Archive: April 26th, 2007

As soon as we saw Jessica Simpson carrying her bright green clutch, we knew what our purse obsession for spring was — patent leather! From sleek clutches to bright day bags, like this yellow tote, why not add a little gleam to every outfit? Here are a few of our favorites:

Splurge:
Go neutral for daytime with this white Cynthia Rowley tote, $495, at bloomingdales.com, or this Give large patent tote in white or black, $363, at shopbop.com.

Get a bag like Jessica’s with this Felix Rey bow-front clutch, $230, at shopbop.com, or this Lorelei clutch, $298, at loreleinyc.com.

Steal:
Add some color to your look with this Xhiliration Large Yellow Tote, $20, at target.com, or this cherry red Necessary Objects tote, $56, at amazon.com.

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!

Photo: Humberto Carreno/startraks; courtesy target.com

(more…)

Wearing bright colors isn’t the only way to get some attention this summer. As you can see in our May Stylewatch issue, the it-accessory of the moment is oversized rings for daytime. Celebrities like Ciara, Eva Mendes, Jessica Simpson, and Mandy Moore are pairing casual clothes with big-time sparklers for a more eye-catching look. Whether made of precious metals, wood, or Lucite, these bold rings will definitely show you’ve got your finger on the pulse. You can get Ciara’s gold and jet stone ring by Kenneth Jay Lane, $75, at vivre.com, and the patterned wooden version, $16, at urbanoutfitters.com. For more big rings and other stylish trends, check out our new issue on newsstands now.

Splurge:
Alexis Bittar silver Lucite “Biba” stone ring, $295, www.alexisbittar.com — even better, save 20% on regularly priced jewelry from April 27 to May 24 by entering PEOPLE at checkout.

Sheila Fajl “Large Round Ring,” Quartz with 18kt gold plated brushed band, $250, at nordstrom.com.

Steal:
Forever 21 “Rhinestone Ring,” $5 at forever21.com.

Phuze “Nubi” glass ring, $37, at ” target=”_blank”>unicahome.com.

Photo: Scott Gries/Getty; jeff harris

(more…)

Who hasn’t gotten bored with her hair, taken the scissors and chopped away? For most of us, it’s one of those regrettable beauty experiments like over-tweezing your eyebrows. But unlike the rest of us who end up awful version of a bob or crooked bangs, Rumer Willis actually looks great! “I kind of just wanted to chop it off and try something different,” Willis told PEOPLE at last week’s Diabless Boutique opening in Los Angeles. The daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis cut the short, sassy ‘do the week before and is looking forward to wearing it up in a mohawk, according to a pal. With her svelte new body and funky haircut, Rumer is definitely becoming as fashionable as her mom. What do you think of Rumer’s new ‘do? What was your worst haircut ever?

Photo: Marcos/BuzzFoto

(more…)

Do not readjust your sets — these bold black and white lines are supposed to be there. With their off the shoulder or asymetrical neckline and graphic impact, these dramatic dreses are a mash-up of the ’80s glam revival and the 60’s mod trend of the past year. From Sienna Miller’s Calvin Klein to Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B to Thandie Newton’s Giles Deacon dress, the trend is making a big statement on some pretty big style icons. In all fairness, it’s not the the easiest trend to pull off (remember what your mother told you about horizontal stripes not being flattering?) but a sharp silhouette and minimal accessories is definitely the way to go. Tell us: Is this a trend you’d try?

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!

Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty; Ethan Miller/Getty; Vince Maher/WENN

(more…)

Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Corinne Bailey Rae aren’t the only British imports we’re excited about this year. Boots, the premiere U.K. health and beauty retailer, has finally made all its affordable and all-natural brands—there’s five in all—available stateside at both Target and CVS. And, we couldn’t be happier that we don’t have to wait ’til we travel to London to purchase some of our fave products, including the No. 7 Stay Perfect Lip Lacquer in tea rose, $11, which really does last. Or the Botanics Skin Conditioning Body Scrub, $12, that makes our skin feel sooo smooth. We also highly recommend the No. 7 Restore & Renew serum, $20, an anti-wrinkle cream that actually measures up to all those expensive prescription versions. After it was featured and proven to work on the BBC2 science series, Horizon, the serum sold out in 24 hours in the U.K. We’re not the only ones loving of all things Boots. The company has loads of celebs fans including Kate Winslet, Madonna, Heidi Klum, Mischa Barton, and Demi Moore. Get your own Boots products on Target.com or cvs.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Boots

(more…)

Kirsten Dunst is out and about in a big way right now, promoting her new movie Spider-man 3 from Tokyo to London. Sure, we’re excited for the next Spidey adventure, but what’s really got us on the edge of our seats is her ever-changing makeup! She started in Tokyo (top right) with purple-tinged eyes and pale gloss, amping up the color to a bright berry for the Japanese photocall (bottom left). Once in Europe, she switched to a pale mauve lipstick and a relatively bare face for a press conference in Rome (bottom right), to wind up with dramatic dark red lips and silver eyes at the London premiere. We’re totally impressed with her versatility — and her makeup artist. Tell us: Which look do you like best for Kirsten? Nude lips, mauve lips, berry lips or dark red lips?

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

Photo: Lewis/WireImage; Charbonneau/WireImage; Sato/WireImage; Antonelli / Rex USA

(more…)