“We grew up founding our dreams on the infinite promise of American advertising. I still believe that one can learn to play the piano by mail and that mud will give you a perfect complexion.”- Zelda Fitzgerald

If it's not Jessica, it's Kelly. If Diddy isn't viewed, just watch Vanessa. The functionality and fashion of America's televised skin care truths certainly shouldn't stop with an astringent and alpha hydroxy. Someone should be receiving royalties for all the times you've wondered the concealer shade on the clear skin spokesmodel! In the day and age of celeb-reality and Star magazine, the perfume with Liv Tyler in the print ads might sell more than that that displays a mere bottle. In the same sense, the rampant skin cancer scare would not be near as riled if Lindsay didn't profess her love to the sun and Cealove bikinis. However, there's really no reason to decor yourself in Dior glossies and tunics from Dari if you're probably five years too late for Young Hollywood. Instead of relying on America's Favorites, Nicole's Picks, or Editor's Awards; discover something more than a magazine ad. Aloha Sun Botanicals provides the perfect product for those who find more pleasure in promise than promotional. Their Kona Coffee Tanning Oil transcends farther than any advertisement could take them. It might not be spilling out of Hilton sister's handbag, but remember, it wouldn't be near as worthy if it was.

Aloha Sun Botanicals Kona Coffee Tanning Oil

www.alohasunbotanicals.com

"Originality is simply a fresh pair of eyes."- Thomas W. Higginson

You could cut off the curves of your jeans and add an oversized, embellished tank top; not to mention lose breakfast, lunch, and yesterday's dinner, but an ambiguous accessory will keep you from the coolness of Rachel Zoe and followers. Their stress-free style might appear effortless in the glossies, but there must be a bit of frizz behind all of the fascinating fabulousness. With all Chloe babydolls and Fendi bags aside, there is something else than can set you apart from the tres mince crowd. If you happen to be not eating (or shall I say, seated) at the Polo Lounge, lose any thoughts of Lanvin platforms or Louboutin wedges when you run upon Rachel Zoe while wearing the Curio J. Marta ring. Go ahead and give your Goldhawk camisole another go and squeeze into your Earnest Sewn's. Even if you feel as if you'll never live up to the Young Hollywood standards (not the hotel, literally), something about a little touch of individualism brings more interest than anorexics in oversized sunglasses ever could.

Curio J.
Marta ring $20.00
www.curioj.com/rings/marta.html

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."- Saint Augustine

Off to Tokyo and a city of Harajuku happiness, Ginza delight, and Shibuya smiles.

Oh, and some amazing style.
I'll be back in a week.

"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety."-Isaac Asimov

Spring break can be a time of subconscious stupidity. Everything black and white becomes grey at the sight of a bikini and a few knocked back. Suddenly, Nick the New Guy and the Frat Boy from Florida make you fluster like a French night with Johnny Depp. Blame it on the oversized shades, but something about that wild week in March certainly puts some sort of stop on your ordinary vision. Some are intoxicated by the scent of the tanning oil and hot sun, while others loose their values somewhere between Sandy's Beach Bar and the shoreline. Nevertheless, the shenanigans of the spring do not have to apply to everyone underage. Instead of intriguing yourself in tequila and tank tops, try something unique for the seven days. Leave the fake bake and flip flops for someone else and show your statement of individuality. Bennie and Olive's Left and Right mittens not only keep you warm in the colder weather, but also insist on a sense of definition. It's your own version of a two piece and also issues direction. Anyways, everyone needs a little left-and-right help at least once.

Bennie and Olive
Left-and-Right mittens
www.bennieandolive.com
price currently unavailable

"How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young?"- Paul Sweeney

In fourth grade, you were the responsible one. The teacher could rely on you to relay messages and you never had to miss your recess. By seventh grade, you still had that soft spot for school. Paper grading and red pens continued to whisper your name and math homework was never late. Then came high school, where you seemed to loose that whole reliable idea and cared more about that cute guy across from you than calculator functions. It's a normal metamorphisis that makes you much more average than the regular overachiever. But now that you're past your (gasp!) awkward beginnings, the butterfly you have become is ready to find new features. You attempted kick-boxing, but the class lasted far too long for any fun. Bikram yoga was a maybe, although you could think of billions of better things to do that sweat with six other women. Bicycling was absolutely boring, and painting stained your favorite Pucci scarf. Enrique was absent from salsa dancing, and violin was too sacred. You've seemed to get your hands into every happening activity that comes along, but each of them has found it's own way to inevitably irritate you. Although you are drastically different from your fourth grade days, there's no harm in setting up that super Easy Bake Oven and playing the pre-soccer mom role. Jump into your June Cleaver with this nostalgic but newly cut apron. You'll look as sweet as the cupcakes you're cooking and appear ultra-angelic. There's a way to for all to wear it, whether you choose Bruno Magli patent or stay on a more Betty Crocker palette. It's kitschy but still creative, and down home American mixed with uniqueness. Move over, Ms. Smith. Too many cooks spoil the kitchen, so I think that the cutest one stays.

Snorestud classic apron
$57
www.snorestud.com

"I have always had a dread of becoming a passenger in life."-Princess Margaret

Whether you are three, thirteen, or thirty; something about tiaras and tea parties always sound appealing. But sometimes at special places like the office or school, the ideals of infinite layers of tulle and pretty insignias start to seem immature. Unless your boyfriend happens to be Prince William, the cuteness of a crowns and cupcakes seems far more superficial than sweet. Other instances call for the cattiness of the queen, consisting of Marie Antoinette "let them eat cake" quips. Nevertheless, whatever the circumstances, most modern people do not enjoy your inner princess. There is nothing to fear, however. The most respectable royalty redeemed themselves through things other than rare jewels and unreasonable holidays. In other words, the truest princesses would rather run than be trapped riding in a carriage. The urge to rebel against the reigning crown might date to the French Revolution, but no red blooded royal could ever totally curse their coveted title. For those of us who still fantisize about fancy gowns and fetching boys, there is still an option that will not leave you ostracized. It's a little hint at something high, but also attracts pleasing looks. By taking this little bit of Buckingham into your office, there is no longer a need for ball gowns and big hair. Bagged by Lea's Polka Pop clutch carries your most necessary accessories but still provides that perfect piece of Pretty Pretty Princess. Be bold and bend your birthright, because every lady deserves her own throne, doesn't she?

Bagged by Lea Polka Pop clutch

$45

www.baggedbylea.com

"The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. Bodies never lie."-Agnes de Mille

You thought art gallery, he said Adam Sandler. You wanted Pastis, he ate Pizza Perfect. Although you could deal with the differences early on in the date, it seemed almost unbearable when it came time to turn on the tunes. You attempted to introduce him to your favourite new KT Tunstall tracks, and assumed that he would adore the Postal Service as much as you. As you desperately tried to accept his uniqueness, there was a boundry that you could not go beyond with his (lacking) taste in music. Feeling rather despondant, you remember your youthful dreams of dancing beside a stage and dating bass players of your best bands. But since you have matured, it seems so sinful that you are currently trapped in a car with a man who is humming Creed over Cat Stevens. Have the daydreams become nothing more than an instance of your imagination? Never fear, your inner Tiny Dancer does not have to fall. Give him the show in slippers that express the ultimate beings of your body. With lyrics from classic songs from your favourite collections, La Voleuse has crafted the perfect shoe for your groupie pastimes. So when you are stuck with a stiff date who still doesn't understand Elton John, look down at your dancing shoes and strike up your own tune.

La Voleuse custom ballet slippers
$96
www.lavoleuse.com