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Affordable Spring Style

Here come the Oscars! Can't wait to see what gorgeous gowns the stars will wear this year (why do we say stars? It's really the starlets we watch for-no one actually cares what the men are wearing, unless, of course, it's a kilt). I must admit I found myself glued to the in-flight TV "Star Styles" segment on my recent weekend ski getaway, admiring the gown, hairstyle and makeup masterpieces that are the starlets, and wondering why they never have frizzy hair or chubby ankles. Then I remembered the entourage of hair stylists, makeup artists and personal trainers, (not to mention designers and jewelers clamoring to frock and frost the darlings) as well as the seemingly endless cash flow associated with said starlets. 'Nuff said.

However, it doesn't take an AmEx Platinum card or a second mortgage on your condo to be able to achieve the glossy glamour and of-the-moment style of the stars. You don't necessarily have to drape yourself in designer duds from head to toe, slather on outrageously expensive lotions and potions or strap a week's pay onto your feet to be chic and stylish. I found it interesting that Patricia Field, famed Sex and the City stylist and current Oscar nominee for Best Costume Design for The Devil Wears Prada will be wearing Payless shoes to the Oscars! How's that for cheap chic?

Star style is glitzy and glamorous, fabulous and frizz-free, and finally, thanks to talented and beautiful women like Kate Winslet, Scarlett Johansson, and Jennifer Hudson who have the real-life curves of real-life women, people are realizing that a woman does not have to be twig-like to look fabulous. Women were meant to have curves and those curves should be celebrated! It completely put my knickers in a twist recently to read that Norah Jones was asked to lose weight for her upcoming movie, My Blueberry Nights. Give me a break, the girl is positively gorgeous just as she is, not to mention talented beyond belief! I would so much rather see a glowingly beautiful Queen Latifah on the cover of a glossy mag than any of the current flock of stick insect celebs with their toothpick arms, jutting collarbones and hipless/bumless bods. The skeletal look is so over, puhlease!

Now that I have gotten that off my chest, I will return to my original train of thought. If I can remember it. Oh yes, starlets and style. While not everyone can afford Badgley Mischka, the occasional Tracy Reese is probably attainable, especially one so very versatile. Paired with a sophisticated skirt and a pair of elegant sandals and you are ready for a night on the town. Or slip into a pair of white denim jeans and ballerina flats for a fun girl's night out. Worn with menswear trousers and topped with a blazer and you're ready for a day at the office. Stylish separates can go a long way baby!

To look like you spent the entire day and a small fortune at the day spa being pampered and primped for your close-up, there are plenty of affordable products available to achieve those coveted Hollywood looks.

• Sleek Hair: Avoiding all things Britney-short or long, sleek, smooth hair is back in full swing. A good, high quality blow dryer is a great investment. Not only does it cut drying time considerably, but it helps keep hair healthy and eliminates frizz. To achieve a gorgeous shine, try Paul Mitchell's Gloss Drops ($17). For bunny-softness and moisture apply Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter ($12). Considering a change in length or style in line with the starlets? Celebrity stylist Stephen Knoll says to look for fresh, sexy short styles on the red carpet this year. What hair product can you find in their purses (or bodyguard's pockets)? Stephen's Solid Wax pomade ($20)-natch.
• Fresh Makeup: Bright eyes and peachy kissers. All things fresh and springy are the way to go. Think Evangeline Lilly: natural and fresh. Hello spring, goodbye winter— it's time to perk up with a little sun-kissed color. There are many brilliant sunless tanners/bronzers available this year-powders, liquids, lotions, gels; personally, I mix a liquid tint in with my morning SPF30 moisturizer application for a natural (and protected) glow. Don't go overboard with the sunless tanner or you could end up looking like an Oompa Loompa.
• Mani/Pedi. A Hollywood starlet would never appear on the red carpet with ragged cuticles and chipped polish on toenails that could open a can of beans. Keep those digits in tip-top shape girls! Soft, delicate pinks and peaches replace the dark vampy colors of winter. My new favorite shade is Sarah Smile by Lippman (created with SJP!)—the perfect spring shade.
• Radiant Body: Spa guru Christine Chin recommends an all-over microdermabrasion to her ritzy clientele. This can run a bit pricey, of course. The idea behind the process is to achieve a healthy, radiant glow (as well as small pores). At-home alternatives include the Neutrogena at-home body system ($36), the Philosophy Exfoliate Kit ($45) and BORBA's Fiber-Knit Facial Cleanser ($18). I recently read an article explaining the female obsession with our necks. Apparently, once we pass our twirties and move into our tworties and beyond we should expect turkey waddle necks. Clearly not a desirable trait and something that must be anticipated and remedied before it has a chance to occur. Use a retinol-based product on your neck and décolleté to instantly firm up skin and enhance the jaw line.

Spring is in the air. The tiny tree in front of my house is growing leaf stubs (no idea what the proper horticultural term is—probably not stubs), birds are singing and sales are imminent! I'm already sporting my new cork wedges! Think I'll be on the lookout for something a little nautical and nice to perk me up while I watch the rain/sleet drizzle outside. Happy spring, ladies-shop like you mean it!

Xoxo

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