Archive: April 25th, 2007

We’ve had some issues with Vanessa Minnillo’s wardrobe in the past — too tight, too shiny, too sequined. But last night at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Hot Pink Party in N.Y.C, Vanessa looked absolutely elegant, from her sideswept updo to her bib-front lace Monique Lhuiller gown to her Swarovski clutch. At the event, she told PEOPLE that she was moving on from TRL because she didn’t “want to be 48, saying, ‘Hey kids, now it’s Sean Preston Spears’s video,’” so maybe this heralds a new, more grown-up version of Vanessa. With her attention focused on her new makeup line for Flirt, which she calls “foolproof”, we hope to see Vanessa keep up the stylishly good work! Tell us: What do you think of Vanessa’s new look? Like it better or miss the old version?

Click here to discuss Vanessa’s style in Off the Rack.

Photo:Charles Sykes/Rex USA

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This week, the stars proved you don’t have to be in high school to get glam for prom. Turning out for a fundraiser to help kids in need pay for their gowns and tuxes thrown by Sharon Stone’s charity Planet Hope, Sharon turned back the clock in a vintage ’80s ballgown skirt given to her by Gianni Versace, a wrist corsage and a plastic tiara. “It’s really important that you have a little plastic when you go to the prom,”she told PEOPLE. Her look was a step up for her original prom ensemble: a coral dress, a sunburn and a red-headed date. “We had LOTS of shades of orange going on.” Fergie, a veteran of four past proms who wore “different color sequins every year” rocked Christian Dior and day-glo nails offset by a Pianegonda ring. “I’m definitely one who has lived through a lot of prom experiences,” she said, recalling a naughty post-prom beer bash that got her crew bounced from a motel. And Melanie Griffith arrived for her first-ever prom in a flapper-ish dress borrowed from her daughter and furry jacket given to her by husband Antonio Banderas — though she couldn’t get him to slip on a tux for the occasion, powder blue or otherwise. “He’s like ‘Prom? What is prom?’” she giggled, mimicking his Latin accent. “‘I have never had a prom.’”

Want to see more star’s in prom-like fashions? Check out our Big Night Style gallery here.

Photo: Stewart Cook/Rex USA

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As summer approaches, our thoughts turn to picnics, long days at the beach, road trips — and wearing the right SPF.  From our tinted moisturizer to the heavy duty creams that come out for full days soaking up rays, we have a whole range of SPF products shoved into our bulging bathroom shelves.  With sunny months ahead, we want to know what SPF you’re wearing (and hopefully reapplying like Penelope Cruz does!). Tell us: What SPF do you wear during the summer? Do you switch around depending on your activities and expected sun exposure? 

Want your answer to appear in print? To have your comment considered for the next issue of PEOPLE’s StyleWatch, please INCLUDE your first name and last initial, your age and your hometown/state.

Photo: PICTURES BART/LFI

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Second time’s the charm for Ashlee Simpson, who recently completed her second season as a Skechers girl in the shoe line’s ad campaign. We got a sneak peek at the photoshoot, which might even turn into a thirty second tv commercial. As for Ashlee, she tells PEOPLE that she’s “honored to be the new generation (of Skechers). For me, I always want to come across with a funky, cool style that girls can relate to. So hopefully I can bring my style to it.” And is it weird for the singer to see herself as a model? Not at all, says Ashlee. “It’s so cool to have an ad in a magazine! When I’m flipping thru a magazine I love, I say ‘Oh, cool! There I am!’ It’s a good feeling.”

Click here to see more photos, news and a full bio of Ashlee Simpson, and click here to discuss her style in Off the Rack.

Photo: courtesy sketchers

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Surfers tend to have enviable style so the evolution of South Moon Under from surf shop to fashion boutique was a natural one. It now has 11 stores sprinkled around the U.S. and a booming online retail shop. The website, along with their 11 retail locations, has a great selection for the beach girl in you, including Vitamin A, T-bags and BCBG. They even have men’s items, home décor and “Shop and Do Good” charity items. Until May 23, 2007, get 20% off at southmoonunder.com on full-priced merchandise with the discount code PEOPLE. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promo codes.

Things we love at southmoonunder.com :

Plenty by Tracy Reese dress , $228. With discount, $183.
Alice and Trixie halter top , $178. With discount, $143.
Asha Couture Nantucket bikini , $122. With discount $98.

For more exclusive People.com web discounts, check out our Exclusive Deals page.

Photo: Courtesy of southmoonunder.com

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Katie Holmes has a wardrobe of enviable items, from her Armani dresses to her Balenciaga bags. So when we saw this photo of her and husband Tom Cruise out to dinner in L.A., we couldn’t believe our eyes — Katie is wearing the Rodarte Trapeze Top from the new Gap Design Edition collection. We thought the collection was totally cool, and we love the way that Katie paired her simple $68 white cotton shirt with a black pencil skirt and sexy Christian Louboutin peep-toe pumps — a classic mix of high and low. Unfortunately, the shirt has sold out on the Gap website, but you can still purchase them in stores or check out the selection on Ebay.

Click here to see more photos, news and a full bio of Katie Holmes, and click here to discuss her style in Off the Rack.

Photo: Ramirez-Rilloraza /JFX

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