The bible according to Elle Woods will soon roll out a guide on all things style and beauty. The editors at Cosmopolitan Magazine essentially took some of the best beauty advice they’ve written and put together a guide for readers. It’s fantastic. I was able to take a peek through, and it seems like this how-to was made for gals like me (impatient, lazy, engaged only when pictures are involved). Bursts of information cover page after page. In addition to the last word in beauty, there are vibrant images and little blurbs to support the “how-to’s.” And for someone who needs it spelled out, this book is perfect.

Some beauty guides just pack way too much information into a crap layout. Cosmo took their glossie editorial skills and put them to good use. The smudges of lipstick and eyeshadow. The tubs of eye cream and body scrubs. Even the circular drops of nail polish just pop off the page, inviting you to read more on the art of application. From self-tanner to a voluminous hairdo, Cosmo’s Sexiest Beauty Secrets are jam-packed with everything you need to make you feel your very best.

This guide inspired me to test out some new eye shadows and switch up my lip color. I usually play it safe with a pale gloss, but the weather as of late in NYC is depresado (depressing). So I’ve decided to switch it up and go for a rich plum instead. Baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

One section I gravitated towards was EYES. Did you know you should prep your eyelids with shadow primer before applying eye shadow? It will make the color pop more and allow it to last longer. Done and Done.

Cosmo’s Sexiest Beauty Secrets make you want to work on kicking the beauty regimen up a notch. Their mission is to make you feel your prettiest, and this guide is a surefire way to get you out of bed on Monday morning screaming “Hell yeah. It’s time to try electric blue eyeshadow!” Ok, perhaps maybe with a little less fervor. The more we try new ways to up the beauty quotient, the better we’ll feel inside.

Cosmo’s Sexiest Beauty Secrets hits bookstores on April 6th (paperback, $16.95 Hearst Books/Cosmopolitan)

images via Cosmopolitan and Amazon.com

Winter is only useful if you ski or don’t like socializing with others. That head of hair might as well be in hibernation mode, because the cold weather does nothing to make it want to get out there and shake its tailfeather. Chin up, celebeauties. Spring is here and Pantene’s celebrity stylist, Hallie Bowman, shares her tips on making something out of that thing sitting limp and sad-sack on your head.

She says:

Last season, we saw a lot of conventional looks – super sleek, tamed texture, perfect twists and classic chignons. When I think spring, I think unexpected playfulness, so I’m excited that the hair trends I’m seeing are in synch with the essence of the season. Classic styles will go to the extreme or, as I like to think, depressed winter hair is finally ready to be exposed again, yet looks will still maintain a genuine romantic feel that reflects the positive mood of warmer weather.

• My term for a favorite trend I’m seeing – “Urban Romantic.” Hair is tightly pulled back in a pony with lots of wisps in front to frame the face. Instead of a completely sleeked-back method, adding texture can show off your personality. Crimp for attitude, wave for elegance or spiral for romance – style how you feel!

• Bows will be out in full force for spring, think huge 80’s-style Madonna bows. To counter an angelic sentiment bows usually portray, it’s time to be clever with your bow style. Disheveled, punky hair surrounding the bow gives a carefree, yet put-together look all at once.

• Be prepared for the relapse of the thick, heavy eyelash touching bangs…it’s coming back.

Lastly,

• Lots of frizz will be in, frizzy curls included. Don’t bother repressing wild texture: embrace it, live it, love it. Free your frizz with intention and purpose, but don’t forget to polish your ends, try the Pantene Pro-V Smooth Serum, as you don’t want to lose total control.

This works out perfectly for me. I’m lazy, disheveled and haven’t worn a big bow since the fourth grade. I’m letting my freak flag fly and assuring concerned bystanders that Pantene said I could do this.

[Images via AlexandraEvjen.com ]

Our fashion motto this Spring? Bright, easy and breezy! That’s why we’re loving Recession Denim’s new Gypsy line.

Designer Daniella Siri’s mission is simple: to provide high quality and stylish denim at a price that won’t break the bank. Her “jeanious” collection features the Gypsy Pant, Dress, Shirt and Skirt, all made out of the same silk/cotton blend. This lightweight material is loose-fitting, comfortable, and can easily be dressed up or down. We picture donning it as we dash across town, with cute flats and a fitted tunic, coffee in hand.

This new line has already garnered the attention of celebrities like Lindsay Lohan.

LiLo with Designer Daniella Siri

The latest styles will be sold at Atrium, National Jean Company and Fred Segal. Styles range in price from $115-$130.

When we laid eyes on Cha Cha bags, we danced around in delight by our closet…and imagined the fashion-forward possibilities. This clutch with that skirt. That hobo with this dress.

Simple, yet stunning, a Cha-Cha bag is bound to be your new best friend. Each design is hand crafted from luxurious leather and lined with organic canvas. A select portion is even made from salvaged leather. How eco-chic!

This line was created three years ago by Lori Chalmers, who admits she has a bag fetish herself! Lori’s styles have been celebrity arm candy…seen on starlets like Lady Gaga, Fergie, Denise Richards and Audrina Patridge. Bags range from $85 to $500.

Before you check out the collection, check this out: The Celebutante Sisters have an exclusive coupon code. Log on to ChaChaLifestyle.com and enter “celebutantesisters” at checkout for 15% off. Let us know what you get!

If you have time, check out Betsey Johnson’s video archive. She has fashion shows from back in the 70’s and 80’s posted. It is so much fun comparing the styles to this year’s runway hits. (Be sure to check out her YouTube channel for even more videos.)

Here is a fashion show from 1979. Enjoy!

Like a moth to a flame, the Celebutante Sisters were instantly drawn to clothing label Mothe.

The collections are like modern works of art, with sleek, clean lines, blocks of color and fine fabrics. Each piece has a chic detail that sets it apart from the crowd: a skin baring cutout, old-school piping, a thick, glam belt, a ruffle. Simple, yet sophisticated, Mothe clothing can easily take you from the office to the party scene.

Mothe founder May Kosaka draws from her studies in computer science and fashion when designing her line of dresses, tunics, tops and more. What else inspires this Big Apple based gal? What is her latest collection all about? Check out our EXCLUSIVE interview with talented designer May Kosaka.

Why did you decide to create your own line of womenswear?

When I started MOTHE, I felt there was a real void in fashion in New York, and generally in the US. I felt like I had a strong voice & vision that I wanted to get out there. Initially, getting a degree in computer science allowed me to explore the practical & logical part of my mind. Sculpture, specifically fabric sculpture, was something I wanted to pursue to bring what I thought was a powerful voice & vision to realization.

What is the philosophy behind Mothe?

To create flattering clothing that’s interesting to look at, like pieces of art, but comfy & cozy enough to be wearable every day.

A ruffle here. A cutout there. Your attention to detail is amazing. Still, you can wear these styles just about anywhere and dress them up or down. They are so multi-purpose! Was that one of the goals in creating this line?

Yes. I’m a working girl, too. I go to meetings. I have to run around the Garment District as part of my work. I need warm layers for winter and light ones for summer. I need clothes for down-time as well as for parties. City life and modern living in general requires a wardrobe that can go from day to night, from casual to party-life, with just a little clever styling. I like to make clothes that women can actually wear comfortably, and will love wearing.

What is the concept behind the Winter 2009 collection?

The Winter 2009 collection is called Shelter. The idea behind it comes from the deep need for comfort in winter months. I’m a person who needs to pile up the layers when the temperature goes down, and to cuddle with a boyfriend & reconnect with old friends when the somber short days & long nights of winter bring me down. This idea developed further into the idea of the womb, and then an egg, and actually most of the designs were inspired by the shape of a shark egg, or mermaid’s purse, this leathery, curvy, alien-looking pouch with tendrils that you can sometimes see washed up on the shore in the autumn.

What was the inspiration behind the Spring 2010 collection?

The Spring 2010 collection is inspired by the idea of molting, which is when animals such as birds, insects, and reptiles, shed their earthy-colored skins & feathers in the Spring to reveal vibrant & more attractive colors for the purpose of attracting a mate. The story that specifically inspired me was the plight of the cicada, which lives underground for 17 years, sucking off the sap a tree root. Then within a week in late summer, hundreds of them come up for the first time in their lives, latch onto the tree’s bark, and shed their brown exoskeletons overnight, revealing a white body which turns to black by morning, blood-red eyes, and amber-framed wings. They fly around for one summer in order to find a mate, then die shortly after. What a story!

If you could dress any three celebrities in Mothe, who would you pick and why?

Bjork and Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, because they live completely by instinct, something which I’m still learning to do, and because they do and wear whatever they feel like. I don’t really know any other celebrities. I guess I don’t follow pop culture that closely :-)

What are your hopes for the future?

To build the company slowly, so that I can control the quality of the clothes & evolution of the “look”, and also so that I can build a loyal following. To push myself further to develop my aesthetic with every collection, so that my vision is clearer & the designs are stronger every season.

Check out more Mothe designs (and find out where you can buy them) after the jump!

This holiday season, we’re all jazzed up about sequin covered threads and accessories. These sparklers aren’t just for dance costumes and playing dress up anymore. Whether you’re a blazer kind of girl or you love to don dresses, There are plenty of ways to go for the glitter without going all disco-ball!

Pair a sophisticated sequin tank with a cardigan or blazer for the office. When the sun goes down, throw on a shimmery shift dress for date night.

You can even go for a touch of sparkle and throw on an accessory smattered with the stuff. A chic headband or skinny scarf will add a punch of the trend without glaring at you every time you look in the mirror.

Ready for your shining moment? Try these styles on for size….

Badgley Mischka Platinum Women’s Humbie Open Toe Pump (The sequins are reversible!)

Price: $200 on Endless.com.

Velvet Kylea Sequin Tank

Price: $152 on Shopbop.com

Sequin Halo Headband

Price: $12.00 on FreePeople.com

Betsey Johnson Sequin Knicker Leggings

Price: $99 *(Marked down from $200). Sold out online. Call a Betsey Johnson location near you for more information.

Alice + Olivia Sequin Mini Dress

Price: $495 on NeimanMarcus.com

Check out the rest of our picks after the jump!

Blake Lively and Chace Crawford aren’t the only celebrities you’ll catch on Gossip Girl. The latest clothing and accessories out there always have a co-starring role!

In last week’s drama-filled episode, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) struts her collegiate hallways in a gold lame dress by Oscar de la Renta, a burgundy-quilted bag, gold bangles, and – Alexandre Birman python booties.

Alexandre Birman’s shoe collection is handmade and uses the finest suede, leather and patent leather for an authentic and trademark reptile look. You can shop Birman’s styles at retailers like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman and Intermix.

Find the stilettos Blair modeled on BergdorfGoodman.com for $750. (They sure don’t come cheap, but they are pretty to look at!)

They’ve been spotted draped across starlets like Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Minillo and Jessica Alba.

They’re the must have accessory this season and a personal fashion favorite of the Celebutante Sisters. We’re talking about Tolani Scarves. Knot them up and wear them with skinny jeans and tees, dress up a sassy sweater dress, throw them on when you feel the Fall chill… the possibilities are endless.

Craving a scarf to call your own? We’ve teamed up with chic online boutique Chickdowntown.com to give one lucky reader this gotta-have-it Tolani Brown Pebble Scarf (Retail value: $85):

Oversized with a flurry of fringe, this brown and cream scarf will have you turning heads as you strut your stuff! Simply leave a comment below giving us an example of a cool outfit you’ll create with this hot accessory! This giveaway is open to both domestic and international readers. (Note: International readers are responsible for any customs fees.) The winner will be announced on Monday, November, 16, 2009. Keep your eyes peeled for more ways to enter in our weekly newsletter. Good luck everyone!

Be sure to log on to Chickdowntown.com to browse the latest and greatest styles. Don what the celebrities are wearing with designers like Jules Smith, LNA, J Brand, Gypsy 05, Alice + Olivia and BB Dakota. Follow @Chickdowntown on Twitter and enter the fab site’s daily giveaways!

From the streets of New York to the Hollywood hills, stars like Katie Holmes and Jessica Biel are mad about plaid!

The look is laid back, but the prices can be anything but! Some tunics and button-ups cost more than $200! Want to score a plaid print for less? Here are some stylish versions of this star-worthy-staple….at prices that will have you calling the fashion police! Check it out:

Mad About Plaid

Elizabeth and James’ signature plaid shirt is totally rad, but at $245, we’re left drooling over it from afar.

Here are four lovely versions for less:

Madewell Lille Plaid Blouse

Price: $68 on Shopbop.com

Plaid Tunic

Price: $48 on ShopIntuition.com

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Boyfriend Flannel Top – Yellow Check

Price: $15 on Target.com (We recently wore this shirt with skinny jeans and cowboy boots and got a slew of compliments. For $15, you can’t afford not to scoop it up!)

Banana Republic Ruffle Bib Plaid Shirt

Price: $70 on BananaRepublic.com (We chose this sweet style because the ruffle and feminine fit will set you apart from the crowd!)