A couple of weeks ago, the epic Take My Breath Away came on the radio, to which my friend exclaimed “OMG, the theme song from Clueless! You know at the end where…?”

Though most people alive today would immediately associate this song with Top Gun, the fact that this association with Clueless immediately popped into my friend’s head is just one of the many examples as to how Clueless and Alicia Silverstone defined our early teenage years.

Who wouldn’t have wanted that gorgeous blonde hair, the biggest house on the block, the best wardrobe, the chance to actually be the most popular girl in school, and to end things dating Paul Rudd? Um…AS IF!

While the girls in Cluless certainly had their setbacks, there was never any questions that Cher was going to come out on top. This was the girl who could fix anything, anybody and any wardrobe malfunction. And phrases like “Total Betty” somehow rolled off her tongue effortlessly. While the rest of us could try and imitate Cher, it was impossible; she was one of a kind, and the best that we could do was look to her for some important life lessons. Read More »

Confession time: I’m a shopaholic. Bags are my weakness. So are boots. I’m obsessed with dark washed jeans and oversize sunglasses and Rachel Bilson’s entire wardrobe.

Needless, to say I take the time to make outfits out of all of these clothes that I acquire. I read magazines and blogs and spend far too much time trying to find the perfect outfit for every occasion. So yes, I am a woman who often worries about her appearance, or at least the appearance of her clothes. And I’m not afraid to admit it, much to the disapproval of the likes of Sandra Bartky.

I first encountered this feminist writer in my Philosophy and Feminism class last semester, when reading her article, Foucault, Femininity, and the Modernization of Patriarchal Power. Bartky discusses the roles men and a male dominated society (i.e.: the patriarchal power), play in the way in which women portray themselves. Women, she claims, feel as though they are constantly being watched by a male power and as a result, we feel it necessary to take part in this “beautification process” society has thrust upon us.

The process of beautification, she claims, is insignificant. It is a practice women take part in only because they feel they have to. Women, Bartky claims, feel as though they must always look perfect, as though they must always strive for the ideal. They are never good enough, but always reaching, always working in an attempt to please that nonexistent gazer. From waxing our eyebrows to straightening our hair, its all for someone else. And by conceding, Bartky explains, the patriarchy remains in control. Men continue to have the power. Read More »

Since the 5th grade, when I began my dating career and had my first closed-mouth kiss, I have been developing some pretty serious opinions about guys and the things they should and shouldn’t do. From fashion choices to their decisions about personal hygiene, it seems that some members of the male sex are still confused and clueless when it comes to putting themselves together. Below are six common mistakes guys make when trying to bring on the sex appeal that only end up looking, well, really unappealing. Take note, guys.

Chewing/Spitting Tobacco:
In the timeless film “Clueless,” Cher explains that drawing attention to your mouth is the number one way to draw the attention of a member of the opposite sex. I would agree, for the most part, unless we’re talking about chewing tobacco. When I see a guy spit that horrific brown goo into an empty Poland Springs bottle, or pack that junk into his lower lip, I want to vomit. If you must give in to your oral fixation, chew some gum or suck on a lollipop. Turquoise Orbit is my favorite, if you’re interested.

Wife beaters and too-tight muscle T’s:
I totally understand that guys work hard in the gym, grunting and groaning and pumping iron until they are ready to pop a blood vessel, and that they are proud to show their goods off. But wearing regular clothing can be equally revealing. Wife beaters belong at the Jersey Shore, or in bed if you don’t feel like hitting the sheets shirtless. And too-tight muscle T’s are just a recipe for bad sweat stains. Steer clear of both. Read More »

Prominent themes in tonight’s episode of Gossip Girl included “Change of Heart,” “Tumultuous Backstories,” and “Going on Day-Dates in Lingerie.” Damn, I love this show.

Where shall I begin? Let’s start with the bad and work our way up to the “OMG!” Little J and Agnes had a change of heart, which prompted a fight, an attempted betrayal, and a nutso Agnes lighting the J. Humphrey Designs dresses on fire in an alley. Hey, at least Agnes admitted to being crazy.

Meanwhile, (perhaps the biggest 180 of them all) former ice crotch Eleanor Waldorf falling in love (gasp!) with Cyrus, played by Wallace Shawn, a funny looking little man you may recognize from Sex in the City, Clueless or The Princess Bride. Anyway, of course Blair is not pleased, and sets out to destroy the budding romance. Read More »

(We’re back with another weekly installment of G.W.W.E [Guys We Want to Eff]. Ladies, say hello to delicious actor, Paul Rudd. The hunk has been making us laugh till we cry for years on the big screen, so when we’re not deciding between tickling him and cuddling up by his side, he’s certainly tops on our effable list!)

Ask any self-respecting woman what she looks for in a man, and likely among her responses is “the ability to make me laugh.” Look no further than Paul Rudd, the thirtysomething hunk from such smash hits as Anchorman and Knocked Up. When I wasn’t peeing my pants in the theaters, I was drooling over ol’ Paulie. Personality AND looks? Check, check.

And it’s clear I’m not alone.

While he may be known best for his blockbuster roles in Judd Apatow films, he’s also been featured in such landmark comedies as Clueless (duh!) and on television’s Friends as Phoebe’s husband (she was always my favorite Friends chick…so jealous she snagged Paul before the rest of us!). As such, Paul’s effability has been shown to stand the test of time. What could be better than that? (Editor’s Note: effing him, that’s what.)

Mr. Rudd’s new film, Role Models (co-starring the also-scrumptious Sean William Scott) opens today and looks to be his most promising role yet, since there’s nothing more effable than a funny boy who also takes time to hang with kids. You can join me in the movie theater while I fan myself and laugh to death. Or you can stay home with The Great Gatsby and and your Paul Rudd fantasies.

Any takers?

Sometimes, it’s not enough to make your own fab entrance at a Halloween Party; you and your whole crew need to be noticed. On the other hand, sometimes your crazy costume idea is so unique that nobody will get it… unless your faves are by your side to complete the picture. Want to make the biggest splash this Halloween (and have some killer bonding time with your buds as you shop, create, and play dress up)? Here are just a few ideas for some great group costumes. And most of them can be done on a budget!

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As if we weren’t oversharing enough these days, the interwebs have taken it one step further.

Yes, ladies, in addition to showing everyone how well you can shotgun a beer, who you took to that last date party and what you are doing at every. possible. second., now you can tell everyone what you are wearing too!

Weardrobe.com, “your online fashion closet,” is a new site where you can show the world everything in your closet! Because we care! Because I sit at my computer wondering just what some random girl in California (with a much larger budget than me, I might add) is wearing to the beach on Sunday. Because I need to see a collection of photos of girls in giant sunglasses.

The main premise of the site is to “build” your online wardrobe, but I just don’t get it. You are not even building it with real things. It would be one thing to add photographs of the stuff you actually own, but this site just has you choose from random icons to throw in your fake closet. Like Louboutins and Prada slides.

Then, your friends are supposed to help you create an outfit. With icons! WTF? This is like the Sims meets Neiman Marcus. Read More »

Concept: Knife pleats/Issey Miyake

Once upon a time in late 2006, I really needed a job. I hopped on Craigslist, blindly sent out a couple of resumes, sat back and watched the replies roll in. One such interview opportunity came from Soho’s own Pleats Please by Issey Miyake store. Why would anyone want to wear that many pleats?, I asked myself, unable to shake the image of Alicia Silverstone in Clueless from my head. So I never responded. And now I am regretting it. Not only have I discovered how the high-fashion futuristic feel of tiny knife pleats is about as far as one can get from looking like a “Baby One More Time” video reject; I have also learned that the construction of tightly-pleated fabric allows it to stand up and out in a way that wouldn’t otherwise happen with the same material components! Plus, the brand name is polite! Check out how Miyake’s pieces are made!

I know not everything I write about will be wearable or, mostly, affordable, for most college students, or most people. But, if you’re willing to try, there are probably plenty of look-alikes available at your local thrift shop. I just picked up a metallic blue crumpled/pleated dress at The Vintage Thrift Shop in Flatiron and a to-die-for black pleated scarf from Reminiscence in Chelsea. The aforementioned aren’t even wildly-priced designer vintage spots, but mid-to-low-priced stores, devoid of pretentious waif-like salesgirls to boot. SVA students, I hope you’re listening! Read More »

Bust out the Jiffy Pop b*tches, we’re about to take a stroll down memory lane.

Movies aren’t always just entertainment, and though these films seemed like harmless teen flicks at the time, I see clearly now that they’ve truly effected my maturation into adulthood. Plus, they’re awesome.

1. CAN’T HARDLY WAIT

To this day, I still have a girl crush on Jennifer Love Hewitt. I mean, who didn’t want to be her when this move came out? Plus, Ethan Embry = adorable and Lauren Ambrose = truly kick ass. Read More »

Celebdom is full of run-of-the-mill gorgeous people. We all fantasize and have our little lists of who we’d hook up with… but there are some that you just don’t talk about. Those famous people who aren’t exactly of the pre-Angie Brad Pitt reputation.

I have a list of celebrities I find attractive but maybe shouldn’t admit are attractive. These are not the Justin Timberlakes or David Beckhams, but instead, some questionable characters that I (secretly?) feel deserve some consideration:

Chris Brown. He is 18, and therefore I am allowed to judge him. He can dance. And I love that stupid “Kiss, Kiss” song, something I also am a little embarrassed about. I found his stint on the OC rather ambitious. He is kind of adorable.

Jon Stewart. At only 5’7″, he doesn’t meet my usual height requirement. But he’s hilarious. He’s smart. He played soccer at William and Mary. I love him. Read More »