of them under $100!(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Hair: Hagen Linss. Makeup: Souhi Lee at DeFacto for Armani. For stores and accessories credits, see Shopping Directory. Look for the * symbol for dresses under $100 AINA FADINA, 25 real-estate investor * MNG by Mango, $99 ...

Sparkle: partying in mega-paillettes or mini sequins? Keep accessories simple--i.e., downplay the disco.(THE LOOK)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LAUREN MERLINO, 29 handbag designer * Kensie, $98 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KRISTINA ZACHARIAS, 30 hotel-renovations protect manager Chaiken, $392 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ANAIS HAVEN, 23 actress &...

Silver: the most wearable and modern metallic is really just a sexed-up version of gray!(THE LOOK)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CHARISSE ADAMS, 25 receptionist Twinkle by Wenlon, $271 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CHRISTY GRAY, 27 MBA recruiter Jessica McClintock, $205 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THERESA ALSTON, 31 school psychologist *...

Color: satiny jewel-tone dresses and strappy heels guarantee entree at private clubs.(THE LOOK)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SHYEMA AZAM, 23 research editor Pure DKNY, $275 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ANJANA CHANAYIL, 26 photo researcher Sisley, $139 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] VANESSA VILLARREAL, 27 financial coordinator Laundry By...

Black & white: when the invite says, "Dress black and white," splash out with snazzy shoes and extras.(THE LOOK)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JENN OK, 29 events manager A.B.S by Allen Schwartz, $358 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KATIE FLAHIVE, 26 actress Theory, #315 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KARA DAVIS-CHURCHMAN, 27 fashion publicist * Kensie, $98...

The '20s: fringe, feathers, flapper dresses? Hello,'20s--the original It-girl era!(THE LOOK)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ALICE WETTERLUND, 26 designer Development by Erica Davies, $437 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LENKA ZAJICOVA, 22 student BCBG MaxAzria, $640 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Gold: high-roller chic doesn't always stay in Vegas ... a 24-karat frock is ever the showstopper.(THE LOOK)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DEBBIE BINIKOS, 28 internal-audit consultant * Hot Kiss, $48 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SARA SHAOUL, 30, musician * Red by Marc Ecko, $79 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MELISSA ANN DUREN, 2.1 student & fashion...

A stitch in time: her new fashion mantra: Wrap up in funky, chunky knits. From scarves of supersize yarn to soft cocoon sweaterdresses, the look lies in that rarefield place between rugged and refined.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THIS PAGE: Scarf, $2150, Giles; knit vest, $129, Nautica; gray dress, $308, Lily McNeal; white top, $298, Inhabit; shorts, $250, Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani; boots, $1323, Sartore. OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress, price upon...

Beyond the little black dress: why so loyal to the LBD? Think of the fun you're missing with filmy florals and Technicolor gowns.(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dress, $17,550, Yves Saint Laurent. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THIS PAGE: Dress, $58, Armani Exchange; necklace, $700, Tom Binns. OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT: Dress, $400, David Meister; shoes, $1325, Christian...

Body by Marty.(HEALTH)
December 1, 2007... HOW TO... Knock Out 20 (Real) Push-Ups The trouble with the push-ups you do on your knees is that they don't prepare you for full push-ups, which are more effective at toning abs, arms, and chest. Here's how to build up to 20 "real"...

Is your orgasm worth $400? Your wardrobe, your cookware, and even your pill bottles have been going upscale. Is it time to upgrade your sex toys?(YOUR SEX LIFE)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2007... BIGGER BAND FOR YOUR BUCK? * THE MORE YOU SPEND on a vibe (up to a point), the longer it lasts, the more comfortable it feels, and the quieter it is. Plus, higher-end toys look sleek (e.g., no "veins"), "so your first response is 'ooh'...

Eat your way to extra energy: the number-one reason Americans altered their eating habits last year was to get more energy. Four women--and the experts--weigh in on which changes really work.(HEALTH)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I eat five times a day" PAMELA PEKERMAN, 23, FOUNDER OF BAGTRENDS.COM HER OLD WAY: "I'd wake up, work for two hours, and then eat breakfast between 8 or 9. Come lunchtime--anywhere between 1 and 4--I'd be...

The good, the bad, and the iffy.(your guide to DECEMBER)(List)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 7 things to get excited about (1) Jack White as Elvis in Walk Hard 'The Dewey Cox Story. The White Stripes front man shows us a drawling, hip-swiveling, self-mocking new side. All that's missing is Meg as The...