And the ball kept rolling through 2009. Spears ditched the douche bags (who can forget Sam Lutfi and Adnan Ghalib?) and wigs, got back in the recording studio and went on a world tour. She secured an endorsement deal with Candies, she showed up on the cover of magazines again, she had multiple hits, and she got back partial custody of her children. Yeah, it was a pretty great year for Ms. Britney.

But I have to ask: despite all that, is Britney really back?

While she may have given up the hourly Starbucks runs and love affairs with the Paparazzi, I find it difficult to look at Britney as the mega super star I once stalked after a concert (true story – her giant body guard was not happy). I, like most young girls, idolized Britney. She was hot, world famous, a trend setter, talented, and her songs were the best.

Now, she’s hot, but after watching her self destruct, I can’t look at her and not see the very talented team that is so obviously dictating her every move.

Sure, she took a world tour, but her performances were mediocre.
Yeah, she’s had some major hits, but it’s impossible to ignore her manufactured voice.
And she may look super hot in those new Candies ads, but all I see is the girl who was put on Psych lockdown playing the part of a sexy pop starlet because that’s what she’s been told to do.

I think Britney’s people have done a great job of bringing her back this past year and I can’t thank them enough for “If You Seek Amy,” but I’ll never be able to put Britney back on the pedestal on which she once stood. Hard as I try, I can’t see her as the world’s pop princess, a fashion icon, or anything else she once represented.

I’ll still play her music while I work out and I’ll dance to it when I’m at the bar, but let’s face it, people: Britney 2.0 is just a watered down version of of greatness.

Nothing says holiday spirit like talking about Lady GaGa’s “Christmas tree,” which, FYI, is delicious.

Leave it to Lady to take the phrase “Ho, ho, ho” literally. I’ve never heard so many Christmas-themed sexual innuendos in one place as I have in her new holiday song featuring Space Cowboy. In fact, I didn’t even realize so many existed. I’ll never be able to look at a Christmas Tree the same again. Not that I’m surprised; I’m just impressed GaGa beat Britney and Lil Jon to it.

Thanks to this new jam, I’ll never be able to kiss under the misteltoe again without picturing Lady Gaga stripping off her unitard and showing off her tree in honor of the birth of the baby Jesus. Oh, the thought alone just gives me the shivers.

(Note: I realize there is nothing to see in this video. And you should be glad. After the hot mess that was Bad Romance, lord only knows what The Gags would do for this one…)

We want berry lips like Megan Fox.

Green jobs are best for recent grads.

Is Miley Cyrus single?

14 tips to look better in the buff.

Oh no. Kristen Stewart is so gonna ruin Dakota Fanning.

There are so many difficult choices in life (do we love or hate high heels??), so we thought we’d sort through ‘em right here. Every week we will discuss another issue we are torn up about. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!]

So, we now all know what Twitter is. I can guarantee that you either Twitter yourself, have a friend who Twitters, or know a celebrity that Twitters (and creepily internet-stalk them).

Since its launch in 2006, Twitter has gained roughly 5 million users, coming in 3rd in the social network sites, with 2nd going to MySpace and 1st place to Facebook. It’s actually kind of like the status updates on Facebook, without all the wall posts and bumper stickers (and those annoying pokes). But sometimes I do miss a good laugh at a not-so-attractive FB picture (*untagging now), and a friendly poke now and then isn’t so bad. So Twitter: I’m torn.

Love it:

I do quite like Twitter, because just like FB, it’s a great social networking site that allows you to keep in touch with friends. But more than that, it allows me to take a peak into the lives of some of my favorite celebs and, in a sense, live vicariously through them (which helps me when I’m studying in the library and wishing my life were as thrilling as Britney’s with an ‘e’).

Ever heard of the KISS principle? Well, Keep It Simple Silly is just what the founders of Twitter had in mind when they thought of the easy user interface and simple instructions for beginners to the blogging world (even my great aunt uses it – that should say something). Speaking of simplicity, I absolutely LOVE the 140-word limit; say goodbye to those annoying paragraph status-updaters who feel the need to give every intricate detail about what is going on in their lives and their pets’ lives. This space limitation has led to an interesting new  language of “Twitterverse,” which is totally better than the over-used “ROFL” (or, in my brother’s case, “ROFLEW”- rolling on floor laughing eating waffles). It definitely deserves its own dictionary.

And Twitter even has loads of fun applications you can add to make your Twittertime even better, like Twitpic, Twitterific, and Tweetie, and you can even hook your phone up to Twitter on-the-go. Now that’s what I call Twe-riffic.

Loathe it:

Those annoying people who have those long status updates on FB now have another place to annoy the world. Now half of your mini-feed consists of everything this particular ‘Thwumb” did every 5 seconds. Freaking Twitterati. Do we really need to know you’ve rediscovered your love for Backstreet Boys?

I also really don’t like the fact that we have no control over who “twadds”/follows us; it’s a bit creepy if you think about it. I mean, it’s cool and all that Obama twadded me, but my friend’s mom – not so much. And sometimes I miss all those unnecessary apps on FB, like Kick-ups and Scramble, not to mention the usefulness of FB for internet-stalking that cutie in your psychology class. A 140-worded insight can only get you so far. Sigh.

An unfortunate similarity to FB is that Twitter can get wayyy too addicting. As in not-doing-your-homework-and-just-surfing-through-random-tweets addicting. I myself am a self-diagnosed Tweetaholic, which is definitely not a good thing.

So, I love it and I hate it. And I just told that very fact to all of my followers.
What about you? Are you a Tweeter? (Yeah? Well, follow us on Twitter!)

Everything you need to look your best.

Is Fergie as Fergalicious as a brunette?

Watch out Denise Richards, rumor has it, that the show’s cursed.

What did Barbie teach you?

You could be Hef’s next Girl Next Door, literally.

Feud Alert: Miley Cyrus vs. Radio head! Which team are you on?

No cash? Check out these deals of the day.

Cher or Britney, who wore it best?

Watch out for these online dating red flags.

Like our previous girl crush, Natalie Portman, Maggie really does seem to have it all: beauty, brains, an impressive list of roles and award nominations, and a totally cute daughter named Ramona who took no toll on her model-like, 5 foot 9 inch body.

Whenever I’m discussing my female loves with friends, she always comes up as the “cool, retro looking” actress, and you gotta love an alternative to all the Paris Hiltons out there (no Paris, I do not want to be your new BFF). Her unconventional beauty reminds me of the Hollywood starlets of the past, and this paired with her immense talent qualifies her as my girl crush of the week.

Other reasons why we love her?

She has managed to avoid a negative rep and is never caught by the paparazzi looking cracked out or overexposed, which is more than some Hollywood moms can say for themselves. (Britney… Britney’s private parts…). She has a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and is very politically active, having spoken out against the Iraq war a number of times and campaigned on behalf of a number of political organizations.

In addition to starring in films, she performs onstage and sings – recently, she recorded songs for the soundtrack of the 2005 drama Happy Endings, in which she starred.

She’s starred in a ton of great movies ranging from the indie hits Donnie Darko and Secretary to the blockbusters Stranger than Fiction and The Dark Knight, and she manages to model for Miu Miu, Reebok and Agent Provocateur on the side. (She took over Kate Moss’s position as the face of the racy lingerie line, which gives her a ton of points…)

She’s not afraid of racy, spunky roles (she had a full-frontal nude scene in Secretary), and she’s not overly worried about what other people think of her. While breast-feeding her daughter, she was snapped sitting at a restaurant with her boob hangin’ out for the whole world to see. (I guess she over-exposed a bit here, but I still don’t think we can compare her to good old Brit…).

She has been dating actor Peter Saarsgard for 7 years, which is pretty rare among Hollywood starlets. She’s been quoted saying that they’ll “get married sometime in the next 20 years,” which I think is kind of cool. And she’s royalty! Her father, poet and director Stephen Gyllenhaal, is a descendant of a Swedish family ennobled by Queen Cristina of Sweden in the 1600s. She will star alongside John Krasinski in the upcoming movie Away We Go, which will be released this year.

Well, this spring break I’m doing things a little different; I’m going to think outside the box and break the souvenir norm. Who said souvenirs had to be “fun” or “safe”?

Gone are the days of snow globes, useless thimbles, ugly t-shirts and fragile shot-glasses. Instead, I have come up with five ideas of what to bring back from those sunny spring break cities. Whether you need gifts for your friends or mementos for yourself, these ideas will keep the memory alive for years to come.

1. A new last name: Why not pull a Mariah and come back with a hyphenate? There’s a reason celebrity vacations splash the covers of tabloids, and that reason is scandal. Nothing spells gossip like spontaneous beach-side nuptials. Friends and commitment-phobes alike will enjoy this souvenir, just remember to get Britney’s annulment lawyer before you sign your new name on the dotted line.

2. An STD: Burning, itching, and oozing bumps don’t necessarily sound fun, but think it through for a minute. STDs mean irresponsibility and spring break means a break from responsibility… see where I’m going with this? It’s hard to forget a hot spring break hook up when you have the clap as a reminder.

3. Sand: Ever get those little bottles of sand from some far away pristine beach? Why buy one when you can empty the sand that has unavoidably collected in every freaking crevice of luggage, pant leg and shoe imaginable.

4. Sun Burn: Tans fade but sun damage lasts a lifetime. Peeling, wrinkles, sun spots will suck the youth from your skin and surely remind you of those fresh faced college days when you are old and leathery.

5. Insufficient Funds: Maybe the meanest message that has ever appeared on an ATM, but still so meaningful. What do they mean? These two words mean airfare, mini bar charges, scuba lessons and a whole week worth of unaffordable fun. Your jet ski rentals may only last a week, but your debt will last far longer.

What are you bringing home from spring break this year?

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

I don’t know much about Lily Allen except that she’s from London, Perez likes to slam her and she has really cute bangs. Oh, and she uses hypnosis to lose weight? Weird.

But I don’t need to know what she does (she sings? Good to know). What I do know is that she thinks outside the box with her fashion choices and pulls together looks that we wouldn’t normally think of. Some are not so cute, but this shorts over tights/leopard print combo? Very cute. And a nice change of pace to wear out than that usual cleavage-y top or back-bearing dress.

We all ran far, far away from cut-offs after 1989 Britney’s love affair with them, but Lily Allen proves that they’re back. So, yank those badboys out of the closet and show some legs for a change. Yes, even in the winter!

Here is this week’s celebrity chic on the cheap: London Wears Short-Shorts.

Leopard Print Turtle Neck Top

I know, I know, we all wore leopard in 7th grade and had matching purses, but this animal print is all over the place this year and doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. Even Blair Waldorf was rocking it this week. Tuck this little guy into the shorts or, if the daisy duke thing isn’t your look, high waisted jeans or a black high waisted skirt should do the trick.

Shorts

How economical now that you can wear them all winter long! And you don’t even need to shave your legs. Sa-weeet!

Black Blazer

Throw it on and leave it open. It will keep you warm while tying the whole classy-chic look together.

Tights

The more opaque the better (to cover the cellulite that keeps you from wearing short shorts in the first place).

Pumps

It’s normal to feel stumpy in shorts, but with pumps, those legs will go on forever and ever and ever.

 Quilted Bag

Looks vintage. Looks designer. But with the price of Forever 21. I’d argue you can totally buy love, and it’s right here.

Alright people, let’s get two things straight. 1) I love (loooove) drinking and 2) I am pretty damn serious about my GPA. A paradox, I know, but one that has contributed greatly to my collegiate success (both in and out of the bars). Unfortunately these two qualities clash in a major way when my morning lectures (ok and sometimes afternoon classes if I’ve been hitting the Franz a little too hard) and hangovers coincide.

Naturally, my first reaction is to stumble out of bed, put on the first item of clothing that most nearly resembles sweatpants and yank a gym shirt over my head as I groan “ughhhhh” on the way out the door.

Sadly, professors and attractive classmates do not take kindly to my arrival in class looking like Britney circa February 2008–and chances are yours don’t either. So instead of being shunned for your dedication to class attendance (I mean, you’re making the effort right?!) I’ve thrown together a handy list of fashion saviors for even the most hungover of mornings.

You’ll look as put together as one possibly can after a night of hollering 80′s classics and harassing the bartender, and no one will be the wiser (except for the person sitting next to you enjoying your Eau de Skol…)

1. Headbands.

Last night’s silky tresses are now leaning more towards the dreadlock side, so sweep them into a low pony (or a messy bun if the case is severe enough to warrant it). Add a cute, skinny headband to add polish. Avoid thick or cloth headbands, which tend to emphasize your lack of coiffing. The pony will tighten the skin on your forehead and around your droopy eyes to make you look more alert. A headband sweeps the hair off of your face, giving you instant perk. Bonus: if your headband is metallic (think strands of silver, bronze or gold) the sparkle will add life to dull post-party skin and hair.

2. A nice jacket.

This staple can save you in the most extreme cases of morning after syndrome (even shacking!) If you have a cute bomber/blazer/ jean jacket handy you can salvage your look from the evening before. As long as your dress isn’t sequined, beaded or glittered (but I truly hope that glitter is not an issue unless you were at a 90′s themed party), throw your jacket over your dress, swap your stilettos for sandals (or steal a pair of his flip flops) and rock your dressed down cocktail attire with confidence. Disclaimer: DO NOT attempt if you don’t have access to necessary toiletries, make-up essentials and a hairbrush. Without those you will look like you’re Walk of Shame-ing it…straight to class.

3.Scarves.

If you go to school in a chillier climate, you probably are starting to have them handy. Luckily, even if you live in a warmer locale, scarves happen to be the biggest trend since trucker hats at the moment. Tie one on (tee hee) and revel in your fashionista look. Little do those jealous passers-by know that you are merely masking multiple hickeys and a hint of humiliation. Pair with a casual fitted shirt (weather permitting) and simple earrings. Layer on the bangles (both wrists girl!) to accessorize your cute look and throw on some sweet flats and no one will be the wiser that your casual chic is the result of a hangover.

4. F**king Fabulous Jeans.

You may want to buy them one size up to account for beer bloat (the ,Chuggin’ Queen of the Universe” comes with a price,babygirl), but any pair of denim that does wonders for your derrier, lengthens your legs and slims your thighs will lend you enough swagger to hide any remorse for your actions last light (although you should still apologize to that DJ you acosted for not playing the Hanson song you requested…5 times). It doesn’t even matter what you rock up top (but probably stay away from an extra large team hoodie…it screams hangover), just pair with some killer boots and sashay your cute butt into class.

5. Juicy Sweats.

It kills me to count them as even mildly fashion-savvy (because they’re not.) But I’ll be damned if they aren’t the most comfortable, annoyingly overpriced item I own (many times over). These suits are like chicken soup for my arms and hot fudge sundaes for my legs. Think of this outfit as a “break glass in case of emergency” ensemble. Only use it in the most extreme cases and DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT wear with Uggs, for God’s sake.

So there you have it. Looking cute hungover is not impossible, and it barely takes any forethought (a good thing, because I need all the snooze button repeats I can get when I’m hungover). Just don’t settle for the usual baggy/soft/dark qualities; throw open your closet doors and get creative–as creative as your headache will permit, at least. Don’t forget your extra-large sunglasses, a pop of blush and a Red Bull and you are on.your.way.

Britney’s video for Womanizer has hit YouTube and, hoping for another train wreck a la the 2007 VMA’s, we obviously watched.

Only it’s not a train wreck. In fact, it’s good. It’s hot. And she looks awesome. This is old Britney – not new “I’m drunk and crazy and shaving my head while chugging a Frapuccino” Britney.

Britney is back, bitches. Watch out.