|
|
« February 2008 |
Main
| April 2008 »
THIS spring, nearly every top designer has a "Cinderella" slipper, a shoe priced so high that it should come with a handsome prince -- or an hour with a male escort, at least. Christian Louboutin's webbed suede and button sandals sell for $1,345, while Versace offers a
$1,450 satin pump festooned with nothing more than a few tassels. Dior's platform slingback with beaded heel runs $1,030, while Balenciaga's pink and brown braided gladiator sandal goes for $1,375.
Then, there's the $1,045 Lanvin flat (pictured left) that should land at Barneys in Beverly Hills any day now. Already, women are salivating for this sandal adorned with a couple dozen leather-covered studs. Run, don't walk. There's a waiting list.
"Footwear is having its runway moment," says Marshal Cohen, chief analyst for New York market research firm NPD Group. Designers are "raising the cachet of the brand by having one extravagant style, and that one makes the other pairs seem more reasonable."
In other words, the glass slipper has shattered and consumers have resigned themselves to splurging. Case in point: You pick up a sandal and sigh with relief when it costs less than your
monthly car payment. And those sale endorphins surge when you see $1,000 platforms marked down to $675.
WHO'S READY TO BURN THEIR LOUBOUTINS AND GO BAREFOOT?
To read the rest of this article, click here.
Photos: Kirk McCoy , LA Times.
Over the weekend, two cheetahs attacked a women at an animal sanctuary in Florida. That's nothing compared to the mauling by Heath Ledger's uncle Down Under. The late actor's uncle--estranged from the actor's father, who is executor of his estate--has told an Australian newspaper that Heath may have fathered a love child when he was 17 years old. This is probably just the first joust from the embittered family. It's sad to think that Ledger's uncles, who are angry because the actor's father once bungled another inheritance, will besmirch his name just to get back at his dad. The Rage only wonders if someone at Star or Us magazine lost his job for not landing the story first.
Interestingly, a study in 2005 that was reported in The Christian Science Monitor revealed that "nearly 40 percent of those in the older generation say it is very important to pass financial assets or real estate to their children. Only 10 percent of baby boomers feel that way about passing assets to their kids. And only 4 percent of boomers are counting on an inheritance." The Rage ain't no economist or family planner but must say that a will is a terrible thing to waste. (Ledger's will dates back to 2003 and makes no provisions for his daughter.) Also, over the next 50 years, $41 trillion dollars will be bequeathed, according to the Boston College Center on Wealth and Philanthropy. Now, that could amount to a whole lot of family feuds.
photo: Gary Friedman for LA Times.
 The concept of beauty sleep sounds like a silly myth perpetuated by night cream ads. But according to a recent study at Nihon University in Tokyo, men who sleep less than five hours per night run a higher risk of obesity and diabetes. Apparently, lack of sleep spurs a certain hormone that triggers the appetite and men who don't put in serious pillow time awake with lower blood sugar levels. Dudes who eat chicken legs by the light of the fridge at 3:00 a.m. know this well. The seven-year study found that men were 1.36 times more likely to become obese if they didn't get their five hours of rest.
No doubt, Jared Leto (left) slept poorly when he gained 62 pounds to play John Lennon-assassin Mark David Chapman in the new movie, "Chapter 27." He told Sirius radio: "I would eat a large Dominoes pizza, every night for dinner. And then, it actually wasn’t any fun. Some people think ‘oh it was enjoyable’, but I was force feeding myself to such an extent that I would throw up in the back of my throat every day." Pizza backwash? Thanks, Jared. The Rage suddenly prefers Subway.
Photo: Peace Arch Productions; WireImage
 The Rage hit the Harry Benson exhibit opening the other night at the Pacific Design Center and watched Sharon Stone accost the 78-year-old photog for a private tour. The pictures are sensational--details of show at bottom. Here's the interview with Benson--a Scotsman as smooth as Bowmore Dusk whiskey--from this week's paper:
HARRY BENSON never befriends his subjects. The legendary Scottish photojournalist -- who has shot everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Halle Berry -- knows better than to name-drop too. "I never say, 'I know so-and-so' because it's likely that the person you're shooting will hate so-and-so," he says, with a chortle.
Social snubs and prickly rivalries, no doubt, swirled through the ballroom at New York's Plaza Hotel in 1966 on the night Benson photographed Truman Capote's notorious Black & White Ball. Tallulah Bankhead insulted Norman Mailer, Lauren Bacall spurned eager dance partners, and the host himself tried to physically block the exit when Frank Sinatra and then-wife Mia Farrow departed at midnight.
Hours earlier, Benson, who was 36 at the time, caught the grand retinue of 500 masked guests, as they arrived, including, most memorably, Sinatra and Farrow. That image is now part of an exhibition of Benson's photography at the Pacific Design Center.
"To this day, that was the biggest party I ever shot," Benson recalls. "Capote's ball was unique. Everyone wanted to be there. People who weren't invited went out of town.
"I was at the top of the stairs at 9 o'clock and caught Sinatra as he was walking in. He couldn't get past me. He felt really stupid in that mask. Someone had just yelled to him, 'Hey, there's Frankie Batman.' You can see the anger in his eyes behind the mask. He was this tough guy, thinking, 'What the hell am I doing here?' Mia Farrow had that precious, elfin look, but she was as tough as nails too.
"You had to wear a mask, but they all came off in the first hour. Everyone was afraid of Capote -- even Norman Mailer. Capote had a name for everyone. He called Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill 'the geishas.' I wore a tuxedo because I've always found that it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. I always wear a suit and tie when I am working -- even when I have covered wars. It's a matter of showing respect. I got into the second floor of the White House because I never looked like a maintenance man."
'Through His Lens: Harry Benson's Portraits of Our World'
Where: At Pacific Design Center, First floor, Blue lobby, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, (310) 360-6426.
When: Through May 31.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
How much: Admission is free.
photo: Harry Benson.
 While a recent University of Paris study revealed that blondes make men act dumber, it's the redheads who get them hot and bothered. A survey by Hamburg professor Werner Habermehl--reported by LBNelert.com--found that German women's sex lives could be categorized by their hair color. The researcher said that German redheads not only had more tussles in the bedroom, but they also had more sex partners.
Fun fiery facts: Only four percent of people have natural red hair; 2% of the US populationa re natural redheads. Redheads require more anesthesia than blondes and brunettes. They also don't go grey--rather their hair turns sandy and then white. The sales of red hair color and dyes has increased 17% since 2000.
photo: The Everett Collection.
The Rage has forever coveted Jean Seberg's jaunty look in "Breathless"--not to mention her very own Jean-Paul Belmondo. This morn, she found a website that will replicate the iconic "New York Herald Tribune" shirt from the 1959 film directed by Jean-Luc Godard in your choice of color or style for $19.99. Go to Neighborhoodies to pick out your own version. She
recommends the "Gun show" style for a
muscle tee, which would be super cute with capris and ballet slippers. Or the traditional tee with a higher collar. Go with white, of course. Could there be a better gift for a girlfriend than a DVD of "Breathless" and a Seberg-inspired tee? Non, non, et non. When the Rage gets her shirt, she might just shoplift a pack of gum to get in the spirit of the film.
Get the DVD here, from The Criterion Collection.
photos: Jean-Luc Godard, Criterion.com; Neighborhoodies.com.
 The Rage has written about her fear of having a daughter who capers about the kitchen, singing "My Lady Lumps" and pouts like Paris Hilton when I ask her to do her homework. Shudder. Just yesterday, Paris Hilton announced in Turkey that she sees herself as a role model for young girls. She went on to note to Reuters: "I work very hard and I've built this empire on my own. I think this is an inspiration for a lot of girls out there." Maybe for girls who strive to star in their own sex videos and don't want to wear underwear. It's interesting to note that in 1998, the British government tried to designate sanctioned role models through a "new initiative for women." The Spice Girls topped the list until Victoria Beckham (then Adams) and Mel Brown got pregnant and officials worried that teen girls would follow suit.
How do you encourage your daughter to pick the right role models? What would you do if your daughter announced that she wanted to be "Paris Hilton" when she grew up?
photo: Wally Skalij for LA Times.
An article in Variety, craftily penned by sly Andrew Barker, has Harvard alums whining about how they need better resources to break into Hollywood. Actress and Harv grad Mia Riverton says: "People talk about a 'Harvard mafia,' but it was never anything that was connected before. It had no infrastructure or focus beyond the schmoozy, old-boy networking stuff." (Just hearing that reminds me of this outtake from Animal House, which turns 30 this year.)
Um, Mia -- ever heard of the gazillion TV comedy writers who pen for Conan, SNL, and The Simpsons? They live off Hot Pockets and Skittles and snort at any variation on a scatalogical joke? Oh and has anyone else noticed that Harvard grads always manage to mention their alma mater in the first seven minutes of any meeting? It goes like this:
Harvard grad: "I love your sweater. Great color."
The Rage: "Thanks. I rarely wear red."
Harvard grad: "It's actually crimson. Reminds me of my Harvard days."
photo: Universal Studios, animalhouse.com.
 The economy may be collapsing like an undercooked souffle, but Americans aren't about to take it on the double chin. Rather, people keep spending money on plastic surgery -- the amount of cosmetic procedures performed in 2007 jumped 7% from 2006. That means that while 405,000 households foreclosed on their mortgages last year according to Money magazine, 12 million people had thier tummies tucked or their breasts done, per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (Breast augmentation was up 6% for 2007, while nose jobs dropped 7%.) Even more telling: facelifts increased 16% for men, while the amount for women jumped 14%. Pectoral implants for guys are up by 8 percent too.
So what have we learned? Our collective bosom is growing alongside our national debt. Call it a 36DD deficit. And men are just as vain as women.
Illustration: Anthony Russo for Los Angeles Times.
Word on the skinny street has it that Tyra Banks may be jumping ship from the S.S. ANTM. Ok! magazine reports that tension between the talk show host-model and photo shoot creative director Jay Manuel have reached vertigo proportions: THEY ARE NOT SPEAKING! OMG! Ok! also reports that Tyra snubs the contestants--when the cameras aren't rolling--and has directed her intense focus on her talk show. The Rage wouldn't miss Tyra and her preposterous expressions all that much? Would you? And did anyone else find it grossly distasteful that models recently swapped places with homeless people for a gritty, on the street photo shoot? Why didn't they ask Miss J. Alexander to teach them how to walk a runway strewn with dead rats and empty bottles of Thunderbird?
photo: The CW.
  In what might be a fusty organization's best ploy ever to get people to go climb a family tree, the New England Historical Genealogical Society has announced the bizarre family ties of candidates. Hillary Clinton is apparently related -- think 9th cousins, twice removed -- to Angelina Jolie. And she's got Madonna and Jack Kerouac as relations too. Meanwhile, Barack Obama's distant kin includes George W. Bush, Brad Pitt and Robert E. Lee. The Rage will gladly come to his family reunion and suck down a few Pabsts, thanks. John McCain is a sixth cousin of Laura Bush. (Clearly, McCain has no right to be our next president if he can't even muster up a 27th cousin like Jessica Simpson.) Genealogists spent three years tracing the limbs of these candidates. The society's website has a feature that allows you to trace your own genealogy, but it appears to be glutted at the moment with requests. Who's your most notable 87th cousin, nine times removed?
Photos: Jolie, Mark Boster/LA Times; Clinton, Barbara Davidson/L.A. Times
OVERHEARD: Two men -- mid-30s -- at 24 Hour Fitness in Hollywood, discussing calves on the abdominal abductors. They were strangers until their love of lower leg muscles brought them closer.
Man #1: Wow. Your calves, man. They're so, um, defined.
Man #2: Thanks. Yeah.
Man #1: Who did them? Which doctor?
Man #2: Oh. They're not implants. I don't even exercise for them. I think it's just genetics because my dad was a soccer player. He made us do squats growing up.
Man #1: That's really cool. You're so lucky. I wish my dad did that.
Photo: "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," Columbia Pictures
 The two-toned hair, the Nestle's Quik tan, the cleavage as collarbone? The Marc Jacobs new ad campaign confounds the Rage because it's, well, dumb and ugly. Don't get all Smith College on me here and say that the designer is commenting on the objectification of women as dolls or teapots or sex symbols. Victoria Beckham looks as hollow and vacant as the Lindt dark chocolate Easter bunny--now decapitated--in my refrigerator.
Marc Jacobs--spotted at Perez Hilton's 30th birthday party over the weekend--seems determined to position himself in the eye of the pop culture storm. The Rage wishes that he would devote himself to inspirations gleaned from more meaningful sources. Jacobs used to celebrate talented offbeat muses like Sofia Coppola.
photo: Juergen Teller Marc Jacobs.
Christian was on his way, someone promised. He forgot something, another publicist whispered. The event, a small dinner hosted by Full Picture Productions for "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano, had started almost an hour ago, and many guests were wondering if the designer had gone diva.
A situation not yet "fierce," but hardly a "hot mess."
"Ugly Betty" star Becki Newton wasn't budging until he showed. "I knew he was going to win on the first day, right?" she said, nudging her husband. He nodded. Why Siriano? "He had this confidence, and it wasn't feigned."
Indeed, Siriano, 22, had a certain something. For one, his distinctive lopsided coif made him look like a cockatoo with a nasty hangover. He even moved like a driven bird, pecking here and there, as he created a dress from Reese's Peanut Butter Cup wrappers.
When Siriano does finally arrive to this alfresco fete at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, we find out that he had forgotten his rack of "looks" and had to turn around. He saunters in wearing a vest of his own design with Cheap Monday skinny jeans and shoes by Comme des Garçons.
He is decidedly smaller than life. It occurs to me that I could probably abscond with him in my oversized Ferragamo bag. From my pantry, he would whip up a new outfit for me every morning and then feast on stale oyster crackers and lemon curd.
Wrong. Siriano has skinnier fish to bread and fry. Last night, Sienna Miller accosted him at the Chateau Marmont, he tells me. "I'm going to Victoria Beckham's house tomorrow," he adds, as we settle on a private bench to chat. Is he nervous? "No. I am just going to say, 'Hey, girl, what's up? Put these on!' "
He seems so relaxed one-on-one and refrains from saying the F-word -- "fierce." When someone brings up the recent "Saturday Night Live" sketch in which Amy Poehler parodied him exponentially, he laughs and says: "She did me better than me."
How very observant of him. Siriano -- who hopes to "brand" himself with a "couture-lifestyle-something" -- knows that he has etched out an image as defined as a Butterick pattern. Sure, he's supremely talented. But he also played the reality-TV game with canny precision by acting out, sniping about his colleagues and empowering firefighters nationwide to catcall, "We got a four-alarm hot mess, Sgt. Tranny!"
When rapper Eve strolls in moments later, she hurries to the corner rack of the designer's jackets and pants to coo. "His clothes are perfect for the music industry," she says, holding a black, punkish blazer to her breast. "So fff . . . " Here it comes. " . . . fashion forward," she says.
Eve doesn't need Siriano's F-word. She has her own brand to promote.
photo: LA Times.
 This tee reminds the Rage of how she never got that horse she begged for throughout her tender teen years--and there's nothing she likes more than to seethe about her childhood. Designed by Loyalty and Blood -- a line out of Brooklyn that sells on Etsy -- the top adds some edge to equestrian wear. You get homage to all things horsey in preppy green, but the muscle cut of the tee shirt deducts the cutesy factor. Just ordered it in M from Etsy.com, a website that you should know about if you dig hand-crafted clothes, jewelry, and ephemera.
The site just relaunched its "Alchemy" function, which allows you to request precisely what you would like crafted by an artisan and how much you plan to spend. For instance, one post today reads: "I would like 5 pairs of handmade earrings using shell or mother of pearl material. Color ivory/cream or a shade of brown, even pale
pink would be perfect. I want simple earrings that dangle. Earthy looking, yet feminine. These are for my bridesmaids!" Etsy members respond with bids and match your request and price.
How's that for customer service?
UPDATE: Got the shirt and here's how it looks on. The medium is a great fit.
 It starts with sidelong glances at the copier. Maybe he happens to walk by your office more often than not. You're bored as hell anyway. Tired of being called "our big career gal" at family reunions. Cut to: Make-out sessions in the supply closet. Um, did somebody call a meeting in the elevator between the 5th and 6th floor? All that to say the Rage loves a pussy-bow blouse, as seen on Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Secretary." For summer, this sweater with sewn-in blouse and neck tie from Aqua ($78) on Bloomingdales.com makes a great spouse to wide-legged pants or a pencil skirt. It is also the type of top that lends an air of professionalism when you return from the supply closet with nary a stapler.
Photos: Lionsgate Films; Bloomingdales.com
 You just got lucky if you're in the market for a wishbone necklace from Lena Wald. The yellow gold necklace is on sale for $140 (reg. $262) at Hautelook.com right now. Wald's diamond initial studs are also going at nearly half off -- $76 per letter.
The yellow gold angel wing
necklace--see right-- is also priced to fly at $365. Get over there quick, if you're game. These online sales happen fast and this one ends in about 13 hours. You will need to register to make a purchase -- it's quick and painless and free though.
 Girls in ties. The androgynous look has always intrigued the Rage because it's cool, unexpected and feels a bit like a 1980s Van Halen video meets Marlene Dietrich's dressing room. Yesterday was "Tie Tuesday" at our Image section and as you can see, I went with the straight on, cross-dressing style by pairing a silk, striped tie with a white Brooks Brothers oxford and many seasons old Piazza Sempione capri pants. My colleague, Ronit Nabi on the left of me, opted for a more Patti Smith -- as dressed by Karl Lagerfeld -- vibe with a skinny black tie, black blazer and strands of gold, pearl and ribbon necklaces. Emili Vesilind -- to the right of me -- went Katharine Hepburn-channels-Charlie Chaplin in a flounder-width tie knotted inches below her collar, cardigan and wide-leg jeans. It was fun to make a pact on Monday to man up and see how each of us interpreted the look. (FYI: getting your colleagues to try a trend collectively is highly recommended.)
Over at Ralph Lauren's Rugby.com site -- it reminds me of a CW version of "Dead Poet's Society" -- there's a great video tutorial on how to knot a tie and finagle a bow tie.
Next week? "Mohawk Monday" at Image. Who's in?
Photos: Erin Weinger; Rugby.com
 Designer Alexis Bittar likes big, bold accents--his signature jewelry line is perfect for women who talk with their hands and wave like prom queens. Cameron Diaz has been spotted in almost every one of the Brooklyn-based Bittar's designs and she recently told Vogue how much she adores his  jewelry. Right now, this hand-carved and hand-painted purple Lucite ring--left--with a faceted metal stone is on sale for $169, (down from $225). The Rage also digs this malachite and gold vermeil ring for a statement piece--priced down to $206 from $275. Talk to the hand, indeed!
photos: AlexisBittar.com.
 In homage to director/writer Anthony Minghella -- who passed away suddenly -- the Rage takes a quick peek at the fantastic look of "The Talented Mr. Ripley." If you haven't seen this wickedly good film, rent it pronto. (Watch it with a hunk of fine Pecorino and a bottle of Chianti at your side.) And style fiends should duly take note of the great costume design, by Gary Jones and Ann Roth. This picture of Gwyneth Paltrow -- looking like one of those rich American art patrons who jets off to Capri to find herself and then finds that she really likes young, Italian men and wicker baskets -- deserves  some mimicry. Here's the "Gilded Dawn" skirt from Anthropologie ($98) that's similar to the one in the film. Pair it with a white button-down shirt, tied at the waist, and some gold gladiator sandals. Love this Moroccan straw beach tote ($25) to complete the look. Get the book, on which the movie was based, by Patricia Highsmith for smart, savage summer reading.
The airfare to the Italian Riviera will cost a bit more.
Photos: Paramount Pictures; Anthropologie.com; Amazon.com
 The Daily News reports today that Halle Berry has spent up
to $60,000 kitting out her three nurseries. A few months ago, it was reported that Jennifer Lopez spent $45,000-plus on her three nurseries. We even got details from boutique Petit Tresor that Lopez bought two $1,250 crystal bunny chandeliers and matching hampers worth $1,000 for her precious twins. Isn't it fascinating that this boutique on Robertson Boulevard manages to divulge how much every star spends on her nurseries? Pretty vile, in fact. No doubt, the publicity in itself is factored into the negotiations and Berry probably spent a fraction of the $60,000 reported. Petit Tresor was sure to point out that Berry also carries a $1,200 Mia Bossi diaper bag. Watch that juice box, kid.
photo: LA Times; petittresor.com.
Target has announced its fifth handbag designer to create a limited-edition
collection: Monica Botkier. The line--a favorite of Jessica Alba and Angelina Jolie--is known for its satchels that sell for around $600 or $700. The Target line goes on sale on July 21 at selected stores and on Target.com. (These purses are from Botkier's own line.)
photos: Botkier.
In the April issue of Portfolio, a report on how book sales soar when a celebrity--like Drew Barrymore or Jennifer Garner-- is photographed
with it in hand. For instance, they report:
"Paris Hilton, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
The week after the photos of Hilton holding this guide first appeared, one edition
sold 3,000
copies—a 50 percent increase over the previous week. "
The Rage needs a drink. Maybe even a cigarette. Who the heck buys a book because of Paris Hilton? If people could purchase her IQ, would they do that too?
On a lighter note, Matthew McConaughey reads books while wearing a wet suit and headphones. Good Lord! Is there anything he can't do?
photos: People.com.
Once, while visiting Dublin, an Irishman said to me: "Why do you all wear green and shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day? We don't do that." No, sir. Nor do Italians in Sicily say "Fugget about it." Truth is, the Rage--being half-Irish--always wore a green turtleneck on March 17th when she was growing up. These days, she typically avoids an emerald ensemble even though her Dad leads a parade in Florida and his grandmother birthed 17 kids in County Cork. That probably comes from a decade of living in Manhattan. On St. Parick's Day there, it's best to avoid the guy weaving his way down Fifth Ave at noon wearing a green sweatshirt, top hat and button that reads, "Caution: Irish at play!" According to Irish folklore, the color green is considered to be unlucky in Ireland. Only if you suck down a gazillion whiskeys tonight and wake up wearing the same green clothes tomorrow.
Here's a wee primer on why the Irish wear green.
The iconic white shirt gets a style jolt, as Gap renews its Designer Collection series. 3.1 Philip Lim,
local hero Band of Outsiders and Threeasfour are a few of the notables who will put their sartorial spin on the classic. Last year, it was Thakoon and Doo.ri. The Rage rejoices. Every woman should own at least three two shirts--as the staple works for anyone, from punks like Patti Smith to proper dames like the late Lady Di.
photos: Smith, Arista Records; Lady Diana, Mario Testino.
5. Paris Hilton and The Kardashians are reportedly idols among young girls. Leave it to this troupe of foul mouthed females to bicker, snipe and out-slut each other for face time on their E! show. Apparently, blood ain't thicker than eyeliner. 
4. Hillary Clinton abuse. If anyone ever doubted that chauvinism was on the rise, repeat "Iron my shirt!" three times and then make yourself a stiff martini. Repeat, as needed.
3. A year after graduating from a four year college, women make 20%
less than men -- according to a 2007 study. That gap widens to 31% after 10 years.
2. It's not yet legal to lock your daughter away in your basement when she turns
5 to convince her that Eleanor Roosevelt, Joni Mitchell and Madame Curie are the new hotties in town and that all the girls are begging for an abacus. Um, has anyone else seen Bratz Super Babyz?
1. What if, some day, she wants to stay in that house and continue to rock Brett Michaels' world? Oh dear.
photos: Kardashians, E!; Working Girl; Michaels, VH1.com.
Is it just me or is J.Crew out of its celadon-hued, grosgrain-detailed mind for trying to sell a jacket
for $1,800? The "Pippa" calf-hair swing jacket (left) is labeled as a "limited edition" and according to the website, there is only one size left: a 6. Would you spend that much for a J.Crew jacket? The Rage can't even fathom coughing up more than $200 on anything at J.Crew. It's not like buying a Rick Owens leather jacket or a camel hair coat, which is a sound fashion investment. Now, this "Citronella" coat (at right) with its Peter Pan collar and flap pockets in cotton at $198 is much more like it. Retro, affordable, and no regrets if it doesn't last for a few years. Note: Went to try it on yesterday at the Grove and the length is perfect for jeans or wide legged pants. The knit jacket falls just below the hips and the color and cut make you feel like Mary Tyler Moore. Plenty in stock over there.
photos: J.Crew.com.
A blow out is like a piece of pizza in that there's really no such thing as a bad one. If your hair is frizzy or unmanageable, even a crummy blow out makes a big difference. But what is it with these $60 and $80 blow outs at salons? For $10 more, you can usually get a hair cut -- which comes with a blow out. Anyway, the Rage started slumming for blow outs about two years ago and last week, she found the best and cheapest -- Mimi at Fantastic Sams on Sunset charged $29.99 to blow out her long, thick and impertinent hair. That's the best price in town and also, this particular branch of the chain is in a mini-mall (easy to park) and somewhat unknown to blow out-addicted women. Mostly guys pop in for quick trims. Don't expect to be offered a latte, but the magazines are current and the women who work here are lovely.
Go see Mimi at 7111 Sunset Boulevard (corner of LaBrea); 323-272-7267.
Got a cheaper and better option? Let's hear it. Post below.
Exclusive: Paris Hilton has decided to
go domestic. The heiress--whose iconic fashion creations like copper metallic short-shorts sell at Kitson--has signed a reported multi-million dollar deal with Bounty to reinvent a household staple as a  must-have statement. She will design a line of super-absorbent paper towels. "I feel sorry for all those women who have to clean up gross spills in the first place," said Hilton. "Paper towels need some pizazz." A Bounty spokesperson would not comment on exactly how much the Hilton heiress will make for creating a "clean up collection."
Charmin is supposedly in talks with Lindsay Lohan about designing a line of tissues; Tampax is said to be circling Jessica Alba.
Okay, bogus. But it's really not all that far fetched, when you consider the ever growing roster of celebrity designers. Lindsay Lohan is now designing leggings, for pete's sake. The Rage would like to call out commenter "seen it all," who had this to say about the recent spate of star seamstresses: "Fashion is a joke when someone who can't sketch and can't sew can now be a "designer." Hey, I can stand around and tell someone to add a bow to a plain shirt--does that make me a designer?" Well put.
Do you think celebrity designers are devaluing fashion?
  Nicole Kidman has been getting a lot of grief lately for her embryo-like complexion. At 40, she has yet to wrinkle. A Canadian plastic surgeon recently deemed the actress "bat face" at a medical conference and said that her overzealous use of Botox was giving the cosmetic procedure a bad name. Okay, buddy. Like Botox was universally loved until Nic came along. Still, the Rage can't understand why Kidman insists that she has never tried Botox and says that her face is "natural." Just come out with it and as they say in Hollywood, "own it."
Anyway, it's worth noting that pregnant women are strongly advised not to get injections of the toxin and so Kidman's natural look could collapse like a souffle over the next few months. By not allowing herself to age an iota, Kidman has trapped her face in amber and the results are both frightening and depressing. It's the Norma Desmond syndrome and we all know how that story ends.
Photos: Getty Images; Rex; Paramount
 The tears haven't dried on Eliot Spitzer's pillow, but already Cafepresss.com has 567 designs that lampoon the disgraced governor. Want a Luv Gov T-shirt or a mug with a picture of Spitzer dressed as a parody of a pimp? There are also "Eliot, phone home" tees and every variation on "Client Number 9" that you can imagine. But it's these buttons -- above right -- that sell in packs of 100 that have the Rage confounded. Hand them out at the office? Festoon a quilt? Hmm. Maybe Silda could use them on a blow-up Eliot voodoo doll?
Photos: Cafepress.com
 Over ten years ago, Hugh Grant made a crucial, dumb decision -- pull over on Sunset Boulevard at 1:00 a.m. and get down with a hooker named "Divine Brown." Cops caught the two in flagrante delicto and the rest is salacious history. What became of the vivacious street walker? Well, she struck gold -- thanks to paid TV appearances, a lipstick endorsement, and other income related to her infamy. Almost $2 million, according to an article last year in the Daily Mail.
The article reports that Ms. Brown and her two daughters moved to a Beverly Hills-adjacent house (Who brought a casserole over to welcome them?) and purchased a Rolls-Royce and a floor-length mink coat.
Ms. Brown's partner and pimp -- "Gangsta Brown" -- had this to say about the bounteous aftermath:
"The money poured in, poured in, poured in. I love Hugh Grant. We had a chance to travel on private jets. If I can meet him and shake his hand all I would like to say is: 'Thank you. I appreciate you, and if there is anything I can do in return I would love to be a friend.' "
Will Ashley Alexandra Dupre be lucky enough to earn a cool mill for Spitzer-gate? At least. Brings a whole new meaning to the term, hooker with a heart of gold.
Photo: Daily Mail
WWD reports that former "O.C." darling Rachel Bilson will take a hand at designing for label, DKNY
Jeans. The junior sportswear line will be called Edie Rose for DKNY and while Bilson admits that she can't stitch or draw, the Rage expects interesting looks from this collaboration. Bilson consistently chooses up and coming designers and takes risks on the red carpet. Thumbs up.
Avril Lavigne will design a collection for Kohl's. Expect skimpy plaid ska mini skirts and lots of black tee shirts. Maybe a tweed vest too. Not as excited.
Nicole Richie may be designing a maternity line, sources say. That makes perfect sense because everyone in this town seems to be Preggy Guggenheim. Not sure what to anticipate--as Richie was, like, a size 2 while carrying--but it is a savvy move. A sixties-inspired maternity wear collection would rock. The Rage would even get knocked up to wear it.
photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times.
 Ashley Alexandra Dupre -- the prostitute known as "Kristen" who serviced ex-Governor Eliot Spitzer -- has a MySpace page and 1,805 friends. FYI: She's a singer too and says: "I am all about my music." On the page, her pals like Kevin say: "all this pressure is going to turn you into a diamond. shine on." In fact, most of her MySpace friends appear to be dudes who frequently employ the word "pimp" in conversations. No surprise there.
She logged in yesterday, according to MySpace, and she has had almost 5 million "views." On her page, you can listen to her song, 'What We Want." It's okay. But who wants to bet that Ashley, a.k.a "Kristen," gets a record deal out of this debacle? Not to mention a tell-all and an appearance on "The View"? Oh and shouldn't call girls go by exotic names like "Jade" or "Mica" or "Creamsicle"? (My husband claims that call girls have classy monikers, unlike strippers and street walkers. He says: "You want to feel like the king of the castle, not some Joe on the corner.") Should the Rage be worried?
Photo: MySpace
 Heard the news? H&M pays homage to Finnish textile master Marimekko with a collection that debuts April 10. Expect "pinafores, smocks, and shorts" -- sounds very retro. Jackie Kennedy wore Marimekko frocks, which are perfect for city summers. H&M will also offer bikinis, bathing suits, and floppy beach hats. Mark your calendars.
photo: H&M.
 With all these soon-to-be parents in Hollywood -- from Jessica Alba to Nicole Kidman to Halle Berry -- the Rage can only imagine the zany names they will bestow on their kids. An article in the NYT claims that these downright oddball names -- Moon Unit Zappa, Sailor Lee Brinkley -- might actually boost a towhead's ability to handle adversity. (Previous studies claimed that kids with crazy names fared worse in academics and had difficulty socializing.) Surely, Tommy Lee Jones' son Kafka has learned to fend off punches and pokes. Or maybe his classmates just wanted to cheat off him in Lit class. Michael Jackson's son Blanket probably has to contend with a lot of ribbing for having the King of Pop for a pop -- nevermind his crackpot moniker. Some favorite crazy celebrity baby names?
Moxie Crimefighter (Penn Jillette)
Audio Science (Shannon Sossamon)
Rocket (Director Robert Rodriguez)
Jermajesty (Jermaine Jackson)
Pilot Inspektor (Jason Lee)
Destry (Steven Spielberg)
Memphis Eve (Bono)
Sage Moonblood (Sly Stallone)
photo: Guardian.
 Listen up, you hot, tranny, self-tanny messes. This fierce, freckled blogger is going to a dinner for Christian Siriano tomorrow night in Hollywood and she's inviting her readers to come too. Well, in a way. If the Rage could bring all of you -- Kat, Cecil, Tarbubble, How Men Think -- along, she would. Even pick you all up in a fierce tranny mini-vanny. Alas, you will have to settle for posting a question in the below comments area. Make it funny, fierce or highly embarrassing. The Rage will pick one or two and ask away when she meets Siriano.
Now, put your hot Mensa thinking caps on and send me some great queries. Tranny out.
Photo: Bravo
  How to publicly react to the news that your husband happens to have a call girl on speed dial? N.Y. Governor Eliot Spitzer's wife, Silda, looks slightly sedated and in need of a vodka gimlet as her husband tries to suck his entire face into his mouth.
L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's wife, Corina, divorced her husband after he was outed for having an affair. This photo (right) taken during the 2005 inauguration seems to point to trouble in River City.
Do these wives sacrifice self-respect when they stand by their men?
Photos: Getty Images
At last night's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Justin Timberlake revealed that Madonna told him to drop his drawers so she could administer a B12 shot while they were collaborating. You may recall that Lindsay Lohan was rushed to the hospital for a "shot" when she collapsed on the set of a movie last July.
What the hell is a B12 shot anyway? Well, it's a mega-dose of vitamin B -- administered by a needle. Charlize Theron and Hugh Jackman swear by them too. Prince reportedly gets a B12 fix before each performance. FYI: B12 has been called the "morning-after shot" because it helps alleviate a hangover; boozing depletes vitamin B from our bodies. When the Rage got a B12 shot last summer, she felt dizzy at first and then nothing. "B12, B.S.," she muttered as she drove away from Cedars with a sore forearm. Thirty minutes later, she felt a slight buzz -- akin to that first glass of white wine at a summer wedding -- and had some extra energy for the rest of the afternoon. To get a B12 shot, see internist Dr. Sabena Toor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She gives out about 30 or so shots a week to patients to "reduce stress and increase energy."
Photo: Getty Images
Right now, a chance to "meet and greet" actress Scarlett Johansson--along with two tickets to a premiere--is going for $40,000 on ebay. Even more unbelievable? The auction doesn't close for another day, so someone could pay up to $75k to attend a premiere of "He's Just Not That Into You" and walk the red carpet with her. Well, maybe a foot or two anyway. The Rage noticed the fine print below the item which reads:
Q: How long will the meet and greet last?
A: There is no set amount of time but it is estimated to be a brief visit due to Scarlett’s schedule that evening.
Dude, count to twenty and Scarlett is gone, baby, gone. But hey, you just made a whopping tax-deductible donation to Oxfam America. Well done. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
photo: Oxfam America.
On "Today," Dr. Laura Schlessinger gets to the bottom of why men cheat. She says: “When the wife does not focus in on the needs and the feelings, sexually, personally, to make him feel like a man, to make him feel like a success, to make him feel like her hero, he’s very susceptible to the charm of some other woman making him feel what he needs."
Why didn't Meredith Vieira knock that radio quack off her stool and become our hero?
The Vatican exclusively contacted the Rage to ask if she could add these five fashion faux pas to its modernized list of mortal sins.
1. Thou shalt not wear gold lame short-shorts--a.k.a Satan panties--from American Apparel unless thou art a tart.
2. Thou shalt not fight over the straightening iron. In fact, thou shalt confer | |
THIS spring, nearly every top designer has a "Cinderella" slipper, a shoe priced so high that it should come with a handsome prince -- or an hour with a male escort, at least. Christian Louboutin's webbed suede and button sandals sell for $1,345, while Versace offers a
$1,450 satin pump festooned with nothing more than a few tassels. Dior's platform slingback with beaded heel runs $1,030, while Balenciaga's pink and brown braided gladiator sandal goes for $1,375.
monthly car payment. And those sale endorphins surge when you see $1,000 platforms marked down to $675.
